Summer Safety

YES!!!! And this summer will be AMAZING! We are confident we can run a successful summer program and again gather on The Preserve. Since last summer, we’ve learned from quite a few summer camps, including some in our local area, who were able to show that a safe summer camp experience is possible. We will be operating two family weekends in May, along with a few school groups, and then resident camp starting in June. We will build on the successes of camps that ran in 2020 and schools this year to develop plans for these programs.

Dates and rates can be found here for resident camp and Linkhere for expeditions. We have lots of options to choose from (with limited space depending on the session) beginning June 6.

Yes. All campers and program participants will be asked to monitor and track their temperature and any COVD-19 symptoms 10 days prior to arrival to camp. Additionally, we do plan to require a negative PCR COVID test upon arrival.

We have two medical staff (registered nurse, Doctor, and/or Physician’s Assistant) on site at all times. Campers and staff will have their temperatures taken regularly each morning, and our on-site RN will closely monitor the health of all campers and staff.

Campers or staff with a suspected case of COVID 19, will be immediately isolated in our Health Hut and assessed by the Camp Nurse. If testing is needed, we will either conduct that onsite or take the symptomatic patient to our local Hospital. Campers or staff showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of the test result, may be sent home. Other campers in that group would be isolated and assessed, and parents will be notified of procedures.

Check-In and Check-Out will be contactless for parents. All paperwork and payment must be completed prior to check-in. Following ACA Guidelines, we are asking that campers come with only 1 adult to camp (no other adults or siblings, please). Temperature checks will be required for everyone driving through the gate, including parents. We are requiring all parents and campers to wear a face covering at check-in. Check-In time will be assigned by cabin and family groups. It is very important to arrive only at the time that you will receive in an email. This insures that we can social distance children between cabin/family groups and they don’t intermingle. Make sure that all of your luggage is easily accessible and packed well. Camp staff will assist your camper in unloading luggage from the car, sanitizing it, and then camp staff will transport luggage by carts to your camper’s cabin or unit. If parents would like to speak with our Camp Nurse, a telephone or video appointment can be arranged prior to camp. Please let us know that you would like to speak with the nurse by emailing hayne@greenriverpreserve.org

Parents will not exit their vehicle at any point during check-in. Camp counselors will assist campers with moving into their bunks and setting up beds. Please prepare your camper for this change. Check-Out will follow similar procedures to Check-In. Each camper will receive a specific time for Check-out. Please wear a face covering, bring only one adult (no siblings), and be prepared to remain in your car and receive a temperature check.

This means camp activities need to happen in smaller groups and on camp property. Camp leadership has been looking at every component of camp to maintain as much of the Green River Preserve experience as possible. Overall, campers will experience camp with their family, attending activities, hikes, and meals together.

Activities will be scheduled ahead of time and supported by program area specialists. Campers will experience classes with their cabin or family. Over the years, we have collected data to determine which activities campers like best. We plan to use this information to create the best possible activity schedule for campers. We know this is different from years past and we are putting our best foot forward to make it awesome. In the 2 and 3 week sessions, we plan to allow families to collaborate and choose their group learning project days and some other special activity times. Additionally, we will work with a family if they really want to spend more time with a specific activity.

We know that these are a special part of the camp experience. We believe with a new COVID-Careful design, we can still have our favorite evening activities like Predator Prey, Talent Show, and Council Fires. We feel confident that we will continue to build on the creativity of our staff to offer these important pieces of our program.

We will be doing campouts during our 2 and 3 week sessions in family groups. This is very similar to how we have always run this program. We will have increased sanitation, carefully set menus for cooking in the backcountry, and continued health screenings in the field. We are consulting with experts and looking at best practices as we plan for these adventures.

Yes. We do require that every camper and adult arrive at check in day with a face covering. Campers will also need to bring a handful of masks to wear while at camp. With masking, social distancing, and predomiately programming outside our goal is to keep our communinity safe. We will provide more information to families as soon as we receive the guidelines from the State of North Carolina. You can find CDC guidance on masks HERE.

We know campers have been through a stressful time, filled with unanticipated change, high anxiety, and disappointments. Yes, it will still feel like camp. Check out this blog here for more information.