Summer Camps Adapt to Extreme Weather

This past July, Camp Widjiwagan in Ely, Minnesota faced challenges from wildfire smoke. Meanwhile, at Beauvoir Summer Camp in Washington, D.C., seven-year-old Penelope enjoyed turning into a mermaid during free swim, exhibiting her creativity by using a pool noodle as a dolphin alongside her friend Sam. On Fridays, children relished splashing with kickboards and playing with miniature torpedo toys. Swimming is a beloved activity for Penelope and Sam.

Recently, free swim had to be canceled due to hazardous conditions from smoke. Earlier in the summer, excessive heat also interrupted outdoor activities, stated Drew Mackay, director of auxiliary and summer programs at Beauvoir School. This year has seen extreme weather impact numerous areas, from Minnesota to Canada, leading to devastating fires, and as far south as Texas where floods prompted disaster declarations. July’s severe heat wave was labeled as the “new normal.” Climate change primarily driven by fossil fuel combustion is intensifying heat waves, droughts, hurricanes, and floods.

Families across America are feeling these climatic shifts. In Pennsylvania, Lauren Smith’s summer experiences were reshaped by extreme weather, affecting normal activities at soccer camps due to soaring temperatures that approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Her family stayed indoors during wildfire smoke and took advantage of rain as an outdoor adventure despite its persistence.

Smith’s children found enjoyment helping declutter the house, along with baking and painting activities. Yet, they eagerly sought to be outside with even brief sunny spells. She commented that summer felt like waiting for outdoor opportunities. This generation of school-aged kids is now contending not only with the isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic but also confronting extreme weather changes. Parents, camp leaders, and school-aged children shared experiences with NPR about their summer adjustments due to changing climatic conditions.

Penelope, embodying a mermaid spirit, expressed how climate change constantly alters her surroundings. For many children, summer is three months of respite from classes. A 2024 Gallup survey revealed 55% of U.S. parents enrolled their children in structured summer programs. Per Henry DeHart, CEO of the American Camp Association, camps equip kids with valuable skills like independence, problem-solving, and teamwork, especially as they face an increasingly AI-focused future.

“Kids need camp now more than ever,” DeHart commented.

Camps have continually adapted to deal with weather fluctuations, adhering to safety protocols. Nonetheless, DeHart observed an uptick in extreme weather occurrences. Previously, camps might encounter a few days with sweltering indexes over 105 degrees Fahrenheit; currently, the frequency has doubled.

Varied impacts were noted across different camps nationwide. At Miakonda Day Camp in Ohio, Ellen Watkins ensure safety during smoky conditions by relocating activities indoors and providing masks. Dry-land swimming drills and inflatable archery games offered relief, with parents appreciative of the innovative adjustments ensuring camp continuity despite challenges.

Conversely, Camp Widjiwagan faced more drastic actions by evacuating due to smoke during July. Attention surged over a viral photo capturing 19 canoes submerged due to the fires. Ben Hoffman, executive director of the camp, elaborated the decision to protect fragile historical canoes. “This is a pivotal moment,” Hoffman stated, noting the unprecedented sinking measures taken.

One camper, Eleanor Pitts, faced climatic realities firsthand during a notable 26-day backpack adventure in Willmore Wilderness Park, Alberta, with her fellow campmates. Despite previous joyous summers, adjustments were necessary upon missing the anticipated celebration due to smoke interference.

Pitts reflected on her emotional response to climate change impacts, seeing tangible proof during her trip with flooded rivers evident due to melted snow runoffs from heat. “It hasn’t affected me until I’m seeing it right now and I’m just like: now it’s too late,” she expressed.

Drew Mackay from Beauvoir Summer Camp emphasized adapting to extreme weather as an integral aspect of modern camp experiences. Children prioritizing pool time encapsulate the ideal hopes amidst shifting climatic challenges.