COVID-19 Updates
January 24, 2022
We expect our policies to be similar to last year (see May 7, 2021 update below) but are awaiting fresh guidelines as the summer approaches.
May 7, 2021
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Governor’s Office have released updated guidance for summer camps. Our updated guidelines are below. Guidelines are subject to change.
Before Camp
- Submit your camper health forms by June 1.
- All campers should quarantine and perform daily health checks for 14 days prior to arriving at Camp.
- Health documentation will be reviewed by the camp nurse upon arrival.
- Campers should submit proof of a negative viral test taken 1 to 3 days prior to arrival. After test results are received, campers should be extra vigilant to avoid any unnecessary exposures.
- Campers 16 years of age or older who are fully vaccinated do not need to submit a test result. They will need to provide proof of vaccination.
- Campers who have had a diagnosed case of COVID-19 within 90 days of the session start date do not need to submit a test result. They will need to submit a Dr.’s letter attesting to the day of infection.
- Campers who have a current infection, or are 10 days or fewer from diagnosis, should not come to Camp.
- Campers who test positive, or have an active infection prior to Camp, may be able to enter the session late. This would be the only situation that would allow for a late arrival.
Arrival
- Family members who are at high risk for COVID-19 should remain at home.
- Parents remain in their car while dropping campers off. Follow social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing of masks when at Camp.
- Campers will undergo an initial health screening for COVID symptoms. Symptomatic campers will not be admitted to Camp.
During Camp
- When pods interact with each other, two of three conditions will need to be met: masked, distanced, or outside.
- Camp Voyageur will be closed to visitors throughout the summer, except when campers are being dropped off and picked up.
Testing
- Campers will be tested (shallow nasal swab) between days 3 and 5 after arrival. A second test may be administered.
- Results will be communicated to parents from the provider. These results will also be released to us.
- We are partnering with Essentia Health to provide our tests. Parents need to complete the registration and release forms 3 weeks prior to the start of the session.
A Positive Test
- Campers who test positive will be isolated in our designated cabins. Staff will attend to any campers in this situation.
- The state of MN recommends that any positive campers return home as soon as possible. A partial refund would be issued.
- If the camper cannot be picked up, we are prepared to house, take care of, and provide camp activities (as the camper is interested and able) for any infected camper.
- We recognize that in some cases families may not be able to pick up the camper right away.
- We will not be able to place an infected camper on a plane. If the isolation period extends beyond the dates of the camper session, we can extend the camper stay until such time as we can safely put them on a plane.
Health Checks
- Temperatures of campers and staff shall be logged. Anyone with a temperature above 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit for two consecutive checks will be taken to the Essentia Clinic in Ely for diagnosis.
- Anyone exhibiting signs or symptoms related to COVID-19 will also be tested at the Essentia Clinic in Ely.
Sanitization
- Hand washing stations and sanitizer are strategically located throughout camp.
- Hand washing and sanitizing is required before and after every meal.
- Throughout the day, commonly used surfaces will be disinfected using a federally approved disinfectant spray.
Housing
- Campers will be grouped in pods of 10 to 14 campers (two cabins) by age and grade.
- Arrangement will be made to maximize distancing between bunks in cabins, campers will sleep head-to-toe, and cabins will be well ventilated. Campers are not required to wear face coverings while sleeping.
- Pods may expand as conditions and health permit.
Program and Activities
- All regular Camp activities will be able to run. There may need to be some modifications, but we plan on a full offering.
- Meals are served individually instead of family-style. Campers will eat with their pod.
- Activities will be held outside or in well-ventilated areas.
- Pods will do activities together when feasible.
- Pods will rotate through a variety of core camp activities as well as a choice of varied other daily activities.
- We recognize the importance of camper choice in programming and will strive to preserve this. Pods can and will come together for activities and events. When pods interact, two of three conditions will need to be met— masked, distanced, or outside.
- After the first round of testing, pods may expand.
After Camp
- A final health and temperature check will be conducted within 12 hours of departure.
- Our nurse will be available to address any parent concerns or questions.
- We recommend testing 3-5 days after returning home for those who are unvaccinated.
In-Camp FAQ
The requirements of the state of Minnesota and the MDH’s COVID-19 Prevention Guidance for Certified Child Care, Youth Programs, and Camps, and the CDC. These guidelines and mandates are subject to update at any time.
We recommend testing of campers and staff who are not fully vaccinated 1-3 days before arriving at Camp, unless they have had a diagnosed case of COVID-19 within 90 days of the session start date, and have a Dr.’s letter attesting to the day of infection.
Many states and localities provide free tests. Minnesota residents can access the Vault test for no charge. Check with your local public health department or primary care provider.
A pod or cohort is a group of campers and staff that function like a family unit. We establish and maintain cohorts based on participants sharing sleeping spaces, e.g. cabins. We may combine 2 cabin groups to create a group of 10-15 campers and staff that make up this group. Pods will increase as able, with favorable test results.
When campers outside their cohort mix, 2 of the 3 will need to be met: outside, distanced, masked.
In accordance with the requirements of the state of Minnesota, masks that cover the nose and mouth are required when campers and staff, not in the same pod, are indoors or unable to distance.
Masks will not be required when: • Campers and/or staff are outdoors more than 6 feet apart for members of other pods. • Campers and/or staff are seated at their table eating. • Campers and/or staff are showering or sleeping. • Campers and/or staff are taking part in waterfront activities.
We’re partnering with Essentia Health in Ely to test on-site within 3-5 days of Campers’ arrival.
COVID-19 doesn’t often affect children severely, why do you have to take these measures? Children are less likely to suffer severe symptoms from COVID-19, however, because our focus in on the health of the community (staff, campers, Ely) we take these measures to protect us all. We are also mandated to take many of these measures as a licensed residential camp in the state of MN.
Yes. People who have had a case of COVID-19 have developed some immunity to reinfection, the CDC and MDH require all campers and staff will abide by the uniform policies.
The state of MN recommends, as do we, that campers who test positive be picked up at Camp. If a camper is unable to be picked up at Camp, we can continue to host the camper until such time he or she can travel. We are not able to place a child who has tested positive, and is still considered infectious, on a plane.
Wilderness Trips
General
- When campers outside of their cohort mix, 2 of 3 will need to be met: masked, distanced, outdoors.
- Regular sanitization of shared surfaces
- Regular hand sanitization
- Separate equipment for each participant
- Daily health checks
- If a camper develops symptoms of Covid-19 on a trip, they will be isolated from the group and may be evacuated
Transit
- Wear masks in vehicle at all times
- Ensure adequate ventilation (windows down)
Camping
- Sleeping arrangements: tents will be used below their max capacity, campers sleeping in tents head to toe, vents open as much as conditions allow
- One server for meals
- Food handlers wear mask
Wilderness Trips FAQ
No. Campers will be adequately distanced and outdoors while canoeing.
No, but we will ask campers to keep their masks accessible so they can slip them on in congested areas when distancing is not possible.
January 26, 2021
New Field Guide for Camps released by the American Camp Association provides guidance for camps operating in 2021.
October 26, 2020
Looking ahead to 2021
Families are eager to register their campers and learn more about the 2021 Camp Voyageur season. As you know our program emphasizes outdoor activities and the camp peninsula is naturally isolated. We will welcome campers following COVID-19 guidelines from the Federal, State and County governments.
Camp Voyageur’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan relies on guidance from the CDC, Minnesota Department of Health, American Camp Association, and other health professionals.
For 2021 we have streamlined session offerings to minimize exposure to our camp community. Masks will be required indoors for campers and staff, and outdoors when social distancing is not possible. We will require that campers test negative for COVID-19 prior to arrival. Campers will be spread out into more cabins and mealtimes may be staggered, served individually, or eaten outside when possible.
Before Camp
- Submit your camper health forms by June 1.
- All campers and staff must quarantine for 14 days prior to arriving at camp.
- Health documentation will be reviewed by the camp nurse upon arrival.
- Campers experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or living with someone who has COVID-19, should not attend camp.
- Have your camper tested for COVID-19 a few days prior to departing home. Bring a paper copy of the negative test result to camp.
Arrival
- Family members who are at high risk for COVID-19 should remain at home.
- Parents remain in their car while dropping campers off. Follow social distancing, hand hygiene and wearing of masks when at camp.
During Camp
- Camp Voyageur will be closed to visitors throughout the summer, except when campers are being dropped off and picked up.
Health Checks
- Temperatures of campers and staff shall be logged. Anyone with a temperature above 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit for two consecutive checks will be taken to the Essentia Clinic in Ely for diagnosis.
- Anyone exhibiting signs or symptoms related to COVID-19 will also be tested at the Essentia Clinic in Ely.
Sanitization
- Hand washing stations and sanitizer are strategically located throughout camp.
- Hand washing and sanitizing is required before and after every meal.
- Throughout the day, commonly used surfaces will be disinfected using a federally approved disinfectant spray.
Minimized Large Group Interactions
- Meals are served individually instead of family-style.
- Activities will be held outside when feasible.
- Buildings are well ventilated.
After Camp
- A final health and temperature check will be conducted within 12 hours of departure.
- Our nurse will be available to address any parent concerns or questions.
- We advise your camper quarantine for 14 days after camp, as a precaution.
Questions? !
September 8th, 2020
The 2020 Camp Voyageur Summer
Looking Ahead to Summer 2021
Canceling the Camp Voyageur season summer was the right decision. Now we look forward, as you do, towards 2021 Voyageur…and celebrating our 70th camp season! We hope to mark this milestone with an all-camp gathering at Voyageur in August 2021.
While Minnesota regulations prevented opening as scheduled this year some camps, however, were able to operate safely. Nearly 70% of our campers moved their summer registration forward to 2021. Camp sessions will mirror this year’s offerings with two four-week sessions (or eight weeks) and a couple of shorter options.
Family outfitting and guided Boundary Water canoe trips were popular this season and we will expand outfitting services so more Voyageur families can venture into the nearby lakes and woods next year. Consider lodging at camp pre- or post-trip or the whole time on site enjoying meals and taking day trips for what we call “family camp”. Whether taking a canoe trip or staying in-camp, we can facilitate your Northwoods family vacation. Cheers!
Read more about our summer here!
August 25, 2020
Enrollment for Summer 2021 now open!
June 21, 2020
Virtual Programming Begins
Week 1
Instructions: This week’s FlipGrid activity is Two Truths and a Lie! Once you’ve posted, see if you can uncover the lies of the other participants. Bill also presents his infamous Word of the Day. See if you can use it in a sentence.
Use code “cvweek1” to join the fun.
Take me to FlipGridJune 6, 2020
Counselors to Unveil Virtual Programming
Our dynamic staff – lead by licensed teachers Mikey Meves and Alex Kvanli, M.S.Ed. – along with a host of outlandish characters will lead the program, which will include various “How To” videos along with interactive camp favorites such as WELK Radio Show, Olympics, Word of the Day, and Bean Auction.
The virtual 8-week session is open for current, past, and future campers.
To participate, campers should:
June 1, 2020
CV Outfitting Set to Resume
Exclusive guiding for Voyageur families and alumni.
Phase II of Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan began June 1st, meaning that some Minnesota businesses are allowed to reopen under limited circumstances. As a non-critical business, we have been mandated to adopt and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in order to open services for the public.
At this time, we are unable to provide families lodging or mess hall meals. Our pre-trip outfitting services include:
- Phone consultation
- Route planning and reservation assistance
- Food menu planning
- Group packing
Full outfitting starts at $75/person/day with a Grumman canoe. Guided trips start at $95/person/day. Outfitting includes food and most of the gear necessary for a wilderness canoe trip. To see a full list, download our Outfitting Packing List.
In conjunction with the Minnesota DNR’s Outdoor Recreation Guidelines for businesses reopening June 1st, some COVID-19 restrictions for outfitting include:
- Families only or pods who have been isolated together for at least two weeks prior to arrival
- Pre-arrival COVID-19 phone screening
- Social distancing with our guides, wear a mask when distancing is not possible
- Arrive the night before entry date to meet on Pine Stadium to pack with gloves and masks
- When shuttling to your entry or exit point, guides and families must ride in separate vehicles
For more details, visit our outfitting page or contact us.
May 22, 2020
Voyageur Inks 1st Draft of COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
One requirement by the State of Minnesota for businesses planning to reopen on June 1st, is that all non-critical businesses must adopt and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.
After several days of brainstorming and collaboration, we have generated our first draft of the our plan. Click here to check it out!
May 14, 2020
2020 Summer Sessions Canceled
For 70 years the Erdmann family has proudly provided Camp Voyageur summers for youth to share sports, meals, and wilderness trips in the north woods.
By nature, camp is communal and emphasizes interdependence and collaboration. The impact of COVID-19 has made the prospect for camp anything but normal this year. Minnesota’s stay-at-home order expires May 18th with limitations thereafter. The Canadian border is closed, and Boundary Waters permits are currently restricted for day use only. Limited COVID-19 testing, six-foot social distancing, gloves, and masks have slowed the virus, but a threat remains real, particularly in group settings.
Amid safety concerns and uncertainties created by COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all 2020 camp sessions. The health and safety of campers, staff, and the Ely community are our primary concerns.
As we open camp, we’ll establish new mitigation procedures to allow outfitting. We feel fortunate that we can still offer families a Boundary Waters canoe trip this summer. We will help plan a self-guided route for your family, meet you at the trail head with packs, food, canoes, and pick our gear up at the end of your trek. Bring your sleeping bags, fishing, and rain gear.
Are you ready to plan your family adventure?
Start your adventure by emailing Trip Director Alex Kvanli!
Contact AlexIt is hard to imagine Voyageur without the fun and energy campers create. Though heartbreaking, we believe, given what we know now, canceling camp is the right decision for CV and our small town community. We have received many encouraging messages from camp families and are grateful for the continued support.