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4-H Camp Shankitunk had zero cases of COVID-19 at camp in 2021. This was possible with a multi-layered approach to safety and was successful thanks to the commitment of everyone from campers, staff, volunteers and families. Thank you!
Our COVID-19 procedures and protocols were developed with guidance received from the American Camp Association, the New York State 4-H Program, the experiences of hundreds of other camps, as well as CDC and NYS and were effective in preventing the spread of Covid-19. As a result, many of the protections put in place in 2021 will remain in place for 2022. To ensure we are running the safest program possible, we will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation and plan or revise our plans accordingly. As such, all information here is subject to change.
Registration
Registration opened January 1st.
Online: Payment in full is required when registering online.
Paper: Paper applications (see camp brochure) require a $100 deposit per child per week, with the balance due June 1st or the spot will be opened and no refund will be issued for the deposit.
Paperless Marketing and Registration
We will resume printing and mailing of brochures this year to those who attended camp in 2019, signed up in 2020 or attended in 2021. If you'd like a printed copy of the brochure/registration form, just email us at crb222@cornell.edu and we’ll be happy to mail one directly to you!
Drive-through Camper Drop Off and Pick-Up
All payments and required forms are required by June 1st. We prefer not to accept them during check-in moving forward. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. No early drop-offs will be accepted. Every camper must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during check-in.
Drop Off Process for 2022:
Our Drive-Through Camper Check-In and Pick-Up process was a success in 2021, allowing families to get through the process much quicker. As a result, we will be utilizing this same procedure, moving forward.
Drop off will be contact-free at your car as a drive through registration stations. Upon entering the facility, you will be directed by our staff to through several stations and check in right from your car. Stations include:
- on site at home covid-19 test to verify negative Covid-19 test result
- ask health screening questions
- conduct a temperature check
- verify emergency contact information
- verify food allergies/concerns for the camper(s)
- ask the camper(s) to exit the vehicle to conduct a lice check,
- verify all health forms/requirements have been met/previously submitted
- camper cabin/class/group assignments - this determines pick-up for your camper on Friday
- have the camp nurse take procession of any medications for the camper,
- camp staff/volunteers will assist campers with carrying their belongings to their assigned cabin
When do we drop off?
Overnight campers will check in between 1:00pm and 4:00pm on Sunday of their week. Appointments will be available from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in 15-minute intervals. The success of this process will depend on families arriving at their selected time.
Day campers will check in between 8:00am and 9:00am on Monday morning of their week. Appointments will be available from 8:00 am to 9 am on Monday (for lice check purposes). We will assist you in the order you arrive. Some wait time may exist. Please be patient.
How do I select my drop-off time?
You will be prompted via an email to select a drop off time beginning June 1st.
Please complete the drop off selection survey for the appropriate week:
Week 1: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_etkVLWpqXQs5iB0
Week 2: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEqdiBJUZBtiJeu
Week 3: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cPef5phXwjvIh4G
Week 4: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_egnCwmqcmAS8gvQ
Week 5: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cPcY0CcUQbU22B8
The success of this process will rely on families completing the drop off sur vey as requested, coming prepared, and arriving promptly for their assigned time. We know that traffic is sometimes unpredictable, so if you find that you need to arrive outside of your scheduled time slot, please notify camp so that we can take the necessary steps to get you into camp as safely and efficiently as possible.
Pick-Up Process for 2022:
Upon entering the facility, you will be directed by our staff to one of several parking areas. You’ll park and then come to the dining hall (head toward the big green barn if you are unfamiliar with the facility). You must sign your child/children out with a staff member. We will call for them to report to the dining hall and a staff member will assist them with bringing their belongings to you.
During verification we will:
- Ensure the person picking up is an authorized party (see drop-off form)
- Return medications for the camper to your possession.
- Provide your cabin photo (if pre-ordered)
- Assist the campers with their belongings/projects
- Allow campers to use up any remaining camp store funds
When do we pick up?
Overnight campers will be dismissed on Friday between 4 and 6 pm by group. You will be advised of your pick-up time at drop off. If you need that information ahead of time to arrange transportation, please email crb222@cornell.edu.
4:00 pm - Group A
4:30 pm - Group B
5:00 pm - Group C
5:30 pm - Groups D & E
Dinner will not be served on Friday; however, a snack will be provided prior to pick up.
Day campers may be picked up between 4:00 pm and 5:00 daily, except Friday where day campers should be picked up by 4pm. You will be helped in the order you arrive. Some wait time may be experienced, Please be patient.
Cohorts
In 2022 we will cohort between the day and overnight programs. Mixing between the two programs will not be permitted. The Day Camp "Yellow Sheet" program remains paused for 2022.
Within the overnight and day camp programs, groups will be used to assist in contact tracing, should it be required in response to a Covid-19 case at camp. These groups, though mostly stable, will allow for some flexibility in classes. Groups will be co-ed and assigned based on age. *groups within a program cohort are subject to restriction based on the community transmission rates of covid-19 in and around camp.*
Campers will be assigned to a group of ~25 campers and 4-6 counselors. These groups will be used throughout the daily schedule for meals, free time, flag, campfire, etc. Campers and staff assigned to a particular group will have limited, interactions with campers and staff from other groups.
Masks
Masking will be required for shared indoor spaces where youth from both the day and overnight camp may interact, for example, using the restroom, visiting the office or nurses station, etc. Masking will not be required during eating, sleeping, or swimming.
When youth are outdoors, in their group, masking will not be required. When youth within a cohort (day or overnight camp) participate in activities (drop off, classes structured free time, etc.) where they may interact with youth from another group, masking and distancing will be encouraged, though not required.
Overnight campers should plan to bring a supply of 10-15 face coverings, in a large, zipper style plastic bag, with their name on it as well as a second bag for used masks (if reusable ones are selected). Day campers should bring two each day. Campers will be responsible for managing their masks properly throughout the week under the guidance and support of their counselors. Absolutely no sharing of masks will be permitted. Camp will have a limited supply of disposable masks available if needed as well as a limited supply of reusable masks available in the camp store.
Sanitation
Foot operated handwashing stations are available around camp. Hand sanitizer is also available throughout camp, including inside the doorways of most buildings. Each group will be provided with a Sanitation Kit including liquid sanitizer, paper towels, and sterile wipes, so that campers and staff can sanitize program areas before they leave, preparing them for the next group. Shared supplies between groups will be limited as much as possible and shared program equipment will be sanitized between uses. Staff will ensure sanitization of communal spaces like the restrooms and the dining hall.
Reduced Capacities
Our facility will be operating at approximately 75% capacity.
Meals
Youth will enter the dining hall and sit together as a group. Meals will remain family style with distancing between groups. Youth will be encouraged to mask if up and away from the table at meals, though not required (except when using the restroom as described above).
Daily Schedules
We have developed a schedule that allows Resident and Day Camp groups to rotate through the shared programming spaces so that no more than one group is using a particular location at one time. Program offerings are subject to scheduling availability and may change.
Programs on Pause
Some of our classes/programs remain on pause for 2022, most notably, photography, backpacking, and the “Yellow Sheet” Day Camp program. We are hopeful that we will be able to resume these programs next summer! That said, we are excited to announce the Ropes Course will be open in 2022.
Vaccination
Our primary focus will be utilizing Nonpharmaceutical Intervention strategies or NPIs to mitigate risks. Vaccination, though encouraged, is not required. If your child is vaccinated, please include a copy of their vaccination card with their health records.
Pre-Arrival Testing (Updated 6-24-22)
All campers (day and overnight) and staff will be required to conduct pre-arrival/screening testing in 2022, regardless of vaccination status.
Families will be asked to complete a series of 2 at home tests as follows:
1) Conduct a home test 24-48 prior to arriving at check-in. Please bring a photo or the test with date and time written on it to check in as documentation of meeting this requirement.
2) Conduct the second in a series of at home tests at camp as Step 1 of check in.
A family, if they choose, may elect to arrange and submit documentation of a negative PCR test collected within 72 hours of arrival at camp instead. This would need to be arranged independently, as we will not be providing this in 2022. This would allow families to skip the covid testing station and jump right into the check in line at their assigned time.
We will maintain a supply of at home tests at Camp for any staff or camper who are not able to acquire a rapid test locally, or requires a test during their stay at camp.
Camp Fees and Refunds
REFUND POLICY: All refund requests must be made in writing. NO refunds will be issued after Friday, June 17, 2021. There will be a processing fee of $100.00 per session applied to all refunds.
COVID-19 REFUND EXCEPTION: If a camper tests positive for Covid-19 or is experiencing Covid-19 like symptoms within the two weeks prior to them attending camp, they may not attend. We will honor a full refund, provided documentation of a positive test or quarantine orders is provided.
If a camper exhibits symptoms of Covid-19 during the health screening phase at camp, and is not permitted to remain at camp, a full refund will be given. In lieu of a refund, families may elect to transfer their camp fee to a later session of camp if availability allows. In the event a camper tests positive for Covid- 19 while at camp and needs to be sent home, a pro-rated refund will be given. (less $90 per day of Overnight Camp and $40 per day of Day Camp), provided a written request is made by the family.
What if my camper tests positive?
If a camper tests positive on either of the pre-screening tests, we suggest you seek a PCR test. If a negative PCR test is returned, the camper will be permitted to attend camp. We will try our best to reschedule your camper into another week of camp, if availability allows, provided two weeks time has passed.
If a camper tests positive while at camp, we will immediately isolate the individual camper. As guidance for Covid-19 continues to change, we will promptly contact our local Department of Health to respond with the most current guidance advised at the time of the positive result. Any positive individual will need to be picked up by a parent as soon as possible. They may not return during a two week period. Campers in their group will be asked to test for COVID-19 on site and parents will be notified. Quarantine and isolation requirements for exposed campers and staff depends on vaccination status, exposure, masking ability, etc.
We strongly believe that camp offers kids the unique opportunity to step back into a simpler time, with no internet connection or mute button needed. A place where a small community can support one another without judgment, simply because it’s the right thing to do. Kids need to be out of their homes, playing with other kids, connecting with nature, and having fun. We hope to see you in 2022!
Thank you,
4-H Camp Shankitunk Administrative Team