Laurel 2024 COVID Readiness Plan
Reviewed February 25, 2024
In February 2021, a small group of people started meeting to discuss what would be needed to make Laurel Family Camp happen as the COVID-19 pandemic continued. We were thankful to find the extensive resource from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American Camp Association (ACA) that was written specifically to support camping staff during the summer of 2021 https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/coronavirus/camp-business/field-guide-camps .
2022: These Policies have been reviewed and updated as of July 1, 2022 according to CDC recommendations and American Camp Association recommendations, knowing that we will have both vaccinated and unvaccinated Campers. We will be following guidelines that apply to all our Campers- unvaccinated AND vaccinated in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. Keep in mind, Laurel Family Camp is considered Highest Risk level by the CDC. Campers mix among different groups/ we do not stay separated throughout the day, we do not stay spaced apart from those that are not vaccinated (ex: children), and we come from different geographical areas.
COVID-19 TESTING BEFORE CAMP IS NOT REQUIRED!
Face Mask Wearing and Gloves
FACE MASKS
Face masks are no longer required, they do remain an important preventative measure against COVID-19 and other viruses.**
Anyone who needs to or chooses to wear a face mask is encouraged to do so.
Parents have the right to ask babysitters to wear a mask in the cabins.
Things to remember- the face mask should fit over your nose and chin to be effective.
Reminder when swimming/ in the water: NO face mask is to be worn. Wet masks are not healthy.
**It is a good idea to bring a few face masks (that you find comfortable) with you just in case. If you start having symptoms (see Morning Health Check policy for details) you may be encouraged to wear a mask around others until the Camp Medic is able to see you. We would like to prevent spreading ANY illness in Camp.
GLOVE USE:
Kitchen staff should follow existing best practices for food preparation and storage.
When completing chores, you should always wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting.
Click Here to read our full policy: Face Mask Wearing and Gloves
Social/ Physical Distancing from Others
*** For 2023, there are NO REQUIREMENTS on social/ physical distancing while at Camp.
Please be mindful of others should they chose to social/ physically distance while in the different areas of Camp.
MEALTIME
. Some tables can be moved outside of the Dining Hall to offer outdoor seating. You may also social/ physically distance outside to eat your meal: picnic table, use your lawn chair, fire circle, Rec Hall.
** Reminder: If you eat outside you MUST thoroughly clean up everything from each meal, otherwise it attracts skunks in the nighttime.
Remember it is highly recommended to NEVER eat or store food in your cabin, as it quickly attracts unwanted wildlife.
VISITING SOMEOME IN A CABIN
Please check FIRST with the adult in the cabin if they prefer that visitors remain outside the cabin
Click Here to read our full policy: Social/ Physical Distancing from Others
Morning Health Checks and ongoing screening
Even though Covid numbers are down, we will continue to have Morning Health Checks as it made for a healthier Camp as we are finding sickness faster and support our fellow camper.
Morning Health Checks will be completed as people enter the Dining Hall for breakfast at the Porch entrance with the double doors.
All Campers will need to complete a daily morning health check, usually around breakfast time.
At least one person (depending on number of people in Camp) will be stationed at the Enter door for the Dining Hall (porch side).
You will need to answer screening questions: “Are you (or if answering for your Cabin/ children) feeling sick today? Any problems with coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, loss of smell or taste, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, fever, muscle or body aches, or difficulty breathing?” Anyone stating YES, will be referred to the Camp Medic for further follow-up and asked to isolate in their Cabin until cleared for return to activities.
A thermometer will be available if the person wishes to have their temperature taken, but it is not required.
Click Here to read our full policy: Morning Health Checks and ongoing screening, including kitchen staff screenings)
Possible Sick/ COVID-19 Case in Camp
Morning Health Checks should help determine if someone is not feeling well.
Camp Medic will determine if the symptoms warrant using an Over-the-Counter COVID-19 test kit, which will be available in Camp.
Camper (and a family member for care if necessary) will isolate in their cabin until negative results are gained (if getting tested).
A specific cabin will be designated as a “quarantine cabin” that is closer to the Bathroom, that Camper could use. For example- Cottonwood
. Food will be delivered to the Camper(s) as needed and the Family Bathroom will be relabeled for their use ONLY.
. Family Bathroom Cleaning- Use dedicated cleaning and disinfecting materials to disinfect a potential source area. The cleaning equipment should not be used to clean other areas until they are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Wear disposable masks and gloves to clean.
If person tests positive, disinfect any surface that person had touched for longer than 15 minutes.
If the test is negative, the Camper is to remain in isolation until fever free for 24 hours, symptom free, or cleared by the Medic.
If the COVID-19 test is positive, the Camper and their family will need to leave Camp.
Camp Director MUST notify local health officials of any positive COVID-19 test.
Somerset County State Health Center 651 S Center Ave Somerset, PA 15501-2811 Phone: (814) 445-7981
It is crucial to carry out “contact tracing” immediately to determine the potential or confirmed case’s contacts with other Campers over the previous two or more days. Assessing and informing those with potential exposure is an important strategy for minimizing spread within a group or camp population.
CDC defines close contact as interactions within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes. Contact tracing should be carried out by trained staff (e.g., public health staff, community health workers, trained volunteers) in conjunction with the local health department. However, camp health staff can utilize general principles of contact tracing to BEGIN closely monitoring other potentially exposed individuals.
Campers that will participate in the initial “contact tracing” process will be assigned by the Camp Director. This information will be shared with Somerset County State Health Center and potential or confirmed contacts.
Click Here to read our full policy Possible Sick/ COVID-19 Case in Camp
Handwashing and Use of Hand Sanitizer
The following times are when you should wash your hands:
Before, during, and after preparing any food
Before and after using gloves
Before and after eating food
Before and after caring for someone that is sick
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing a diaper or helping a child who used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching any animal
After touching garbage
Upon entering your cabin
To prevent the spread of germs during the COVID-19 pandemic, you should wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Washing Your Hands Effectively
Wet your hands with clean cold or warm water and apply soap.
Lather up the soap and rub your hands together- getting the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. You can hum the “Happy Birthday” song 2x, “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”, or chorus from “Let It Go” (Frozen).
Rinse your hands under clean water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
It is recommended that you wash your hands with soap and water when they look or feel dirty or greasy, otherwise you can use hand sanitizer.
Using Hand Sanitizer:
Place a small amount in the palm of one hand.
Rub your hands together.
Be sure the gel goes over all the surfaces of your hands and hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds to complete.
Click Here to read our full policy Handwashing and Use of Hand Sanitizer and further information on placement of hand sanitizer/soap in camp.
Cleaning, Disinfection, and Ventilation
The Dining Hall floor will be thoroughly swept and mopped with disinfectant and allowed to air dry.
The tables in the Dining Hall will be cleaned after every meal with disinfectant.
Bathrooms will be thoroughly cleaned once a day in the morning. This is to include checking all supplies and restocking as needed, taking out the trash, sweeping all areas, mopping the floor, and cleaning and disinfecting the toilets, sinks and countertops, and showers.
Rec Hall area: disinfecting light switches and door handles, disinfecting tables (if used for crafts) and any folding chairs
Do not spray cleaning products or disinfectants in outdoor areas – such as on sidewalks, roads, or groundcover.
High-touch outdoor surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars, play structures, and railings, should be cleaned regularly.
Cleaning and disinfection of outdoor wooden surfaces (such as wood play structures, benches, tables) is not recommended. Practice standard cleaning protocols for outdoor eating areas.
Disposable gloves will be made available when using disinfecting spray.
Windows will be opened in the Rec Hall, Kitchen, and Dining Hall to promote natural ventilation.
Fans will be utilized in the Rec Hall, Kitchen, and Dining Hall to provide air circulation for those that are in those areas.
Click Here to read our full policy on Cleaning, Disinfection, and Ventilation