Updated, June 21, 2021 (Updated sections will have "***" before them)

We know COVID–19 continues to impact the daily lives of our campers and families. We also know the guidance around prevention, testing, and treatment changes rapidly. With that in mind, the Calumet staff is working with outside experts, as well as collaborating with state and national officials, to do all we can to be ready to open camp safely in 2021.

We will update this page regularly as our guidelines, policies and procedures are updated in accordance with federal, state and local guideline. The safety of our campers, staff and families is our top priority, and we will base our decisions on science and medical best practices. Please reach out with questions, and know we are hopeful we will be together here at camp this summer.

The following is Calumet’s current plan for the summer of 2021. The plan is based on current State of NH guidelines and are subject to change with any new guidelines that are released. Our plan is to update this page with any new information that is provided to us. In some cases Calumet’s policies for the coming year may be stricter than guidance put out by the State of NH, American Camping Association, and the CDC.

IS CALUMET CREATING A BUBBLE FOR RESIDENT CAMP?

Currently we plan to create as close to a secure “island” as we are able knowing that random events may occur which would impact that bubble. Summer staff members may spend their days off within camp for at least the beginning of the summer and Calumet will not host visitors, unless they have written permission from the Executive Director. With few exceptions, no one on the “island” will leave until they depart camp for good.

WHAT WILL CALUMET ASK OF CAMPERS BEFORE THEIR ARRIVAL?

At this time, NH’s COVID guidelines for camps require a pre-arrival quarantine of 7 days (including daily symptom checks, as well as daily temperature readings, and only participate in low risk activities), a negative COVID PCR test taken within 3-5 days prior to arrival, a second negative COVID PCR test taken on arrival at camp, and a third negative COVID PCR test taken 5 days after arriving at camp. (Staff will also have to follow similar rules, in addition to us asking the majority of them to arrive at least 10-14 days before the arrival of the first session of campers.) The first COVID test will be the responsibility of the camper to obtain, while the second and third tests will be obtained and administered by Calumet. This is subject to change based on upcoming NH overnight camp guidelines.

WILL MASKS BE A PART OF LIFE AT RESIDENT CAMP THIS SUMMER?

Face coverings for all campers and staff will be part of the plan to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID at Calumet. Campers and staff can be unmasked when sleeping, eating, showering, and during waterfront activities. Campers can also be unmasked when doing activities with just their cabin groups. Counselors are prepared to offer anyone who needs a “mask break” to do so outside in a safe space.

WILL CALUMET BE ALLOWING VISITORS ON RESIDENT CAMP?

For now we continue to be open to guests, friends, and neighbors to walk the grounds. As summer approaches, for the safety of our campers and staff, visitors will be strictly limited. Written permission from the executive director will be required to visit resident camp as of June 1st.

FOR MORE INFO ON RESIDENT CAMP, CLICK HERE:

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE SUMMER IN THE CONFERENCE CENTER, VILLAGE CABINS, AND THE CAMPGROUND IN 2021

As we are updating information for summer 2021, there are probably more questions than answers as to what this summer will be like at Calumet. As you read the “Information and Rules” booklet, it will look about as it always does. PLEASE do not think that all will be as usual this summer. So much will probably not be the same, but we just do not know what it will be right now. As we get closer to the summer season and decisions are made, we will certainly keep you updated.

Keep in mind that COVID 19 Quarantine Rules, Regulations and Guidelines will need to be followed, both while you are staying in New Hampshire and as you travel from your home state. Please plan to be aware of and strictly follow the current protocol both when you arrive at Calumet and in your state when you return home.

https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/UniversalBestPractices

WHAT WE DO KNOW

The top priority at Calumet will continue to be following all NH COVID 19 Guidelines and Restrictions. Health and safety of all our guests and staff comes first!

The Conference Center and Village Cabins have been open through the winter and spring. We are excited to announce that at this time the plan is to open Calumet’s Campground on May 12th. Opening will be different than in previous years, and there will be changes to the way we will open. Here is a start. Please read these pages.

It won’t be the “normal” summer we’ve all come to know and love. In response to the current COVID-19 situation, our top priorities are that you feel comfortable and safe while at Calumet and that we all are following all guidelines set forth by state and federal officials, CDC and any additional guidelines set forth by Calumet Lutheran Ministries.

We have implemented the following guidelines in addition to our already existing rules. Please read the following paragraphs carefully, and take the time to make sure all members of your family understand these updates. These rules and guidelines from the State of NH seem to be changing daily. Please be patient with us.

* All guests will be required to adhere to guidelines set forth by state and federal officials, CDC and any additional guidelines set forth by Calumet Lutheran Ministries.

* We all have had lots of practice with physical distancing, please continue this practice at all times. Feel free to wear a face mask whenever you feel more comfortable doing so, but especially in proximity to non-household members. Be smart and have your mask in your pocket at all times.

* Hiking, biking, swimming, and family time, are just a few things we encourage you to do while here.

RESERVATION OFFICE

Will it be open for guests or will there be a drop box on the back porch? The box on the back porch seemed to work great in 2020. We will continue to be very flexible with payments and cancellations.

Though Calumet’s reservations offices will be staffed during posted office hours, it will be closed to guests. Please reach out to staff members via phone or email. Most check-ins and check-outs will be done via phone, email, or appropriate visits by staff to guests’ lodging places. All reservations must be made in advance (there will be no walk-in or off-the-road camping allowed) and all reservations must be paid in full at the time the reservation is made.

***CAMPGROUND BATHROOMS

During the summer of 2020, private designated bathrooms for families staying in tents or without self-contained trailers was the only option.

With the renovation of the bathrooms across from the Barn this past fall, there are now 8 separate bathrooms.

During the summer of 2021, there may be some combination of private and public bathroom options for those tent camping or staying in a non-self-contained trailer. Private bathrooms would need to be reserved ahead of arrival with an extra fee.

RESIDENT CAMP PROPERTY AND FACILITIES

Resident Camp is always off limits to Campground, Conference Center and Village guests. This will be even more important this year, thus written permission from the Executive Director will be required to visit Resident Camp during the summer months.

***MEALS

Will meals be served in the Conference Center Dining Room? The options for “take out” or “meal delivery” for breakfast and some dinners were very well received last summer and may be the best option for Summer 2021 as well. As the summer gets closer we shall see. Beach BBQ will not be an option.

Much of the above information is quite likely to change at any time. We will do our best to provide a safe and welcoming place for all to rest, relax and renew. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

***SOME OF THE QUESTIONS THAT WE NOW HAVE ANSWERS TO!

Ice will be available

Dishwashing stations and refrigerators in the campground will be available

Camp Store will be open for window service for coffee in the morning, and for a period of time in the afternoon for ice cream. Store will be open 7-9am, and 7-8pm.

***WORSHIP FOR FAMILY CAMP GUESTS

Currently we are not worshipping on Sundays at 10am in the Outdoor Chapel. We will keep everyone posted if and when this service resumes this summer.

Beginning June 20th, Calumet guests are invited for Sunday Devotions on Sundays at 9:15am at the Family Camp Beach Picnic Tables. Join us for a litany of prayers, scripture readings, and a thought for the day. Bring a lawn chair or sit at a beach picnic table (weather permitting).

Beginning June 29th, other devotional opportunities at Family Camp this summer include Tuesdays and Thursdays in front of the Conference Center at 9:15am at the picnic tables for a Devotional Moment followed by a Tuesday Prayer Walk at 9:30am or a Thursday Nature Walk at 9:30am. (Rain plan: meet in front of Conference Center for details)

Beginning June 30th, our beloved Holden Evening Prayer on Facebook and YouTube will be shown live on the big screen on the new back porch of the Conference Center at 7:30pm, every Wednesday. Bring a lawn chair for seating in the garden area (weather permitting).

ALL GUESTS

For the sake of the safety of guests and staff members, Calumet will diligently comply with — and sometimes go above and beyond — local, state, or federal mandates, guidance, and limitations.

For the safety of you and others, and per the State of NH guidelines, if any of the registered occupants of your site are sick, not feeling well, or have been exposed to someone who is sick prior to or at the time of arrival, the entire group will not be allowed to come to Calumet.

Physical distancing will be a must. Please, no questions about it.

Bring your own supplies / food. Please refrain from having any packages or mail delivered to the Calumet.

Face masks are required by all guests while inside any Calumet facility. Masks are not required in general outside other than when there is interaction with non-household/family member units and especially when appropriate physical distancing cannot be maintained.

All indoor public gathering areas will be closed to the public. (Conference Center is for CC guests only.)

Playground will be open.

Day or overnight visitors will be allowed. They must register with the office 24 hours in advance and fill out the questionnaire each time they visit. Each site will be limited to 4 registered people.

The family camping beach will be open to all for part of the day (schedule will be posted). Physical distancing is required while spending time on the beach.

For the safety of your children as well as other guests, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult whenever they are off their site to ensure physical distancing from others.

For the sake of everyone’s health and safety, Calumet reserves the right to ask you to leave if there is an indication that these rules are not being followed.

All Guest Check-in and Screening

All guests should be fully paid prior to arrival.

Admittance to Calumet will not be allowed before the scheduled check-in time.

All Guests and visitors will be required to self-screen when coming to Calumet.

Before arrival you will be asked to return a separate form answering a number of questions (some are listed here as an example) and all registered guests and visitors must have this form on file in the Registration Office:

Questions

Is anyone in your party sick or not feeling well?

Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19? (NOTE: Healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment should answer "no" to this question.)

Have you had a fever in the last 24 hours?

Are you experiencing a sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath?

Have you had changes in your sense of smell or taste?

Are you experiencing any gastrointestinal symptoms?

Are you experiencing muscle aches, chills or severe fatigue?

Have you traveled internationally (outside of the US, except for essential travel to/from Canada) or by cruise ship in the past 10 days? If so, you must quarantine for 10 days. You do NOT need to quarantine if: You are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and more than 14 days have passed since you received the second dose of your COVID-19 vaccine OR you have previously tested positive for active COVID-19 infection (by PCR or antigen testing) in the last 90 days.

If all answers are no, guests are allowed to come.

If anyone in the party answers yes, guests will be asked to reschedule their time at Calumet.

You will also be asked: Are you fully vaccinated against COVID-19?

Please let us know if:

You are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and more than 14 days have passed since your final dose of your Covid-19 vaccine.

Calumet’s COVID-19 response plan for guests

When a guest displays symptoms, we request that the guest immediately return home and seek medical attention and/or testing.

CAMPGROUND GUESTS

Campsites are limited to those registered (4). Visitors at your site must maintain social distancing at all times. Any off camp guests to your site must register with the office 24 hours in advance and you must provide them the link to answer the arrival questions. No exceptions. Registered guests are responsible for all visitors to their site.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE

We are reinforcing proactive steps that the CDC recommends to prevent the spread of germs.(1) Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (2) Avoid close contact with people who are sick. (3) Use a disposable tissue to cover a cough or sneeze. (4) Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. (5) Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects. (6) Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms. (7) Cover nose and mouth at all times when social distancing is unable to be maintained.

Helpful Link

You'll learn about Universal Best practices and, specifically, Universal Best practices for Overnight Congregated settings for children.