Camper Health and Safety
Covenant Harbor takes health and safety standards very seriously. They are some of the most important parts of the summer camp experience. Additionally, our health and safety procedures permeate at all levels of camper operations, from staff training to housing and grounds preparations and upkeep, to medical staff, and camper protection policies. Operating summer camp in light of the Covid 19 pandemic requires additional levels of precautions to ensure campers and staff stay healthy while on the grounds.
Here is how Covenant Harbor is preparing a safe and healthy camp environment for summer 2022.
Staff
Our hiring process
Covenant Harbor has a highly selective process for hiring summer staff. This process includes multiple interviews with our full-time staff as well as references from people who know applicants in different areas of their life. All this is to ensure a multi-faceted approach to screening each applicant and helps us hire the very best staff possible.
Our staff training process
Great summer staff is what makes a summer at camp fantastic, and training those staff members is a part of that. All staff spends many days in training prior to the arrival of campers. Training topics include team building, small group leadership, evangelism, age characteristics, camper safety, daily role expectations, discipline, cabin group dynamics, severe weather and emergency preparedness, and more.
Our summer staff also spends time during training focused on the mental health of kids and teens. We strive to equip our staff to come alongside campers and provide extra support for kids while at camp.
In addition to a team of counselors, we hire support and leadership staff that specialize in specific areas of camp. This includes specialized training and certifications for lifeguards activity team members and the nursing staff. These specialized staff camper safety and experience to be maximized because counselors are more available to supervise and spend time with children while at these additional activities and locations.
Covenant Harbor exceeds the training requirements provided by both the State of Wisconsin and the American Camping Association.
Camper Protection
At Covenant Harbor, all staff completes a criminal background checks as a part of the rigorous hiring process. We also work with third parties (like Praesidium, Inc.) to integrate their detailed screening processes into our interviews and reference forms to ensure only the best candidates are selected. Our staff training at the beginning of summer also includes numerous sessions relating to child protection. The schedule, structure and procedures that Covenant Harbor uses every day are done to mitigate risk and protect children.
Covenant Harbor’s Accreditation
Covenant Harbor is accredited by ACA (American Camp Association). This is a rigorous process in order to be an accredited ACA camp.
In addition, we are a member of the CCCA (Christian Camp and Conference Association) organization. CCCA provides resources for current trends in camping news, and an annual conference for continued education in the camping field.
Lastly, we are a part of the Association of Covenant Camps and Conference Centers, ACCCC. The Evangelical Covenant Church, the parent organization of Covenant Harbor, has different conferences located throughout the United States, many of which own their own camp like Covenant Harbor. We meet annually, have a governing board, and do a joint mission project each summer.
Healthy Policies and Procedures
Guidance and Vaccinations
Covenant Harbor takes its guidance from our medical professionals to ensure that we minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We also keep close tabs on the recommendations of the Center of Disease and Control or CDC so that we can provide a safe and healthy experience for your camper.
Vaccines are not required to attend camp, nor are we asking for proof of vaccination from those that are. The CDC states, “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and widely accessible in the United States.” We encourage you to consult with your physician when considering vaccination.
Health Screenings
Campers will complete a health today questionnaire upon arrival at the camp. There will be a health form to complete as a part of your online registration. This is to ensure that every person is feeling well before coming to camp. If you become sick 10 days prior to your week at camp, we ask that you contact us. Please help us to keep camp going all summer. If your camper is not feeling well, or if you have reason to believe your camper might have COVID, please stay home and do not come to camp.
Questions include:
- Do you feel well? Yes /No
- Circle any of the following that you have experienced or been exposed to in the past 14 days: Communicable diseases/ Temperature above 100 degrees/ Sore throat/ Diarrhea
- Do you take any medications regularly? Yes /No
- Did you bring any medications to camp? Yes /No
- Has any information changed since you completed your Medical Form or your Health Screening Form? Yes/No
- Are there any special needs that we should be aware of or would you like to talk to our Medical Team? Yes/No
Increased Sanitation
High-touch areas of Covenant Harbor’s site and facilities will be sanitized regularly throughout the days and weeks. Hand-washing and sanitizing stations will continue to be used throughout the summer.
Cabins will be assessed daily by counselors and sanitized between each camp group.
Schedule
Similar to last summer, Covenant Harbor’s outdoor environment will be heavily utilized for as much programming as possible. We are looking forward to meals in the lodge and potential meals outdoors, weather permitting.
Covenant Harbor remains mask friendly. When indoors we are not requiring masks, but do recommend them for those not fully vaccinated or with a family member who may be at an increased health risk. Disposable masks are available upon request.
After Camp
We ask that you contact Covenant Harbor if your camper becomes ill within 10 days of attendance. We are dedicated to being transparent when cases arrive and want to make sure we follow contact tracing procedures.
Special Covid-19 Notes
A suspected case at camp will result in clear and timely communication to parents or guardians, quarantining and medical care of the camper, supervised and programmed isolation of that cabin group, and close work with Covenant Harbor’s medical team. If your camper has specific symptoms, the Covenant Harbor team will work with you to arrange a plan for pick up.
We will continue to communicate current health policies and procedures, keeping families up to date on any changes.
If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call at 262-248-3600 or by email.