Summer has arrived and many are wondering about the status of kids’ summer camps across the country. YOGA + Life® reached out to a few unique programs to hear how their offerings have shifted this summer.
Avid4 Adventure
Oregon (Portland, Bend), Washington (Seattle/Bellevue), Colorado + California (Bay Area)
This Boulder-based outdoor adventure camp created a series of summer camp programs that maintain the spirit of adventure and empowerment for which Avid4 is known.
We must do what is right for the public health of our families, our staff and our greater communities,” said Avid4 Adventure CEO Paul Dreyer. “Through proactive policies and procedures and following the guidelines put forth by the American Camp Association and the CDC, we will run camps that appropriately control and minimize the exposure and spread of COVID-19 and still allow for a positive outdoor experience.”
The completely virtual Online Camp is a digitally-interactive experience consisting of yoga classes, outdoor skill instruction and camp games. Avid4 also offers a range of Small Group Adventures and customized Camp at Home programs with just up to four kids you know — so there is something for everyone. Additionally, they are happy to announce that their Expedition Camps in Colorado and California will go on uninterrupted due to their inherent social distancing. Avid4 operates in Portland and Bend, Oregon, Seattle and Bellevue, Washington, along Colorado’s Front Range and in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Eldorado Summer Camp
Boulder, Colorado
Eldorado Ashram in Eldorado Springs, Colorado, has shifted their yoga kids camp to a virtual offering this summer.
“It was a difficult decision to close in-person camp,” Devi Stone, Eldorado Yoga Kids Camp director, shares. “But we put the safety and health of our campers, families and our own staff above everything else … and just because camps have closed down doesn’t mean we have to give up on serving our kids.”
Stone explains how this shift to online shows families the ashram is there to support them through these difficult times as best as they can.
“Just having a little encouragement to get moving and to get your hands busy with crafts makes a world of difference,” she adds.
The camp’s goal is to give kids tools to calm their minds, destress and be happy – all things yoga helps a lot with.
Eldorado checks in with the kids every day and through video chat will host dance parties, yoga classes, “mindful moments,” and animal visits. Each camper will receive a Camp Box which includes a host of fun activities and crafts that counselors will lead them through throughout the day. They recognize they can’t offer the usual camp experience, but are certain this comes close!
Circle Yoga Summer Camp
Washington D.C
Circle Yoga Summer camp has shifted all their offerings online via Zoom.
“We concluded that this is an important time to help kids integrate yoga and mindfulness practices into their lives, connect with other kids and have fun,” says Circle Yoga instructor Linda Feldman. “Because the safety and health of our campers and their families is our primary concern, we decided to go virtual with Circle Yoga Summer Camp this summer, so kids can still enjoy our summer camp in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.”
Once the studio closed its physical doors back in March, they pivoted quickly to all online classes. They offer over 70 classes on Zoom, including kids, special needs, teen and family yoga and mindfulness classes. Early on they started thinking about how to transition their summer camp to online.
“Circle Yoga’s kids and family classes on Zoom have been a bright light for students and parents during our quarantine this spring,” Feldman shares. She understood parents were not just looking to keep their kids busy, but for meaningful experiences through yoga, creative projects and connections that can bring some peace and ease into their lives.
“After much consultation, we determined that we’d be able to offer a fun summer camp with many of the elements kids have loved over the years,” Feldman adds. “And since we’re on Zoom, kids from anywhere can join us, so we’re hoping kids will be able to connect with their family and friends who live elsewhere around the country.”
The camp will have two yoga classes a day, each concluding with relaxation. Campers can enjoy mindful movement and games, plus creative crafts. Each kid will receive a journal to decorate and write in daily. There will be a mindful eating ceremony, and there will be plenty of snack and water breaks throughout the Zoom day. The camp combines movement with relaxation and reflection.
“While the Zoom camp days are shortened, kids will still be able to connect virtually with other campers and we’ll create a strong sense of community each week — something kids love about our camp,” she says. “The kids will be engaged physically and creatively, hopefully inspiring them to bring more yoga and mindfulness into their daily lives.”
