We are a week away from the start of first session and want to take this time to remind families of what is expected of them before arriving to camp.
Please review the camper handbook, Health & Safety 2021 FAQ page (this is where we've been updating on all Covid-related info since the fall!), and other resources.
Everyone attending first session should be exercising serious caution at this time! Even vaccinated campers should be avoiding risky activities (crowded places, indoors, etc.)
1. Campers will not be allowed to come to camp without a negative Covid test from the few days ahead of the session!
We understand that July 4th/5th are challenging to get appointments on because of the holiday and will accept tests from July 3rd. This must be a PCR test.
This test is mandatory for all campers, including vaccinated campers.
Please upload an image of this test result to your camp account in the forms section AND bring a copy with you when you drop your child off.
If you are dropping off at camp, take a screenshot or print it out, as there is no cell phone reception at camp.
The test on the first day of camp is the second Covid test your child will take this summer. It is in addition to the test 72 hrs ahead of camp. We are coordinating this test through a private lab to ensure we get results back that same day. Campers taking the bus will be tested before getting on the bus. Campers being driven to camp must stop at one of the testing locations. Locations, times, and additional details HERE.
If a camper's test comes back positive, parents must come pick up their child that day. Tests are expected to be returned by 6:30pm.
2. Please fill out the pre-camp screening form in your camp account in the forms section.
The information gathered in this form is crucial in keeping your campers safe and preventing an outbreak at camp. Knowing if your child has had Covid, is vaccinated, etc. will help our health team treat campers effectively this summer.
Log into your camp account HERE.
3. Travel Day Procedures:
Please note that check in at the bus as well as at camp will take longer than usual and we appreciate your patience.
Everyone should be wearing masks.
Drop off at camp:
Driving directions can be found HERE and will be emailed to you.
Cars will stop outside the entrance to camp to check in and show their negative Covid test if we do not have record of receiving it. Campers without this will be turned away.
There are limited spots inside camp - cars will wait at the entrance until a spot becomes available and the designated counselor directs them there.
Once in the parking lot, families will help campers unload bags, move bags to the grade's designated area next to the parking lot, and give their kids big hugs goodbye! Parents will not be permitted to walk around camp and help their child unpack. We will only move into cabins in the evening once Covid test results are returned.
Please put your child's kupa in their backpack - their counselors will collect it during intro activities. You can also hand it to any other non-counselor camp staff, just please clearly label it "Kupa - Child Name".
Medical staff will be set up at a table in the parking lot to collect medications and talk with parents about care plans. Please note that this will be a very hectic time and our nurse, Lynn, is unable to have long conversations at this time. Lynn is now with us at camp and available to speak on the phone ahead of the start of camp. Please email elana@campgilboa.org or text Elana at 323-605-8485 to request a more extensive phone conversation with Nurse Lynn.
At the bus drop offs:
There will be a check in table where you will show your negative Covid test if we haven't already received it from you and we will collect medications and kupa.
From there you will go to another table to take your Covid test. This is a saliva test and camper should not eat 30 minutes ahead of the test. Water up to 10 mins ahead of the test is fine.
Campers will board the bus by pod and will be required to wear masks the entire time, except when drinking water.
Timing (parents should plan to stay until the bus departs):
LA: Please be at the Gilboa office (8339 West 3rd St) at 9am. Check in and testing will take longer than usual! The buses will arrive at 9:30 and leave by 10am.
Inland Empire: Meet at Congregation Emanu El (1495 Ford St, Redlands) at 11:15am. Bus/vans depart at 11:45am.
San Diego: Meet at the back parking lot of the Lawrence Family JCC (4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla) at 9:30am. The bus departs at 10am.
Campers who get carsick: please take Dramamine right before getting on the bus. It should kick in just as we get on the windy mountain road.
Full travel details are found HERE.
4. Please exercise caution, even if you and/or your child is vaccinated!
Cases are rising again and it is only with every family's cooperation that we will not bring Covid into camp.
For unvaccinated campers: avoid any nonessential outing or contact outside the nuclear family!
For vaccinated campers: you do not need to quarantine, but we do ask that you exercise an increased level of caution. Please avoid large group gatherings and indoor group gatherings, and wear masks when indoors in public spaces.