We have not made final decisions around COVID Policies & Procedures for the Summer of 2023 but will be sure to keep our families and community in the loop on those decisions.
Our goal for 2022 is to return to more of our “normal” operation, while still prioritizing the health and safety of our campers, staff, and the greater community. We were thrilled to reopen in 2021 and successfully served 1,850 campers without a single case of COVID-19 among campers or staff.
It’s important to note that we can’t guarantee a COVID-free summer; but we will do everything we can to keep COVID out of camp and be transparent with parents when we have a positive case. We will be following the recommendations from Washington State Department of Health for Overnight Summer camps as well as recommendations from the American Camp Association and our local Vashon COVID response team. Our specific policies are listed below. Camp Fire reserves the right to alter or update our policies if circumstances change while our programs are in action.
Vaccines & COVID Testing
- Vaccines are required (up to date including eligible boosters) for:
- All staff and volunteers
- CITs, RSITs, and LEADs
- Campers enrolled in a program which includes an out of camp trip (Kiwanis and Adventure)
- We strongly recommend that all campers are fully vaccinated. For those who are not vaccinated, we require proof of a negative COVID test (PCR test, if possible) no more than 72 hours before the start of camp.
- All campers, including those who are vaccinated, are recommended to test prior to camp.
- Proof of vaccination or negative pre-camp COVID test are required.
- In addition to pre-camp testing, we will also conduct a rapid test for all campers after arriving at camp.
- We will also test any campers who present symptomatic illness (see our COVID & Contagious Illness Policy) during their camp session.
Masks
- Masks will be required in some circumstances. Campers should pack a supply of masks (one for each day) and plan to carry them at all times.
- Masks will be required in these situations:
- All campers, staff, and families must wear masks at check-in and check-out
- On Da Boata and during van or bus travel to/from camp
- Indoors when multiple groups are congregated together
- Crowded, large-group gatherings indoors or outdoors
- In the camp health care center
- Visitors at camp
- Any individual who presents symptoms of illness or who has a possible exposure to COVID-19 (see our COVID & Contagious Illness Policy)
- All campers and staff may wear a mask if they choose to at any time, and will be supported in their decision.
Contagious Illness Policies
Our primary responsibility is to the overall health and safety of the entire camp community. Communicable disease is a frequent concern in an overnight camp setting, so we will take steps to reduce contagion among campers and staff; including both COVID-19 and non-COVID contagious illnesses. Campers and staff who test positive for COVID, are exposed to someone testing positive, or who have symptoms of illness (COVID or not) will not be allowed to stay at camp.
Please take a few minutes to review our Contagious Illness Policy, including our decision-making process for when campers must stay home.
COVID & Contagious Illness Policy
FAQs:
Can I request that my child be in a cabin only with those who are vaccinated?
No. Making cabin placements is a highly complex process with many factors to consider. Grouping kids by vaccination status would lead to issues of exclusion and would unfairly impact those who, for many reasons, are not able to get vaccinated.
Will you be able to offer transportation aboard Da Boata for the summer of 2022?
Yes, Da Boata is returning in 2022. All campers, staff, and families must wear masks during check-in and check-out and aboard Da Boata.
Are specialty programs returning? What about field trips?
Yes! We are excited to bring back our Adventure & Kiwanis programs, along with our trips out of camp for our CITs/RSITs. Participants in these programs must be up to date on vaccinations.
Can my child get a vaccine waiver for medical or religious reasons?
Yes. We will evaluate the need for a vaccine waiver for medical or religious reasons on a case by case basis. Contact us at meaghanb@campfireseattle.org.