Summer 2020: How we were safe and successful
“We opened last summer because we knew in our hearts and minds that it was the right thing to do and that we could do so safely.”
-Director Rick Littlefield
Robin Hood’s 93rd consecutive season of unbroken Robin Hood proved to be remarkably successful, fun, joyful, and 100% healthy. We painstakingly tweaked every aspect of camp life to comply with the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, Maine Health Department and with input from the American Camping Association, to find ways for Robin Hood to be a joyful place for all.
This is an overview of how we reshaped our program to operate safely during Robin Hood’s 93rd season, and become one of only 10% of residential summer camps who opened in 2020.
NOTE: 2021 COVID-19 Protocol will be posted here after the Maine Department of Health releases its guidance for residential summer camps in 2021. Please call our office at 831-659-9143 or email us at robinhood@robinhoodcamp.com for more information.
Pre-Camp Preparedness
- Prior to arrival, parents were asked to pre-screen and journal their camper’s health for 14-days.
- All campers and staff were required to complete a Covid-19 diagnostic test within three days of arrival.
- Camper were asked to pack a small backpack to carry: two multi-ply washable masks, a water bottle, a container of hand-sanitizer, sanitizer wipes, bug repellent, sunscreen, a towel, comb or hairbrush.
Arrival at Camp
- We recommended parents deliver their campers to camp, if at all possible, to ensure travel goes well and safely. We offered limited airport pickups in Boston, Bangor, Portland, and Bar Harbor airports for those parents not able to travel with their children.
- When dropping off at camp, parents were required to arrive and check-in at Topnotch, the director’s home, and not drive into camp. Parents and visitors were not allowed inside camp at any time this summer.
Counselor Staff
- Counselors and staffers were required to complete a Covid-19 diagnostic test within three days of arrival.
- Counselors arrived two weeks before the first campers arrived and quarantined for the entire eight weeks they are at camp.
Camp Life
- Campers spent most of their time in a subset of less than 50 campers, which we call “neighborhoods,” among the Robin Hood community. A neighborhood will consisted of groupings of cabins by age group. Camper groups were static and campers, as much as possible, did not mingle outside their neighborhoods of 50. On the occasions the entire camp meets together, distancing will take place and masks will be worn.
- In the cabins all beds were a minimum of six feet apart.
- Daily sanitation of living spaces and making sure activity sites and equipment were wiped down and cleaned after each use was ongoing throughout the summer. Additional hand washing stations were installed throughout camp.
- The only time masks were required was when social distancing was difficult and at risk of being compromised.
Dining
- Campers washed their hands and had their temperatures taken upon entering the Dining Hall. Hand washing was supervised during entry to the Dining Hall, and when leaving the Dining Hall.
- Campers lined up six feet apart.
- Only 50 people were seated in the dining room at a time and ate with their assigned neighborhood.
- On most days, we offered outdoor seating available for dining al fresco.
- Tables and surfaces were sanitized before and after each seating.
Activities
- A hallmark of Robin Hood life has been the complete freedom for campers to choose their activities and get what they sign up for. This freedom and empowerment continued last summer as always.
- We offered a modified Trips Program. Some of the offerings were: boating out to uninhabited islands, swimming with the seals, fishing on local ponds, ocean cookouts, hikes, and beach parties.
- Our Challenge Program continued, with modifications and included the Across the Lake Swim, the Around the Lake Paddle, the 1K, 5K, and the Bagaduce River One-day Canoe Challenge.
What Parents Said
“My son was a first-year camper at Robin Hood, and he loved every minute. After the extreme isolation caused by the pandemic, my son was badly in need of everything camp had to offer: socialization, physical activity, and time outdoors. My son grew in every imaginable way at Robin Hood this past summer. His maturity, self-confidence, independence, and interests all increased dramatically during his time at Robin Hood. I’m very, very grateful.”
-Parent, New York City
“I can’t thank you enough for allowing the children to have a terrific and safe experience. My son is telling me all of the wonderful endeavors and achievements and seems so happy!”
-Parent, New York City
What Campers Said
“I’m really glad I went to Robin Hood this summer… it was even better than a normal year.”
-James, Vermont
“This was a special year for me… I was able to try a lot of new things and work harder on things I don’t usually spend that much time on. And with less people there was certainly much more personalized coaching even better than there usually is.”
-Will, New York
“I’m just very grateful that we got to stay there because it was a great way to spend the summer.”
-Cami, Florida
Email robinhood@robinhoodcamp.com