Summer is around the corner!
Families of boys attending the first two weeks will receive an additional e-mail with a waiver that must be filled out and returned for a whitewater rafting trip on the Hudson River, which will be part of an overnight trip to the Adirondack State Park in upstate NY.
We will remain vigilant to monitoring COVID updates and dedicated to providing a safe experience for all campers and staff. Daily morning screening prior to breakfast will be in effect for a to be determined period following the beginning of new sessions. We have procured an adequate number of rapid test kits for our RN, Stefanie Wilbur, to administer to campers and staff three days after arrival and at other intervals during the summer to ensure we are safe from Covid.
Some General Guidelines
Drop offs on June 26th, July 10th, 17th and 24th should take place after 9:00 am and will last throughout the day; preferably ending before 6:30 pm. We will screen and take temperatures of all vehicle occupants upon arrival. Non vaccinated campers must present a very recent negative covid 19 PCR test at drop off. Vaccinated boys must show their proof of vaccination card. We will have a supply of rapid test kits for periodic testing and access to PCR testing if anyone is symptomatic during the course of the summer.
Pick ups on 7/10, 7/17, 7/24 and 8/6 should take place between 9:00am and noon. Please contact me if your situation falls outside of that timeframe. We will host a final dinner and awards ceremony where parents can be present on August 5th. I will provide more information through weekly newsletters once camp begins.
This year, we will meet certain Southwest Airlines flights between BWI and Albany, NY. We are also happy to meet Amtrak (Ethan Allen Express) trains from NY, Penn Station in Castleton, VT. If interested in these options, please contact me for schedules.
Cell phones are not permitted, but if you want to send one along, we can hold onto it for safekeeping until departure. We do encourage boys to write letters home and require it at least weekly, so please provide stamped envelopes and associated supplies.
We ask that you not call your boys for the first week. If you would like to call after that, mealtimes are best: Breakfast 8:30 - 9:00, Lunch 1:30 - 2:15, Dinner 6:30 - 7:15. The number is: (802) 273-2880. If you would like to reach me, those are also good times, but I will generally be available at that number or will call you back asap if you leave a message. My cell phone number is (202) 744-7130. Stefanie Wilbur is our Registered Nurse. She may be reached at the camp phone number above or through her cell number (802) 683-9631.
A Reminder About Health and Photo Release Forms
Please remember to download and return your health and photo release forms as soon as possible. We know it's time consuming, but it is very important to have the health forms carefully filled out. Please mail them to us in VT or email to director@campwachusett.com
You can download the forms on our website at the Summer 2022 Forms Page.
Packing Reminders
Laundry will go out weekly. It is very important to write your camper's name on his articles of clothing. To help avoid laundry being mixed up or left behind, please carefully label each item that is packed. I have included a link to an organization that makes durable personalized laundry labels www.labeldaddy.com. Use the code: WACHUSETT. Check out the packing list on our website. For 2022, we will provide disposable facemasks if they become necessary, but feel free to include disposable of cloth. Please do not pack sanitary wipes of any kind. We will provide all disinfectants and cleaners. Wipes somehow find their way into septic systems and will wreak havoc in waste water systems (even if labeled flushable.) If you would like to send along alcohol based hand sanitizer, feel free, but we will have plenty on hand.
This year we plan to resume taking groups on day trips off the property, unless the threat of COVID should become a factor. We will monitor case levels in surrounding areas. We are planning to take hiking and canoeing trips this summer during each session. The recommended camping gear is highly encouraged, but not necessary. Hiking boots with ankle support are particularly useful for our overnight trips. Please do not pack any knives or sharp instruments. Hygiene is very important, please pack shampoo and soap for showering.
Once again, we pledge to provide a safe and fun environment this year for boys to build friendships, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors. On the homepage, you will find the recently added video of clips from last summer, put together by our nurse, Stefanie Wilbur. We are looking forward to seeing everyone this summer! Best Regards and Unaliyi, Phil