HVC's Enduring and Resilient Community

So much hard work went into a healthy successful 2022 camp season. As previously, we consulted state guidelines, CDC and American Camp Association reports, spoke with medical personnel, etc. Most significantly, staff, campers and parents "bought into" the many measures required so that HVC could flourish under new circumstances. Many thanks to all of you!

While we made modifications, here's what remained deeply consistent: Camper and parent enthusiasm for what HVC has long offered! Children thrive at HVC because they are safely exploring outside their comfort zone, because they make new friends and find new role models, because they make independent choices, find their voices, take pride in their new community, and are recognized as their true selves in a creative loving space. This is the gift you have given your children and it fills us with excitement about a meaningful future at HVC.
Please read on...

Meg and Peter

Coronavirus FAQ

Fall 2022 note: This info represents 2022 protocols. Watch this space for updates in the spring.

WILL YOU HAVE EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS?
Yes, we will count on you to play a part in supporting community health including testing and boosters (see below) and pre-camp interactions as noted here... 

• We have many health measures in place, but cannot control pre-camp exposure. As such we are requiring, for a 10-day period, that you avoid all unmasked indoor interactions outside of your household.
• Your decisions affect an entire community:
  • You do not want to be the parent whose choices mean that your child misses camp.
  • You do not want to be the family that is responsible for an outbreak at camp.

PLEASE TELL ME YOUR VACCINE POLICY...

• HVC will require all campers to be vaccinated to the fullest extent possible. This includes boosters, so plan now!
• If your camper has had covid 90 days OR LESS prior to camp the booster requirement is waived. Bring/send proof of infection along with proof of earlier vaccine.
• If your camper has had covid 90 days OR MORE prior to camp, booster is required.

HOW ELSE WILL MY CAMPER STAY HEALTHY?  
Following guidance and common sense, we expect to do the following and more:

• Articulate in-camp policies such as masks, social distancing, smaller groups, etc.
• Maintain the increased number of large covered outdoor spaces so that more activity – including many meals - can take place outside.
• Maintain hand-washing procedures before and after activities, meals, etc..
• With sadness, cut back parent visitation as noted below.

Staff hiring and training will be another key to our success of course. And lastly, we have confidence in our campers, who have shown themselves to be resilient and committed to community health measures at home over the past year.

MY CHILD IS TIRED OF MASKING...
So are we... Current conditions will help us determine masking policies. We will minimize this practice as much as possible. Most likely we will mask during the first couple of days, only when indoors with campers from other cabins. We will NOT mask in our sleeping/living cabins.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A CAMPER FALLS ILL?
Much as with other contagious illnesses, a child will be separated and supervised. If covid is confirmed, going home to convalesce for a required period is one possibility, depending on symptoms, distance to home, etc. Parents should be ready to take a covid-infected child out of camp for a period of time dictated by health protocols.

PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT THE HEALTH LODGE AT HVC...
Here's full info. We look forward to the perspective and experience that was brought to HVC by our three in-house RN’s and commuters in 2022. And the Health Lodge itself has a new entrance created to accept those with covid-like symptoms, separate from the bump-bruise-bug-bite crowd.

...AND THE DINING HALL?
We do expect more meals to be served and enjoyed outdoors. And rather than campers serving themselves, this will be done by staff. Overall, food quality will not change from its renowned levels.

HOW WILL YOU APPROACH STAFF HIRING AND TRAINING?
With the same professional standards as in the past 33 years. Additionally, interviews will intensify and - beyond the search for mature, child-centered individuals - will examine candidates' commitment to self-care.

Staff training will include prep for new routines and a look at the mental health implications of the pandemic on children and adults. Staff will have ample off-time as always, and will understand that most of it will be spent on our 400+ acres. And we're excited to welcome back a small group of former HVC Program Directors, four of whom are now camp parents, who will provide extra support to campers and staff.

MAY I VISIT MY CAMPER?
2023 Update: No visitation was allowed in 2021. Visits were limited in 2022 and this will continue, depending on current health conditions.  Our blog will provide daily camp updates and campers will be encouraged to send you snail mail as always.

WHAT TEACHING PROGRAMS WILL BE AFFECTED?
Out-of-camp trips will only take place to uncrowded destinations... All other HVC instructional and recreational activities will proceed with proper precautions; no masks required.

CAN WE TALK ABOUT FINANCES?
Sure... This page addresses limited tuition insurance options, and also explains the refund policies camp now has in place. Note that "full refunds" are not available, as tuition deposits and other payments are used all winter to pay for overhead and summer prep. We fully expect the planning now in place to support a successful and robust camp season.

PLEASE TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE PRE-CAMP HEALTH REQUIREMENTS...
In spring 2023, we will establish routines for next summer. As noted above vaccines will be required. Please read last summer's protocols, below...

Helpful Links

Take a look at general health planning.

Read frequently asked questions

How to help children with their experience of loss. We've been speaking with professionals about this and have acquired some suggestions for you.