We had a very successful 2020 summer camp season with no COVID cases, and we are getting ready for 2021! The safety of our campers and counselors continues to be our number one priority.
Our summer 2020 protocols are below. We will not publish 2021 protocols until the spring as we wait for guidance from the State of Connecticut and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. We are always here to answer questions and look forward to seeing you this summer!
2020 Summer at SoundWaters COVID-19 FAQ
(Updated on 5/27/20)
At SoundWaters we create extraordinary summers of challenge, fun, growth and outdoor adventure. Now more than ever, families are eagerly anticipating the experience of SoundWaters summer. Given the COVID-19 crisis, we want to affirm our commitment to the health and welfare of our campers and their families and recognize that we will face new challenges. We are following established best practices and will continue to look to the State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Camp Association (ACA) and other regulators and experts for additional guidance. Please check back periodically for an update in information.
Camp Registration
Will summer camp open this summer?
SoundWaters is very excited to announce we will be running Camp SoundWaters and Young Mariners Academy this summer! We are delighted to provide our campers with a great summer experience, and we are committed to doing so with the health and safety of our campers, staff, families and the wider community in mind.
What day does camp open?
Summer at SoundWaters will opening as planned on June 22.
What is the SoundWaters refund policy?
If SoundWaters cancels summer camp you will receive a full refund. If you cancel your registration before June 25 we will provide a refund, less registration fees.
After June 25, SoundWaters will not be able to give a refund unless SoundWaters cancels the program.
When will SoundWaters collect the balance due for camp registration?
On or after June 5, SoundWaters will charge the balance of camp registration fees to the credit card on file.
How do I go about getting a refund?
Email camp@soundwaters.org requesting a refund with your campers name and session.
I can’t bring my child in to her/his doctor for a camp physical – what should I do?
During this declared state of emergency, the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) has stated: Children that have been attending school with Health and Immunization records on file at school do not have to submit a new form this year. Parents submit the most recent physical and fill out this form confirming that the child is up-to-date with physical examination and immunizations and provide information regarding any disabilities and/or special health care needs.
Health and Safety
Will SoundWaters be conducting daily health screenings for children coming to camp?
Yes. A SoundWaters staff member will perform a visual and temporal temperature check on each camper before entering camp every day based on OEC and CDC guidelines.
How will SoundWaters be ensuring the facilities are safe for children?
We will be taking all recommended measures to maintain a safe environment for our campers, and we are awaiting guidelines from the state and CDC as to how to best do that.
Will SoundWaters have my child wear a mask?
No. Based on OEC guidelines, children do not have to wear any type of mask while attending camp.
Will SoundWaters Staff have to wear a mask?
Yes. All SoundWaters staff will be wearing protective face covering.
What will be the group size and number of counselors at SoundWaters this summer?
There will be 10 campers and 2 counselors per group.
Will my camper have the same counselor each day?
Yes. Each group will have the same two counselors and one sailing instructor each day for that session.
What measures will be taken to protect the health and safety of children and staff?
SoundWaters has developed measures to maintain separation between groups within the facility to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Such measures will include maintaining consistent small groups of campers, keeping groups in separate spaces while at camp, having no more than 10 campers together at one time, preventing groups of children from coming in contact with other groups of campers, enhanced cleaning, and staffing patterns that minimize movement of staff between groups of campers throughout the day.
SoundWaters will be cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that are touched, especially boats and educational materials. This will also include cleaning objects/surfaces not ordinarily cleaned daily such as doorknobs, light switches, classroom sink handles, countertops, chairs, cubbies, and any toys. All materials will be cleaned before use by anther group. SoundWaters Staff will be following a strict cleaning schedule for all facilities and materials used during the camp day. This will include boats, life jackets, paddles, education equipment, etc.
What if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 among the children, staff or families?
Following strict OEC and CDC guidelines, SoundWaters will:
- Notify families and SoundWaters staff about the exposure.
- Contact local health department or the CT Department of Public Health.
- Continue routine cleaning and disinfection.
- Cancellation of the group the camper or staff member was in.
Camp Activities
What will happen during rainy days?
Activities will be held outdoors as conditions permit. However, in order to provide the safest and best camp experience we will not be running in-person camp on inclement weather days. We will host a rainy day session on Zoom from 10am-3:00pm filled with fun activities for your camper, and we will provide you with a packet on Monday with all of the information and materials you need to make rain days fun. SoundWaters Directors will contact all campers via phone call to the primary parent and email to both primary and secondary parent on the registration form if Camp SoundWaters will not be held at our Coastal Education Center due to rain.
What will happen during lunch and snack?
Please provide your campers own lunch and snack in a clearly labeled lunch box. We will be separating each group of 10 campers’ lunches and storing them in refrigerators.
How will swimming be affected by the enhanced health and safety practices?
SoundWaters will be utilizing the beach area for swimming, per usual. The requirement for no more than 10 children in one space also applies when children are engaged in swimming activities. A minimum of 6 feet between groups shall be maintained.
How will campers maintain social distancing during sailing?
Campers will sail two-three per boat within their group. They will never sail with campers outside their group of 10.
Will there be a Counselor in Training Program this summer?
There will not be a Counselor in Training (CIT) program this summer.