2023 Summer Covid Protocol

For the summer 2023 camping season we have developed the following COVID safety protocols. 

Health Monitoring and Screening:

It is critical that signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are detected as early as possible to prevent/limit the interactions of a sick individual.  Preventing the spread of COVID-19 at camp begins at home.

Vaccinations are now available for people as young as 5 years old.  If your camper is eligible to receive the vaccine, we strongly encourage you to have your camper vaccinated before camp.  Please keep in mind the timing of when vaccine shots are administered and when full vaccination status is achieved.  We are also encouraging all camp staff and volunteers to be vaccinated.

Pre-Camp Monitoring

We will NOT require a pre-screening form but recommend parents to be aware of how your camper feels in the days leading up to their time at camp.

Pre-Camp Testing Requirement

We will NOT require any testing for admittance onto camp this year.

We highly recommend parents/guardians give an at home Covid test before coming to camp for extra precaution however we will not be asking for any test results at check in.

Initial Camp Screening

During Camper Check in, we will ask three questions:

1. Has your camper tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days?
2. Has your camper had if your camper has had any COVID-19 signs and symptoms, including temperature (100.4), in the 10 days leading up to the start of camp.
3. Has your camper been exposed to anyone that has COVID-19 in the last 10 days?

Manidokan campers will have an initial temperature check at time of check in.

Program Cohorts, Physical Distancing, & Face Masks

Interactions between programs is permitted.  Masks are optional.  Please make sure your camper has face masks with them at camp in case these are needed for them after suspected or potential exposure.

Response to Suspected/Confirmed Case of COVID-19

In the event of a suspected case of COVID-19:

• The ill person will be immediately isolated, and the nurse will take over care.
• Any person caring for an ill person will don additional PPE.
• If a camper, the parent/guardian will be notified as soon as possible, and arrangements made for the camper to be picked up from camp.
• The ill individual will be asked to get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible and report the results to the camp.  We will NOT administer COVID-19 tests to campers on site.
• Ill volunteers and staff will take a COVID-19 test on site.  If they test positive, they will leave camp as soon as possible or will isolate in a designated area.  If they test negative, they may continue in their role but will need to mask and will take a COVID test every other day for the remainder of the session.

If the ill person receives a positive COVID-19 test:

• Parents/guardians of any camper who is determined to have been in close contact or in the same cohort with the ill person will be notified. 
  • We will follow CDC recommendations on quarantine and isolation for campers, staff, and volunteers who were a close contact (within 6 feet of the individual for a total of 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period) with an ill individual.
    • If a close contact is not up to date on their vaccination, campers and volunteers will leave camp as soon as possible.  Staff will either leave site or quarantine in a designated area.
    • Campers, volunteers, and staff who are a close contact but are up to date on their vaccination will be able to stay at camp but will need to wear a face mask for the remainder of the camp program.
  • All close contacts will be advised to get a COVID test 5 days after the exposure or if they develop symptoms.
• Additional programs and even other weeks of camp may be impacted by positive COVID-19 case(s) due to camp staff effected.

The COVID-19 safety protocols have been developed for Manidokan Camp & Retreat Center, The West River Center, and Camp Harmison using recourses and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, Maryland Department of Health, the American Camp Association, and other relevant industry leaders such as the Association for Challenge Course Technology, the American Canoe Association, and USA Archery.  These protocols will be updated as the recommendations from these groups’ changes.

These protocols and preventive measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 will be used in conjunction with current policies and procedures contained in the site staff training manuals, BWC Conference Staff Handbook, Safe Sanctuaries policies, Health program, and activity certification trainings.