COVID

2024 COVID Policy Statement

When writing these policies we want to recognize a seemingly contradicting reality: The scope and danger of COVID is very different than it was one year ago. Simultaneously, even if COVID is less overtly dangerous, Unirondack’s operations will be greatly impacted if an outbreak were to occur. For this reason, preventing an outbreak at camp is every bit as important in 2024 as in prior years. Please be safe in the weeks leading up to camp and check for symptoms and illness before arrival.

Summer 2024 COVID Policies

Unlike many other summer camps across the country, Unirondack has never experienced a COVID-19 outbreak. We’re proud of that! And we know that our success is the result of carefully crafted policies in conjunction with the ongoing cooperation of our campers, caregivers, and community members. 

While we recognize that NO COVID-19 policy will feel perfect to everyone, we always try our very best to develop sound policies in accordance with current information and facts, public health recommendations, and the needs of our community members. With that in mind, here is what campers and caregivers need to know:

Vaccination:

Unirondack STRONGLY encourages all campers to receive up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination prior to attending. Summer camps are a high-density living environment, and while we are doing what we can to prevent disease transmission, there is always a level of risk. That risk can be substantially lowered by receiving the vaccination.

That being said, campers will NOT be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to attend camp.

Testing:

All campers arriving at camp will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival.

The test must have been taken within 24 hours of arrival at camp.

The test may be an antigen test (at-home rapid antigen tests are fine), PCR, or NAAT

Proof may come in one of the following forms:

  • A written declaration of a negative test result from a healthcare provider, OR

  • A physical rapid antigen test device showing a negative test, taken on-site at the point of arrival 

*NOTE: Photographic evidence of a rapid test taken at home will NOT be accepted as proof of negative test.

Failure to provide proof of a negative test will result in immediate departure from camp (with a full refund). A positive test result will also result in immediate departure from camp (with a full refund).

Our recommended testing instructions for caregivers choosing the at-home rapid test option are as follows:

  • Prior to your travel date, purchase or acquire an at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit. Most kits come in sets of two tests, which is perfect.

  • Have your camper take the first test the morning before you leave for camp. That way, if you have a positive test result, you can avoid travelling all the way to camp only to have to turn around and go back home. If you do get a positive test result at home, call us. We will issue you a full refund, or transfer your registration to a later session - whichever you prefer.

  • Bring the second test with you so that your camper can take the test upon arrival at camp. THIS STEP IS VERY IMPORTANT as your camper will not be permitted to stay without taking an on-site test upon arrival.

If you have any difficulty acquiring a rapid test due to limited access, financial hardship, or for any other reason, please contact us.

Other Measures:

In addition to our testing policy, Unirondack maintains a full commitment to keeping campers and staff safe and healthy through a number of other health measures including:

  • Outdoor eating areas for better ventilation and lower density eating experience

  • Powerful ventilation fans and/or other effective ventilation systems in all living spaces and shared recreation spaces

  • Masks and handwashing stations available for everyone at all times

  • Masking, distancing, and testing protocols for anyone experiencing cold or flu symptoms

  • Comprehensive quarantine and/or removal protocol for anyone testing positive for COVID-19 on camp

As always, we welcome your questions, thoughts and feedback on this and other Unirondack policies. And we sincerely thank our community for your ongoing cooperation and support in keeping Unirondack safe for everyone!