April 2021 Update (4/9/21)

Dear Sewataro family,

Hello and happy Spring! It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and we are getting so excited for summer – only 80 days and counting! After the year we’ve all had, it feels like hope is finally on the horizon, and…so is CAMP!! The year round team has now all received our first dose of the vaccine, and perhaps some of you have already received at least one dose as well. (Thrilling, isn’t it?!) We’re busy gearing up for the 62nd season of Sewataro awesomeness, and cannot wait to see our amazing campers again! In the meantime…we’ve got lots of updates to share, so pull up a log, make yourself a s’more, and let’s get to it!

With warmth and best wishes for a healthy, happy, and sunny Spring,

Amy, Emmy, Jeannine, Ciaran, and Cheryl

The A-Z of COVID Updates!
The State has just released its most recent guidelines for summer camps, (we expect at least one more revised edition prior to June), and here is what we know at this point:

• Adventure Challenge as we know and love it, including rock climbing, ziplining, and high ropes, is a strong possibility! We’ve got a whale watch of a list of ideas for mitigating the risk of Covid at these beloved activities, so keep your fingers crossed!
• Bus – We are happy to announce that we are now able to open our busing to anyone who needs transportation! Campers will be assigned seats, and will only be seated next to their sibling or fellow group member, if applicable. If you have any questions or need to change your mode of transportation, please reach out to Jeannine ().
• Covid-specific – We will again need to be masked, and distanced, but the hope is that state guidelines will soon be revised to reflect 3’ of distance between participants, as is the case in public schools.
• Field Trips – we are pleased to announce that our Senior Camp hike to Mt. Wachusett is ON for this summer! All other field trips must unfortunately be cancelled.
• Friday Special Events will need to be modified for 2021, but will happen in some form. We’re already hatching ideas, so get ready, campers!!
• Swim lessons will unfortunately not be held this summer, as they do require the mixing of cohorts that isn’t possible at this time, per the State. This was not the news we were hoping for, however, it is important to us to get our campers in the water to cool off twice a day, and we know that our campers loved double Free Swim last summer!
• Lunch – We had hoped to offer an optional lunch program through Red Apple Lunches this summer, but sadly, they will not be operating. All lunches (nut-free, please!) will need to be brought from home each day, and will get refrigerated first thing in the morning.
• Overdays and Overnights will not take place in 2021, but we are hopeful that they will be back again next summer!
• Visitors – Although we enjoy welcoming parents each summer, the state guidelines are very clear in stating that visitors will not be permitted at camps this summer.

There are many things that are out of our control these days, but what we do know for certain is this: Our campers are in for a fantastic Sewataro summer! We’ll continue to keep you updated as new information becomes available.

Regarding Covid vaccines…
As you’ve likely heard, the vaccine will be available to all people 16 and older, beginning April 19th. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine gives you an added layer of protection against COVID-19 and could also protect your family from potential exposure. We’ve encouraged our staff members to get the vaccine, and many already have!

Pre-register now to be notified when it’s your turn to schedule an appointment at one of the state mass vaccination sites. (CVS and Walgreens also offer free Covid vaccines by appointment.) To find out more information about the vaccine, check out the CDC website here.

Program News
We are pleased to announce that we will be adding some additional activities this summer, most notably a full time movement program for all Bear and Eagle campers, and some exciting new sports options, like flag football and ultimate frisbee for older groups. We hope these changes (and some strategic scheduling) will lead to a more dynamic, balanced experience for all groups moving forward. Program Supervisor Extraordinaire Brian Grigsby has been on the scene, and he, Ciaran and Renee have been cooking up some plans for expanding our Fox camp offerings, as well. Details to follow!

And finally, a word about Camper Physicals, from Nurse Gail…
Physical forms can only be accepted when they meet the following criteria:

1. Date of physical must be on the form (and must be within the past 18 months!)
2. Must say, “[Camper name] may attend camp without restrictions.”
3. Form must be signed by a doctor or an NP (electronically is okay)

This form is often called a “School and Camp Form”; NOT a health summary or after visit summary.

Thank you!