We will do everything possible to minimize physical contact with children but as these are all practices to minimize exposure we rely on your due diligence to keep your kids home if they are showing any signs of sickness in order to prevent any spread of Covid-19.
Our outdoor programming already implements the environmental measures outlined by the provincial government. Since our program is mainly outdoors, we will have good ventilation and air exchange. Our indoor location is a large space, and will allow us to facilitate small group activities. We will also ensure this space is cleaned and sanitized daily, with emphasis on high traffic areas and materials. Staff and children will handwash accordingly, and practice proper hygiene such as coughing/sneezing into the elbow. Hand sanitizer will be available at our indoor location, transportation vehicle, with staff and in our field trip/emergency backpacks.
In accordance with the Provincial Government, should children have common-cold, influenza, or COVID-19 like symptoms they should stay home, be assessed by their health care provider and tested for COVID-19. When someone is symptomatic, they should self-isolate and follow directions provided by their health care provider. Self-isolation is also advised for those who are considered a close contact of a confirmed case and are waiting to see if they develop COVID-19 illness.
Screening and illness
We will be implementing screening procedures each program day. Participants that have symptoms of Covid-19 or have had close contact with a confirmed or probable case of Covid-19 will not be admitted to the program.
Monitoring participants for signs and symptoms of Covid-19 throughout the program. If a participant falls ill while at program, they will be isolated from the rest of their group. Caregivers will be contacted to pick up the participant immediately and the participant will not be able to return until they have received a negative test result and/or clearance from a medical professional.
Physical Distancing
Establishing groups (cohorts) of no more than 7 people: 6 participants, 1 staff that do not mix with other groups
Encouraging physical distancing between students, and staff whenever possible. Physical distancing may not be possible in situations such as providing first aid, managing participant behaviour and emotions, during safety and emergency situations or in inclement weather. Encouraging physical distancing between participants, and staff whenever possible.
Hygiene & Sanitation
Increasing the frequency of routine cleaning and disinfection of high touch surfaces & equipment. Enhancing hygiene and sanitation practices for students and staff requiring frequent handwashing/sanitizing. Hand sanitizer (≥ 70% alcohol) will be used when soap and water is not available. Enforcing strict no-sharing policies for food and personal items.
Participant Code of Conduct
Each participant will be asked to agree to our Code of Conduct on the first day of program, which includes physical distancing, respiratory etiquette, handwashing and respectful interactions with others. If participants are unable or unwilling to follow this code of conduct and/or their behaviour puts staff or other participants at risk, warnings will be issued to the participant and their parents. If the participant’s behaviour does not improve after positive behaviour management, they may be asked to leave the program.
Behaviour and Expectations
As always, we are committed to maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for participants and staff. Our program aims to provide space and freedom to explore and learn, supported by clear agreements and expectations for participant behaviour. The reality of Covid19 requires us all to be even more aware of how we are interconnected, and how our actions impact others. To ensure everyone’s health and safety at program, we are asking that participants honour some basic agreements and are outlining stricter consequences for behaviour that threatens the health and safety of others. Please read and talk about the Code of Conduct with your child.
Code of Conduct
Our core agreements: Take care of 1) Self, 2) Others, 3) Nature.
Participants must be able to take care of themselves and others by:
- Physical distancing: Staying at least 2m away from others and using masks when needed Listening to and following staff instructions
- Following and staying within their cohort
- Not sharing items such as food and drinks
- Practicing healthy personal hygiene, such as sneezing or coughing into their arm
- Washing their hands themselves
- Using the washroom themselves
- Communicating with staff: Letting staff know if they have a physical need (eg. washroom, feeling sick, thirsty)
- Letting staff know if something is bothering them, treating everyone with respect. Bullying will not be tolerated. Engaging in physical conflict with other campers will not be tolerated.
- Carrying all their items in their own backpack
- Caring for their own personal needs, such as eating, staying hydrated, changing wet socks (with verbal help and encouragement from staff)
- Participants must also take care of nature by respecting and caring for our natural surroundings.
- Supporting participants as they learn to integrate these expectations is a priority for our staff. It is our intention to work with caregivers and participants to address behaviour challenges as they arise.
If these agreements are broken, staff will contact the participant’s guardians to discuss strategies and align expectations. If the participant’s behaviour does not improve and puts others at risk, the student may be asked to leave the program.
Our Refund Covid-19 policy
Covid-19: Though we are currently able to operate, there remains the possibility that we may need to shut down due to government mandate or other Covid-related circumstances. We are not able to guarantee a notice period. However, we will do our very best to advise families as soon as we are able. In the case that we need to put our program on hold for a month due to Covid-19, we will hold onto any deposits and move them to the following month. If the school year is completely cancelled, families will not be responsible to pay to hold their spot.
Sample Screening Form
We’re committed to maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all participants, staff and families. We will be screening each participant at pick up, and should the participant have any symptoms, the parent or guardian will be called to come and collect their child.
Along with their daily temperature, we will look to see if the participant has any of the following symptoms :
- Fever (37.8C or greater)?
- New or worsening cough?
- Difficulty breathing or Shortness of breath?
- Sore throat or difficulty swallowing?
- Runny nose or nasal congestion – without other known reason for these symptoms (e.g. seasonal allergies, post-nasal drip, etc)?
- Decrease or loss of taste or smell?
- Not feeling well, tired or sore muscles? Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain?
- Has the participant travelled outside of Canada in the past14 days?
- Has the participant been in close contact with someone who is sick or has confirmed Covid-19 in the past14 days?