URJ Camp-based Overnight Programs / COVID Protocols and FAQs
Updated March 2022
We are excited to be planning for in-person URJ camp-based overnight programs for 2022! The health and wellbeing of our participants has always been and will remain our top priority as we work to open these events. Together, we can take the necessary actions to balance our needs for connection and community with the ongoing reality of the pandemic.
As we consider every aspect of our program and operation, we have created the following FAQs to answer some of the questions you may have. We will continue to update this information as needed. This information is based on what we know today. We are deeply committed to open, ongoing, and honest communication with our congregations and event attendees.
Based on your current planning, what COVID-19 mitigation protocols will be in place?
Prior to the event:
- Vaccines REQUIRED: We will require ALL participants, staff, and adults to have completed the full COVID vaccination schedule that they are age-eligible for (CDC defines this as being “up to date”). Everyone on-site for the event will be required to upload their vaccination information as part of registration. You can read our full vaccination policy.
- Signed COVID Brit REQUIRED, please carefully review, sign and upload the COVID Brit. Consider this an expression of our Jewish value of Pikuach Nefesh, the protection and preservation of human life.
Travel / Arrival: a negative rapid Antigen test is required immediately prior to the program, and negative results must be uploaded as part of registration. It is strongly recommended that you do an at-home rapid test prior to traveling to the programs, as well.
- For those traveling by car: on-site rapid testing will be done upon arrival.
- For those traveling by bus: rapid testing will be done immediately prior to boarding the bus.
- For those traveling by airplane: a negative rapid Antigen test is required immediately prior to air travel (within 24 hours).
- Guidelines for air travel: Please use caution when travelling through airports – always wear a high filtration mask (N95/KN95/KN94-level) and maintain diligent hand hygiene.
On-Site Requirements:
- Masking:Masks will be optional for programs in which the catchment areas for participants and staff are in GREEN/LOW and YELLOW/MEDIUM risk CDC Communities (Program staff will use this CDC tool to assess: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html). Masks will be required if there are staff or participants coming from RED/HIGH risk counties.
- Sleeping and eating groups will be kept consistent as much as possible to limit exposures within the participant group IF there are staff or participants coming from RED/HIGH risk counties.
- Hygiene: Encouraging and making time for frequent hand washing/sanitizing
- Informing participants of and encouraging best practices to mitigate the spread of COVID-19
- Participants MUST communicate to program staff if they develop any COVID symptoms during the event (as described in the COVID Brit).
We know that the best practices surrounding COVID-19 are continually changing. We will evaluate our policies and practices as the COVID-19 landscape evolves. Our protocols and guidelines will always be subject to change based on the latest guidelines from health experts, state and local protocols, and other health authorities.
Will vaccines be required to attend?
Yes. We will require ALL participants, staff, and adults to have completed the full COVID vaccination schedule that they are age-eligible for (CDC defines this as being “up to date”). Everyone on-site for the event will be required to upload their vaccination information as part of registration. You can read our full vaccination policy. Please note, this is the policy for the Spring 2022 weekend programs but does not define future URJ policies.
Yes, there are exceptions to the URJ vaccination policy, and they are rare. There are exceedingly rare circumstances where vaccination is contraindicated for bona fide medical reasons. Individuals who have had a documented allergy or severe adverse reaction to the usual childhood vaccination series might not be able to complete the specific immunization schedule outlined above. Additionally, individuals who are relatively immunodeficient (for example, people living with cancer or who are receiving chemotherapy, transplant recipients, and people receiving immunosuppressive drugs) may not be able to receive certain vaccines. In these extremely rare circumstances, current documentation from a licensed Physician (MD or DO), or a Pediatric/Family Practice Advanced Practice Nurse (ARNP or PNP) not related to the individual, describing the condition that prevented immunization, must be furnished to URJ Camps or Israel Programs medical advisory team. We will review these very rare situations on a case-by-case basis to determine if that individual can safely participate.
Will masking be required?
Masks will be optional for overnight programs in which the catchment areas for participants and staff are in GREEN/LOW and YELLOW/MEDIUM risk CDC Communities (using this tool to assess: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html). Masks will be required if there are staff or participants coming from RED/HIGH risk counties. IF masks are required, they must be worn indoors except when dining, bathing, and in sleeping rooms, and outdoors when physical distancing of 6 feet is not possible. All participants must wear a high filtration mask (N95/KN95/KN94-level). Participants must bring 3 high filtration masks/day and extras.
Community Level Risk will be assessed 3 days prior to the program start date.
Will COVID-19 testing be required?
A negative on-site rapid test upon arrival at the program OR upon boarding the bus taken directly to the program OR prior to air travel to the program is required. These negative test results must be uploaded as part of registration.
We strongly encourage you to self-administer an at-home rapid Antigen Test (available without a prescription at most pharmacies) prior to traveling to the event.
What if I recently tested positive for COVID and just finished my 5 days of isolation?
Participants are required to test negative on a rapid antigen COVID test upon arrival at the event, prior to boarding a bus to the event, or prior to air travel to the event. If you’ve completed your 5 days of isolation after a COVID infection AND test negative on a rapid antigen test, you will be able to attend. If you’ve completed your 5 days of isolation after a COVID infection AND still test positive on a rapid antigen test, you will not be able to attend.
What happens if the URJ cancels events due to COVID-19?
We will remain nimble and responsive to the ever-evolving standards and protocols and will adapt accordingly. If, however, the URJ is unable or elects not to run the program due to government regulations or if the URJ chooses not to open at its own discretion, you will receive a full program fee refund, including the deposit, without penalty.
What happens if a family/student registers and then decides to cancel because they are no longer comfortable attending?
We offer families the opportunity to purchase trip insurance to protect their investment. If a program is running but a family chooses to cancel, our normal cancellation policies will apply.
What happens if a teen has a positive rapid COVID test onsite?
We have several mitigation tools in place to prevent this situation from occurring (rapid antigen testing upon on-site arrival/bus boarding/pre-air travel, staying home if symptomatic, recommended rapid antigen test at home prior to travel, and COVID Brit). However, if this situation arises, arrangements will be made in collaboration with the specific family involved to best facilitate the health and wellbeing of all program participants, in accordance with local, state, and URJ COVID policies. The Program Staff will be in communication with the participant and their parent/guardian to make logistical arrangements for the swift retrieval of the COVID+ participant. While waiting to be picked up, the COVID+ participant will be isolated and provided as much support as possible. All participants should prepare a plan in case of this scenario. If needed, the plan can include a local adult who is not a parent/guardian, with parent permission. This person’s name must be recorded on the Brit.
How do you decide what guidelines are needed for these events?
An experienced team of URJ staff is overseeing the development of COVID guidance for URJ programs. They work with our URJ Medical Advisory Team who have expertise and specialization in public health and infectious diseases. These teams are working closely with the program staff to develop guidelines and protocols appropriate for these events.