COVID-19 Precautions & Policies

Updated January 5, 2023

 

All COVID policies and procedures are subject to change. We will continue to follow the guidance of public health experts to ensure that Schoolhouse follows up-to-date recommendations for health and safety.

Precautions we are taking for COVID-19 safety

  • All staff are required to provide proof of up-to-date vaccination or verification of exemption.
  • All staff will receive training to ensure they understand the safety requirements, protocols, and expectations to help ensure everyone in our programs and communities stays safe and prevents the spread of COVID-19.
  • We encourage masking as an extra precaution, but we do not require masks while outdoors or indoors unless someone is identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
  • Hand sanitizing is encouraged, including before eating.
  • Food and beverage sharing are not allowed at camp, except for siblings.

Vaccination Requirements

  • We encourage all people who are eligible to be vaccinated to do so. This is the best way to protect yourself and the community from the most severe symptoms of COVID-19. While all Schoolhouse staff are required to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, we do not require campers to be vaccinated.

Masking

  • While we encourage mask use as a precautionary measure in the prevention of illness, we do not require masks while outdoors or indoors unless someone is identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19.

Sick Campers and Staff before the camp day

  • Please monitor your camper for any indication that they are ill. We ask that campers with any sign of illness stay home until their symptoms improve. Please call the Site Manager to report all absences from camp.
  • If a staff member feels ill, they will contact their supervisor, and follow appropriate protocol.

Sick Campers and Staff at camp

  • If a camper or staff appears to be ill, or shares that they are feeling unwell while at camp, they will be moved to an isolated location under supervision. Caregivers will be notified of the symptoms and the need for immediate pick-up.
  • Families are encouraged to coordinate decision making around the child’s care with family health care provider.
  • We will follow the Health Department’s guidance for contact tracing and inform families from all groups who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
  • If there are indications that a staff member or camper with COVID-19 (symptomatic or asymptomatic) has attended camp, we will notify families immediately.

Cancellations due to COVID-19 or Other Illness

COVID Symptoms, Exposure, and Testing

  • If a camper or staff tests positive for COVID-19
    • Camper or staff must isolate for 5 days and then return based on the following:
      • Campers or staff can return on day 6 if symptoms have improved AND they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
      • They must wear a well-fitting mask for through day 10.
    • Day 0 is either the day of the COVID test or the day of symptom onset. Day 1 is the first full day after testing or the first full day after symptoms started.
  • If a camper or staff is identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19:
    • Campers and staff who are close contacts with no symptoms can come to camp but must wear a well-fitting mask through day 10. The CDC recommends close contacts be tested on or after day 5.
    • Campers and staff who are close contacts and do have symptoms will follow the protocol for COVID symptoms.
  • If a camper or staff is sent home with COVID symptoms or they missed camp due to COVID symptoms, they must test for COVID (either a PCR or home test).
    • If the test is negative, camper or staff may return if they have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine AND symptoms have improved.
    • If a camper chooses not to test, they will be assumed to be positive for COVID and will follow that protocol.

Stay in Touch

  • After Camp: We request that families remain in contact with us post-camp. Please let us know if anyone in your household tests positive for COVID-19 in the two weeks after attending camp. If this is the case, we will notify all campers and staff who may have been in contact with the camper.