Summer 2021 COVID Policies Released
The State of Washington has released its guidelines for the operation of overnight camp during the summer of 2021. Based on these guidelines and recommendations from the CDC and the American Camp Association, Sunset Lake has released its COVID Policies for 2021. Currently overnight camps are only allowed in phase 3 of Washington’s recovery plan. Pierce County was shifted back to Phase 2 because of a rise in cases. We will only be able to operate summer camp when the county returns to Phase 3. We are hopeful that we will meet this goal, but will keep you informed of our plans in the coming weeks. If you have questions regarding these policies, please contact the camp.
Sunset Lake COVID-19 Policies
Summer 2021
Introduction
The State of Washington has approved the operation of residential summer camps in counties operating in Phase 3 or higher of Washington’s Roadmap to Recovery Plan. Sunset Lake is in Pierce County which was dropped back to phase 2 on April 16. Our county’s status is being evaluated every three weeks (May 3, May 24, and June 14).
We are hopeful that with the vaccine now available for everyone over 16 that we will begin to see our numbers go down before the start of camp. We will keep our camp families updated on our status as we move forward.
The procedures outlined below are based on the guidelines from the State of Washington. We are also utilizing guidelines and input from the American Camp Association, the Center for Disease Control, the Association of Camp Nurses and Environmental Health and Engineering Inc., and the Washington State and Pierce County Departments of Health. These polices may need to be adjusted as the guidelines from the State of Washington are constantly changing.
A complete COVID Policy Guidebook will be produced prior to summer, posted on our website, and submitted to the county health department for review. For more information and resources see the following documents:
1. Washington State Guidelines - https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19%20Outdoor%20Recreation%20Guidance.pdf
2. CDC Guidelines for Camps - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/summer-camps.html
3. ACA Field Guide for Camps - https://acacamps.app.box.com/s/7gkh9buu3ntssx2v38gajg4z94631lag
Preparing to Welcome You
At Sunset Lake you belong. Pandemics and social distancing can never change that reality. Our summer team is working hard before you ever arrive to make sure your week is safe and filled with amazing memories.
1. Staff Arrival Procedures – All summer staff will follow CDC travel guidelines on their travel to camp. All staff members will receive a COVID test upon their arrival at camp. We will quarantine throughout staff week and test all staff again at the end of the week.
2. Vaccination – While we are not allowed to require vaccinations for our staff, we have strongly encouraged them to consider this alternative. Most of our team will arrive at camp fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
3. Creating a Bubble – To do all we can to limit potential exposure from outside elements, no visitors will be allowed on camp, except for deliveries. Unvaccinated staff will not be allowed to leave camp except on supervised outings where our social bubble can be maintained. Anyone leaving camp will adhere to all state and local guidelines, including social distancing and mask wearing.
4. Testing and Health Screening – All staff members will receive daily temperature checks and health screenings. Once a week all non-vaccinated staff will be tested for COVID-19.
5. Cleaning Procedures – Each Sunday, between camp sessions, cabins and facilities will be cleaned and sanitized using the latest guidelines from the CDC, State and local health departments. For more information on our cleaning procedures see below.
Getting Ready for Fun
Aside from registering for camp and packing your suitcase, there will be a few more things that you will need to do this year to be ready for camp.
1.14-day Self-screening – Campers, with the parent’s help, will need to monitor their temperature and symptoms for 14 days prior to the start of camp. Each camper will receive a form to record the results. Please bring this with you to camp. You will need to show it when you arrive. During this time we also suggest that you maintain physical distancing and mask-wearing when not at home, avoiding unnecessary travel, and refraining from indoor social gatherings with people outside of your household.
2. COVID Testing – No more than three days before the start of camp (Thursday) each camper will need to receive a COVID test. You must show proof of a negative test result upon your arrival at camp. Check online with your local county health department for a list of sites offering free COVID tests. While several types of tests are available, we would prefer the PCR test as it is the most accurate. These self-administered tests are quick and painless. If you have trouble finding a free test in your area, let us know and we can assist in finding a testing site near you.
3. Quarantine - Once your child has taken the COVID test they must quarantine at home and have contact with only immediate members of their family living at the same address. Make it a fun weekend with movie and game nights or a camp-out in the backyard!
Arriving at Camp – What to Expect
Arriving at camp is always exciting and at times a bit stressful. Here’s what you can expect when you arrive at Sunset Lake.
1. Transportation – We strongly encourage only those in the same household to travel to camp together. If you must carpool with another family, everyone in the car must wear a face covering and spread out as much as possible. Maximize ventilation by opening windows.
2. At the Gate – Your first registration stop will be at the gate. Our staff will check each camper’s temperature and symptoms. Make sure you have your proof of a negative COVID test and your 14-day self-screening form ready for the staff to review.
3. Drive through registration – To keep everyone safe and healthy, our registration will be entirely drive through. Parents will not need to leave the vehicle. Be sure to take care of all finances and paperwork prior to arriving at camp. Have any medications for your child in a separate bag outside of your child’s luggage. Camp staff will carry your child’s luggage to the cabin. You will say your goodbyes in your vehicle.
The Week at a Glance
While camp may look a little different this year, we are going to pack the week full of all the familiar fun and adventure you’ve come to expect from Sunset Lake.
1. Cabin Groups – In order limit the possible spread of COVID at Sunset Lake, the camp will be divided up into cabin groups of up to 16 campers (two cabins). Cabin assignments and cabin group arrangements will be based on what class your camper has signed up for. During the week, these cabin groups will operate independently and have no close contact with other cabin groups. If you want to ensure that your child stays in the same cabin as a friend, they will need to be registered for the same morning class.
2. Weekly Schedule Change – Because of the restructuring required to organize camp around cabin groups, we will need to shift from a 7-day week of camp to a 6-day camp week. Camp will begin on Sunday as usual but will end on Friday evening at 7:30 pm. Camper pick up will be at 7:45 on Friday night. Unfortunately, because of increased costs of operating during this health crisis, we will not be reducing the cost of summer camp.
3. Outdoor activities – Because the state COVID guidelines require that camp activities be primarily outdoors, there are several classes that will not be offered in 2021. All STEM programs and the culinary class have been canceled. Our Art Studio will transition to be mainly outdoors this summer.
4. All the Fun you’ve come to Expect – The day will look and feel much like any other summer. We’ll have classes in the morning, activities in the afternoon, recreation and campfire in the evening.
Mealtime with a Twist
Mealtimes are always a favorite at Sunset Lake. And while some of our procedures will be new, the food will taste just as good and the great conversation and laughter will still ring out over a meal of Alberto’s famous pizza!
1. Hand Washing Station – Hand washing will be a ritual at camp this summer. To help in the process, we will install a handwashing sink outside the dining hall. All campers will wash their hands prior to every meal.
2. Cafeteria Style – all meals will be served cafeteria style or grab and go. There will be no self-serve buffet lines.
3. Outdoor seating – The State is strongly encouraging campers and staff to eat outdoors. We will have picnic tables set up outside for cabin groups to eat at. We will also set up a tent with tables and chairs in case the weather is rainy. We can also seat people in the cafeteria at 50% capacity.
4. Food prep – As always, all of our food service workers will earn their food handlers permit and gloves will be worn during food preparation. In addition masks will be worn at all times.
5. Utensils - Disposable dishes and cutlery packs will be used throughout the summer.
6. Drinks and Condiments – Single serve drinks and individual packs of condiments and dressings will be available at each meal.
10 Secrets to a Safe Week
The most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and provide a safe week of camp for all is to utilize several key non-pharmaceutical interventions. Think of these practices as layers of swiss cheese. One layer won’t stop the virus from spreading, but as you layer one on top of the other these practices become more and more effective at preventing the spread of the virus.
1. Masks – Mask will be required to be worn throughout the day when interacting with campers or staff outside of your cabin group. Masks will not need to be worn in the cabin, while eating at mealtime, at the waterfront, and when your cabin group is outside by themselves and can maintain proper distancing.
2. Social Distancing – maintaining 6 feet of distance helps to minimize the potential spread of the virus. Sleeping arrangements in the cabins will ensure that there is at least 6 feet between heads.
3. Proper Ventilation – Outdoor activities and proper indoor ventilation are two of the keys to reducing the risk of an outbreak. We will hold most of our activities outside and provide indoor ventilation, particularly in sleeping areas, with the use of fans.
4. Cabin Groups – By creating cabin groups – or cohorts – we can create small bubbles that limit the potential spread of the virus to a small group. Each cohort will have up to 16 campers.
5. Temperature and symptom checks – each morning the campers will have their temperature checked and will be asked specific question about how they are feeling.
6. Testing – Unvaccinated staff members will be COVID tested each week to ensure that they are healthy. All campers will be tested prior to coming to camp. If any camper or staff presents symptoms during the week they will immediately be quarantined and given a rapid antigen test.
7. Hand washing – There will be designated hand washing stations around camp. Campers will wash hands at regular intervals throughout the day, particularly before each meal and after using the restroom.
8. Quarantining and Isolation – If someone does get sick, immediate quarantining is the best method to prevent an outbreak. See the next section for more details.
9. Sanitization and Cleaning – Sunset Lake Camp will follow CDC guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing. On Sunday’s, between sessions, the camp will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. At least two times a day high touch areas and bathrooms will be cleaned and sanitized. Shared equipment, such as helmets and lifejackets will be sanitized after each use.
10. Vaccination – all staff members have been strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine. Most of them will come to camp fully vaccinated. Those not vaccinated will be unable to leave camp.
What If Someone Gets Sick?
We will do our best to prevent this from happening, but the possibility remains that someone may contract COVID-19 while at camp. Here is how we will respond.
1. Our medical team will immediately contact you (the parent or legal guardian) if your camper displays COVID-19 symptoms or has been exposed to someone who is symptomatic.
2. If your child is displaying symptoms, they will immediately be quarantined from all other campers and staff and administered a 15-minute rapid Antigen test. If the test is positive, they will remain in quarantine and you will be advised to pick up your child as soon as possible. You should consult your physician upon returning home.
3. If the test is negative and symptoms persist, the child will remain in quarantine. You will be advised to pick up your child. A negative antigen test should be followed up by a more accurate PCR test.
4. If a confirmed COVID-19 case is found on camp all members of that person’s cabin group will be quarantined as a group and their parents will be contacted. Sunset Lake will follow the current guidance of the CDC and local health department to mitigate the risk of further spread. The most likely outcome is that the entire cabin group will be sent home. Each person who had exposure should receive a PCR test within 3-5 days of exposure. If the test is negative, they should remain in quarantine for a total of 7 days.
Attending a Second Week
If your child is registered for two weeks of camp in a row, the following procedures must be followed.
1. Pick your camper at the end of the first week (Friday Evening). Only immediate family members from the same household can be in the car.
2. Maintain strict quarantine on Saturday and Sunday morning. Make sure your child has contact with only members of their immediate family from the same household.
3. Travel to camp on Sunday with only immediate family members in the car.
4. Upon arrival at camp your child will be given a rapid antigen COVID test. If positive, your child will not be admitted to camp.
Going Home
It is always sad to see camp end. Aside from listening to all the great adventures your child had, there are a few other things we would ask you to do.
1. We recommend keeping your child home for one week after attending camp. During this time, monitor your child’s symptoms and temperature daily.
2. Between 3-5 days after returning home have your child tested for COVID utilizing the free testing site you utilized before camp.
3. If your child’s test returns positive, please contact the medical team at Sunset Lake as soon as possible to allow us to carry out contact tracing and limit the spread of the disease.
Updated April 26, 2021