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For example, the YMCA of Greater New York had to put its property, home to three summer camps, up for sale.

Now, supporters of YMCA camps are trying to find a buyer to pay $5 million to keep the camps operating.

Monica Bermiss, a former camper, counselor and director, said that camp is more than just a summer experience.

Every kid has a story, have your kid start theirs at YMCA Summer Day Camp. Friends, experiences, and memories to last a lifetime! There is an energy and magic to summer camp that cannot be replicated! Sign up today! https://t.co/6s9yzh8V3p pic.twitter.com/ZNeCd4xvna

— YMCA of Greater New York (@ymcanyc) March 12, 2021

\"We ensure that campers of all socioeconomic statuses have an opportunity to come together at this camp,\" Bermiss told \"GMA.\" \"Eighty percent of the children that attend to camp receive some sort of scholarship.\"

The YMCA camps have been providing scholarships to kids who come from lower income households.

Former camper and counselor Juan Escobar said he wouldn't be where he is today without camp.

\"Where I was living in in the Bronx, my environment was full of violence,\" Escobar told \"GMA.\"

Dear Y family and friends… please see our update on sleepaway camp. pic.twitter.com/Vdx5vMVwV6

— YMCA of Greater New York (@ymcanyc) March 9, 2021

Camper Emma Forr, 12, said her family has been going to camp for generations.

\"I was hoping to continue my life at camp so when I heard it was shutting down, it was very upsetting,\" Emma said.

\"GMA\" reached out to the YMCA about the sale of the camps. It said \"the decision was not made lightly.\"

\"We have had strong interest in and multiple offers for the camp property since we placed it on the market,\" a spokesperson for the YMCA said. \"As a result we are extending the deadline to receive offers for the camp property until Friday, March 19.\"

\"PHOTO:
Ton Koene/VWPics via AP Images, FILE
PHOTO: Children learn from nature looking at bugs during summer camp activities, in this undated photo.
>

Bermiss said the No. 1 goal is to find donors who can invest in the future of camps.

Emma said the pandemic doesn't have to last forever, but she hopes that camp does.

In January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published suggestions for youth and summer camps including its CDC’s Youth Programs and Camps Readiness and Planning Tool to protect campers, staff and communities.

Among the preparations, the CDC suggested camps appropriately train staffers and teach the importance of social distancing.

If you're thinking about sending your kids to camp, be sure to research camp safety protocols and the CDC guidelines, which include hand washing, mask wearing and proper social distancing.

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