June 9th, 2020
Dear Kroka Community,
The following protocols are proposed for summer 2020 in accordance with the NH Governor’s Office Committee on Reopening the Economy and in consultation with similar plans from our neighboring states of VT, ME, and MA. Policies were drafted by Leadership Council with input from the community and reviewed by Kroka’s Risk Management Committee. As the season progresses and the situation continues to unfold, we will continue to revise these policies. Our strongest wish is to be a place for children to experience the fullness of human connection, spend time in nature, and return to a sense of normalcy at Kroka this summer. We welcome your feedback and questions.
We will reduce summer programs to 8 students and 2 instructors to stay within the 10-person maximum group size
Families will be asked to follow shelter in place guidelines and document family activity for 14 days prior to arriving at Kroka, including a daily temperature check. A staff member will contact you the week before your program to conduct pre-arrival screening
All participants must be tested for Covid-19 within 7 days of your program start. You must have test results back, and test negative, before you arrive at Kroka. In addition, we will be conducting a second test on the day of the student’s arrival. This is a requirement by the state of NH for operation during the summer of 2020. We are working with our medical director and camp nurse to procure the least invasive testing that still meets state guidelines
Families arriving to Kroka are expected to follow strict travel protocols during their trip here that eliminates contact with the public and emphasizes direct home-to-Kroka transportation
We will eliminate large gatherings at program start and end. Abridged drop-offs and pick-ups will be staged to keep distance between families, and masks will be used during opening and closings to protect our staff and the families attending. Masks will not be required during any program sessions
We will implement health screening upon intake. Students arriving to Kroka will undergo health screening including a COVID-19 test and a temperature check. We are working with our camp nurse to ensure this process is as easy and comfortable for students as possible!
All students will be trained in Kroka’s on-campus hygiene protocols upon arrival, which includes daily health checks and rigorous and frequent hand washing, as well as creating a culture of health and hygiene on the program
All restrooms on campus will be disinfected after each use and each group will be assigned a separate restroom facility
Sleeping arrangements will be modified to maintain 6ft distance between students. Group gathering practices will be modified to increase distance between students during meals and group circles
Vehicles will be disinfected after each use and between programs. Students will be spaced out within the vehicle when possible to reduce close contact in an enclosed space
Students or staff who show symptoms of COVID-19 on Kroka programs will be immediately evacuated from the field for testing. Students who test positive will be dismissed from the program. A designated campus space will be reserved for quarantine of symptomatic students and/or staff
Protocols will be reviewed weekly and modified as necessary following CDC and/or NH state or federal recommendations and regulations.
Changes to Cancellation Policy
We have adjusted our cancellation policies for SUMMER PROGRAMS. During the summer, if you need to cancel due to family illness, or if state or federal travel restrictions prohibit travel to Kroka, we will offer a full refund. Cancellations not related to COVID-19 will be subject to our existing policies.
PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS Revised Registration and Refund Policy: If you are registering for a school program between April 1st and August 31st, 2020, Kroka Expeditions is requiring a flat deposit of $500, with remaining payments due 30 days prior to the start of the program. If the program is cancelled due to Covid-19 federal or state restrictions, we will fully refund your deposit minus a $150 administrative fee. If you are able to reschedule your program for the following season, all money will be transferred without penalty.
Campus updates: Our walking trails remain open to the public and we encourage you to enjoy nature and be outdoors. Park at the Trailhead Parking Lot to use the trails. All indoor spaces are presently closed. Please call ahead if you wish to visit the farmstand.
We believe that the best way to confront a crisis is in the presence of supportive and nurturing community! We believe that if we are resilient and diligent, we will come out of the current moment stronger. We will continue to take all necessary precautions and stay up to date on recommendations from our public health officials and our community. Our hearts go out to the families that have been most heavily impacted. If you have any concerns or would like to speak with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
With warm thoughts and visions for the positive future,
Kroka Leadership Council
Be like a bird, who
Halting in her flight
On a limb too slight
Feels it giving way beneath her
Yet sings, sings knowing she has wings
Yet sings, sings knowing she has wings
– Victor Hugo
