What will our summer look like?
We don’t know for sure what the world will look like in Summer 2021, but we do know that Echo Hill Camp is going to safely open next summer. Our hope and goal is for Echo Hill Camp to return to normal next summer. But as we know, the definition of “normal” for all of us is very different from what we once knew “normal” to be.
Our program will have a few changes, including reduced capacity, masks, enhanced health screening, and possible testing requirements for campers and staff. We also expect that our “free choice” program could be a bit different than the norm. The concept of campers being in “pods” (with their pod camper group and counselors) and having limited interactions outside that group is fundamental to how we might operate. We expect this to form the core of our program in 2021 but with enhanced rapid testing and/or a vaccine in place by then, we hope to offer a wide range of program options and some carefully strategized relaxations of these restrictions.
Over the coming months we will continue to update and adjust our safety protocols on our website as our understanding of COVID and its prevention evolves. One thing is clear though. Kids need camp more than ever. We have missed our campers and can’t wait to see them again in Summer 2021.
Our program will have a few changes, including reduced capacity, masks, enhanced health screening, and possible testing requirements for campers and staff. We also expect that our “free choice” program could be a bit different than the norm. The concept of campers being in “pods” (with their pod camper group and counselors) and having limited interactions outside that group is fundamental to how we might operate. We expect this to form the core of our program in 2021 but with enhanced rapid testing and/or a vaccine in place by then, we hope to offer a wide range of program options and some carefully strategized relaxations of these restrictions.
Over the coming months we will continue to update and adjust our safety protocols on our website as our understanding of COVID and its prevention evolves. One thing is clear though. Kids need camp more than ever. We have missed our campers and can’t wait to see them again in Summer 2021.
Reduced CapacityIn order to ensure more room in tents for sleeping and relaxing, we will likely have reduced capacity in each age group. This will allow each camper ample space! Natural ventilation and movement of air in our tents is already excellent!
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MealsWe are fortunate to have a large open air dining hall. Tables inside will be spaced accordingly to allow 6 feet of space between campers that are not in the same pod. We will likely have a couple “seatings” for each meal to allow for social distancing. Our head chef will become familiar with COVID related food handling policies and best practices.
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Camper Health ScreeningAt this time, the likely plan is for campers to report to camp on day 1 of their session with a negative COVID-19 test in hand from the past 72 hours. We will also hope that campers will maintain a quarantine bubble with only their household after they receive their negative Covid-19 test in the few days prior to their arrival. Once at camp we will perform daily screenings and temperature checks to ensure the ongoing health of our camper population. We will have a plan in place to quarantine/isolate any camper or counselor exhibiting a high temperature or typical symptoms. We hope to have access to rapid testing by then as well. This plan will be formalized as the summer approaches and will include a specific timetable for testing as well as the type of test required before your child’s arrival.
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Health & Cleaning
In addition to following the guidance and protocols set forth by our Health Departments, the CDC and the American Camp Association, our health care staff will be doing daily temperature checks as well as self-screening for Covid symptoms. In addition, we will have mandatory hand washing guidelines set for campers and staff, as well as hand sanitizer stations spread throughout camp. Regular cleaning and sanitizing of common touch spots (door handles, activity equipment, bathrooms, etc.) will take place daily. Between sessions everything will undergo a thorough cleaning and sanitizing process. We will have designated isolation space for any camper or staff who we might believe to have symptoms.
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Our StaffOur staff missed camp in 2020 as much as the campers did! They will be happy to do what they can to make camp happen and maintain a safe environment for everyone concerned. As always, our counselor team is a key part of the success of everything we do and that will continue to be the case in 2021.
We assure you that we are, and will be, using every resource possible so that we can safely and successfully operate for Summer 2021. We will follow all safety protocols, regulations, guidance and advice set forth by the MD State Dept. of Health, The American Camp Association, the CDC, our local Health Department and Governor Hogan. |
Tents as "Pods"Campers have always chosen their daily activities based on our free choice program, wherein, we offer every activity to them and they choose what interests them most. They were not necessarily with their tentmates on activities since every camper has different interests. Our vision for summer 2021 is that each “tent pod” will be able to choose their activities together and then stay in their pod, as a group with their counselor, when they go to their chosen activities. We will ensure that each tent pod will have every option to try every activity. Each tent pod will stay together for all camp activities and meals.
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