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    Safety Guidelines

    COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for The MARSH Day Camp 

    Last Updated: May 15, 2021


    As I'm sure you are aware, Governor Hogan amended orders for the state of Maryland on May 14th. Please remember that youth camps have specific directives that may be in addition to the general state guidelines. Sandy Cove Ministries (and The MARSH) may have additional requirements to safeguard the health and well-being of all of us. 

    All camps must continue to follow any current orders from the state of Maryland and guidelines from the CDC and local authorities. The American Camp Association provides detailed recommendations in their Field Guide and we will follow those as applicable.  

    While these are subject to change (if we've learned anything this last year it's that things will change), here are some common FAQs based on the current guidelines:

     


    HOW MANY KIDS WILL BE IN A GROUP?

    We will continue to be in small groups as usual. For our very youngest campers, there will be 2 staff with no more than 12 campers. For older camper groups there will be 2 staff with no more than 15 campers.

     


    WILL THERE BE TEMPERATURE SCREENING FOR CAMPERS AND STAFF?

    Yes. We will continue to do a daily screening. Upon the camper’s arrival each day, a staff member will use a digital thermometer to scan each child’s temperature and ask a few simple screening questions.

    Based on the State of Maryland’s guidelines, children with a fever above 100.2 degrees Fahrenheit from a temporal reading, or  other symptoms indicating illness, will be required to go home. The staff will be screened in the same way.


    WHAT HAPPENS IF A CHILD OR STAFF MEMBER DEVELOPS SYMPTOMS DURING THE DAY?

    If a child or staff member develops symptoms, they will be isolated immediately, masked if safe for the age and symptoms, and required to go home until they are cleared to return.


    CAN OUT-OF-STATE CAMPERS ATTEND CAMP?

    Yes! The restriction on out-of-state campers is no longer in effect.


    WILL CHILDREN BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK?

    We play outside all day at The Marsh! By working to provide activities and a schedule that maintain social distance, children and staff should not need to wear masks during a regular camp day. We will require that campers and staff have a mask with them at all times.

    Individuals from outside the camp will be limited in their interactions with staff and campers, including parents during camper drop off/pick up. We ask that you please stay in your vehicle. Only registered campers and staff will be allowed in the camp areas.


    WILL YOU STILL BE PROVIDING LUNCH AND SNACKS?

    Lunch will be served cafeteria style with pre-wrapped individual servings (see menu here) and we'll eat at picnic tables in our small groups outside. You are always welcome to send in your own lunch, please just let us know at drop off if you have sent anything in. Snacks will continue to be small pre-packaged items served late afternoon in the small groups.

    We will be requiring that every camper has their own water bottle every day! If you need to purchase one from the Camp Store you can do that online. If we find that your camper doesn’t have one, we will let you know immediately and you can choose to purchase one or bring one in within an hour. As you know, staying hydrated is especially important and drinking directly from water fountains will not be allowed.


    WILL MY CHILD BE ABLE TO SWIM?

    We will still be swimming every day (weather permitting) but will go to Perkins Pool in our small groups and swim times will be spread out throughout the day. At this time, we are still unable to offer The Blob as a Wednesday activity.


    WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER?

    In the event of inclement weather, small groups will go to their rainy day spaces as assigned. Staff will be disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and children will be encouraged to wash and disinfect their hands as much as possible. Small groups have their own distinct space during rainy days and The Marsh buildings are rustic with large screen windows and fans; we do not have air-conditioned facilities. Campers and staff will need to wear masks if indoors.


    WHAT ABOUT HAND WASHING AND EXTRA CLEANING?

    We will continue to have increased, routine cleaning and disinfection. Staff will be disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door handles, sink handles, etc.) throughout the day and logs will be kept. Groups will have their own supplies that will not be shared with other groups and that will be cleaned and disinfected throughout the day as used. Signs are posted throughout the campus to inform and remind campers and staff about best practices for preventing illness.


    WHAT IF SOMEONE IS DIAGNOSED WITH A CONFIRMED OR PROBABLE CASE OF COVID-19?

    The MARSH will follow all required procedures for a possible or confirmed case of COVID-19. This includes safety precautions for any staff or camper who may have been exposed to someone diagnosed with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19. If you would like more information regarding our plan, please email themarsh@sandycove.org



    While the above questions contain clear guidelines provided by the federal, state and local governments to follow, these questions below are in process and The Marsh staff are continuing to look for creative answers that will continue to allow for health safety and fun. For now, the answers below reflect our current thought process, which is subject to revision as events and details change and as we receive further clarity and/or direction.

    CAN I STILL REQUEST THAT MY CHILD WILL BE IN A GROUP FRIENDS?

    As always, The Marsh will try to accommodate these requests to the best of our ability, but this year will be more challenging to fulfil every request. Once your children are assigned to a group, they will be unable to change due to current guidelines.

    WHAT ABOUT GAGA?

    We won’t be able to have our epic, all-camp crazy play, but we are hoping to have some fun in our small groups in sudden death one-on-one type play.

    CAN WE GO TO THE CAMP STORE?

    At this time, due to the requirements for wearing masks and social distancing, the Camp Store will be closed. We hope to re-evaluate this as we get closer to summer. Camp shirts and water bottles are available for purchase through your account online.

    REMIND ME AGAIN WHAT I NEED TO BRING…

    Water bottle
    Swim suit
    Towel
    Sunscreen
    Bug spray (if desired)

    Please encourage your camper to leave all personal items home. We have procedures for cleaning and disinfecting the items that we use during the day and personal items may be damaged by disinfecting and discarded if considered unsafe.

    THIS IS A LOT AND I HAVE QUESTIONS!

    Please schedule a phone call with us! Email themarsh@sandycove.org to set a date and time.


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