Go Back

COVID Safety for 2021

We are excited to re-open camp and provide the much-needed experience of being outdoors, sharing in Christian community, growing in faith and just having fun! We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy as we prepare for summer camp 2021 at Wesley Woods and adventure camps based at Lake Michigan Camp & Retreat.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic we are taking extra care to provide a safe and healthy environment for campers and staff. This is our highest priority and we have been hard at work preparing protocols to help make camp the safest it can be. Here are some of the actions that will help ensure that we are lowering the COVID-19 risks as much as possible, following CDC, American Camp Association, State of Michigan, and local health department guidelines:

HEALTH SCREENING – We are asking you to help us by monitoring for any symptoms found with your camper for 2 WEEKS prior to attending camp. Please use and fill out the attached “countdown to camp” log and bring it with you on the first day of camp along with the regular health form. We will also be screening staff and campers as they arrive and daily throughout the week.
Note: Anyone (campers or staff) who is sick or has been in close contact with someone (family or friends) with COVID-19 during the 14 days prior to the event they are scheduled to attend should not come to camp. With a parent or guardian note, a full refund will be issued. If your camper displays any of the COVID-19 symptoms in those 14 days we ask you to contact your doctor to verify if it is or is not related to COVID-19.
COHORTS – There is a reduction in the number of campers per session to allow for only six campers and two staff maximum per cabin. Campers will experience the week as much as possible in their village or cabin group to reduce possible exposure. Activities will include a 3-foot distancing as much as possible among campers
VENTILATION AND OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES – Most of camp will be held outside, including most meals. We are using tents and other open-air shelters to be outside in the air as much as possible. All indoor spaces, including cabins and bath houses, will be ventilated with fans.
SANITIZING – There will be extra hand sanitizing stations available around camp for frequent handwashing and all common areas will be sanitized regularly by staff.
MASKS – Masks (no gators) are to be worn whenever campers are indoors, except in their cabins while sleeping, including all common areas like the bath house. We will sanitize masks each day and provide masks for those who are unable to bring their own from home. Outside activities will not require masks.
CAMPER DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP – We will limit interaction between those dropping off the campers and everyone staying at camp to prevent possible exposure. This procedure will be sent to you later in a separate e-mail.
VACCINATE – We continue to recommend and encourage all who can to get vaccinated prior to camp as the best deterrent to the spread of the virus.

If you have any questions about this plan or COVID-19, please contact info@wesleywoodsmi.org or call 269-721-8291. If after reading this material the risk level is too high for your camper and wish to cancel your registration, contact the registrar at registrar@umcamping.org or 989-534-6587.