Our goal is to keep everyone safe while on the grounds and to protect the most vulnerable! We will continue to monitor and follow CDC guidelines. At this time, all programming will be planned for out of doors. Invited visitors should be kept to small groups.
- When on the grounds, please practice the following protocols;
- Wear a mask when in the presence of others.
- Practice social distancing.
- Clean all touch surfaces after using the bathroom, laundry and pool with cleaning supplies provided.
- Monitor the number of people in the pool area to 15 or less.
- Limit food at gatherings to dishes safely prepared by you, your family pod or a licensed food establishment.
We appreciate the cooperation of all cottagers. Guidelines are continually changing as the statistics are updated and more people become vaccinated. We want to demonstrate a faithful witness to those in our community.
Rationale behind why we’ve chosen these safety recommendations:
Christian Camping International 2021 Health and Medical Protocols
Developed by: Elizabeth Purchase, RN. Cottage #26 Wendy Ziegler, LPN. Cottage #16, Elizabeth Shrock, NP. Cottage #7
During the past 2 weeks all 3 of us attended webinars provided by CCI. They were lead by Medical professions, lawyers and the 3rd one was lead by Camp Directors. This is the major purveyor of health protocols for numerous years and also works with the American Camping Association. Covid 19 has proven to be a challenge in the camping community. The 2020 camping season was by in large cancelled across the country and this year the hope is that camps can recover to at least 60% capacity. In some camps the Directors have been dealing with some people coming in from other states and not wanting to follow the host camp state regulations, also working with people who believe Covid is a hoax.
It is necessary to convey – “Camp is Safe, practices and procedures are in place”.
First: all camp Boards must develop 2021 Protocols. In order to do this the Board must decide: are you a ” public accomadation” or a Bible Camp.Most of the decisions will be made with the direction of the State Health Dept. and State Guidelines, as well as camp rules ( in our case ground/pool rules). No negative wording. Absolutes would include: face masks ( or duffs) on everyone on grounds, everything only in out of doors, social distancing, small groups in pods. all public buildings would be on a rotating cleaning schedule every day. Decide how often during the day buildings are cleaned. Food distribution would be limited with separate protocols.
Board makes the decision whether only those who have been Vaccinated can be on grounds or not. This also includes employees, both part time and full time. Do they get tested periodically and who pays? The fact that they must wear a face mask needs to be in the job descriptions. There didn’t seem to be a question about face mask wearing.
The State Health Dept needs to be alerted if someone comes down with Covid.
Cleaning: Clorox 1to10 in a spray bottle. Less aerosols use.
Most camps are delaying decisions as much as they can. They are checking with State Health Depts for there recommendations.
Food/Meals: Anything prepackaged is OK. No salad bars. No Pot Luck. If in the Dining Room there are many ways being worked on. Suggestions; sit in family pods/cabins. Food is brought from the kitchen by the staff, with gloves and masks on. All food must be in sealed containers.Some can be in family bowls, but everything is thrown out afterward.
Flexibility is the key word this year. Different timing, Smaller groups, All camp event (like our Winter Social) before the beginning of camp by video or Zoom.
Different states are making decisions on Vaccines, what happens when someone leaves camp ( can they come back?) How to mitigate contractions.
Programs: Worship has been shortened with the possibility of video. Only one program a day.
There were many other thoughts shared, but I believe this gives us a good point of reference for our 2021 Health Protocols. They must be made public as soon as possible. It looks like Covid 19 and additional mutants will be with us into the fall. The mask will continue to be us for awhile. It helps to know we aren’t alone.