Clarity sought from government to establish whether summers camps are viable this year

Organisers are calling for clairty.

There's no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has tainted this summer, but we're trying to find hope in the smallest things. Being able to pop into Penneys, seeing people enjoying a pint of Guinness outside the local and the sweet silence at home when the kids go to summer camp. Summer camps are truly a saving grace, but organisers are now concerned about whether they can go ahead due to the current restrictions. The Government has given them the go-ahead, but indoor activities like sports classes and ballet have not been allowed to re-open properly yet. [caption id="attachment_252035" align="aligncenter" width="1050"] Toddler in pink tutu and ballet shoes standing in vintage hallway (cropped)[/caption] Organisers say there isn't enough clarity and a lot of them are now unsure whether they should open or not. Speaking about the issue Minister Donnelly said: "Camp organisers must ensure adherence to the public health measures in place at the time of the summer camp. The public health measures in place will, for example, guide the numbers permitted in pods for both indoor and outdoor activities and whether indoor catering is permitted." The current guidelines state that individual lessons are permitted, as are pods of six, but is this enough for organisers when summer camps are so in demand? Many are even questioning if it is even worth opening under the current guidelines. When it comes to the arts, there's been very little communication, whereas the return of outdoor sports and training has been far clearer. Speaking about the confusion, Alison Vard Miller of Miss Ali Stage School told Newstalk: "I think everyone’s interpreting this in different ways… [we just want] more clarity on numbers, across dancing, singing and acting.” What about arts and crafts workshops, dancing, singing, acting, and creative writing classes? Are they just not as important to the Government? Surely these businesses deserve a shot at re-opening and deserve the answers to the questions that are preventing them from doing so. Has your child's summer camp opened yet?