COVID Protocols and FAQs
As we navigate through the waters of new programs and experiences for our kids, we know many questions will arise about summer camp and procedures. We want to give you as much information as possible in order to make the best decision for your campers. First and foremost, please remember that we are educators in the community, hands-on with students year-round, and have a great amount of experience in both the reopening phases of schools and effective strategies to reduce the spread of COVID amongst children and staff. We have learned, been guided by, and continue to consult the Solana Beach School District and School Board, San Diego County Health Services, and the American Camping Association in order to put health and safety at the forefront of all of our decision making. The information below may further assist you in making the best choice for your camper this summer.
As mentioned, this is the latest information we have as of February 7th, which will (most likely) be changing. Visit this page to see updated information as guidelines continue to come from state and local agencies.
HOW WILL THE PROGRAM LOOK DIFFERENT THIS SUMMER?
We hope to be back to our “choice” programming and scheduling this summer, where campers individually select their own personalized schedules daily. This will require campers to be able to “mix” with kids from other camp groups. While we are optimistic that this change will come this spring, we are committed to maintaining health and safety of our campers and staff above all.
In the event that we will need to mitigate exposures and distance requirements, we will be emphasizing consistent and stable camper and staff groups. These groups will visit a wide variety of activities, with each schedule built with groups’ preferences and interests in mind. With a smaller camp size, we are able to still hold onto our same philosophies when to comes to diverse and dynamic programming, and individual (and group) interests will be taken into account when handcrafting camp schedules.
WHAT OTHER CHANGES WILL I SEE UPON ARRIVAL?
At this point, campers will be individually health screened when arriving at camp, including temperature checks and a quick interview to assess current health and recent exposure to COVID. Groups will have their own “meeting spot” where they will have a morning greeting and opening with their counselors before beginning activities. Group identities will be at an all-time high this summer, and connections will be quick and powerful. Campers will still be playing together, creating those incredible summer camp memories together, and will be connected to a larger camp community.
WHY IS KEYSTONE REQUIRING FIVE DAY/WEEK SESSION OPTIONS?
In order to guarantee the consistent groupings mentioned above, we can’t have campers coming and going on different camp days. We have strict group and camp maximum enrollment numbers this summer, and in order to minimize additional exposures to campers, we must require attendance for the full session. Campers (and parents) raved about the deep bonds and connections their campers formed last summer, and we are thrilled to be able to keep our attendance consistent.
I AM WORRIED THAT FIVE DAYS/WEEK MAY BE A LOT FOR MY LITTLE ONE.
We hear you. Five days a week might be a lot for some of our younger campers. We’re happy to report that we had nothing but positive experiences with this scheduling in Summer 2021. During our staff training, much of our time together will be spent on how to effectively “take the pulse” of the group – thinking about times when the group needs to slow down, cool down, grab a quick (or not so quick) water break, or even times when it needs to run more. We will be practicing making decisions together as a group, making compromises about activity schedules and choices, and how to care for each other. Our staff is known to be nurturing, kind, and attentive to all children, and this summer we will be showing this more than ever. We know that each group will be different, and each session will be different, and we will empower our counselors to make schedule changes, take breaks when necessary, and be in tune with the individual and collective needs of their group members. Camp administrators and directors are on grounds, in-sight at all times, and our hands-on approach to constant mentoring and coaching of our staff will lead this to be a positive program for all of our campers.
More questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact Mike directly at: Mike@campkeystonesouth.com
WILL CAMPERS BE REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS?
At this time, masks will be optional outdoors. Keystone promotes individual and family choices, and campers will be supported in whatever decision they make. Last year we had between 40-50% of our campers (and staff) make the choice to stay in a mask, and we were accepting of all individual choices. We envision campers needing to be masked while being transported to our aquatics sessions (TBD) and while using the indoor restrooms, and we’ll always have new disposable masks in case anyone forgets theirs at home!
HOW WILL YOU ENSURE THAT CAMPERS ARE WASHING THEIR HANDS?
Health breaks have always been a part of our camp program, with both water and sunscreen offered and supported every 75 minutes. Building in hand sanitization processes during this is both easy and effective in working against the spread of COVID.
WHAT ABOUT BUS TRANSPORTATION THIS SUMMER?
In order to promote daily health checks, facilitate an outdoor program, and to keep camper exposures to a minimum, we are unable to offer transportation this summer. If we are permitted to move forward with our planned swimming program, campers will be transported in a professionally driven and sanitized bus, with masking requirements, ventilation, and contract tracing (assigned seating with camp groups) closely monitored
HOW WILL MY CAMPERS’ EXPERIENCE BE DIFFERENT THIS SUMMER?
While we are all making modifications and changes during these times, we believe that the Keystone experience you have grown to love and count on will remain the same. Our counselors and staff absolutely create THE camp experience for all of our campers, and this same care, individualized attention, and personal recognition will lead us into new levels of success as our campers and counselors navigate this new adventure side-by-side.
We had a tremendous response to our (modified) program last summer, and we know whatever the program looks like, we’ll be ready and excited to facilitate fun and lifelong memories for your camper.
WILL I BE ABLE TO COME VISIT MY CHILD OR TOUR THE FACILITY?
Unfortunately, in order to protect the health of all of our campers, at this point we will not be allowing adult visitations this summer. Remember, we are always just a phone call away, and we will still continue to have the kind of individualized attention you’ve received from Keystone South – including camper “wellness checks”, phone conversations with individual counselors, and an administrative staff always available via email or phone for concerns or feedback.
WHAT WILL THE DAILY HEALTH SCREENING CONSIST OF?
As of February 2022, Keystone South will be requiring a daily and individual health screening. Temperature checks will be given upon arrival, and campers will be asked a series of questions about their current health and recent exposure to COVID. More information about both home and on-grounds health screening will be a part of our PARENT HEALTH AND SAFETY AGREEMENT sent out in May.
WILL YOU OPEN IF NOT RECOMMENDED BY LOCAL HEALTH OFFICIALS?
While we have nothing but positive indicators that we will be able to open with our current plan, we absolutely will not open if not permitted by county health officials or the Solana Beach School District.
OTHER QUESTIONS
What if I have a question that still isn’t answered? Don’t worry – we’re here to help! Please email us at info@campkeystonesouth.com, give us a call at 858-207-6161, OR fill out a form on our contact page here. We love hearing from returning AND prospective camp families, and we are ALWAYS here for you!!
