We have an incredible team of long-time Tamakwans and medical experts who are sifting through the ever-changing COVID landscape and crafting our procedures. Our directors, Vic, Leslie, and Jamie, are coordinating the team. Incorporating current and forthcoming guidance from public health departments and other relevant government agencies, Tamakwa’s plan will prioritize the health and safety of everyone onsite. While it’s impossible to make any guarantees, we have complete confidence that we can operate camp in ways that could make it a very safe place to be.
Last summer, many overnight camps in the U.S. were able to operate safely, while some others did not. The American Camping Association (ACA) has looked closely at those camps and developed a Field Guide for the 2021 season. In addition to studying that guide, we are members of the Ontario Camps Association (OCA), which has its own COVID-19 task force, and is developing its own Field Guide in consultation with the office of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. The OCA holds weekly town hall meetings to update members on progress.
In addition to the directors, our COVID Team includes
Dr. Janet Star – On-site camp doctor and consultant – Dr. Star is a pediatrician in Toronto, and has been a camp doctor for over 10 years. Dr. Star and her family are die-hard Tamakwans through and through!
Dr. Jeremy Marks – On-site camp doctor and consultant – Dr. Marks is a specialist in neonatology and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at the University of Chicago. Dr. Marks and his family are also longtime Tamakwans. Dr. Marks has been a Tamakwa doctor for over 20 years. His wife, Dr. Beth Steinhauer, is a psychiatrist and a member of the legendary Tamakwa Steinhauer family.
Dr. Clare Hutchinson – On-site camp doctor and consultant – Returning for her 4th year as camp doctor, Dr. Hutchinson is pediatrician in the North York General Hospital’s Child and Teen Program. She has two young children; one is a camper, and the other will be soon!
Dr. Peter Lipson – Consultant – Dr. Lipson is an Internist in Farmington Hills, MI. He is also a former Tamakwan, longtime camp doctor, and a parent of a Tamakwa staff member.
Dr. Michael Warner – Consultant – Another longtime Tamakwan, Dr. Warner is the Head of Critical Care at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto. If you live in Ontario, you’ve probably seen a lot of him on the news discussing the pandemic. He even recently made an appearance on CNN.
Dr. Alanna Golden and Dr. Darryll Ginsberg – Consultants – Dr. Golden is a family physician at Kindercare Pediatrics, and Dr. Ginsberg is a hospitalist who currently runs the COVID ward at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital.