Throughout the entire pandemic, we have tried to be both careful and deliberate in building our health and safety protocols with the purpose to create an environment that is free of COVID-19.

We have completed our review of the CDC’s most recent updated guidelines (from Friday May 28, 2021), and perhaps the most important takeaway is that everyone who is eligible should consider receiving the COVID-19 vaccine prior to coming to BT Camps. CDC guidance includes the following.

MASKS:

Camps may continue to require masks for vaccinated and not fully vaccinated campers and staff to adhere to prevention strategies when it is difficult to tell who has been vaccinated or to set an example for not fully vaccinated campers. Especially in settings when there are unvaccinated campers present at Camp.

COHORTS/BUNKS

Bunks should have the same staff stay with the same group of campers and remain together as much as possible for the duration of camp. The use of cohorts (bunks) can limit spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 between small groups. Campers and staff in the same cohort (bunk) will not have to wear masks outdoors, except in specified situations which includes the inability to socially distance for sustained periods of time.

Bunks (Cohorts) do not need to wear masks or physically distance when they are together, (without non-cohort members nearby), if the campers and staff are not in an area of substantial or high transmission, or in a crowded outdoor setting or during activities that involve sustained close contact with other people who are not fully vaccinated.

When different cohorts (bunks) are using shared outdoor spaces together, camps should continue to monitor and enforce mask use, physical distancing, and healthy hygiene behaviors for everyone.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING:

If physical distancing can be maintained [between cohorts] while outdoors, masks can be removed.

INDOORS / BUSES:

Current recommendation is that when indoors, all campers and staff will wear masks. This includes on buses and includes indoor programming at our Nursery Camp and STEAM Camp. Family members may sit together on buses but still must wear a mask. Non-family members are not permitted to sit together on that bus.

Recently, in our communications with the CDC, ACA, the Maryland Camp Coalition and MDH licensing, we have been encouraged to proceed with the protocols we currently have in place and to remain vigilant in protecting our entire camp community against COVID-19. Direct expectations from the Maryland Camp Coalition are that Youth Camp Operators are expected to follow the CDC guidelines. The situation remains very fluid, and we will continue to follow all developments. We will continue to be responsive to national and local guidance as it is released leading up to camp. We know how important it is to provide our campers with an incredible summer, full of the activities and friendships they love. We will not deviate from that path while also remaining vigilant against any spread of COVID-19.