Operating Procedures

Camp Christopher will operate under the procedures listed in this document for summer 2022. These procedures are drawn from guidance by the state of Ohio, the Centers for Disease Control, the American Camp Association, and Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland.

Policies are subject to change based on CDC and health department policy changes/ recommendations.

COVID-19 Information:

Vaccines/ Tests

For the 2022 camping season, we are not requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccine or negative test result for any campers. Any campers that exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival or during week, will be required to be picked up by parent. If the camper shows COVID symptoms, proof of negative COVID-19 test will be required to return to camping session. Tests must be conducted at a healthcare site or by a healthcare professional (at home tests will not be accepted).

Before Camp…

• Parents/guardians should
• Be alert for any symptoms of COVID-19 and keep campers home if showing any signs of illness.
• Monitor camper contact with others who may have COVID-19 symptoms and keep campers home if they meet the criteria listed below.
• Avoid allowing campers to participate in activities with increased risk for viral spread (such as unmasked crowded indoor spaces) in the 14 days prior to attending camp.
• Teach children proper handwashing techniques
• Teach children how to properly wear a cloth face covering.
• Teach children how to properly cover cough/sneeze.
• Staff and children in the following categories may NOT participate in camp programs:
• Diagnosed with COVID-19
• Under orders or recommendations  to quarantine related to COVID-19 exposure
• Under orders or recommendations to isolate related to COVID-19 diagnosis
• Showing any symptoms related to COVID-19:
• Fever of 100 or greater
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• New loss of taste or smell
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Chills

***If children attend camp and are exhibiting these symptoms despite a negative COVID-19 test, camp nursing staff will use their discretion if they can continue their camping session

Health Care Procedures

Camp Christopher has protocols for health care which are reviewed annually by a physician. In addition to these, the following COVID-19 specific policies are in place:

• If a camper shows signs/symptoms that may be related to COVID-19 during their time at camp, their parent/guardian will be contacted to pick up the camper. The camper will be isolated and monitored by camp personnel until the parent/guardian arrives, but pick up must take place within a window of 2 hours from the time the call or message is made to the parent/guardian.
• Campers may return to camp upon presentation of a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken after the symptoms were identified by camp personnel. Tests must be conducted at a healthcare site or by a healthcare professional (at home tests will not be accepted). As an alternative to a negative test result, a camper may return if he or she is symptom free after 7 days.
• If any staff or camper tests positive for COVID-19, they must notify Camp Christopher. Camp will then notify the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Summit County Health Department. Camp Christopher will work with Summit County to communicate with any individual who may have had close contact with the infected individual.
• In accordance with CDC guidelines, anyone camper or staff member testing positive for COVID-19 will be sent home to isolate for 5 days. Pending available spots for campers, they will be permitted to return.
• For day campers they may be permitted to return after 5 day isolation period but will required to wear a properly fitting mask for an additional five days.
• For resident campers, due to the nature of programing and camp living quarters residential campers may be permitted to return after a full 10 day isolation period.

• Refunds for camping fees will be determined on an individual basis. It is required that if a family, parent, guardian is notified at any time of a COVID 19 exposure that occurred for any camper 48 hours prior to the arrival of the camper that they notify the camp staff.
• Exposures to COVID -19 while at camp will be communicated to the infected individuals, current COVID 19 quarantine and testing recommendations will be followed. This may include removal from camp if isolation is needed based off exposure and vaccination status, proof of negative tests and or compliance with masking.

Cleaning Procedures

Camp Christopher staff will regularly clean and disinfect shared spaces and equipment to maintain a safe environment for campers and staff.

Visitor Policy

Camp Christopher is not open to the public, even during off hours. Any visitors must be approved by the Camp Director before entering the grounds and facilities. This includes all guests of staff. Visitors should call the office (330-762-2961) in order to make an appointment to be on site at the camp.

During the Week

• Activities will be done outdoors as much as weather allows.
• Campers will stay in their assigned group (cohort) for sleeping arrangements and meal times during the entire week.
• Staff will enforce increased hand washing and sanitizing throughout the day - before and after eating, using the restroom, and each program activity.
• Campers and staff will be asked to bring at least one mask with them. If not, they will be provided one during large indoor group gatherings in close proximity to others.

DROP OFF PROCEDURES

DAY CAMP (Monday-Friday, 8:45 am-9:00 am)

• Parents will pull into camp and follow the signs into the designated lanes.
• Parents will remain in the car during the check-in process while they answer the daily COVID-19 screening assessment questions.
• Campers will be directed to wash hands or use hand sanitizer before entering the program.
• Campers will be immediately placed in their small group.

RESIDENT CAMP (Sunday 2:00pm-4:00pm)

The first day of camp is exciting for both campers and parents. To make your check-in a pleasant one, please use the following procedures:

• Check-in for Resident Voyage/Leadership is from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm on the Sunday of your assigned week. The gates to camp will remained closed until 2:00pm so please do not arrive early. We will begin promptly at 2:00 pm. No exceptions for early check-in will be allowed.
• When you arrive at Camp Christopher, park in the lower parking lot.
• All campers should label their luggage with their name. A tractor will be waiting to take the luggage of those campers residing in more distant cabins (typically female campers). This is a convenience offered because those cabins are farther from the check-in area. Campers staying in the Lower Settlement (typically male campers) should carry their luggage through check-in which is very close to their cabins. Staff will notify campers of cabin assignments and label luggage accordingly.
• Enter the line of parents and campers, and proceed to the check-in table and nurse’s station for check in. in accordance to state law and to ensure safety of all campers, campers who are bringing any medication to camp (prescription & non-prescription including over the counter items like Tylenol or vitamins) must turn in their medication(s) to the nurse upon arrival. All medications must be in their original bottles with clearly labeled, current prescription/instructions.
• At registration, all campers must undergo a brief physical inspection including a lice check.
• Once the camper has completed the check-in process, he/she may proceed to his /her assigned cabin. Campers will not be permitted to enter their cabin and choose a bunk until they have completed the check-in process, including the lice check. Campers found to have an active lice infestation will be dismissed from camp until treatment is completed and they are reassessed and cleared by the camp nurse.
• Parents MUST accompany campers to the cabin and meet the counselor. Parents are encouraged to share any special concerns with their camper’s counselor, who they will meet at the cabin.
•  WE DO NOT PERMIT ‘SAVING’ BUNKS. Bunks are secured by campers on a first come-first served basis.
• Make your goodbyes quick and positive. Please be sure that your camper does not have a mobile phone.

***Our COVID guidelines and precautions apply to all parents entering to camp for drop off and pick up*** 

PICK-UP PROCEDURES

DAY CAMP (Monday-Friday, 3:45 pm-4:00 pm)

• We ask that you display a sheet of paper with your camper's name in your car windshield during pickup. If anyone arrives to pick up a child without this sheet, he/she will be asked for identification and only those authorized in the camper’s registration will be permitted to leave with the child.
• Vehicles will pull into camp and follow the signs into the designated lanes.
• Adults picking up must remain in their car, and staff will escort the camper to the vehicle.
• The staff member will sign out the camper to the authorized adult.

RESIDENT CAMP (Saturday between 9:30 am-10:30 am)

• Please park your vehicle in the lower lot and walk to your camper’s cabin. Please sign out with the counselor on duty.
• Luggage of Campers staying in the Middle and Upper Settlements (typically girls) will be waiting in the lower lot. Campers staying in the Lower Settlement (typically boys) will carry their luggage to their vehicles.
• Pick up crafts on the tables outside the craft shop.
• DO NOT FORGET TO PICK UP MEDICATIONS AT NURSES STATION. IF YOUR CHILD HAD A RESCUE MEDICATION THAT WAS REQUIRED TO BE WITH HIM/HER PLEASE GET IT FROM THE COUNSELOR.
• All campers must depart by 10:30 am.
• We recommend that you check your child’s luggage at pick up to ensure that he or she is coming home with everything that you packed that week.

If you require assistance during check-in or pick-up due to disability, please contact our offices THE WEEK PRIOR TO CAMP and arrangements will be made to accommodate your needs. Please remember, there are no pets allowed at Camp Christopher regardless of size.

PACKING

Packing List

The full packing list for Camp Christopher can be found below: 

Day Camp Packing List

Resident Camp Packing List

If you intend for your camper to wear a mask throughout the week, please plan to send your camper with masks.

Food/ Drink in Cabins

In addition, food/drink will not be permitted in the cabins. Along with being provided three meals each day, campers will be given a snack each afternoon as well as the opportunity to buy snacks at the Camp Store. If a camper brings snacks from home, they will be directed to place them into the trash outside of the cabin.

Care Packages/ Mail

We will not be allowing any care packages this summer. All mail must be the size of a standard envelope. These letters can be dropped off during check in, emailed to campermail@ccdocle.org, or sent through a postal service. The address for sending mail to Camp Christopher is P.O. Box 267, Akron, OH 44210. Campers are not permitted to be sent care packages (see above). Please have letters addressed and ready to go during the check in process.