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Next week an 'exciting time' as YMCA ramps up activities

A century-old tradition will continue today with the limited reopening of family camp at Geneva Park in Ramara Township
rob armstrong ymca screen shot july 2020
Rob Armstrong, CEO of the Simcoe/Muskoka YMCA is happy to announce programs, albeit limited, are set to return. Contributed photo

The COVID-19 pandemic can't stop a local century-long tradition - at least not entirely.

Today, Geneva Park, located on the shore of Lake Couchiching off Rama Road, is set to open for family camping as part of an "exciting time" for the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka.

While camping returns, social distancing will be adhered to and some traditional programs will not be offered due to public health guidelines, officials say.

"Next week is an exciting time for our YMCA as we are reopening some programs and some facilities across the communities we serve," said Rob Armstrong, CEO of the region's YMCA.

While Geneva Park opens Saturday, licenced child-care centres and day camps will begin to reopen Monday.

"As the summer progresses, we will work with public health to hopefully increase the number of centres we can safely operate," said Armstrong.

In adddtion, the YMCA is offering expanded online programs - including Y Camp, an online camp experience.

As the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka moves towards reopening its facilities, they will do so based on the following core principles:

  1. A commitment to the health and safety of our participants, volunteers, staff and the community
  2. Prioritizing programs that meet our community’s greatest needs
  3. Being financially responsible to sustain the long-term viability of the Y as a charity
  4. Supporting our employees by calling back staff from temporary lay-off as soon as possible

The YMCA provided the following updates: 

  • 2020 Summer Program (Day Camp): Beginning Monday, July 6 in Barrie, Collingwood, Innisfil, Midland, Orillia, and Wasaga Beach. Click here to learn about what families can expect when attending this summer program.
  • Geneva Park Family Camp: Click here to learn about the key safety measures in place for the safety of visitors and staff.
  • Licensed Child Care: Beginning Monday, July 6, 19 sites will reopen; four emergency child care locations stayed open after transitioning to licensed care. An additional location is scheduled to reopen July 13. Click here to learn about what families can expect as we transition back to these programs.
    • Click here to review the Enhanced Health Care & Sanitary Procedures
    • Click here to review the Reopening Prioritization Policy