In a portent of things to come for parents and kids this summer, Kawartha Conservation has cancelled all of its camps and other programming for the summer.
“As our communities continue to deal with this unprecedented global pandemic, we felt the right course of action was to make a determination on our programming early to provide longer-term clarity for our staff and for the community,” states Kawartha Conservation CAO Mark Majchrowski in a media release on Tuesday (April 21).
“Our main focus needs to be on the health and safety of our staff and the public. Making this decision wasn’t easy, but we believe it is a positive step and cautionary measure that continues putting our community first.”
The non-profit organization has cancelled its entire day camp schedule for July, August, and September, its nature explorer week-long camps in July and August, and its junior nature explorer camps in July and August.
“This has been a very difficult time for everyone — for our communities, our partners, and our staff,” Majchrowski adds. “We know that the decisions we are making today and the actions we are taking as an organization will help to support the health and well-being of our communities, our staff. and our families.”
All other programs and events are cancelled, including the parent and tot program, forest bathing, seniors’ walks, and in-person stewardship consultations.
In-person stewardship activities are also being put on hold for the summer season, including any community tree-planting initiatives, site visits, special talks, demonstrations and workshops.
“These were definitely not easy decisions or ones we made lightly,” says Kristie Virgoe, director of stewardship and conservation lands. “Our summer camp and education programs are always popular each year and we appreciate the support of parents, families and our community.
“At this time, the uncertainty of COVID-19 and with the well-being of our participants and staff in mind, we realized this wasn’t only the best decision, it was the only decision we could make.”
All five conservation areas in the Kawartha Conservation watershed — Ken Reid, Windy Ridge, Pigeon River Headwaters, Durham East Cross Forest, and Fleetwood Creek Natural Area — are also closed.
The cancellation announcement comes a few weeks after Kawartha Conservation launched its redesigned website at kawarthaconservation.com.
