February 17, 2021. 12:01 pm Update from NYSCDA (New York State Camp Directors Association): "Moments ago, Governor Cuomo announced that Overnight summer camps can plan on reopening (on schedule). We will be sending you all updates as this develops but we do have the official green light. We are working closely with the Governor's office on guidelines and next steps."
January 1, 2021 Dear Quinipet Families, We are really looking forward to opening Quinipet this summer, and we are planning to do so safely. Many camps across the country did open in 2020, and we are learning how they managed with the COVID pandemic. We pledge to do everything we can to make 2021 a safe and successful summer for our campers.
Camps in New York State are licensed by the Department of Health (DOH), which is a strict and thorough accrediting agency. DOH standards are updated frequently and reflect current health situations. With the swiftly changing COVID landscape, we anticipate having DOH requirements for summer 2021 sometime mid-spring. When we know these requirements, we will share them with you and adjust our protocols.
In the meantime, we are in close contact with the community of camp professionals. Camps that were able to operate safely in 2020 are sharing best practices. The American Camp Association (ACA) has stepped to the forefront, developing detailed operating procedures that were adopted by the CDC. As the Standards Co-Chair for ACA NY and NJ, I am committed to operating Quinipet safely. We continue to closely monitor issues and solutions.
While we won't know health mandates until later this spring, we are making changes now. We're adding two 8' hand-washing sinks in main camp and hand sanitizing stations in every building. We are prepared to serve meals in small groups across camp to limit numbers in buildings. We are purchasing approved backpack sanitizer sprayers and stepping up cleaning and disinfecting areas. Programming will be organized in pods and conducted outdoors as much as possible. The requirements around wearing masks, pre-camp testing and vaccinations are yet to be determined. We promise to keep you posted and will keep this space updated as more information becomes available.
All of that being said, we are optimistic and are opening camp registration online January 1st! For those families who rolled over deposits, thank you! Those funds will be applied to your accounts immediately upon enrollment.
We are so thankful for all of you who have stayed in touch with us throughout this unsettling time. We remain here for you and look forward to supporting your campers this summer. Here's to a Happy New Year!
With Faith, Brooke and the Quinipet Team
Brooke Bradley Executive Director, Quinipet Camp & Retreat Center