A Moment with your Mission Centre President Team

7/13/2022

As we get closer to gathering together at camps again, we wanted to provide additional thoughts on our COVID guidance for in-person events. You’ll notice this is “guidance”, not rules or policies, that wording is intentional, as is the wording “Personal responsibility can look like” there are options for everyone.

As you can imagine I’m sure, there was consideration of stricter requirements, like Spectacular has chosen to have. After much consultation and discernment, we instead offered this list of many ways we can all take responsibility for protecting each other at camp. COVID is still making many people ill, and leading to death everywhere in Canada, and the last thing we want is for our gatherings to become exposure events.

In my social circles it has become common practice if one is going to a gathering with a larger group to take a rapid test that morning or the day before as tests are freely available at pharmacies, and testing gives a person confidence that they will not pose a danger to others. It’s not required, but it is a way to take personal responsibility. Testing regularly myself gives me peace of mind when I go to church on Sunday or gather with immune-compromised family members.

We trust that this list of ways to protect one another is not new, but are the kinds of things you’ve heard public health authorities advocate for, and habits you are already taking on as you prepare for any trip or larger gathering. For example, I myself wouldn’t be able to isolate before traveling because I have to go to work, but I’m vaccinated and boosted, and I can easily take a rapid test. If someone isn’t vaccinated, and can’t access testing, this list proposes that isolating is a way to protect others.

Again, these are guidelines, not rules or policies, and are intended to help you think critically and manage risk in ways that are accessible to you.

Kat, Gwyn, and I are happy to address any other concerns you have or if others you speak to raise concerns, please send them to us.

See Covid Guidance for camps & in person events