2021 St. Xenia Camp Update & Volunteer Info

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Greetings St. Xenia Camp family,

As previously announced, through the intercessions of St. Xenia, the prayers of so many of you, and with the blessing of Metropolitan Demetrius, St. Xenia Camp 2021 will return to Forest Acres in Fryeburg, Maine August 15-21! Given the continued impact of COVID-19, camp this year may yet be somewhat different from the past Forest Acres experiences. We are sharing this information ahead of registration so that all families can make an informed decision on whether they feel comfortable sending their camper(s) this year.

Camper registration applications and volunteer applications will open on Saturday, April 10th, and will close Thursday, July 1st. Given potential restrictions, we may have to run camp at reduced capacity, so space is limited. All registration applications must be complete (including Health and Waiver of Liability forms for) to be considered, at which point campers will be considered by age group in the order their complete application was received. The camp medical director, Fr. Vassily Mihailoff, MD will be reviewing Health Forms as part of the acceptance process. Starting April 10th, please go to the St. Xenia Camp website to complete all registration application forms, or to fill out a volunteer application.

It is important for all prospective volunteers, and campers and their families to be aware of and understand the following health related items:

  • Social distancing will not be possible at all times during the camp week. Given the nature and mission of St. Xenia Camp, those present will in essence become one large spiritual family. Given current guidelines, the following measures would be taken in order to comply as closely with CDC recommendations as is possible to mitigate risk of transmission within the context of our camp:
    • increased training for counselors
    • increased emphasis on hygiene
    • decreased frequency of large gatherings
    • regular cleaning of facilities
    • limiting activities to open-air environments wherever possible
    • a mandatory health screening upon arrival at camp (checking for temperature and symptoms)
    • periodic temperature checks during the course of the camp week
  • Given access and other challenges regarding COVID-19 testing, we will not be requiring campers or staff to be tested prior to arriving at camp. Instead, we will ask all to pay careful attention to the screening questions on the required Health Form, and to monitor their health leading up to and during camp.
    • All camper registrants must complete a Waiver Form that will provide additional details to this effect.
    • Registrants must agree to notify camp administration (for review by the camp medical director) if they come in contact with anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, or if they experience symptoms of COVID-19 within 10 days of the start of camp.
  • Parents of campers who may have household members that are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should consider this factor when deciding to send their child to camp.
  • We will not be requiring masks to be worn at camp. Of course, anyone that feels more comfortable doing so will be allowed to do so.

Please be aware that health and operational guidelines may change over the course of the summer- we are monitoring them closely, and will keep all accepted staff, campers, and their families apprised of any changes.

In Christ,

St. Xenia Camp Directors

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