2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

2021 PARENT HANDBOOK

RIVERSIDE

HILLTOP

Making Memories, Making a Difference! © Hermann Sons Life Camp

2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

2021 PARENT HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from our Director.............................................................................................3-4 Activity Selection Form............................................................................................................5 Themes for 2021..........................................................................................................................6 Packing List....................................................................................................................................6 Directions to Camp..................................................................................................... 6 Staying in Touch..........................................................................................................................7 Camp Traditions Camp Songs..............................................................................................................................8 Camp Dance..............................................................................................................................9 Beads...........................................................................................................................................9 Clean for Ice Cream.............................................................................................................. 10 Flagpole................................................................................................................................... 10 Taps........................................................................................................................................... 10 Grateful Circles...................................................................................................................... 10 Camp Life Daily Schedule....................................................................................................................... 11 Birthdays................................................................................................................................. 12 Camp Store............................................................................................................................. 12 Evening Activities................................................................................................................. 12 Fridays...................................................................................................................................... 13 Camper of the Day/Camper of the Week..................................................................... 13 Counselor-Free Dinner/Surveys...................................................................................... 13 Well Camp Policies & Procedures...................................................................................... 14 Healthy Camp Begins & Ends at Home........................................................................... 15 Participation Guidelines....................................................................................................... 16 Pre-Arrival Screening.......................................................................................................... 16 Self-Quarantine..................................................................................................................... 16 Watch for Symptoms........................................................................................................... 17 Check-in Screening & Assessment................................................................................. 17 Check-in Procedures........................................................................................................... 17 Medication Form.................................................................................................................. 19 Camper Goodbyes............................................................................................................... 19 Check-out/Pick-up .............................................................................................................. 19 Cleaning & Disinfecting Camp........................................................................................ 19 Daily Screening & Assessment........................................................................................ 19 Dining Hall Procedures....................................................................................................... 19 Water Bottles.......................................................................................................................... 22 Social Distancing & Masks................................................................................................. 22 Guests & Visitors................................................................................................................... 22 Rule of Two/Active Supervision...................................................................................... 22 Clinic Protocol........................................................................................................................... 23 © Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

A Message from Our Director Dear Parents, Thank you for taking your valuable time to review this handbook. Its purpose is to inform you about the operation of Hermann Sons Life Camp and the changes we have made to make Camp possible in a COVID-19 environment.

The health and safety of our campers and staff has guided us in all our decisions. We want you to know the steps we are taking, and the steps we request you take in helping our Camp guard against an infectious spread.

There is no single step or process that will eliminate the spread of COVID-19. We will be taking a layered approach to Camp safety so as to provide our campers and staff the safest possible Camp experience while still operating the Camp that you, and your child, have come to expect.

Some of the procedures we are implementing are pivotal in allowing the Camp to operate the kind of freechoice program that is a tradition at Hermann Sons Life Camp. This kind of program allows campers to choose their own activities and travel independently to those activities and mix with campers from other dorms.

That is why we still plan on offering the Camp Dance and Game Night activities that bring Riverside and Hilltop campers together. That is why we will still be offering the Counselor-in-Training Program. These are elements of the Camp program that provide life-long memories for our campers and are valuable to the very nature and core of the program.

To enable us to operate this way, we will be much stricter in the application of state regulations with regard to drop-off and pick-up, cleaning and sanitizing, social distancing and other measures detailed in this Handbook. The wearing of masks will still be strongly encouraged when indoors and social distancing is not possible.

To navigate these changes, I will be hosting Zoom calls throughout the Spring to allow you to clarify procedures and ask your questions. These calls will be advertised on Facebook, in the Hermann Sons Life newspaper and through the Camp App. We believe Camp is incredibly important as it represents the return to some semblance of normalcy. We also recognize that and want everyone involved in the decision-making process at Hermann Sons Life Camp to be aware that nothing can be done to completely eliminate the risk of exposure to both campers and staff.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

I personally believe that Camp is more important this year than in any given year since 2002. I was working in the Northeast when the twin towers fell. The first sense of normalcy in life for many of our campers came when camp started. It was the first sign, the first time, that many of our campers were able to forget the horrors that took place on 9/11.

This year counselors may be wearing masks most of the time, meals will be socially distanced, there will be additional cleaning and sanitizing practices, check-in procedures will be curtailed… But Camp will be Camp.

Camp has always been a refuge from all the anxiety and societal issues. While Camp will no longer be an escape from the new normal or reality, it will provide our campers access to friends, awesome activities and great special events. CAMP WILL BE FUN! If you have any questions (or concerns) on the information provided in this handbook, please do not hesitate to reach out. As, I mentioned, I plan on providing our parents with Zoom presentations, Zoom tours of the facilities along with weekly information in the Spring (through our Camp App).

I look forward to spending part of the summer with your child.

Best regards, Ian Brassett Executive Camp Director Hermann Sons Life - Camp PO Box 629, Comfort, TX 78013-0629 Office: 830-995-3223 Cell: 909-362-9058

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

ACTIVITY SELECTION PROCESS We ask that all parents help their child complete the Activity Selection Form. This form is the foundational information we use to create your child’s unique summer camp experience. Please allow them to make their own choices with your help. Please keep the following information in mind when completing the form.

Campers attending the Mini-Camp and Grief Support Session do not need to complete the Activity Selection Form.

The link to the Activity Selection Form will be sent to you in email correspondence.

Each camper is asked to select 10 activities. Campers should rank the activities from 1 to 10, with 1 being the one they want the most and 10 the one they want the least. If your child has no interest in an activity, please leave it blank.

• Our goal is to give our campers their top 6 activities. This is not always possible.

• We can guarantee that we will do our best to get your child’s top 6. Again, not always possible.

• We can guarantee that your child will get activities in their top 10.

Many times, we need to give our campers a generic schedule. Some of the reasons for this are: • The parent does not communicate with their child when selecting the activities.

Please include them in the selection of activities.

• The parent/child selects all number ones which requires the program assistant to guess the top 6.

• The parent/child selects more than 10 activities. Again the program assistant has to guess the top 6.

HERE’S WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER YOU SUBMIT THE FORM: • Our Program Assistants will schedule the camper activity classes with the objective of giving the campers their top 6 choices. If that is not possible they will try to give the campers 6 out of the top 7 choices, then 6 out of the top 8 choices, and so on.

• Each camper’s schedule is then reviewed by the Camp Director and posted on the camper’s bunk for arrival day.

• If your child is uncertain about their schedule, or does not want something listed on their card, they will let their counselor know. The counselor will then escort the camper to the Program Assistant who will help your child.

• Many times, campers change their minds regarding their activity schedule and we may be able to give your child the activity they desire but THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN IMMEDIATELY. • Throughout the day, campers will ask if they can change their schedule. The Program Assistant gathers this information and at the end of check-in, our Program Assistant will work on the schedule and see if they can change the schedule for your child.

• If a child is still unhappy on Monday at dinner, the directors will meet to see if there is anything that can be done. The vast majority of the time, the campers are very happy with their selections.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

THEMES FOR 2021 Keep the theme of the week your child will be attending in mind when packing.

Week 1 - June 13-19 - Disney/Marvel Week 2 - June 20-16 - Neon Week 3 - June 27-July 3 - Red, White and Blue Mini-Camp - July 8-10 - The 80s

Week 4 - July 11-17 - Hawaiian Week 5 - July 18-24 - Christmas in July Week 6 - July 25-31 - Halloween Week 7 - Aug. 1-7 - Space/Alien

PACKING LIST Wondering what to pack for Camp? This is a sample packing list. Tailor it to your child’s activity choices.

The great news is that this summer upon arrival every camper will receive a water bottle.

This will save the Camp from buying more than 70,000 styrofoam cups!

• 6 each of shirts, shorts, socks and underwear • Sunscreen and lip balm • Swimsuit • Letter writing materials with addressed • Light jacket envelopes and stamps • Hat or cap • Something to wear to the Camp dance • Pajamas • Tennis shoes • 1 pair of jeans • Shower shoes • 2 sets of single sheets • Flip-flops or sandals • Pillow with case • Masks - campers will be provided with a • Blanket or sleeping bag Fandana but we recommend campers also • 2 towels and wash cloths bring their own masks • Swim towel • Anything else to make your stay happy such • Laundry bag as a favorite stuffed animal or reading material • Toiletry items (soap, shampoo, toothbrush and paste, etc.)

Please note: • • • • • •

Camp provides all sporting equipment.

Camp assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to personal items.

Do not send snacks with your camper. Camp provides snacks twice a day.

Please do not allow campers to bring electronic devices such as cell phones, iPads, MP3 players, etc.

Campers should not bring knives, fireworks or any weapon or explosive.

No pets!

BE SURE TO LABEL ALL ITEMS.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

DIRECTIONS TO CAMP From Comfort take Hwy. 27 west toward Kerrville. Just outside of Comfort, turn left on Hermann Sons Road.

If going to Riverside Camp, drive 1 mile, then turn left on Altenheim Road.

If going to Hilltop Camp, don’t turn left on Altenheim. Instead, drive an additional 1.5 miles, turn left on Lindner Branch, drive half a mile, then turn left on Hilltop Camp Road.

STAYING IN TOUCH HERMANN SONS LIFE APP Parents will need to download the Hermann Sons Life App in order to keep in touch with Camp during their child’s week at Camp.

The Camp portion of the App is where the Camp staff will be posting lots of photos as the week goes by.

The App is also where parents will go to access the one-way email system.

We will also use the App to communicate with parents during the week. For example, if for some reason we must close Camp, we will send a push notification on the App that will go to all parents who have the App. You will receive a code for downloading the App when you register your child for Camp.

CAMPER MAIL & PACKAGES If you wish to have your child receive mail (other than an email) or a care package during the week, it is best to bring it with you when you drop off your child. There will be a member of the staff prepared to collect these items from you at the designated time.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

The HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP mission is to provide a quality, safe and caring summer camp program that develops healthy friendships and enriches the lives of both campers and staff by fostering self-esteem and independence through exposure to new experiences, group living and play.

CAMP IS A FAMILY TRADITION At Hermann Sons Life is not unusual to greet a camper whose parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles have all spent time at Hermann Sons Life Camp! It is one of the strengths of our program.

Hermann Sons Life Camp is a family. While many members of the team are former campers who have grown through the Counselor-in-Training and Junior Staff programs, like most Texans (especially those in the Hill Country), we all love a camp that fosters renewing old friendships and MAKING NEW FRIENDS. New campers and staff allow the Camp to grow with exciting new ideas and energy.

Whether your child is a first-time camper or is returning for the sixth summer, we are excited to welcome them this summer.

RIVERSIDE AND HILLTOP CAMPS Our camps are single gender camps, know traditionally in camping circles as a brother–sister camp. Riverside is home of the original camp (1954) and currently home to our girls’ camp. Hilltop opened in 1991 and is home to the boys’ camp. Geographically, between the two camps is the Hermann Sons Life Retirement Home.

The two camps coordinate and help each other out with staffing activities (Challenge, lifeguarding, transportation, CIT programming, etc.) along with Staff Development.

CAMP TRADITIONS Much like Hermann pictured here hanging out at the entrance to Riverside, Camp has many beloved traditions. Many of them your child will learn as we go along this summer. Here’s a few things to mention.

WE SING On Riverside especially, singing camp songs throughout the day is a fantastic part of the tradition that is Hermann Sons Life Camp.

Pamela Nentwich, our Riverside Camp Director, created some videos of our Camp songs so first-time campers and those returning to Camp can learn the © Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

songs. I highly recommend you go to our YouTube channel and learn a few. They are great! John Sorbel even did a couple! Way to go!

Click here to go to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhtPPY88bAaXmk1OjI2KCg WE DANCE (and eat cookies!)

The campers and staff love to dance. Our weekly dance is held on Riverside on Thursday night and brings together the Riverside (girls) and Hilltop (boys) camps.

We have put together tutorials (with the help of many of our returning staff members) on some of the more popular line dances for both our NEW and RETURNING CAMPERS. Learn them in the comfort and privacy of your home before you trip the light fantastic at Camp!

The link for the line dances is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhtPPY88bAaXmk1OjI2KCg During the dance, our campers and staff have a blast! I highly recommend you check out our YouTube Channel and subscribe.

On Hilltop, one way we teach our campers the dances is by playing the songs during our meal times. Often counselors will get up and dance and the campers will join in.

Still, many of our campers believe that the best part of the dance are the cookies.

BEADS For every year of attendance, both campers and staff receive a new colored bead. The beads will tell your Hermann Sons Life Camp story. Camper beads are plastic. Staff beads are wooden.

John Sorbel and Pamela Nentwich, at right, are demonstrating their rich history with Hermann Sons Life Camp around their necks! Just remember, they started with one bead also!!!

Check out John on Youtube talking about Camp beads in the Camp Life playlist.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

CLEAN FOR ICE CREAM Campers and counselors are asked to do their part to keep the cabins clean. This is where Clean For Ice Cream comes in. A few examples of the chores that campers and staff should expect to perform daily are sweeping, making their bed, taking out the trash, etc.

ICE CREAM SANDWICHES WILL BE GIVEN TO THE CLEANEST CABINS AT LUNCH ON FRIDAY! FLAGPOLE Like many (if not most) camps in the United States, we gather around the flagpole in the morning and afternoon to raise and lower the American flag. At Hermann Sons Life we also raise and lower the Texas state flag and the Hermann Sons Life flag.

We repeat the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge every morning. While they are not required to say the pledge, we do expect all campers and staff to be respectful during the flag raising and lowering by standing quietly facing the flag and taking off their hats!

TAPS Each night, at the end of the evening activity, each camp gathers and perform taps. It’s an awesome way of calming the campers down before heading back to the dorms for the friendship circles, showers and bed. At the end of Taps, the Lord’s Prayer is said. Much like the Pledge of Allegiance, campers are not required to sing Taps or say the Lord’s Prayer, however, they are expected to be respectful for those who do.

GRATEFUL (FRIENDSHIP) CIRCLES / LIGHTS-OUT After Taps we head back to the dorms. Before entering the dorm, we gather in a circle (or small circles) and say one thing we are grateful for from the day.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

CAMP LIFE DAILY ACTIVITIES All campers are scheduled 6 activity periods each day. The activities assigned will be determined by the camper’s activity choices. Our lesson plans have been rewritten this year with the sole focus of improving the camper’s enjoyment of the activity. PLAY and FUN have been integrated into all the lesson plans.

Please keep in mind that there will be no FINALS in our activities this summer. All campers and staff will be assigned to a “team” - think Hogwarts. Throughout the week, the campers will compete in friendly and fun contests and games to earn points for their team. These points can be earned in the dorm, during daily activities and in the night-time activities.

DAILY SCHEDULE 7:30 a.m.

7:50 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

9:15 a.m.

9:30-10:15 a.m.

10:20-11:05 a.m.

11:05-11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.-12 Noon 12:10-12:55 p.m.

12:55-1:35 p.m.

1:35-2:50 p.m.

2:50-3:35 p.m.

3:35-3:45 p.m.

3:50-4:35 p.m.

4:40-5:25 p.m.

5:30-6:15 p.m.

6:15-7 p.m.

7:15-8:45 p.m.

8:45-9 p.m.

9-10 p.m.

10 p.m.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Wake-up Group A - Breakfast (4 dorms) Group B - Breakfast (4 dorms) Flagpole ACTIVITY ONE ACTIVITY TWO Punch Break ACTIVITY THREE Group A - Lunch Group B - Lunch Rest Period ACTIVITY FOUR Snack Break ACTIVITY FIVE ACTIVITY SIX Group A - Dinner Group B - Dinner FLAG POLE & EVENING ACTIVITY Snack Taps, Grateful Circles and Showers Curfew

Group B - Clean for Ice Cream Group A - Clean for Ice Cream

Group B - Canteen or Relax in Cabin Group A - Canteen or Relax in Cabin

Group B - Prepare for evening activity Group A - Prepare for evening activity

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

BIRTHDAYS Birthdays are special at Hermann Sons Life Camp. We will be making a big deal about camper (and staff ) birthdays.

Before breakfast • Senior counselors will decorate the camper’s table.

• The birthday is announced on the morning radio show.

At breakfast • The entire Camp will sing a rousing rendition of the birthday song • We will present the camper with a birthday cookie (and ice cream).

• We will take a photo of the birthday camper and their cabin.

• The Assistant Director will email/text the photo to you.

If a camper has a birthday on arrival day, we will celebrate the birthday at dinner.

CAMP STORE Each cabin will be scheduled for a trip to the Camp Store during the week.

EVENING ACTIVITIES The highlight of the day for many campers is the evening activity. These change each week except for the Tuesday night Game Night and the Thursday night Dance.

On these two evenings, the campers come together. Game Night is held at Hilltop and the Dance is held at Riverside.

The Game Night allows the boys and girls to socialize and mingle in a non-structured, friendly, no pressue environment. This activity will be hosted by the CITs for the first time in 2021.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

FRIDAY Friday is the last full day at Camp. Counselors want to help the campers “blow their socks off” so activities will be opened up for campers to try. There will be fun water games, water carnivals, a water balloon fight and so much more.

CAMPER OF THE DAY Every day we will be announcing the “Camper(s) of the Day” for each dorm. We are looking for the most deserving, most helpful, friendliest camper who embodies all aspects of Camp. This camper will be acknowledged at one of the meals.

CAMPER OF THE WEEK Each week we will be announcing a “Camper(s) of the Week” for each dorm. We are looking for the most deserving, the friendliest campers, the most helpful, kindest, etc. This camper will be acknowledged at the Saturday Showcase, and awarded a special orange bead.

COUNSELOR FREE-DINNER / SURVEYS We truly care about what our campers think about their experience at Camp. We will survey them twice each week. Each week Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett reports the results of these surveys to the Vice President of Member Benefits. Ian reads every comment. We evaluate the surveys closely for trends.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

To operate Camp in 2021 will require adoption of new regulations established by the state of Texas and consideration of the guidelines set forth by the American Camp Association. This Well Camp Policy is designed to allay the concerns of campers, parents and staff. Hermann Sons Life Camp staff will continue to review state regulations and ACA guidelines throughout the spring and implement changes as needed.

WELL CAMP POLICIES & PROCEDURES Hermann Sons Life Camp’s primary concern is the health and safety of all campers and staff members who live and work at Camp. The Well Camp Policies have been developed to create a culture of healthy living and to develop policies and procedures which will foster good practices and habits amongst both staff and campers.

Illness and contagion will never be completely eradicated from schools and camps. Enforcing and implementing a culture where good healthy practices exist will help in reducing the spread of sickness, and is an essential part of running a top-rated summer camp program.

Camps and schools are traditional breeding grounds for the spread of germs. Hermann Sons Life Camp is the summer home for campers from all over Texas as well as a number of staff from across the world. In this COVID-19 environment, keeping a healthy camp environment will be even more critical. While we cannot guarantee that an outbreak of COVID-19 will not occur, we will be implementing procedures to reduce the likelihood of spread.

In 2021, Hermann Sons Life Camp will have a fully staffed clinic on both Hilltop and Riverside camps.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

A HEALTHY CAMP BEGINS AND ENDS AT HOME The American Camp Association along with the Association of Camp Nursing has prepared a document for parents to use to help keep summer camps healthy and happy places. This is a summary of that document.

• If your child is showing signs of illness such as running a temperature, throwing up, has diarrhea, nasal drainage and/or coughing/sneezing, keep the child home and contact your camp director. This greatly reduces the spread of illness at camp but also supports your child’s recovery.

•

Teach your child to sneeze/cough in his/her sleeve and to wash his/her hands often while at camp, especially before eating and after using the restroom. If you really want to achieve impact, teach your child to accompany hand washing with another behavior: keeping their hands away from their face.

•

If your child has mental, emotional, or social health challenges, talk with a camp representative before camp starts. Proactively discussing a camp’s ability to accommodate a child can help minimize - if not eliminate - potential problems.

•

Make sure your child has and wears appropriate close-toed shoes for activities such as soccer and hiking, and that your child understands that camp is a more rugged environment than the sub/urban setting.

Talk with your child about wearing appropriate shoes to avoid slips, trips and falls that, in turn, can result in injuries such as a sprained ankle.

•

Fatigue plays a part in both injuries and illnesses - and camp is a very busy place! Explain that camp is not like a sleepover: they need to sleep, not stay up all night!

•

Remember to send sunscreen that your child has tried at home. Teach your child how to apply his/her sunscreen and how often to do so.

•

Impress upon your child the importance of staying hydrated.

•

Talk with your child about telling their counselor, the nurse or camp director about problems or things that are troublesome to them at camp. These camp professionals can be quite helpful as children learn to handle being lonesome for home or cope with things such as losing something special. These helpers can’t be helpful if they don’t know about the problem - so talk to them.

•

Should something come up during the camp experience or afterward - you see an unusual rash on your child or the child shares a disturbing story - contact the camp’s representative and let them know. Camps want to partner effectively with parents; sharing information makes this possible.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES We need to make sure that the campers and staff who are arriving into Camp are, to the best of all our abilities, free from the coronavirus. We need to get the commitment from all participants to follow and enforce new policies and procedures.

Campers and staff who are immunosuppressed (as defined by their medical professional) or are at higher risk for complications related to the COVID-19 virus or live in a home with an immunosuppressed person or individuals at higher risk of complications related to the COVID-19 virus, should take extra precautions including consulting with their healthcare provider before considering participation in Camp in these extraordinary circumstances.

If you have any concerns about this policy, please contact us to set up a time to talk with Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett at 830-995-3223.

We will also ask that all parents consider the following question when deciding whether or not to enroll their child: “Can my child reliably follow verbal directions from staff who enforce social distancing at Camp?”

Camp will be different especially on arrival day and the first day of programming. There will be an adjustment period where homesickness will probably be evident in a much larger percentage of the campers than in previous summers.

PRE-ARRIVAL SCREENING This summer there will be changes to the process of intaking the campers and staff into Camp. And this begins at home.

One week prior to the camper’s arrival in Camp an email will be sent to all parents (and staff ). The email will request that parents strictly monitor the health of their child (or themselves). It is important to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 that campers and staff do not bring the virus into Camp, we need to take a symptomatic approach.

SELF-QUARANTINE TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY While it may be impractical for some, we ask that all Camp participants restrict contact to members of their own household unless absolutely necessary for 14 days prior to their arrival in Camp. This means: • We recommend you wear a mask to limit possible exposure • Stay 6 feet from others • Wash hands with soap and water and use sanitizing solutions • Limit non-essential travel

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS We ask that parents and staff look out for possible symptoms of COVID-19. It is important that we communicate the importance of keeping campers who show signs of exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 at home. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Fever • Chills • Muscle pain • Sore throat • New loss of taste or smell This list does not include all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

•

• •

Within two weeks of their child’s arrival time, parents will receive an email. In that email we will inform the parents of the cabin/dorm they will be in. This will allow us one week to ensure that the campers will be in the cabin/dorm with their friends.

In our email, we will also confirm that we have the Health History Form for the camper.

In our email we will also attach a copy of the Medication Form. This is where the parents will indicate what medications the camper will be taking while they are in Camp. This form will reduce the time spent at the clinic.

CHECK-IN SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT We need parental assistance to run a smooth and safe summer camp program. This is not a typical year, and thus not a typical arrival day.

In order to run the Camp and open our doors, protocols must be enforced. Failure to do so will result in your child not being admitted to Camp.

To reduce the number of families on-site at any given time, there will be a STAGGERED ARRIVAL TIME FOR EACH CABIN/DORM. Campers will not be permitted to enter Camp before their scheduled arrival time. Campers with multiple family members in attendance at the same Camp, should plan their arrival at the later scheduled time.

Strict carpooling policies will be enforced. Campers may only carpool with another camper (non-family member) if they will be in the same cabin/dorm. No exceptions. All campers will be turned away if not practicing this policy.

CHECK-IN PROCEDURES Check-in times have been established to allow for a minimal amount of contact with non-Camp participants.

Campers will arrive by dorm from the oldest to the youngest dorms.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

PARENTS WILL BE ASKED NOT TO LEAVE THEIR VEHICLE DURING DROP-OFF. Check-In will be a series of stops conducted by our senior and medical staff. Our counselors will be assigned to their dorms. We know this is a difficult thing to ask of our parents, but exceptions cannot be made.

HILLTOP

RIVERSIDE

At the first stop, a staff member in PPE will welcome the family from a distance of 6 feet through the car window. That staff member will check that all the paperwork including the Health History Form is on file and that the arrival is on schedule. The senior staff member will greet the campers and take their temperature.

The temperature will be taken using a touchless thermometer. (If touchless are unavailable for any reason, a forehead thermometer will be used with sanitization using disinfectant wipes after each use.) If there are two or more children in the car (all of whom must be in the same dorm group) a second staff member in PPE will be available to carry out this procedure on the other side of the car.

The temperature of each participant must not be higher than 100.4°F. Upon exclusion from the program, based on high temperature or the answers to the health questions, re-entry is only possible following a negative COVID-19 test or when the participant has met the CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation.

Having verified the information, the car will drive forward to a second station.

A second staff member in PPE will then approach the car and speak through an open window directly to the camper.

They will ask the following screening questions: • How are you feeling?

• Have you come into contact with anyone who has been sick or shown signs or symtoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days?

• Have you recently experienced any loss of taste and smell?

• Have you had a fever of 100.4°F or above in the past 14 days?

• Have you recently experienced coughing?

• Have you recently experienced shortness of breath or difficulty breathing?

• Any nausea or vomiting, sore throat or headaches within the past 14 days?

• Can you handle the fun?

When all participants have been screened and cleared, the car will be directed to park and pointed in the direction of the medication drop-off. If you have no medications to drop off or have no concerns about the child’s health, you may skip this stop.

Back to Table of Contents Making Memories, Making a Difference! © Hermann Sons Life Camp

2021 Parent Handbook

MEDICATION FORM & WAIVER FORMS We will be sending each family a Medication Form. We ask that this form is completed and printed before your arrival in Camp, and brought with you to allow for a swift drop-off. All medication must be in the original container with doctor’s authorization. We cannot and will not administer medication not consistent with the directions of a doctor’s orders or provided in anything other than the original packaging.

At the medication table you will discuss with the Camp’s medical staff the Medication Form, and ask the nurse any questions you may have about your child’s stay.

CAMPER GOODBYES AND LUGGAGE DROP-OFF Once complete, you will then go to the camper and luggage drop-off. At this spot, the staff will collect all luggage from the trunk and your child. Please do not leave your vehicle. Say your goodbyes in the car. A staff member will then assist your child to their dorm, introduce them to their counselors and allow the Camp experience to begin.

The counselors in the dorm are there for the campers. They will help them unpack, orientate the campers to the dorm, review their activity schedule and, most importantly, introduce them to their new friends in the dorm. During the scheduled arrival times 4-5 counselors and the senior counselor for the dorm and the CITs assigned to that dorm will be present. YOUR CAMPER WILL NEVER BE ALONE. •

•

Parents may drop off camper packages when the luggage is dropped off. Staff wearing PPE will be able to accept the packages and mail.

Public restrooms in Rattlesnake (Riverside) and in the Admin Building (Hilltop) will be made available for parents. Check-in for the camper will be halted until the parent is back in their car.

PICK-UP/CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES The Saturday pick-up procedure will very much mirror the drop-off procedure. More information will be sent to parents via the Hermann Sons Life App and email.

CLEANING AND DISINFECTING THE CAMP Cleanliness of the Camp is everyone’s responsibility. The counselors are responsible for cleaning and disinfecting the dorms. The housekeeping staff who will be cleaning and sanitizing the common areas in Camp and the kitchen staff will be responsible for ensuring the Dining Hall is both clean and sanitary.

DAILY SCREENING & ASSESSMENT All campers and staff will have their temperature taken in the morning at breakfast. This temperature will be logged. Campers will be asked general questions before entering the Dining Hall.

• Anyone recording a temp of higher than 100.4°F will have a temp retaken at the end of breakfast. If the high temp persists and is still higher than 100.4°F, the camper will be excluded from morning activities.

• Parents will be called to collect the camper. Upon exclusion from the program, re-entry is only possible following a negative COVID-19 test or the participant has met the CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation.

• See the chart on the following page for more information on the Camp’s response to a temperature.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

RESPONSE IN CAMP TO A POSITIVE TEMPERATURE This summer we will be quick to respond to a temperature, persistent cough and other symptoms related to COVID-19.

Camper or staff temp at or above 100.40F.

NO MEDS

Temp is retaken after breakfast.

Temp= /+100.40F

Sr. Counselor packs camper.

Moves belonings to porch of clinic.

Return to activities.

Monitor and retest.

TEMP <100.4

Senior staff clean and sanitize the dorm.

Housekeeping thoroughly disinfects all areas dorm visited in past 24 hours.

Parent called.

Camper/staff removed from Camp.

Email parents of campers in dorm that a camper had a temperature.

Sr. Counselor/ Medical Staff reassure and hang with camper until pickup.

Recheck entire dorm at subsequent two meals.

DINING HALL PROCEDURES The following procedures will be implemented in the Dining Halls of both Riverside and Hilltop. The changes made are to ensure we provide our campers (and staff ) with a safe dining experience.

Most of the procedures and policies for our kitchen staff should be followed in any year. Safe food handling to prevent cross-contamination, proper hygiene for all staff, acceptable cooking practices and correct cleaning and sanitation are must-dos for any kitchen.

KEY CHANGES TO THE KITCHEN • Use of PPEs in the kitchen. Masks and gloves at all times.

• Documentation of temperature checks and screening at the beginning of each shift.

• Social distancing will be difficult at both Camp kitchens, especially Riverside.

• Increased staff due to the increased workload, specifically the increase in cleaning and sanitizing.

• Strict adherence to no outside kitchen staff allowed in the kitchens.

• Slight menu changes to accommodate the need for easier service. © Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

MEAL PROCEDURES • Campers and counselors will wash their hands before being called to the Dining Hall. One dorm is to be called for each socially distanced serving line.

• The door will be held open by a staff member who will remind the campers to sanitize their hands upon entrance into the Dining Hall.

• Campers and counselors will then line-up (socially distanced) to be served their food.

• Once there is only one or two campers left to be served in the dorm, we will call the next dorm to repeat the process.

• Once the campers have their food, the campers will then report to their assigned tables.

• It is recommended that campers wear masks in the Dining Hall when not at their assigned tables. Staff are required to wear masks in the Dining Hall, except when they are eating.

• Campers and staff may not mingle with campers and staff from different dorms.

• Campers and staff may not wander in the Dining Hall.

• The restrooms in the Dining Hall on Hilltop are to be closed, except for emergencies for campers and counselors. This is to prevent contact spread of the virus.

SERVING • The main food will be served cafeteria-style. We will over-serve the campers to eliminate seconds.

• All silverware, cups and napkins will be placed on the tables prior to the camper’s arrival.

• We will be unable to accommodate special diets and private food in the kitchen.

• The only item the campers will touch is their own plate when leaving the serving area.

• Pre-prepared salads, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, individual milks and juices, yogurts, fruit and fruit cups will be served to the campers and staff.

• Individual serving packets of sugar, ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise, Italian dressing, ranch dressing and BBQ sauce will be used to replace the bulk dispensers.

• Each dorm will be individually served desserts on a separate trolley. These will be individually portioned.

DRINKS • Iced water and iced tea will be provided to each dorm in pitchers (two per dorm).

• No personal water bottles in the Dining Hall.

• A counselor from the dorm will pour each camper a drink of their choice.

• The counselor will be required to wear a mask and gloves.

• No refills using the same cup.

SEATING • Each dorm will be assigned a set of tables.

• Each grouping of tables will be a minimum of 6 feet from another set of tables.

• We will reduce the seating to a maximum of three per side of the table to enable some social distancing within the dorm group.

THE TABLE • Each dorm will have a cleaning cart wheeled out to their tables during the meal.

• This cart will contain: • a bucket for waste (and a scraper), • a bucket with hot soapy water and a couple of sponges, • a bucket with sanitizer solution and scrapers, • a bus tub.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

•

• • •

Once the dorm has finished the meal, the campers will scrape excess food into the bucket and wipe down their part of the table using the hot soapy water.

One counselor will then collect the plates, silverware and cups and place them in the bus tub.

Once the table is clean, the campers and most of the counselors will return to their dorm.

One counselor remains behind to sanitize the table and benches. Sweeps when necessary.

AFTER EACH MEAL • The dining hall tables and chairs are to be completely cleaned and sanitized.

• The floor of the Dining Hall is to be swept and mopped using HOT, soapy water.

• The serving lines are to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

• All cups, plates and utensils are to be cleaned, sanitized and air-dried per state regulations.

WATER BOTTLE REFILLS We will be investing in large 10-gallon water jugs from which campers may refill their water bottles. These water jugs will be set up around Camp and sanitized twice daily and at each refill. The water bottles do not touch the faucet.

MASKING AND SOCIAL DISTANCING It is strongly recommended that masks be worn when social distancing is not possible and inside buildings.

The Camp will provide all campers and staff with Fundanas to wear. Obviously most of us have masks of our own which we recommend you bring. Large group activities that are very popular and involve an increased risk of exposure will be scheduled outside and require masking (the Dance and the Game Night).

GUESTS AND VISITORS No guests, friends or family may visit the Camp during the camp session. This will again limit the exposure to the campers and staff from outside the Camp setting.

•

Staff who work in the kitchen, housekeeping and maintenance staff must get their temperature checked upon arrival into Camp on a daily basis. This will be done in the clinic.

RULE OF TWO/ACTIVE SUPERVISION To protect our campers and staff, it is against Camp policy for counselors and campers to be alone 1:1 in a dorm. No staff member should ever be alone with a camper where others cannot see or there is an expectation of privacy. Sometimes a counselor in broad daylight may escort a camper to the clinic. There is no expectation of privacy while walking to the clinic. It means if a counselor needs a private chat with a camper, they may go on to the porch where they are visible to others while still allowing for the privacy a conversation may require.

We also practice Active Supervision. We want our counselors to get to know our campers, Ask questions.

Be interested in them and their experience at Camp. This is where the counselor’s true value and greatest impact on the life of a child happens and where the deep friendships with Camp happen.

During each session, a senior counselor/director may ask to speak with the campers without the counselor’s present. We are constantly evaluating our program and this time spent with your campers provides valuable feedback on our electives, scheduling and, of course, our counselors. These discussions usually directly affect counselor evaluations and counselor of the session nominations.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook

CAMP

CLINIC PROTOCOL The goal of our Camp’s health care policy and plan is to ensure the health and safety of all campers (and staff ) so that they may participate in all activities to the maximum of their capabilities.

Medical care by a licensed nurse or EMT will be provided. Anyone requiring evaluation and treatment beyond the scope of the Camp’s treatment procedures will be referred to an appropriate facility and/or their own physician.

Hermann Sons Life Camp recognizes the HIPAA law. Copies of this law are posted, in easily accessed areas.

Every precaution will be taken to keep medical information confidential. Information will be provided to cabin counselors who live with campers and activity instructors on an as-needed basis. This is done in simple code, to further protect the confidentiality of the camper.

All campers and staff are required to have a completed Health History Form on file.

MEDICATIONS It is important to note that all medications must be entrusted to the care of the medical staff and kept under lock and key in the Clinic. Under no circumstances can any medication be left in the cabin. Campers should not be in possession of medication at any time. The only exception to this rule is the carrying of injectable epinephrine (epi-pens) and rescue inhalers. Campers are allowed to carry these, after it has been assessed that they know how to use them without assistance.

SICK CALL Sick Call is scheduled four times daily: After breakfast, after lunch and after dinner. We also have a Sick Call scheduled after the evening activity has ended (from 9-10 p.m.), however this Sick Call is primarily intended for campers who are required to take bedtime medications. Medications must always be taken BEFORE 10 P.M. SUNSCREEN & LIP BALM It is important that campers and staff use sunscreen every day. At Hermann Sons Life Camp we will supply sunscreen to both campers and staff who do not have it. Sunscreen is available outside the Clinic and at the Dining Hall. While most campers have lip balm, there will be lip balm or Vaseline available in the Clinic.

HYDRATION To prevent dehydration (and the inevitable sickness that follows), campers and staff must drink water. Lots of water. Campers AND STAFF are required to carry a water bottle with them from breakfast through dinner.

REST After lunch, it is important that all campers rest. All campers must be on their bed resting. Some campers may wish to read. That is OK. Campers aged 11 and younger must be in bed by 10 p.m. at the latest. Campers aged 12-14 and older must be in bed by 10:30 p.m. at the latest. © Hermann Sons Life Camp

Making Memories, Making a Difference!

Back to Table of Contents 2021 Parent Handbook