Camp Ramaquois COVID-19 Guide for Parents

There is a lot of information in this guide. You might find the table of contents or the keyword search useful to jump to the areas that interest you. We've tried to keep the text as simple and straightforward as possible. In an effort to do so, many details are not included. If you have a specific question, and you can't find a detailed answer here, please give us a call at 845.354.1600. We're happy to discuss further.

The underlying assumption in this guide is that the COVID situation during the summer will be as it was in summer 2020. It is highly likely that we will be in a more favorable position in 2021. Therefore, it is very possible that the guidelines outlined in this document will be updated, and relaxed, as we get closer to the summer.

Table of Contents

1 Summary
2 Camp Capacity
3 Transportation
4 Camper Programs and Activities
5 Lunch and Snacks
6 Infirmary and Health Policies
7 Face Coverings
8 Cleaning and Hygiene
9 The Parent Experience
10 Odds and Ends

Summary

Letter from the Directors

Preparations are underway for us to operate a safe, fun, and rewarding camp this summer. We know so much more than we did in June of 2020. As camp directors, we must be able to keep your children, our staff, and their families safe. We have never taken a risk with safety, and we never will.

What have we learned over the past year? Firstly, face coverings are incredibly effective. In a survey of 300 summer programs that opened in 2020, there were no cases of community spread of Coronavirus when camps enforced a common sense masking policy for campers and staff.

Secondly, Coronavirus is much less likely to spread outdoors. Our region saw a very low level of transmission during the summer months.

We are very encouraged by the progress of rapid testing, vaccine candidates, and therapeutics. However, even without additional progress on those fronts, we now have enough information to keep our community safe AND provide the high level of service that Ramaquois families and staff expect and deserve.

Here is a brief summary of what changes might be made this summer. This information will change as we approach summer in response to regulations, new information, and changes in the virus’ behavior. Of course, our goal is to be in a situation where we can run camp as similarly to 2019 as possible.

As we get closer to the summer, we are planning for a spectrum of outcomes. We know what camp was like in 2019, and we will explain what camp will look like if the COVID-19 situation in summer 2021 is similar to summer 2020. The most likely outcome is that this summer will be somewhere between those two extremes.

As we approach June 28th, the spectrum will narrow. Our goal is to be transparent about what camp will be like in 2021. Camp will be safe, fun, and rewarding for campers, staff and their families.

There is a lot of information in this guide. You might find the table contents useful to jump to the areas that interest you. We've tried to keep the text as simple and straightforward as possible. In an effort to do so, some details may not be included. If you have a specific question, and you can't find a detailed answer here, please give us a call at 845.354.1600. We're happy to discuss further.

Last Update: 03/30/21 | Back to Top

Just the Highlights

Just want to know the basics? This section is for you! - Read the full document for more details.

We're hoping for a COVID-19 free summer but planning for a spectrum of scenarios. This guide assumes that the strictest regulations will be in effect. We'll update this document regularly. Ultimately, we will follow all state and county guidelines. The safety of our campers, staff, and their families is always our highest priority. Even assuming the strictest regulations are in effect, we can have a camp season that meets Ramaquois' high standards by following the Seven Cs!

Last Update: 03/30/21 | Back to Top

Unanswered Questions

Right now, there are some questions about COVID-19 that remain unanswered. For instance:

  • What will the infection and transmission rates be?

  • Will there be accurate and affordable at home testing?

  • How widely available will vaccines be before the summer?

  • How likely is it that a vaccinated individual can transmit the virus?

There are many more questions like this. But until we know these answers for certain, we will err on the side of caution. We will always be vigilant and fine tune our protocols to maintain the safety of our community.

Last Update: 03/30/21 | Back to Top

Camp Capacity

Overview

It is possible that Ramaquois' capacity will be limited by state regulations and/or our decision to reduce the number of groups in camp to provide a safe, fun, and rewarding experience. If this happens, priority will be given to campers that enrolled first (in each division).

In 2020, the state of New York first set group capacity to 10 campers, then increased that number to 15. We expect that the maximum number of campers per group will be no less than 15.

We have adjusted our bunk setup to provide the maximum amount of space for each group. We are converting additional buildings to bunks, and creating partitions to keep groups separated.

Last Update: 03/30/21 | Back to Top

Transportation

Overview

Transportation is an integral part of every camper's daily experience. Clean, new-model low-mileage vehicles provide a safe trip to-and-from Camp Ramaquois every camp day. In a COVID-19 environment, there will be updated safety procedures.

  • Campers should still expect a fun and interactive bus experience re-imagined with the highest standards of safety in mind.
  • Everyone on the bus will wear face coverings, and campers will be spaced out to maximize social distance.
  • All buses will have their windows opened to provide clean fresh air and assist in dispersing any pathogens.
  • Our air conditioning units, equipped on every bus, will operate in "fresh air mode" only (meaning air is pulled from outside of the bus and cooled.) As of now, recycled air A/C will not be used on any buses for the 2021 camp season.
  • Our bus drivers are tested and screened daily for Covid-19 related illnesses. Specifics on testing, daily procedures, and vaccine requirements for Summer 2021 will be made available as camp gets closer.

Please be assured that all measures of safety are being put in place to provide the safest transportation possible. Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions, comments or concerns regarding your child's bus experience.

Last Update: 03/30/21 | Back to Top

Health Screenings

Every morning, each camp parent is expected to conduct a routine health screening on their child, checking for fever or any other related illness i.e. headache, stomach ache or muscle/body pain.

Before a camper enters the bus in the morning, a trained bus counselor will take each camper's temperature using a no-touch laser thermometer.

A bag with essential items, such as extra batteries, additional face coverings and extra hand sanitizer will be available on every vehicle.

Please err on the side of caution. Any camper or staff member that has warning signs of COVID-19 (either symptoms or possible exposure) should not attend camp.

Last Update: 03/30/21 | Back to Top

Door to Door Transportation

Please be aware of some new safety measures that are in effect to protect both our campers and staff.

  • Masks must be worn for the entirety of the ride to and from camp. (Masks will be provided for those who forget their own that day)
  • All campers will sanitize their hands while they enter the bus and immediately take their seats.
  • All campers will have assigned seats to maximize social distance.
  • All windows will be open to allow the free flow of air into the vehicle.

    Please refer to the following article regarding the safety of opening windows during the time of COVID-19. https://news.engin.umich.edu/2020/08/the-science-behind-campus-bus-changes-during-covid-19/ .

If you should have any questions, please contact out office at 845-354-1600.



Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

Express Bus Transportation

Camp Ramaquois will run two Express (Coach) Buses during the Summer of 2021, one on the East Side of Manhattan and one on the West Side. The Express (Coach) Bus transportation will have similar precautions as our regular mini school buses.

  • Masks must be worn for the entirety of the ride to and from camp. (Masks will be provided for those who forget their own that day.)
  • All campers will sanitize their hands while they enter the bus and immediately take their seats.
  • All campers will have assigned seats to maximize social distance.
  • While the windows of a Coach Bus do not open like a regular school bus, each vehicle is equipped with two large rooftop openings that will remain open to provide a constant flow of fresh air into the cabin of the vehicle.

Please refer to the following article regarding the safety of opening windows during the time of COVID: https://news.engin.umich.edu/2020/08/the-science-behind-campus-bus-changes-during-covid-19/ .

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

The Manhattan Jitney

Each Friday of the camp season, Camp Ramaquois offers the convenience of our Manhattan Jitney for any NYC family looking to get a head start on weekend plans. The Manhattan Jitney departs camp at 2pm and arrives at 75th and Madison at approximately 3:00PM.

Due to COVID-19 and contact tracing concerns, we have not yet made the decision whether we will offer the Manhattan Jitney. This decision will be made later in the spring. If the Manhattan Jitney is offered, some changes will be made. These changes are subject to review and may be altered as deemed necessary.

  • All campers must wear face coverings for the entirety of the ride.
  • Only siblings will be allowed to sit together.
  • All campers will be separated by at least 6 feet on the bus.
  • Space will be very limited. Please plan ahead. The jitney sign ups are available beginning Monday of each week for the corresponding Friday of that same week.

Last Update: 01/05/21 | Back to Top

Split Transportation

Split transportation (pick-up and drop-off at more than one location) makes the child in question more susceptible to having to miss camp due to contact tracing. Due to this potential issue, we are attempting to limit split transportation and bus changes to situations that are absolutely necessary.

As always, we look forward to partnering with families with the intention of giving each child the most convenient daily bus ride while keeping in mind the safety and considerations of the other campers and staff.

If you have a situation where split transportation is necessary and you have not reached out, please do so at your soonest and most convenient moment.

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

Air Conditioning

The relationship between the spread of the virus and the air-conditioning is a source for concern from operators, manufacturers and, of course, those using the bus for daily transportation. Scientific studies have shown and continue to show the safety of non-recycled air-conditioning within the bus cabin (https://www.sustainable-bus.com/news/coronavirus-recommendationsow-to-use-the-bus-a-c-correctly/ ).

The windows on the bus will remain open for the entirety of the bus ride to allow for the free flow of air. It is not recommended to use the non-recycled air without the windows being open. According to experts, the important item to remember is the regular servicing of the air conditioning units. This involves inspecting the system for contamination and changing filters or, in the case of metal filters, cleaning those filters on a regular basis.

  • Non-recycled air-conditioning to be allowed on buses.
  • Recycled air-conditioning may be prohibited on vehicles for Summer 2021.
  • The air-conditioning filtration system will be cleaned and maintained regularly.
  • Windows will remain open and combined with the non-recycled air-conditioning to keep the cabin as cool as possible.

Last Update: 03/30/21 | Back to Top

Bus Changes

Due to the restrictions of COVID-19 and the difficulty of contact tracing, we strongly recommend against bus changes for the Summer of 2021. In the event of an emergency, please contact the camp office to discuss possibilities.

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

Camper Programs and Activities

Overview

At Ramaquois, our activities are designed to be fun! But we admit that we have an ulterior motive. Ramaquois activities also promote a sense of community, challenge campers to take healthy risks, and foster important values. For the vast majority of our activities, any changes will be minor, and will not affect those outcomes in any meaningful way.

In a COVID-19 world, there will be enhanced cleaning and disinfection. Additionally, the preference will be to conduct activities outdoors whenever possible. It might be necessary to eliminate a small number of programs that can not be done safely in a COVID-19 environment. Individual elective choice might be replaced with group choice.

We are taking many steps "behind the scenes" to ensure a safe experience. Some examples of these steps include purchasing additional equipment, setting up enhanced cleaning protocols, and scheduling activities in a way that respects cohorting. Our goal is for these changes to be as invisible as possible for our campers. Please see the additional sections for more details.

Last Update: 12/08/20 | Back to Top

Outdoor Athletic Activities

Athletic activities provide our campers the opportunity to learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.

Outdoor athletic activities will be largely unchanged when playing within a group (cohort). At times, when social distancing can not be maintained, or in certain other instances, campers might be asked to wear face coverings as a precaution.

Additional cleaning and disinfecting of equipment might be required. All state guidelines will be followed.

Last Update: 12/01/20 | Back to Top

Non-Athletic Activities

The Ramaquois program is well-rounded, and balanced between athletic, cultural, craft, aquatic, and adventure activities. Historically, many cultural and craft activities have taken place indoors. In our COVID-19 plan, almost all indoor activities will be moved outdoors. The single exception would be Woodworking (for campers entering 4th grade and older), which would not be safe to run outdoors.

We have learned that virus transmission is much lower in well ventilated areas, which is why we are prioritizing outdoor activities in our COVID-19 plan.

Last Update: 03/30/21 | Back to Top

Adventure Activities

Adventure activities, such as our zip line, climbing wall, and ropes course areas will operate with only minor changes that will not impact the value of the activity for our campers. As with all of our activities, we will use enhanced disinfecting procedures on our equipment and reduce shared surfaces. Safety, teamwork, self-confidence, and taking healthy risks will remain the priorities at our adventure activities.

Last Update: 12/08/20 | Back to Top

Swim Instruction, General Swim, and Lake

Ramaquois aquatics is a mainstay of the camp program. Historically, the pools and lake were areas where groups (or cohorts) were combined. In our COVID-19 plan, cohorts will remain separate, even during water activities.

How can we accomplish this? We are very fortunate to have nine pools. For swim instruction, each group will have their own pool with a dedicated set of swim instructors. On average, we will have the same instructor to camper (1:2.5) ratio as in past summers.

For general swim, we will divide each pool in half, and each group will have one side of a pool dedicated for its own cohort. Cohorts will not mix.

Our lake will be divided into three regions so that three groups of campers can attend lake activities at the same time. These three groups will be kept separate on the lake by lemon lines and buoys.

Each group will have the same amount of swim instruction, general swim, and lake activities as it would in a non-COVID-19 summer.

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

Athletic Leagues

Athletic leagues are a camp highlight for many campers, especially our oldest boys and girls who look forward to Bunt and Steal and SNAPS League. Our leagues give our campers a chance to get excited, cheer for their friends, and show off the new skills that they've learned. It is also a key component in teaching campers sportsmanship and maturity.

We anticipate being able to run athletic leagues this summer. All state guidelines will be followed, and as such, some minor changes might be implemented. We might adjust how the teams are formed, and face coverings might be required in certain situations. However, we do not feel like any of the changes would substantially diminish the camper experience.

Last Update: 12/10/20 | Back to Top

Off Campus Trips

It is our sincere hope that we can safely conduct off-campus trips. However, we do not anticipate making a decision about trips before mid to late Spring. Please stay tuned!

Last Update: 03/30/21 | Back to Top

Special Events

Special events are a big part of the Ramaquois program! Our special events vary from traditions that take place every year (such as Jr. Camp Snow Day, RamaGames, Song and Cheer, Land and Water Carnivals, and Legends Ceremonies) to smaller, divisional events that change each year. We know that campers look forward to these events all year long.

Special events are all about creativity, and in a COVID-19 scenario, we will get even more creative! We now have alternative COVID-19 plans for almost all of our special events (including RamaGames). As with all of our modifications, the changes are focused on cohorting, covering faces, cleanliness, and common sense. We can do our special events safely, and in a fun and meaningful way for our campers.

Last Update: 12/08/20 | Back to Top

Rainy Days

Since many day camps are planning to close on rainy days (similar to snow days in school), some parents have asked if Ramaquois will be open during inclement weather. Yes! Ramaquois will be open on rain days!

If it is raining, we will use all of our covered areas, as well as some indoor areas. Only one cohort will use each area at a time. Face coverings will be required, and all surfaces will be sprayed with disinfectant between groups. We have seen that this combination of cleaning, cohoroting, and covering faces has been very effective in schools and will be implemented on rainy days.

Last Update: 03/30/21 | Back to Top

Heat Wave Days

Typically, there are a few days each summer when the heat and humidity deem it appropriate to run a "Heat Wave Schedule." While on this schedule, we eliminate many athletic activities, and increase the time we spend doing aquatic and sedentary activities.

Despite the COVID-19 precautions, we will be able to run a heat wave schedule that is very similar to previous summers. There will be additional water, shady, and sedentary activities. Our athletic fields and courts will be shut down.

On these days, we focus on providing fun and worthwhile activities while keeping our campers and staff safe, cool, and hydrated. Please note that in order to maximize ventilation, traditional air-conditioning may not be used on heat wave days.

Last Update: 12/29/20 | Back to Top

Lunch and Snacks

Overview

Lunch at Ramaquois is a daily highlight, and it will continue to be in 2021! Similar to transportation, there are many behind the scenes changes that will keep our staff and campers safe. Our kitchen complies with the same Department of Health regulations that are placed on restaurants. Though subject to change, we are planning for three major changes that campers will notice:

  • Increased ventilation - Rather than remaining enclosed and air-conditioned, our dining hall will become similar to an outdoor seating environment by removing the windows and opening the doors that comprise over 50% of the wall space. Our exhaust fans will provide significant additional ventilation. Between 50% and 85% (depending on the COVID-19 situation in June) of campers will eat outdoors, under covered tents. The balance will eat in the open, ventilated dining room.
  • Increased separation - There will be more room between and within groups/cohorts and it is likely that there will be plexiglass barriers.
  • Procedure changes - Campers might notice some changes in lunch procedures that will reduce the amount of shared surfaces and utensils. We don't anticipate these procedural changes impacting the experience in any meaningful way for campers.

Last Update: 03/11/21 | Back to Top

Dining Hall Seating and Experience

The Dining Hall will be set up to increase ventilation and distance between cohorts. The dining hall will operate like an outdoor seating venue instead of a completely closed and air-conditioned facility, the following changes will be made:

  • All doors and windows will be open (these comprise about 50% of the linear wall space).
  • The air conditioning system will be turned to the fan setting.
  • Two large exhaust fans will be turned on to remove air from the dining hall.
  • Ceiling fans will be turned on.
  • There will be at least nine feet of space between groups/cohorts.
  • Barriers will be placed between groups where appropriate.
  • Fewer groups will eat in the dining hall (Dining hall capacity will be between 15% and 50%, depending on the situation in June.)
  • Use of the dining hall bathrooms will be discouraged, but should an individual require the use of the facilities, face coverings must be worn.
  • Some traditions, such as birthday rituals, may be moved from lunch to morning or afternoon line-up.
  • Campers and staff will wash or sanitize their hands before and after lunch.

Last Update: 03/11/21 | Back to Top

Snacks

Campers will be served snack as usual. Morning and afternoon snacks are packaged in single serve portions. Staff will notice a different procedure for picking up snack in order to abide by social distancing best practices.

Last Update: 12/23/20 | Back to Top

Infirmary and Health Policies

Overview

Infirmary procedures and health policies are extremely difficult to predict at this time. Every day, there is additional news about vaccines, testing, and therapeutics. This progress is trending in the right direction, but it is impossible to know the situation at the end of June. Therefore, we are asking for your understanding that these policies will very likely change. They are written as if camp were opening today.

We are working closely with a team of medical advisors to keep our plan up to date as the situation evolves, and new information comes to light. This team is comprised of doctors and nurses who are also camp parents.

Last Update: 12/29/20 | Back to Top

Health Screening

All campers and staff must complete a health screening prior to coming onto the grounds each day. This is our first and best defense against COVID-19. If anyone in your household has warning signs (possible exposure and/or symptoms), please err on the side of caution and stay home that day. Ramaquois will be strict about enforcing this policy. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

COVID-19 Infirmary

In accordance with best practices, Ramaquois has prepared a second infirmary. Campers (and staff) who visit the infirmary will first be triaged outdoors. Those with routine situations, such as scrapes and bruises, will be sent to the regular infirmary. Anyone who presents with a fever or other symptoms that could be indicative of COVID-19 will be sent to the second infirmary where they will be further examined.

Our health center will be staffed with seven veteran nurses and two EMTs who are all fully trained and qualified to handle a COVID-19 situation. Infirmary staff will use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Last Update: 12/29/20 | Back to Top

Contact Tracing

Should there be a confirmed case of COVID-19 at camp, we will work with the Department of Health to implement a contact trace. Our program is set up to reduce the size of this contact trace group. Close contacts should only include campers and staff in that child's group and on that child's bus. A camper's bus driver, waiter, and swim instructor would also be included in the contact trace.

The CDC recently revised the recommendation for quarantining downward from 14 days to 7-10 days. Contact tracing rules will ultimately be enforced by the Rockland County Department of Health, and may change before the summer.

We are required by law to maintain the confidentiality of health information. We can not release the name of any individual who tests positive for COVID-19. We will inform parents if their child has had close contact with an individual who tests positive for COVID-19.

Last Update: 01/06/21 | Back to Top

Face Coverings

Overview

Our state and local government will provide COVID-19 protocols for wearing face coverings and Ramaquois will comply with those mandates. The guidelines from the government agencies will likely come very late in the spring, and we are expecting that they may be eased a bit from the guidelines that were in place for 2020; we do not expect them to be more restrictive.

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

When will face coverings be worn?

Currently we are planning for the same guidelines that were provided prior to summer 2020. In this scenario, campers will not be required to wear a face covering when they are outdoors and interacting within their assigned group (cohort). Campers must wear a face covering when indoors and staff must wear a face covering whenever interacting with children, both indoors and outdoors. The guidelines dictate that everyone will wear a face covering on the bus, which includes campers, staff, and drivers.

Please note that the guidelines also indicate that face coverings should not be worn when eating, drinking, swimming, or when there is any indication of respiratory distress.

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

What is an acceptable face covering?

An acceptable face covering is one that meets CDC and health department guidelines. Face coverings must cover both the mouth and nose and allow the wearer to breathe as comfortably as possible. The more layers of material, the more likely it is to provide better protection. For more information, view the 'Types of Masks' section of the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html .

Please make sure that your child's face covering fits properly and is cleaned regularly. Ramaquois will have extra face coverings available for campers and staff; however, we recommend choosing a face covering that is properly fitted and comfortable for your child.

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

Cleaning and Hygiene

Overview

In order to reduce the spread of pathogens, cleaning and hygiene protocols have been updated. The procedures focus on disinfecting fomites (shared surfaces), reducing shared equipment, and hand hygiene for campers and staff.

  • Campers and staff will sanitize or wash their hands between every activity.
  • Shared equipment will be disinfected between use.
  • Additional facility staff will clean and disinfect common areas regularly throughout the day.

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

Bathrooms

Every camp group has dedicated bathroom facilities in their cabin/bunk. Campers and staff are encouraged to use the facilities assigned to their cohort. However, there will of course be times when an urgent situation makes this impossible. Therefore, our facilities team will be cleaning and disinfecting every bathroom multiple times each day.

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

Camper and Staff Hygiene

One of the keys to controlling the spread of COVID-19 is regular handwashing. Campers and staff will clean their hands between every activity. If soap and water is not readily available, hand sanitizer may be substituted. Hands will also be cleaned before and after meals and snacks. Every camp group and activity will be supplied with hand sanitizer.

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

Reducing Shared Equipment

In the past, it was considered a gesture of friendship to allow a fellow camper to borrow a rain coat, baseball glove, or tennis racket. Though we will continue to encourage acts of friendship, borrowing another camper's baseball glove or tennis racket will not be allowed this summer. We encourage all campers to bring their own baseball glove and tennis racket. Ramaquois has a limited amount of extra equipment for campers to use, if necessary. Any used equipment will be disinfected between campers.

Additionally, Ramaquois has instituted protocols to disinfect equipment that must be re-used throughout the day (such as harnesses). For any situation where such cleaning is impractical or overly burdensome, we have invested in additional equipment.

Last Update: 04/19/21 | Back to Top

Disinfectant

Ramaquois uses several different CDC approved disinfectants that have been shown to kill the virus that causes COVID-19. Additionally, we have multiple delivery systems that allow for efficient disinfection of large areas quickly. All staff using disinfectant sprayers will be trained in proper usage of the equipment.

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

The Facilities Team

We are fortunate to have an incredible facilities team. The most junior member of our year-round facilities team will be spending his ninth summer at Ramaquois in 2021! Our team takes great pride in keeping our camp safe, clean, and running smoothly.

In 2021, we'll be adding additional seasonal staff to our facilities team. The expanded crew will help us make sure that common areas, toilets, cabins, and surfaces are disinfected multiple times every day.

This team works tirelessly to keep Ramaquois in pristine condition. We are truly lucky to have these unsung heroes on staff!

Last Update: 12/28/20 | Back to Top

The Parent Experience

Overview

We believe that our partnership with parents is the heart of each child's individual experience at camp. Throughout the pre-camp season, your family will receive detailed information through our parent website, email communication and by phone. We value parent feedback, and promise to share with you the stories of your child's growth and achievements. Your involvement is an important component of the Ramaquois experience, and it helps us to achieve our goal that each child creates a sense of community, growth and meaningful interactions with their peers and their counselors.

This summer, we'll ask parents to work even more closely with the Ramaquois team to make sure that the summer is safe, fun, and as rewarding as possible for the children. We'll ask parents to take common-sense and state-mandated precautions to keep our community safe. We'll need parents to cooperate with daily health screenings, and to communicate any health concerns with us. We'll also ask for patience when certain procedures are a little slower than we would like due to social distancing and safety precautions.

At this time, it is not known whether or not we will be able to host parent visiting days and interactive nights. We likely won't make a decision about this until the late spring.

Last Update: 01/05/21 | Back to Top

Parent Partnership

This summer, more than ever, it is important that Ramaquois and parents work together. Here are some new items that we'll likely ask from parents:

  • Complete a health screening for your camper(s) on the Ramaquois app every morning.
  • When in doubt, keep your child home. We know that children want to come to camp, but if there is any indication of illness, please err on the side of caution and keep your child home.
  • Follow state and local guidelines (as well as common sense). Please do not put your child in unnecessarily risky situations.
  • Be patient. Some procedures will take a little longer this summer. We don't ever want to compromise safety for speed or convenience.
  • Please fill out your forms (especially medical forms) when they are available! This is an incredible help to our medical team!
  • Communicate with us! We will reach out to you proactively, but the more we know about your child, the better the camp experience will be. A lot has happened this year, and every child has reacted differently. Please share that information with us so we can better serve your child.

Last Update: 12/29/20 | Back to Top

Parent Visitation

In a typical summer, parents are invited to camp for several events, including Preview Day in June (for new campers and their families), visiting days, interactive nights, and SNAPS/Bunt and Steal Night for our oldest campers.

At this time, we can not definitively say whether or not we will be able to host these parent events. The main concern, of course, is whether we can do it safely. If it is possible to create a safe program (which may mean outdoor activities only, and face coverings required), we then have to consider how a contact trace might impact our campers, staff, and the visitors.

We do not anticipate being able to make an informed decision about parent visiting days until the late spring.

We are planning for family fun days in the spring. These will be perfect for both first time and returning Ramaquois campers!

Last Update: 12/23/20 | Back to Top

Parent Communication

Ramaquois prides itself on creating strong parent partnerships through ongoing communication. The camp experience influences the whole family so we encourage ongoing communication between parents and their camper's Division Leader. We call and email regularly and post hundreds of photos and videos on our parent website daily.

  • To send a note to camp during the camp season, email notes@ramaquois.com or text (845) 203-2420.
  • Please be aware that Division Leaders will return phone calls after their supervisory responsibilities cease at the end of the day. All immediate issues will be handled by Susan Sahn, the Director of Parent Communication.

Throughout the spring, we will be in contact with our camp families through emails, videos, and webinars. These communications will help prepare you, and your children, for a most successful camp season!

Last Update: 01/06/21 | Back to Top

The Ramaquois App and Parent Website

During the camp season, parents can obtain information through our Camp Ramaquois App and the Camp Ramaquois parent website.

https://www.ramaquois.com/parent

  • Submit important forms (health forms, personality profiles, transportation forms).
  • View photos and videos.
  • View announcements and upcoming events.
  • Read FAQ and view useful links and files.
  • RSVP for visiting days and interactive nights (when available).
  • View camp calendar and lunch menus.
  • View Weekly “Rama Express” newsletter.
Custom-developed app (available for Android and iOS)

  • Complete your child's daily health screening.
  • View announcements and upcoming events.
  • Read FAQ and view useful links and files.
  • Watch camp videos.
  • Browse photos (using facial recognition).
  • Contact camp.

Last Update: 12/23/20 | Back to Top

Camp Packing List

All campers are assigned a personal “cubby” to store their camp gear. Clean towels are provided for each water activity. On Fridays, children bring home any clothing worn that week in a bag provided by the camp. Please return laundered clothing on Mondays (especially swim suits and rain gear). Please do not send expensive items to camp and label each item (including face coverings) with your child's name.

  • Two face coverings with necklace lanyards - Additional item for 2021
  • Complete change of clothing, including spare Ramaquois shirt
  • 3 bathing suits (extra suits are advisable)
  • An extra pair of sneakers (with Velcro closures for the younger child)
  • Baseball glove
  • Tennis racket
  • Hat
  • Light jacket or sweatshirt
  • Rain gear (if brought home, please return the next day)
  • Personal sunscreen (SPF at parents' discretion)
  • Sweat/Wind pants
  • Water shoes (optional)
  • Goggles (optional)

Last Update: 01/05/21 | Back to Top

Preparing Your Campers

The past year has been unlike any other. Every child has had a different experience and reaction. We want to help reduce any anxiety that your child may have. If your child has concerns, please explain to them that we are taking every precaution to make camp safe. There may be some changes to what they remember from previous summers, but camp will be more fun than ever!
Here are a few ideas to help prepare your child:

  • Attend one of our spring events at camp. We plan to begin these as soon as the weather allows!
  • Call us and share your child's concerns. We can speak to your child with you, and explain what to expect this summer.
  • Listen to and validate your child's concerns. It is very likely that his/her concerns are different from an adult's concerns.
  • Your family's experience this past year has been unique; so each child will react differently. Please reach out to us - we are here to help.

Last Update: 12/23/20 | Back to Top

Odds and Ends

Overview

There are dozens of behind the scenes changes that we are making to prepare for 2021. Our goal is for these changes to be nearly imperceptible to campers and parents. However, some are worth mentioning, and they are located in this section.

Last Update: 12/29/20 | Back to Top

Signage

Additional signage will be placed around camp to encourage individuals to wash their hands, maintain social distance, and utilize face coverings whenever necessary. Although our staff will remind campers to be safe, visual reminders are always helpful!

Last Update: 12/29/20 | Back to Top

Socially Distanced Line-Ups

Morning and afternoon line-ups are a vital part of our camp's culture. During line-up, we make announcements, have camper/counselor competitions, and make noise together, as a community. Typical line-ups are not socially distanced events, of course! However, in 2021, we will conduct socially distanced line-ups. Line-ups are all conducted outdoors and all groups (cohorts) will be kept separated. Importantly, the traditions and spirit of our line-ups will be maintained.

Last Update: 01/05/21 | Back to Top

Fire Drills

Ramaquois must perform fire drills to comply with Department of Health regulations. In order to do so, we will designate that groups be socially distanced from each other at the designated meeting locations. Additionally, all campers and staff must wear masks for the duration of the drill.

Last Update: 12/29/20 | Back to Top

Visitor Policy

It is likely that we will have a no visitor policy this summer. Typically, all parent pickups, drop-offs, and package deliveries take place at our auxiliary office (50 Mountain Road) so that no visitors come onto our grounds. However, at times, prospective families come to camp for tours, and alumni stop by for a visit! Should conditions deem it necessary, no alumni visits or parent tours will be conducted during the camp day.

Last Update: 12/29/20 | Back to Top