At this point, we are planning for a mostly closed campus, meaning campers and staff would remain in camp for the summer.  Restricting the flow of people in and out of camp is the simplest way to ensure a COVID-free camp.  We may revisit this on a limited basis depending on virus prevalence, staff and camper vaccination status, additional science on whether vaccinated people can still transmit the virus, and other factors.  We also may look into “bubble” outings, where groups of staff and/or campers can leave camp in a “bubble” environment.

Regardless of whether staff or campers are permitted to leave camp, some limited outsiders will need to be admitted to the  camp grounds, e.g. for deliveries and maintenance.  We plan strict safety measures for such outsiders, including requiring masks for all non-camp personnel at all times, as well as all camp personnel who interact with non-camp personnel.

We are running two programs prior to Camp – our annual BPS program, which runs from June 10-13, and our Father/Son program, which runs from June 17-20.  All adults coming to either program are required to have proof of vaccination and a negative test result in order to participate in these programs.

At this time, we do not anticipate asking campers to strictly “quarantine” for any specific time period prior to Camp.  We do not believe a 10 or 14 day quarantine is a realistic expectation, and after careful discussion with our medical team, we believe that the protocols we are putting in place will allow us to not require a strict quarantine prior to camp.  We will likely ask all campers and their immediate families, in the days leading up to camp, to avoid crowds, particularly indoors (e.g., indoor graduation parties) or places with poor ventilation, and to wear a mask if for some reason you cannot.  We all need to work together to keep Camp COVID-free and while we will likely not have a strict “quarantine,” we hope that all of our families will limit exposure to the outside world in the days leading up to Camp. By doing so, we can ensure Camp Ojibwa stays COVID-free and our boys are able to have a great time with minimal COVID protocols and no COVID in Camp.

Yes, our plan is to run every advertised session of camp.  We strongly believe we can execute that plan and will do everything possible to make that plan happen.  Should we need to adapt or adjust for the safety of all involved, we will let you know as soon as possible to help you plan.   

Yes.  We will require two negative tests prior to arriving at Camp; first, a negative PCR test taken 2-4 days prior to your child’s session, and second, a rapid test at the bus, or upon arrival at Camp if the camper is not taking the bus.  We are providing a simple testing option – handled through insurance – so that your camper can take a COVID test in the days leading up to Camp, and we will have an unlimited number of rapid result tests at Camp so we can test anyone at any time.  In addition to the pre-Camp testing, we will have at least one more round of camper testing in the first few days of each session.  We will continue to follow public health guidelines and recommendations from our camp medical team to determine our specific testing protocols.

No.

If a camper  tests positive for COVID in the days leading up to camp, we will work with the family and take every reasonable step – in accordance with CDC guidelines and in conjunction with our medical staff – to ensure the camper can still come to camp.  There will most likely be a quarantine period and additional tests before anyone can enter camp after a positive test.  You can find current CDC guidelines here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/isolation.html

We are planning for a COVID-free summer.  However, if an individual at camp tests positive, that will not end camp.  If a camper tests positive, we will notify the camper’s parents/guardian and work with them to determine whether the camper will stay at camp.  We are working on procedures to ensure that if camp has a positive COVID test or tests, we can isolate the individual(s), either on or off camp grounds, and work with our medical staff and the camper’s doctor to ensure both the health of the camper and that we do not have an outbreak.  

To a point.  While we want as normal a summer as possible, campers and staff should expect to wear masks at times, particularly at the start of camp.  The two easiest ways to reduce the likelihood of COVID at camp are  being outside and wearing a mask when not outside.  We do not expect that campers or staff will need to wear a mask when outside or when in their cabins.      

Unfortunately, we will not have a visiting weekend in 2021.  We will have some form of virtual visits and parent involvement, and will be in touch with our full summer and 6-week campers to discuss in the coming weeks.

Our goal is to have everyone at Camp who is aged 12 or older be vaccinated.  The early data on the vaccines shows extremely high levels of efficacy, and we urge everyone who can to get vaccinated.  Anyone 12 years of age or older is eligible now for the vaccine and we urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.  We have been in touch with local health authorities and have scheduled vaccinations for our international staff upon their arrival.