Safety, Operations & COVID-19

CAMP LAUREATE SUMMER 2023

Camp Laureate is committed to providing and implementing safety procedures and policies to minimize risk to campers and staff members and to provide an amazing camp experience. Camp Laureate has over 50 acres of outdoor space, surrounded by trees and ready for outdoor activities. We are committed to doing all that we can to make Camp Laureate, as safe as possible this summer.

COMMUNICATION: We strive to communicate openly and honestly with both families and staff. Our goal is to communicate what we know as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you see an email or a phone call from us, please read it. If we require something from you it will be communicated. We encourage two-way communication and are here for you, please feel free to reach out to us.

PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS (if necessary): Our focus is on creating a fun and inclusive experience for all campers. Our goal is for all campers to feel as though they are part of the Camp Laureate family, building on our pillars of growth. Though some of our more traditional camp activities may require modification to ensure the safety of all campers is achieved. Procedures related to flagpole, lunch and campfire may be adjusted to comply with public health regulations. While camp is not school, we strive to teach our campers new skills of their interest while building social and emotional skills. We will also be educating and reinforcing the implementation of masks and social distancing as outlined by public health. Our camp staff are instructed to follow these procedures to maintain a safe environment at camp.

HEALTH SCREENING: Currently, we ask that everyone be extra cautious. If your camper is feeling unwell or is exhibiting any Covid-19 symptoms that they stay home. We ask the same from our staff. At this time, submissions of daily health screening are not necessary. If this changes, it will be communicated via email.

ACTIVITY GROUPS: Campers will remain in their activity groups for the course of the week. Groups will always remain in ratio (1 Staff to 10 Campers). When campers are travelling to different spaces with their activity group, we ask that groups stay together and do not come into contact with other groups. In the event that groups will be using a common space which is currently occupied, the newly arriving group will wait for the other groups to clear out before entering the space. Camp capacity will follow the guidelines provided by public health cohort regulations.

CLEANING POLICY: We are taking all the steps necessary to keep our camp clean. We have staff designated to ensure our spaces are well taken care of. Cleaning and disinfecting of all spaces are required by public health. Campers and staff will follow public health guidelines by washing/ sanitizing hands regularly. Handwashing stations and sanitizing stations will be based in all high traffic areas around camp.

GROUP SIZE AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING

CAMPER TO STAFF RATIO: Here at Camp Laureate, we take great pride in offering low ratios. Each camp will be maxed out at 10 campers per counsellor. These groups will travel around through the day’s activities. Once a camper has been placed into a camp group that is where they will stay. We want to limit the interaction between groups, limiting the potential spread of Covid-19.

When camper groups are with a specialist, they will then be in a ratio of 10 campers to two staff. This will help to ensure that all campers are getting the assistance they need and are not waiting for long periods of time.

All Counsellors are responsible for ensuring the safety and care of the campers. All staff will be trained and supervised by the directors of the camp. Staff hiring is well underway to make sure that ratios are maintained even when staff are absent.

The Ontario Ministry of Health requires that staff and campers stay as consistent as possible. By having the same group of campers stay with the same counsellor, wherever possible. Each group will be formed with care and consideration based on the campers that sign up for each specialty program. When camp groups are being formed, we will try to make every effort possible to maintain one friend per camper if they are within the same specialty groups.

CAMP WIDE GAMES:   By following the guidelines outlined by public health, camp wide games and activities will be set to a minimum. Hand sanitizing/ washing will be encouraged before and after large-group activities.

MASKS AND PPE: Maintaining the safety of the campers and staff is at our utmost priority. Camp Laureate will adhere to the public health mask mandates. Our daily camp program is designed to maximize the outdoor space that is available to us. At this time, masks are not required. If a new mask mandate is put into place, Camp Laureate will comply with this direction. All staff will be trained on safety and Covid-10 procedures as a precaution.

Camp Laureate is a mask friendly facility. If you camper feels more comfortable wearing a mask at camp, please encourage them to do so.

In the case of a new mask mandate:

All staff will adhere to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines, as directed by public health. Group counsellors will be trained on how to best handle covid procedures throughout the camp day activities.

As per the local public health outlines that all campers are required to wear a well-fitting non medical grade mask. Families are expected to provide masks to their camper(s) on a daily basis. We recommend sending your camper with multiple masks to allow for changes as needed (damp from playing, soiled or damaged). We also recommend sending a bag or daypack with your camper to house their masks, we encourage families to write campers first and last names on the bag, ensuring if it was ever lost it could be returned to the proper camper.

Our staff will be supplied with medical grade masks that they will be expected to wear and change as needed. Each staff member will be trained on how to properly wear their PPE.

Hand hygiene will be a priority for staff and campers. Each time your camper removes or puts back on their mask, they will be encouraged to sanitize their hands. All staff will always have hand sanitizer with them. Campers will also be encouraged to sanitize and wash hands when transitioning from different activities.

As we continue to see Covid-19 numbers fluctuate throughout the course of the summer, our mask wearing mandates will adjust based on the requirements of public health. However, the reality of the covid variants and the potential to impact our family here are Camp Laureate are reflected in the protocols we must follow. We are committed to providing a fun and educational summer for your camper while maintaining their safety as a top priority.

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Camp Laureate is dedicated to providing a wide variety of games and activities, lead by talented groups of specialists and leaders. This is where the fun and magic of camp take place. Along with providing fun and engaging activities, we foster the development of social and emotional skills, friendship and learning opportunities. Our team has been working hard to develop a program that balances the true camp experiences while marrying the interest of STEAM programs. We understand that the past few years of uncertainty have been difficult for campers. We know that campers are ready to explore, create, innovate and connect with friends.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

50-acres of outdoor space are available
Campers will have the opportunity to explore the Bruce Trails which back onto our camp property.
Many of our traditional indoor activities or components of them will have elements outside. Ensuring open air and good ventilation.

SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION:

At camp Laureate we pride ourselves on providing small ratios, giving each camper the support they need. Only one activity group will be present at each rotational activity.

CLEANING AND SUPPLIES:

All campers and staff will be encouraged to sanitize or wash hands before and after each activity
Staff will be responsible for sanitizing used equipment and supplies after each use.
Group supplies will be issued for everyday activities.
Our cleaning products will be stored safely and will meet the standards for cleaning as set up by public health.

CAMP ACTIVITIES: Activity periods change based on the age and camp your child is registered in. However, rest assured that all campers will be given adequate time to sanitize hands between each activity. Cleaning and sanitizing protocols have been made visible in each program location for the summer.

We are thrilled that we will be able to welcome outside activity providers to enhance our programing at Camp Laureate this summer. We are looking forward to these specialty days and the learning that will take place. Our camp will be providing an action-packed summer full of age-appropriate activities that are both challenging and engaging. Below is a glimpse at some of the activities that will be offered throughout the summer.

Ultimate sports
Campfire
Special Guests
STEAM activities
Arts and crafts
Cooperative games
Hiking
Water games
Archery
Field games

RAIN DAYS/ INCLEMENT WEATHER: Camp will be taking place rain or shine! We ask that all campers and staff come prepared for all weather. In the event of rain, we have an indoor facility available to us.

FOOD AT CAMP

Hand washing will be required before and after eating by ALL staff and campers.  Groups will be assigned areas to eat in the dining facility. Their assigned space will remain the same throughout the week.

LUNCH: All campers will be provided lunch as part of the camp fee. Lunch menu is posted on our website and rotated weekly. If you know your camper would not eat what we are providing we ask that you send them lunch that day. All lunches will be prepared by the chef, ensuring that lunches are nutritious and kid friendly. Water and juice will be offered at lunch time.

LUNCH PROCEDURE: Groups will be given time to enter the facility to get their food in the dining hall. As campers enter, they will be asked to wash/ sanitize their hands before eating. Campers will be monitored by their counsellors during this time. Upon leaving the dining hall, campers will be asked to clean up their space and wash hands again.

DAILY SNACKS: Daily snacks will not be provided at camp. We ask that you send your camper with some snacks to help sustain them throughout the day. Campers will be given two opportunities throughout the day for a nutritious snack.

CAMPFIRE: Will take place every Friday and some food options may be available during this time. Food will be served in accordance with public health guidelines and vegetarian options will be made available.

WATER AT CAMP:At Camp Laureate, we make every effort to make environmentally sustainable decisions. We ask that you send your camper with a reusable water bottle that they may fill up at water fill stations placed around the facility. Please try to help us with our environmental endeavours and forgo sending your camper with bottled water.

FOOD SPECIALITIES: Based on the public health guidelines, incorporating food at camp will be permitted. Camp Laureate will follow all distributions and handling procedures outlined by public health. Camp Laureate is a nut aware camp. Some products that are used within the camp maybe manufactured in buildings that handle nut products. We ask that parents only pack snacks that are labelled nut free. Camp Laureate is not able to provide Kosher food. If you camper has severe allergies, please be aware that our lunch options may not fit your child’s needs and you will be required to provide their lunches. Please reach out with any food concerns.

TRANSPORTATION

At this time, Camp Laureate does not provide transportation for campers to arrive at camp. Parents are expected to pick up and drop off campers on time each day.

CONTACTLESS DROP OFF/ PICK UP:

We are taking every effort possible to make pick up and drop off as easy as possible for parents and campers.
On the weekend before camp, group camp counsellors will call parents and provide them with an optimal pick up and drop off time. This is to reduce wait times.
Signs will be posted for our contactless drop off and pick up zones.
Please follow the signs to ease flow through the parking lot
An adult will need to sign campers in at drop off, and sign them out again at pick up.

MORNING DROP OFF:

Plan to arrive at camp between 8:45- 9:00 each morning. Morning Flagpole activities will begin at 9:05am
When exiting the vehicle, campers will proceed to their group line, which will be marked by a sign stating the name of the camp they have registered for.
When arriving in their group, campers will be provided with hand sanitizer.

AFTERNOON PICK UP:

Plan to pick up your camper between 3:45- 4:00
Please remember to drive SLOWLY while on camp property

MID DAY DROP OFF:

If your camper will be arriving late to camp, please be sure to email at camps@laureatecollege.ca
This will allow us to mark your camper as absent/ late that day.
Once you arrive, please pull up to the main entrance and let us know, someone will come out to greet you.

EARLY PICK UP:

Please let us know at drop off or email us at camps@laureatecollege.ca with your expected time of pick up.
Please include your campers first and Last name and what specialty camp they are in.
On arrival, please pull up to the main entrance and let us know
A staff member will bring out your camper to you and have you sign them out.

ABSENCES:

If you know that your camper is going to be absent from a day of camp. Please email us at camps@laureatecollege.ca to let us know. This will help us greatly with the attendance process and making sure your camper is well cared for.

CLEANING AND SANITIZING

Cleaning helps to remove dirt and debris from surfaces. Disinfectant inactivates both bacteria and viruses. Disinfectant is one of the most reliable ways to reduce the spread of germs from touch surfaces.

Our maintenance team will clean and disinfect bathrooms and program space throughout the day. Signage will be posted throughout the camp facility as a reminder of the importance it is to keep facilities clean and safe.

CLEANING SCHEDULE:

A cleaning team will be scheduled to sanitize spaces between use of each camper group when space is being shared.
Cleaning schedules will be documented and maintained in accordance with Public Health regulations.

HANDWASHING:

All staff and campers are encouraged to wash or sanitize hands between activities, before and after lunch.
Sanitize stations have been placed around the facility for convenience.

CLEANING PRODUCTS:

Health Canada recommends having soaps and sanitizers be readily available through out the camp facility
Health Canada has approved chemical grade cleansers and disinfectant to be used on all commonly touched surfaces such as bathrooms and shared program spaces.

BATHROOMS:

Bathroom facilities will be shared and frequently disinfected. Signage will remind counsellors to limit the number of campers using the facility at a time.
Bathrooms will be limited to one group of campers at a time.

HEALTH POLICIES

Here at camp Laureate, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and health of all staff and camper at our facility

HEALTH SCREENER: Campers are asked to complete a self-check health screening prior to attending camp each day. If your camper does not pass the self-screening, please keep them home. Staff are trained to monitor and identify illness throughout the day.

What if a camper or staff member does not pass the screening?

In the event that a camper or staff member does not pass the self screening in the morning we ask they stay home. Please contact us at camps@laureatecollege.ca and let us know your camper will be absent that day. Monitor your campers’ symptoms and if they test positive for Covid-19 please contact us.

What if a camper/ staff develops Covid-19 symptoms throughout the camp day?

Any staff or camper who develops Covid-19 symptoms while at camp will be sent home.
Within an hour of being notified, campers or staff who are being sent home will need to be picked up.
Campers with siblings attending camp will not need to be picked up, however, if a camper tests positive all siblings will need to stay at home.
Camp staff will provide specific instructions on a safe pick-up procedure. While your camper is waiting to be picked up, they will be in a designated isolation room, supervised by staff.
Campers and staff will be welcome back to camp with a negative result Covid-19 test, and once symptoms have ceased. Please follow public heath guidelines for this.

What if a positive case is identified at camp?

If a camper or staff member tests positive for Covid-19, families of close contacts will be notified. They will be asked to monitor their camper for any presenting symptoms.

If a member of the household tests positive or is deemed close contact?

In the event someone in the household test positive for covid- 19 we ask that you keep your camper at home for a couple of days and monitor symptoms.

If you are deemed to be close contact, we ask that the family of that camper monitor their camper’s health but is welcome to continue to attend camp.

Camper absences due to Covid-19

Camp Days Missed Due to Covid-19	Camper Fee Credit or Refund
First 3 days	Non-refundable
Additional days absent	a)    Credit 100% daily fee b)    Refund 50% daily fee

WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER!

The health and safety of our campers and staff is our top priority but we can not do it without your support. This summer will require a team effort to make this happen. We appreciate your flexibility as we navigate the ever-changing Covid-19 regulations. We will be abiding by all regulations outlined by public health.

Thank you for taking the time to review our operations and safety this year. As we look forward to this summer, we are excited for the possibilities and friendships yet to be discovered.

Sincerely,

James, Bev and Katie