Read more about our sports specific guidelines here.

Below are general details and guidance regarding program safety and parent expectations for their child(ren) attending Charles County Recreation programs and activities. Variation to certain guidelines maybe required depending on the nature of the program.

General Programming Details

Unless otherwise noted, on-site registration will not be permitted. Most programs will require participants to be pre-registered and registration will be available online. Registration for most programs will end at either 4pm the day prior to the start of the class and/or on the last business day prior to the class starting. Program times and formats will differ depending on the program. Participants will receive an email from the Program Supervisor one (1) day prior to the program starting. The Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism will follow all current local health department guidelines regarding face covering, social distancing, spectators, group sizes, food, and transportation of participants if required.

Weather

Outdoor programs are inclined to interruptions due to inclement weather. Programs will follow the National Weather Service recommendations regarding extreme heat:

1. Heat Index 105⁰ plus – All outdoor activities are canceled.
2. Heat Index 94⁰ - 104⁰ - Modify activities with additional water breaks.
3. Heat Index 84⁰ - 93⁰ - Modify activities with additional water breaks.
4. Below 84⁰ - Breaks every 30 min for rehydration.

In the instance where a heat index of 105⁰ plus is issued to begin at 11:00am, programs scheduled to be held during and after the heat advisory’s start time will be canceled and participants will be notified. Evening activities may be held if the heat advisory is lifted prior to the start of the activity.

Depending on the program, rain showers may or may not impact the program’s operating schedule. Sports programs will be held in rain as long as field conditions remain suitable. If field conditions deteriorate and become unsafe the program may be canceled or moved to another location. Participants will be notified as soon as possible if a program is canceled due to unsafe field conditions because of rain.

If thunder and/or lightning can be heard or seen, participants, spectators, and staff are in danger. Some programs may be able to shelter in place. Others must be stopped, and protective shelter sought immediately. If either event should occur, 30 minutes will be allowed to pass after the last sound of thunder and/or lightning. Decisions will be made no later than 7:30am if weather threatens the morning schedule and at least one (2) hours prior to the start of afternoon programs. Unannounced severe weather requiring early closures will result in participants needing to be picked up by no later than 30-minutes from contact being made with the parents. During that time, participants will be moved to cover that will allow for proper social distancing until parents arrive. Failure to pick up within 30-minutes, may result in restrictions on registering for future programs. If inclement weather forces a cancellation, the makeup date will be either the very next day or Friday of that same week. Refunds will be provided if a program is cancelled due to weather and cannot be rescheduled. 

Registration Requirement & Refund Plan

For most programs, registration will be conducted online only and will close 24 hours or the last business day prior to the start of the program. All programs will follow established Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism guidelines regarding refunds. Refunds will be provided if a program is cancelled due to weather and cannot be rescheduled. Full refunds may be provided if cancellation is due to federal, local, and state guidelines or mandates. Click here for more details.