03/10/2020
Dear AstroCamp, Camp Motorsport & Camp CHOP Families,
Like most of you, we are keeping a close eye on the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19). While those at greatest risk from this disease appear to be the elderly and those with preexisting chronic illness, we are already planning to provide the safest and healthiest environment for the campers who come to our programs in Virginia this summer. We have been monitoring recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the American Camp Association, and the Association of Camp Nursing. We will continue to review our healthcare protocols as the summer nears to ensure we are exercising best practices with regards to disease prevention.
Currently, the steps we take at AstroCamp, Camp Motorsport & Camp CHOP to minimize the spread of illness include:
- It is crucial that each parent/guardian to screen each camper prior to attending camp. Keeping campers who are exhibiting fever, flu-like symptoms, coughing, shortness of breath, or other respiratory symptoms at homeuntil they are better. We will assimilate late arriving campers into the camp community with great care and enthusiasm.
- Arrival day screening: Our Camp Nurse will always ask campers and families if they have experienced any illnesses or flu-like symptoms in the last two weeks.
- Deep cleans of all camp facilities, using strong cleaning products and disinfectants are conducted regularly. This involves disinfecting all door handles, sink and toilets, and other common areas around camp.
- Campers and staff are taught and reminded to wash hands frequently with soap and water (while singing ABC’s or counting to 20), cough/sneeze into their elbow, refrain from touching their face with their hands, and not to share towels, pillows or water bottles. We also regularly remind campers to shower and maintain a clean living space while at camp.
- Kitchen surfaces and dining room tables are sanitized after each meal.
- We train our staff to be good observers and to get to know their campers. Through this training, we aim to identify potential signs of illness, including fatigue, coughing, etc. and to direct campers to the infirmary.
- Our RN will track campers who exhibit potential illness and isolate campers with a fever of 100 degrees and above.
- Parents will be contacted if their camper has a temperature of 100 degrees or more and/or needs to stay overnight in the health office.
What can you do before camp?
Parents can support our efforts to keep campers healthy by:
- Helping your camper learn to cough/sneeze into their elbow and refrain from touching their face with their hands.
- Ensuring your camper arrives at camp in good health, are well-rested, nourished, and hydrated.
- Advising us if your camper has recently traveled oversees or been around others who are sick.
When you send your child to camp, you should feel secure in the knowledge that we are doing everything within our power to keep them healthy. Please be assured that the health and safety of campers and staff is our highest priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation throughout the coming months. Thank you for entrusting your campers to us.
Sincerely,
John Swanwick
Summer Camp Director
AstroCamp, Camp Motorsport & Camp CHOP