Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat Disrupt Summer Camps Across the U.S.
• Summer camps across the United States are grappling with the impacts of climate change, as extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfire smoke, and heavy rainfall disrupt outdoor activities.
• In July, Camp Widjiwagan in Ely, Minnesota, was forced to evacuate due to hazardous wildfire smoke, while other camps, like Beauvoir Summer Camp in Washington, D.C., had to limit outdoor activities because of extreme heat and poor air quality.
Impact & Risks
The extreme weather has disrupted outdoor activities, a cornerstone of summer camps, and posed health risks to children. Wildfire smoke has led to hazardous air quality, forcing camps to move activities indoors or, in some cases, evacuate entirely. Prolonged heatwaves have made outdoor play unsafe, with temperatures reaching nearly 100°F (37.8°C) in some areas. Families and camp organizers are finding it increasingly challenging to adapt to these conditions, which are expected to become more frequent as the climate continues to warm. The mental and physical well-being of children, already impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is further strained by these environmental challenges.
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