Operations plan for Summer 2021
(subject to change as conditions warrant)
Covid Safe Learning and Relaxation. That’s our goal for 2021. The public health outlook for summer 2021 appears to be trending in a hopeful direction. Taking into account guidance from the State of Maine and industry best practices, we have plans in place to allow for fun and safe Retreat Center programming.
With the safety of our customers, staff, and community paramount, we have developed a set of participant and staff practices for your time at Medomak. Safety is the responsibility of all of us who will make up the Medomak community this summer.
Why does everyone who comes to camp, or works at camp have to abide by our safety procedures?
GENERAL COVID RELATED POLICIES/PROCEDURES
VACCINATION
We are optimistic that all adult participants and staff will be able to be vaccinated by summer. Though there is currently no concrete evidence that vaccination prevents the spread of the virus, we do know it prevents serious illness. It is our collective responsibility to help prevent any serious illness that arises from being at Medomak this summer. For this reason, so long as vaccination is widely available to the general public by summer, we will require all adult participants and staff to be vaccinated, prior to coming to camp.
What happens if vaccine isn’t available by summer?
I’d like to sign up now, but I’m concerned about my ability to get vaccinated by summer. What should I do?
If I am fully vaccinated, why insist we follow all the other protocols?
TESTING
From the beginning of the pandemic, testing has proven to be an important indicator of infection. The state of Maine requires entering visitors to be vaccinated or produce a negative Covid test 72 hours prior to arrival. To address the possibility of Covid circulation on site, we reserve the right to monitor and test to confirm participants’ health status. Should a Covid positive test be confirmed all members of the affected Household will be required to quarantine in their cabin(s) until results for the entire Household can be made available.
If I am vaccinated and a household member shows symptoms, will I still need to be monitored and/or tested?
If any household member tests positive, what then?
How will vaccination levels translate into testing?
MEDOMAK HOUSEHOLD (PODS)
The simplest Household in the retreat setting includes the people living in one cabin (maximum of 2 people). If all members of a Household are completely vaccinated, the definition of Household can be extended to two other completely vaccinated Households, for a total of up to 6 people.
What’s the significance of maintaining households?
MASK POLICY
Wearing masks prevents the spread of the virus. With this fact in mind, masks must be worn by all adults and all children 2 years old and over, indoors, and anywhere outdoors when in contact with common use facilities and/or in the presence of others.
We don’t have to wear masks in our home state. Why do we have to at camp? What does Maine law say about masks?
Do we need to wear masks when we’re hiking as a Household in the woods, or congregating by ourselves on the Medomak site?
Do we need to wear a mask even while social distancing?
My child isn’t so good at wearing a mask. Is that a problem?
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Camp is community. Consistent with what we’ve all been doing in our own communities since the beginning of Covid, we require that you maintain a minimum of 6 feet between members of your Household and other people. Ideally, for longer gatherings, it’s best to consider 10-12 feet separation.
Can I still talk to friends and neighbors? Can I have a drink with them in our Adirondack chairs outside of the cabins?
COVID EXPOSURE
To limit the chance of spread, Maine requires that you show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours, or show you’ve been vaccinated before coming into the State. Prior to arrival at Medomak, you will be required to produce a record of your vaccination (or in the case that the vaccination requirement has been relaxed by Medomak, a negative COVID-19 test) to comply with this State requirement. To monitor potential Covid exposure while at camp, we reserve the right monitor and test to confirm health status. Should a Covid positive test be confirmed, all members of the affected Household will be required to quarantine in their cabin(s) until results for the entire Household can be made available.
What does a confirmed positive Covid test mean for the retreat center?
LIMITS ON CAPACITY (COHORTS)
To comply with state of Maine limits on capacities, Retreat Center programs will be held to 40 participants.
What if the limits change before summer?
MAINTAINING A BUBBLE
Travel involves a high risk of exposure and spread of the Covid virus. As such, for your relatively short stay at Medomak, we are limiting the number of retreat participants going off the retreat center site. Any necessary trips off-site will be limited to one member of your Medomak Household and all precautions must be taken for any potential contact with public areas or people off-site.
What are considered acceptable and unacceptable purposes for going offsite?
What if me or my Household member needs medical attention off site?
What does this policy mean for staff?
FOOD AND LODGING
ACCOMODATIONS
Cabin occupancy must be limited to members of one’s Medomak Household. Entering another Household’s cabin increases the risk of viral spread and is not permitted. Any maintenance or repairs needed during your stay will be completed without guests present, and staff will be properly masked.
HOUSEKEEPING AND CLEANING
Cabins will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized prior to your arrival. We will be sure to be out of all cabins 18-24 hours prior to arrival of new guests.
Will you service cabins during our stay?
DINING
Weather permitting, meals will be served outdoors, under the shelter of a tent. Tables will be safely spaced, and seating at tables will be limited to one’s own Medomak Household. When dining outdoors is not an option, controlled indoor dining will occur.
Aside from meals, will snacks, coffee and/or tea be available?
Do we need to wear masks in the dining tent or dining hall when not eating or drinking?
What about personal food and drinks?
ACTIVITIES
RETREAT CENTER PROGRAMS
Retreat Center programs and activities will be conducted to the extent that they can be done safely; social distancing and masking requirements are a necessity. Wherever possible, activities will be held outdoors or if indoors in open, well-ventilated spaces.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Maine has much to offer in terms of breathtaking coastline, great seaport villages, as well as wonderful wilderness excursions. Sadly, travel involves a high risk of viral exposure and spread. Once at Medomak, travel off site will be severely limited to minimize risk to the retreat center and surrounding community. Once your enjoyable time at Medomak is over, that would be the time to explore.
We were planning a Maine excursion prior to coming to Medomak. Not a good idea?
PACKING LIST
We highly recommend you add the following items to your packing list:
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- Alcohol wipes
- Thermometer
- Face masks (no bandanas or neck gaiters)
- Hand Sanitizer
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Will these things be available at camp or do we need to bring our own?
PAYMENTS
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENTS
A non-refundable 5% deposit will be required to register your family and reserve a cabin. 50% of the remaining balance will be due May 1st, with the remaining balance due June 1st. Registration after May 1st will require 50% of the balance to register. After June 1st, payment in full will be required to register.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations within 14 days of your arrival will result in a full credit applied toward a future stay at Medomak. In the event Medomak must cancel a program, a full refund will be given.
Sorry, but Medomak cannot be responsible for nonrefundable airline tickets or other travel or indirect expenses associated with cancellations.
CASH DISCOUNT
A cash discount of 2.6% will be applied to payments made via check, or money order.
COVID WAIVER
The policies and procedures for the retreat center this summer make foremost the safety of our retreat participants and staff. It’s in everyone’s best interest to know what to expect in preparation for coming to Medomak. As an assurance, we will require as part of the registration process that each of our families or retreat participants sign a waiver agreeing to our procedures.