This information is subject to change depending on updated information on infection rates, CDC guidelines, vaccinations and further testing. Any changes or updates will be communicated on the Camp and Region websites and social media as well as directly with groups it may affect.
As stewards of creation including the space of Camp Tamarack and the people who would be there in any capacity as staff, volunteers, rentals, retreat attendees and such we are looking at the following guidelines to keep people safe during this time of pandemic and health concerns. We understand the diverse responses to the pandemic and we have chosen this approach for safety.
If you come to Camp, you accept our rules/vision/approach.
In all circumstances:
- Masks will be worn inside and when not able to physical distance outside. Masks may be removed for eating and when sleeping. There may be other more specific situations that will be addressed as needed and we will use common sense erring on the side of caution. When interacting with Camp staff, masks will be required.
- Hand washing/hand sanitizer will be encouraged at all times and required in situations such as eating and when equipment or supplies are shared.
- No one who is not feeling well is allowed to come on property or to a camp function. We ask that people will self disclose any health concerns and remain at home if experiencing any of the following:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Air circulation in any indoor areas will be increased wherever possible.
- Information will be added to the health form asking about a negative COVID test at least days prior to arriving at camp and if the person has had any doses of a vaccine.
- With the virus, one of the main considerations is time over tension – what this means is one CDC guideline is to not have close contact for more than 15 minutes with someone. With our camp space and unique set ups plus staying overnight with people, for 2021 ABC-WI Region sponsored camps and retreats will be no more than 4 days such as Sun afternoon to Wed morning or Wed afternoon to Sat morning. We strongly encourage all non-family groups or rentals to adopt this as well.
- We will follow a 2 month rolling calendar to confirm a program, retreat or rental. For example, if the event begins July 1st, we will confirm the event May 1st with the understanding that things may change depending on data and circumstances.
For Region sponsored events (Retreats/Programming)
- Prior to arriving at camp we ask that people monitor any symptoms for at least three days and do not come to the event if not feeling well. See above for symptoms. If a health form is not required, we will ask about a negative test within three days of the event.
- Arrival process for camps and registration for retreats – we will minimize the number of people going in and out of cabins or common spaces and as much as possible will be done outside.
- Cabins will have increased physical distancing and the capacity will be reduced to 4 people per cabin. Beds are currently set up for 3 feet separation and this will allow 6 feet of separation. Other spaces such as the downstairs of the Tamarack and the John Gray may also be used to help keep separation depending on the number of campers. Appropriate distancing will be determined. Cleaning procedures by campers and staff will be updated and increased as well.
- Meals – we will have seating arrangements set up to help minimize any contamination and processes in the kitchen as well as the dining hall will be updated. This will include “Hopping and Skipping” processes.
- Waterfront – cleaning procedures for equipment will be put in place. Activities will be adjusted as needed to mitigate any contamination.
- Craft barn – areas will be sanitized appropriately and any shared equipment will be cleaned between uses. Spaces will be set for appropriate physical distancing.
- Other outdoor activities such as team sports, carpet ball and others will have equipment sanitized between uses as appropriate, and physical distancing or mask wearing will be encouraged as appropriate for the activity. Games like birdie on a perch or any other with physical contact will be discouraged.
- The Canteen area will be updated with a physical barrier for the person distributing the items and the outdoor seating area will be updated similar to the dining hall.
- Things such as worship, family groups or interest groups will be held outside when possible.
- Singing will only be allowed outside with appropriate distancing.
- Campfires may be held and we will encourage campers/attendees to wear masks and keep a distance when singing.
- We will do daily temperature checks of staff, volunteers and campers/attendees.
- After people go home (2-14 days post return from camp) we do ask for any information on illnesses for contact tracing purposes.
For rental groups that are family based:
- We ask that when interacting with people not part of their family group such as camp staff they will wear masks and physically distance as appropriate as well as letting camp staff know if there is anyone ill when they return home.
For rental groups not family based or a hybrid of programming/rental:
- The strong recommendation will be to follow the Region sponsored guidelines listed above.
- Please work with the ARM- Camping and AM- Camping Facilities and Guest Services if there are concerns or questions.
If anyone becomes ill at Camp Tamarack, we will immediately have them quarantine from any staff or attendees and ask that they return home or be picked up that same day. This is not optional and we expect everyone to follow this requirement.
We understand that CDC guidelines are updated regularly while vaccines are distributed and more data is available. We will update these procedures as more information is known.