This page will be updated in the event of significant news from the government or local health unit pertaining to camp programs.
Please know that you are always invited to contact the Cairn office directly if you are seeking additional information by emailing [email protected].
Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our campers and staff. In order to protect the health and safety of all members of our camp community we have implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures as well as COVID-19 specific safety measures. Our COVID-19 safety measures will allow us to operate our camp program as ‘normally’ as possible while still limiting the risk of transmission of infectious and communicable disease. These measures are based on the direction and guidance we have received from the Ministry of Health, Ontario Camps Association, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and the Cairn health care team.
Pre-Camp & Arrival
We strongly recommend that all campers take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) the day before arriving at camp. We also recommend that all campers and their families complete Ontario’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment before leaving for camp.
Upon arrival at camp all campers and families will be screened for symptoms of infectious & communicable disease before exiting their vehicle. Any individual experiencing significant symptoms of an infectious or communicable disease, including COVID-19, will be unable to attend Cairn programs until they are no longer symptomatic. These symptoms include:
Fever and/or chills
Cough & sore throat (not related to other known causes or conditions)
Shortness of breath (not related to other known causes or conditions)
Decrease or loss of smell or taste
Gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea)
ALL CAMPERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A COVID-19 RAPID ANTIGEN TEST UPON ARRIVAL. Any camper testing positive for COVID-19 will be unable to attend Cairn programs for a minimum of 10 days.
Cohorting & Physical Distancing
Campers will be divided into cohorts based on their program (i.e. trip, Colour Games, LIT, etc.). Interactions between cohorts will be limited to outdoor settings and physical distancing will be practiced between cohorts. All meals will be eaten within cabin groups, and cabin access will be limited to those residing in the cabin for the session.
In order to limit risk of exposure to our camp community we will be limiting guest/visitor access to indoor areas. Camper cabins will be closed to non-participants, this means that families will be unable to go into cabins on opening and closing days.
Rapid Antigen Testing
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be used as a screening tool and to test symptomatic individuals. RAT protocol will differ for campers and staff.
Campers: All campers will be tested upon arrival at camp. Campers may also be tested throughout their session, in the following circumstances:
They are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
On the recommendation of the Cairn health care staff and/or other health officials
In the case of an outbreak
Campers staying over for multiple sessions will be tested at the beginning of each session.
Staff: Cairn staff members will participate in routine screen testing. All staff members will test at 3 day intervals while onsite.
Screening
As always, Cairn staff will carefully monitor the health and safety of all campers during their time at camp. In addition each camper will have a daily health check-in/screening with their counsellor. The format and questions in these check-ins/screenings will be individualized to suit each camper's age and needs.
Masking
Whenever possible activities and programs will take place outdoors and in cohorts. Using these measures along with rapid antigen testing we hope to limit required masking in the vast majority of circumstances. However we still ask that all campers pack a minimum of 5 clean face masks, that cover the mouth and nose as masking may be required in the following circumstances:
When an individual is ill/symptomatic
When an individual has been identified as a close contact of an individual who has tested positive on an RAT
On the recommendation of the Cairn health care staff and/or other health officials
In the case of an outbreak
Vaccination
All summer campers must disclose their vaccination status on their health form. Cairn encourages all participants/campers to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as an expression of community care and safety. While vaccinations are strongly encouraged, they are not mandatory for participation in a Cairn summer program.
All Cairn staff are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted before beginning their employment.
What happens if my camper is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms while at camp?
Anyone experiencing infectious or communicable disease symptoms will be taken for immediate assessment by the Cairn health care staff. The Cairn health care staff will determine what care the individual needs including if a rapid antigen test (RAT) is required. If your camper’s symptoms are serious, long-lasting, or they test positive for COVID-19 on a RAT you will be notified.
What happens if my camper tests positive for COVID-19 at camp?
In the case of a camper testing positive for COVID-19 on a RAT while at camp, the camper will be unable to remain at camp. In such a case the camper’s parent(s)/guardian(s) will be contacted and required to arrange for the immediate pick up of the camper. While waiting to be picked up the camper will be isolated to prevent further risk of transmission. They will be taken care of by a staff member wearing appropriate PPE and the Cairn health care staff.
What happens if someone in my camper’s cabin/cohort tests positive for COVID-19 while at camp?
If your camper is in a cabin/cohort with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 on a RAT, you will be notified. If your camper is determined to have been a close contact of the ill individual they may be required to take additional COVID-19 precautions, including masking, testing, and additional physical distancing measures for the remainder of their session or until 10 days have passed.
If my camper misses their session due to COVID-19 will I receive a refund?
We ask that if your camper is unable to attend their session due to COVID-19 you notify the camp office (705-767-3300) as soon as possible. As long as the camp office is notified before the start of your camper’s session we are happy to either transfer the registration to another available spot later in the summer or issue a full refund.
My camper has tested positive for COVID-19, how long before they are able to attend camp?
Cairn is following the current Ministry of Health ‘Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario’ guidelines when determining COVID-19 protocols. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 can attend Cairn programs 10 days after testing positive, providing the individual has been symptom free for at least 48 hours.
My camper has just returned home and has tested positive for COVID-19, what should I do?
Please notify the camp office as soon as possible. We will inform anyone that may have been in close contact with your camper while they were at camp that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Good afternoon camp families,
Since the release of Carin’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy in January, COVID has continued to evolve, and many changes have been made to Ontario’s COVID-19 response. After careful consideration of current government guidance and consultation with public health, the Ontario Summer Camps Association, summer camp professionals, and staff members, the Cairn Camp Board has updated Cairn’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Summary:
All Cairn staff must be fully vaccinated and boosted before beginning their employment. Any staff wishing to apply for medical exemption must contact the Cairn office no later than 1 month prior to their arrival at Cairn.
Cairn encourages all participants/campers to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as an expression of community care and safety. While vaccinations are strongly encouraged, they are not mandatory for participation in a Cairn summer program.
All summer campers must disclose their vaccination status on their health form.
Cairn encourages all participants to be vaccinated but recognizes that additional COVID-19 protocols will play an essential role in limiting COVID-19 transmission and creating a safe camp environment. Guidance from the Ministry of Health and Ontario Camps Association is changing regularly but we will be communicating our summer COVID-19 protocols protecting the health and safety of our camp community by the end of June. These measures may include; cohorting, masking, rapid testing, screening, etc.
We understand that vaccination can be a divisive issue and for some these policies may be too strict, and that for others, they may be too lenient. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have questions or concerns. If you would like to make changes to your registration you can contact the camp office at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Michelle "Konk" Roberts
Executive Director
[email protected]
To our camp families,
We do hope you have been enjoying these early spring days! While Baysville is still under at least a foot of snow, there are so many signs pointing toward the warmer days ahead.
Summer camp is approaching, and with that, we wanted to connect with you to share the most recent conversations we’ve been having about COVID-19 and camp this summer.
The Cairn directors and the Camp Board have been committed to regularly reviewing all of our COVID-19 policies to ensure they stay relevant and in line with the evolving information about best practices.
On January 31st, Cairn issued a COVID-19 vaccination policy stating that all staff, and all participants ages 5 and older will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to participate in Cairn's programs. Since then, there have been a number of changes in the Ontario government’s COVID-19 response, including lifting vaccination requirements in the province as of March 1st, and then lifting the mask mandate as of March 21st.
As always, we continue to consult guidance from our local public health unit, the Ontario Camps Association, the Ontario government, and other regulatory bodies, to advise and inform Cairn’s health and safety policies.
With the recent changes in Ontario’s policies, the Cairn leadership is once again in conversation about what this means for us at camp this summer. Over the next few weeks, the directors and Camp Board will be meeting to explore whether we will continue to require COVID-19 vaccination for our summer 2022 programs.
At this point, no changes have been made to Cairn’s COVID-19 policies. We will be in contact with you again by the end of April, and will keep you informed with any decisions made as these conversations continue.
Regarding other COVID-19 safety considerations, we will be updating our policies along with the release of updated guidance for overnight camps. These will inform other elements of our programs, including masking, cohorts, meal procedures, and testing and isolation requirements. All of this will be communicated as policies are made, prior to the start of the summer camp season.
Please always be in touch if you have questions or thoughts to share about camp this summer.
With thanks,
Robynne "Mapes" Howard
Camp Director
[email protected]
Earlier this month, the Ontario Government announced that they will begin to lift restrictions for vaccination requirements in the province starting March 1st. Cairn's COVID-19 vaccination policy - stating that all staff and all participants ages 5 and older will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to participate in Cairn's programs - will remain in place at this time. The Cairn leadership, including the directors and the camp board, will continue to review all of our COVID-19 policies regularly, considering guidance from the Ontario Camps Association, our local health unit, and provincial guidance.
We are also keeping an eye out for any provincial and local direction that is specific to summer camps. So far, there have been no modifications to summer camp operational directives for 2022.
The Cairn leadership and staff are exicted to continue planning for summer kids camp in 2022! While we assume that certain COVID restrictions will still be in place, we continue to plan programs and prepare for campers to be back on site this summer, confident that we will be able to implement policies and procedures to keep campers and staff safe this summer.
Cairn is committed to providing the safest possible experience to our campers, LITs, families, and staff. To this end the Cairn team continues to develop COVID-19 protocol based on Public Health recommendations, guidelines from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and the advice of health experts and medical professionals. To keep all members of our camp community safe Cairn has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
Vaccination Policy Summary:
All participants and staff who are eligible must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to their arrival at Cairn.
All participants and staff must provide proof of vaccination at minimum two weeks prior to their arrival at Cairn.
Any individual wishing to apply for a medical exemption must contact the Cairn office no later than 1 month prior to their arrival at Cairn.
For more details read the full Cairn COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. For questions concerning the COVID-19 vaccination policy please contact [email protected].
With regular updates coming out about the COVID-19 Omicron variant, vaccines, and booster shots, our Directors continue to monitor what the impact may be on our upcoming season. We are continuing to plan for summer camp 2022, and are staying vigilant and mindful as updates are released from healthcare professionals. Specifically looking ahead to summer 2022:
As winter is upon us, we send wishes of joy and good health to all members of our Cairn community.
Merry Christmas to you!
We are excited to announce that registration for overnight summer camp programs will be opening on Tuesday November 9th! This announcement comes after months of thoughtful consideration, learning from healthcare professionals and the Ontario Camps Association, consulting with our camp families, and reflecting on this past summer's on-site Away at the Lake retreat program.
As we have learned again and again, COVID-19 is unpredictable, and so policies and best practices have been ever-changing. At this point, the Cairn leadership feels there are a few key factors that make us very optimistic for summer 2022:
And frankly, we're determined.
We've heard from SO many campers and camper families how much they have missed what they gain from camp - the community, the stimulation, the outdoor adventure, the faith environment, the time away, and the chance to learn and grow through conquering challenges.
Kids need it. It can be done safely. So let's make it happen.
**New Vaccination Information**
With the Ontario Government's new policies on vaccination requirements in businesses, effective September 22, 2021, Cairn will be requiring that all program attendees must be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days), and provide proof of vaccination status along with photo ID upon arrival. Those who cannot receive the vaccine due to valid medical reasons will be required to provide a doctor’s note. This relates to participants at Women's Wellness Weekend and Fall Work Weekend.
Program Protocol
At all times, we ask that all guests respect Cairn's COVID-19 safety measures, and remain aware of the comfort and wellbeing of other participants as well. There are some cases where guests are able to make decisions independently. For example, guests may attend a fall retreat with any friends, relatives etc. they so choose, and these will be the people with whom they share an overnight accommodation. Like in a restaurant, guests are able to eat meals with whomever they choose, whether household groups, or choosing to eat with friends they meet over the weekend. There will be an opportunity to make requests for meal seating at registration. Consider the comfort of others, all guests are asked to practice physical distancing when interacting with individuals outside of their group/household, including staff. This means keeping a minimum distance of 2 meters between members of different groups/households.
Daily COVID-19 Screening
Upon arrival at camp a Cairn, prior to moving into your accommodation, guests will register in the Breezeway where a staff member will assist you in completing a Guest COVID-19 Screening Form for each member of your household. We request that you come complete your screening first, so you can be screened before interacting with other people. If any member of your group does not pass the screening you will be required to leave site immediately. Guests will be screened on Saturday and Sunday morning at breakfast as well.
Masking
Masks are required at all indoor locations with the following exceptions:
Masks are required to be worn outdoors in the following circumstances:
Should any of Ontario's guidelines change, these procedures will be updated and adjusted accordingly.
Dear Cairn Family,
It is with great sadness that we are sharing our difficult decision to cancel our overnight children’s camp programs for the 2021 season.
Briefly, what you need to know:
We recognize that this news may be confusing, frustrating and saddening to our camp community. We are feeling all of those feelings as well. If you have any more questions, or need any clarification please do not hesitate to reach out.
Why is this decision being made now?
We have spent the past year doing everything we can to make camp a reality in 2021. We wanted, and expected to welcome our campers home this summer, to be a part of the return to normalcy that we all need. We consulted with our healthcare team, created safety plans, made adjustments to programs, and eagerly awaited government guidance.However, as we have drawn closer to the summer we find our province in an even more precarious position than we were in last spring.
At a time when we were hoping for re-opening guidance from the government we are instead in the middle of an extended stay-at-home order. Instead of watching case rates decline we have watched them climb as new and more dangerous variants spread.
Instead of being able to welcome our campers home this summer we have reached the point where we have had to make the heartbreaking decision to once again cancel our overnight kids camp programs.
Why was this decision made?
The safety of our campers, families, and staff is always our top priority, and based on current projections, we do not believe it is responsible to bring hundreds of children and youth from all over the province into a congregate living setting this summer. Even with our plans to create a safe camp environment through cohorting, screening, and a variety of other health and safety measures, the risk that COVID-19 and the variants of concern poses is just too great to operate our traditional overnight program.
What if I have already registered for the 2021 season?
We will be in touch directly with all our families who have registered for 2021 programs with information on how to cancel your 2021 registration. All refunds/credits requests will be processed through an online form which can be accessed by clicking here, and will be sent out directly to all registered families via email on Wednesday, May 19th 2021. To review our cancellation and refund policy, please click here.
I still have questions. Who can I contact?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions. As we will be busy over the next days and weeks processing 2021 registration cancellations and preparing registration for Away At The Lake, we ask that you please contact us through email instead of phone, you can reach us at [email protected]. We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
Will there be an opportunity for my family to come to camp this year?
Yes! You will still be able to experience camp this summer, just in a new way. Cairn will be offering our Away At The Lake summer retreat. This program will invite individuals, families, households and small groups (following guidelines designated by the Ontario Government and Public Health) to plan their summer getaway to camp with an all-inclusive summer experience. Food service is provided, varied accommodation options will be offered, and a number of staff-facilitated and self-run programs will be available to book throughout your stay. Registration will be open for Away At The Lake summer retreat on Monday May 31st.
While this summer may look different than we had hoped, we are still excited to welcome our camp family home once again. We will be in touch over the next days and weeks with more information about Away At The Lake summer retreat and how to register.
Thank you for your continued support of Cairn, we are so grateful to have such an incredible community. Sending out extra love out to our camp community,
Michelle “Konk” Roberts
Executive Director, Cairn Family of Camps
(April 20, 2021)
With the increase in Ontario's COVID case count, we recognize the increasing worry of how COVID-19 could affect our 2021 summer plans. We, like everyone else, are looking ahead and hoping that increased vaccination, public health measures, and more recoveries will mean that the situation in Ontario will improve, while trying to remain proactive and realistic at the same time.
And of course, the kids just can't WAIT to get back outside, to have a change of space, and to spend time with their friends. A summer at camp would be SUCH a benefit to the wellbeing of our campers right now. Which is exactly why we as directors, our year-round staff team, seasonal staff team, and the Camp Board, will be continuing to work now to ensure camp is ready for kids this summer.
At this time, we are planning and preparing to run overnight kids’ camp this season, with COVID policies in place to safeguard the health and safety of our campers, families, and staff. While we acknowledge the current COVID numbers are concerning, we feel it is too soon to make any definitive decisions about the coming summer. Last year, the government didn't make an announcement about overnight camps until the end of May, and so we imagine that they are also waiting to see what happens in the upcoming weeks.
The Ontario Camps Association has been working with the government and public health to do everything they can to ensure that camps can run safely this summer. If you would like to support their effort, they are organizing a letter-writing campaign for adults and kids to share the importance o
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