HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — After a school year of e-learning, summer break is finally almost here. Nine-year-old Ashkon Hossesin will soon head to summer camp at the YMCA. He is just one of many children who will attend a camp program this summer.  


What You Need To Know

  • Young kids are still not eligible to get vaccinated, making parents worried about summer camp

  • Safety precautions may vary from camp to camp, so parents should be aware before sending kids to camp

  • However, the risk of getting COVID-19 is lower now and most kids don't get as sick 

  • Dr. Berger of Wholistic Pediatrics and Family Care said it's important to consider what type of situation the child will be in

However, Ashkon's mom has reservations about sending him to any camp with other children.

“When I called last week, they said we’re encouraging masks but it’s optional,” said mother Shina Hossein. “That makes me nervous.”

Although the new case count in the state has seen lower numbers lately, Shina Hossein is nervous for children like her own who are not old enough to be vaccinated. It is a tough decision for her, as she has to go back to the workplace and her son has to be cared for.

Dr. David Berger of Wholistic Pediatrics and Family Care said he understands the concern and it's important to consider what type of situation the child will be in.

“Are they going to be mostly outdoors or is the kid going to be mostly indoors? Is there proper circulation with the ventilation being proper? Is there distancing still being kept especially if there are not masks being worn?" Dr. Berger said. "I think the need to assess what your child is going into is going to be the most important thing."

Dr. Berger said the good news is the risk for getting the coronavirus is lower now and for the most-part children don’t get as sick if they get it. There is still a risk so Dr. Berger says parents should trust their instincts.

Shina Hossein said that’s what she plans to do. She will make sure her son takes his own precautions to have a great summer and stay safe too.