Washington Outdoor School COVID-19 Camp Procedures As an outdoor based program, we feel confident about implementing a COVID-19 policy that adheres to safety measures with minimal disruption to our campers' experience. The following procedures must be followed in an effort to provide the safest and most enjoyable camp experience given the COVID-19 epidemic. The procedures are adopted from the CDC’s guidelines, recommendations from the American Camp Association’s Field Guide for Camps, and state and local guidelines. It is important to recognize that participating in camps is at the campers’ own risk and does not guarantee that campers will not become ill. Given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, modification to these policies and procedures will occur as more information becomes available. If new procedures are necessary, Washington Outdoor School (WOS) staff will communicate with campers and their families to inform them about changes to our COVID policies and procedures. Please talk to your child(ren) ahead of time about these expectations. Preparation: Designated person(s) that are the primary contact for campers, parents/guardians and staff: Sibyl Maer-Fillo Director Washington Outdoor School Email: waoutdoorschool@gmail.com
Camp Communication Strategy: Prior to Camp: Prior to each camp, WOS will post and/or update requirements for campers at least 1 week in advance; however, emerging information will be communicated as needed. Requirements will be posted in the 2020 Suncadia Camp Family Information folder. WOS will communicate via email detailing how any emerging information will impact campers.
ALL WASHINGTON OUTDOOR SCHOOL CAMP PERSONNEL WILL COMPLETE ADOPTED COVID-19 TRAINING PRIOR TO PARTICIPATING IN CAMP.
During Camp: All camp instructors will ensure all COVID-19 policies are followed during camp. On a daily basis, WOS staff will review COVID-19 procedures with campers in an age appropriate manner. Campers MUST follow these procedures. We understand aspects of these policies will be harder for some campers to follow than others, and our staff will work with campers and families to create a safe environment for all. In the event a camper’s behavior consistently puts themselves, other campers, or staff at risk, they can be removed from camp for the day or the remainder of camp upon the Director’s decision and the recommendation of camp staff. If a camper is removed, a refund will not be issued.
The following outlines Washington Outdoor School’s COVID-19 pre-camp and during camp procedures to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus:
General Camp Policies for Parents: Pre-Camp ●
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Parents/Guardians must track the campers’ health 14 days prior to camp and be prepared to report on tracking upon arrival to camp. A link to the Pre-Camp Health Assessment form will be sent to all families and will be available in the 2020 Summer Camp Family Information Google folder. Campers must avoid contact with a known COVID-19 positive individual for a minimum of 14 days prior to camp. International travel should not occur 14 days prior to camp.
Days of Camp ● ● ● ●
Parents/guardians must take camper’s temperature prior to coming to camp. If the camper's temperature is greater than 100 F, the camper must stay home. If the camper shows any signs or symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, the camper must stay home. Campers cannot share water bottles or food items. Campers must have a clean mask each day. If campers fail to bring a clean mask, one will be provided the first time, and for a $5 fee for each additional time. WOS has a limited number of child’s masks, and if masks are not available for purchase, a child without a clean mask will be unable to attend that day.
Drop Off (Maintain 6ft distancing at all times) The American Camp Association recommends parents designate one parent/guardian to drop off campers every day. Individuals who are at higher-risk for severe illness per CDC guidance should not drop off or pickup campers. ● ● ● ●
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Campers, parents, and staff must wear masks during check-in. Families must arrive by 8:45 (AM session) Late arrivals will not be able to be accommodated, and campers will have to wait until the following day to attend. Parents and campers must stay in their vehicles until they have been checked in by WOS staff. The Parent/Guardian dropping off the camper will be asked if the camper’s temperature was checked before camp and if it was below 100 F. If the temperature was not checked, WOS staff must take temperature with a no contact digital thermometer for the camper to participate. If the temperature is greater than 100, the camper will not be able to attend. A verbal confirmation of health and wellness screening will occur daily during camp. Families unwilling to answer or answering “Yes” to these questions, will not be able to participate in camp that day or possibly longer depending on the situation. If a camper is being dropped off by someone other than a parent or guardian, the completed DropOff Screening form is required for the camper to attend camp that day.
Screening Questions: “Has your camper developed:” 1) A new fever (100.4°F or higher), or had a fever within the past 14 days? 2) A new cough that you cannot attribute to another health condition? 3) New shortness of breath that you cannot attribute to another health condition? 4) A new sore throat that you cannot attribute to another health condition? 5) New muscle aches that you cannot attribute to another health condition, or that may have been caused by a specific activity (such as physical exercise)? 6) Have you been advised to self-quarantine due to close contact with a suspended or confirmed COVID-19 case? 7) In the last 14 days have you had close contact, without the use of appropriate PPE, with a person who is suspected or confirmed positive for COVID19. Close contact is defined as within 6 ft for more than ten minutes.
After Screening ● ● ●
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WOS staff will help campers to sanitize their hands before WOS staff will walk them to the camp area. WOS staff will walk the camper (or campers if in the same family) to the camp area. While we are trying to minimize the number of people in the camp area, we understand not all children, especially our youngest campers, will feel comfortable going to the camp site without a parent initially. One masked parent or guardian will be allowed to accompany the children in their household. Upon arrival at the camp area, campers will be asked to maintain social distancing by standing in a designated area until all campers arrive. If at any time during the day or throughout the course of camp, a camper shows any of the COVID-19 symptoms, the Parent/Guardian will be contacted and the camper will be sent home immediately.
Pick-up (Maintain 6ft distancing at all times) The American Camp Association recommends parents designate one parent/guardian to drop-off and pickup campers every day. Individuals who are at higher-risk for severe illness per CDC guidance should not drop off or pickup campers ● ● ●
Campers, parents, and staff must wear masks during pick-up. Parents/guardians must stay in their vehicles until WOS staff brings the camper to the vehicle. Campers must stay in their group while maintaining social distancing.
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Upon return to the designated drop-off pick-up site, campers will wash or sanitize hands following CDC guidelines and solutions. WOS staff will bring campers to the vehicle. We recommend campers wash hands upon returning home.
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Mask Wearing ●
The majority of camp activities are designed to accommodate the physical distancing requirement; however, there will be times when physical distancing is not possible such as when assisting with toileting, clothing changes, or attending to a cut or scrape. Masks will be worn by staff and campers when the distancing requirement of 6ft. cannot be maintained.
Camper Personal Items Items will be limited to those below. Personal backpacks should accommodate all items and be comfortably worn by the child. Water bottle (Minimum 12oz.) Snack Mask- clean and properly fitted for your child Change of clothes in gallon storage bag Weather related items: hat, jacket, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses Sunscreen Bug Spray Medical items (Epi Pens, Inhalers, etc.) *WOS must be contacted prior to the start of camp if you will be providing a medical item for your child.*
Equipment/Supply Use ● ● ●
Each camper will be given craft and other supplies that will not require shearing with others. Sharing of unsanitized items will not be permitted. All commonly touched surfaces will be sanitized between uses. This includes the bathroom.
Hand Washing or Sanitizing ● ● ●
WOS staff will have cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer available at all times in the event the group is not able to wash hands with soap and water. Campers and staff must wash or sanitize their hands before and after eating. Campers and staff must wash or sanitize their hands after toileting.