Camp & COVID

 Summer Schedule

We are cautiously optimistic that we will be able to run a full summer schedule in 2021. However, prospective campers should be aware that the COVID-19 pandemic will likely have an impact on programs offered. We may need to alter some traditions like group size, in-camp activities, session structure, and trip length. As always, our top priority is the health and safety of our campers, staff, and community. We will continue to plan and prepare following national and state guidelines, and other risk management considerations, knowing that it is a possibility that summer camp may be canceled. We will update families and adjust our pricing to reflect any significant programmatic changes or cancellations that are necessary.

 GSNWGL Summer Camps COVID Policies for Campers and Parents

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc. remains fully committed to the health and safety of every individual that attends camp this summer. It is with guidance from the CDC, Wisconsin State Health Code, and the American Camp Association, that we have planned for camp.

This summer will look a little different from a “normal” summer at Girl Scout Camp. Some typical camp traditions will look a little bit different however we are confident that your girls are going to have a great camp experience!

A healthy camp starts at home! We are relying on parents, staff, and campers to help keep our camp community safe from COVID-19. The preventative actions prior to and during your camper’s time at camp will help us in preventing & stopping the spread at camp gives us the confidence to provide a healthy and safe camp experience. Please know, there is still the possibility of COVID-19 affecting our summer at camp. This includes the possibility of cancelation of programs. GSNWGL will keep you up to date as changes are made.  Thank you for following these policies and procedures to ensure our campers, families, and staff stay safe this summer at camp and at home.  

Prevention Actions

 Prior to Summer Camp

• A 100% COMPLETE CampDocs Health Profile is required prior to arrival. Be sure that the emergency contact person you list in CampDocs is available during the time your camper is at camp.
• A 100% COMPLETE 14-day pre-screening on CampDocs. DO NOT START your 14-day pre-screen until the 14 days immediately preceding your camper’s arrival to camp (these are date and time-stamped). Campers attending multiple camp sessions will need to complete this between dates the camper is at camp
  • Campers should stay home, isolate as much as possible to reduce risky behavior and help limit the transmission of COVID-19 prior to their arrival at camp.
  • Failure to complete the 14 day prescreen in its entirety will result in camper cancelation up to the day of arrival and forfeiture of their camp fees.
• Teach your campers to be aware of signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• If your camper show signs of illness, keep them home and let us know if they are unable to attend. This greatly reduces the spread of illness at camp.
• Teach your campers to sneeze in their sleeve and to wash their hands often.
• **NEW** All one and a half to three-week wilderness trips (Level One to Five) and Counselor in Training program participants must arrive with a negative PCR COVID-19 test from within 3-5 days of arrival OR their vaccination card showing they are FULLY-vaccinated. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated: 2 weeks after their second shot in a 2-dose series, like the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. After a PCR test is taken, participants should stay home and limit risky behavior and interactions. Failure to arrive with a negative PCR COVID-19 test, or proof of vaccination status, will result in cancelation of camp registration and a forfeiture of camp fees.

 During Summer Camp

• Campers and staff will be following a “2/3 rule” at camp this summer to keep themselves and their fellow campers safe.
• We know the safest situations are when campers are 1) outdoors, 2) wearing masks, and 3) physically distanced.
• At camp we’ll always be looking for ways for campers to follow at least two of these safety measures at all times. For example, if campers are outdoors and physically distanced, they will not need to wear their masks. If they are indoors, they’ll need to wear masks and be physically distanced from fellow campers. Whenever cohorts of campers are mixing with other cohorts all three safety measures must be observed.
• Wilderness Trip campers can remove their masks when on trail, but should keep them available in case they gather closely together with their group, go into public places, or pass others on the trail. Note: this ONLY applies after the Wilderness Trip campers have left camp (and masks should be worn while traveling). When on-site at CBT, Wilderness Trippers follow mask guidance that all campers follow.
• Campers can expect the following
• Routine checks for COVID-19 signs and symptoms, including daily temperature checks.
• Drive-through check-in and check-out process with staggered arrival and departure times.
• Additional space in sleeping areas, with fewer campers per cabin.
• If campers have more than 1 buddy, they will be split between 2 cabins/sleeping areas.
• Frequent hand washing and sanitizing time built into camper schedules.
• Masks will be worn at camp except while eating, drinking, showering, water activities, sleeping, and during scheduled mask breaks where campers can physically distance from one another. See the “2/3 rule” above.
• Masks must be 2-ply material that cover the mouth and nose. Masks must be worn properly at all times.
• More cookouts over the campfire. For safety, campers will not wear masks around the campfire, but will maintain physical distance.
• Staggered mealtimes at the dining hall. Family-style and/or cafeteria-style meals while eating outside (weather permitting). Food service will be modified to allow for family-style serving, provided these additional safety precautions take place. Before serving themselves, campers will wash hands. Campers will keep masks on while taking and passing food around the table. They can take masks off while eating (physical distance should be maintained whenever masks are off). If campers want a second helping, they’ll put their mask back on, wash hands, serve their food, and then unmask to finish their meal. 
• Limited group sizes and limited interaction with other groups at camp.
• Required physical distancing whenever possible while at camp.
• To enjoy all the camp vibes and have an incredible time with new friends!

 After Summer Camp

• Masks should be worn after arrival at home for at least 8 days to ensure limited transmission.
• Should your camper test positive for COVID-19 within 8 days of arrival home please email info@gsnwgl.org to let us know.
• If your camper was close contact with someone with COVID-19 you will be contacted.

 If a Child or Staff is suspected to have COVID-19 upon arrival or during camp

• If a camper or staff shows any sign of illness upon arrival and during camp:
  • Campers: Campers with symptoms will not be admitted to camp.  If camper has already checked in or symptoms arise during camp, guardians will need to make arrangements to pick them up as soon as possible from camp. Campers will be quarantined in a building with a bathroom while they wait for their parent to arrive.
  • Camp Staff will be sent home immediately to quarantine.
• If a camper or staff is suspected to have COVID-19, based on symptoms, the local health department will be notified and assist us in the appropriate next steps.
• The pod/program with a suspected case of COVID-19 will be isolated away from the other groups and continuously monitor for signs/symptoms. Parents will be notified if they will need to pick up their camper
• Should the camper equate the signs/symptoms to another illness or diagnosis, as determined by a Physician, the camper will be able to return to camp the following day with a note from the Physician detailing the new diagnosis or related illness. And at least 24 hours must pass after the resolution of a fever without the use of medication before a camper may arrive at camp – regardless of any COVID-19 symptoms are present.

Camp Screening and Illness Guide

 Camp Cares

This year we have adjusted, changed, and added measures to ensure your girl explores camp in the safest way possible because your girl’s safety is always top of mind. We will be following CDC, ACA, GSUSA, local county, and state health code guidelines this summer. These guidelines will likely change before your camper arrives at camp. Please check our website for the most up-to-date safety information.

1. We will be doing daily temperature checks. 
2. We have spread out sleeping areas and will have fewer girls per cabin/sleeping area to allow for more social distancing. 
3. We have added intentional time for handwashing and hand sanitizing. 
4. We will require masks to be worn at camp where it is appropriate. Masks will not be worn when sleeping, swimming, eating, and showering. 
5. We have limited our overall camp capacity to allow for social distancing. 
6. We have modified our meal logistics to have girls eating outside as much as possible. 
7. Our drop-off and pick-up drive-throughs are an added safety measure to reduce risk. 
8. Be sure to check out camp Parent Information Pages online – that’s where we’ll have the most up-to-date information. 
9. We will have additional staff training on safety procedures and precautions. 
10. We will make sure that our safe camp environment is an exciting and fun place for your girl to try new things and hang out with friends.

 Requirements for Vaccines

Immunization Policy GSNWGL-Beginning in 2021, Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes will require campers to be in compliance with the recommended childhood immunization schedule published annually by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Academy of Family Physicians prior to attending their camp session.

For information about Vaccinations Schedule

GSNWGL supports medical exemptions to specific immunizations as determined for each camper (e.g. congenital conditions, compromised immune systems, or taking specific medications) when accompanied by a physician’s note. Nonmedical exemptions to required immunizations will not be accepted.

The health and safety of our Girl Scouts is always first and foremost. Immunization requirements for participation at camp provide a safe environment for all those participating.

According to the World Health Organization, to reach herd immunity for a disease like measles, 93 to 95 percent of the population needs to have been vaccinated. So far in 2019, the U.S. has had 1,261 cases of measles, the highest on record since 1992. Wisconsin has not had any measles cases so far this year. Before starting camp, all campers and staff should be in compliance with the recommended

Q: This wasn’t required last year, why the change?

A: Based on the recommendation of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Academy of Family Physicians and Lincoln County we are updating our policy to ensure the safety of the girls, and adults who attend our summer camps.

Q: I didn’t know this policy was changed when I registered. Can I get a refund on our camp?

A: Yes, please submit an email to info@gsnwgl.org explaining the need for a refund.

Q: My camper is partially immunized. Is there an exception for this?

A: This is on a case by case basis please contact us at 888.747.6945 or info@gsnwgl.org

Q: Does my camper need the new COVID-19 vaccination?

A: At this time the vaccine is only approved for children, starting at 12 years old, so we will not require this vaccine for campers for summer 2021.