Issue 1

September 27th, 2019

Summer camps consider well-being

WED. | 03-10-21 | OPINION

Almost everything this year looks different because of COVID-19, and one of those things starting to become a worry in peoples’ minds is summer camps. Last summer, camps were pretty scarce since it was still near the beginning of the pandemic and most of us were still clueless as to what was going on. According to CNBC, at least 62% of summer camps were shut down last year. This year however, we are more adjusted to COVID-19 and know more about what to do and what not to do in regards to our safety. This opens up the possibility of summer camps. Summer camps should happen this summer, as long as the COVID-19 guidelines are followed, because kids should get to have that experience.

Summer camp is usually a time of bonding for kids in a brand new environment with everyone sleeping in a big cabin, eating together and doing activities. According to raisingchildren.net, child friendships are absolutely integral for a child’s growth. All of this used to be completely normal, but now it seems so foreign. Just the idea of a large group of people staying in one room without masks or protection makes us shudder. Times have changed so much and now all of these usual summer camp traditions are no longer on the table.

COVID-19 has made summer camps totally different. There have to be a lot less kids, there must be masks worn at almost all times, some camps don’t allow kids to stay the night at all. It will be tough to adjust to these new rules and requirements but, with summer fast approaching, we must learn to live with the new version of summer camp.

Screen%20Shot%202021-03-10%20at%201.50_e

Graphic by Jake Bradsher

2021 summer camps could change how camps work forever. COVID-19 has opened our eyes to how disgusting certain aspects of what used to be considered “normal” are. Thousands of people crowded together at concerts, kids eating off the floors and sleeping cramped together in a tiny cabin-it is all a little gross when we think about it through the new lens that COVID-19 has provided us. We will have to wait and see what changes stay and what goes back to how it was once the virus is taken care of.

It is good that summer camps are at least happening at all this year. Camps are a great thing for kids to go to, they give them an experience of staying somewhere without their parents. They give them an opportunity to make new friends all on their own and let them have a fun time playing games and doing activities. Kids should get to go through many different environments to prepare them for when they are grown up and to introduce them to new things that they may grow to love.

Summer camps are part of so many peoples’ memories today and can bring kids together. Many parents want their kids to get the experience of summer camps and were disappointed that they did not really happen last summer. The best thing we can do this summer is to try our best to give kids the summer camp experience they deserve, while still staying safe and following the COVID-19 guidelines.

All-virtual school virtually better

Staff writer Forbes Hall shares insights from her experience with virtual learning and discusses how she found a way to use the unconventional format to her advantage.

Companies cause most climate change

Entertainment editor William Becker points out the impact companies have on climate change.

Grading fails to consider mental health

Opinion Editor Lexi Karaivanova discusses the importance of valuing students' mental health and the benefits the continuation of the pass/fail grading option may have provided.

Exam schedule improves break

Staff writer Liv Stewart gives her perspective on the new exam schedule and how it will benefit both students and teachers.

Unbiased media holds society to higher standards

Co-Editors-in-Chief Murphy Fisher and Tierney Reardon discuss the importance of factual and unbiased media in today's society.

Political polarization further divides America

Opinion editor William Becker discusses the impact increased political polarization is having on America.

Thanksgiving easily overshadowed

Staff writer Forbes Hall gives her perspective on the importance of Thanksgiving despite how often it is overlooked.

New traditions begin as COVID prompts rethinking of holiday season

Co-Editors-in-Chief Murphy Fisher and Tierney Reardon outline and discuss a few of the personal and national holiday changes that have taken place due to COVID.

Refrigerators represent chilling innovation

Opinion Editor Lexi Karaivanova shares her thoughts on the value of refrigerators and why the invention should not be overlooked in today's society.

Punk ideology rocks the political scene

Opinion staff writer Liv Stewart discusses different aspects of the punk style, expanding on its influence on music, politics and clothing.

Colleges acknowledge troublesome testing requirements

Co-Editors-in-Chief Murphy Fisher and Tierney Reardon give their thoughts on the new test optional policies many colleges are implementing this application season.

Native American women experience increased violence

Staff Writer Liv Stewart discusses the violence many indigenous women in the U.S. suffer and what steps need to be taken to better protect them.

Opinion editor presents a medium roast of her caffeine addiction

Opinion Editor Lexi Karaivanova provides insight into her personal caffeine addiction, including anecdotes as well as facts revolving around the possible causes and dangers of caffeine addiction.

reselling thrifted clothes causes reverse Robin Hood

Opinion Editor Lexi Karaivanova gives her take on thrifted clothes and those who resell them with steep markups to make money.

Staff writer offers throughts on breonna Taylor's death and resulting trial

Staff writer Liv Stewart shares her thoughts on Breonna Taylor's death and the resulting trial.

Editor remarks on necessary increased presence in global affairs

Entertainment Editor William Becker describes the current US position in global affairs under the Trump administration, providing and citing evidence for the US to increase its presence overseas.

Editors reflect on role of Zoom camera in virtual classroom

In a podcast, Co-Editors-in-Chief Tierney Reardon and Murphy Fisher voice their opinions on the various aspects and effects surrounding the feature of turning on the Zoom camera during online classes.

Writer takes feminist twist on phrase "women belong in the kitchen"

Opinion Editor Lexi Karaivanova advocates for the increased presence of female chefs in professional kitchens, taking a spin of the seemingly sexist phrase, "women belong in the kitchen."

Reactions to RBG's passing reveal need for more justices

Opinion Editor Lexi Karaivanova voices her thoughts on finding a new Supreme Court Justice to take Ruth Bader Ginsburg's place and how she feels about adding more Supreme Court Justices to the bench.

COVID-19 forces editor to balance his busy life

Entertainment Editor William Becker shares how COVID-19 forced him to take time to balance his life and create a healthier lifestyle.

Social media causes mental health concerns for many

Staff writer Liv Stewart gives her take on social media and how it can create negative effects on mental health, particularly in today's more isolated society.

#Free Britney finds fame as censorship causes court case

Opinion editor Lexi Karaivanova discusses the controversy surrounding the #Free Britney movement and the upcoming court case which Britney Spears has brought in an effort to change her conservator.