None of us could ever imagine a time that we wouldn't be able to send our kiddos to summer camp. But that is what we are facing right now during the coronavirus pandemic. It would be pretty hard to hold a traditional summer camp experience while trying to social distance and keep everyone separated and safe. So as we try to navigate our new normal, summer camp programs have had to find new ways to adjust and go about their plans the best they can.

Panhandle PBS has recognized the need to rethink summer camp this year and they have launched Camp TV. The new initiative is an on tv and online experience to get kids involved in interactive activities and try to have a summer camp the best way we can right now. The program is offered as a twice-a-week at-home alternative to day camp.

Panhandle PBS will broadcast Camp TV episodes on Fridays at 2pm and Sundays at 10am through September 20. Episodes will also be available to watch on demand online and will have partner activities online as well. Each Camp TV episode will be an hour long and will feature a theme of the day, like “song day,” “cooking day,” and “heroes day.” Every episode also includes a storytelling segment that features a different book of the day.

The series will be hosted by an enthusiastic head counselor, played by Broadway performer Zachary Noah Piser. He will guide “campers” as they learn through play. Campers will explore the arts, music, theater, nature, science, math, and reading with segments featuring educational and cultural organizations from around the nation such as the New York Public Library, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Bedtime Math, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Memphis Zoo, and more.

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