One challenge this summer is that the process of reopening is determined by the state and will come in several phases without a set time-frame. Virginia’s governor has announced that we will be in “Phase 1” of the reopening process starting on Friday, May 15, but it is still unknown at this point how long this phase will last. Phase 2 may come in June or later, and phase 3 perhaps not until mid to late summer. This uncertainty is not ideal, but it will be much easier to be flexible with family experiences than it would be with a regular summer camp session that involves many staff and campers from different households and various geographical locations.
 
Still, while we don’t know precisely when we can offer different family experiences, we can start planning what those experiences might look like in each phase of reopening.
Would you and your family be interested in participating in one of the following Highland experiences?

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* 1. A getaway or retreat for your immediate family, with limited or no contact with others. Activities that you and your family can do independently would be available. (This option available starting in Phase 1)

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* 2. A gathering with a few other families, using recommended physical distancing precautions. A variety of family activities would be available, including ones with staff involvement, such as the pool. (This option available starting in Phase 2)

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* 3. Larger gatherings with many families, using recommended physical distancing precautions. A variety of family and group activities would be available, such as campfire sing-alongs and group games. (This option available starting in Phase 3)

Each phase of reopening comes with its own set of limitations and requirements to ensure people’s safety, and Highland will be closely following the recommendations of the state health department and the CDC. These safety precautions will include:

  • Encouraging all individuals to maintain good hygiene practices (handwashing, etc.).
  • Requiring that people stay home if they are symptomatic or have potentially been exposed to the virus. 
  • Maintaining the recommended requirements for physical distancing and maximum group sizes.
  • Regularly sanitizing shared facilities and equipment.

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* 4. Are there other measures that you want to make sure we are considering or that would make you feel safe coming to Highland?

With COVID-19 cancelling many of our usual summer events, Highland will be able to serve families in ways that have not been possible in previous summers. Individual family groups are invited to spend time at Highland to relax in the natural world beyond their own home, find a welcome change of pace, and enjoy a variety of fun camp activities. We hope you will take advantage of the opportunities in this unique summer!

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* 5. If your family would enjoy a family outing at Highland this summer, what type of stay would you be interested in? Select all that apply.

We recognize that COVID-19 has impacted families in many ways, including financially, so we want to offer all of Highland’s wide variety of lodging options in order to meet various budgets. Please also note that families who spend part of their time supporting Highland through a volunteer project may be eligible for free or reduced-rate lodging.

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* 6. If your family would stay at Highland overnight, what type of accommodation would you be interested in? Select all that apply.

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* 7. If your family would spend time at Highland, what level of food/meal service would you be interested in? Select all that apply.

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* 8. If Highland were to provide meals for your family, what type of service would you be interested in? Select all that apply.

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* 9. There are many possibilities for family activities at Highland; the list below includes some activities that we are considering. Which of these activities would your family be interested in? Select all that apply.

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* 10. Are there other activities that we should consider? Especially note any activity that your family most closely associates with the essence of a Highland Summer Camp experience.

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* 11. Would you be willing to pay a small programming fee for activities that involve special supplies or the involvement of Highland staff?

Some family activities could be part of a friendly competition that we would call Highland’s 2020 Family Olympics! The “Olympic events” would be prepared by Highland staff and would cover as wide a range of camp activities as we can manage – in other words, we’d offer creative and mental challenges along with physical ones. Families would be able to try out events that interest them and turn in their results, with the best scores at the end of the summer winning bragging rights (and perhaps a small prize).

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* 12. Does this "Family Olympics" activity sound like something you and your family would enjoy?

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* 13. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. We hope it was informative, and that you can imagine spending time at Highland as a family in the near future. If you have any further suggestions, questions, affirmation, etc., please let us know here!

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