May 20 Camp Update

The Gundalow staff and crew have spent the last few weeks carefully assessing, planning, and modifying our camp program based on current state and local recommendations.  Our goal is to provide a safe camp program that gets campers outside to experience our rivers. The nature of our camps provide some opportunities as well as challenges for running camp this summer.  As of May 20, we are planning to run a modified camp program with some cancellations of specific programs.  We are still waiting to hear guidelines from the state on day camps and we may still need to further cancel or change our program based on new information or orders from the Governor.   Thank you for your patience as we try to navigate these challenges.

Below is specific information about some program modifications, safety concerns, expectations, refund procedures, and some cancellations.  We are sorry for any inconvenience these changes may cause to your family and fully understand the frustration and uncertainty of trying to make plans during this time.  If a change/cancellation was made to your campers program we will be contacting you directly in another email with next steps, or if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to email me directly (Gretchen – education@gundalow.org).  We will send additional updates on camp programs as soon as possible and continue to update all programs on the website.

Changes and Cancellations – Unless listed below, your camp program is scheduled to run.  Please see our refund procedure below if your program was cancelled.

• (June 22-26) Maritime Heritage Camps with Strawbery Banke Museums including All Hands on Deck and Anchors Away are cancelled. 
• Crew for a Day programs have been cancelled.
• Horseshoe Crab River Rats Camp are cancelled.  We do not feel we can safely maintain social distancing with our youngest campers near the water.
• Camps with the Boatshop at Strawbery Banke Museum are cancelled, due to the enclosed nature of the boatshop and the shared equipment (see more here) We are able to offer our Bosuns and Boatbuilders and Captains and Carpentry the option of switching to a full day Gundalow Camp.  Further information will be emailed directly to campers in these programs.
• Art at the Wentworth Coolidge Mansion Camps are cancelled.  If your camper is registered for Art at the Water’s Edge there is an option to switch to a full day Gundalow Company Camp.  Further information will be emailed directly to campers in these programs.
• Rivers to the Sea with 7 Rivers Kayaking is cancelled.  Campers have the option to switch to a Gundalow Company camp or can sign up directly for a program though 7 Rivers Paddling.  Further information will be emailed directly to campers in this program.
• Aftercare – it is likely that we will need to cancel or adjust our aftercare program based on recommendations from the state.  We need a minimum of 2 campers from each camp group to run aftercare as we can’t combine our camp groups as we normally do.  If you are not signed up for aftercare, but plan to, please let me know or you can register on our website to help us better plan and decide which aftercare programs we may be able to operate.
• At this time all other programs will run with some adjustments including large groups divided into smaller groups.  I will be contacting each camp group directly before I divide groups up so try to keep friends and siblings together.  Please read below to further understand some of these changes.

What to Expect at Camp this Summer 

Please note that while we hope and plan to operate camp, the camp experience will be different than in the past.  We are confident that we can still offer a wonderful camp program but want to help prepare our campers and families for a slightly modified camp experience. We will still get out on the water, play games, and explore the outdoors. Here are some of the changes you can expect:

• Camp groups will be divided into smaller sections led by the same 2 camp staff for the entire week. Groups will not interact with each other during the week.
• Campers will be asked to social distance during camp as much as possible and indoor time will be limited.
• Time on the gundalow may be limited to 1-2 sails per week.
• Some activities including group projects, riding in our small motorboats, and other activities may be limited.

Camp Safety  

Before the start of camp, we will be sending out specific guidelines and requirements to help keep our campers and staff safe.  Here are a list of some of the current modifications we will make related to camper safety:

• Upon arrival at camp, parents will be asked to remain in their car and camp staff will meet campers, conduct a brief health screening and welcome them to camp. 
• Daily Health Screenings on children will be done in keeping with the most recent

recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC. These will be done

before the parents/guardians leave, and in cooperation with the parent or guardian –

anyone deemed not healthy will be sent home

• Any camper who is sick for any reason is asked not to come to camp and should report this to Gundalow Company staff immediately.  Tuition will still be charged if you are out for illness for yourself or a family member
• In the event of a Covid-19 diagnosis of any campers, family members of campers, or staff, camp will be closed immediately for at least 24 hours
• Campers will be required to wear masks during certain times at camp when we are unable to maintain social distancing.
• Campers will be asked to keep their personal belongings in a specific space during camp.  Lifejackets and other gear will be designated to a specific camper for the entire week.
• In the event of bad weather, camp will be cancelled for the day.  
• All common touch surfaces will be disinfected throughout the day by Gundalow Company staff.
• Campers will be asked to apply their own sunscreen and bug spray and frequently wash and disinfect their hands.
• Any camper travelling from a high risk area such as Boston, on public transportation, or from another high risk environment must observe CDC guidelines for a 14 day quarantine prior to the start of camp.
• All policies are subject to change based on current state guidelines and evolving pandemic information.

Refund Procedure

As a non-profit the Gundalow Company has taken a financial loss this year due to the cancellation of programs and the modifications of other programs.  We are currently offering full refunds up to 1 month prior to the start of camp. After that we are unable to offer a refund unless we are the ones to cancel camp as we need to commit to training and paying our seasonal staff.  

If you are selecting to withdraw your camper from a program, please email me with your camper’s name, the program they were registered for, and how you want me to process your camp payment.  Your options are:

• Full refund to your credit card – please allow up to 10 days for this to process.
• We can hold your camp payment until 2021 (this will allow you first choice for camps for next year at the same time that registration opens for members).
• Switch to another open Gundalow Company camp this summer.
• Partial or full donation – we are grateful for any donation at this time. This money will go directly toward supporting our crew and staff and helping us keep the organization running through this crisis.  We believe in our mission and the importance of protecting the Piscataqua Region’s maritime heritage and environment through education and action.   The CARES Act passed in April by Congress has authorized up to a $300 Universal Charitable Deduction in 2020 for taxpayers who don’t itemize on their tax returns and donations made to the Gundalow Company will qualify for this deduction.

Please look for additional emails in the coming days about your specific camp programs.  Thanks for your understanding and patience and we look forward to seeing you all in the future.