Squad is the Winadu term this summer for cohorts, pods, and/or bunks.

Yes! To ensure the best possible start to camp, families must take individual responsibility and be extremely cautious in the 10 days leading up to camp.  The decisions in these 10 days could/will have a direct impact on the Winadu community. Precautions are necessary for the entire household, as if anyone in your household is exposed, your son has the risk of being exposed and thereby could miss the start of camp – the more families can stay at home the better.   

It is critical families adhere to the following guidelines:

• Avoid indoor and large gatherings of any kind.
• If not at home, wear a mask and social distance at all times. 
• If you must gather, remain outside, in a mask and social distance when possible, including when attending school.   
• In the days leading up to camp, please avoid crowded events such as restaurants (order in on the last night of camp or one more door dash), sleepovers, sporting events, graduation parties, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and family trips. 
• Absolutely avoid any unnecessary travel. 
• Please use extra precaution after your son takes his pre-camp PCR tests (more information below).

We understand that day-to-day guidelines have loosen in certain states and nationally; however, this does not impact the quarantine requirement above.  Camp is unique in that unlike how we live at home, we are bringing everyone into one place to create our modified bubble.

Wednesday, June 16th

• Families are required to use the Campanion App to record their son(s) daily Wellness Screening starting on June 16th. The Campanion App works in conjunction with your myWINADU Account and the login and password are the same.
• The App can be found on your phone’s App Store and if you have not already done so, families should download this App today.
• Once logged in, click “Health Check” within the App menu. The Health Check questions should be completed by 11:00 am each day while our medical team monitors the daily responses.
• Similar to school, completing the daily wellness check is required for your son to attend camp on time.
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Yes! Each camper is required to take a Molecular PCR tests on the following date:

• June 21st: Testing on this day is ONLY for Florida flight families and other campers who are flying who have made SPECIFIC arrangements with camp to arrive on June 25th (the day prior to our official first day of camp)
• June 22nd: All other families (arriving on June 26th – the first day of camp) must take their test on this date.

A negative tests result is required for entry into camp. Families may utilize the following pre-camp testing options:

1. We have partnered with PM Pediatrics for select Winadu hours at locations throughout New Jersey, New York, Florida, Connecticut and other convenient PM offices.
2. Families may choose to have the pre-camp PCR test taken with their local medical provider.
3. The at-home saliva based Vault Test is another option families may use by ordering the Vault Covid-19 test kit. Families utilizing this option should order the kit asap.

TOMORROW we will email all families outlining the pre-camp testing options including details about the PM Pediatrics select hours and locations, ordering instructions for families opting to use Vault and directions on uploading results to your myWINADU account prior to camp.

Pre-Camp testing is required for all vaccinated campers (and staff).

No. Campers who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 within 90 days of June 21st or June 22nd will be exempt from pre-camp testing and other testing requirements within the 90-days.

The Winadu team will advise directly if your camper is exempt based on your answers to the Winadu Covid Medical Screener completed by all families earlier this month. A copy of the positive viral test result will be required. Once the 90-day period has expired, all remaining testing as part of our plan will then be required.

Campers will have to isolate at home for 10 days and follow CDC and local public health guidelines to come to camp. He will be permitted to come to camp after this 10-day period, clearance by his doctor and the Winadu Medical Staff.

Siblings who attend camp in the same household will also be required to stay home and quarantine for a period of time determined by the Winadu medical team.  A negative test prior to camp will be required for the sibling(s).  

We will have on-site two different rapid antigen tests and a rapid-PCR test for 24 hour/7 days a week access. The rapid antigen test will be the BD-Veritor as well as the Quidel Quickvue SARs Antigen Tests. The rapid-PCR is the Abbot ID Now Rapid Molecular Covid-19 machine. Each of the test above can provide results within 15-20 minutes.

We will also be implementing laboratory-based individual and pool testing. Our testing partner in this effort is CIC Health Systems who will be running our tests through the Broad Institute at MIT. We expect results from our laboratory-based PCR testing within 24-36 hours. All tests will be required for vaccinated campers (and staff).

Each camper on Arrival Day will have two tests at Winadu, the BD Veritor Rapid Antigen tests as well as the laboratory based Molecular PCR Tests. The Rapid Antigen tests will report its results to our medical team within 15-20 minutes and we anticipate the lab-based PCR tests to report results within 24-36 hours. 

What happens if my camper(s) is considered positive for Covid-19 based on the arrival day testing? 

Parents will be notified immediately and ask that you make arrangements to pickup son within 24-36 hours.  Remaining at camp will not be in the best interest for your child or other campers and staff.  Your son will be able to return to camp after remaining home for 10 days, a period without symptoms as well as clearance by his doctor and the Winadu Medical Staff. 

In the case of an arrival day positive, siblings who attend camp in the same household will also be required to leave camp and quarantine at home. The Winadu medical team will outline with parents requirements for siblings to return to camp, an additional negative test may be required. 

June 30th – Day 5:   All campers and staff tested utilizing the lab-based test with results expected back within 24-36 hours.

July 5th – Day 12:  Lab-based testing for entire camp.  Individual testing to follow within the pool if the pool shows positive. 

We may consider additional all camp tests, individual or pool, further into the summer. Our decision will be based on prior test results, how the camp program is proceeding and surveillance. If a decision is made to implement additional testing, parents will be notified.  Diagnostic and surveillance testing will be implemented throughout the summer as needed and communicated with parents. 

Campers who test positive during camp will rest comfortably with staff supervision in our Covid Resting Center. Parents will be notified and asked to arrange their son’s pick up from camp within 24-36 hours if not sooner.

Our medical team at the time will advise families and review the latest protocols to assist in the camper’s return to camp.

The bunk/squad will still enjoy camp and be part of what we are calling Winadu II when allowable under state guidance.  This squad will go into their own schedule together, socially distancing from the rest of camp, eating all meals outside, wearing face coverings (when appropriate), will be monitored for symptoms plus undergo additional testing.  We will prepare a special program with input from the squad group during the time they are in quarantine and “attending” Winadu II until they can rejoin the regular camp schedule. Of course, we will communicate with the parents of campers in this squad every step of the way.

Yes.  During Phase I, campers and staff will mostly be in masks both outside and inside. This phase is the most critical to get to the summer we are all hoping for and want to be as careful as possible to ensure success. 

During this phase, campers will travel and eat within their squad.   A squad will be campers who live under the same roof. Receipt of the Day 5 PCR test results will allow us to move into Phase II where we intend to grow the squads into whole divisions and relax mask rules.

Expanding squads to include more campers and staff and relaxing mask rules will be determined based on tests results, conditions at camp, and state guidance.

The Health Center will again be led this year by Head Nurse, Sarah Portugal and our team of Camp Doctors. Sarah will lead a team of 6 registered nurses, 3 student nurses as well as a student athletic trainer. To assist in the execution of our Covid protocols, we have added a Graduate student from the Indiana University School of Public Health studying for her Masters in Epidemiology to our team. This staff member will be our Covid “Chief of Staff” overseeing the implementation and daily requirements of our Covid-19 safety plan.

In addition to our main Health Center, a Covid Resting Center with its own living quarters, laundry, kitchen and more will be established on camp for any cases of suspected or confirmed Covid whereby a camper or staff member needs to be cared for and isolate until pick up.

Daily medication will be distributed based upon division at meals, at the health center, and/or as mobile meds brought to the campers. If your son needs to take a daily vitamin, please consider skipping it for this summer. All medication and daily vitamins must be sent to camp through our Pharmacy partner – Lenox Village.

Campers and staff who need off-site medical care will follow proper Covid-19 precautions with their camp chaperone.

Wellness Checks:  
Temperature and symptom checking will continue daily during the first two weeks of camp. We will consider continuing symptom checks in consultation with our medical team after the first two weeks. In addition, each division will have weekly scheduled time with our Health Center team for monitoring and observation. 

Suspected Symptoms of Covid: 
Parents will be notified if the Health Center team suspects a camper’s symptoms are indicative of Covid-19. At that time, we will issue one of the rapid antigen tests or rapid PCR tests.   

If the symptom is a fever only and the rapid tests is negative, we will monitor the fever, the development of other symptoms and allow the person to return to camp once fever free for at least 24 hours. Cabin mates and other close contacts will be monitored for the development of any possible symptoms.  

Yes! The entire camp will eat at the same time just like any other summer. What will be different this summer is some divisions will eat outside in our existing outdoor dining spaces or newly created tented spaces around the Dining Hall.

In the initial setup, entire divisions will eat in the same location (inside or outside) with squads eating together with their counselors. Campers can expect the same Dining Hall Traditions – Birthday Celebrations, Theme Meals, a big party for Mike’s Birthday and more. Also, like every summer, our new franchise concept will be revealed during the 1st week of camp.

Staff will follow the same testing, wellness, and quarantine procedures as the campers including the required pre-camp negative PCR tests, two tests upon their arrival, testing on Day 5 of Staff Orientation and then again with the campers. 

We have strongly recommended the Covid-19 vaccination to our staff. Prior to camp, a high percentage of the total staff will be vaccinated including our leadership team and maintenance team being fully vaccinated. Further, we are working with our local Department of Health to assist with staff member vaccination, including international staff upon arrival to Winadu if requested.

Staff Orientation has been increased to 12 days to allow for the staff to formulate their bubble as well as provide extra time to train on Covid-19 readiness. 

Days off and night off will be at Winadu, our team has created a staff program to assist the staff in enjoying their days off and time off with activities on camp. Guiding the staff this year will be our “staff cruise director” who will captain the “Winadu Staff Cruise” giving them a summer to remember. We may consider exclusively renting certain outdoor locations for our staff at night such as Golf Country Clubs and other similar venues.

Non-residential staff will complete a daily wellness form and symptom screening, masks when inside or when physical distancing is not possible as well as undergo surveillance testing throughout the summer.

Of course, as you know, we have a NO package policy.   If your child needs something, we can provide it, other than birthday packages please do not send any packages to camp.  We find it helpful if you let extended family members know of our policy. 

All food and other deliveries are often on camp before the campers and staff are awake or in locations where campers and staff are not present.   All parties will be asked to mask when making deliveries when a Winadu team member is present.   Vendors for special events and entertainment will be required to masks and social distance with all planned events taking place outside. 

If we can, we will host a select number of tours this summer with all touring parties tested, vaccinated, masked and socially distanced.

Each cabin and activity building will have a hand sanitizer dispenser for easy access and use throughout the summer. We are lucky our cabins have screened windows already but in certain locations we have added additional and new screened windows to allow for natural air flow. In addition, air purifiers have been strategically placed in buildings on camp and camper cabins have been outfitted with dual fans to move the air through the cabin.

We have added staff to our cleaning and maintenance teams. Our designated cleaning team will disinfect our cabin bathrooms, public places and commonly touched areas on a set schedule throughout the day.

Area Heads/Specialists will receive cleaning supplies to sanitize their areas after each activity period. The camp schedule has been adjusted to allow for more time in between periods whereby campers and staff will return to the cabins and wash their hands especially before meals. Overall, our campers and staff will learn to “Clean in and Clean out” to every activity period encouraging our campers and staff to sanitize/hand wash on their way into an activity and meals.

Area Heads/Specialists will receive cleaning supplies to sanitize their areas after each activity period. The camp schedule has been adjusted to allow for more time in between periods whereby campers and staff will return to the cabins and wash their hands especially before meals. Overall, our campers and staff will learn to “Clean In and Clean Out” to every activity period encouraging our campers and staff to sanitize/hand wash on their way into an activity and meals.

Each camper should bring with them 150 disposable masks or 20 cloth masks of their choosing. We will not allow buffs or gaiters. In addition, it would be best for campers to bring 5-8 masks chains. 

We recommend breakaway masks chains. We believe disposable masks, in a camp setting, are better than cloth as the cloth masks could be lost or misplaced and disposables can be eaisly replced if dirty.

If your son tests positive for Covid-19, you will be contacted by the Winadu leadership team.   

All camp families will be advised by email of a confirmed case of Covid on camp, while maintaining the confidentiality of all staff and campers.

If the confirmed case is in your son’s squad, we will notify you as to the overall monitoring and plan for your son’s squad including your son’s wellness, symptom checking, potential additional testing and adjustment to the cabin’s daily schedule.

Saturday, June 26th is the first day of camp. Our Florida flight arrives one day before on June 25th as well as some flyers who have made specific arrangements with Jill.

On June 26th all campers will arrive to camp within their assigned divisional time block. The previously sent time block information is below:

Divisional drop-off windows are the following:

• Braves (finishing 1st and 2nd): 10:00 am – 10:30 am
• Pioneers (finishing 3rd): 10:40 am – 11:30 am
• Lower Hornets (finishing 4th): 11:45 am – 12:30 pm
• Upper Hornets (finishing 5th): 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm
• Lower Warriors (finishing 6th): 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm
• Upper Warriors (finishing 7th): 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm
• Olympians & Seniors (finishing 8th, 9th, and 10th): 3:45pm – 4:45 pm

Before the end of May every family will receive a mailing detailing the arrival day procedure and what you can expect. Florida Flight Families and other flyers will receive specific instructions as we get closer to your arrival to camp.

On arrival day, parents will not be expected to wait for their son(s) rapid test result.  Parents may opt to stay in the Berkshires for notice of the result or begin their drive home. We will immediately notify any parents who may be required to return back to camp.   

We intend to provide buses home to our usual locations at the end of the summer. 

Yes. Both programs are booked and ready to run similar to past summers. Our ice hockey program has exclusive access to the rink and the off-camp part of our golf program includes clusters of tee times.

There may be some adjustments this summer to both program such as:

• Starting both later than usual to allow for larger squads to form; 
• Certain ice hockey time will start by age group or two age groups and then progress to all ice hockey campers later in the summer; 
• Emphasis will be placed on private lessons at Winadu for both golf and ice hockey.

We still intend to run the regular Winadu program with clinic, selective as well as the special day program of NBA Day, NFL Day etc. plus our leagues. Being on camp for more time this year actually is beneficial to our on-camp program and will allow us to add more Lacrosse & Roller Hockey game days plus a baseball league for the oldest campers. Leagues, Clinics and Selective will of course take place with the full range of choices. They will likely start during week two of camp.

We have planned and made reservations for day trips we feel are safe and the campers will enjoy such as whitewater rafting, paintball and new surprises. We are prepared to take these trips and the final decision to do so will be based on the overall health of our camp and surrounding area.

We will cover every tradition including Campership, Lazy Friday, Big Brother-Little Brother, College Days and so many more; although, some may be in different locations and/or happen later on in the summer.

The program will reflect the spirit, energy, excitement and magic that every Winadu summer deserves.