Covid - 19 Policy
Summer camp is the highlight of our campers year and crucially important for families. We value your trust and camper safety is always our top priority. In response to the global pandemic we have carefully examined all of our policies, made appropriate adaptations that are responsive to waves in the pandemic. We will be following public health guidance at the time of camp.
What are you doing to ensure camper safety this summer?
Safety is always our top priority at Rouge Camps. We will be following the latest recommendations from public health, the provincial government, and Ontario Camps Association on gatherings, cleaning, sanitizing and other public health guidelines. Our objective is to create spaces that are safe and where kids can be kids. A guiding principle of ours is to implement and enforce the measures put in place by public health, but not exceed them unless it does not impact the program and offers substantial proven increase in camper, staff and family safety.
Below is our current 5 point plan summary to keep campers safe in 2023:
Safety Guideline #1: Wearing masks indoors is encouraged (we recommend families to pack 2+ masks daily for each camper and 3 layered masks are recommended), when public health officials recommend.
Safety Guideline #2: Regular hand hygiene breaks with ample supply of sanitizer available for each cohort and at key areas.
Safety Guideline #3: Cleaning staff at each camp location, for regular cleaning of high contact surfaces.
Safety Guideline #4: Avoiding activities that could allow for prolonged close contact, when the weather permits.
Safety Guideline #5: Outdoor snacks and lunches when the weather permits more often.
Will camp be indoors or outdoors this summer?
Typically our camp is 50% outdoors and 50% indoors. This year we are planning our schedule to be 60%+ outdoors and the remaining time indoors due to the pandemic. We will be able to achieve this by moving snacks, lunch, open gym (recess), and select activities outdoors. Activities such as badminton will remain indoors since the benefit to playing on proper standards is significant. Also, during the heat of the day, there will still be activities scheduled indoors as we continue to practice sun safety. We have purchased multiple 10’x20′ and 10’x10′ tents to increase our ability to provide shade for campers and eat outdoors.
What happens if my camper needs to stay home due to exposure to COVID-19?
In the event that a camper has been exposed to someone who tested positive to COVID-19, then all public health procedures will be followed. A credit will be provided that can be used at a later date for the number of days of camp that were missed due to isolating, if more than 3 days of camp are missed.
Weeks 1-3: Credit to be used later during the summer of 2023 if possible
Week 4: Credit to be used in Weeks 5-6 or in 2024
Week 5: Credit to be used in 2024
What will happen in the event of a government shut down?
If there is a government mandated shut down, then all monies paid will be refunded in full, with no fees. This is what families enrolled in Rouge Camps in 2020 received when we decided not to operate and what families enrolled in 2023 will receive if our hand is forced.
What are you doing to be able to effectively assist public health in contract tracing efforts?
Each day we take attendance at camp, which we will use as a record for public health if needed. Our program is designed in 2023 to keep campers in cohorts of 21 campers or less. Campers are in their camper cohorts most of the time, but mixing of cohorts does occur especially in the older Fox and Bear cohorts. We known for our excellent staff, which is why we feel confident that we will be able to meaningfully implement public health guidelines.
My child is positive for COVID-19, but no longer experiencing symptoms. Can they attend camp on Monday?
There are many different scenarios that exist and this question can be complicated. We defer to the City of Toronto COVID-19 Decision Tool for Schools & Child Care Centres to make decisions on whether or not it is safe for a camper or staff member to return to camp.
Is there financial assistance in place for families with reduced income in 2023?
We have expanded our financial assistance program this summer to account for families who have lost significant income due to the pandemic in addition to our regular financial assistance program. Please visit our Rouge Gives page for more information.
I have more questions, how do I get answers?
Reach out to us at 905-460-7446 or send an email to info@rougecamps.com.
