Launch Summer Camp 2022 COVID-19 Procedures And Precautions

Launch will operate camps in compliance with CDC guidelines and NYS DOH COVID-19 health and safety regulations. Our procedures are based on current regulations, and will likely change as local health department regulations shift. We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available. Launch will notify all registered families of any changes to policy. In the event that a policy change impacts your child’s ability to attend camp, the Launch team will be available to discuss your options.

Current Covid Policy (updated 2/3/2022)
All Launch employees are required to be fully vaccinated. Launch considers a person “fully vaccinated” if a minimum of two weeks have passed since having received all recommended doses (including boosters) of a COVID-19 vaccine that has been authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or is listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Launch staff and campers are required to wear masks while indoors. We will be accommodating and understanding if campers need mask “breaks” by providing short, safe, supervised opportunities to un-mask while social distancing. We ask that you provide a mask for your child each day in anticipation of this requirement.

Lunch will take place outdoors at all camp locations and for most camp groups, except during poor weather. In either instance, campers will be assigned designated seats at least 3 ft apart from each other. Campers will wash/sanitize hands before and after eating.

Designated Groups
Campers will be in “stable” groups limited to a maximum of 16 children. These groups will not mix with other camp groups. During the camp day, each group will split time between designated indoor and outdoor space that will allow Launch to keep each group separated and contained. Each child will have an assigned seat at least 3 ft away from other campers. Launch will provide each camper with their own set of materials and sanitize work spaces and common areas before and after use.

We understand children’s natural tendencies bring them together and we also realize there will be times when our instructors will need to distribute materials and help campers troubleshoot, making it challenging to always maintain social distancing. However, we are dedicated to keeping our campers and our team safe and will maintain social distancing at all possible times.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Drop-off and pick-up will take place outside of each camp facility. Only one representative from each family will be permitted to accompany campers for pickup and drop off. Campers will be asked to sanitize hands upon arrival and their temperature will be recorded daily using contactless thermometers. Only campers and Launch team members will be allowed into the facilities.

Precaution, Recognition, and Action
Staff and directors are trained to recognize COVID-19 signs and symptoms. In addition to the health screening questions and temperature checks at check in for both staff and campers, any camper displaying any COVID-19 symptom during the day will be removed from the group and isolated following CDC guidelines. At that time we will contact an adult to come and pick them up. We will notify the families of all campers in the impacted group(s) and encourage them to watch for symptoms (however they will not be required to remove their child from camp). Campers that were removed can return after 24 hours of being fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications.

In the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case (of a camper or staff member on site) the director will immediately notify the families of all campers on site. Launch will consult CDC guidelines and NYS DOH COVID-19 health and safety regulations to provide guidance on a course of action for the program. If, for any reason, camp does close for an extended period of time, families will be refunded for all in-person days missed. Launch may offer virtual alternatives for families to consider, at their choice. Camp will be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly before groups return.

Stay Home If…
In order to help ensure the well-being of our campers and staff, please follow the guideline below as to when your child should stay home from camp. This also represents when we will require a child to be picked up from camp if they become ill while attending.

Children should stay home if they have any COVID-19 symptoms including: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, chills, body aches, fatigue, headache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, new loss of taste or smell or eye drainage or infection.