Scheduled programs and activities in the area continue to take a back seat in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jim Thorpe Rotary Club announced Tuesday it is canceling the summer recreation program it holds each year in town.

“Secondary to the coronavirus outbreak and in view of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s school closures for the remainder of the academic year, the program will be canceled for the summer of 2020,” said Clem McGinley, summer recreation coordinator.

The program is normally held in Jim Thorpe’s Memorial Park. This would have been its 24th year.

“This was a difficult decision to make and it required much thought and consultation,” McGinley said. “Ultimately, the welfare of the children, counselors and general public is our primary concern.”

The summer program is offered at no cost for the children who attend. Children normally engage in arts and crafts, games, sports, STEM activities, programs presented by the Jim Thorpe police and fire departments and various other educational activities.

In 2019, 263 children, a record number, in second through sixth grades from the Jim Thorpe Area School District participated from June 17 to Aug. 9.

McGinley said this year’s cancellation is merely a one-time thing.

“We aspire to continue the summer recreation program in 2021,” he said.