Happy campers upstate? We’ll see

Summer camps have become a battleground for upstate reopening wars, with fearful locals and anxious operators in limbo awaiting direction on if — and how — they can open amid the coronavirus crisis.

Communities are split on whether to host children in the seasonal getaway towns, where a kumbaya on the issue has been out of reach.

“I have grave concerns,” said Fallsburg Town Supervisor Steven Vegliante. “I look at it from the standpoint of, I’m a father. I wouldn’t want my kids going to a summer camp this year.

“However, that being said, this is a decision that’s far above the town.”

Other upstate lawmakers refused to take a stance.

“The town’s position is, we don’t have a position,” said Thompson Town Supervisor Bill Rieber. “It’s the governor and Empire State Development [responsible for making the call].”

Rieber said residents are afraid of an “influx of people” to camps, many of which serve Orthodox Jewish children from New York City, a coronavirus hotspot.

Sites such as the Stagedoor Manor theater camp in Fallsburg have already nixed summer programming. Others are planning to open, including dozens of Orthodox camps represented by the Association of Jewish Camp Operators.

A state spokesperson said Friday that “the opening of children’s camps this summer season is under consideration, and any decisions made will be part of the comprehensive plan to lift the Governor’s PAUSE order.”

That response came a day after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that summer camps could safely reopen if certain metrics are met.