SCREENING       

We have a no contact thermometer. All youth and agency leaders will be screened prior to departure for a trip. Screening includes taking temperature and asking questions related to recent history of symptoms and exposure.

Equipment Prep & Use

• Staff and youth will wash hands before and after packing and will wear masks during the packing process.

• Shared equipment, such as a compass, will be cleaned before another person uses it.

Food Prep & Use

• Masks are required while cooking and serving meals and prior to eating.

• While eating, everyone must be at least 6’ apart as masks cannot be worn.

• Minimize shared utensils

  • Cook will serve everyone rather than individuals serving themselves.

  • Food will be brought to individuals rather than having them line up.

• Everyone is issued their own cup, bowl, and spoon, which they will use, wash, and keep it in their pack.

• Dishes will be air dried rather than towel dried.

• Everyone will have their own snack bag as is our standing policy.

• People will refill and treat their own water bottles.

Post-trip gear cleaning

• Individuals cleaning gear will wash hands and put on mask prior to handling gear. They will remain socially distant during cleaning and will wash hands after cleaning.

• Staff will use disinfectant or launder items.

• Any gear not disinfected will sit for 72 hours before being used again.

• All gear will be dried out.

• Vans and vehicles will be cleaned by disinfecting hard surfaces.

Transportation

• We will alternate seats and require everyone to wear masks.

• Hands will be cleaned before entering vehicle.

• Vehicle is cleaned and high touch areas disinfected after each program.

• Hands cleaned before and after van cleaning and face covering used while cleaning.

Group size

Groups will not exceed 10.

Social Distancing

• Discussion, lessons and activities will be done with 6’ physical distance.

• Masks will be worn during discussions, lessons, and activities.

• Everyone will have their own individual tent.

• Chicago Voyagers groups will keep a social distance from anyone else not part of our group.

Teambuilding activities

All activities have been adjusted to maintain social distancing guidelines.

Location

At this time, programs will be limited to outdoor spaces.

Plan if participant displays COVID-19 symptoms while on program

Day and local overnight programs:

If anyone develops symptoms on programs, they will be required to mask up, clean hands, cease activity participation, asked not to touch group gear, isolate from group, and be taken home at first opportunity.

Wilderness programs:

• Follow standard Wilderness First Responsible protocols.

• Minor symptoms – CV staff will isolate and manage on program

• Serious symptoms as defined by our wilderness medical training – CV staff will rapidly evacuate, call for rescue, and get to hospital

• If we suspect someone has COVID-19, we will fill out parent letter and recommend their child be tested. We will also contact our local Dept of Public Health upon return.

Protocol if staff are exposed to COVID-19

Staff will follow CDC guidelines, including:

• Stay home until 14 days after your last exposure.

• Check your temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms of COVID-19.

• If possible, stay away from people who are at higher-risk for getting very sick from COVID-19

Bathroom use

Front Country:

• One to two people at a time depending upon size of bathroom.

• If more than one may be in bathroom (including public), mask should be worn and 6’ distance should be attempted.

• Hands should be cleaned prior to entering bathroom and upon exit. If exit handle is touched, hands need to be cleaned afterwards.

Backcountry:

Same as above. Just one at a time. Hands must be cleaned before touching the bathroom bag. Use own hand sanitizer.