YMCA Camp Copneconic is committed to following best practices in mitigating risks associated with COVID 19. We take recommendations from the following agencies to shape our practices:

– The YMCA of the USA & The YMCA Camping Cabinet
– The American Camping Association
– The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
– The Centers for Disease Control
– Genesee County Health Department

We will continue to update our policies and procedures as these organizations update their recommendations. Any changes will be communicated to staff and families.

Updates to our 2023 Summer Camp COVID Operations Guide coming soon

To view our current Outdoor Education COVID Operations Guide, CLICK HERE.

CAMPER COHORTING

Small groups that don’t mix! No more than 50 in a cohort.

TESTING & SCREENING

Health & Temp Screenings Daily. Testing required for Overnight Campers Only

MASKS & PHYSICAL DISTANCING

Masks optional, required indoors if Genesee County is in High Community Level.

CLEANER HANDS AND SURFACES

More cleaning, and hand washing/ sanitizing stations

CURBSIDE CHECK-IN

Only campers will get out of the car for Check-In!

Families Role in Camp Safety

For Camp Copneconic to operate as safely as possible, families will play a key role in risk mitigation. We ask all parents to help us be proactive in our approach to COVID-19 and maintain open communication. Before camp starts, parents can expect the following:

  • Opportunity to contact Copneconic staff to discuss concerns or questions about attending camp with COVID mitigation strategies in place
  • An update on new screening procedures for campers and staff (in this guide)
  • Opportunity to discuss with Copneconic staff any health concerns/conditions that may make their child at higher risk for complications if exposed to COVID-19. This will be done on the child’s health form. We remind families that immunocompromised children and those with chronic health conditions should consult with their primary care provider regarding camp attendance.
  • Immunizations are required to attend camp, and it is recommended that children should be up to date with current vaccination schedules to protect them from vaccine-preventable infectious disease outbreaks, including influenza. If vaccines have been delayed as a result of the stay-at-home order, families should have a plan with their child’s medical provider for catch-up vaccinations in a timely manner.

Camper Cohorting

  • Campers will be placed in cabins with up to 12 total people
  • Cohorts will be increased to up to 50 campers, allowing for some multi-cabin activities such as free swim and camper’s choice

Health & Temperature Screenings

  • Overnight Campers will conduct daily health checks, and Day Campers will be screened daily for COVID-19 symptoms and will have their temperatures checked

Pre-Camp Testing

  • OVERNIGHT CAMP ONLY: Campers will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 screening within 5 days prior to the start of their camp session. Families must provide proof of a negative test, which can be administered at home. Campers who are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations are exempt from this testing requirement.

Mask Wearing & Physical Distancing

  • Anytime more than one cohort is sharing a space, physical distance will be maintained.
  • Masks will be optional for campers if the Community Level for Genesee County is in the Low to Moderate range. If Community Level is High, masks will be required when campers are in an indoor shared space.

Increased Cleaning & Sanitizing

  • Camp has developed robust cleaning protocols to clean frequently touched surfaces at least daily.
  • Camp will create a culture of hand hygiene amongst campers and staff.

Modified Check-In and Check-Out Procedures

  • Families will remain in their vehicle while checking in their campers. Check-Out will require families to exit their vehicles. More information on check-in and check-out are available in the Parent Guide.
  • To expedite Car-Side Check-In, it will be crucial that families complete their campers’ paperwork before check-in. To check your paperwork, Log-In to your Account and click “Forms & Documents”

Meals at Camp

  • Meals will be served buffet style. One cohort at a time will go through the buffet line. The dining hall will be set-up in a manner which allows for extra physical distancing between cohorts.
  • Our kitchen is known for serving various dietary restrictions.
    • For campers with special diets, be sure to note that on your camper’s health form, and contact Tanya Sikorski, Food Service Director, at 810-629-1206.

Responding to a possible or confirmed case of covid-19

  • Sick individuals will be immediately separated from all other campers and staff and either sent home or to a healthcare facility, depending on how severe their symptoms are.
  • If a camper cannot be picked up immediately, they will be isolated in the Health and Wellness Center. Campers will remain under camp staff supervision until parents/guardians arrive.
  • Sick individuals will wear a cloth face covering.
  • Staff who begin to feel ill during camp will be sent home or isolate on camp.
  • Camp will follow CDC guidance on Quarantine and Isolation when someone is exposed or tests positive for COVID.
  • Camp staff will notify parents if a camper in their child’s cabin or group has a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 and will share as much information as possible without violating the privacy of the individual.
  • If an individual in a shared area is identified with a positive test for COVID-19, leaves camp experiencing a fever greater than 100.4⁰, or demonstrates COVID-like symptoms, that area will be closed until it is cleaned and disinfected.

Contacting Camp

  • Parents/Guardians should report possible illness to camp staff if anyone in their household shows symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19. Please contact us before bringing your child to camp so that we can assess whether the child must remain isolated at camp.
    • To reach camp staff:
      • During Camp Hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM):
        • 810-629-9622
      • Outside Camp Hours
        • 810-730-0229
  • Camp is required to have a Point of Contact Adult onsite during operations. This person is THOMAS BAWDEN. Thomas has a thorough understanding of the signs/symptoms of COVID-19, Camp’s preparedness and response plan, and the Camp Health Service Policy. Thomas can be reached at the numbers listed above.

“As a parent and Camp Director, I take safety seriously. We've spent the last two years learning from the CDC, the American Camping Association, and from other Camps across the country. We were proud to run a safe Summer in 2021 and I'm confident that we can offer a safe, equitable, and transformational summer camp program once again in 2022!”

Brandon DreffsExecutive Director, YMCA Camp Copneconic