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There were ZERO reported cases of COVID-19 at Summer Camp at Camp Bethel in 2021, and the precautions we put in place worked. More recent variants of the virus spread more easily, are more difficult to detect, and can be present in vaccinated and asymptomatic persons. As conditions change in Virginia, we will publish any updated information on this page. Our protocols are adapted from the Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 guidance for operating overnight camps and the CDC "when to quarantine" information in case of exposure.

Despite our best efforts at mitigating risks, we simply cannot guarantee that the new COVID variants are not present on our campus. As such, we strongly encourage all campers and staff to be "up to date" on COVID-19 vaccines, meaning:
Ages 5-11 = primary 2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, plus 1 booster of Pfizer-BioNTech 5+ months after primary doses.
Ages 12-17 = primary 2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, plus 1 booster of Pfizer-BioNTech 5+ months after primary doses.
Ages 18+ = primary 2 Pfizer-BioNTech or 2 Moderna or 1 J&J, plus 1 booster of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna 5+ months after primary doses.

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests at https://www.covidtests.gov/​.
Pre-Screening
  • For campers and staff, we request proof of being up-to-date on their COVID vaccine, . If campers or staff are NOT up-to-date on their COVID vaccine, we require either (B) a negative test within 3 days prior to the beginning of camp, OR (C) bringing a completed 7-day symptom screening form the camper/staff and all persons in their household. To avoid having to perform the 7-day symptom screening for your household, provide proof of a negative test within 3 days before camp for your camper OR proof of up-to-date vaccination. Find convenient and free vaccinations HERE, and find a free testing location HERE.
On-Site Screening and Testing
  • Upon arrival at Camp, we will perform a brief Health Screening and temperature check through the car window. Be sure to keep your car cool (not too hot) prior to check-in, and have child seated beside a car window.
  • If the Health Screening reveals symptoms of COVID, we will perform a rapid test (15 minutes). If test is negative (no COVID), we will re-screen and discuss with parents whether child should attend camp. If test is positive (child has COVID), the child cannot be admitted to camp, and staff will discuss with parents options for attending camp later in the summer once child is healthy.
  •  Staff who are unvaccinated or not up-to-date on their COVID vaccine will be tested for COVID weekly by staff leaders.
  • While on site at Camp Bethel, your Counselors will perform a daily symptom screening of all campers, including upon arrival. Daily screenings will include: fever (checking for temperature 100.4 °F or higher), sore throat, new cough, diarrhea, vomiting, or stomachache, new onset of severe headache, especially with a fever.
Masks or No Masks?
  • Masks for campers are OPTIONAL, but recommended when we enter the Dining Hall and when moving around the Dining Room. Not when eating, or in their cabin, or anywhere outdoors. 
  • Our Staff and Counselors will be masking in the Dining Hall and when indoors near other "cohorts" or other groups.
  • If you do not want your camper to mask, your camper does not have to mask. LOTS of campers and parents are not choosing to mask while at camp, and that's been no problem.
  • We truly want to keep every camper (and their families) safe from what has been a frustratingly evasive virus. 

Health and safety details and forms will be in your Camp Confirmation Packet, emailed to you after you register for camp.
We are ready for your questions, so please contact us with questions, concerns, ideas, or advice at [email protected].
covidprotocol2022_campbethel.pdf
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