2021 Protocols & Health Plan
At THE ARK Christian Ministries we are committed to the well being of our campers, volunteers, guests, and staff. We are seeking to follow recommendations regarding best practices during COVID-19 from the CDC, the American Camp Association, and State and local officials. Please check back often as the following is subject to change based on current information.
FAMILY GROUPS:
- This year THE ARK will continue operating on the premise of family groups.
- The Jungle Huts, Thai Huts, and Horse Camps will each be their own family group.
- Other camp sessions will be divided according to sleeping area and the dean’s discretion.
- Masks and social distancing will NOT be required within family groups. However, strict social distancing and mask-wearing will be required between family groups/staff. There should be at least 6 feet maintained between family groups at all times.
- THE ARK will be maintaining a four to five camper per one faculty ratio to ensure that mitigation protocols can be enforced. Areas will be cleaned between groups and hand-washing stations have been added. THE ARK Staff will be wearing facial coverings when within 6 feet of campers/faculty, and scheduling/layout changes have been made to minimize illness spread.
CAMPER/FACULTY FACIAL COVERING PROTOCOLS:
- We ask that all campers & faculty (volunteers) pack at least 2-3 facial coverings. Facial coverings should include at least two layers. The facial covering should cover the mouth and nose.
- It is important to note that fabric and disposable surgical face masks do not provide substantial filtering or protection for the wearer of the mask. Rather, the face mask /covering is essential for containing droplets expelled when the wearer is breathing, coughing, sneezing, or talking. By wearing a face covering when needed, our campers/faculty/staff will be doing their part in protecting those around them.
- Campers/faculty must wear masks when indoors, in close contact with THE ARK staff, or when they are using equipment that warrants the use of masks per protocols.
- Campers and faculty will NOT have to wear facial coverings when in their sleeping area or within their family group.
FACILITIES:
- Because of COVID-19, we are doing everything possible to reduce the number of shared facilities.
- Restrooms: Family groups will only be able to use their assigned restroom. For main camps, this is the restrooms inside your cabin. For huts, this is the Jungle or Thai hut bathrooms.
- Recreation Areas: Jungle huts and Thai huts can use their areas as usual. For other camps, each family group will be given a bag of balls that is only for your use at the recreation areas. Please maintain six feet of distance between family groups.
- Pool: The pool house is reopening this year! There will be access to showers and bathrooms. These facilities will be cleaned between family groups.
- Conference Center: This area is used for meal pick-up, access to the office, or scheduled activities. We are encouraging everyone to take advantage of the fresh air and the authentic camp experience! This allows us to minimize exposure and to keep the facilities as clean as possible.
- Common use areas: shelters, canteen, and playground.
- Shelters: They'll be open. Groups should stay 6 feet apart.
- Canteen: Only one family group will be permitted to be at the canteen at a time. Please wear your mask while ordering and picking up food!
- Playground: Only one family group should be at the playground at a time. There is a hand sanitizer station located by the tire swing.
MEALS:
- All meals will be served in to-go containers. Meals will be eaten outdoors (weather permitting). All family groups will have an assigned outdoor eating area.
SICK CAMPER POLICY:
- Our sick camper policy will operate similar as in the past. Sick campers will be sent home immediately. If a camper has a confirmed COVID-19 case, the entire family group will be sent home.
- If a camper is showing symptoms of COVID-19 (a suspected fever, cough, shortness of breath), an ARK student nurse will screen the camper for signs and symptoms of illness. A temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit requires that a camper be sent home regardless of other symptoms.
- Sick campers will be quarantined in the infirmary until a parent/guardian is able to come to get them.
- The cabin/sleeping area will be cleaned and disinfected before other members of the family group are allowed to return.
- If the child sent home has a fever, the family group they were a part of will be screened for fevers. This screening will continue once a day until the end of the camp session or if a camper feels ill.
- If a camper is in a family group with a camper that was sent home with COVID-19 symptoms, parents/guardians will be notified upon checkout on the last day of camp.
- If there is a confirmed COVID-19 case, the family group’s parents/guardians will be notified, and the family group will be sent home.
