Covid-19 News

RESOURCE GUIDE FOR MITIGATING COVID-19

Keeping your camper safe is our highest priority. The information below is the most up to date information for how we will mitigate the impact of COVID-19 at our camps for the 2022 season. Since the infection rate and CDC guidance continually changes, YMCA Camp Foss and YMCA Camp Mi-Te-Na will continue to adapt our policies and procedures in real-time so we can provide the safest camp experience possible. We will continue to consult with our Camp Advisory Board, NHCDA and the NH-Y alliance. The information below was used from guidelines published by the CDC, DHHS and the ACA to form strategies specific for our camps. Please check back on this page regularly for the most up to date policies as you prepare for your camper’s experience at camp. 

VACCINATION

YMCA Camp Foss and YMCA Camp Mi-Te-Na are recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for all campers and staff. Being fully vaccinated will avoid certain quarantining and masking as we navigate the summer.

PRE-CAMP TESTING

Breakthrough cases are increasingly common during the Omicron variant spread. As a result, our testing policies this summer will be in effect for all campers and  staff, regardless of vaccination status. Currently, we are requiring two separate tests prior to moving into camp.

All campers and staff will need to have an at home rapid antigen COVID test conducted within 24 hours of their session starting. We ask that you take a photo of the negative test result alongside your campers full name and date. A member of our camp staff team will request to see this photo at check in.

ARRIVAL TESTING

Additionally, we will be conducting rapid antigen testing as part of our check in process at camp. All incoming campers will be tested and will wait the 15 minutes for test results to be in. If the camper tests positive, they will not be able to complete the check in process. Many may ask, why the two tests so close together? The short answer is that we would prefer to catch any COVID cases at home before you take the time to take a trip to camp. The longer answer is we are doing everything in our power to keep COVID out of camp. These two tests give us the best ability to do this.

If you are having trouble accessing testing resources, please contact Lauren Frazier at 603.232.8642. She may be able to assist you with options in your area or answer any questions you may have. Please note that our testing policies may change as we approach the summer. This update was completed on June 8, 2022. Our policies may be eased or become more stringent based upon the most up to date information from the CDC and other local resources as we navigate our way through the summer.

ADDITIONAL ON SITE TESTING

In addition to the arrival tests, rapid antigen tests will be available to our nursing team. These tests will be used onsite for any symptomatic campers or staff.

TESTING POSITIVE AND/OR EXPOSURE

If a camper or staff member tests positive before camp, they will not be able to join us at camp until they have completed 10 days of quarantining. We will not use  the CDC 5-day quarantine plus 5 days of masking due to the nature of camp and the shared living quarters. If a camper tests positive while at camp, they will need to be picked up as soon as possible. A prorated refund would be issued for the remainder of the session.

Campers that share a cabin with someone who tests positive, will be monitored by our camp nurse for symptoms and tested as necessary. All guardians of campers in that cabin will be contacted, if this scenario does arise.

MASKING

We will continue to ask all campers and staff to bring an ample supply of masks to camp. Certain activities and cohorts may still require us to mask. Our masking policies may be altered based on current CDC recommendations and local cases.

OUT OF CAMP TRIPS AND CAMP VISITORS

Similar to last summer, we will be limiting trips outside of camp to minimize exposure. Sporting events against other camps will once again not be held this summer.

CHECK IN

Check in will be the same as last summer. Our check in procedures are below:

– Mi-Te-Na Check in will take place from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday’s. 1 week campers should arrive between 1:00 – 2:00 pm. 2 week campers should arrive between 2:00 – 3:00 pm. 

– Foss Check In’s will take placed from 2:00 – 4:00 pm on Sunday’s. 1 week campers should arrive between 2:00 – 3:00 pm. 2 week campers should arrive between 3:00 – 4:00 pm.

– Families that are dropping campers off at both camps should plan to drop off at Camp Mi-Te-Na first and then Camp Foss.

– Beds will be assigned based on a bunk lottery. This will allow us to make the process fair for all campers regardless of what time they arrive. As a reminder, a bunk refers to a bed not a cabin. Any cabin requests that have been made will not be affected by this lottery. Beds will be numbered. When campers arrive, they will choose a number and be able to set up that bunk as their own.

STAYING UP TO DATE ON OUR COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

In an effort to keep everyone informed we will be updating this webpage regularly. Additionally, on the 15th of every month we are hosting a Zoom Q&A session for our camper families. To accommodate times that work for all, we change the time each month. You can get the information for these Zoom sessions by contacting Lauren Frazier, lfrazier@graniteymca.org, or on our Facebook pages. Finally, 2 weeks prior to your camper’s arrival, you will receive an e-mail from Lauren regarding the most up to date guidance.