COVID-19 FAQ's
Leaders Right This Way
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 for all campers 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.
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.