“Coronavirus and other viruses aren’t going away. We have the skills and knowledge to manage those communicable diseases and still have healthy camp environments”
Coronavirus COVID-19 Considerations for Camps
ACN is at the leading edge of camp health services in these COVID times. Collaborative research, engaging with experts in the field of camp health, testing, MESH concerns and communicable disease we are proud to help camps navigate these challenging times.
Field Guide
Field Guide for Camps on Implementation of CDC Guidance (EH&E and ACA)
Diagnostics | Testing
Considerations and what you need to know
MESH Support
MESH at camp 2022
NPI'S
Non-Pharmacologic interventions explained
Research Results
What we are learning from summers 2020 / 2021
CDC Considerations
Solid guidance from the CDC about planning and operating summer camps
ACN Initiatives
(Winter/Spring 2021-2022)
Currently in progress:
- MESH Guidance for campers and staff, to include screening, guidance for staff and resources.
- Research on the impact of COVID-19 on camps in the summer of 2021
CDC Guidance Updated May 28, 2021
Clarification and FAQ’s from the CDC Guidance released May 28th. These were some of the most common questions asked at the ACA / ACN / CDC Town Hall.
ACN COVID-19 Health History Addendums
ACN COVID-19 Health History AddendumsACN encourages you to add COVID-19 specific questions to your camper and staff health histories. The links below provide some guidance.
Potential COVID Testing Patterns for Summer Camp Consideration
(April 2021)
This chart of potential testing pattern considerations will help you navigate the world of running a healthy camp in these COVID times
CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People
July 27, 2021
CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated people … learn more
State Operating Guidance
The American Camp Association has compiled a set of resources for States Operating Guidance for Summer 2021.
March 2, 2021
CDC Prioritization of Camp Staff for COVID-19 Vaccinations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously expanded the definition of “essential workers” to incorporate out-of-school time workers, including camp staff. To support that move, CDC recently made changes to their website that explicitly list camp staff in Phase 1b of their vaccination prioritization. Read more
The Swiss Cheese Respiratory Virus Defense Infographic: Click the image for a larger PDF image
COVID-19 Resources for Camps
A variety of resources for camp health services to provide healthy camp communities in this COVID-19 time
Communicable Disease Guidelines
- Communicable Disease Control in the Camp Setting PDF (ACN Practice Guideline, 2017)
- Communicable Disease Management in the Camp Setting PDF 9/2020 Update (Erceg)
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 Diagnostics in Context: This is a robust document from Harvard with extensive details about testing and diagnostics for COVID-19
From the FDA: COVID-19 Testing Basics
CLIA Waived Testing (explained for camps)
Vaccines
CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People
From the CDC: Phased Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccines
Emergency Use Authorization Letter from FDA
https://www.fda.gov/media/144412/download
Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Press Release
FDA Takes Key Action in Fight Against COVID-19 By Issuing Emergency Use Authorization for First COVID-19 Vaccine
Understanding mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html
Facts about COVID-19 vaccines
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits/facts.html
Benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html
Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines work
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html
Talking to patients (campers and staff) about COVID-19 vaccines
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/talking-to-patients.html
Making a Strong Recommendation for COVID-19 vaccine
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/engaging-patients.html
Screening Tools
ACN COVID-19 Pre-Screening Tool
(A second example of a pre-screening form.) This pre-screening tool is intended for use by campers and staff in the two weeks prior to camp arrival
Modify and use this guide to fit your camp for the screening campers and staff on arrival
MESH Concerns with COVID-19
Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations with COVID-19
ACN MESH Infographic: How to support the MESH needs of staff
Ways to Promote Children’s Resilience to the COVID-19 Pandemic (Child Trends)
Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During the COVID-19 Outbreak (WHO, March 2020)
NPI's Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions
Use of Non-Pharmacological Interventions and Personal Protective Equipment by Camps in the Summer of 2020: Selected Findings from ACN’s Study of Camp Health Care Practice Following the Onset of COVID-19
This fall, the Association of Camp Nursing surveyed members about camp health care practices in the summer of 2020 following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full article
CompassPoint, December 2020
Swiss-Cheese-Model-Camp: Infographic
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Sanitizing / Disinfecting
FAQ's
COVID-19 FAQ’s (ACN November 2020)
Workplace Considerations
Communicable Disease
- Communicable Disease Management in the Camp Setting Practice Guideline (ACN)
- Template for a Communicable Disease Plan (ACN)
- A Healthy Camp Begins and Ends at Home (Healthy Camp Toolbox, revised 3/2021)
- Social Distancing (Erceg, March 2020)
- Example screening form for opening day (Gaslin, 2020)
- Guidelines for establishing a Communicable Disease Plan (ACN March 2020)
- Thermometer comparison chart
COVID-19 Specfic
- Slowing The Spread Of COVID-19 (NPRA, May 2020)
- Managing Asthma During COVID-19 (CDC)
- 10 Ways to Manage Respiratory Symptoms at Home (CDC 2020
ACN is collaborating with ACA and the CDC to gather data about the impact of COVID-19 on camp and youth programs this past summer. Preliminary findings were presented at the ACN October conference. A complete report will be coming in early 2021.
ACN Webinars
Visit the ACN Spring Webinar Series page for webinars and additional networking opportunities
The American Academy of Pediatrics
Guidance for Families and Pediatricians on Camp Attendance During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Recent COVID-19 posts from the ACN Blog
COVID Today: Vaccine Booster
Vaccine Booster (Late August 2021) A COVID-19 vaccine booster is now being made available. Initially the booster was for individuals who are immunocompromised but will now be available to anyone who wishes to get a booster after September 20, 2021. ...
The International Reach of ACN
ACN Executive Director Tracey Gaslin presents to the Russian Camping Federation on camping in this COVID world
ACN COVID Resource
Just released, the ACN COVID-19 and Communicable Disease Guide. Don’t miss the opportunity for this extensive resource
The ACN Board of Directors and Leadership team is here for you!
ACN Membership
ACN welcomes nurses and non-nurses as members. Join now for access to free webinars and many more resources