CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Businesses are busy preparing to open their doors and many are excited to finally return to work after Shelter at Home mandates are lifted. The return to work does present a problem for some parents, though, as childcare programs and summer camps have announced they will not be open this summer.

Many camps are concerned that the nature of camp poses to great a risk to children, while social distancing is still a requirement.

“It’s impossible to be socially distant and play four square, football, or swim in a pool,” said one mom who is trying to make plans for her 11 and 8-year-old.

The Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee announced today they will not be hosting their traditional summer camps, but may provide virtual alternatives in the coming weeks. “Due to the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 precautions, this decision is a reflection of our strong commitment to the health and safety of our campers, staff, and all families involved,” the Girl Scouts said in a statement.

Austin Peay’s Junior Govs Camps, which see hundreds of children each summer, has also decided to postpone registration.

“Our commitment for the past twelve years has been to provide the safest, most enjoyable summer camp experience possible,” Austin Peay said in a letter to parents. “Due to COVID-19 and in compliance with the CDC’s continued social distancing recommendations, it has been determined that the safest decision is to cancel all 2020 June weeks of our Junior Govs Summer Camp.”

The Middle Tennessee YMCA has yet to make a final determination on their summer camps this summer, but are actively watching the progress of Tennessee’s reopening.

Local churches are still moving forward with tentative plans for Vacation Bible School (VBS) although registrations are not yet available. Most churches have confirmed they plan to implement safety and social distancing procedures but will watch in the coming weeks as the state implements additional guidelines.

“Everything is a guessing game right now, but we’ve got faith.”

With an unprecedented abrupt end to the school year, and now the lack of potential activities for children over the summer, both parents and children are frustrated.