UW System to restart summer youth programs

MADISON, Wis. (AP/CBS 58) — University of Wisconsin System officials say they plan to restart summer youth programs this year. The system canceled its youth programs and camps last summer as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the country.

System officials said Thursday that they feel they can resume the programs and camps this year thanks to renewed demand and better knowledge of how to contain the disease.

The system plans to require pre-arrival testing, symptom screening, masks, social distancing and train instructors on safety protocols.

System President Tommy Thompson in February called for all institutions to offer 75% of classes in-person for the 2021-22 academic year.

Some of the steps the UW System is taking to help campuses safely restart precollege and youth programs include:

• Training and implementation around pre-arrival testing, symptom screening, face coverings, physical distancing, hygiene measures, and cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
• Developing a systemwide youth testing program.
• Supporting campus precollege liaisons in building customized reopening plans for minors on campus.
• Providing guidance to campus youth program staff and administrators on how to establish and enforce specific processes for programs to meet youth protection standards.
• Offering monthly professional development opportunities for all youth-serving staff and precollege liaisons.
• Providing standardized templates for informing parents and participants of possible spread of COVID-19 and how to mitigate the spread.