The poor outdoor air quality caused by ongoing wildfires in Canada is presenting challenges for summer camps, outdoor sports leagues, and families who rely on fresh air activities for their children.
In response to the potential health risks, camps and sports clubs are planning indoor activities and alternative low-intensity games.
Families, particularly those with asthmatic children, are adjusting their summer plans and expecting less outdoor time. They are choosing indoor day camps and limiting exposure to irritants.
Experts predict that the summer season for outdoor activities may continue to shrink due to the effects of climate change and wildfires.
Assessing the risk of exposure to bad air quality is crucial, and parents are advised to consult official air quality indexes rather than relying solely on visible signs of smoke.
Balancing caution with the desire for normalcy and outdoor play is a challenge faced by camp organizers, who strive to make informed decisions while considering the needs and expectations of families.
I can be telling future kids that back in my day summer camp was outdoors.
2 decades ago, I was working in city summer camps. Every time there was a smog alert, we had to keep all the kids inside. Every time there was a heat alert, they weren’t allowed to run around.
So on the glorious days with heat and smog alerts, you’re supposed to somehow plan fun for 10-15 kids from 9-4 without running or going outside. There were not enough classrooms to keep all the kids in arts and crafts. Also, no running in the gym. Do this for days in a row.
I don’t miss that job.
I’m glad I opted for indoor camps this summer compared to outdoor ones last year.
For the last two years, camps were organized to be outdoors as much as possible as an infection control measure.
It’s got to be difficult for the organizers and families to pivot.
