Vancouver Parks and Recreation Launches Distance Learning Day Camps

Working parents will find support at new distance learning day camps from Vancouver Parks and Recreation starting Sept. 8.

The program provides a safe and supervised environment for children entering grades 1 through 5 as they engage in distance learning. The program was designed with input from local school districts and will follow their distance learning schedules.

Cost is $190 a week for Vancouver residents and $219 for non-residents. Scholarships are available to eligible City of Vancouver residents. Eligibility is based on family size and household income. Scholarships are limited; call 360-487-7001 for information on how to apply.

Day camps will be available at both Marshall (1009 E. McLoughlin Boulevard) and Firstenburg (700 N.E. 136th Avenue) community centers. Firstenburg camps will follow the Evergreen Public Schools learning schedule. Marshall camps will follow the Vancouver School District learning schedule. Day camp hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional camp sites may be added in the future.

Each distance learning day camp site offers small, dedicated learning groups; high speed internet access; trained staff; and recreation activities during breaks and unscheduled time, when appropriate. Staff will support campers as they complete their individual learning schedules by troubleshooting technical issues, keeping them on task and providing encouragement and redirection. Direct academic support remains the role of the school district and is available through the tools provided in the distance learning plan.

“Serving the needs of our community is the foundation of everything we do,” said Julie Hannon, director of Vancouver Parks and Recreation.

“As we continue to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing our facilities and leveraging our expertise in youth programming to support schools and working families is a departmental priority for Vancouver Parks and Recreation.”

Vancouver residents can register for the day camps starting Tuesday, Aug. 25. Registration for non-city residents opens Aug. 27. Online registration opens at 6 a.m. and phone registration opens at 9 a.m. at 360-487-7001. Visit www.cityofvancouver.us/daycamp for additional information and registration details.

All day camp sites adhere to COVID-19 prevention guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health experts, including:

• Daily health screenings and temperature checks for staff and campers.
• Small, isolated camp groups with dedicated staff.
• Each camp group has a dedicated workspace and scheduled use of shared spaces to avoid overlap with other groups.
• Staff and campers will wear face coverings and physical distancing will be enforced throughout the day, including at drop-off and pick-up.
• Increased cleaning by staff during the day and through contracted nightly sanitizing of all camp areas.