SABC Update – Family Camps, 2021

SHIFTING AGAIN – SUMMER CAMP AT SABC FOR 2021 CHANGED TO A FAMILY CAMP FORMAT

 

In mid April, we’ve arrived at another crossroad where we have been forced to make a decision about summer camp.  After much prayer and consideration, we are switching our summer program to a Family Camp format. We believe this gives us the best opportunity to offer camp to as many people as possible. 

 

This is because the province has regressed to Step 1 of reopening.  Despite the vaccinations being rolled out, the fact remains that even if the province gets to Step 4 in the summer, there is still no guarantee that camps will be allowed.  The challenge is the sleeping arrangements where campers come from different households.

 

Inviting whole households makes this overnight challenge moot.  The opportunity of inviting families to camp this summer is truly exciting in its own right. Our heart is for kids to hear the Gospel and that extends to their families. 

 

Our staff have been working hard to make this plan work!

 

IMPROVED FACILITIES 

Newly fitted Nurse’s Station – The construction of the new lodge addition included a permanent Nurse’s station to accommodate the needs of our growing camp.  For the summer we will employ a nurse.  We have a long and valued relationship with our local hospital, fire department and first responders.

 

HAND SANITIZING STATIONS

These stations have been set up on the entire site following OH&S guidelines.  Campers and staff will be advised when and where throughout the day they need to wash or sanitize their hands.

 

SPECIALIZED TRAINING FOR OUR STAFF

Our full time and summer staff will take part in additional training including proper hand hygiene, proper techniques for cleaning and sanitizing, instructions regarding new gathering limits and physical distancing, and proper use of PPE.

 

CLEANING

Cabins will be thoroughly cleaned with virucidal cleaners  in between sessions by qualified staff.  There will be a full day after a camp session is over to allow for proper cleaning to take place.  Special care is also taken to clean and disinfect  high touch surfaces, shared equipment and dining areas.

 

OPERATING CAMP

Family camp activities will be offered based on the current regulations about what is allowed and what is not.  Family households will be able to navigate around the SABC property and take part in various activities as a family unit.

Registration will open the last week in April.

Physical distancing practices will be in place for visitors and campers on our property.  They will be properly screened and we will make use of logs for contact tracing.

Foot traffic will be directed to incorporate minimal contact between cohorts.

In the areas where physical distancing is a challenge, barriers have been installed and other areas have been partially closed.

We have developed a system together with our health inspector to assess and deal with symptoms shown in campers, staff, and visitors.

As we navigate the changing covid realities and guidelines, we will continue to create, adapt and implement the most recent health care plans and work together with our Camp Health Care Providers to keep our staff and campers safe.