BGCTC’s Youth Safety and Program Updates Related to COVID-19 Outbreak

June 3, 2020 – BGCTC Prepares for Summer Camp Programming with COVID-19 Protocols in Place 

Plans are underway to provide summer camp sessions at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County starting the week of June 22. Due to the number of variables ensuring the health and safety of youth and our staff related to COVID-19, be advised that plans can change at any time to adapt to new information and guidelines. BGCTC leadership will continue monitoring directives for operating camps safely as provided by state and local health agencies.  

The current plan is to operate week-long summer camps at four Thurston County branch locations: 

• Lacey, Tumwater, Rochester, and Yelm: June 22 – Aug 21 

Changes youth and their families may experience during Summer Camp sessions include: 

• Youth (and staff) will undergo daily health screening and temperature checks upon arrival. Staff will use personal protective equipment and stand behind a physical barrier such as glass or plastic to complete the screening process. 
• Group sizes of no more than 10 children and adults total will use creative programming and social distancing to create space between children and reduce the amount of time children are in close proximity to one another. 
• Field trips are cancelled for the 2020 summer camp session as transporting children is not recommended at this time.  
• Total capacity and hours of operation will vary by branch due to staffing and Department of Health requirements. As of now capacities are as follows: Lacey 36 youth, Tumwater 36 youth, Rochester 36 youth, and Yelm 20 youth. In an effort to serve as many kids and families who are in need of the Club, we are assessing other locations in hopes of expansion of sites for the summer months.  

Registration will begin June 9 at respective branches. Please call your branch to schedule an appointment to register. To contact your individual branch via email: 

Lacey: Laura lscheffer@bgctc.org 

Yelm: Amanda aspencer@bgctc.org 

Tumwater: Natasha nbrooks@bgctc.org  

Rochester: Ashleigh aashton@bgctc.org 

All staff members are dedicated to helping campers have the best Summer Camp experience. Staff members are selected for their experience, expertise, and enthusiasm for serving kids. Staff are CPR and first-aid certified and each one completes a background check, drug testing, and in-depth training. 

Refunds will be available for any summer sessions cancelled due to COVID-19 outbreaks. 

2020 Summer Camp updates will be posted on BGCTC’s Facebook page. 

BGCTC administration and staff are carefully monitoring proposed models for the academic school year beginning in September. Although fall may look differently, we’re prepared to support and respond to potential needs for out-of-school care much like we have during the COVID-19 outbreak and stay-home, stay-healthy measures.