in the time of covid navigating the camp decision · social media - april 20th. shifting gears you...
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Navigating the Camp Decisionin the time of COVID
Sara DerenFounder & CEO | Experience Camps
A Little Bit About Me and Experience Camps
Agenda
Decision FrameworkCan we open camp?Should we open camp?How do we open camp?
Communications Shifting GearsHow often, when, to whom, and in what order?
If you decide not to open, how do you decide what to do next?
A framework and case study for assessing, deciding, and communicating plans for 2020
Decisions, DecisionsHigh-level framework for deciding whether or not to open camp
Can We Open
Should We Open
How Do We Open
Can We Open?CONSIDERATIONS● State and local guidelines ● Date of camp opening
phase● Facilities
RISKS● Your dates aren’t within the
window of your state’s camp opening phase
● The phase dates shift based on outcomes from earlier phases
● Your facility shifts dates for other program needs or doesn’t open at all
Governing and Advisory Agencies★ States - Phased opening dates and parameters
★ CDC - Health standards, requirements and restrictions
★ OSHA - Workplace management and staff safety restrictions
★ ACA - Suggested Practices by panel of experts
Should We Open?Key Considerations● Camper population● Screening● Ability to manage illness, isolate,
contact trace● Staff availability● Medical Staff● Mental health● Financial● Size of camp● Contingency plans
RISKS● Serious illness to any or
many campers and staff● Caregiver transmission● Staff availability/
willingness to work● Managing anxiety of
campers and staff● Reputational risk to the org● Liability
ACA Guidelines Include...★ Recommended Supplies - cleaning supplies, PPE, medical supplies★ Communications ★ Health - Screening and Prevention ★ Facilities Management★ Food Service★ Cleaning and Disinfecting★ Activities★ Social Distancing Considerations★ Transportation Considerations
How Do We Open?Key Considerations● Screening● Hygiene● Policies and planning● Group size programming● Meal service● Communication● Travel● PPE
RISKS● Availability of testing and
recommended supplies● Stress on camp staff and
leadership● Expertise required to
responsibly open● Comprehensive
risk-management training
Communication
Share what you know.
Admit what you don’t know (and when you think you’ll know).
Be genuine.
Be respectful of peer orgs.
Communicate often.
Comms Order of Operations1. HQ Team - April 3rd2. Board (Weekly email updates since the start of COVID-mania + Exec Committee meeting
+ All-Board Zoom announcement) - April 9th3. Camp Directors (by phone) - week of April 13th4. Host Camps (by phone) - week of April 13th5. Volunteers and Camp Families (emails with attached letter to campers) - April 17th6. Major Donors (by phone) - April 17th7. All Donors (by email) - April 20th8. Announcement pop-up on website with link to rationale - April 20th9. Social Media - April 20th
Shifting GearsYou can’t recreate the in-person experience of camp.
But you can reimagine.
Camp, ReimaginedA virtual model that aims to surprise and delight, connect and support our community, and bridge the gap between summers in a meaningful, impactful way.
Reduce Isolation
Enhance Joy
Offer Support
Experience Camps @Home
Crisis Response Virtual Camp
Volunteer EngagementCare Packages
What We’re NOT Doing and WhyClinical Programming - Grief Work● We don’t know if their home environments are safe for them to open up● There is a lack of privacy that would be required for group confidentiality and honest sharing● We are not able to manage emotional safety● “We don’t want to put campers in a position to be unraveled but not get wrapped up again in way we can
do at camp.”
Having Volunteers Contact Campers Directly● Campers are minors and volunteers are adults. Motivations can be misinterpreted and leave the adult
and the organization vulnerable.● The “Rule of 3” still applies outside of camp, for the protection of campers and staff● We don’t want anyone to create expectations they can’t fulfill
Other Virtual Considerations★ Do all/enough campers have access to a technology device/internet
connection?★ Will kids still be sitting inside at home this summer?★ Will parents and caregivers be back at work and unable to get them online?★ Are campers burnt out on virtual experiences from distance learning?★ For fee-based models, do you charge or not?★ Are we doing this for us or for them?
Once you decide…Tell Your Story
