Covid-19 and Camp in 2021
We are excited about this summer and intend to run our traditional overnight summer programs in a manner consistent with state and local guidance. This will require some changes to our typical operation, and with our mission as our guide, we are committed to finding solutions to provide our usual summer of significance in 2021.
What we know now: Health and Safety Plans for summer camp operation
- Colvig Silver Camps is developing its base operational plan with the utmost caution and the most stringent pandemic projections in mind. If pandemic conditions improve, we will scale back protocols as is practical, practicable, and approved by relevant agencies.
- Colvig Silver Camps’ communicable disease plan will begin with an approach that minimizes the community to outside influence while camp is in session. We will add pre- and post-camp quarantine periods and testing requirements, and layers of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) like the following: mask-wearing, physical distancing, maximized time outside, smaller group sizes/cohorts, frequent hand washing and sanitation of high-contact surfaces, adjustments to serving of meals and camper drop-off.
- We extended the plan to release our complete and comprehensive Covid-19 plan by mid-April, and expect to release by mid-May at the latest.
We are working diligently with the State of Colorado, American Camp Association, Center for Disease Control, and San Juan Basin Public Health to develop practices and protocols that follow current guidance and regulations set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
The COVID-19 Status Dial and What It MEans for Camp
- The guidance set by the Covid-19 Status Dial is reflected in Colorado Public Health Order 20-36 and continues to be amended. We will continue to monitor the dial and the updates to the health order.
- CSC can operate with fewer restrictions in levels Yellow, Blue, and Green.
- CSC will be able to operate in levels Orange and Red with stricter capacity restrictions.
- CSC cannot operate in-person camp programs in level Purple.
We cannot wait for campers to return to Colvig Silver Camps and to hear the fun and the laughter fill our valley once again.
What We Are working on and possible developments to consider
- CSC is currently developing protocols for campers and staff members who test positive for Covid-19. Pending state Covid-19 regulations indicate that our local health department will manage positive cases of Covid-19 and will require adherence to state isolation requirements and restrictions on travel. Travel restrictions for positive cases of Covid-19 are to include no air travel, the ability to travel to a destination without stopping for any reason, and approval for out-of-state travel. Variances to these travel restrictions may be possible, but only with the permission of public health. If travel restrictions require it, parents can isolate with their camper at a local hotel. Staff can travel under the same restrictions or remain at camp in isolation for the appropriate length of time.
- Our plan includes preparation and facility arrangements to isolate and care for positive or symptomatic community members until they test negative or are cleared to discontinue isolation per state requirements. Positive cases of Covid-19 may be required to be picked up from camp and continue isolation at a local hotel or home.
- With testing reliability and availability improving, we are making arrangements for rapid testing to allow quick isolation and care for a positive camper or staff person.
- With the current roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines and recent confirmation by the CDC and state that camp staff fall in the Phase 1b category of vaccine eligibility, we anticipate that many of our staff could be vaccinated before camp, thereby reducing the risk to the higher risk portion of our community. We will highly encourage staff to get vaccinated and help them through the process as needed.
We Will Keep You Updated
CSC will continue to monitor and evaluate the current situation concerning the COVID-19 Pandemic and develop and update our health and safety protocols per current guidance and under the advisement of healthcare professionals and our local health organizations.
COVID-19 Info Sheet