COVID-19 FAQ's
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S) AROUND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
We understand that choosing an overnight camp for your son can be overwhelming especially during a nationwide pandemic. For your convenience and reassurance, we’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions specific to COVID-19 and camp.
What steps will be taken to mitigate COVID-19 from entering camp?
We are requiring all campers that are not fully vaccinated prior to their arrival at camp to avoid mass gatherings and public transportation for 7 days leading up to their arrival at camp. They must arrive at camp with proof of a negative PCR test (no rapid tests) that was administered no more than 7 days prior to their arrival. Proof of this negative test will be requested (paper copy) upon arrival at camp. All campers must be tested again upon arrival.
How will this change if my camper is fully vaccinated?
If your camper will be fully vaccinated (past two weeks from their 2nd dose), please upload a copy of their vaccination card to their CampDoc profile (via the immunization section). They will also be required to test upon arrival at camp, but they will not be required to test again during the session. If your camper’s CampDoc profile is locked out, please contact Lauren Frazier (lfrazier@graniteymca.org or 603.232.8642) for assistance.
Who is covering the cost for the COVID-19 tests?
Through our partnership with Quest Diagnostics, all testing will be billed through third party insurance. Any testing fees that are not covered by insurance will be paid through the CARES Act. Quest Diagnostics will be taking care of all insurance billing. Ultimately, there should be no additional testing costs for our camper families.
Will my camper(s) have to wear a mask the entire time?
Campers and staff will not be required to wear a mask the entire time. We will require everyone to have several masks with them at camp and will ask campers and staff to wear it when social distancing is not possible indoors. Masks will be worn during meals (when walking around the dining hall away from their designated table). Masks will always be allowed if preferred by campers. Due to our testing program, campers will not have to wear a mask when in their cabin.
Will there be an increase in cleaning and sanitization?
Yes, we will be hiring additional staff members to solely focus on keeping camp clean. High touch areas will be sanitized several times a day. Additionally, over 30 hand sanitizing stations will be spread out around each camp.
Where can I learn more about the NH guidance and what Camp Mi-Te-Na and Camp Foss is doing to keep campers safe this summer?
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. Get the information for the next zoom session by contacting Lauren Frazier, lfrazier@graniteymca.org. To learn even more about NH Guidance, click here.
Will check in look different this year?
Yes, check in will be different this year as this is the main time we will have people in camp who have not gone through our surveillance testing program. We have made several adjustments to check in. Please see our new procedures 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.
– We kindly ask that all families wear masks when inside any buildings during the check in process.
OVERNIGHT CAMP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
We understand that choosing an overnight camp for your son can be overwhelming. For your convenience we’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions that any parents have. If you still have questions and/or would like to speak with our camp registrar or our camp director, please feel free to call or email.
This is my son’s first time away from home. What can I do to help him prepare for the separation?
Browse through our website and Official Facebook Page together so that he can view the pictures and see all of the exciting new activities that he will be able to participate in. Also, go over the packing list (located on our website or in the handbook) together. Talk about all of the fun things he will be doing and all of the new friends that he will meet. Don’t focus on how much you’ll miss him or discuss a trip that you may be on while he is away. Reassure him things will be fine while he is at camp, and remind him that he is not the only one going away to camp for the first time. There will be a lot of other boys also attending camp for the first time and many that are his same age. First time campers are always welcome to visit Camp Mi-Te-Na before their scheduled sessions.
This is my son’s first time away from home. What can I do to help better prepare myself for the separation?
After deciding that Camp Mi-Te-Na is the best option for your son, the way to prepare yourself is to read through the parent handbook in its entirety, browse our website, and even join our Official Facebook Page. This is the best way to see first hand the memories that are made, friendships that are created, and the fun that your son will experience this summer. Rest assured, our staff are trained professionals, and many of them started out at Camp Mi-Te-Na as campers themselves and have returned year after year. They know what it’s like to be a first time camper, so they can easily relate to your son and make sure that he’s having an amazing experience. Our staff are dedicated professionals that return year after year to provide campers with the same amazing experience that they once had as campers themselves.
Will my son make new friends?
Camp is a great way to make new friends! In addition to just being exposed to many new people, your child will be surrounded by staff that are trained to work with youth and help them meet new people while making new friends. Staff are also trained in how to address any negative issues, should they arise, such as managing cliques and/or bullying.
What happens if my sons CAMPDOC account is not completed upon arrival at camp?
State law mandates that we have a completed health history and physician-signed physical for all campers that is signed and dated within the last 24 months. Unfortunately, your son will not be allowed to stay at camp until a copy of his physical, immunizations, insurance card, and demographic information has been received and uploaded to his CampDoc account.
My child has special medical needs. What can I do to insure his needs are met?
Please call or email our camp registrar outlining your son’s condition and any special requirements. This will allow us to determine if we are able to adequately meet your son’s needs and provide a meaningful camp experience. Additionally, we encourage you to speak with the nurse during the health check-in and to your son’s cabin counselors.
Is my son able to bunk with one of his friends?
Campers can request cabin mates as long as it is a mutual request and the boys are the same age. Both campers requesting to be together must also be attending the same length session in order to be placed in the same cabin. For example, both must be attending either one week or two week. If the boys are not the same age, but are within 12 months of age, they will be placed to the best of our ability, in a cabin that is age-appropriate for the younger camper. We will not put boys together in a cabin that are more than 12 months apart in age. Due to last minute enrollment changes, cabin assignments are done just before check-in day. If you call in advance to check on your son’s cabin, we may not be able to tell you.
What happens if my son doesn’t get his cabin request?
Our camp staff does their best to accommodate all cabin requests. If campers aren’t in the same cabin together they will most likely be in the same village, but just in adjacent cabins. Campers will still be able to participate in activities together and will have the opportunity to make new friends.
Are laundry services available for my child?
Laundry services are only available for long term campers staying longer than a two week session. There is a charge of $15 for those long term campers that need to do laundry.
Should I be worried if I don’t get any mail from my son?
No, it usually means he is having a wonderful time and is busy in activities and making new friends. Tip: pack self-addressed, stamped postcards for him to send to you.
What should I do if I get a homesick letter from my son?
Don’t panic, it is very normal for the first letter. If you receive another, feel free to call camp and speak with his cabin counselor during meals. When you call the camp number, simply let the individual know the reason for your call, the name of your son, and what cabin he is in. The message will be delivered to your son’s cabin counselor and one of them will give you a call back during mealtime to discuss how he is adjusting at camp.
I will be out of town. Can I send someone else to pick up my camper?
During check-in each family will fill out an authorized child release form that lists people that are authorized to pick up your child. Please be sure to include anybody that may be picking your child up if you are not able to. Anyone picking up your child will need to have an ID available during check-out.
Where can I order care packages or name labels?
Under the parent section of our website there is a tab titled “Parent Resources.” Here you will find icons/pages linking you to clothing labels and care package websites should you choose to utilize them.
Everyone is welcome at YMCA Camp Mi-Te-Na and YMCA Camp Foss
The Granite YMCA provides a community were all are welcome. Camp Mi-Te-Na for boys and Camp Foss for girls are binary gendered overnight camps. We ask that campers attend the camp that aligns closest with their sincere self-reported gender identity. We expect campers and staff to follow all conventional social norms concerning modesty, the right to privacy and respecting others.