While we have yet to determine our COVID protocols for 2023 — including any vaccination and/or testing requirements — we thought it would be helpful to share what we did last summer. It was an wonderful, and a healthy, camp season and we appreciate all of the support and partnership we received from our camp families!

Vaccination Requirements

After our successful experience re-opening camp in 2021 and in consultation with with our medical team, we required all 2022 campers and staff to be fully vaccinated, including boosters for those who are eligible. This requirement was a key ingredient in our approach to another healthy and fun-filled season.

Testing Requirements

All campers were required to get two COVID tests prior to their arrival at camp. The first was required to be a full PCR test, administered within 3 days of the camp start date. (Campers who present medical documentation of a positive COVID diagnosis within 90 days were exempt from this first PCR test.) The second test was required to be taken within 24 hours of arrival. For that second test, we recommended a “rapid-result PCR”. If families were unable to access a rapid PCR, they could opt for an antigen test. In any case, both tests (3 days prior and 24 hours prior) needed to be “proctored” — in other words, administered by a pharmacy, urgent care center or health care facility. Documented results from an established testing center were mandatory; home tests were not accepted.

Required Packing List Addition: 2 Rapid Antigen Tests & Masks

To ensure ample testing capacity at camp, we asked each camper to pack and send ahead to camp (with their camp baggage) two at-home COVID rapid antigen tests. Examples of these tests were BinaxNOW, BD Veritor and Flowflex. Families also sent 10 K-95 or KN-95 face masks or 50 (1 box) disposable surgical face masks. While masking was not a part of our routine at camp, it was important that campers had access to them in case they were needed.

Travel To and From Camp

To-Camp Transportation – We provided opening day transportation from the New York and Boston areas, as well as from Boston Logan Airport. Campers did wear masks on the buses. Alternatively, parents could drop their campers off at Akeela.

From-Camp Transportation & Pick-Up / “Visiting Day” – We provided optional transportation (for a nominal fee) to Tarrytown, NY and Boston Logan Airport. We also returned to our tradition of welcoming families to camp on the closing day of their session to pick up their campers. That morning was a wonderful chance to tour camp, meet friends and counselors, see a camp activity in action, and have a “Visiting Day” experience.

We will update this page accordingly and of course share final policies and procedures with our camp families closer to the beginning of summer 2023. Last update: February 7, 2023