3/21/21 Webinar Questions & Answers

Please note: The COVID-19 transmission  in the State of Michigan is extremely fluid at the present time (3/27/21)  and it is quite possible that changes may be necessary depending on the positivity rate and transmission rate within the surrounding communities. The CDC definition of a close contact is someone in the presence of another person for more than 15 minutes and within 6 feet. 

1. How will BizBiz operate this summer? 

GBD or BizBiz is planning special activities during the summer.  Registration dates and activity dates will be shared soon. 

1. Is the mask mandate outside a Michigan mandate or a specific to camp mandate? I only ask because my kids are in school in MI- they wear masks indoors, but no masks outdoors (recess, etc.)

 Per the current MI order: Exceptions to mask requirements includes:  individuals who are exercising outdoors and able to consistently maintain six feet of distance from others.

1. How many kids in each posms/session of GBN? 

Capacity of 28/per one week session.

1. Could you explain how weekends will work?  As I understand kids will be staying in camp over weekends.   This is an important question for both kids and parents.  

The focus will be on additional extra-curricular activities including, relaxation, time at the lake, waterfront activities, campfires, etc.

1. So disposable masks(often blue & white) are acceptable? Esp for sports. 

Yes for sports, but need to be a double layered mask. Recommend washable double layered masks, to encourage environmental stewardship.

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1. Kas notiek, ja nometnieki nepieturas pie noteikumiem?/What happens if campers do not adhere to policies? Everyone in the Garezers community will be required to sign the Keep Garezers safe pledge

Will those GVV students who violate COVID protocols be expelled or forced to go virtual?  And what if parents violate or enable their children to violate those protocols? 

 The expectation is that all campers and staff will comply with a signed  pledge that emphasizes both  personal and shared responsibility to keep self and others safe and healthy, while following state of Michigan current mandates. Upon signature the camper  and his/her family is admitted to their respective programs.

In the unfortunate incident of violation,  a camper may be subject to correction.  If numerous violations occur then further action, such as expulsion, may be required.

1. Kas notiek, ja GVV ģimenēm ir dažādi viedokļi par masku valkāšanu un distancēšanos?

What happens if GVV families have different viewpoints on mask wearing and distancing?   

We respect that each family is entitled to their own viewpoint and opinion. Mask wearing and protection is based on scientific research.  Latvian Center Garezers will be following the guidelines established by the professionals in the ACA, ACN and federal health agencies. If a family cannot abide by the pledge, then perhaps participation in the program should be reconsidered.

1.  Ja tā būs, ka viesi no ārpuses nedrīkstēs būt GVV teritorijā, kā to varēs kontrolēt?/If it will be the case that there will be guests in the program territories, how will you be able to control that?

There has been signage at each program area for years, identifying it as such and all visitors, including parents, are required to check in at the office for security. This year there will be no visitor check-in at any program area with the exception of emergency and/or other essential vehicles and associated personnel. Each area also has electronic monitors of key access points.

In addition, In order to ensure the cohort model is successful it is important that there not be overlap between the campground visitors and the camp areas of GBN, GSS and GVV.  New signage as well as restricted car access to all program areas will be critical in this effort. Again, this is our shared responsibility to keep everyone safe. 

Since the COVID-19 situation is very fluid at this time (3/25) it is too early to determine the protocol for any social and religious events that in other years have been a mix of both visitors and program participants.

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1. How will the cohort groups be decided and split up?  

GBN: based on age and  gender balance.   

GSS: based on age and  gender balance as well as language competencies.

GVV: based on age/class and  gender balance.

1. How will roommates be assigned?

Roommates will be assigned randomly, but please make the program director  aware of any special concerns or issues. (Will take into consideration campers requests,but cannot guarantee that will be able to oblige all requests)

1. Can the cohorts @GVV be treated like a “family” after the first 5 days? Meaning without masks or distancing when in their cohort spaces? (Cabins).

Yes, that is the goal, and if everyone remains healthy.

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1. What happens if I’d be able to send my kid to camp but I’d have to send them a few days late because of when their school ends, would they still be able to attend camp? 

Please contact your respective program director.

1. Can you share where the data came from for the US map at the beginning of the deck showing which states will/won’t have camps this year? 

This slide came from the American Camp Association.  The slide depicted camps that were not permitted to operate in 2020. 

1. Will they have to wear masks while in their own kabines/istabas? 

Yes, per current MI guidelines until after being tested on day 5 and results have come back negative. Exceptions include:   while sleeping, showering or brushing teeth, while eating and seated during meal times, during all water activities including swimming and boating.  

1. Since currently we are going to have modified sports, singing, and dancing, is there a tentative plan for the other extra curricular activities?

 Yes.  Still being explored and developed.  All extra curricular activities will take into account cohorts and infection prevention measures.

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1. Will staff be permitted to go off-site? 

Staff will be permitted to be off-site on their day off, with restrictions and in line with personal responsibility and the pledge.  It is strongly encouraged that all staff  are vaccinated prior to the start of the summer program if at all possible.

1. If parents are employed and working in the camps and going back and forth from home will this not be a danger?  How will we know where staff has been?

Each morning, similar to all participants using the Health check survey.

In order to maintain the health and safety of all in the community, each time a member of the community leaves the site upon returning to the community the staff member will need to complete a contact tracing survey form.

Why is staff allowed to leave the territory and kids are not? 

In the case of teachers and activity leaders Garezers does not have enough housing for all to stay onsite. Those who will be staying at their own homes will be asked to be personally responsible with how they spend their time off site. They are responsible for not participating in “high risk” events (large group gatherings where distancing is difficult to adhere to), or people outside of the Garezers community  for the duration of the time that they are employed at Garezers.

Why is some staff allowed to leave the territory? 

Maintenance and kitchen staff work a set number of hours and have limited direct contact with participants.  Therefore they are allowed to leave the territory, per the restrictions outlined in their contract and pledge. 

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1. If I am understanding correctly, if the child has a sports tryout in their hometown during the last week of GVV, then they will not be able to return for the final few days of GVV activities? 

Please contact the GVV program director to further discuss details. 5 day quarantine would be required, followed with a negative COVID test.

1. Sorry I missed the beginning.  How many campers will be allowed in GVV? 

105

1. Are you able to share how many students have signed up for GVV thus far? 

Updates will be posted after April 19th.

1. What about GVV participants who are vaccinated? 

Vaccinated students and all staff will have to continue to adhere to all distancing, masking, cohorting guidelines, as they could be asymptomatic carriers, and per current guidelines.

You’ve had the COVID-19 vaccine. What now? – Boston Children’s Answers (childrenshospital.org)

1. Vai kaut kas varētu mainīties, ja daļai ir vakcina?/Will anything change if a part of the camp and staff population is vaccinated? 

No, because vaccinated persons can still be asymptomatic carriers and our responsibility is to protect all campers and staff.  Vaccinated persons will still be equally responsible to adhere to COVID protection guidelines (mask wearing, distancing, frequent handwashing)

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1. Please talk more about how Canadians might be able to go to Garezers this summer. As a Canadian, do you think I should be thinking of attending Garezers as a realistic possibility? 

We are not presently able to answer this, as this is a government decision, not an organizational decision.  You are welcome to register, and if the borders are not open by June 1, Gaŗezers can refund your registration deposit.

 We will follow government guidelines. https://ca.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-canada-3/

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1. Please clarify if there are capacity changes for GVV?  Are rooms at [50%] capacity? 

Closer to 65% capacity. Kalnini rooms typically house 6, this year they will house 4, Zemitani rooms are typically 8, this year 4 with no proposed use of lower level, Vecā vidusskola typically 4-5, this year 3. ZK/Klētnieki capacity is 24.

1. Kā izskatīsies izlaidums? What will graduation look like?

 Planning in graduation events, and will be in accordance with the state of Michigan mandates. Anticipate that the graduation activities will be held outdoors and with limited capacity. Will do our best to maintain school traditions and even begin great new ones.

1.  Is there a full on-line alternative similar to last summer? 

We are not able to commit to a full on-line alternative at this time, although the possibility is being looked at. 

1. How will you control guests not visiting program territories? 

 Guests, including parents, will not be permitted in program areas this summer. 

New signage will identify program areas.  

Public areas, such as  the piazza and church will have defined  and posted visitation hours.

Thank you for all of your submitted questions and participation in the webinar.   We look forward to our next Zoom meeting next month.