Kids and COVID: How to Keep Kids COVID Free in Summer Camps

League City, Texas (KTRK)-League City’s Clear Creek Community Church canceled a face-to-face event this week after reporting an outbreak of COVID-19 during a student ministry camp.

Dr. Philip Kaiser of the Galveston County Health Department said he had identified at least 42 positive cases from Galveston County residents who attended the camp, while senior pastor Bruce Wesley said more than 125 members were positive. Said that he reported.

The church reportedly rented campgrounds outside Galveston County for more than 450 adults and adolescents in grades 6-12.

Related item: Reported COVID-19 outbreak among Galveston church members after camp

Galveston County is currently investigating outbreaks to determine if a Delta variant has caused an outbreak.

“We’re testing the delta variant to see if it’s the cause of the rapid spread across the group,” Kaiser said.

Among the infectious diseases, Kaiser said there was a groundbreaking case in which vaccinated people were infected with the virus.

“This is a good tale for other churches considering gatherings, especially when gathering children. Most of the children are not yet old enough to be vaccinated. “Dr. Kaiser said.

Children under the age of 11 are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States

Related item: Ongoing COVID-19 vaccine trial in Houston for children under 2 years of age

Dr. Stan Spinner, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Pediatrics and Emergency Medical Care at Texas Children’s Hospital, said the virus was still present when the summer camp returned in earnest.

Spinner said the decision to send unvaccinated children to the camp depends on the camp and each child. His biggest recommendation is to prioritize small group gatherings.

“People who don’t have a lot of kids who are always mixed. People who put together a group would be a little less risky,” Spinner said.

He advises all parents to ask about social distance and hygiene protocols if the camp has plans for children with COVID symptoms, and if all employees are vaccinated. ..

“We know we are not asking what their religious beliefs are. We are not asking who they voted for in the election. We protect themselves. I’m asking how protected it is for, I think it’s a fair question, “Spinner said.

Outdoor camps are safer than indoor camps, day camps are safer than sleeping camps, and small groups are safer than large crowds.

“It’s all about what that risk-to-benefit ratio is for your child,” Spinner said. “If your kid really enjoys camping and misses half of last year, so I think it’s relatively safe.”

The Clear Creek Community Church posted this letter from Wesley on their website.

Dear church family,

Sunday service on the CCCC campus will be canceled on Sunday, July 4th and Wednesday, July 7th, as a significant number of people tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from camp.

Our recent student ministry camp was a wonderful experience for many students to place and deepen their faith in Jesus. Last week, more than 400 people attended Camp Creek (6th-12th grades). The report is enthusiastically positive.

Unfortunately, when returning from the camp, more than 125 campers and adults reported a positive COVID-19 test. In addition, hundreds more were exposed to COVID-19 at the camp. And when infected people return home from camp, hundreds of others may have been exposed. We strive to stay in touch with those affected. Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone in your family begins to show symptoms.

We have decided to work with the Galveston County Health District to cancel the service and issue a press release. The service is scheduled to resume on Sunday, July 11th.

From the beginning of the pandemic, we have aimed to love our neighbors by practicing strict safety protocols. We are surprised and saddened by the order of this event. Our minds break for people infected with the virus. We pray for the earliest possible recovery of the victims.

The message left in the church was not returned immediately.