Share Joy, Not Germs

March 6, 2020

The Coronavirus COVID-19 is a growing source of concern. As we approach our overnight camps, Camp Encourage wanted to share our plan as well as tips for preventing the spread of influenza during this cold and flu season.

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and intend to be prepared while promoting calm vigilance. We are following updates from the CDC, the American Camp Association (ACA), and the Association of Camp Nursing. 

We will share updates when new information or guidelines need to be communicated. We plan to:

• provide an increase in hygiene reminders for campers including hand washing before and after meals and covering noses and mouths when sneezing will be reinforced. 
• institute sanitation measures utilizing appropriate virus destroying germicides and detergents, above and beyond standard cleaning procedures.
• continue regular practice of encouraging all participants to cough / sneeze “into your sleeve;” keep hands away from faces; ensure that personal supplies (i.e. hair brushes, pillows, caps, contact lens solution, make-up, etc.) are not shared; and ensure that each individual only drink from one’s personal drinking cup.

Tips for Preventing The Spread of Influenza and Similar Viruses

As cold and flu season is in full swing, the greater Kansas City area has seen an increased number of individuals with symptoms of influenza (flu) recently. As a reminder, please do not send your child to camp if they are feeling sick. If your child is sick, please keep him or her home until he/she is fever-free for 24 hours without medication.

Here is some additional, helpful information about the flu from the ACA and the Association of Camp Nursing and here is the CDC’s helpful webpage. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms of influenza can vary, but generally include a high fever, headache, chills, body aches, sore throat and cough.

The 2019-2020 flu season has been complicated by recent reports of a novel (new) coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with common symptoms similar to the flu, which include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. 

We urge all families to continue the practice of maintaining healthy behaviors necessary during any cold and flu season. 

Camp Encourage will monitor the current situation with both the flu and novel coronavirus. Please be assured that our staff will keep an eye on illness at camp, as is our standard practice. As always, we will share additional information with our camp family as needed.

Thank you for your help in keeping our campers healthy during this cold and flu season!