Takoma REConnects during COVID-19
It is a summer unlike any other. Many businesses are closed or just partially open, families are staying indoors, and for the first time in decades, the City of Takoma Park cancelled all summer camps. Unfortunately, after carefully evaluating the health guidelines related to COVID-19 and ongoing discussions with our local officials, the City made the difficult decision to cancel all in-person summer camps for the 2020 summer season.
Now, nearly everyone is stuck at home trying to figure out what’s going to happen next during the pandemic. Parents are desperate for answers, while camps are scrambling to come up with a plan to avoid complete shutdown. Though we are disappointed that we’re unable to offer our regular camps this year, it’s Takoma REConnect to the rescue! We told one of our parents from last year’s camp about this new program, and she said, “This sounds great! Since this pandemic, we have been looking for something safe and appealing for our children. This is the answer. Based on past experiences with the Recreation Department, I know that Takoma REConnect will rock!”
We will provide a free virtual summer program opportunity for the residents of Takoma Park. Through this program, registered residents will have the opportunity to connect with staff and friends by participating in a special twist of fun and traditional camp crafts, games and activities. We won’t allow youth to be distracted with a computer screen. We will help the kids realize that a tablet/computer is an avenue to similar camp instruction that they would receive at an actual camp.
Our goal is to keep the youth active and Takoma REConnected with a safe and engaging program that is much more than just passive screen time. Gregory Clark, the director of the Takoma Park Recreation Department, believes that Takoma REConnect is a “great opportunity because of the uncertain times that we’re in. This program is a chance for us to deliver services for youth ages 6–12, that is not only fun, but can be safely done at home.”
The program is for children ages 6–12 and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are two, forty-five-minute sessions; 6–9 year olds from 10–10:45 a.m. and 10–12 years olds from 1–1:45 p.m. Registration has already opened and space is limited. If you have any questions regarding programs and classes, please contact us at recreation@takomparkmd.gov or 301- 891-7290.
This article appeared in the July 2020 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.
