Health & Safety
Updated May 2023
Communicable disease management, health and well-being, and safe practices are always something that we consider at camp.
COVID-19
In the camp setting the considerations around COVID-19 have largely shifted from emergency and extreme caution to routine health management practices. 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.
Illness
We incorporate basic practices for the general health and well-being of the camp community, such as hand washing, doing as much as we can outdoors, and symptom monitoring.
All campers are encouraged to be vaccinated and up-to-date as able, though no requirement for such are in place.
It is important that all campers experiencing symptoms of any communicable illness (such as running a temperature, throwing up, has diarrhea, nasal drainage and/or coughing/sneezing, etc.) not attend camp when they have symptoms so that they don’t spread illness to the camp community.
We offer a flexible refund policy regarding illness. Within one month of a session, $50 deposits will be held with exceptions made for communicable disease symptoms or exposure. Should you need to cancel if your camper exhibits symptoms of illness, or is exposed to someone with COVID-19 within two weeks of their session start, your deposit will be refunded.
Medical Staff
Each session, our Infirmary is staffed by one or more licensed, on-site medical volunteers. In addition to the administration of routine medications, the camp nurse monitors & evaluates symptoms, treats minor illnesses and injuries, and escalates treatment as needed.
Along with our on-site care, we have relationships with local health care providers, clinics, and emergency facilities for both non-emergency and emergency care
Nurse Call
Affectionately known as “Nurse Call,” after each meal and before bed is time for regularly scheduled visits with the medical staff at the Infirmary. This is when scheduled medications are administered and when non-emergency medical needs are addressed. The Infirmary is stocked with many over the counter medications, bandages, and other first aid supplies. In case further medical attention is necessary, Camp Hardtner works closely with local clinics and hospitals to provide the best care possible.
Staff Training
Safety starts first and foremost with our Permanent Staff counselors. The Permanent Staff members are at least 18 years old, have completed a year out of high school, and undergo thorough background and reference checks prior to employment. Each year, staff are carefully selected with regard to maturity, sensitivity, and integrity as role models. Many are former Camp Hardtner campers themselves, so they know what it’s like to go to camp for the first time. Over a week of staff training is conducted at the beginning of the summer which includes training on policies, procedures, and emergency protocols as well as First Aid & CPR certification.
