May 21st Update:
The Board of Directors met on May 21st with Ben,Todd and myself to determine how we could make camp happen this summer. After receiving new directives from the state, late on the afternoon of the 21st, that we were not allowed to run any overnight camps in June, and after looking at all the requirements from local, state and CDC guidelines the Board determined that it would be best for this season to not run our summer camp programs. This was heartbreaking to all of the Board and Staff as we came together to make this decision. Because we did receive the paycheck protection funds, the Board agreed to go ahead and keep the Dorm R.A.'s to help with recreation and with some projects in June & July.
Even though we will not run our summer camp programs, we still want Hanging Rock to be used. We are looking at ways to let groups and churches rent our facilities for running their own camps in July, if the directives change and allow us to have overnight camps in July. If you are interested in renting the camp for your church please email Gary Baker - garybaker@hangingrock.org
As of right now, Labor Day Family Camp is still going to happen we are just waiting to see what our guidelines will be at that time. We are excited to have Lee & Ben Faust joining us for Family Camp this year.
Even though we will not have our normal camp season, we will still have expenses that we rely on summer camp registration to pay for. Granted we will not have the same amount of expenses that we normally do, we will still have expenses. Our budget has taken a hit of over $300,000 with both camp and spring retreat cancellations. We are going to need the generosity of our individual supporters and our churches to support us during this time.
Thanks for your prayers & support,
Gary Baker, Executive Director
garybaker@hangingrock.org
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May 8th Update: Camp starts June 14th- Procedures to be put in place this summer.
As new information arises or new protocols develop, these policies will be updated. Please check back often.
Partnering with the best – Hanging Rock will work alongside nurses, as well as our local health department and the CDC to ensure that we are up to date on all health policies and procedures. We are reviewing our health plans to ensure that we are providing the best care to those who attend Hanging Rock.
Constant hand sanitation – Hand sanitation dispensers or spray will be available in all common areas and meal areas. Our staff will be trained to encourage every child to use hand sanitizer each time they enter and exit a building and wash their hands before every meal. Our staff will also practice this. If children are able to bring hand sanitizer with them that would be encouraged.
Social distancing – We are putting limitations on the number of kids in all spaces of camp, mitigating large groups and limiting the number of kids in each of our dorms. We are looking at a total of 50% capacity for this summer. In the dorms/cabins each person will be sleeping head to toe. To maximize our outside in the fresh air:
· The LDC (Gym) will be limited to dining and rainout activities only, at that time distancing will be encouraged.
· Classes will not be allowed indoors – shelters, gazebos, front porches of chapel, LDC, and canteen will be available.
· Worship will be held in the Chapel but with all widows open to allow air flow.
· Dorm windows will be open for airflow. We will have fans going to move the air. -
· Tables in the dining room will be 6 at a table instead of 8.
· We will not be able to do any low ropes this summer.
· We will limit the number in gaga pit with sanitation happening after each play.
No shared items – New protocol will be in place that eliminates handling shared items whenever possible.
· No salad bar this summer.
· Staff/Faculty will manage drink stations, cereal stations, and condiment stations.
· No food sharing this summer – Eat only what is on your plate.
Keeping it clean – Our summer staff will lead daily mandatory cleanings in all spaces using EPA approved disinfectant products. Our staff will be trained in these procedures prior to the start of camp and will be held accountable through daily checklists and audits. A deep cleaning of all bathrooms and shared spaces will occur at the end of every week.
Training and Orientation - At the beginning of each week, all campers will be trained on updated safety protocols which include practicing good hygiene and social distancing. Staff will receive training on updated protocols, additional care, daily temperature checks and action steps to take if a child gets sick.
Daily Temperature Checks - Every morning before breakfast & every evening before dinner each child and adult leader will have their temperature checked and logged. If a temperature comes back higher than our determined standard, they will be further evaluated at the first aid center.
Lowering risk – In the event that a child or staff member becomes sick or has a fever of 100 or greater, they will move to a designated quarantine area and our first aid attendants will implement a quarantine protocol that works to identify, control and contain the illness. Parents will be asked to pick up the camper, staff or volunteers will be asked to go home.
Limiting exposure – We will be limiting the number of non-program staff, visitors, and vendors on our properties during camp weeks to help limit exposure to illness. All visitors will be screened for exposure and temperature checked.
Partnering with parents – We know that you put the health and safety of your child at the top of your list and we want to make sure that all kids have a safe and fun time at Hanging Rock. That is why we are asking you to keep your kids home if they have experienced a fever or illness within 72 hours of their camp arrival date. If you are unsure about bringing your child, you can call our office ahead of time and we will work with you on the best plan possible.
Check-in & Check out – We are asking one family member per family to take their child(ren) through the check-in process and pick them up at check-out. Other family members must stay in the vehicle.
· Parents & campers will be encouraged to maintain distancing at all check-in & check-out areas.
· To ensure distancing, parents will take turns in camper rooms to make their child bunk and get their children’s belongings settled during check-in.
We will continue to evaluate and update the details of each category and make any additions according to local, State & CDC health guidelines.
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New Covid-19 Update: April 24, 2020
As we shared previously, this situation is quite fluid, and we are trying our best to work on a plan as we move forward over the next weeks & months. While we could become distressed about what we are going through, we can also view it as an opportunity for God to show up powerfully through His people. Hanging Rock’s people have always shown up BIG!!! While we all have opinions on what is happening, lets, just take the “lemons” we've been given, and make some amazing “lemonade”!
Many have been asking what the plan is and while we do have a plan, there is always the real possibility that it will need to be modified. The Board of Directors, Camp Committee and Staff have met and discussed many different scenarios with what restrictions are in place now and what we hope will happen in the near future. So, for now here is the plan:
1. All activities for the month of May have been cancelled (work day, golf scramble and all retreats). The Golf Scramble will tentatively move to August 8th.
2. Celebrate Good Times will not be in June this year. We are looking at the possibility of having Celebrate Good Times after Camp to celebrate the fact that we got to do camp. More information coming.
3. Summer Staff starts June 1st.
4. Camp will begin June 14.
5. We will one have (1) Preschool- Kindergarten Day Camp this year and have moved a couple of other camps to later dates.
6. We will not offer any offsite camps and no camper will be allowed to leave the camp grounds once checked in.
7. There will be no 5th & 6th grade paintball or 5th & 6th grade horse camp this year. Calls have been made to the parents of these campers.
8. We will not be offering trail rides or riding lessons this summer for Main or Wilderness camps. We will be refunding all money for those.
9. Joy camp will remain in July and caretakers will decide if their campers can attend.
10. We will have (2) First-Aid attendants this summer. We will also have an R.N. on call to assist.
11. We will follow all local and state guidelines for operating all aspects of the camp.
12. We will be cleaning and sanitizing all facilities multiple times a day.
13. Everyone will have their temperature checked twice a day, every day. This includes campers, faculty and staff.
14. Anyone with a fever of 100 or more will not be allowed to stay at camp or will be sent home when fever is detected.
We hope this helps with your plans for the summer. Any of these plans could change at any moment. Please keep the leadership in your prayers and please be patient with us we move forward.
Next Update: May 8th
Gary Baker
Executive Director
Hanging Rock Christian Camp
765-893-4581
