How Will Camps Be Different This Year?
Our Covid-19 Health Protocol
We are excited to announce that our in-person summer programs are officially happening!
Our camp programs are grounded in connection: connection to nature, to activity, and to each other. Coronavirus precautions require distance. We believe that both the TI experience and Covid precautions are essential right now, and we are doing everything we can to balance those two values while keeping our participants, staff, families, and the extended community safe. Below is an abridged version of our health protocols that will help minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus (see a full version here).
All of our programs are 100% outdoors, and the majority of our activities take place in small groups of 5-10 people. This is very much in our favor, as being outside and in small numbers greatly reduces the chance of the virus spreading.
We are closely monitoring national, state, and local health guidelines, and will meet or exceed state specific criteria. Our plans remain adaptable in response to state and local authorities. These protocols are based on criteria set by our home state of North Carolina.
Unfortunately,
we
cannot
guarantee an exposure-free experience
, and so the responsibility is on each one of us to ensure that we keep camp virus-free. Campers and staff will effectively quarantine together in our beautiful mountain valley. If everyone comes healthy, everyone will leave healthy. In this spirit of community trust and responsibility, if you or your family is not 100% certain or is concerned about transmission, we ask that you re-join us next year.
If a camper or family member has had exposure to someone who has tested positive for Covid in the last 14 days, they need to notify TI immediately, as it makes them ineligible for our program this summer.
Preventative Care
- In order to attend our programs, all staff and participants will need to confirm that they and all of their household members have been symptom-free for the past 14 days. Parents of campers need to record their child's temperature for the 7 days preceding camp and bring that record on arrival day. We ask that travel and social interaction be limited in the week leading up to camp to help prevent exposure. We also require a hard copy of an additional hold harmless agreement to be submitted prior to arrival.
Physical Distancing
- When possible, we will maintain safe distances from each other. However, in order to preserve the integrity of our camp experience, we will keep some activities that require physical contact. Others, like our tradition of holding hands before each meal, will be replaced with no-contact alternatives.
Hand Hygiene & Sanitation
- Hand sanitizing stations will be available at all times. Running water, soap, and personal alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be plentiful. Staff and participants will sanitize hands regularly throughout our programs.
Sleeping Arrangements
- Campers and staff will bring small one-person tents to sleep in and store their belongings in. Hammocks with full coverage tarps are permitted as an alternative to the tent.
Masks
- Our food service staff will wear masks while serving meals. Other camp staff are not required to wear masks, nor are campers. Everyone is encouraged to bring masks and wear them at their own discretion.
Visitors
- This year only we'll keep our campus closed to visitors. We will not host guest instructors, and our usual inclusive breakfast on the morning of pickup will not be possible.
High touch surfaces
- The few high touch surfaces at Turtle Island will be regularly disinfected. Any objects that must be touched by more than one person will be frequently disinfected.
Respiratory Etiquette
- We will develop a strong culture of “respiratory etiquette,” such as coughing into the elbow and minimizing expectoration.
Pick-up and Drop-off
- We ask for parents and families to stay in their vehicles during the arranged drop off and pick up times.
Daily Screening
- All staff and campers will be screened each day for symptoms including fever. If any symptoms are found, campers will be placed under the supervision of our on-site registered nurse, and if symptoms don’t clear up quickly, we will ask that they return home.
Cancellation Policy
- If our programs are canceled due to Covid-19 regulations, full refunds will be issued. If participants need to leave a program due to the presence of viral symptoms, they will receive a prorated refund for the days they do not attend. Previously registered campers who choose to withdraw registration from camp in 2020 will have the option to forward their
normally nonrefundable
deposit toward camp in 2021 or donate the full $250 to Turtle Island Camps with consideration for the financial hardship we have experienced due to the virus.
