(HARRISBURG) – The summer camp industry in the Pocono region is a vital part of northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy. The forced closure of summer camps due to COVID-19 had a severe and negative impact upon the local economy. Senator Lisa Baker (R-20), is awaiting a response to a letter sent to Governor Wolf on March 10, 2021, stressing the need to allow the summer camps to responsibly reopen this summer.
Many families depend upon these camps to provide their children with recreation, education, socialization, and skills development during the summer months. Camp owners are prepared to reopen with full safety accommodations utilizing an enhanced mitigation approach, developed in consultation with the American Camp Association. The average camp has been a mainstay of the Pocono economy for 66 years. A report on the Economic Impacts of the Pocono Summer Camp Industry, highlights the tremendous footprint of this industry.