Manlius camp shifts indoors as first summer heat wave hits children

The Village of Manlius Playground Camp shifted children into its gymnasium and auditorium as Central New York’s first summer heat wave pushed outdoor conditions into dangerous territory. Parks and recreation director Ryan Campbell said staff stop strenuous outdoor activity once temperatures reach about 96 degrees, then move children into shade, add water breaks and bring them inside when the heat becomes too intense.

The camp serves nearly 100 children ages 3 to 12 each day, and its setup gives staff more options than a simple cancellation. The village center includes air-conditioned indoor space, letting counselors keep children active without leaving them exposed to the hottest part of the day. On a day when the National Weather Service had Onondaga County under an Extreme Heat Warning from 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, through 8 p.m. Thursday, July 3, with heat index values forecast as high as 109 to 111 degrees, that flexibility mattered.

Camp director Kiersten Wilkinson said counselors are trained to watch for early warning signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness and disorientation, and the staff meets every day to review those symptoms. She also said all directors are CPR and first aid trained, which adds another layer of protection when children are outside during extreme heat. Some parents adjusted their schedules too, bringing children in the cooler morning hours and picking them up before the afternoon heat peaked.

Children are among the groups at greater risk in hot conditions. Create a cool environment and avoid prolonged time outdoors. Children are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness and can move quickly from heat illness to heat stroke.

Onondaga County saw 17 extreme heat days in 2025 and 20 in 2024, including a five-day heat wave in June 2024. County officials also urged residents to stay safe in the extreme heat.