June 1 Update |Summer Operating Guidelines
| Camp Overview We have created new programs, protocols, and safety guidelines to incorporate camp guidelines as they are laid out by the CDC and Colorado Department of Health & Environment. With these adjustments in place, we will be able to operate in alignment with these guidelines and are able to do so without compromising general watersports safety. Entry-level camps have been canceled – children would have to sail with at least one other person in a boat too small to maintain 6 ft of distance. According to guidelines if the distance is unable to be maintained then they need to wear masks which would pose a significant hazard if the boat capsized and children were attempting to breathe through wet masks. These camps have been replaced by Buddy-Based and Self-Contained classes where participants register as a pair or small group of people with whom social distancing measures and masks would not need to be enforced while sailing. This will allow us to teach the fundamentals in a safe way that does not compromise watersports safety or COVID-based guidelines. Intermediate level and higher camps will operate as normal with the addition of COVID guidelines. These children can sail by themselves so social distancing measures can be enforced both on and off the water. New General Protocols: Maintaining safe social distancing protocols Wearing face masks when appropriate (both participants and staff) Frequent use of hand sanitizer (every instructor will have their own bottle) Asking general health screening questions and have the ability to take staff and students’ temperatures Enhanced cleaning of boats and gear Assigning individuals (or same-household groups) to one boat, with accompanying equipment to be used for the duration of the camp or class Encourage the use of personal PFD’s and helmets. Each participant will use the same PFD and helmet during camps Full daily credit will be refunded to any student that stays home sick Group sizes will be limited to reflect the most updated recommendations and guidelines. To limit potential exposure during lunch and onshore time classes will have assigned staggered times and locations Requiring that staff and participants who demonstrate any COVID-19 related symptoms remain at home Staff All staff have been trained on the new protocols and will continue to be updated on any adjustments to the guideline or operating procedures on a regular basis. Staff will be screened daily using the CDC health screening questions with the ability to take temperatures if needed. Staff will stay home if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have come in contact with anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19. Size and Spacing All camps will have no more than 12 campers per camp group which is less than half of the maximum allowed for outdoor camps according to state guidelines. There will be no more than 4 camp groups per week. Each camp group is operating as it’s own completely isolated camp. Staff will be assigned to the group and remain with that group for the duration of the camp week. Areas have been identified to keep camp groups completely separate onshore. There will be no crossover between groups, nor anytime that two groups will have to occupy the same space. Camp Descriptions: All camps have been revamped to meet social distancing and other guidelines to keep our staff and participants safe. This year our minimum age has gone up from 5 to 7. We feel that children 7 years and older have the awareness needed to follow social distancing measures and wash hands adequately. Buddy Based Camp – Children sign up as a pair or group of 3 and through registration designate their “buddy” for the week. These buddy pairs could be siblings, family members, or friends with whom they are social distancing and who they could sail in a boat WITH and with whom social distancing measures will not need to be enforced. With 2-3 self-designated, paired, children per boat, we would be able to safely teach new sailors the fundamentals together without compromising water safety. With a total group capacity of 12 participants, as an example, this class would be comprised potentially of up to 6 pairs of students. Each pair will continue to practice social distancing from each other pair, but not be forced to socially distance themselves from their own chosen partner. Self-Contained Small Group – Participants sign up as a unit of 5-8 children. This is for a group of participants who all want to sail together as one self-contained and isolated group. In this camp, the group will get a private instructor and social-distancing measures would not be enforced among them. They will be able to sail in larger boats together and not distance themselves while onshore. Masks will still be worn onshore as a precaution to protect our staff. Intermediate Sailing Camp – Campers are learning to sail on their own at this level. Each sailor will have their own boat for the week and social distancing measures will be enforced between each individual both on and off the water. In the case that there is a sibling pair or pre-designated buddy pair in this camp they will be permitted to sail together. Advanced Sailing Camp – Campers are continuing to hone the skill of sailing on their own at this level. Each sailor will have their own boat for the week and social distancing measures will be enforced between each individual both on and off the water. In the case that there is a sibling pair or pre-designated buddy pair in this camp they will be permitted to sail together. SUP & Kayak Camp – This camp is for those who don’t have the skillset to sail by themselves and would like to sign up as a solo participant. SUPs, kayaks, and paddles will be assigned to each individual for the week. Social distancing measures will be enforced between each individual both on and off the water. In the case that there is a sibling pair or pre-designated buddy pair in this camp they will be permitted to use a SUP or double kayak together. Personal Protective Equiment All staff and campers will be wearing face masks when onshore as maintained by local and state health departments. Masks will be removed once on the water to prevent any safety threat to the safety inherent in capsized boats and sailors attempting to breathe through wet masks. All staff will have hand sanitizer with them at all times, have their own hard plastic gloves, disposable gloves and a facemask. Equipment Campers will be assigned equipment that they will use for the duration of the week. This includes boats, SUPs, kayaks, paddles, helmets, and PFDs. There will be no water-based equipment sharing unless it is between a predesignated pairing (ex: siblings or carpool buddies who are sailing together). Parents will be encouraged (but not mandated) to provide personal helmets and lifejackets. Motorboats, kill cords will be assigned to staff for the duration of the week Staff will be assigned their own radio for the summer. Cleanliness All used equipment will be cleaned at the end of each day. This includes identified touchpoints on sailboats, kayaks, SUPs, helmets, and lifejackets. Check In/Check Out Procedure Monday morning check-in will be touchless as all necessary information that we use to collect in person has already been captured during registration. Each camp will be spread out enough to decrease pickup/drop off congestion. Staggered check-in time will be used on Monday to decrease potential congestion and allow for families to become familiar with our check-in process. If car congestion becomes an issue through the week we will implement and adjust staggered times as needed. Parents and non-sailing family members are asked to stay in the car at all times Instructors will screen campers using the CDC health screening guideline question before being released from their vehicle to join camp. We have the ability to take touchless temperatures of campers if necessary During Camp Frequent hand washing and sanitizing will occur throughout the day with thorough hand washing before and after eating. Masks will be worn onshore at all times except for when eating or drinking at which point everyone will remain at least 6 feet away from each other or 6 feet away from any other buddy-pairing. Masks will not be worn while sailing as this poses a significant danger were a boat to capsize and a child found themselves attempting to breathe through a wet mask while swimming Groups will remain separate at all times both on and off the water Group members must remain with their group and will not have contact with any other group Only one group at a time will be allowed to use the floating dock/ sailboat ramp area. This will be done with scheduled and staggered launching and docking for boats not kept on the beach. Camp groups will have assigned days/times that they are allowed to visit dream cove or the north beach. Shipping Container/Storage: only instructors will be allowed inside the storage container. Wearing gloves and masks will be mandatory when inside the container. The Shore Director is the only designated person who would be working with various groups throughout the day. This type of crossover contact will be limited to the greatest extent possible, appropriate social distancing precautions will be taken, and the Director will clean hands before and after in the event any equipment exchanges need to be made. Lunch/Water In addition to other frequent times throughout the day, thorough hand washing will occur before and after lunch. To eliminate high touchpoints on trash cans or trash bags, campers will be required to take home their own lunch trash. No food sharing As lunch is usually a designated sunscreen reapplication time, this practice will continue however there will be no sharing of sunscreen or any other personal items. Instructors will not directly assist in sunscreen application. Leave no trace rules will be emphasized at camp to mitigate lunch trash exposure hazards as well as hopefully decrease if not eliminate the accumulation of lost and found items. Each camp group will keep their own lost and found items for that week and they will remain separate from any other camp group’s items. Parents will be asked to provide their child with enough water to last for the whole day to eliminate the need for a high touch point water jug. If participants need to refill water the director will assist in this process by having the child hold their water bottle under the cleaned nozzle that only the director has permission to touch. No instructors or campers will be allowed access to the water jug. Inclement Weather In the event of inclement weather, all parents will be contacted to pick up their children with the camp being canceled for the day. Emergency First and foremost, more so than ever, we will do everything within our ability to prevent emergency situations If an emergency occurs that requires physical contact or significant compromising of social distancing measures, staff will provide response appropriate to the emergency situation (i.e. first-aid, cpr) Staff will not compromise general safety over COVID-19 guideline requirements. If a child were to need physical assistance in a situation that could become an emergency they will respond appropriately. Parents will be notified and additional documentation will be made in the incident report as it relates to any necessary violation of COVID-19 guidelines. All CDC and State guidelines will be implemented and authorities will be contacted in the instance that a staff member or camp participants contracts COVID-19. |
May 13 Update |COVID-19 Safety Protocols
| In preparation for our upcoming season, we are adjusting our standard practices to incorporate any Coronavirus-related guidelines and recommendations. This currently includes but is not limited to: -Maintaining safe social distancing protocols -Wearing face masks when appropriate (both participants and staff). *CSC face mask/s/buffs are available for purchase online or during check-in -Instilling frequent use of hand sanitizer -Asking general health screening questions and will have the ability to take staff and students’ temperatures -Enhanced cleaning of boats and gear after each use -Assigning individuals (or same-household groups) to one boat, with accompanying equipment to be used for the duration of the camp or class -Encourage the use of personal PFD’s and helmets. Each participant will use the same PFD and helmet during camps -Full daily credit will be refunded to any student that stays home sick -Group sizes will be limited to reflect the most updated recommendations and guidelines. -To limit potential exposure during lunch and onshore time classes will have assigned staggered times and locations -Requiring that staff and participants who demonstrate any COVID-19 related symptoms remain at home -Junior Volunteers (if allowed) will be assigned to a specific group each week and interaction with other groups will be minimized. Again, thank you for your patience as we continue to gather information and adjust our programs to keep our participants and staff safe. We know that there is still a significant amount of uncertainty about the future, but we are optimistic that with flexibility, creativity, and an intense focus on safety, we will get through this together. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. |
April 9 Update | Cancelation Policy Updated
We understand that everyone’s lives have been intensely disrupted given our current state of affairs. In light of being all in this together, we want to do our best to support the needs of our community. So please know that if there are any changes to our schedule that affect registrations already booked, we will work with each individual to find the best course of action that suits you personally. For those who are able to re-register for a later camp/class or those able to accept a class credit for a later undetermined date, we will be providing a 25% discount on your next registration in appreciation for your continued support. For those individuals who are requesting to make changes to their registrations for camps or classes that have not been affected at this time, we will be happy to offer you credit in addition to a 15% appreciation discount toward your next camp or class.
As a small nonprofit, we too are feeling these financial effects and want to weather this storm as best as possible. We truly hope that our community will take this into consideration prior to requesting any cash refunds. Of course, if your financial situation is such that the cost of sailing camp or class is a relatively considerable amount in your life right now that a refund will make a significant impact on your financial situation then we will absolutely provide a refund ($25 per registration). We don’t want anyone to go hungry. If you do have it in your financial ability, however, to take a credit instead with an additional appreciation discount, we truly hope that you will consider this option first.
Together we can get through this!
March 20 Update | Note from Executive Director
Community Sailing of Colorado has enabled a deposit and payment plan option for all youth camps and adult class registrations. Given that times are very uncertain right now, we just want to be as flexible as possible. If there are any schedule changes that affect previously made registrations, due to the fallout of our current state of affairs, we will work together to find the course of action that’s best for each participant.
March 17 Updates regarding Annual Spirit of Sailing Gala & Programs
In this unprecedented time, we are all met with new challenges we never thought possible. As sailors, we know to our core the importance of persevering in the face of adversity, and this resilience and corinthian spirit is paramount now more than ever. This is why we are pivoting our 21st Annual Spirit of Sailing Gala to a virtual fundraiser. Our conviction is that the strength of our community will rise to the occasion and unite in support of our adaptive sailors, underserved youth, and those already living with financial hardships, whose lives are being disrupted most at this time.
In addition, we are making the necessary modifications to keep our sailors safe during programs scheduled to begin in May (pending official guidelines at that time). We will monitor this situation closely and with the continued safety of our community at the forefront of our decisions, keep everyone updated when the time comes.
Wishing you safety and health,
The CSC Board of Directors & Executive Team
March 11 Updates
Community Sailing of Colorado – COVID-19 Threat Response Plan
Drive-up coronavirus testing center opening in Denver
March 10 Updates
Gov. Jared Polis declares state of emergency in response to coronavirus outbreak
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): What do Older Adults and People with Disabilities Need to Know? – Via Federal Administration for Community Living
March 9 Updates
Consumer Advisory: Division of Insurance Directs Insurers on COVID-19 Coverage
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
Hello CSC Stakeholders –
As you are no doubt aware, there is a rising concern across the nation about COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.
While there’s no reason to panic right now, CSC is actively preparing in case our programs are affected by the arrival of the virus in Colorado. We believe now is the time to plan, so we can limit any potential negative impact on the health and safety of our employees and the participants we serve.
Fortunately, CSC has had a Crisis Communication Team in place for many years. Our Emergency Action Plan proves extremely effective during emergencies and our efforts to keep the plan updated will assist us during this process.
We aren’t just resting on our laurels, however. Right now, our team at CSC is currently hard at work making sure we are ready in case of an outbreak, including:
- Assessing all facilities and staffed environments to ensure there are enough supplies to meet the needs of our participants for the immediate future.
- Reviewing current policies to identify areas of increased need and flexibility to minimize disruption to programs.
- Identifying risks and ensuring that contingencies are in place to ensure the safety of all participants.
If COVID-19 does spread in our community, CSC will:
- Follow the county and state’s public health instructions for containment and share those directives with you promptly.
- Adopt flexibility in certain policies to support those directives, protect the health and support needs of our volunteers and participants.
We will make more detailed plans available to you if the need arises, but for now, we wanted to let you know that we’re doing everything we can to prepare.
We promise to communicate with all of you about how we will continue to support our community, while at the same time, ensuring that our employees are able to tend to their own needs and the needs of their family.
In the meantime, the best response (and the best way to contain this virus), are basic personal hygienic practices. Click here for tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Our fervent hope is that all of this preparation will be for naught. But we can’t rely solely on hope when it comes to protecting our participants, volunteers, and employees; so we are moving forward full steam ahead with our preparations.
RESOURCES
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment COVID-19 Monitoring
