Some Yonkers Parents Upset Over Summer Camp Trip To 9/11 Museum
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some parents in Yonkers are upset over a city-run summer camp's field trip this week to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Children at the camp take trips to baseball games, water parks, aquariums and zoos. Yonkers spokesman Vincent Parisi said museums and cultural exhibits are added to ensure the camp experience is well-rounded, but with all of the museums in New York City, some parents wondered why the 9/11 museum was chosen, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported.
Concerned parents were told to keep their children home, but many work and say they rely on the camp for child care. One father unable to take the day off from work reluctantly sent his 5-year-old.
Parisi said the youngest campers did not see disturbing images.
"They actually have a stories and art section that is tied specifically into the artifacts and themes in the museum," Parisi said. "One of the core philosophies of the museum is meant to spark conversation between the children and their guardian."
Parisi said they thought it was a good idea because the museum is designed for all ages.
"Younger kids can go in and work on art work and be in a separate area rather than maybe the areas that the teenagers may be well suited for," Parisi said. "By no means do I think it's uncomfortable, or there's not secondary options for our parks and rec staff or the children once they are down there."
Parisi said the camp's itinerary is set in the spring.
"Parents are notified about these trips way in advance," Parisi said.
A museum spokeswoman said they don't typically see summer camp visits and they recommend parents accompany young children.
