Stay Cool at Day Camp | Extreme Heat & Air Quality Procedures

At the YMCA of Greater Seattle, the safety and well-being of our campers and staff is our top priority. As summer temperatures rise, we want to ensure families are informed and prepared for extreme heat conditions. We’ve established clear procedures to protect campers during hot weather. When high temperatures are forecasted—especially those approaching or exceeding 90°F—we adjust our programming to prioritize shade, hydration, and limited outdoor exposure. 

What Families Can Do Before Camp 

To help your camper stay cool and comfortable, please: 

• Apply sunscreen at home before camp begins.
• Send two water bottles, ideally freezing one overnight to help it stay cool throughout the day.
• Pack a hat that covers your camper’s head and consider a cooling neck cloth.
• Dress your camper in light layers, as mornings may be cool and afternoons hot.
• Modify drop-off or pick-up times, if needed, for campers sensitive to heat.
• If your child has asthma or another respiratory condition, please ensure their medication is current and available at camp and we have a medical authorization form signed by the doctor.

What Happens at Camp During Hot Weather 

Our staff follows an extreme heat protocol based on guidance from the National Weather Service and Accuweather, including: 

• Using indoor and shaded spaces as much as possible.
• Limiting outdoor activities to no more than 30 minutes at a time (if indoor space is available).
• Incorporating more water-based games and low-exertion activities.
• Enforcing frequent hydration, with water breaks at least every 15 minutes.
• Helping campers reapply sunscreen regularly.
• Restricting use of playground equipment if it becomes too hot. Staff conduct a touch test every 15 minutes to ensure surfaces are safe. 

Temperature Thresholds and Possible Closures 

In line with licensing regulations and health guidelines, we monitor indoor and outdoor temperatures closely: 

• Indoor spaces must remain below 83°F.
• Outdoor activities may be suspended if temperatures exceed 100°F for extended periods. 

If conditions reach these thresholds, we may adjust programming or close camp for the day. Families will be notified as quickly as possible by email and, when feasible, by call or text. 

Additional Resources 

• King County Tips on How to Stay Cool
• CDC: Extreme Heat Safety for Kids 

Air Quality Guidelines

We monitor local air quality using trusted resources, including AirNow and the Washington State Department of Health - Washington Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution

• Good (Green): Programs continue as normal.
• Moderate (Yellow): We reduce strenuous outdoor activities, increase water breaks, and closely monitor campers, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange): When able, outdoor time is significantly limited when, strenuous activities are moved indoors or replaced with lower-intensity options, and alternate programming may be implemented.
• Unhealthy (Red): Outdoor activities are suspended, and camps move indoors whenever possible or cancelled.
• Very Unhealthy (Purple): All programming is moved indoors or cancelled 

Questions

Please don’t hesitate to contact your camp supervisor with any concerns. We appreciate your partnership in keeping our camp community safe and thriving all summer long.