COVID-19 FAQ's
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s) AROUND THE COVID PANDEMIC
We understand that choosing an overnight camp for your daughter can be overwhelming especially during a nationwide pandemic. For your convenience and reassurance, we’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions specific to COVID-19 and camp.
Will there be traditional overnight camp this year?
YES! WE have been working closely with various working groups to aid in the development of new guidelines for NH overnight camps. That guidance was signed by the NH Governor on March 11, 2021. The Granite YMCA was able to operate several successful day camps last summer and our brother camp, Camp Mi-Te-Na, hosted a family camp and other groups for overnight stays. We experienced first-hand the most effective protocols that proved to keep our participants and staff safe. The approved NH guidance and the knowledge gained over the last year will allow us to operate a safe and fulfilling camp experience.
What is this COVID fee?
In the effort of providing a safe and positive experiences for all campers, we are instituting a mandatory, non-refundable $25 COVID fee per week per camper this summer. This fee is required upon registration and is in addition to the session costs. It will be used to offset the new expenses related to the safety and wellbeing of our campers and staff. Some of these expenses include:
- – Camper and Staff Testing
- – Additional cleaning supplies
- – Additional Staff training
- – Hiring additional staff to aid in required cleaning and sanitizing protocols
Why are there less one week options this year?
We are re-instituting some exclusive two week options which will be offered mid-summer. This will allow our families a choice of selecting a session that reduces the amount of campers in and out during the two week period. All campers will be arriving at camp on the same day and departing at the same time two weeks later. New campers and/or visitors will not be permitted intersession during our exclusive two week options: July 11 – July 24 and July 25 – August 7.
We are still offering one week options; however, these will only be available during the first two weeks and last two weeks of the summer (Mi-Te-Na: June 27 – July 10 and August 8 – August 21 and Foss: June 27 – July 10 and August 8 – August 14). During these particular sessions, parents have the options of sending their child/ren for a one or two week session with the understanding that it is a shared session with one week campers.
What steps will be taken to mitigate COVID-19 from entering camp?
We will be requiring campers and staff to quarantine prior to camp arrival. Upon arrival, campers and staff will undergo an in depth screening process with our healthcare team. Additionally, all campers and staff will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test that was taken 3-7 days before camp. Proof of this negative test will be requested upon camp arrival.
Will you be providing a COVID-19 testing program at camp?
Yes! We are excited to announce out partnership with Quest Diagnostics this summer which will allow us to provide a comprehensive testing program. All campers and staff will be pool tested upon arrival to camp. Campers staying more than 1 week will be tested again on day 5. Additionally, our nursing team will order tests as needed based on observed symptoms.
Who is covering the cost for the COVID-19 tests?
Through our partnership with Quest Diagnostics, all testing will be billed through third party insurance. Any testing fees that are not covered by insurance will be paid through the CARES Act. Quest Diagnostics will be taking care of all insurance billing. Ultimately, there should be no additional testing costs for our camper families.
Will my camper(s) have to wear a mask the entire time?
Campers and staff will not be required to wear a mask the entire time. We will require everyone to have several masks with them at camp and will ask campers and staff to wear it when social distancing is not possible. This may occur at certain activities and when in transit indoors. For the most part camp allows for plenty of social distancing. Every day will have periods of time that masks will be required and times when they will be optional. Due to our testing program, campers will not have to wear a mask when in their cabin.
Will there be major changes this summer?
Yes. This summer will be different than previous seasons but not unlike changes that have occurred in other areas of our lives such as school and sports. We will be using a cohort model that has been outlined in state guidelines. In an effort to keep campers within their same cohort, our program will shift to maximize the time being spent in cabin and village groups as opposed to camp wide events.
Will there be an increase in cleaning and sanitization?
Yes, we will be hiring additional staff members to solely focus on keeping camp clean. High touch areas will be sanitized several times a day. Additionally, over 30 hand sanitizing stations will be spread out around each camp.
Will you be offering white water rafting trips?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to offering white water rafting this summer as well as several of our other out of camp events. We intend to bring these trips back in future seasons.
With all these regulations and changes, will camp still feel like camp?
Yes. Camp will not look the same this season but, the true spirit of camp will remain intact. All of us have adjusted to a new normal with mask wearing, social distancing and increased sanitization. During to 2020 season our brother camp, Camp Mi-Te-Na, hosted an array of alumni events, user groups and family camp. During these events we successfully followed all safety protocols and participants were still able to have an amazing time being campers.
Where can I learn more about the NH guidance and what Camp Mi-Te-Na is doing to keep campers safe this summer?
On the 15th of every month we are hosting a Zoom Q&A session for our camper families. To accommodate times that work for all, we change the time each month. Get the information for the next zoom session by contacting Lauren Frazier, lfrazier@graniteymca.org. To learn even more about NH Guidance, click here.
OVERNIGHT CAMP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
We understand that choosing an overnight camp for your daughter can be overwhelming. For your convenience we’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions that many parents have. If you still have questions and/or would like to speak with our camp registrar or our camp director, please feel free to call or email.
This is my daughter’s first time away from home. What can I do to help her prepare for the separation?
Browse through our website and Official Facebook Page together so that she can view the pictures and see all of the exciting new activities that she will be able to participate in. Also, go over the packing list (located on our website or in the handbook) together. Talk about all of the fun things she will be doing and all of the new friends that she will meet. Don’t focus on how much you’ll miss her or discuss a trip that you may be on while she is away. Reassure her things will be fine while she is at camp, and remind her that she is not the only one going away to camp for the first time. There will be a lot of other girls also attending camp for the first time and many that are her same age. First time campers are always welcome to visit Camp Foss before their scheduled sessions.
This is my daughter’s first time away from home. What can I do to help better prepare myself for the separation?
After deciding that Camp Foss is the best option for your child, the way to prepare yourself is to read through the parent handbook in its entirety, browse our website, and even join our Official Facebook Page. This is the best way to see first hand the memories that are made, friendships that are created, and the fun that your child will experience this summer. Rest assured, our staff are trained professionals, and many of them started out at Camp Foss as campers themselves and have returned year after year. They know what it’s like to be a first time camper, so they can easily relate to your daughter and make sure that she’s having an amazing experience. Our staff are dedicated professionals that return year after year to provide campers with the same amazing experience that they once had as campers themselves.
Will my daughter make new friends?
Camp is a great way to make new friends! In addition to just being exposed to many new people, your child will be surrounded by staff that are trained to work with youth and help them meet new people while making new friends. Staff are also trained in how to address any negative issues, should they arise, such as managing cliques and/or bullying.
What happens if my child’s CAMPDOC account is not completed upon arrival at camp?
State law mandates that we have a completed health history and physician-signed physical for all campers that is signed and dated within the last 24 months. Unfortunately, your child will not be allowed to stay at camp until a copy of her physical, immunizations, insurance card, and demographic information has been received and uploaded to her CampDoc account.
My child has special medical needs. What can I do to insure her needs are met?
Please call or email our camp registrar outlining your child’s condition and any special requirements. This will allow us to determine if we are able to adequately meet your child’s needs and provide a meaningful camp experience. Additionally, we encourage you to speak with the nurse during the health check-in and to your daughter’s cabin counselors.
Is my daughter able to bunk with one of her friends?
Campers can request cabin mates as long as it is a mutual request and the girls are the same age. Both campers requesting to be together must also be attending the same length session in order to be placed in the same cabin. For example, both must be attending either one week or two week. If the girls are not the same age, but are within 12 months of age, they will be placed to the best of our ability, in a cabin that is age-appropriate for the younger camper. We will not put girls together in a cabin that are more than 12 months apart in age. Due to last minute enrollment changes, cabin assignments are done just before check-in day. If you call in advance to check on your child’s cabin, we may not be able to tell you.
What happens if my child doesn’t get his cabin request?
Our camp staff does their best to accommodate all cabin requests. If campers aren’t in the same cabin together they will most likely be in the same village, but just in adjacent cabins. Campers will still be able to participate in activities together and will have the opportunity to make new friends.
Are laundry services available for my child?
Laundry services are only available for long term campers staying longer than a two week session. There is a charge of $15 for those long term campers that need to do laundry.
Should I be worried if I don’t get any mail from my child?
No, it usually means she is having a wonderful time and is busy in activities and making new friends. Tip: pack self-addressed, stamped postcards for her to send to you.
What should I do if I get a homesick letter from my daughter?
Don’t panic, it is very normal for the first letter. If you receive another, feel free to call camp and speak with her cabin counselor during meals. When you call the camp number, simply let the individual know the reason for your call, the name of your child, and what cabin she is in. The message will be delivered to your child’s cabin counselor and one of them will give you a call back during mealtime to discuss how she is adjusting at camp.
I will be out of town. Can I send someone else to pick up my camper?
During check-in, each family will fill out an authorized child release form that lists people that are authorized to pick up your child. Please be sure to include anybody that may be picking your child up if you are not able to. Anyone picking up your child will need to have an ID available during check-out.
Where can I order care packages or name labels?
Under the prepare for camp section of our website there is a tab titled “Resources.” Here you will find icons/pages linking you to clothing labels and care package websites should you choose to utilize them.
Everyone is welcome at YMCA Camp Foss and YMCA Camp Mi-Te-Na
The Granite YMCA provides a community were all are welcome. Camp Mi-Te-Na for boys and Camp Foss for girls are binary gendered overnight camps. We ask that campers attend the camp that aligns closest with their sincere self-reported gender identity. We expect campers and staff to follow all conventional social norms concerning modesty, the right to privacy and respecting others.