Medomak Family Camp Food & Lodging

Operations plan for Summer 2021

(subject to change as conditions warrant)

Covid Safe Family fun. That’s our goal for 2021. The public health outlook for summer 2021 appears to be trending in a hopeful direction. Taking into account guidance from the State of Maine and the American Camp Association, we have plans in place to allow for fun and safe Medomak Camp and Retreat Center programming.

With the safety of our customers, staff, and community paramount, we have developed a set of camper and staff practices for your time at Medomak. Safety is the responsibility of all of us who will make up the Medomak Camp community this summer.

Why does everyone who comes to camp, or works at camp have to abide by our safety procedures?

Using examples from the summer of 2020, a set of best practices has been developed by the camp industry. It’s been shown that unless everyone takes seriously what we all need to do to stay safe, the virus can be spread inadvertently. This could result in the persistence of disease and possible serious illness or death. None of us want this to be the legacy of Medomak for the summer of 2021.

GENERAL COVID RELATED POLICIES/PROCEDURES

Vaccination

We are optimistic that all adult campers and staff will be able to be vaccinated by summer. Though there is currently no concrete evidence that vaccination prevents spread of the virus, we do know it prevents serious illness. It is our responsibility to help prevent any serious illness that arises from being at Medomak this summer. For this reason, so long as vaccination is widely available to the general public by summer, we will require all adult campers and staff to be vaccinated, prior to coming to camp.

What happens if vaccine isn’t available by summer?

Trends in vaccination, as of now, look favorable for all adults being able to be vaccinated by summer. It is with this in mind that for now we will require vaccination in order to be able to come to Medomak this summer. If vaccinations are not available to all, we will re-evaluate our vaccination requirements in May.

I’d like to sign up now, but I’m concerned about my ability to get vaccinated by summer. What should I do?

To help you feel comfortable registering now, rather than having to wait until you have been vaccinated, we are committing to reassess the strictness of the policy at a later date. Additionally, our cancellation policy ensures your tuition is fully creditable in such a situation.

If I am fully vaccinated, why insist we follow all the other protocols?

Vaccination has not definitively been shown to prevent spread of the virus. Doing your part in maintaining Covid protocols will significantly lessen the risk to other campers and staff who will be sharing camp spaces. Whether everyone is able to receive the vaccine by summer or not, we will continue to expect all campers, retreat participants, and staff to observe all precautions outlined in our Covid practices.

Testing

From the beginning of the pandemic, testing has proven to be an important indicator of infection. The state of Maine currently requires visitors be vaccinated or demonstrate a negative Covid test within 72 hours prior to coming into the state. Since travel imposes the greatest risk for infection, we will be employing monitoring and testing to confirm campers’ or participants’ health status. Should a Covid positive test be confirmed all members of the affected Household will be required to quarantine in their cabin(s) until results for the entire Household can be made available.

If I am vaccinated and a family member shows symptoms, will I still need to be monitored and/or tested?

There is currently no definitive evidence that vaccinated individuals do not transmit the virus. The results of monitoring and testing of all family members will allow for Medomak staff to determine what steps must be taken to limit the chances of spread and serious illness.

Do children need to be monitored and/or tested?

Yes. Just like adults, children can pose a risk for spreading the virus. Their monitoring and/or test results are important for decision making.

If any family member tests positive, what then?

Medomak camp is not equipped to offer medical treatment for Covid disease. So, if any member of a Medomak Household tests positive, the entire Household will have to leave camp to prevent any possibility of further spread to other Households or staff.

Medomak Households (Pods)

The simplest Household in the camp setting includes all the people living in one cabin. In the case of a family comprised of multiple generations, the definition of Household can be extended to include people living in adjacent cabins at Medomak. We expect that people in such extended Households have lived and functioned as a pod for a minimum of 14 days prior to their arrival at camp.

What’s the significance of maintaining households?

Maintaining a household is a way to prevent or at least minimize the spread of the virus between groups of people in the camp and wider community.

Can multiple unrelated families be part of a Medomak Household?

Medomak Households must be comprised of individuals who have been a pod for at least 14 days prior to arrival at camp. Unrelated families or acquaintances who live separately from one another and therefore have been potentially exposed to the virus in different ways impose too great a risk for spread while at camp to be considered a Household.

Mask Policy

Wearing masks prevents the spread of the virus. With this fact in mind, masks must be worn by all adults and all children 2 years old and over, indoors, and anywhere outdoors when in contact with common use facilities and/or in the presence of others.

We don’t have to wear masks in our home state. Why do we have to at camp? What does Maine law say about masks?

In Maine, anyone 2 years and older must wear a face covering when in a public setting indoors or outdoors.

Do we need to wear masks when we’re hiking as a Household in the woods, or congregating by ourselves on the camp site?

So long as you are only with members of your Household, you don’t need to wear masks, either in your cabin(s) or out of doors. However, you must always keep a mask handy in case you encounter any other people. You must wear a mask when in contact with any common use facilities.

Do we need to wear a mask even while social distancing?

Yes. This extra level of protection provides safety for you and others.

My child isn’t so good at wearing a mask. Is that a problem?

We understand that children sometimes have a hard time keeping their masks on. We ask that you gently remind them when they are in social distance of other campers/children.

Social Distancing

Camp is community. Consistent with what we’ve all been doing in our own communities since the beginning of Covid, we require that you maintain a minimum of 6 feet between members of your Household and other people. Ideally, for longer gatherings, it’s best to consider 10-12 feet separation.

Can I still talk to friends and neighbors? Can I have a drink with them in our Adirondack chairs outside of the cabins?

Yes, of course. Just maintain a distance of at least 6 feet. You can certainly socialize and have drinks or snacks. Just please remember to put your mask back on when you are not actively eating or drinking.

Can our kids still run and play together with other children in the fields and barn?

Yes. Please be sure they maintain a minimum of 6 feet distance and wear their masks.

COVID Exposure

To limit the chance of spread, Maine requires that you show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours, or be vaccinated before coming into the State. Upon arrival at Medomak, you will be required to produce a record of a negative Covid test, or that you have been fully vaccinated to comply with this State requirement. To monitor potential Covid exposure while at camp, we will be monitoring and testing to confirm campers’ or participants’ health status. Should a Covid positive test be confirmed, all members of the affected Household will be required to quarantine in their cabin(s) until results for the entire Household can be made available.

What does a confirmed positive Covid test mean for the camp?

Medomak camp is not equipped to offer medical treatment for Covid disease. So, if any member of a Medomak Household tests positive, the entire Household will have to leave camp for the health and safety of the others on site. We are required to report any covid exposures and track any potential spread. Once any positive test is known, there is the possibility that we might have to test everyone at camp, and Medomak might be forced to close for the remainder of the summer depending on the extent of the outbreak.

Limits on Capacity (Cohorts)

As of now, we must limit indoor gatherings (cohorts) to less than 50 people, and outdoor gatherings to less than 100. For this reason, we will be opening family camp to only 6-8 families/week. Retreat Center programs will be limited to 40 participants.

What if the limits change before summer?

As is the case for all our Covid procedures, we will monitor what the State of Maine dictates. We would love to have more families and participants at Medomak, so long as it can be done safely.

Maintaining a Bubble

Travel involves a high risk of exposure and spread of the Covid virus. As such, for your relatively short stay at Medomak, we are limiting the number of campers going off the camp site. Any necessary trips off site will be limited to one member of your Medomak Household and all precautions must be taken for any potential contact with public areas or people off site.

What about controlled excursions off site? What if we want to go for a hike?

As summer approaches and we get a better indication of Covid trends, we are considering offering designated “out-of-camp” guided excursions. These would be limited to wilderness outings where contact with highly-travelled public spaces or large groups of people can be minimized. We will continue to explore such program offerings.

What are considered acceptable and unacceptable purposes for going offsite?

The reason we are limiting offsite excursions to one member of the Household is to limit potential exposure, with subsequent transmission to other campers or staff. Excursions should be limited to running errands, e.g. purchases at Washington General Store, or curbside service, if possible. Visiting any high-density offsite locations, e.g. tourist destinations or indoor dining establishments is not permissible.

What if me or my family member needs medical attention off site?

Being seen by a doctor is an acceptable reason for more than one family member to leave camp.

What does this policy mean for staff?

Medomak camp staff will also be limited in their leaving camp. They will be required to adhere to the same limitations as campers: non-guided excursions limited to one person, no visits to high-density destinations or indoor dining.

FOOD AND LODGING

Accommodations

Cabin occupancy must be limited to members of one’s Medomak Household. Entering another household’s cabin increases the risk of viral spread and is not permitted. Any maintenance or repairs needed during your stay will be completed without guests present, and staff will be properly masked.

Housekeeping and Cleaning

Cabins will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized prior to your arrival. We will be sure to be out of all cabins 18-24 hours prior to arrival of new guests.

Will you service cabins during our stay?

For the safety of our staff and the safety of our guests, we will not service cabins while camp is in session. Trash collection and linen exchange will be done on request.

Dining

Weather permitting, meals will be served outdoors, under the shelter of a tent. Tables will be safely spaced, and seating at tables will be limited to one’s own Medomak Household. When dining outdoors is not an option, controlled indoor dining will occur.

Aside from meals, will snacks, coffee and/or tea be available?

Medomak staff will be on duty to provide snacks and beverages between meals.

Do we need to wear masks in the dining tent or dining hall when not eating or drinking?

Yes.

What about personal food and drinks?

We will be making arrangements for you to safely store your personal food and drinks that require refrigeration.

ACTIVITIES

Family Camp Programs

Family Camp programs and activities will be organized around the Medomak Household. We may offer peer group-based activities so long as they can be done safely. Wherever possible, activities will be held outdoors. Indoor activities will be safely spaced. In either case, masks will be required.

What activities are you envisioning offering?

Archery, Arts & Crafts, SCAG, Land sports, Nature, Tennis, evening activities, Campfire, and all waterfront activities (swimming and boats) will be available.

Will we be able to do these activities with other families?

Absolutely. Activities can be done together while safely masked and at a distance.

Retreat Center Programs

Retreat Center programs and activities will be conducted to the extent that they can be done safely; social distancing and masking requirements are a necessity. Wherever possible, activities will be held outdoors or if indoors in open, well-ventilated spaces.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Maine has much to offer in terms of breathtaking coastline, great seaport villages, as well as wonderful wilderness excursions. Sadly, travel involves a high risk of viral exposure and spread. Once at Medomak, travel off site will be severely limited to minimize risk to the camp community. Once your enjoyable time at Medomak is over, that would be the time to explore.

We were planning a Maine excursion prior to coming to Medomak. Not a good idea?

Exploring other public areas in Maine prior to camp represents a risk of exposure to the Medomak community. We ask that you travel directly to camp upon arrival in Maine, limiting potential exposure to the Medomak community.

PACKING LIST

We highly recommend you add the following items to your packing list (link to packing list)

- - Alcohol wipes
  - Thermometer
  - Face masks (no bandanas or neck gaiters)
  - Hand Sanitizer

Will these things be available at camp or do we need to bring our own?

Alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer will be readily available around camp, but it can’t hurt to have your own supply, too. Of course, you’ll need your own face mask. Since we may be monitoring health status by taking temperatures we’ll have a thermometer. If you have one, you might want to bring it along.

PAYMENTS

Deposit and Payments

A non-refundable 5% deposit will be required to register your family and reserve a cabin. 50% of the remaining balance will be due April 1st, with the remaining balance due June 1st. Registration after April 1st will require 50% of the balance to register. After June 1st, payment in full will be required to register.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations within 14 days of your arrival will result in a full credit applied toward a future stay at Medomak. In the event Medomak must cancel a program, a full refund will be given.

Sorry but Medomak cannot be responsible for nonrefundable airline tickets or other travel or indirect expenses associated with cancellations.

Cash Discount

A cash discount of 2.6% will be applied to payments made via check, or money order.

COVID WAIVER

The policies and procedures for camp this summer make foremost the safety of our campers, retreat participants, and staff. It’s in everyone’s best interest to know what to expect in preparation for coming to Medomak. As an assurance, we will request as part of the registration process that each of our families or retreat participants sign a waiver agreeing to our procedures.

What happens if I or any member of my family does not comply with the provisions of the waiver I signed for myself and on behalf of members of my family?

If you or any member of your family knowingly fails to comply with Medomak Covid policies and procedures, Medomak Camp reserves the right to request that you and your family leave the camp immediately with no refund.

COVID Safe Family Fun.