COVID-19: Update
February 1, 2021
Dear All,
In our last communication we introduced you to Dr. Laura Blaisdell, our medical consultant guiding us in preparing Covid-19 protocols for this summer. We continue working with Dr. Blaisdell on creating a full Covid-19 handbook, which will be released to the camp community.
We are also aware that parents and staff members are already planning travel for this coming summer as well as other activities and events. Therefore, we wanted to give all of you a few basic pieces of information right now so that you may begin planning.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We know that some campers and staff members have had Covid-19, have developed certain antibodies, and may have been vaccinated. All of this will be addressed on a case by case basis, much closer to the summer. For now, all the questions and answers below apply to EVERYONE.
Getting hundreds of campers to Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania every summer from all of these locations is a highly complex logistical puzzle. We have an AMAZING team of individuals dedicated to making travel work as well as it does each and every year.
Will travel look different this summer? Yes.
Will we still take care of every single camper and make sure it remains a top priority? Absolutely.
Let’s jump in.
Will I have to get a Covid-19 test prior to coming to camp?
Answer: Yes
Everyone will be required to get a PCR Covid-19 test and upload the negative result of the test to our system.
That test MUST be taken during the week of:
June 6 – June 12 = First Session
July 11 – July 17 = Second Session
Campers will not be permitted to board the bus / plane to camp unless that negative test result is loaded into our system by Monday.
Will Camp Stone require a form of home isolation prior to coming to camp?
A: Yes
While all the details of this have not yet been determined, what we can tell you now is that campers and staff members will be required to change their exposure behaviors 10 days prior to arrival at camp. During this 10 day period, attendance at large gatherings (more than 20 people) will be strictly prohibited. Additionally, all unmasked and non-distanced interactions with individuals outside of your household will also be strictly prohibited during this 10 day period. Attendance at school is permitted.
Will I be allowed to come to Camp Stone late, even if it is only 1 day late?
Answer: No
There will be staggered arrivals for staff members, by design, during the week of Pre Camp. However, the last date that ANYONE will be permitted to enter the campgrounds will be
June 15, 2021 = First Session
July 20, 2021 = Second Session
Exception: The campers arriving on Sunday, June 20, 2021 for the Make-Up Machal program, which will operate entirely independently.
Will anyone be permitted to visit camp? Will anyone be allowed to leave camp and return?
Answer: No and No
We are creating a closed environment at camp following the arrival of the campers. The only individuals permitted to enter will be those individuals that work at camp every day and who have been vaccinated. For example, our team of private armed security guards do not live on campus. They will come to camp every morning, but only operate outdoors or in the guard booth and will remain masked and distanced while on premises.
Will my child / staff member be tested upon arrival to camp? What about during camp?
A: Yes and Yes
We will administer a test upon arrival, and a PCR test 5 days after arrival. This will be for all campers and staff members. Details to follow.
Thank you and looking forward to continuing to keep all of you informed.
Sincerely,
Yakov & Estee