Faith Haven Camp COVID - 19 Safety Standards

June 17, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced overnight camps like Faith Haven Camp would be able to re-open on July 1. Based on that information, below are just a few of the plans and protocols that Faith Haven has in place for our 2020 summer.

While it is our hope that you’ll choose to send your Youth Group, Family Group or child to Faith Haven this summer, we understand that our families have to make the choice for themselves. But before you make this difficult decision, we want to share our plans so you can be confident making an informed choice.

Camper safety is not a new concept at Faith Haven Camp. We’ve always made safety a priority and have worked to minimize risk as much as possible. We have numerous layers of systems and protocols to ensure our facilities are clean but more so that Faith Haven is an atmosphere where campers can stay safe and be healthy. Our goal is to continue to learn, train, retrain, and work as hard as we can to keep everyone safe. In the mindset of continuing our well-established practices, we want to share with you our plans for this very unique 2020 summer.

Our staff has spent time in prayer for every potential camper and staff member this summer. It is our hope that our Groups, our Families and our Campers, experience unforgettable new friendships, fun, and spiritual growth at Faith Haven this summer.

Below you will find a summary of some of the new procedures that Faith Haven Camp intends to implement this summer concerning COVID-19.

Faith Haven Preparations

Faith Haven Camp starts with our amazing staff and volunteers. We have trained our staff and volunteers about the new guidelines and are secure about implementing them. We’ll never quit learning and making adjustments, so as each day passes and new information comes out, we will strive to retrain, reimagine, and recreate an amazing and safe camp experience for your kids.

Below you will find policies we are implementing based on Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines as well as many other organizations and recommendations. Our goal is to make Faith Haven Camp as safe as we can for parents, campers, and staff.

How Will We Keep Faith Haven Clean?

How will dorm rooms be cleaned?
Our cleaning crews always give the dorm facilities a thorough cleaning before campers arrive, but this summer we’ll have a more detailed disinfectant protocol. We will be disinfection restrooms and high traffic areas regularly throughout your stay.

Hand washing
Clean hands will be a priority at Faith Haven! We have always encouraged hand washing and have antibacterial soap and paper towels in all restrooms. In addition, we have alcohol-based hand sanitizers mounted at the entrances of each building, throughout camp. We will also take time every day to remind campers to wash their hands frequently.

Mealtime
It is suggested that Campers will eat with their small groups with social distancing by tables with tables available for outdoor dining as well. Serving food will not be buffet style but served by a set group of people prepared with hand washing and gloves, to minimize risk. Multi-Quat Sanitizer provided by camp will be used to wipe down all services — sanitizing dishes, counters, tables and chairs. Our food service areas are constantly cleaned in compliance with MDH standards, and we will continue to train and retrain as recommendations change.

Chapels and meeting rooms
The Main Chapel capacity is 242 but with 50% capacity and social distancing it should be at least half or much less. The gymnasiums, East buildings chapel or outside areas can provide more area for social distancing with a larger group.

Activity areas
We have purchased a special, EPA-registered antimicrobial product from Omni Solutions. This antimicrobial solution is the same product that many hospitals and ambulances use to protect their surfaces. It creates a barrier on porous and non-porous surfaces that lasts up to 90 days. With this product, we will be able to add an additional layer of protection for campers when they touch things like couch surfaces, benches or even canoe paddles. When used in combination with routine hand washing, as well as cleaning items in-between use, this will be a tremendous help in reducing surface contact exposure.

For more information go to Omni Solutions.

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Youth Programs and Camps During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Minnesota Department of Health – Guidance for Social Distancing in Youth and Student Programs

Minnesota Department of Health – COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Overnight Camps

Minnesota Department of Health – COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs

American Camping Association (ACA) – COVID-19 Resource Center

Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA)

Opening Up America Again Guidelines (PDF)

We encourage you to view the links above. We will work with you to achieve a healthy and safe camping experience for your group.

If you have any questions, please contact us. Looking forward to seeing you all and serving together in ministry!

Blessings,

Scott & Lisa Larson, Faith Haven Camp Management Team