Updated Vaccination Policy
Camp Chi was able to run a safe, successful, and COVID-free summer in 2021 in large part due to following very stringent policies, relying heavily on masking and distancing, and making significant changes to the programs at camp. We are very proud that we had zero positive COVID tests last summer and are planning to continue that trend in 2022.
Since last summer, vaccines have become available for anyone over the age of five years old. After careful consideration, in consult with our Health Task Force and with the support of JCC Chicago, we are joining with many of our fellow camps and organizations in instituting a vaccine mandate for all campers and staff for Summer 2022. Our updated vaccine policy requires everyone at camp to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which is defined as two weeks after receiving their second shot of a 2-dose vaccine, or after the one shot of a single dose vaccine.
JCC Chicago and Camp Chi have long required many common vaccines to protect the health of our camp community. We are deeply committed to limiting the spread and severity of COVID-19, and we’ve added the COVID-19 vaccine to our list of required vaccinations. We do not take a decision such as this lightly. In fact, we made it with the best interest of our community in mind and the advice of medical experts.
By requiring everyone to be vaccinated, we hope to run a safe and healthy summer once again for everyone while restoring the programmatic structure that is at the heart of a summer at Camp Chi. By having a fully vaccinated camp community, we anticipate reducing or eliminating early quarantine procedures, daily masking, multiple testing requirements and other Summer 2021 protocols. While masking and testing may still be required at times, our hope is to at least reduce the frequency with this updated policy. We will also be able to have fully vaccinated guests join us to help with staff training, operations, and programming.
As camp approaches, we will continue to update our plans, policies, and procedures at the recommendation of the CDC, Local and State Health Departments, American Camp Association (ACA), and our own Medical Advisory committee. All campers and staff will be required to upload vaccination cards to their CampInTouch account. Please note that, like our existing vaccination policy, medical exemptions will be considered with a letter from a licensed physician.
Any family that is already registered for 2022 and no longer wants to participate in Camp Chi Summer 2022 due to the updated vaccine policy can receive a full refund if you notify our office by email at info@campchi.com no later than January 15, 2022. After January 15, 2022, the current cancellation and refund policies listed on our website will apply.
Thank you for your support in ensuring a safe, healthy, and meaningful Camp Chi summer for all.