We understand that parents may be concerned about the H1N1 virus and other diseases. We believe that the best way to combat communicable illnesses is with a proactive approach.  We also believe that in doing so summer camp can be a safe activity for your children.  Below is Charis Hill’s Revised Flu Prevention Plan.   If you have any comments or suggestions feel free to leave them in the comments section.

Charis Hills Flu Prevention Plan

Charis Hills takes a proactive stance on preventing the spread of all communicable illnesses. Charis Hills asks that campers and staff arrive in good health and capable of full program participation. Each camper receives a Health Screening upon arrival to camp. Insofar as we’re able, our screening process helps us identify potential Influenza-Like illness so we can take appropriate action.

We have modified our Opening Day screening process. Everyone will be asked: “In the past week, have you had a fever over 100°F and a cough or sore throat?” People who respond with “yes” will be further assessed by an RN.
The following criteria will be used by our infirmary staff to determine Influenza-Like Illness (potential for H1N1):

• Individual has an oral temperature above 100°F and
• Individual has a cough or sore throat and
• Individual doesn’t feel well (achy, fatigued).

People who present with this cluster of symptoms will be isolated from others. We will contact parents about getting their camper home.

Charis Hills recognizes that H1N1 is contagious for 24 hours before people have symptoms; this is why Charis Hills will take the following steps to minimize the spread of all types of communicable diseases.

• We will encourage the use of personal behaviors that protect health amongst the campers and staff. These behaviors include but are not limited to: hand washing, “do it in your sleeve,” awareness of others who may be coughing/sneezing around you, maintaining personal resilience through rest, hydration and nutrition, maintaining appropriate social distances.
• Staff will be trained to recognize and refer ill campers to the infirmary for assessment.
• Hand washing facilities are provided in most activity areas and campers will be required to use them before beginning an activity. For those activities where hand washing facilities are not provided, hand sanitizer will be used.
• Hand washing before meals has long been part of the routine at Charis Hills and will continue to be.
• Objects and equipment are used by multiple people in activities will be wiped down using disposable sanitizing wipes on a regular basis.
• All beds, showers, sinks, and cabins will be thoroughly sanitized between session. Further, bathrooms and cabins are cleaned every morning as part of the routine at Charis Hills.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to call or email. (888) 681-2173

Charis Hills has used the CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services guidelines for preventing the spread of communicable diseases as our starting point for our policies. Links to these guidelines and other helpful information can be found below.

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/camp.htm

http://www.ccca.org/documents/insite/010210+brinsfield.pdf

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/txflu/splash/index.html