The health and safety of our campers has always been and remains our first priority. This summer, in light of COVID-19, the Merriwood Ranch Summer Riding Camp staff is updating these procedures extensively, informed by current recommendations from local, state and federal health officials, agencies and authorities, including CDC guidelines. At this time, we are planning to proceed with our summer camps as scheduled, beginning June 1st.
Camp Modifications to Protect Against COVID-19
Social Distancing and Crowd Limitations
- Reduction of number of campers per session
- No more than four campers per table during craft time and lunch
- Water games will be altered to simple game time to eliminate the need to change clothes during camp
- Camp staff will remind campers to remain separate
- Friday Parent Program (Traditional Camp only) will be cancelled to limit crowd size
Health Monitoring
The temperatures of all staff will be measured before entering camp. If staff exhibit a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, they will be sent home. Upon arriving at the barn, staff must wash or sanitize their hands.
Parents should monitor the health of their children and not send them to camp if they exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19. Please check your child’s temperature each morning before camp and keep your camper at home if temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.
Health Protocols for Parents
Per the State of Texas Day Camp Protocols:
- Remain in the vehicle at camper drop-off and pick-up if at all possible
- No tours of the camp at camper drop-off or pick-up
Cleaning and Sanitization
- Upon arriving at camp, campers must sanitize their hands
- Campers will wash or sanitize their hands often throughout the camp day, especially after riding, before and after craft time and before and after lunch
- All staff who engage with campers will wear cloth face coverings. Riding instructors may remove while teaching (teachers will observe proper distancing during riding time)
- High-touch door handles and restrooms will be frequently cleaned
- Bunkhouse areas will be cleaned at the end of each camp day
- Craft tables will be wiped down between each group and lunch tables cleaned each day
- All materials and supplies used in camp will be cleaned after each use
- Campers are encouraged not to share personal electronic devices. Electronic devices cannot be used during the camp day.