This article has been, and is continuing to be updated with the most recent announcements from junior tennis camps in the United States.
It’s almost that time of year again, when tennis camps begin opening registration for the Summer period. This time however, it’s a little different. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a great deal of uncertainty regarding sports summer camps for kids, and if they will be cancelled. In this guide, we’ll cover the status of tennis camps for Summer 2021, safety precautions being used, and whether or not it’s truly safe to send your children to tennis camp this Summer.
Are Summer Tennis Camps Taking Place in 2021?
As of April 2021, most kids’ tennis camps are set to take place. These include the coveted Nike and Adidas tennis camps, which are among the highest in participation levels in the United States year over year.
COVID-19 Precautions Being Taken
In the new world we live in, there are obviously many precautions undertaken everywhere in order to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including in junior sports programs. Nike and Adidas run some of the largest Summer tennis camps in the United States—if your child is signed up for a tennis camp, or you are considering signing them up soon, then there’s a good chance it will be through Nike or Adidas. Hence, we’ve broken down the main precautions being taken by both brand’s camps (according to their public policies) in order to make tennis camps as safe as possible for kids, parents, and coaches alike.
Here are the precautions to be used in Nike Summer tennis camps:
- Daily symptom screenings (temperature and other symptoms)
- Social distancing measures
- Encouraged but not mandatory mask wearing (for both coaches and players)
- Sanitation implementation (equipment, bags, and other surfaces)
- Physical interaction limitations
And here are the precautions to be used in Adidas Summer tennis camps:
- Daily symptom screenings
- Social distancing measures
- Mandatory mask wearing (excluding when actually playing tennis on the court)
- Sanitation implementation
- Physical interaction limitations (no sharing food at lunch)
As you can see, the main difference between the two camps is the enforcing of masks. Keep in mind that these policies are subject to change up until the start of Summer programs. Nonetheless, it’s great to see both organizations taking action to make this Summer as safe as possible for yourself and your family.
View the full Nike tennis camp COVID-19 policy here.
View the full Adidas tennis camp COVID-19 policy here.
Is it Safe to Sign your Kids Up for Tennis Camp?
Luckily, there is extremely minimal contact in tennis, at least relative to other junior sports. Plus, nearly all 2021 junior tennis camps will take place on outside courts, rather than inside facilities. This natural air circulation from the open air will go a long ways to reducing the spread of germs.
With all of the precautions we’ve talked about taking place, combined with the increased vaccination effort, it seems like signing your kids up for tennis camp shouldn’t pose too much of a threat. Just remember to always keep extra hand sanitizer in the car when picking your children up from tennis camp!
Gear Up for Tennis Camp
Make sure your child has the right gear before registering for tennis camp. A good kids tennis racket is the most essential piece of equipment to invest in, and don’t underestimate the importance of high-quality kids’ tennis shoes. Fit your child up with a sporty looking kids tennis outfit, and you’re on your way to a fun, healthy Summer.
