Parent resources

Updated 4-H Pre-Camp Guidelines

May 21, 2021

Hello 4-H Camper Families!

We are looking forward to a great summer season. Our primary goal is the safety of our campers, teens, staff and volunteers. When completing your paperwork for Summer 2021, please review this document carefully as it will help you in determining whether your child will need a negative COVID test or will be eligible to use the 14-day household screening form.

Virginia 4-H Camps have developed and will implement a plan to decrease the risk of infectious campers and staff entering the camp environment. Our plan is following best practices and recommendations from the American Camp Association from which we are accredited, those include requiring one of the following to attend camp:

1. A negative molecular (PCR) or Antigen test within seven days prior to the beginning of camp,

2. A 14-day symptom screening for the camper and all persons in their household,

3. Proof of being fully vaccinated prior to start of camp.

Making the right choice:

A. If your child attends in-person school, Pulaski County Summer School included (July 12-23), within 14 days or less, prior to the start of camp, they MUST have a negative COVID test within 7 days prior to camp. The Virginia Health Department classifies schools as close contact and students cannot limit their exposure in school settings. The screening form is NOT an option in this case.

Types of tests accepted:

1. A diagnostic or viral test (PCR or Antigen)

2. Rapid or Home administered test that are approved by the FDA (these can be purchased over the counter at retailers such as pharmacies and Walmart – results are within 15 minutes to 2 hours)

Resource Testing Link: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/

* Be sure to check if test results will be verifiable and back in time for first day of camp. *

B. In order to use the screening form instead of testing the following is required:

1. You must complete a daily symptom screening log for each member of your household for the 14-day period prior to the scheduled camp session. Each member of the household should limit close contact* with individuals living outside of the household during this time period. Our camp participants, as well as everyone in their household, should NOT participate in group gatherings, weddings, events, trips or activities that would put your family in close contact with other individuals outside of your household.

We understand that parents/guardians need to work and maintain their daily routine. However, we ask that you consider the nature of your work environment and make every effort to limit close- contact with individuals outside of your household and outside of your regular work routine.

PLEASE NOTE: If your family chooses to engage in close contact* activities then your campers MUST provide a negative COVID test before participation. (The screening form would NOT be acceptable in these cases).

* Close Contact: An exposure (or potential exposure) to COVID-19 is defined as having close contact with a person with COVID-19 while they were contagious. Close contact includes: being within 6 feet of a person who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, or having exposure to a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19’s respiratory secretions (e.g., coughed or sneezed on; shared a drinking glass or utensils; kissing); or being a household contact of a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19; or providing care for a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

C. Keep in mind that even if you are eligible to use the 14-day screening form, you can still choose to provide negative test results instead.

We appreciate your understanding and your commitment to providing a safe camp experience for your child. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions. Questions be directed to Chris Lichty, 4-H Extension Agent, clichty@vt.edu and Cynthia Hurst, 4-H Program Assistant, cyhurst@vt.edu. Or call us at 540-980-7761.

Current FACE COVERINGS Policies

updated 5/19/2021

Face Coverings

• Campers and staff will be required to wear face masks at all times when indoors - with the exception of sleeping, showering, or eating and the situations listed below:

A group of campers, teens and staff residing in the same sleeping space are considered equivalent to a Family as defined in Executive Order 72: mask requirements do not apply within that cabin space using social distance. Masks are required in the presence of campers, teens or staff outside their cabin space, or in an indoor public space that is shared with other campers, teens or staff, or social distancing not available.

• Campers and staff will be required to wear face coverings outdoors when 6 foot social distancing cannot be maintained.

• Locations will be designated for mask breaks if necessary, where campers are allowed to remove their masks safely away from other camp. Masks will not be required for aquatic activities or on the firing line for shooting sports.

For more information about the W.E. Skelton 4-H Center and their facilities visit: https://skelton4hcenter.org

If you have questions about the Pulaski County 4-H Camp, please contact Pulaski County Cooperative Extension.