We know it is critical to keep you updated on what we are implementing as mitigation measures against COVID-19. We want you to understand and feel confident in the steps we are taking to minimize risk. In order to run programs this summer and going forward, it is clear to us that both testing and creating our own session “shelter in place” are crucial elements to our plan. This summer, once our Participants arrive, they will not leave until the session ends. While we will take every measure possible to minimize risk, we must all enter the Program under the assumption that at some point there may be suspected and/or confirmed cases of COVID-19. This known risk does not derail our confidence in our ability to keep our Participants and staff safe.

Some terms we will be using this summer include:

● Physical Distancing - We will still be extremely social while maintaining physical distance   necessary (6 feet apart).

● Mix and Mask - When Participants interact with others, they will need to wear a mask at all times (except during designated meal times). It is very easy to maintain physical distance when we are outdoors, however, masks will still be required.

Parents are required to submit updated Health History information for each Participant online through email. If your Participant has health concerns, medical conditions or may be considered “high risk” with regards to COVID-19 complications, you must seek medical advice from your doctor(s).

We recognize that physical appointments are more difficult to schedule at this time so please try to book one as soon as possible. Physicals must be completed within 12 months of Participant arrival.

Families will receive a Pre-Program Health Survey. This survey will ask about possible COVID-19 symptoms and exposure. We will email this form to families with more instructions before your child’s arrival. This form should be printed out and completed, and must be handed in on arrival day. If your child is sick, please keep them home.

Opening day at the Program includes a welcome meeting with the directors to introduce Participants to staff, general Program rules, and important operational guidelines. This summer, the following items will also be communicated:

● What the Program is doing to protect everyone from getting sick

● Ground rules for operating in smaller groups

● Social Distancing and Mask Wearing Protocol

● Hand washing and sanitizing protocols

● Physical distancing guidelines and policies for when masks will be necessary

○ Including sibling get togethers

● Dining Hall procedures

● What symptoms to look out for and when to report them to Staff.

● Designated staff will wear PPE and disinfect all tables, chairs, bathrooms, and public areas daily.

● Kitchen & Dining area will be cleaned & disinfected after each meal.

● Hand sanitizer stations will be placed all around the Program.

● Equipment will be cleaned and disinfected regularly, usually between use at Participant activities as well as at the end of the day.

● Hand washing and/or sanitizing will be enforced throughout the day.

This summer, the Program will add an additional isolation space. Our isolation health area will be staffed by members of the Program for any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.

● Anyone presenting with fever of 100.4 or greater AND exhibiting one or more additional COVID-19 symptoms, we will notify parents for immediate pickup.

Symptoms that could indicate a COVID-19 infection include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Parent(s) will be notified and asked to make plans to pick up or have someone pick up their child from the Program immediately. This policy is required by the Health Department and the State. There will be no exceptions to this, so please take that into consideration in making your plans.

If there is a confirmed positive case of COVID-19, we will notify all families by email while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA standards. We are not able to share any names or identifying information regarding medical information for any person. The Participant/staff members will be asked to quarantine and a message is sent home to their families to alert them of the positive diagnosis. All Participants and staff will need to have a rapid COVID-19 test and will need to quarantine for 14 days before returning to the Program.

We are required to notify state and local health officials of any confirmed positive test. In accordance with the CDC, we will be subject to closure if 3+ positive or presumptive positive cases occur.

We will change our check-in procedures to be completed in the front of the Program facility. All staff interacting with vehicles will wear a mask and gloves. We ask that you speak to your Participant about adhering to the bus check-in time they are assigned.

● Parents must take their Participant's temperature before leaving the house for the bus that morning.

● ALL Participants must bring their own masks and hand sanitizer on the bus. Masks are required on the bus ride.

● There will be NO food allowed on the bus.

● Do not send your Participant to the Program if they have a temperature of 100.4° or greater.

● Temperatures will be taken by our bus counselors before parents may depart. Participants with a temperature of 100.4° or higher, positive COVID-19 test, or symptoms will need to return home.

● All staff are temperature checked before they leave the Program to come and meet our Participants.

● Bus drivers will be required to wear masks & gloves

● The buses will be sanitized before the Program use.

● All buses will have a hand sanitizer available on the bus.

● If your child is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms and tests positive on departure day, they will NOT be allowed to ride the bus home. You MUST pick up your child from the Program by 3pm that day.

For safety reasons, parents will be asked to remain in their cars while on the Program property when dropping off. Families will be greeted by a staff member at their car during assigned drop-off time at the Program.

● Families must take their child’s temperature before getting in the car. Do not send your Participant if s/he has a temperature of over 100.4, or symptoms of COVID-19.

● Upon arrival at the Program, we will take Participants’ temperatures in the car. Any Participant with a temperature of 100.4 or greater, positive COVID-19 test, or COVID-19 symptoms will not be permitted to enter the Program.

● There will be no out of the Program trips.

● A strict “No Visitors” policy means that, with few exceptions, only Participants and staff will be on the Program property. Tours for prospective Participants will not be offered.

● Only food delivery trucks and other essential services are permitted into  the Program. Drivers will not have any direct contact with Participants or staff and will be required to wear PPE and maintain physical distancing while on the Program property.

● We will NOT allow Participants to bring snacks/drinks of any kind as we provide them.

Parents who decide to send their children to the Program this summer will be asked to sign additional risk notifications.

● While the risk of transmitting the COVID-19 virus in an outdoor environment is low, there is no way for us to eliminate that risk at the Program. By agreeing to send your child to D.E.S.T.I.N.E.D. to Succeed, you must understand that there is always a risk of your child becoming ill with this or any other communicable disease.

● By agreeing to send your child(ren) to the Program, understand that the Program fee will not be refundable for early withdrawal during the season or if the Program closes due to positive COVID cases.

● In light of the current COVID-19 environment and the constant development of information about COVID-19, families who commit to the Program understand that guidelines, policies and procedures may change at any time due to unforeseeable circumstances and the Connecticut Department of Health.

See the end of this document for additional two waivers.

1. Parent/Volunteer (adult who is dropping Participant off) wavier.

2. Participant wavier.

Participants,

We know so much has changed for you in the past 12 months. While many familiar comforts such as learning, celebrating milestones, and plans with friends changed, we have learned more about ourselves, our families, our friends, and our world. This time we have been on “pause” has helped all of us to see things from a different lens and to appreciate what we do have.

Our goal is to make the Program FEEL as normal as possible. You will make friends. You will grow in independence and resilience. You will be a part of an unforgettable summer! Here is some information to help you understand what the Program will be like this year.

Some terms we will be using this summer include:

We will still be extremely social at the Program while maintaining physical distance when necessary (6 feet apart).

● Mix and Mask - When Participants interact with others, they will need to wear a mask. It is very easy to maintain physical distance when we are outdoors.

Starting on arrival day, Participants will operate in small groups. Interactions with Participants are allowed in outdoor spaces and with physical distancing measures in place. For example, right now your family might go to the neighbor’s backyard and hang out 6 feet apart. The Program will have special events scheduled together. Outdoor programs can be done with friends while  maintaining a physical distance or putting on a mask.

Participants are not allowed to go outside the limits of the facility grounds.

Participants will attend activities with their group. We are maintaining our regular daily schedule with some adjustments.

Activity Specialists will provide instruction and skill progression to each Participant.

● Participants will have assigned seating at meals. Some will eat in the dining area, while others will eat under covered tents or in the rec center at designated tables.

● Large Program events will be held only outside with proper distancing and masking.

● Everyone will need to wash and/or sanitize their hands a lot.

● Masks will be worn by Participants and staff at all times.

● Staff that are instructing at an indoor activity will wear a mask.

● There will be no offsite trips.

This summer we will not be offering the following activities:

● Trips to New York City

● Off-site Programing

● Off-site Program trips (putt-putt golfing, bowling, etc.)

● All Participants will eat in their designated areas. Tables will be at least 6 feet apart from others.

● The Program will run at 50% capacity to ensure plenty of space to distance in the dining area.

● We will enhance sanitization between every meal.

● Kitchen staff will be wearing masks and gloves at all times in the dining area.

● All snacks will be individually wrapped.

● WE WILL have amazing activities and programs!

● WE WILL have weekly Program fun!

● WE WILL have friendly competitions with prizes!