​General Health and Safety Protocols involving Children
All Camps (summer, RE/Bible, Theater, Art, etc.), Mission Trips, Athletics

These apply to all archdiocesan, agency, parish and school activities unless otherwise noted.

It is no longer necessary to maintain a cohort model for any youth programming.

Masks
  • All indoor activities require the use of masks by all participants (e.g. children, staff, volunteers), regardless of vaccination status.
  • Masks are not necessary for outdoor activities.

Physical Distancing
  • When possible, non-vaccinated participants should observe distancing of 3 ft.

Cleaning – minimum requirements include:
  • Clean high-traffic areas and surfaces twice per day with a surface-appropriate, soap/detergent-based cleaning solution or disinfectant.
  • Clean immediately with disinfectants when there has been a suspected or confirmed virus case in the past 24-hour period.
  • Disinfectant cleaners, although not necessary, are safe to use as part of a regular cleaning program, if so desired. 
  • Open windows and doors (both external and internal, as appropriate) to maintain ventilation.
  • Ensure hand sanitizing stations and signage are present at all areas used for summer activities.

Food and beverage
  • Snacks and drinks distributed to campers or students should be individually packaged.
  • Individual lunches and snacks may also be brought from home by participants.
  • Buffets and sharing of food are prohibited (note: these are prohibited in the context of summer activities for youth; they are permitted for larger parish-wide events involving adults and families).

“Wellness checks” are no longer required.
  • Families participating in any activities must understand their responsibilities in keeping children and employees safe, including prompt reporting of any known or suspected COVID-positive cases.​

Oversight and Operations for Activities Registration
  • All participants must register for summer activities in advance. Such registration must include a standard liability waiver (provided by the school or any/all third-party vendors).

  • For school-specific activities, summer activities may include students who are not formally enrolled at the school, in addition to current and new students.
  • Registration must include emergency contact information for each student.
  • Participating families should sign an agreement indicating their willingness to understand and follow COVID protocols during summer activities, and to notify the parish or school of any/all known or suspect COVID cases.

Third-Party Vendors
  • Some parishes and schools utilize third-party vendors to operate their summer activities. In engaging with such vendors, parishes and schools must sign a written agreement or contract that has been vetted by the Office of Legal Services of the Archdiocese.
  • Third-Party vendors operating parish/school summer activities must pledge to follow all health and safety requirements. Vendors must understand their role in ensuring that such requirements are followed by all participants (students, vendor employees, volunteers).
  • Vendors must alert the principal or pastor immediately if a participant tests positive for COVID or becomes symptomatic, or of any known or suspected COVID cases involving the vendor’s employees who have worked in the school building within a two-week period.


COVID Reporting Protocols
  • Parishes and schools (and third-party vendors, when applicable) must:
  • file a COVID Infection Form (parishes form and schools form) to report any/all known or suspected COVID cases.
  • follow the protocols outlined by the Archdiocesan case managers when addressing a known or suspected COVID-positive case in a camp/school/activity setting this summer.

Activity-Specific Guidance

Athletic Activities
  • Parishes and schools may opt to offer athletic activities, including (but not limited to) such activities as sports camps, summer sports teams, etc.

Non-Athletic Activities
  • Parishes and schools may offer non-athletic activities at the school (e.g. chess, robotics, drama, etc.).
  • Conduct activities outside when safe and practical. Remember: inside activities require masks; outside activities do not.

Field Trips
  • These are permitted. All health and safety guidance protocols apply to any field trip sponsored by any archdiocesan agency, parish or school. Use of buses is allowed to transport participants; masks are to be worn by all taking group transportation.

Mission Trips
  • Overnight mission trips require that all participants (and organizers accompanying the group) be fully vaccinated due to the overnight residential nature of the mission trips. Participants who can provide proof they have had COVID and recovered within the past 90 days of the departure of the overnight Mission Trip would be allowed to participate.
  • Day-only mission trips do not require that all participants be vaccinated.
We are certified by the Archdiocese of Chicago for reopening.