2021 Summer Camp Announcement

The news you have been waiting for… 

It is the decision of Camp Hendon’s staff, Medical Advisory Committee, and Board of Directors to move forward with plans to operate in-person summer camp! We are acutely aware of the challenges of this past year, and in particular, the feelings of isolation and loneliness felt by so many. Our kids, especially. Although our Zoom dance parties and virtual camps have been an eye-opening and unique opportunity to connect, there is no replacement for in-person camp. We miss our campers as much as they miss camp!

We weighed each of the options, which has led us to consider bringing our campers together again in a new, reimagined, and safe way. We know there will be challenges, but we have been given lemons and we are determined to make the best lemonade we can! It is also important to recognize that PHYSICAL distancing does not have to mean SOCIAL distancing and isolation! We can be 6 feet apart and still have a fun and safe experience. We are confident that we can provide a modified camp experience that will allow our campers to feel the sense of camaraderie only found at The Best Place On Earth. 

This is where you, our Camp Families, come in. We ask that you be transparent, realistic, flexible, and - very importantly - please read ALL Camp Hendon communications thoroughly! To help with communication, in addition to email, we will be using a text messaging tool called “Remind” to share updates. 

In return, we will be very transparent with you and provide all information we have available. State and local COVID-19 guidelines continue to change on a regular basis, so please understand that will also translate into ongoing changes in Camp Hendon’s plans. 

If you or your child are hesitant about attending camp, or cannot or will not reasonably abide by the expectations we put forth, we respectfully ask that you choose to sit this summer out and return in 2022. We hope to hold more off-season programs later in 2021/early 2022 to provide additional opportunities for all campers.

Some of the proposed modifications to camp are as follows. Please remember, these plans are subject to change.

• Reduced camp capacity for both sessions. We are actively working to determine the maximum number of campers we can accommodate, but it may be up to a 50% reduction.
• Campers may only attend one camp session for the summer in order to allow the greatest number of children the opportunity to attend camp. 
• Campers will be admitted on a first come, first served basis. A complete application will determine admittance to camp, and a waitlist will be established. View our Cancellation, Refund, & Waitlist Policy here.
  • Note: A limited number of spaces will be reserved per age group for new campers. If those spaces are not filled, returning campers will be admitted from the waitlist.
• Prior to arrival at camp, Campers and Staff will be required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test or provide proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination. Camp Hendon will help facilitate pre-camp PCR testing. Additional testing and screening will take place upon arrival at camp, and throughout the week. Testing and screening will come at no additional cost to families or staff.
• In the 14 days leading up to camp, campers will be asked to self-monitor their health using a daily questionnaire, as well as modify their behavior in order to reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• “One Parent, One Camper” check-in; Only one parent/guardian will be permitted to bring a camper to camp. No siblings/friends/other family members should be present.
• Campers will spend the entire session within same-age dens. These dens will not mix and campers should be prepared to do all activities within these dens. Any interaction with other dens will be at a minimum 6-foot distance between dens. 
  • Note: At this time, it is a possibility that the same-age dens will be further split into two same-gender “mini dens.” We will provide more detail on the composition of the dens as soon as possible, but please be aware that your camper may be spending their week only with the same-age, same-gender campers sleeping in their cabin.
• All-Camp activities will be significantly modified, with an emphasis on physical distancing and only using outdoor space (i.e. no indoor dance, no indoor talent show). Please be aware that inclement weather may be disruptive to these plans.
• Campers will spend very little time indoors, with the exception of sleeping, showers/restroom, specific medical care, and in the event of inclement weather.
• Meals will be delivered to each den. We will not be dining as a group in the dining hall. 
• Campers and staff will be screened daily with a temperature check and symptom questionnaire.
• In the event of camper or staff member sickness: Our Medical Advisory Committee is working on developing best practice protocols that can be realistically implemented at camp. Details will be provided as we get closer to camp. Dens will allow us to contact trace and we will notify parents of any positive cases within their child’s den.
• Mask mandates continue to change on a frequent basis. We will update you as we get closer to camp on what our mask rules may be.

An additional reminder that your $25 application deposit is non-refundable. Click here to view Camp Hendon’s Cancellation, Refund, & Waitlist Policy. We will still be offering camperships to any camper in need! If you have any financial concerns, please let us know.

We are using a new registration system from years past that should be more user-friendly. If you have any trouble registering or any questions please contact me at lobryant@camphendon.org or call/text me at 502-544-1954.

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