2023 COVID Care FAQ’s
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is excited for our 93nd Summer. Our Covid Care plan is developed and executed in consultation with the American Camp Association, the CDC, our local BOH, and the Medical Team we’ve secured to provide the best and most current care for our campers and staff.
In addition to our vaccination recommendations, our COVID Care Plan consists of multiple layers of protection that included PCR and antigen testing when necessary, mask-wearing when necessary, frequent hand washing and sanitizing, and spending most of our time in the great outdoors. Please read below for more specific protocols and information. While we cannot ever guarantee a covid-free season, we are committed to being proactive and making camp as safe, fun, and EXTRAORDINARY as possible.
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is highly recommending that campers and staff are up-to-date with Covid-19 vaccinations.
Closer to the Spring 2023 we will communicate what will be required for any pre-camp compliance. In 2021 and 2022, leading up to camp and required for both sessions, PCR testing was required for all campers and staff. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated campers and staff must produce a negative PCR test in order to start camp. Campers and staff will be asked to be vigilant and limit their risk of exposure leading up to camp, especially after testing.
We have developed a clear path to safely operate our two sessions. Our pre camp compliance and testing protocols are required for both sessions.
Yes. Mah-Kee-Nac has an on-site infirmary complete with a Camp Physician (our Medical Director), 2 RNs, 2 LPNs, 1 COVID Care Manager, and a Health Care Coordinator. Dr. Lawrence Lutner, our Camp Physician, is a board-certified Pediatrician, and Medical Director of a national health insurer. He routinely has clinic hours twice daily, in addition to clinic visits for any child showing signs/symptoms of illness, regardless of the time of day. Camp Mah-Kee-Nac has been certified by the State of Massachusetts as a CLIA-Waived Site for 2021, allowing all Covid-19 tests to be administered by trained camp personnel, on-site.
We will likely continue with both a combination of rapid antigen and PCR testing on arrival day. From then on, we will test when necessary for symptomatic people. We also perform temperature and symptom screenings regularly.
Before the start of camp this year, families will have a copy of our COVID Care Manual so you will be aware of the steps we’ll follow in this case. If we have a positive case in camp, we would work closely with our medical team to carry out the steps necessary to keep others safe and control any spread. If a child tests positive at camp, the patient will be isolated from other campers & staff, monitored closely, and treated as necessary. After the camper is isolated, our medical team will make a recommendation on quarantine protocols to the family based on the vaccination status and if the child or is symptomatic. Parents will be notified during all steps of the process.
Parents of the campers in the cabin where a positive case has been identified will also be updated on their own child’s health, along with how the situation is being monitored and managed.
- Prior to camp: If a child tests positive prior to camp they would be unable to come to camp until they isolate for the required period of time, are symptom-free, and have been cleared by at-home and camp physicians.
- On arrival day: If a child tests rapid positive upon arrival at camp, they will isolate until we receive results from the second rapid test or arrival day PCR test. If the second test is positive, the child would need to be picked up within 24-36 hours or isolate at camp provided there is space. The child may return to camp once they isolate for the required period of time, are symptom-free, and have been cleared by at-home and camp physicians.
- During camp: If a child tests rapid positive at camp, we would follow the same protocols as above and await the second test results. After the camper is isolated and based on the second test results, our medical team will make a recommendation on quarantine protocols to the family based on the vaccination status and if the child or is symptomatic. Parents will be notified during all steps of the process.
We would prefer all camper baggage to be delivered to camp at least four days prior to camper arrival. Our recommended baggage company is Camp Trucking. You may also consider UPS, FedEx, or like services. A note: campers 8th grade and below will have their bags unpacked and their areas set up for them before arrival so we can jump into the long-awaited camp fun right away!
At this time, we do plan to host a in-person safe visiting day in Summer 2023 – just as we did in Summer 2022. Visiting Day will take place on Saturday July 15.