Sending the kids to camp might not happen in the Five Towns

Gov. Andrew Cuomo offered some clarity on when summer camps can open in the state.

In a June 2 news conference, he announced that summer day camps across the state can open June 29. There have been no guidelines released from the state for camps to follow upon reopening. A decision to reopen sleepaway camps has not been made.

For Five Towns camps such as Hillel Day Camp, which uses the grounds of the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway Lawrence campus, a later start date is anticipated, should the camp open, said Executive Director Evan Leibowitz. 

“We are waiting for specific guidelines from the health department, while working with our medical team, and speaking to parents and staff in order to make an informed decision about opening,” he said. “We have a number of possible plans in place that we can roll out or adapt depending on the recommendations and guidelines.” Hillel was scheduled to open on June 29 and end on Aug. 21 before to Cuomo’s announcement. A new open date is yet to be determined.

Leibowitz noted the desire for Hillel to open this summer, but realizes that the health and safety of campers and staff is the most important factor. “We recognize the importance of camp, but it needs to be implemented in a safe manner in accordance with the health department recommendations and guidelines,” he said. “The safety and health of our Hillel families are our top priority and we are planning for all possibilities and modifications that we may need to implement.” Leibowitz added that Hillel typically averages roughly 900 campers and 300 staff members each summer.

Hebrew Academy of Long Beach Executive Director Richard Hagler said that a summer camp opening date remains unclear. “We’re proceeding as if we’re going to have summer camp,” he  said. “Like everybody else, we’re going to follow what government agencies such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the county’s department of health say.” Hagler noted that HALB has roughly 1,000 campers and 200 staff members each year.

While Hillel and HALB are considering opening, the Lawrence Woodmere Academy summer day camp has decided to be closed this summer. “It was with sad hearts that we announce that we are postponing camp until summer 2021,” Summer Day Camp Director Candice Morgenlander said. “This has been the hardest decision we have ever made “As we navigate this unprecedented journey, we find comfort in knowing that LWA Summer Day will return in the summer of 2021.”