2024 COVID-19 Policies & Procedures

These policies and procedures have been developed using the guidance of the American Camp Association (ACA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service (MDHHS), in consultation with the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department (DIDHD) and local medical professionals. These policies are subject to change as new information and best practices become available.

Additionally, we will keep a close watch on the CDC County Tracker for COVID-19 for the counties from which our guests are coming. This data will help us determine when COVID-19 protocol can loosen and when it needs to be reevaluated.

The health and safety of our camp community at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp (FLLC) and our guests’ home communities remain our highest priorities.

All retreat participants in Fortune Lake sponsored camps and retreats will be expected to comply with the following protocol. We strongly recommend that rental groups implement the same practices to protect themselves, their participants, and our staff.

Vaccinations

Benefits of vaccination include reduced likelihood of severe COVID symptoms leading to hospitalization and/or death.

  • All people who visit, attend, provide services for, or otherwise enter our property are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 unless otherwise advised by their physician.
  • All residential and hourly staff will be strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated.  If any staff member chooses not to, they may be subject to additional testing and mitigation protocol.

Testing

COVID-19 testing plays an important role in surveillance and early detection.  It can identify cases before individuals become symptomatic, as well as rule out or confirm COVID in those who have symptoms.

  • All campers and/or retreatants who participate in overnight programs may be required to submit proof of a negative at-home test at check-in that was done within 24 hours of their arrival at camp.  The Camp Director will make decisions about the necessity for testing at least two weeks prior to the camper week and will notify the camper families via email.
  • FLLC will work to secure rapid COVID tests that will be administered as needed throughout the duration of summer camp.  If secured, the tests may be used in the following situations:
    • For campers who are required to obtain a COVID test before check-in but were unable to do so.
    • For campers or staff who present with one or more COVID-19 symptoms.
    • For campers or staff who have experienced a probable COVID exposure.
  • All tests administered by FLLC will be reported to the State of Michigan as required by law.
  • If a test is positive, the individual will be sent home as soon as possible.  They will be properly cared for in an isolated location while they await transport.  Caregivers will be advised to seek additional PCR testing and to follow up with their health care provider.

Guests

  • FLLC is private property and is closed to the general public.
  • All campers and guests must be registered and must check-in upon arrival using the procedures outlined in their welcome materials.  When in question, please call the camp office to verify.
  • Guests and campers must self-monitor for symptoms of COVID before, during, and after their stay.  Any changes in health status must be immediately reported to FLLC staff.

Campers & Retreat Participants

  • Prior to arrival, campers/retreatants who have been in close contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with, or quarantined as a result of COVID-19 are asked to contact the office as soon as possible.  
  • Youth campers will be dropped off and picked up according to the procedures and schedule outlined in the welcome material.  The schedule will be developed to limit exposure.  A health screening will occur at check in.
  • Campers will wash or sanitize hands before and after activities, when entering new spaces, after using the restroom, before eating, after touching frequently touched surfaces, after using common/shared items, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose.
  • Campers will keep their personal belongings in their designated area.  Caddies or clear labeled zipper bags are recommended for toiletries.

Campers are asked to continue to monitor symptoms for 10 days after leaving camp.  If symptoms develop or if the camper receives a positive test result, please notify FLLC.  Contact tracing will take place if/when appropriate.

Masks

  • Masks will not be required at FLLC, except in the case of known COVID cases at camp or if professional guidance changes.  If this occurs, campers and staff with likely exposure may be asked to mask when interacting indoors with people from other cabin groups.
    • Masks will never be required for eating, sleeping, showering, while brushing teeth, or swimming.
  • Campers, staff, or guests who feel more comfortable wearing masks are always allowed to do so.

Staff

  • Staff will self-monitor for possible exposure and symptoms of COVID-19 and will stay home or isolate at camp if direct exposure has occurred or symptoms arise.
  • Staff will maintain appropriate physical distance and will wear face masks in accordance with current guidelines.

Cleaning

  • FLLC Staff are trained in the highest standards of cleaning and disinfection according to the ACA and CDC recommendations, and all cleaning and disinfecting products are within these standards and are EPA approved.
  • Duties include vacuuming, sweeping and mopping, wiping all surfaces and applying disinfectant, and cleaning all high touch surfaces.
  • Guests are encouraged to open windows when weather permits and to use fans to increase air circulation.

Food Service

  • Food service staff will wear appropriate protection – including gloves and aprons, and when recommended, masks – while preparing food.
  • Everyone will wash or sanitize their hands prior to meals and snacks.
  • Care will be taken during food distribution.  Protective measures include service by staff, washing/sanitizing hands prior to self service, and reducing the number of people getting food at one time.

Activities

  • Activities will occur outdoors whenever possible.
  • The staff reserves the right to limit sauna use to a single cabin group or family unit at times when community COVID-19 spread is high or there are suspected exposures within the camp community.

Statement of Risk

Participation in FLLC camping and activities is at your own risk. A signed waiver must be on file for every person participating. FLLC is not liable for any COVID-19 exposure or health risk. Compliance with these policies is expected, and FLLC Staff reserve the right to ask people to leave the property for failure to comply.