East Allen Township Recreation Director Chuck Frantz opened the township’s summer camp June 29.

Restrictions and new rules are in place. Nevertheless, the kids were eager to get out and explore all the activities allowed at Bicentennial Park.

Every day, campers and their parents are greeted with a questionnaire asking about the camper’s health and that of the family. Questions include temperature and symptoms. All campers and family members need to provide a written clearance from a health provider.

“It’s all part of the new normal,” Frantz said. “We took many extra precautions and sanitized the picnic tables and the bathrooms.”

The previous norm included trips to Lehigh Valley Zoo and other adventures along with some animal visitors courtesy of Wildlands Conservancy. Those extra visits were curtailed for this year.

With the COVID-19 threat, the number of campers was reduced to 75 youths from the traditional 150.

As always, East Allen rounded up a great group of camp counselors to keep the campers safe and happy. Rachel Fackenthall and Lauren Lalik returned to share duties as head counselors. They are accompanied by Ashley Rolles, Luis Roman, Heather Alich, Ashlee Brusky, Cassie Borzillo, Solei Rodriguez, Dylan Domchek, Wyatt Cobb, Jocelyn Roman, Collin Christein and Joe Tiwold.

There are openings for a few more campers if there is interest. Camp will run 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through Aug. 6.