COVID-19 UPDATES
We know that times are tough and uncertain this year, with the spread of the global pandemic - COVID-19 (Coronavirus.)
That being said, we have been watching the progression and news regarding the situation with NYC camps' allowance to reopen.
In the meantime, we are preparing all the necessary information and reading through the guidelines to assess whether we will be able to open should the mayor likewise give his permission. For now, we know the following information.
Please note, this information is subject to change as we continue to receive updates.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING UPDATED CLEARLY AND CAREFULLY AND ASSURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE.
Will we open?
If the city allows it, and we get the number of kids required and are able to observe all required and necessary precautions, yes.
In the event that we do open this summer, the following additional precautions will be taken:
In order to implement the lowest possible risk, as recommended by the CDC, we will be creating small groups of campers who will stay together for specified activities throughout the day. Campers remain at least 6 feet apart, when feasible, and do not share objects. Outdoor activities are prioritized and we will do our best to spend as much time in part and other outdoor locations, as permitted.
All of our campers are from the local geographic area and our staff will be restricted to the local area, throughout the entire summer, as well.
Stopping the potential spread
Though our cleanliness and hygiene policies are already stringent, we will be implementing and even more stringent routine. All campers and staff members will be required to wash their hands by CDC regulations numerous times throughout the day during, and not limited to, the following events: before, during, after meals, snacks, any food or beverage distribution/collection; distribution/collection of any toys and/or playing, learning, etc. materials; prior to pick-up times, after interaction with any parents or guardian; prior to drop-off times, after interaction with any parents or guardian; prior to/during/or after any interaction with anyone or anything outside the center; and many more times throughout the day.
Additional precautions taken are, but not limited to, the following:
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All toys and other such materials will be sanitized after each play and limited throughout the center;
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All transportation modes (including buses, cars, vans, etc.) used throughout camp will be sterilized before and after each use
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Drop-off and Pick-up occurrences will be limited and monitored. Parents/Guardians picking up or dropping off the campers will not be permitted inside the center unless absolutely necessary. Furthermore, masks and gloves will be required at drop-off/pick-up times.
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Campers must arrive in masks as well, which will then be individually stored throughout the day. We will not force children to wear masks all day as this will cause potential respiratory issues, however, there may be events that warrant masks in which case kids will be wearing them for a limited amount of time. When campers are picked up, the masks will be worn until the camper is safely handed off to the parent/guardian. All drop-offs and pick-ups will take place outside to limit interaction.
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All staff will adhere to strict hygiene rules as well and will follow all mask and glove protocols just as campers and parents.
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There will be a designated contact person on our staff responsible specifically for monitoring Covid-related safety and health measures.
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The following supplies will be readily available throughout our centers for the entirety of the camp: soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, paper towels, tissues, disinfectant wipes, no-touch/foot pedal trash cans, and more.
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We will continue in our standard routine of cleaning and disinfecting the center each evening.
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Our ventilation and water systems will receive a check by professionals prior to the start of camp as well to assure that everything is in working order.
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This is one of the most important facets that will allow us to maintain a safe and healthy environment: we already have a strict policy against sending your child to camp when they are sick, however, for the purpose of utmost safety and prevention tactics, this policy will now be extended to households. Should any member of your household, or those who have visited in the last two weeks, show any signs of potential illness, whether Covid-related or not, must inform us immediately. Sick staff members or campers should not return to camp until they have met CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation. Please note that we understand the difficulty of having to keep your child home but that difficulty is not equivalent to the risk that sending a sick (or exposed) child to the camp possess so this will be strictly enforced. Prior to confirming your registration, we require that each member of your household have been or is tested for Covid-19. A medical note will be required for each member prior to registration confirmation.
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We will have an intensive health and safety training for all staff members as well as substitute staff available in the event that a staff member is sick or showing possible symptoms.
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We will be conducting daily health checks (e.g., temperature screening and/or symptom checking) of staff and campers safely and respectfully, and in accordance with any applicable privacy laws and regulations.
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In the event that a staff member or camper displays any symptoms, we will have a designated isolation room until the staff member can leave or until the camper can be picked up.
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Other updates and safety measures will be added as we continue to understand the guidelines presented.
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All children (and adults) will have their temperature checked upon dropping off and picking up arrivals.
Updates on Trips and the Beach:
We do not yet have any updates from the government on what the restrictions will be for trips and beach usage. To our present knowledge, the beach will not be permitted, however, certain trips might still be allowed and will update you as soon as we know. Should we decide to take any trips, they will be thoroughly-vetted venues that fall within safety and health guidelines.
Regarding water activities - should the government maintain their restriction on pools and beaches, we will implement as many water activities as possible, such as portable sprinklers for the park or inflatable pools on-premises.
As soon as further updates are available, we will share them with you!
Updates on Food:
Although there have been some recommendations to allow campers to bring food from home as feasible, we do not consider this to be a safe alternative. We will be taking every measure possible to ensure that the food we provide is healthy, clean, and safe for consumption. Our goal for this summer was to hire a private chef for our camp specifically. As we continue getting more information from the city and CDC on food restrictions and guidelines, we will adjust and conform accordingly. We will also create an entirely separate and sanitized space for food storage to assure that no contamination of possible.
Again, we will continue updating the above measures as we get a better understanding of the guidelines, and as the city and CDC release more suggestions and requirements. Please check back often.