Bloomfield district cancels summer programs

Bloomfield Hills Schools has announced it has cancelled all district camps for the month of June, including ones from outsourced athletic providers and Bloomin' preschool summer programs, as a result of the coronavirus crisis. In an email, the district wrote, “After careful consideration, we have decided to make some difficult decisions regarding a number of our summer experiences that provide incredible hands-on care for our campers.” Among the cancellations are all camps that are offered districtwide for at least the month of June, including third-party athletic providers or any using field or outdoor athletic rentals. “If we are able to offer camp experiences in July and/or August, we will only accept students who are enrolled in a kindergarten program (in Bloomfield Hills Schools or another district) in the fall. Students younger than kindergarten-ready will not be permitted to attend camp in the summer of 2020,” the email stated. Also cancelled are the Barnyard Buddies program at Bowers School Farm, which will not be offered this summer; SCAMP, a five-week summer program for individuals 3-26 with disabilities; and Bloomin' Preschool Summer programs, a program typically offered at Fox Hills and Lone Pine, which the district hopes to restart for the 2020-2021 school year. “As new information becomes available, our team will continue to explore what opportunities may be available in July and August,” the district said. “In addition, families expressed an interest in participating in virtual camp opportunities and we are working on what experiences we will provide this summer in that regard. Our commitment to our community is to make the most informed decision possible, utilizing the latest information from the governor’s office and guidelines from the CDC. “We recognize that this is another tremendous loss in our 'normal' routine and that loss can have a profound impact on your child. Our summer experiences are a place for students to enjoy a sense of freedom and form long-lasting relationships. It is for that reason that we have held off on decisions regarding Huck Finn, Summer Fun, and many other experiences we hope to still provide safely and within the guidelines in the months of July and August. We sincerely hope to be able to continue providing extraordinary summer experiences later this summer and will connect with families as soon as we have arrived at a decision.”