Subject to change. Last updated June 1, 2023. View images of our 2022 COVID-free summer. COVID Protocols may continue to change DURING the summer. The Camp Health Center Staff and Leadership Team will determine policies under the guidance of our public health consultants throughout the summer.
Background
Our goal for the summer is to minimize the chance of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases impacting our Camp community; we want our whole community to stay as safe and healthy as possible. COVID-19 remains a serious health threat, especially in group residential settings. With participants traveling from multiple areas and living in close proximity, illnesses can spread quickly among the Camp population. We believe vaccinations are the best way to keep our community safe. COVID-19 vaccines are mandatory for all campers, staff and volunteers at Seeds of Peace. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
Seeds of Peace must follow the government regulations and safety practices of the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, American Camp Association, Maine Summer Camps Association and our Insurance company. In making this decision, we have consulted with our Camp Health Center lead Valerie Armstrong, NP, as well as the Alliance for Camp Health, Maine Health Pediatrics and Maine Summer Camps Medical Advisor.
Seeds of Peace will continue to update guidance accordingly throughout the camp season. All protocols and policies are subject to change.
Vaccinations
As we prepare for Camp COVID-19 vaccines are mandatory for all campers, staff, and volunteers at Seeds of Peace. To be considered vaccinated, all campers, staff, and volunteers must have either:
(a) the vaccine series required to be “fully vaccinated” according to pandemic-era travel requirements of their home country, or
(b) a bivalent COVID-19 booster, administered at least two weeks prior to arrival at Camp.
There are no exceptions for this year.
Transportation to Camp
We see masks as a very important tool to help make sure that COVID-19 and other contagious diseases are not present at the start of Camp. Although masks are not required on airplanes and public transportation, we highly encourage all persons coming to Camp on public transportation to wear a mask.
Masking at Camp
Masking is optional this year as long as a person is not symptomatic and has had no known recent exposure to COVID-19.
Visitors
We are excited to welcome visitors back to Camp this year who have pre-registered. To limit impact to daily Camp operations, we have a limited number of visitor time slots available. For those interested in visiting, please e-mail camp@seedsofpeace.org for more information. Please be aware that all visitors will be checked for respiratory symptoms and those who are symptom free will not be required to mask. In order for us to be sure you are on the visitor list we ask that you contact us no later than July 23.
Hand sanitation
Hand sanitizer will be readily available throughout Camp and campers will be required to wash and sanitize their hands frequently.
Exposure/isolation
We follow CDC evolving protocols for isolation and testing. Illnesses will be managed at the health center, with certain testing and treatments to include moving into another bunk setting if deemed necessary.
All staff, campers and visitors should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms daily. Possible COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or Chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
For the most up to date symptoms list, please visit the CDC website ››
What if a camper or staff member gets sick at Camp?
Our Health Center is set up to triage and treat a variety of illnesses to keep all of Seeds of Peace Camp healthy. If a rare event required treatment off-campus for an illness, it would be coordinated and accompanied by a health center staff member.
Can we guarantee a COVID-free Camp?
We cannot guarantee that Seeds of Peace will be completely COVID-free. Our COVID-19 protocols are designed to maintain the health of all of our community to the absolute best of our abilities. This is a team effort, and we ask all staff and all campers to commit to following protocols before and during Camp.
We will continue to update and communicate our COVID-19 protocols as we receive more information and guidance from our Seeds of Peace Health Center team, and in accordance with the Center for Disease Control, American Camping Association, and Maine Department of Health and Human Services.