COVID-19 Update June 1st, 2023
Camp Downer has updated our COVID-19 policies and procedures. On May 5th, 2023, the CDC declared the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. However, Camp Downer will continue to take the following precautions following the guidance announced by the CDC and the American Camping Association (ACA) on May 23, 2023. Here is our current status:
Prevention Strategies:
Camp Downer utilizes a variety of prevention strategies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Our prevention strategies include:
- Vaccination:
- All staff are required to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment.
- Camp Downer encourages families to vaccinate their campers against COVID-19.
- Checking for Symptoms at Home:
- Campers and families are encouraged to check for COVID-19-like symptoms prior to camp arrival and if necessary, conduct a rapid at-home COVID-19 test.
- Staying Home When Sick:
- Campers showing symptoms for COVID-19 or other respiratory symptoms should stay home.
- Camper Arrival:
- Upon arrival, campers/families will answer a few health screening questions to ensure campers are symptom-free and have not been recently exposed to COVID-19.
- Hygiene Practices and Sanitization:
- Camp Downer implements cleaning measures to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and shared equipment.
- Throughout Camp Downer programming, campers are regularly encouraged by camp staff to conduct frequent handwashing. In programs that are far away from the camp bathrooms, camp staff carry hand sanitizer for camper use.
- Masking:
- Campers and staff are welcome to wear masks during any and all camping activities (with the exceptions of when they are eating, sleeping, swimming, or showering.)
- Outdoor Programming:
- Camp Downer’s activities and programming are largely outdoors, offering ventilation and space for physical distancing.
- Respiratory Etiquette:
- Campers are encouraged to promote respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.
Response to Symptoms and Illness:
If respiratory illnesses begin spreading in camp, extra measures may be considered, including masking and testing. In the event that a camper tests positive for COVID-19, has a fever, or is too sick to engage in camp programming, Camp Downer’s healthcare staff will contact the emergency contact(s) listed on the camper’s medical form and the camper will need to be picked up within four hours.
Please understand that our policies and procedures may change at any time in order to prioritize the safety of all campers, their families, and our staff. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Please direct any questions to our Director, Alanna Gaylord, at director@campdowner.com.