COVID-19 Information

 

When families choose Camp Wingate*Kirkland, they are counting on us to provide an experience that takes responsibility for everyone’s emotional and physical safety.

Below are protocols we followed for Summer 2022. We will continue to monitor and follow guidelines laid out by the CDC, State of Massachusetts, Town of Yarmouth and American Camp Association and make updates as necessary.

Summer 2022 Information

Guidance

We are fortunate to have strong ties throughout the camp and local community providing information and support.

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  • Camp Wingate*Kirkland is a member of the American Camp Association (ACA). Since March of 2020, the ACA has continually developed and provided COVID resources specifically for camps.
  • In the spring of 2020, ACA partnered with the health consultancy firm Environmental Health and Engineering (EH&E) to develop the “Field Guide for Camps on Implementation of CDC Guidance”. The Field Guide contains extensive and detailed recommendations on all aspects of camp and they continue to release updates as information and regulations evolve.
  • Camp Wingate*Kirkland has an outstanding relationship with Town of Yarmouth and Mass. Department of Public Health and have been working closely with them since last March. We will continue to collaborate, share information and review plans with town and state officials so that we follow all local guidelines and keep the W*K community safe.

Preparation

We have been reviewing and updating our policies and procedures to ensure a healthy Summer 2022. We will continue to monitor and revise our plans as we receive new guidance.

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Some of the plans we’re making include:

  • Onsite testing We have various forms of testing available at Camp for Summer 2022 to provide fast and reliable results.
  • Vaccinations – All eligible campers and staff are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Screening Staff will be screened by W*K’s health care team upon arrival. Staff training will function as a quarantine period, during which staff health will be monitored. Overnight campers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival and submit negative results. Overnight campers must also take a rapid test the day of arrival and submit negative results. We will share updates as guidance dictates. 
  • Program modifications – All activities will be continually assessed and amended as necessary.
  • Trip modifications – Out of camp trips will be assessed and amended as necessary.    
  • Cleaning – We have a stockpile of supplies and protocols are in place to ensure common high-touch areas/surfaces are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
  • Hygiene – Campers and staff will be instructed in proper hand-washing techniques and required to wash their hands regularly. Liquid hand sanitizer dispensers are also available across Camp. 
  • Food service The Dining Hall setup will mitigate contact between groups and minimize overall numbers. We will space tables out, utilize outdoor seating, open windows and doors and operate ceiling fans for air flow. Additionally, we are excited to continue to offer expanded outdoor seating!
  • Staff training  Summer 2022 will contain new staff training sessions about COVID-19, in terms of policy and procedures designed to keep everyone safe, and the additional impact the pandemic has had on children and staff emotional wellbeing.

Cooperation

At Camp Wingate*Kirkland we value every relationship with parents as a partnership – working together with the common goal of helping your child be the best version of themselves – teaching life skills, sharing new experiences and creating friendships. As we look forward to summer 2022, there is a higher level of expectation as we continue to keep one another healthy. As partners, we agree:

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  • To continue to exercise caution outside of the Camp W*K site, avoiding unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 and potential harm to the group.
  • We expect open and honest communication from you, the parents/guardians, if your child is ill or if anyone in your family should come in to contact with someone who has contracted the virus. You can expect the same from us.
  • We will work tirelessly every day to keep W*K clean and sanitized, while also teaching your children routines and good hygiene habits while they are at Camp.

Procedures

Our goal remains the same as always: to create a safe and memorable experience, while staying true to W*K’s values. Here are some of the steps we are taking towards a successful and healthy summer 2022 at Camp Wingate*Kirkland:

Gathering The Best Information

Since the start of COVID, we have been in communication with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and American Camp Association to learn the best ways to operate camp in a healthy way. As much as our families want fast answers, we are prioritizing getting the right answers. We will continue to gather the best information and adjust to this constantly evolving situation.

Listening To Experts

We are committed to running Camp only if we can do so responsibly and safely. We are camp experts but not medical professionals. To determine the best approach, we are listening to our team of health care professionals and relevant authorities. We are diligently planning for many different scenarios and will adjust according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines to operate camp in a healthy manner.

Top-Notch Medical Staff

Every summer, we assemble an experienced, first-class medical team. We hire 12-14 medical staff to work on-site for the summer. Our team is lead by multiple camp doctors who make scheduled visits and are also on-call. This summer, our medical staff will be thoroughly trained on COVID-19 medical procedures and will be equipped with the appropriate PPE.

Dedication To Sanitation

We have raised our sanitation standards to match and exceed State and local recommendations. Our housekeeping team works hard to keep Camp W*K clean and will increase the frequency in which they conduct deep cleanings of shared surfaces and indoor facilities.

Personal Hygiene

While personal hygiene has always been an important part of camp, it will become a point of special emphasis this summer. We have added hand washing and sanitizing stations throughout Camp.

Safe Community

We must all work together to ensure the health and safety of our community. We expect families and staff to make conscious and safe choices prior to arriving at Camp to eliminate unnecessary exposures.

Testing

All overnight campers and staff will be required to submit a pre-camp PCR test 72 hours prior to their first day of camp.

Additionally, overnight campers must submit the results of a rapid antigen test before being allowed on Camp transportation or to move into a bunk on Opening Day, June 29, 2022 or the Start of Second Half, July 24, 2022. Testing will continue throughout the summer as necessary.

Quick Response Protocol

We are prepared to react swiftly, and have established quarantine and isolation procedures. All families should have a plan in place to pick up their camper within 24 hours if necessary.

Clear Communication

As always, Camp W*K is committed to open and honest communication. We recognize the importance of sharing the best information available as quickly as possible.

We will keep you informed as we obtain more specific guidance and regulations from the Massachusetts Department of Health.

Exposure or Positive Test Result

Exposure: Following CDC guidelines, unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 must quarantine at home for at least 5 full days (with Day 0 being the day of exposure). Asymptomatic individuals may return to Camp on Day 6 and must wear a mask until Day 11.

Vaccinated individuals who are exposed (with Day 0 being the day of exposure) do not need to quarantine but must wear a mast until Day 11.

Positive Test Result: Regardless of vaccination status, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate at home for at least 5 full days (with Day 0 being the the first day of symptoms or positive test). Asymptomatic individuals or those who have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and whose symptoms are improving may return to Camp on Day 6 and must wear a mask until Day 11.

We will keep you informed as we obtain more specific guidance and regulations from the Massachusetts Department of Health.

 

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