WHS Education Corner: Running a Summer Camp During a Pandemic

WHS Kid Camper Lucille comes out of her shell.

Day camps here at the Winnipeg Humane Society have always been a favourite. Campers have enjoyed everything from the crafts, games & activities, meeting some of our amazing shelter animals, to special guest presenters.The ever-changing circumstances with the current global pandemic have proven that running a day camp can be difficult. We wanted to share our experience.

In past years, campers were even able to get a tour of the shelter and see a spay and neuter surgery. Due to the pandemic, we had to rethink the ways in which we used to run things.

When planning our kid camps, it was our number one priority to ensure that we could keep everyone safe and healthy, while also maintaining the same level of fun and interactive programming campers have enjoyed in the past.

We sat down with our Camp Supervisor, Kaitlin Hildebrand, to discuss her experience.

Interviewer: How has coordinating a kid camp during a pandemic been for you?

Kaitlin: “Despite the added stress of making sure that everything is cleaned extremely well, it is so worth it. We are still able to foster these relationships with the kids and still have fun.”

Interviewer: What was your favourite part of the kid camps?

Kaitlin: “The funny things that the campers say and seeing the joy/fun campers have been having despite everything going on with the world.”

Interviewer: What has been your biggest challenge?

Kaitlin: “Making sure everyone stays healthy and being cautious while also trying to book presenters for the campers to see.”

Interviewer: What has been your biggest success?

Kaitlin: “Seeing the kids and giving them that chance to reconnect and still have fun in a safe and healthy way.”

Overall, we would say that even though we experienced a few challenges along the way, we were able to adapt quickly and provide our campers with the best possible experience.

Testimonials from Parents/Guardians

“The Humane Society had to amend their normal program and add in plenty of protocols – screening, social distancing, regular hand washing, sanitizer etc. – but to be honest, to my daughter, nothing was different. She still got to learn about all the wonderful things the Humane Society does, still got to meet plenty of animals, she made new friends while hanging out with some old ones, she got plenty of physical exercise and reestablished her freedom after being inside a lot during home schooling. The most important thing was that they helped establish ‘normal’ routines for the return to school requirements, so she is now unfazed as to what awaits her in September. Great job Humane Society team and thank you.” – Beth

“My daughter, who has separation anxiety, was so excited to attend this camp every day! The Camp Supervisor & Staff were extremely welcoming, and protocols were put in place to make sure all children and staff were kept safe. Lucille is an energetic child and found the camp to be a perfect mix of active and calm activities. However, her favorite part, of course, was meeting the animals! She now says that she would like to become a vet when she is older. She is already asking if she can go back to WHS camp next summer!” – Jessica