COVIDproof - Experience Learning

COVID-proof programs

Our intent is to provide a safe and COVID free sleep away camp, one that you can plan for, depend on, and will not be cancelled. At times you may feel these practices to be overly cautious and that’s ok, that’s the point of calling it COVID-proof! We know that we are all in this together and we all must act responsibly in order to protect ourselves and our surrounding communities. But we also recognize that now more than ever we need to provide a safe and adventurous way for people to gather – we need camp!

We will be following current CDC guidelines and American Camp Association recommendations for best practices for implementation of CDC guidance.

Outside: At the heart of our camps are nature, adventure, and being outdoors. Our guarantee is as much time spent outdoors as humanly possible. This means that regardless of the elements we will be prepared to be outside. Our high school groups are likely to spend the entire week outdoors! – Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert to participate, our knowledgeable instructors will help to get you there!

Small Groups will be maintained for the length of the camp. Campers will have very limited exposure to individuals outside of their group.

Lodging: It is our intention to be in the dorms and utilizing shared group tents again this summer. Campers will have voice and choice in choosing their tentmates (we have 1/2/3/4 person tents available). Lodging options are subject to change based on current CDC guidance. If that happens, options may include a shared cohort dorm room, group tent outdoors, personal private tent outdoors, or an open-air tarp outdoors. If staying indoors pillows and linens will be provided.

Shared van transport: We intend to run our programs in their advertised locations, accommodations may involve shifting drop off and/or pick up locations to trail heads, rather than a location that requires group shuttling. If group shuttling is required for any reason, it will be purposeful and a limited distance, face masks will be required at all times, and windows will be kept open to increase ventilation.

Food: Serving surfaces will be cleaned and sanitized before and after use. Individual serving portion items will be utilized to reduce the amount of shared food. Food will always be served by adults.

Face Masks If ever in doubt we will mandate mask wearing but currently masks are only required during van rides.

Hygiene: Each participant will carry a personal bottle of hand sanitizer for use when hand washing is not available. Shared surfaces will be sanitized regularly and avoided altogether whenever possible. Outdoor hand washing stations will be available around campus.

Socially distant spacing will be adhered to when eating and whenever else possible.

Increased sanitation procedures in all indoor spaces and bathrooms.

Borrowed gear will be cleaned and sanitized after each use and will have a mandatory rest (buffer) period of at least two days before going back into service.

Vaccinations are not required, but out of an abundance of caution are strongly encouraged. Experience Learning field staff are fully vaccinated, including the booster. There will be a question on the medical release asking whether your camper is vaccinated. This is for contact tracing purposes only.

Staff are fully vaccinated, including the booster and will follow all the same guidelines as campers.

I learned to trust myself more and not be afraid to advocate for myself. – Summer Camper, Leadership Camp
That was the best experience of high school and allowed me to flourish in my further experiences in high school. Absolutely transformed my idea of my own physical, social, and mental capabilities and made me feel much more confident!!!! I couldn’t recommend it more. ~Former Summer Camper
Mountain Stewards at Experience Learning is a fantastic week-long summer camp for kids who like the outdoors (or who WILL like the outdoors after this wonderful experience!) Stewardship of our natural resources, self-reliance, leadership, and fellowship, are all integral to this program. My daughter LOVES this camp, and that makes me a happy dad. Experience Learning also has great programs for learners of all ages. I recently completed an excellent Wilderness First Aid course at their wonderful Spruce Knob Mountain Center. Check it out! – Mark Wenzler
In this program I was able to be my own leader, which has allowed me to see the ways in which I can improve myself and the ways in which I am strong. – Summer Camper, Leadership Camp
The mountain stewards camp is a wonderful, fun, confidence and skill building experience every kid should go through! – Sandy Frank
I learned so many interesting facts about the world around us that I will definitely take with me, but I also learned how wonderful it can be to be a part of a group in which everyone gives their all and wants to have a great time no matter the challenging situations or the rainy days. – camp participant
That was the best experience of high school and allowed me to flourish in my further experiences in high school. Absolutely transformed my idea of my own physical, social, and mental capabilities and made me feel much more confident!!!! I couldn’t recommend it more. ~Former Summer Camper
The staff were terrific helping us coordinate what camp would fit us best. So patient and understanding. My daughter had a wonderful week and learned so much and made memories and friends. Great experience! – Kristin Potts

What Folks are Saying: