You have children and you want to send them to summer camp? What a great idea! However, you should know that there are a sanitary protocol to be followed carefully. After the spread of Covid since late 2019, places such as summer camps are very much on horseback regarding hygiene and adherence to protocols.
In this article, we will shed more light on the subject.
Summer Camp Health Protocol
There are a number of rules in place for summer camps that must be followed. To begin with, you must agree not to send your child to camp if he or she, you or a close family member has Covid-19. Even if you are only experiencing some symptoms, but have not been diagnosed as positive.
The health protocol is divided into two parts:
- before departure,
- during the stay.
Before departure
Before starting, parents must ensure that their child has a normal temperature. A temperature reading will also be taken upon arrival at the meeting place.
If your child has a fever, even a mild one, or other symptoms, you should keep him or her at home so as not to risk infecting other children.
If your child is tested positive or if you or a close family member is, your child is not allowed to go to camp.
To make sure that everything is in order, you must perform a virological screening test on your child. The test should be done at least 72 hours before departure. You can also give your child a PCR or antigenic test 24 hours before the departure date. The test is not mandatory, although it is preferable to do it.
During the stay
It is possible that during the stay, your child will be subjected to a PCR test if the doctor decides it is necessary. If your child feels unwell, has a fever or other symptoms, the doctor reserves the right to order a PCR test. Please be aware that parents are responsible for paying for the Covid test.
Masks are not required, but are strongly recommended. If your child is 6 years old or older, he or she should wear a mask in enclosed spaces. So remember to equip your child with the right amount of masks to be safe.
Depending on the space available, social distancing can be applied in summer camp. If there is enough space to accommodate all the children and impose social distancing, it will be done. But if the place doesn't accommodate everyone, they can't afford to impose social distancing.
The staff in charge of the summer camp must ensure that hygiene measures are respected.
It is essential to:
- clean surfaces daily;
- clean and disinfect the surfaces that are most in contact with children every day as well;
- air the rooms regularly, approximately every 3 hours.
Summer Camp Protocol: Will you be reimbursed if you cancel?
If the cancellation comes from the camp center itself, then yes, you will be fully reimbursed.
If your child has symptoms or has tested positive and is unable to attend camp, a refund may not be issued. There is a cancellation deadline. If you decide to cancel before that date, then the refund is made as prescribed in the contract. Otherwise, you will not receive a refund.
However, there is a cancellation insurance that you can subscribe to. In the insurance contract, the case of cancellation in case of a pandemic is covered. You can therefore receive compensation if this clause is included in the insurance contract.
