Summer Camps and Similar Activities

Running a successful summer program involves many different aspects, including fun games, meals, adventures and above all, a healthy and safe environment. NETCHD would like to take this opportunity to share with you some information that will help ensure a successful summer program season. 

Adopt a Written COVID-19 Procedure

Use the guidance document from Washington State Department of Health's COVID-19 Guidance for Overnight Group Summer Camps and Similar Activities to develop your procedure. Areas to customize for your organization are: 

  • Contact information for the site-specific COVID-19 supervisor designated to monitor and enforce the plan
  • Policy for responding to known or suspected COVID-19 cases (camper and/or staff), including appropriate isolation and quarantine facilities
  • Process for notifying Northeast Tri County Health District of positive cases
  • Process for notifying close contacts of positive cases
  • Process for staff and camper screening prior to arrival and while at camp
  • Address locations and situations where masks will be required within camp
  • Utilization of COVID testing at camp
  • How COVID vaccinations will factor into camp
  • How indoor ventilation will be maximized
  • Protocol for cleaning and sanitizing 
  • Availability of hand washing facilities and supplies and camp’s hand hygiene processes

Safety Regulations for Summer Camps and Similar Activities

Camp Regulations: WAC 246-376 specifies many duties that the Camp Director needs to oversee to ensure a safe camp, including complying with state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations include provisions about levels of supervision, sanitation facilities, and sleeping/living quarters. 

In addition to the camp rules, here are some other rules that may apply to the camp. 

For questions regarding any rules and regulations for the above provisions please contact NETCHD's Environmental Health Department at 509-684-2262, Option #2 or email ehmail@netchd.org.