We work hard to make sure every detail is in place so each camper can have the time of their life—every single summer.
In early May, the United States declared the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. With this in mind, the American Camp Association (ACA) and Alliance for Camp Health (ACH) recommend including COVID-19 as part of a larger communicable disease plan, which focuses on the various ways we can support the individual and communal health of our campers and staff. At the same time, they – and we! – recognize the importance of clear communication with families about our plans specifically around COVID-19, as it continues to be a presence in our daily lives.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that, “when deciding which prevention measures to implement, camps should consider the local context and balance the risks of infectious disease with the educational, social, and mental health outcomes.” Following this guidance, and with input from members of our COVID-19 Task Force, we anticipate the following guidelines for Summer 2023:
- All eligible campers, staff members, volunteers, and visitors should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, meaning they have received at least two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax, or one dose of the J&J, vaccine. We strongly encourage all community members to be up-to-date according to CDC guidelines, which includes the most recent booster; while this is not a requirement, it is highly recommended.
- In general, mask wearing will not be required this summer – except if there is specific concern of community spread.
- All campers and staff members will participate in symptom screening upon arrival. Anyone who presents with signs of respiratory infection (including sore throat, cough, or runny nose), body aches, conjunctivitis, and/or loss of smell will be given a rapid antigen test. Should campers or staff present with any of the above symptoms throughout the session, we will have rapid antigen tests on-site; as a matter of course, we will not test asymptomatic individuals.
- Following current CDC recommendations, if a community member tests positive for COVID-19, they must isolate for five (5) days. If symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for 24 hours, they may return to the Camp program at the end of those five days; if symptoms are not improving, the isolation will extend to ten (10) days. When possible, families will be encouraged to bring their children home for the duration of the isolation period.
- If a camper or staff member tests positive, we will closely monitor for symptoms amongst their cabinmates and, depending on a variety of factors, may limit cross-bunk interaction for a few days.
- As has been the case throughout COVID, meals will be served in one seating for all of Camp … and we will return to serving buffet style, with each eidah using its own buffet line.
- Out of an abundance of caution, we anticipate most programming for the first five days of each session – with the exception of meals – will be done by eidah (age group). Presuming there is no cause for concern, all of Camp will be together beginning with Kabbalat Shabbat the first Friday night and continuing through the rest of the session.
Especially after the last few years of restrictions, we’re excited to return to a greater sense of openness and connection this summer. But if we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that things can (and do!) change quickly. Please know that the health and safety of each member of our Camp community continue to be our top priority; the guidelines we set and the decisions we make are – and will continue to be – in service of this goal. Thank you, in advance, for your understanding and support as we strive to provide the possible experience for your kids!
(Updated — June 2023)
