COVID-19: Update
April 30, 2021
Dear All,
Testing Protocol Modifications
Testing Prior to Camp: As testing has thankfully become more readily available around the world, we are requiring that the PCR Covid-19 test be taken for all First Session campers on or after Thursday, June 10, 2021. The result MUST be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, June 14, 2021.
Rapid Testing at the Busses: Our initial plan was to test all of the campers upon arrival. However, after further review with Dr. Laura Blaisdell, we have decided that we are going to have all the campers take the rapid test prior to boarding the busses to camp. Yes, that means that campers flying into Cleveland, Buffalo, Detroit, and Pittsburgh will test upon arrival prior to boarding the busses to camp from the airport, and yes, that means that in each city where busses will be departing, we will be setting up testing stations. Once your child has a negative rapid test, he or she will be permitted to board the bus to camp. This process will help us out tremendously. For example, if a child develops Covid-19 symptoms on the second day of camp and then tests positive, we will not have to do contact tracing back to the busses. This will, in turn, avoid the need to put multiple different bunks into quarantine. We are thrilled that we can make this work, and eliminate a lot more of the uncertainty upfront.
NO CAMPER WILL BE PERMITTED TO BOARD THE BUS TO CAMP WITHOUT BOTH A NEGATIVE PCR TEST AND A NEGATIVE RAPID TEST.
Day 5 Pooled PCR Test:
This test will take place as scheduled on Sunday, June 20, 2021.
Day 10 Pooled PCR Test:
If all day 5 tests are negative, this test will be eliminated 🙂
Testing Method
Many parents have inquired as to the method of testing. Both the rapid test prior to boarding the busses as well as the Day 5 Pooled PCR test will be a lower nasal swab and will be the least invasive but effective method available to use for children.
Covid Positive
Question: What if my child tests positive prior to boarding the bus?
Answer: We will retest your child on the spot, and if your child remains positive, our team will make arrangements for your child to be driven to camp, either by you or by us, and observe protocols there until cleared. You, as the parent, also have the option of simply bringing your child home and receiving a full refund.
Question: What if my child tests positive on the Day 5 pooled PCR test at camp?
Answer: Our plan for this has not changed. We will keep your children in camp, provide parallel programming and a full daily schedule, and we will reintegrate them back into their bunk cohort as soon as possible.
Makeup Machal
A PCR Covid-19 test must be taken for all Makeup Machal campers on or after Wednesday, June 16, 2021. The result MUST be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. EST on Saturday, June 19, 2021. Makeup Machal campers will have a rapid test prior to boarding the bus and a Day 5 Pooled PCR test – the same protocol as set forth above for the rest of camp. However, if your child is vaccinated, then he or she will not be required to be rapid tested before boarding the bus to camp or take the Day 5 Pooled PCR test.
Second Session
Testing protocols for Second Session will be updated closer to July.
MyMedBot
We are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with an organization called MyMedBot. They have created an app for all smartphones that allows you, as the parent, to upload your Negative PCR test result, answer health questions for the 10 days leading up to camp, and much much more! It’s simple, easy to use, and provides daily reminders on the app itself. You will receive a separate signup email when we activate the program.
Covid Questions
If you have any follow up questions, please send a WhatsApp to our Marp Administrator, Ann Williams, at +972-58-405-1705 or email her at ann@campstone.org.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to Camp Stone.
Sincerely,
Sincerely, Yakov & Estee