Dear Premier Ford,

We, the parents of Ontario’s children, would like to extend our infinite gratitude to your government for protecting our families and putting the health and wellbeing of Ontario’s thriving population first, above else. We are greatly encouraged by the successful management of our public health infrastructure to curb the effects of COVID-19.

Over the past two months, together, we have successfully complied with Public Health ordinances, and we believe that now is the time to commit to allow the  opening of the province’s over 400 overnight summer camps. Two months from now, overnight camp will provide a safe and structured environment for our youth, just as it has over the past century in this province. They stayed home for us - now is the time to honour our word and give them hope for a safe and healthy summer.

While our understanding of COVID-19 is ever-evolving, we do know that the incidence of serious or fatal illness among children is far less than that from, for example, the seasonal flu. Continued social isolation of children has a relatively small epidemiological impact but a very high societal cost. 

There are compelling economic and even public health reasons to consider opening summer camps. Telecommuting parents are finding it increasingly unsustainable to manage childcare, homeschooling and professional responsibilities. As the province reopens, reduced parental supervision will become a critical concern. As we enter the next phases of reopening our economy, families require reliable and responsible childcare. In hotspots like Toronto, children will be left unattended and will inevitably, cluster in an unsafe manner. Without safe options, families will create adhoc childcare solutions. Unsanctioned neighborhood summer camps will arise and prove to be far more hazardous than official camps that adhere to stringent COVID-related safety regulations.

Your government has reported on a potential mental health crisis for our youth. We know that the least vulnerable to COVID-19 have become the most vulnerable to the emotional impact of this virus. They are experiencing incredible stress and anxiety in households suffering unprecedented challenges and children in abusive households face especially grave risks. Camp has always served as a rehabilitative environment for those struggling with emotional duress.

Ontario camp directors have worked tirelessly to come up with a strategy to create safe pathways to the best health practices in a residential camp environment. There is no sector of our economy better equipped to protect youth than the camp owners of our province. They are highly skilled in managing communicable diseases and already have the protocols in place. Of course, this situation is more severe, but if the testing and screening is in place, public health can work with camps to safely open overnight camps in order to promote healthy hygiene practices. They will essentially vacuum seal camp safety. We urge you to review their directives and implement them immediately as families must plan for their summers today. Given the choice, most will choose camp knowing that their children will be in safe hands.

The repeated message that children would have their lives back if we flattened the curve will be but an empty promise if summer camp is cancelled. We are confident that the Ford administration will put kids first.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

In good health,

Concerned parents