On April 27, Gov. Wolf announced a statewide reopening of limited outdoor recreational activities to help Pennsylvanians maintain positive physical and mental health.  Starting May 1, golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately owned campgrounds were permitted to reopen.  These businesses are required to follow updated life-sustaining business guidelines from Pennsylvania.  In addition, the CDC has issued guidance on visiting parks and recreational facilities.  These guidelines must be followed by businesses and when engaging in outdoor activity while the state disaster declaration remains in effect.  The guidelines will ensure the safety of individuals and families engaging in outdoor activities and adherence will slow the spread of COVID-19.

• Stay close to home: Pennsylvanians are encouraged to enjoy permitted outdoor recreational activities within their community and avoid crowding popular destinations.

• Practice social distancing: Maintain the recommended minimum 6 feet apart from fellow recreationists. Pennsylvanians are also encouraged to wear a mask or protective garment that covers the nose and mouth any time they go outside. If a parking lot at a park is full or there are too many people on the same trail, find an alternate place to recreate. Cross the street to avoid running directly past another runner or wait longer at a golf hole for a fellow golfer to move forward.

• Minimize risk to others: Individuals should only go out if they feel healthy and have not been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs and handrails.

• Have a plan: Create a safety plan before heading outdoors. Explain to children the need to keep their distance from others, even if they happen to see a friend while outside. Discuss with partners, social distancing while on the golf course. Think through how to avoid other runners when waiting to safely cross a street at the same time.

“Practicing social distancing takes a little planning and patience but it is necessary if we want to continue to flatten the curve while ensuring that Pennsylvanians have opportunities to de-stress and get exercise,” Wolf said. “Finding the balance between enjoying the outdoors and staying safe is only possible when all Pennsylvanians are abiding by the same precautions. It’s critical that all Pennsylvanians adhere to the safety guidelines to allow for these outdoor activities to remain available to the public.”

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit on.pa.gov/coronavirus.

Per Governor Wolf’s announcement, Friendship Village is now able to open and welcome campers.  While we are happy with this announcement, we would like our campers to understand that during this time of transition, their visit will be different than usual.  As we operate with everyone’s health and safety in mind, we will be complying with all CDC recommended guidelines.

We at Friendship Village appreciate your patronage and patience as we navigate our way through this crisis.  We know that this is not an easy time and hope that even though camping is different right now, we can help you enjoy your time outdoors.

Thank you for choosing to come to Friendship Village!

God Bless,

​The Neff family and the staff of Friendship Village