Running programs fully outdoors means planning for severe weather and environmental policies. Read below for detailed plans about poor air quality, extreme heat, and poor water quality.
Air Quality
There may be times during programming where wildfires impact air quality. Avid4 Adventure’s AQI guidelines to assess outdoor program feasibility during times of poor air quality are below.
Current program decisions are emailed to families daily by 8am.
In areas of concern, we monitor the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Air Quality Index (AQI).
- AQI below 100 (Good to Moderate) outdoor programming will run without modifications to activities.
- AQI between 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) outdoor camp activities will run with modifications to include additional rest and water breaks and reduced cardiovascular activity. Any camper that expresses difficulty breathing will be given a chance to rest and parents will be informed and may be asked to pick their camper up early. Campers that have existing medical conditions like asthma are advised to stay home (Day Camps) or refrain from physical exertion (Overnight Camps).
- AQI above 150 (Unhealthy to Hazardous) could result in a cancellation of outdoor activities and moving camp indoors, when possible. Indoor camp programming will be a combination of games, teambuilding activities, art, etc.
Avid4 Adventure programs do not occur at one singular location; camp groups are spread out at various recreation areas. Air quality can differ dramatically between these areas and vary hour by hour. Therefore, we will be adjusting in real time, on a group by group basis.
Avid4 Adventure does not offer a refund or credit if a day of camp needs to be altered due to air quality or if a camper opts out of attending due to poor air quality.
*Policy subject to change based on public health recommendations.
Extreme Heat
The vast majority of activities at Avid4 Adventure take place outside and our instructors will need to be cognizant of the changing weather and temperatures. There may be times where temperatures are deemed much higher than those normally expected. When an area is experiencing extreme heat for that area, program decisions are emailed to families daily by 8am for Day Camps and as-needed for Overnight Camps. Camp Directors & Managers will assess predicted temperatures prior to the start of the camp week and by 7am the morning of the program and ongoing as needed. Programmatic decisions will be made in coordination with the Camp Director, Manager and VP/CPO/CEO.
Below is our plan for extreme heat waves.
- Campers will continue with their outdoor activities. Times, locations and activities may be modified in order to keep campers cool, prioritize shade and to participate in less strenuous activities.
- For example, can a biking group be switched to hiking? Can all groups paddle?
- As recommended by local authorities, outdoor activity time may be limited to reduce the overall time that campers spend in the heat. When possible, Avid4 Adventure may move groups indoors. Indoor camp programming will be a combination of games, teambuilding activities, art, etc. For Expedition Camps, indoor programming could involve transporting campers to indoor rec options, such as a rec center, bowling alley, etc.
- Where applicable, groups will be outfitted with shade tarps, spray bottles and large water containers for water bottle refills. Water play will be encouraged.
- Parents should ensure children are well hydrated prior to camp. Campers should come to camp with a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sun protective clothing (light colors, lightweight & loose fitting clothing), at least 2 water bottles with ice, extra snacks & electrolytes.
- Instructors will modify the day’s activities and will not expect the same level of activity output from campers. Instructors will prioritize keeping kids cool and hydrated. There will be extra breaks during the day to hydrate, eat & rest.
- Instructors are trained to monitor all group members for the signs and symptoms of heat illness.
Avid4 Adventure does not offer a refund or credit if a day of camp needs to be altered or a camper opts out due to excessively high temperatures.
Poor Water Quality
Avid4 Adventure participates in many water activities on lakes, rivers, bays and the ocean. Avid4 maintains relationships with land managers and local health departments to understand their testing cadence and recommendations for these bodies of water. Due to changing environmental conditions, there are times when the water quality may be poor due to elevated levels of e. coli or algae. Program decisions are emailed to families daily by 8am for Day Camps and as-needed for Overnight Camps. Programmatic decisions will be made in coordination with the Camp Director, Manager, and VP/ CPO/CEO.
- It is important to note that people become infected with e. coli or blue-green algae by swallowing contaminated water, not from skin coming into contact with contaminated water.
- If local authorities recommend that the water is unsafe for swimming, Avid4 Adventure will continue with water based activities but will keep campers and staff in their crafts and will minimize contact with the water. For example, a kayaking group will still kayak, but will not jump in the water, swim, practice rescues, etc.
- If recommended, instructors will assist campers to rinse their arms, legs & feet with fresh water after their activity.
- If possible, Avid4 can change the type of craft, particularly for our youngest campers, to minimize contact with the water. For example, instead of Stand Up Paddleboarding, the group might kayak.
- If local authorities recommend that people should not come into contact with the water, Avid4 Adventure will make best efforts to change the location of the water based activity. This is highly location dependent.
- If Avid4 Adventure is unable to change the location of the water activity, the group will do an alternate land based activity.
Avid4 Adventure does not offer a refund or credit if a day of camp needs to be altered or if a camper opts out of attending due to poor water quality.