The Coronavirus outbreak currently rippling through the country and the world has had a major impact on many day-to-day lives. COVID-19’s spread has led many schools and workplaces to shut down or operate remotely, and at this point it’s unclear what the virus’s impact will be in terms of both longevity and severity. There’s some optimism that the virus may be seasonal and summer’s warmer weather will mark the end of this outbreak, however this is far from a consensus opinion.
So what does this mean for families who have children attending overnight camp? On the one hand, camps provide natural “quarantines” because they are naturally so insulated from much of the outside world. And many camps are already well adept at taking care of sick campers while preventing their interaction with the rest of the camp population – a health center is oftentimes well-stocked with videos, and at many camps the housekeeping staff provide frequent cleanings to keep germs from spreading.
That said, there are of course reasons to be concerned about the spread of the virus. Given the uncertainty surrounding this particular outbreak, it may make sense to reach out to your camp’s directors to ensure your comfort level and see what steps they are taking to monitor the situation – here are some questions you can ask your camp director:
What Medical Support Will Be Available?
Camps will generally have a team of nurses who are available around the clock. Some might have doctors on campus, while others will take advantage of local doctors, urgent care centers, and/or hospitals.
Ask your camp if they’re taking any extra steps – have they had conversations with their medical teams about the Coronavirus and how best to prepare? It’s still very early, so don’t expect your camp to have developed a concrete medical plan – however, it’s a good sign if they’re preparing to have these kinds of conversations.
How Are You Preparing Staff?
During a summer at camp, preventing any illnesses from spreading largely falls on the shoulders of the staff. Between the housekeeping staff who are ensuring facilities are germ-free, and the counselors who look after kids on a minute-to-minute basis – having a prepared staff is key to combatting this kind of illness.
You may want to know if camps are having additional conversations with housekeeping staff about steps they can take to limit the spread of the virus, such as cleaning more often or increasing the use of disinfectants. It’s also a good idea to ask camps about the steps they’ll take to train staff to help ensure good health practices. Orientation is a great time for camps to discuss proper handwashing techniques – when I worked at overnight camp we were taught to sing “Happy Birthday” twice – and ways they can monitor the kids and help mitigate the impact of sharing close quarters.
Is There Any Insurance Option?
Given the unique circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus, some camps may offer a tuition insurance option – this is something to inquire about. It offers camps a great way to establish their enrollment, while also protecting families from some of the looming uncertainty posed by the virus.
If your camp is not offering any insurance program, this isn’t a reason to change your child’s summer plans – it just means you’ll want to continue closely monitoring the situation going forward.
How Have You Responded to Similar Past Incidents?
Many summer camps have established strong reputations over the years, and boast experienced leadership teams that have handled similar situations in the past. Many camp directors have dealt with the spread of contagious illnesses during their leadership tenures, and some even led camps through the SARS and H1N1 outbreaks of 2003 and 2009 respectively.
While it may be difficult to forecast exactly what summer will look like with Coronavirus potentially on the horizon, discussing these previous experiences with camp leaders can be a great way to assure yourself of their experience and ability to successfully respond to similar situations. Remember, when you choose an overnight camp for your child you are partnering with that camp’s leadership team – and with any partnership, communication and trust are key.
The uncertainty that Coronavirus poses has many of us anxious about how things will unfold. By having a conversation with your camp’s director, you can make sure they’re monitoring the situation and take steps assure yourself they will be safe and successful this summer.