Camper and Camper Family Related FAQ’s
I’m healthy, why can’t I go to camp?
At camp, we all know that safety is our #1 rule. We want to make sure that everyone is safe and healthy. The most rigorous health screening process at time of entry into camp would not identify all campers or volunteers who are infected. This is because individuals can spread the virus up to 48 hours prior to development of symptoms, a number of individuals who are infected never develop symptoms, and some individuals will only have mild symptoms. As a result, someone could come to camp and have the virus, not know it (because they feel healthy), and spread the virus.
Can we find out if any of our camp friends have contracted COVID-19?
Unfortunately, we cannot. Due to the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA), we are not able to share anyone’s private health information with anyone that is not authorized to have it. For example, we cannot share camper information about a camper to their own counselor, if it is not information that that counselor needs to know in order to care for that camper.
Can’t we just postpone for later in the end of summer or early fall?
Rescheduling our in-person programming presents several challenges. Our volunteers (Counselors, Leaders, Medical, etc…) may not be able to be available due to work, family, and life commitments. In addition, we may not have the location available during a different time frame, as our partners work with other groups.
Currently, there isn’t a vaccine for COVID-19, and there is a possibility that the virus will have an impact until one is developed. Since camper and volunteer safety are important, the Medical Advisory Committee recommends that we host virtual programming, until we can ensure that there is low-to-no risk of virus exposure.
Will you provide me with my friend’s contact info since I can’t see them?
We are happy to connect camper parents/guardians via email, so that they can manage campers sharing contact information.
Will you provide me with my favorite counselor’s contact info since I can’t see them?
While we cannot share counselor contact info with campers, you are welcome to connect with them during the virtual program, as part of Camp One Step.
I want to be at Virtual Camp but I don’t want to sit in front of a screen all day. Is Virtual Camp for me?
Virtual camp is for everyone! We will be providing both activities that unite your group via technology, as well as projects that will keep you off devices and enjoy the summer weather!
This was going to be my first time at a program. Should I still attend Virtual Camp?
Absolutely! Camp One Step isn’t just a place, it is a community. You will still have the opportunity to participate in exciting activities and make new friendships that can last a lifetime!
I have participated in other COS programs but not Summer Camp. I’m interested. Can I still register?
Yes, you can. Summer Camp is for ages 7-19, and registration will be open until May 8th.
I love camp, but online isn’t my thing. Can I cancel the registration we already submitted?
Yes you can, but we would love to chat with you first! Email Devin: [email protected]
My child has cognitive delays or other special needs. Will Virtual Camp be an option for them?
Absolutely. Part of the core mission of Camp One Step is to ensure programming is inclusive to everyone. We would also be happy to have a member of our staff or medical team speak with you prior to Summer Camp to help set your Camper up for an incredible experience!
What if my camper is visually or hearing impaired? Will it affect their ability to participate?
Part of the core mission of Camp One Step is to ensure programming is inclusive to everyone. We’d love for your camper to fully participate in camp and would be happy to work with you to make sure they can do so. Please email Darryl: [email protected], so we can discuss a plan for what will work best for your camper.
How do I register?
If I sign up for Virtual Camp, do I have to attend all of the activities?
Yes. We expect our campers would be able to attend the activities scheduled for them (both all-camp activities and activities within their program); we do understand that emergencies arise, and we ask that if that be the case, that you contact us!
What happens if I miss an activity?
We understand that things happen (e.g. emergencies, technology errors, etc…). We ask that if you miss an activity that you reach out to us to let us know. We hope that when campers and families sign up, that they are eligible and available for the entirety of the program, as we want campers to have the best experience, and not have too many disruptions to the program.
Will there be a cost associated with Virtual Camp?
No. All Camp One Step programs are completely FREE!
Will a parent/guardian need to sign me in to the Virtual Camp platform each day?
No, it will not be required, but parents are welcome to assist where necessary. Campers will be able to sign on to the Virtual Camp platform on their own once registered.
I don’t have a device to attend Virtual Camp. How can I participate?
Please let us know what technology you need in order to participate. We may be able to assist with some needs.
What if we don’t have access to sufficient WiFi?
Please let us know if you are lacking resources needed to take part in virtual programming, as we will do what we can to support you.
Will my siblings or family be able to join in the Virtual Camp activities?
As registration for these virtual programs and activities move forward, some of them may be specific to the entire family, some for siblings, and some for the camper that was diagnosed. We encourage that when possible, siblings/family may join in where appropriate. We will share that information on an activity-by-activity or program-by-program basis.
Do I need any supplies, equipment, or materials to participate in Virtual Camp?
Camp One Step will be providing you with a camper care package that includes any supplies you will need for Virtual Programs.
This was going to be my last year in a program/aging out. What does that mean for me next year?
We are working on options for our campers that are aging out this Summer. This is still very fluid, and we will share when we have more information.
Will I still get a camp t-shirt?
Your Camper t-shirt will be included in your camp care package!
Will the Camp Store offer online options?
Unsure at this point.
Will there be stuffed animals?
Unsure at this point.
How can I ensure my child’s safety on the internet?
Camp One Step recognizes that the move to online platforms for many of our children’s activities, whether for school, camp, or other organizations, has caused an increased exposure to the internet. We have created an internet safety video specific to their interactions at camp that is available HERE for you and your camper to watch. As with anything at camp, if you have any concerns, we are here to talk through them with you.
How are the counselors prepared to handle internet safety?
To start with, the platform we will be using (Zoom) will have the added layer of password protection to ensure that no one is in our programs that shouldn’t be. But more specifically, our counselors are required to attend various webinars and orientations as part of onboarding to their role. Internet safety is covered as part of their training, with specific emphasis on counseling with the “Rule of 3” so that no counselor is ever alone with a camper, even virtually. Our counselors will also be monitoring all programming for cyber bullying, recognizing that increased exposure to the internet means increased risk. We’ve also revisited our social media policies to ensure counselors understand how to safely communicate and interact with our campers. If you have any specific concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
What measures are being taken by COS to ensure my child’s safety at the next in-person program?
When it became apparent that the COVID-19 pandemic could impact Camp One Step programming, we formed the Medical Advisory Committee. It is a multidisciplinary team of Staff and Volunteers which evaluates different medical contingencies, and provides recommendations to the President of Camp One Step.
Based on the information that was available, and the recommendations from the CDC and WHO, the Committee decided that the risk was too great to host in-person programming; safety is always the priority. Going forward, the Medical Advisory Committee will continue to evaluate the available information and recommendations from the CDC and WHO around infection rates, vaccine availability, level of contagion, and other factors to determine how we proceed with in-person programming.
Will we have access to COS Medical staff as a source of information during Virtual Camp programming?
Our Medical Director continues to evaluate our medical staffing needs. We have always been proud that we have a tremendous amount of dedicated medical volunteers, and have had medical staff at all of our in-person programming. As we move through this unprecedented time, we will find new ways to keep our volunteers engaged in our Camp One Step programs. Our Medical Director is always available for camper and volunteer questions.
I qualified for the Lake Swim last year and was planning to re-qualify this summer. Will I still be able to re-qualify next summer and swim the lake or will the Lake Swim be cancelled for next year?
If you pre-qualified in 2019 for the 2020 Lake Swim, we will honor that 2019 pre-qualification at the 2021 Summer Camp. However, per our guidelines, all campers that pre-qualified will have to re-qualify the year of their Lake Swim. This is to ensure that campers remain safe and healthy for the Lake Swim.
When am I going to be able to see my camp friends again? Will there be a “friends and family” day later this year we can attend?
We may consider hosting one-day events before the end of the year for our Camp Family. Key factors we would consider include the safety of our campers and volunteers, time availability to do so, and if venues. It is too early to predict if those types of events can be planned.
Will Summer Camp happen in 2021?
We are looking forward to Summer Camp 2021 on the campus of Conference Point Center.
What other resources do you have to support my child and family?
We know that you may have some additional questions for us and may be looking for some resources for supporting your child and family. We will be hosting a Town Hall for parents on Monday, May 4th at 7-8 PM via zoom. This will allow you an opportunity to ask your specific questions to many of the camp staff.
In addition, we are hosting an educational session for parents entitled “Camp One Step: Supporting Your Children and Family Through Changing Times” on Wednesday, May 6th from 7-8PM via Zoom. Look for the announcements and links for registration.
We also have compiled some resources to support both you and your family. Check out our newly developed resource pages on our website under https://camponestep.org/support-and-resources/.
Volunteer FAQ’s
What are the duties and expectations asked of me as a counselor/volunteer?
The great part about transitioning to a virtual program is that a lot of your role expectations from an in-person will cross over; there are a few changes that you can expect, as some of the duties will not apply (e.g. assisting campers with their Activities of Daily Living). Click HERE to view a copy of the virtual volunteer role expectations.
What are the different types of volunteer roles?
We will have a variety of Volunteer roles we will be looking to staff. Some of the roles are: counselors, activity facilitators, and Zoom administrators. There will also be offline opportunities to volunteer for (e.g., putting care packages together, sending camper letters, etc.). We would like those that are eligible and interested in volunteering to be able to do so, but parallel to our in-person programming, we will staff our virtual programming based on the program needs. If you have a skill set or activity idea that you’d like to offer up, please reach out!
How do I complete an application to volunteer?
Summer Camp Virtual applications should be submitted via Ultracamp by May 8th.
Please visit the website under the program pages to find application information for each of our summer programs (Sibling Camp, Summer Camp and Utah Adventure Program).
What does virtual Summer Camp look like? Will camp still take place from July 11th through July 25th?
Summer Camp Virtual will consist of 14 days of virtual activities starting July 11th and ending with the final camp banquet on July 24th. The programming will alternate between morning and afternoon activities with approximately 2 hours minimum of activities provided daily depending on the program. Activity kits will be sent home for campers to stay connected, active and immersed in the Camp One Step experience. Some of the roles are: counselors, activity facilitators, and Zoom administrators. There will also be offline opportunities to volunteer for (e.g., putting care packages together, sending camper letters, etc.). We would like those that are eligible and interested in volunteering to be able to do so, but parallel to our in-person programming, we will staff our virtual programming based on the program needs. If you have a skill set or activity idea that you’d like to offer up, please reach out!
How many hours am I expected to virtually volunteer each day?
The time requirement for virtual volunteers will vary depending on role, the program, and its needs.
What internet platforms are you expecting to utilize throughout virtual programming? (Platform examples: Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, etc.)
Zoom will be the primary platform used; if you are not familiar with Zoom, we can assist you. You will not need your own Zoom account in order to participate.
Can I volunteer for both weeks of Summer Camp if I originally signed up for only one week?
You are welcome to volunteer for both weeks, but please understand that our program placement will be based on need. We may only be able to accommodate you for one week.
I still want to volunteer for a virtual program, but I might need assistance using technology. Will there be a support team I can contact before and during camp?
Absolutely! We will be offering Zoom/tech training in advance of Summer Camp and all our virtual programs, for all who need it. There will also be components of Zoom training included in Summer Camp Orientation. You will not need a Zoom account in order to participate.
I am not interested (comfortable/confident) in volunteering virtually. Are there any other ways I can volunteer for a virtual camp program without using my computer?
Sure! We strive to be as inclusive as possible in the virtual world as well! There will be several needs along the way that do not require technology. There will also be offline opportunities to volunteer for (e.g., putting care packages together, sending camper letters, etc.).
Can I, as the only adult present, video chat with a group of campers?
Though we are transitioning to virtual programming, for the safety and protection of our campers and volunteers, many of our policies remain the same. A volunteer should not video-chat with any campers outside the structure and format of the Camp One Step Virtual Program that they are volunteering for. Most likely, another adult will be present or be dropping in on smaller conversations during program activity.
Can I video chat with a camper alone?
Volunteers should not be alone with a camper, per our policy; this includes video-chatting with a camper alone; this extends to outside the structure format of the Camp One Step as well.
Am I expected to complete my webinars still?
Yes! Online education and training will still be required. This also includes mandated reporter training that is included in our education and training. Although we will not be meeting in-person, much of the educational tools are still very relevant to serving our campers.
Will supplies and materials be provided to me?
You will not have to purchase the materials or supplies needed for the camper programs; we will purchase those items, and ship them out to you (or in some instances to the campers directly).
What support will be provided to me during this time?
Each program volunteer will receive pertinent information and training, which will be relevant to their role for that program. In addition to this, you may receive information about mandatory online education and training, as appropriate to your role.
If a camper reaches out to me directly after hearing the announcement, what should I do?
Please offer them words of encouragement, support and excitement for our virtual programming, and ask them to contact Darryl Perkins, Chief Programs Officer, or Devin Ryan, Programs Manager, with their questions or comments.
What additional resources do you have to support me as a volunteer?
We know that you may have some additional questions for us and may be looking for some resources for supporting you as a volunteer. We will be hosting a Town Hall for Volunteers on Tuesday, May 5th at 7-8 PM via zoom. This will allow you an opportunity to ask your specific questions to many of the camp staff.
We also have compiled some resources to support you as well. Check out our newly developed resource pages on our website at https://camponestep.org/support-and-resources/ .