Important Announcement

As you may have heard, as of today, July 23, 2021, Austin-Travis County has moved in to stage 4 of their COVID-19 Risk-based Guidelines (you can read more on what this means by visiting https://www.austintexas.gov/news/austin-public-health-re-enters-stage-4-risk-based-guidelines). As a result of this move, PARD is updating our guidelines to be more reflective of the current conditions facing the Austin community.

Our top priority remains the safety, health and well-being of all participants, staff and the Austin Community. Please continue to remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to ensure you and your family remain healthy and are reducing the risk of illness across the Parks and Recreation Department and at home.  We are grateful for your participation in our programs and services. If you have questions regarding the information in this letter, please contact us. For more information on the symptoms of COVID-19 and resources to keep you safe, please visit COVID-19 in Austin | AustinTexas.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC.

Below is a summary of guideline changes that we ask you please read carefully:

Illness within a Program

If a participant has symptoms of COVID-19, or is a close contact of someone with COVID-19, they may be permitted to return to PARD programming only when the following conditions are met:

• If the participant has had a fever, cough, or shortness of breath and has not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they should stay home and away from others until 24 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms resolved. If symptoms worsen during that time, contact your healthcare provider to determine if they should be tested for COVID-19.
• If a participant is diagnosed with COVID-19, they must remain out of the facility for a minimum of ten (10) days after the onset of first symptoms. The participant may return under the following conditions:
  • If they had a fever, 24 hours fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication AND they see an improvement in their initial symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath); AND
  • Ten (10) days after symptom onset.

• If a participant believes they have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 but are not currently sick or showing symptoms, they should monitor their health for fever, cough or shortness of breath during the 14 days after they last had contact with the sick person with COVID-19. Public gatherings, such as camp and participation in programs, should be avoided for 14 days.
• If a positive case is reported within camp, any individual deemed to be considered a close-contact will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days from all PARD Programs.
  • PARD will provide a letter to all parents upon becoming aware of an active case, outlining whether their child is believed to be a close-contact or not.
  • A close-contact is defined as any individual who was within 6 ft. of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more.

Masking

While the current Executive Order issued by Governor Abbott prohibits PARD from requiring masking inside our facilities and programs, Austin Public Health (APH) stage 4 guidelines recommends all individuals regardless of vaccination status wear masks while indoors. PARD strongly encourages the use of masks amongst all youth program participants over the age of two (2) (see exemptions). Face coverings/masks should be provided by the parents/guardians. Please know, if you wish for your child to wear a mask while at camp or during PARD programs, please let staff know and we will work with your child, including providing verbal prompts throughout the day, to ensure they adhering to this request.

Program Documents and Forms

Participation Guidelines and Essential Eligibility - English (PDF)

Participation Guidelines and Essential Eligibility - Spanish (PDF)

Youth Registration Form - English  (PDF)

Youth Registration Form - Spanish (PDF)

Youth Financial Assistance - English  (PDF)

Youth Financial Assistance - Spanish  (PDF)

Summer Camp Payment Schedule - English (PDF)

Summer Camp Payment Schedule - Spanish (PDF)

Summer Camp 2021 Parent Handbook  - English (PDF)

Summer Camp 2021 Parent Handbook - Spanish (PDF)

Nature Camps

Nature-based summer camp programs provide hands-on educational and recreational activities that increase appreciation for the natural environment and awareness of the conservation ethic.

• Camacho Summer Camp (PDF)
• Austin Nature & Science Center Summer Camp (PDF)

Cultural and Art Camps

Visual and performing arts, culture and history summer camp programs preserve and protect the past, celebrate Austin’s diversity, build community, and develop awareness and appreciation for the arts.

• Summer Art Escape (PDF)
• Stay Creative Free Virtual Program (JPG)
• Youth Art Safari & Broadway Bound (PDF)
• MACC COSECHA Camp (PDF)

Therapeutic Camps

Therapeutic summer programs embrace the diversity that defines Austin and works to ensure that all individuals are accepted, included, and welcomed to participate, play, and recreate together with a team of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) and Inclusion Aids.

• Therapeutic Summer Camp @ Alamo Recreation Center (PNG)

Community Recreation Camps

Community recreation summer programs at Recreation Centers have a youth development philosophy which focuses on providing youth opportunities to enhance their interests, skills and abilities through intentional programming and quality experiences that help develop social, emotional, ethical, physical and cognitive competencies.

• Summer Camp - English (PDF)
• Summer Camp - Spanish (PDF)
• Teen Camp (JPG)