Camp Concordia & Covid-19 (Part 3)

Greetings from Camp Concordia! We hope and pray you are well during this challenging time in our state and nation. Camp Concordia board members and staff are doing everything in our power to open and run camps beginning July 5th!

We were encouraged on June 1, when the Governor's Executive order 2020-110 opened up day camps for children as of June 8 (subject to guidance issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs). There is some indication of a push to get overnight camps running in July, and Camp Concordia has most of the summer ministry staff necessary for a July start-up. Due to personal financial needs, some of the staff who hoped to join us needed to obtain full summer-long jobs. Although staff training has been delayed, we need to begin training soon so we can be prepared for children's summer camps scheduled to start July 5th.

As of June 5, the Governor's Executive order 2020-115 stated residential camps remain closed for the time being; however, her goal is to get the state to Phase 5 before July 4. There are strong indicators from other members of the state that we should be ready to reopen safely in early July and the day camp publication could help guide resident camps. The publication does not explore specifics on requirements, so we will need to tackle them when they come; however, there still exists the possibility the Governor may say we cannot run summer camp.

What are SOME examples of the things Camp Concordia is doing to reopen safely?

1. ​Check-in: For 2020, dropping off your camper(s) will be a completely new experience, including: staying in the vehicle for camper temperature check and health questions, final payments and cabin assignments, then final camper drop off right near the cabin so you can say goodbye from your vehicle. No entering buildings or standing in line with others.
2. Cabin Arrangements: Bunks have been moved to increase airflow, and partitions added to minimize camper direct contact. The A/C units will operate as needed during occupancy and when unoccupied, windows opened with fans to circulate fresh air. All luggage will be stored under the bunk beds (maximum height of 11”) and additional clothesline’s available to hang wet suits or air out clothing.
3. Cabin Groups: Camp Concordia is already known for using a small group model. As in the past, cabin groups will still get to choose activities, eat together (outside as much as possible), experience Bible adventures, attend camp fire devotions, etc. In the case where traditionally all cabin groups have gathered together for information, in 2020, cabin groups will remain distanced from other cabin groups.
4. Disinfecting: In 2020, Camp Concordia is bringing in a disinfecting fogger (camp already uses a mosquito sprayer) and will have a regular cleaning schedule for disinfecting hard surfaces in bathrooms and public areas.
5. Life Jackets: Each camper will be assigned a life jacket for the week for canoeing.
6. Archery Equipment: A plan for the archery program leader to disinfect equipment between cabin group usage. Whenever possible, each camper will use their assigned bow and set of arrows.
7. ​Hand-washing Stations: Additional “portable” hand-washing stations placed around camp with staff trained to stop by these stations with campers often.
8. What Else?: As July approaches, we could learn more about the virus. The state of Michigan guidelines for reopening could change and cause us to add to or take away any of the plans we have to keep children safe.

What you need to do to send your camper safely.

1. Bring Face Mask: It is not recommended that campers wear face masks constantly but they should be available for inclimate weather when cabin groups need to spend time indoors.
2. Disinfect and Measure Luggage: Please measure that the camper’s luggage can fit under an 11” high bunk, and as the luggage is packed into your car, be sure it is disinfected.
3. Dirty clothes bag: In 2020, cabin group Counselors will be requesting all camper’s dirty clothes go into a dirty clothes bag and be stored away under the bunk beds. Please label bags and clothes.
4. Practice Coughing and Sneezing: In order for your camper to attend camp in 2020, they MUST be able to cough or sneeze into their shirt sleeve as needed, consistently.
5. Practice Washing hands for 20+ seconds: Campers might be asked to share the song they sing to do this.
6. Extra flat bed sheet: We are encouraging you to send an extra light and flat bedsheet for your camper to hang on the side of their bunk for nighttime sleeping.

And...what might your camper do this summer?

• ​Sling shots, swimming, and pick wild raspberries,
• Canoeing, campfires, and Gaga ball,
• Riflery, nature crafts, and Bible adventures
• 9-Square in the Air, Pickleball, and Disc Golf

...the camp experience will be different, for sure, but still very full, very active, and very deep in growing friendships. 

We will be connecting you to a new 2020 Essential Camp Information sheet soon to help you with packing, check-in and check-out details.