Youth Center Reopening 6-29-20: A message from Youth Director Jim Tinger
Hello everyone,
I'm happy to report that the youth center is opening back up on Monday June 29th. As you can imagine, it will not be the same youth center as we will have many restrictions in place due to the state's safety protocols.
Obviously with things being altered so frequently all of the following is subject to change. Everyone's safety is paramount, so please bear with us as we attempt to start the program back up.
Here we go:
1. We will be open Monday through Friday from 12-8pm and will have a limited capacity.
2. Within that time frame there are two potential time slots that kids can be at the center - 12-4 and 4-8.
3. Parents must contact me (Jim) the morning of the day your child is coming, to reserve a spot for that day. The preferred way of doing this is by texting me at 845-325-2593. You should tell me the name of your child and what time slot they will be coming.
If your child is 18, they can do it themselves. If email is easier, you can email us at this email - newpaltzyp@gmail.com. Remember you can only reserve a spot the day of their arrival, not for the next day or upcoming days.
For example, if they are signed up for 12-4, this means that they can come anytime between those times but they must be picked up or walk off by 4. If there is an open spot in the 4-8pm time slot, they will be permitted to stay if they want.
4. No young person will be allowed on our property without prior permission from their guardian. This needs to only be done once. You can email or text me at any time before their first day to let us know that your child can be added to our summer eligibility list.
5. If they have permission from a guardian to leave our property to go to a store or around town, they will be forfeiting their spot and someone else could potentially walk up and take it.
6. Drop-ins are welcome but we may be at capacity when they arrive. To be sure you/they should call the center first (255-5140) to see if we are full. Please do not drop off your child or send them to the center without reserving a spot first or calling us to see if there is space.
7. Upon entering, every child will have their temperature taken. If they have a fever, they will not be permitted to enter. As always, if your child has any sickness of any kind, they should not be coming to the center.
8. Every person who comes on our property will be required to wear a mask throughout the duration of their visit. If they do not have one, no worries, we have extras.
9. We will predominantly be focusing on being outside. We will have canopies set up outside for shade however, we will have the indoor open and setup for social distancing. Seating inside is extremely limited. There will be video game and computer capabilities and the ability to do art, read or play pool. Hanging out is best to be done outside.
10. Our outdoor activities will be non contact. For example, you can play Basketball, but not a game. Shooting around and H.O.R.S.E. would work. Other games like Frisbee, Soccer, Badminton or games like those would be allowed.
11. We will have limited food available at certain times and the occasional barbecue. The vending machine will also be on.
12. Unfortunately, there will be no field trips in the near future, but we have fingers crossed for that to change if we keep on moving in the right direction.
We will have sanitizing stations set up as well as constant cleaning of areas and equipment as they are used.
Thank you all for your continuous support. We really appreciate it and are excited to see everyone again.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Be well!
Jim Tinger, LCSW
Youth Director
Town of New Paltz Youth Program
(845) 255-5140, office
(845) 325-2593, cell
220 Main Street
New Paltz, NY 12561