The year 2020 was not a kind one for a huge number of industries and people, and aquatics were among those that felt the pain. Some facilities never opened. Others opened much later than usual. And many, when they did open, had to keep locker rooms closed and strictly limit the number of visitors in the facility at any one time.

Any Steely Dan fans? Possibly one of the best starts to a second side ever, isn't it? And if you don't know what I'm talking about, well … I'm not the sort who minds aging myself. It's one of those songs that connects to a specific moment, for me

NIRSA began as the National Intramural Association in 1950 when Founder Dr. William Wasson, recognizing a need for knowledge and shared community within the profession, convened a meeting of 20 representatives from 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in New Orleans, the first conference for the organization.

It is safe to assume that not a single stakeholder in the aquatics industry—from pool owners and operators to lifeguards and other staff members to the public who eagerly show up to learn to swim, exercise and just generally enjoy the water—avoided feeling some impact from the ongoing closures and changes to business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expanding on our In Service column about the American Camp Association, we take a look at how many camps were able to adjust to the pandemic, institute new practices and operate successfully and safely based on the organization’s guidance.

As the impact of the coronavirus pandemic started to become obvious, with businesses sending their workers home, schools sending students home, restaurants and bars shutting their doors and going curbside, and folks staying at home to prevent the spread, there was a lot of talk about the "new normal."

Founded in 1910, the American Camp Association (ACA), has been advancing the camp experience for children, youth and adults for well over 100 years. Its diverse membership—more than 12,000 strong—shares knowledge and works together to provide people of all ages the powerful lessons in community, character and skill development and healthy living that can only be learned through the camp experience, whether that's a summer day camp program or a weeks-long sleepaway camp experience.

This morning, after I refilled the bird bath (a daily requirement—the birds are many, and they are messy bathers), I sat at my desk and watched as an entire flock of little juncos flew in and splashed all the water back out again.

It's just over six months from the day that the World Health Organization first declared that COVID-19 had grown to pandemic proportions.

I just got "back" from gym class. P.E. is sixth period—30 minutes starting at 12:05.