COVID-19 Updates

We work hard to make sure every detail is in place so each camper can have the time of their life—every single summer.

As we continue to live in the time of COVID, there are more details than ever! Last summer, we made significant upgrades to both our program and facilities to give campers the best, most fun, and safest possible camp experience … and hundreds of happy campers (and parents) thanked us for it! With Summer 2022 upon us, we promise to stick to our value of transparency as we keep families updated on any necessary COVID protocols.

What follows is our best thinking right now … which we know might change based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Camp Association (ACA). Thank you, in advance, for your understanding and flexibility if and when things shift a bit….

Vaccines and Boosters: All eligible campers, staff members, volunteers, and visitors this summer must be up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccine regimen recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means all community members must have two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J vaccine – plus a booster for everyone eligible. (If you have questions about booster availability for your camper, please don’t hesitate to be in touch.)

Testing: All campers must have a negative PCR within 72 hours of arrival. Upon arrival at Camp, our partners at Diligent Urgent Care will administer a rapid antigen test for all campers. (If this test is positive, your child will not be allowed to begin the Camp session.) At the end of the first week of the session, staff from Diligent Urgent Care will return to administer PCR tests for all campers and staff. Should a camper or staff member present with any symptoms throughout the session, we will have rapid antigen tests on-site to be administered by one of our nurses.

Cohorts: Among the feedback we heard following last summer was the loss campers felt not being able to interact across age groups. Our hope for this summer is that we’ll be able to return to this hallmark of our Havaya community … but it is likely to take some time. Like last year, during the first week of the session campers will be primarily with their cabins. During that time, campers and staff will not have to wear masks when only with their cabin; when multiple cabins are together, campers and staff will be expected to wear masks. Presuming the PCR tests at the end of the first week all come back negative, our goal is to mix within eidot (age groups) and across Camp at other times during the session – but we may still require masks, especially when campers cannot safely maintain their distance.

Masks: Cloth masks, procedure masks, and respirators (N95, KN95, KF94) are all acceptable this summer. Masks must completely cover the nose and mouth; fit snugly against the sides of the face and not have gaps; and ideally have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. They may not have valves, vents, or be neck gaiters. Campers flying or taking a bus to Camp must wear a mask while traveling.

Isolation: If a camper tests positive for COVID-19, they will immediately be isolated from other campers and must be picked up by parents (or other adult guardians) as soon as possible. Pending CDC guidance at that time, they may return to Camp after ten days, presuming they are fever and symptom-free for 24 hours. For campers who fly to Camp, we will arrange for isolation on-site; we know this option is less than ideal for your child, so we encourage you to have a contact within driving distance of Camp who would be able to pick-up your child in this unlikely scenario.

We recognize that these guidelines are likely significantly more stringent than most campers and families are used to right now. At the same time, we know that community spread of a contagious virus can be much more challenging in a residential setting, as opposed to a school or day camp where kids go home at the end of each day. The health and safety of each member of our Camp community continue to be our top priority; please know that the guidelines we set and the decisions we make are all in service of this goal. Thank you, in advance, for your understanding and support as we – like you – strive to provide the best possible experience for your kids!

(Updated — June 2022)