SUMMER 2022 INFO COMING SOON!!
Below is 2021 Summer Info for reference

Dear Camp Northland Families,
 
As we prepare for the summer of 2021, we know you will have many questions. So we’ve built this forum to answer as many of them as possible.  Our commitment to our camp community is to continue to be open and transparent in all our communication regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic may impact Camp Northland.  We’ll update this page with new information as it becomes available, and as always, if you have any specific questions, feel free to contact [email protected] to set up a call.

Click here to see our COVID Operational Guide, that will give you a full overview of camp this summer, from a COVID context.
Click here to our 2021 Packing List
​Click here to see our 2021 Parent Handbook
Click here to see the Attestation that all parents and staff will be required to sign 48 hours before entry:
Parents
Staff

Click here to see all ROAD TO CAMP communications
​
2021 Camp Updates regarding COVID-19:
January 21, 2021: Community Update - Click here to watch update
April 20, 2021: Community Update - Click here to watch update
May 24, 2021: Staff and Community Updates - Click here to read update

Everything you need to know about Summer 2021
​Last Update: June 15, 2021

What are we aiming to achieve for Summer 2021?
We know that the world is in a constant state of change with new information unfolding almost daily. Amidst this unpredictability, we have crafted three pillars to help guide us in our planning:
1.Involve the experts and key stakeholders
2.Kids Need Camp: We are doing everything we can to GET KIDS TO CAMP – in one space, away from technology, playing outside and having fun together.
3.Stronger Together: Keeping our community connected during the coming year through programming is essential. We will continue to offer a variety of virtual gatherings and activities including new camper programs, fun engagement activities, community gatherings and partnered initiatives and more. We plan to partner with our families, internal experts and the community to see how Camp Northland can best support our campers and keep the NBB spirit strong. We recognize that a summer away from Camp with a 22-month gap, as opposed to a 10-month gap between summers, requires a greater need for connectedness and support. Please click here for additional helpful resources. 
Who is spearheading our camp’s efforts to safely welcome campers and staff this summer?
We can confidently say that we have put in place a strong team to ensure we are as prepared as possible for the summer of 2021.
Our Executive Director, Simon, is leading our team. Simon is an experienced risk management expert with years of experience working as a lawyer in the insurance industry, and consulting with organizations just like ours on managing complex risks. He is also an experienced emergency medical responder and actually a certified advanced emergency care instructor who can certify others to become emergency medical responders in Ontario. Simon’s unique combination of expertise in both prevention and response positions him to help guide our camp in the safest possible way. Simon has also been a key volunteer member of the Ontario Camps Association overnight camp COVID Task Force since September 2020. This task force has developed the draft guidelines that will likely form the framework of what will be followed by the entire Ontario overnight camping industry in summer 2021.
 
Simon’s expertise is complemented by a wide variety of experts and consultants. This includes:
1.The Camp Northland Medical Advisory Committee
2.Ontario Camps Association
3.Haliburton Kawartha Public Health/ Provincial Ministry of Health
4.Camp Northland Covid Planning Committee
5.International Resources (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, American Camping Association)
6.Foundation for Jewish Camping
7.Camp Industry working groups and consultations
  
Simon and his team are working tirelessly to be ready to open camp in the safest possible way for the summer of 2021 and beyond. 
What are the pre-arrival protocols?
  • We will be asking our families to participate in pre-summer quarantine (isolation) in advance of camp and sign off that it has been done in accordance with the mandated camp protocols  at that time. With our intentionally designed later start date of July 4th, we think this will work for most schools but if there are individual complications, we will work with you to try and find a solution.
  • ​Families and staff are expected to use the provincial COVID Alert App in the 14 days prior to camp arrival.  You can download it by clicking here.
  • All campers and staff will require negative tests prior to entering camp. We will outline the testing schedule and format below in a question below. 
What does pre-summer quarantine mean?
It is so important to understand the importance of self-isolating from now until camp. Please remember that our number one goal before the summer, and the reason for a quarantine at home, is to truly minimize possible exposures before entering camp. That can help maximize our chances of a Covid-19 free summer, cohort expansion, and progressively increasing amazing social opportunities for all of our children. Therefore, every family must respect these policies - that is what you have already agreed to do.

What does this mean?

This means NO interaction whatsoever with anyone outside your immediate household. This includes, and is not limited to, birthday parties, graduation parties, family gatherings, play dates, etc... If someone in your household needs to leave the house for an essential reason (such as a medical appointment, mandatory work, etc.), that individual is expected to follow strict public health guidance, including proper wearing of PPE, physical distancing at all times and remaining outside whenever possible. Proper hand hygiene is also critical. Click here for additional info on how to self-isolate. 

As a reminder, all staff and families will be required to sign an Attestation - a Compliance Certification form that will appear on their CampInTouch account approximately 48 hours before the scheduled arrival to camp. In this form, you will attest (basically promise/guarantee/warrant) that the camper (or staff as the case may be) has not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms or been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 for the 14 days prior to camp’s departure day, that they have not been directed by Public Health to self-isolate and that they have complied AND WILL CONTINUE TO COMPLY with the pre-departure expectations as outlined in our camp communications. Families are expected to conduct daily covid screening of your family beginning today, and can use this form to do so on your own. If at any point, someone in your household does not ‘pass’ the screening, you must report this to us at [email protected]. Otherwise, the screening is a tool for your internal use. 

​
How to self-isolate
Self-isolating means staying at home and avoiding contact with other people to help prevent the spread of disease.
All camp staff and campers are expected to adhere to this protocol and this is what you have already agreed to do by confirming your registration for summer 2021.
This means that you should only leave your home or see other people for critical reasons (like a medical emergency). Where possible, you should try to get what you need:
  • online
  • over the phone
  • from friends, family or neighbours
Your roommates or family you live with are expected to isolate as well, to the full extent possible.
Stay home
  • do not use public transportation, taxis or rideshares
  • do not go to work, school or other public places
Limit the number of visitors in your home
  • only have visitors who you must see (for example, for medical reasons or to drop of groceries) – do not invite people over to socialize
  • keep necessary visits short (outside, with masks on and keeping a safe distance)
  • do not visit with people who are in at-risk groups
Avoid contact with others
  • stay in a separate room, away from other people in your home, as much as possible
  • use a separate bathroom if you have one
  • make sure that shared rooms have good airflow (for example, open windows)
  • keep a distance of at least 6 feet (2 metres) in shared spaces
Wear a mask
  • wear a face covering or mask when you:
    • leave your house to see a health care provider
    • are within two metres of other people or where it may be difficult to maintain physical distancing (for example, in a grocery store)
  • make sure you properly wear, fit, remove and clean your face covering or mask
Keep distance
  • if you are in a room with other people, stay at least two metres away from each other and wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth
  • if you cannot wear a mask, other people should wear a mask when they are in the same room as you
Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • if you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hand
  • throw used tissues in a wastebasket that’s lined with a plastic bag
    • the plastic bag makes it safer and easier to empty the wastebasket
    • after emptying the wastebasket, wash your hands
Wash your hands
  • wash your hands often with soap and water
  • dry your hands with a paper towel, or with your own cloth towel that no one else shares
  • use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
Read the Government of Canada’s guidance on how to self-isolate if you have:
How will pre-summer COVID testing work?
All campers and staff will require TWO negative lab PCR tests prior to entering camp. We will outline the testing schedule and format.  

Highly Recommended Test: (17 days before arrival to camp)
We highly recommend all campers and staff get tested with a LAB PCR test (not a rapid test) 17 days prior to their arrival date. The reason for this is that once someone has COVID-19 it stays in your system for 3 months, and any test you have during that time would be positive. In case it is in a camper or staff’s system and they are unaware, you would have the appropriate time to isolate and quarantine prior to camp. This will allow for entry into camp at the scheduled start date (see chart below). Any costs related to this test would be at your own expense, however it is free for students and teachers. 
Important to note: The test should be a LAB PCR test, not a rapid test. Please confirm this with the pharmacy when booking. 
If you test positive for this test, you must notify us, and follow Public Health guidance, which will include isolating at home. Click here to see more about self-isolation. 

Mandatory Test #1: (3 days before arrival to camp)
All campers and staff must take a COVID-19 Saliva test 3 days prior to entering camp. For regular staff (non-head staff) and campers, this test will take place at Baggage Drop three days before coming to camp (June 24th for regular staff and July 1st for all campers). All logistical details, including locations and time assignments,  will be sent to staff and camp families via email. 
To learn more about COVID-19 Saliva tests, including how they work and how to prepare:
Click here for a great tutorial video to watch with campers as well
Click here for a pdf with easy to follow graphics
Some key items to know:
  • No eating, drinking, smoking, vaping, brushing teeth etc. 30 minutes before the saliva test      
  • We recommend having a glass of water 1 hour before the test     

Mandatory Test #2: (1 day before arrival to camp)
 We will be conducting this mandatory Lab PCR Covid-19 test (lower nasal swab) for all campers and staff the day before they are driven to camp. 

Please note- This means the staff test is Saturday, June 26th and the camper test is Saturday, July 2nd. We normally do not schedule camp events on Shabbat. On the advice of the medical professionals, we have determined that this is a matter of child safety and having the test done in this way is the best option to support our efforts to keep our camp Covid free and in turn our population healthy. If this conflicts with your observance of Shabbat please contact us at [email protected] and we will provide you with an alternate plan for your second mandatory test.

This second mandatory Covid test will also be a drive-through test where everyone stays in the car. It will not take long (it is a quick lower nasal swab, but we need you there early because until you get your negative result, you CANNOT COME INTO CAMP, and this could take 24 hours to get results. All logistical details, including locations and time assignments,  will be sent to staff and camp families via email. 
What if a camper or staff tested positive for COVID in the months leading up to camp?
Every camper and staff will have to go through our testing protocol prior to coming to camp. We understand that if a camper or staff have had COVID-19 within 90 days prior to their pre-summer test, then their test will likely show as positive, and therefore no test will be required. However, important criteria must be met in order to be allowed into camp. To ensure as much clarity and transparency to our policies as possible, we have created an easy to follow flow chart that will help explain the process:
Will the camp fees change at all?
Camp Northland has already made significant investments to ensure our camp is prepared to deliver a fun camp experience in a safe environment.
 
Specific additional costs include:
  • enhanced nursing  and health centre staff
  • modifications being made to camp infrastructure such as outdoor sheltered programming areas, cabin ventilation, air filtration
  • building covid facilities such as a satellite medical dispensary, isolation suites, a safe and separate location for staff time off
  • extra cleaning
  • PPE supplies
  • Public Address systems
  • Signage and floor circulation markings
  • Health Centre renovations
  • and so much more

 A special “COVID-19 charge” of $250 is being added to camper fees, to account for additional PPE, safety enhancement costs, COVID preparedness measures and testing. This charge is subject to the same refund policy as all other camp fees.  This fee must be paid to the camp prior to May 31st, 2021. 
 
Our mission at Camp Northland is to ensure any child who wants to attend camp is able to, and that financial barriers should NOT be a barrier to this. We have scholarship funding available to help with camp fees and the COVID-19 charge, and we encourage those who may require additional assistance to apply. To access our scholarship application, please click here  https://jewishtoronto.com/cje/camp/financial-assistance
What is the Camp Northland 'Highly Controlled Environment'?
​ We will operate a closed site (with limited necessary exceptions that have independent protocols in place) to keep everyone safe.
  • Staff will arrive early and will not leave our site for their time off (we are communicating separately with our staff about their summer experience).  The camp start date was delayed to accommodate this.
  • Non-essential visitors will not be permitted on the site.
  • There will be no Visitors Day in 2021 (we are working on using some technology to facilitate fun, dynamic and awesome check-ins for those campers staying for the full summer)
  • Parents/guardians will not be permitted to enter the site at any point.
  • Any workers who do not live at camp will be required to wear masks and maintain social distance while on site and follow additional protocols.
  • At this point in time, we will not be offering trips off-site into cities or parks and will instead plan for nature-based adventures using our majestic 750 acre private site spanning across Moose Lake.
What else may be different in day-to-day camp life?
  • Our energy and spirit (and daily spontaneous dance parties) will still be there – they’ll just take place outside
  • We will use our new outdoor stage, event tents, new lighting on the basketball courts, and additional facility modifications to have lots more outdoor programming this summer.
  • We expect to have more outdoor meals
  • We expect that campers when eating indoors will use more than one facility as a ‘dining hall’ to allow sufficient space between campers
  • We will still operate a fully functional kosher kitchen as we always have, but we may not have a COR mashgiach on site (if we can, we will).
  • We may have increased cabin programs (using cabin counsellor skills and experience) and less reliance on specialty staff
  • Instructional swim, hobbies and other programs which rely on mixing age groups and cabins may not be able to operate this summer
  • As the summer progresses, we are hopeful that we will be able to increase the size of our cohorts. 
  • Hobbies as we know them will not take place this summer, however there will be opportunities for activity choices as a cabin, or with cohort members
  • Our goal is to have all the incredible programs we know and love at camp, just maybe slightly modified to ensure they are remain safe! This includes and is of course not limited to Olympics/Maccabiah, Northland’s Got Talent, Cabins in Motion, Halloween/Purim, NBB burning, and way more!
  • We have installed ventilation systems in every single camper cabin in camp
  • The Health Centre has been totally redone and re-modelled to ensure a safe experience for campers and staff
  • We have brand new dining hall tables and seating to allow for more flexibility with dining capacities and locations
  • Multiple hand washing stations have been built in high traffic areas
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be located in all cabins and activity areas
  • Brand new picnic tables will be found throughout camp!
What are Camp Family Units (aka cohorts)?
  • ​Campers will likely be cohorted with their cabin(s) for at least 14 days. The size of the family units and their duration will depend on the guidance from Public Health officials at that time.
  • Campers will not need to wear masks in their cabins.
  • The family unit will move through the Camp program together during at least that  initial time period. The program will have a level of customization by family unit based on cabin staff, skills and interests combined with rotations into traditional specialty areas of camp. When specialists are engaged to run activities, campers and staff will all be masked if maintaining a safe distance is challenging for that particular activity.
  • In-camp testing will occur before expanding our family units once we get a ‘green light’ from Public Health to do so.
  • Restrictions around mixing of cohorts are expected to last 14 days (if all tests are negative). After this time, established cohorts may be expanded to some degree. 
Will my child need to wear a mask at camp?
When will masks be worn?
  • When any camper or staff needs to be within 6 feet of someone in another cohort
    • This can include at a specialty if distancing is not possible
    • This can also include when a camper or staff wants to hang out with a friend/sibling, and are within 6 feet (outside and where distancing is not possible or as otherwise may be allowed by public health)
  • If indoors and there are other cohorts in the space, regardless of distance
When do masks not have to be worn?
  • As mentioned above, in the cabin or when a cohort is together and not near any other cohort
  • When eating (though masks need to be brought to all meals)
  • In the water (though masks should always be brought to Waterfront activities)
Campers will be asked to bring enough masks for 25 per week. Masks must be disposable, 3-ply masks. We will provide all staff with procedural non-medical masks. Please note cloth masks will not be permitted. If a camper and staff wants to wear a cloth mask, it can be worn as a second mask. 
What will the Health Centre look like?
  • ​A separate outdoor and sheltered triage area will be created to isolate those with cold/virus symptoms.
  • A new system will be in place to allow for scheduled appointments in lieu of open ‘clinic’.
  • A new satellite medical dispensary has been built to dispense daily medications so that symptomatic and asymptomatic campers or staff do not interact with each other.
  • An interior renovation has been done ensuring separate ventilation for isolation rooms vs. the main clinic, changing the entry and exit so the flow of people is better controlled.
  • Air filtration considerations.
  • All Health Centre staff will have the necessary PPE.
  • If a camper needs to seek medical care outside of Camp, protocols will be in place to safely transport the camper and ensure they receive the appropriate care with minimized risk.
  • We will maintain a separate isolation area for those with symptoms of COVID-19 (While we await test results). During this testing window, the cohort will remain quarantined until the test if confirmed as negative. If a camper or staff member tests positive, it is expected that the entire cohort (the person who tested positive and all close contacts) will be isolated and then will have to be picked up and removed from camp within 12 hours. 
Transportation TO camp: How will the kids get to camp?
GOING TO CAMP
As communicated via our 'Road to Camp' emails, parent/guardian(s) will be expected to drive your children up to camp in your own personal vehicles. 

Your "ticket into camp" is proof of TWO negative lab PCR tests. 
Transportation FROM camp: How will the kids get home from camp?
All campers will be bussed home at the end of their session. 
When do I arrive if I am driving to camp with my sibling(s) who’s in another Section or Unit?
All campers will be assigned an arrival time. If you have siblings, time will be allotted based on the youngest sibling.
What should I expect during the arrivals procedure / camper drop off if I’m a camper parent?
Parents are not permitted to exit their vehicles and must minimize the time you take saying goodbye to allow for the continual flow of traffic. We ask that you please say goodbye inside your vehicles. Please note bathroom facilities will not be available for use by parents at camp as you will not be able to leave your car. Please strive to practice proper hygiene (handwashing, hand sanitizer), masking and physical distancing on your drive to camp if stopping in a public location on the way to camp. Please bear in mind there will be two-way traffic on our road, so drive slowly and safely. 
If I am on staff, can I drive to camp with my friends?
No, unless you live in the same household.
What kind of social-emotional support can the campers expect?
Each summer our staff works hard to acclimate campers to the experience of being away from home and to support kids in making new friends as they leave behind the digital world. They guide children and teens in their efforts to try out new skills as they stretch beyond their comfort zone. While we know that our campers have experienced disruption to their lives in countless ways, we are confident that Camp remains a place where kids can relax and have fun, connect with friends, explore Judaism and feel a sense of belonging. We have an exceptional team of camper care professionals who will continue the work of meeting campers where they are at and partnering with parents to support a successful summer at Camp.
If your family is in need of additional support to deal with these trying times, please reach out to Daniela Aptowitzer ([email protected]) Director of Camper and Staff Wellness (social worker). We encourage you to sign up for one or more of our VIRTUAL information sessions [announced in our monthly newsletters or by email periodically] to connect with other Camp families, ask questions, meet our team of professionals and more.
Social-Emotional Support: 
  • Camper and Staff Wellness Team (professionals)
  • Senior Staff Camper Care Team
  • Experienced Directors
  • On-line tools
  • Preparatory virtual information sessions
  • Camper Profile: A questionnaire on your Camp-in-Touch Account that you will have access to that helps us get to know your child and their specific strengths and needs.
  • Partnering with parents
Can I hug my sibling?
No, the same nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) will be in place for siblings as well. With that said, we will have dedicated marked sibling circles where they can safely hang out. 
Do I have to be vaccinated to come to camp?
No. Though we highly recommend that all campers (12 years old and up) and staff get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible, it is not a requirement.
Can my family come and tour camp?
​While we are not offering personal tours at this time, we are offering home visits where we give a camp tour using videos and answer any questions you may have at that time.
What if we need financial assistance from the camp?
We have secured significant philanthropic support from our community to assist families in need for the summer of 2021. We encourage you to apply immediately and we pledge to offer as much financial assistance as possible to each and every family. If the addition of a Covid Surcharge fee creates a new unexpected barrier for your family, please apply for support and we pledge to help every family that we can.  You can apply here www.ujacommunityscholarships.ca
Refund/Cancellation policies & Terms and Conditions Addendum
On May 14th,  we sent all camp families an email with an updated document that will replaced previous set of  terms and conditions. That can be found here. All families intending to remain registered with us for summer 2021 will be required to accept the new terms and conditions. Please note this can be found in your CampInTouch account, and must be signed by May 31, 2021. We developed these so they are fair and transparent about what to expect including several possible scenarios such as closing or cancellation. All families who do not accept these new terms and conditions will be entitled to cancel and receive a full refund by the stipulated deadline. It is important to note that camp is largely sold out with a significant wait list. It is unlikely there will be a spot at a later date for families that change their mind after cancelling. 

Camp has extended the cancellation deadline to May 31, 2021, giving you more time to decide  if you want to remain registered for the 2021 season.
 
If we receive your cancellation requests on or before May 31, 2021, you will receive a FULL refund of amounts already paid for 2021. In connection with this, final payment for 2021, including the COVID-19 surcharge (see below), for 2021 will now be due on June 1, 2021 (instead of the original date of April 15).
 
No refund will be provided if a cancellation request is made after May 31st.
 
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by email to [email protected].  
 
After May 31st, 2021, campers reducing or cancelling their session enrolment will be charged $200 in addition to fees for the sessions in which they are remaining registered.
 
All refunds will be paid via cheque or credit card refund, at the camp’s discretion, and will be issued in or about October 2021.
 
Government or Camp decision to close camp for 2021: In the event that the Ontario government makes the decision to keep camps closed for the 2021 camp season OR the Board of Directors of Camp Northland determines, prior to the official camp opening date of July 4, 2021 (or alternative opening date which remains subject to change), that the camp will not operate in 2021, registered families will have the following three options:
  1. Apply amounts already paid in connection with 2021 as a credit towards summer 2022 registration payments,
  2. Donate all or part of amounts paid in connection with 2021 to the Jewish Camp Council of Toronto (the not for profit operator of Camp Northland) and be issued a tax receipt for the full amount of the donation *, or
  3. Receive a full refund of amounts already paid in connection with 2021.
 
*Donations of camp fees qualify for 1:2 matching grant from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation
 
Camp Closure During Season: If camp is able to operate and is underway, and if one of the circumstances referenced below occurs, a minimum of $1,500 per camper (or the full session camper fees if less) is considered non-refundable, regardless of session length. Any fees paid above the sum of $1,500 per camper will be refunded on a prorated basis for the days that the camper was not able to attend Camp. The referenced circumstances are as follows:
  1. If at any time, after Pre-Camp or Camp has started, Camp must be closed, by order of the Province, Health Unit, or any authority, or the Executive Director with support from the Board of Directors
  2. If a child, or a family member in their household is found to have COVID-19, or tests positive for COVID-19 in the pre-camp test, they will not be able to attend any part of camp. For greater clarity, if one sibling tests positive in the pre-camp test, unless public health advises otherwise, none of the child’s siblings who reside with that child will be able to attend camp. We ask families to plan for an appropriate isolation period for the family prior to the camp departure date (which remains subject to change or delay), including any necessary arrangements with regard to your child’s in-class learning that may conflict with such isolation requirements. Please see the recommendations for isolating on the NBB website FAQs here.
  3. If a child tests positive for COVID-19 at camp or is considered to be in close contact with a positive case, (and camp continues to operate) the camp will take direction from public health on whether the child(ren) will be quarantined or otherwise remain in camp, or if a parent will be required to pick up the child(ren). Once a child leaves, they will not be able to return to camp for the summer of 2021.
  4. If Public Health determines that a camper (with or without COVID-19) may stay at camp, and a family chooses to withdraw their camper early, no refund of fees will be provided.
  5. Under NO circumstances will a camper be allowed late entry into camp. 
 
Voluntary Withdrawals after Camp has started: No camp fees will be refunded for voluntary withdrawals after the start of camp. If a camper leaves at the camp’s request, fees/tuition may be refunded on a prorated basis, at the sole discretion of the Director.​
How can I support Camp Northland right now financially?
Due to the impact of COVID-19, we are expecting to run camp at a  significant financial loss this year. Your donation to Camp Northland will help us prepare for a safe and FUN summer in 2021 and will make camp more accessible to families of all means. We are truly grateful for any help you might provide. Please click here to read more about how you can have a lasting impact on Camp Northland. 
What is Plan B for dates?
In case we need to push back our original dates, here is what we will be moving to:
SESSION
START DATE
END DATE
NUMBER OF DAYS
Full Season
Friday, July 9
Wednesday, August 18
40​
Period Plus
Friday, July 9
​Friday, August 13
35
First Period
Friday, July 9
Friday, August 6
28
Second Period
​Friday, July 9
Friday, July 30
21
Northland Experience 1
​(Two week program)
​Friday, July 9
Friday, July 23
14
Northland Experience 2
​(One week program)
Friday, July 9
Friday, July 16
7
CIT
Friday, July 9
​Wednesday, August 18
41
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