River Friends COVID-19 Plans

COVID-19 Plans

At the Shames JCC, the health and safety of children is our top priority. Since the JCC’s re-opening in August 2020, our entire community has learned a great deal about the development and management of COVID-prevention protocols. We will build off the Early Childhood Center’s successful approach and we will continually monitor guidance from the CDC as well as the Westchester County Department of Health. With our capable team of professionals, at River Friends Day Camp, safety and fun will go hand-in-hand.

COVID-19 prevention protocols are subject to change based on local circumstances and evolving guidance. Families will be provided with specific River Friends 2021 COVID-related information in advance of camp.  At this time, we anticipate protocols that include:

• Maintaining Static Groups
  • Campers will register in defined three or six-week sessions
  • Each camper will be assigned to a specific group for the duration of their camp session
  • Camp groups will engage in activities together with minimal interaction across groups

• Social Distancing
  • Campers will be dropped off and picked up curbside, in staggered groups
  • Children will be encouraged to stay 6 feet apart and physical contact such as holding hands and hugging will be discouraged

• Wearing Masks
  • When indoors, all campers and staff will wear masks
  • When outdoors, all staff must wear masks; for campers, mask-wearing when outdoors is optional

• Regular Cleaning / Sanitizing
  • Campers and staff will frequently either wash or sanitize their hands (at activity transitions, before eating, etc,)
  • Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout our campus
  • After each activity, staff will clean and sanitize the equipment and activity area before the next group arrives

• Maximizing Time Outdoors
  • Many activities will be situated outdoors; the JCC’s campus includes naturally well-shaded areas and will also include large canopies
  • Outdoor misting stations will help everyone stay cool
  • For lunch, rest, and indoor activities in case of inclement weather, the JCC’s indoor, air-conditioned and well-ventilated spaces will provide ample and comfortable space; each group will have its own dedicated classroom

River Friends’ COVID-related protocols will be updated and specifically communicated to all enrolled families in advance of camp. If you have any additional questions about our COVID-19 plans, please email River Friends’ Assistant Director, Melanie Friedman at mfriedman@shamesjcc.org.