COVID-19 RESPONSE

Because we are a very small and primarily outdoor camp, we feel that we can implement safety protocol to minimize participants/coach exposure to the Covid-19 threat while continuing to offer our high quality circus experiences for kids, teens and adults. We think it is especially important this year to continue to allow kids healthy ways to move their bodies in the fresh open air as well as healthy ways for them to continue to socialize and have some sense of normalcy in this increasingly stressful world. (well our brand of "normalcy" if you can call silly, zany, bouncy, balancing and flying circus "normal").  In all seriousness, I think it is important for kids to be kids.  In addition, as parents begin to explore returning to work, they will need activities they can trust where their children can thrive. 

In response to our new challenge in 2020 we are making the following policy changes:

1. We have canceled all June Camps to give the virus time to pass through- Registrants may switch to another camp or receive a refund.

2. Social Distancing: To minimize exposure- We are limiting group "pod" sizes to 5 kids  with a maximum of 15 kids in any camp.  (Exception is Circus/Equestrian Camp which has a limit of 24 divided into small working groups). Kids/ Adults will be organized into groups according to family and friends/ ages. Participants will stay in their group throughout all activities and each group will be social distancing from other groups.  Pods will have assigned coaches, and Coaches will social distance as much as possible. Because of the nature of circus coaches will need to be close sometimes to spot kids on apparatus- when in closer than 6 ft. coaches will be wearing masks.

3. Hand sanitizer will be used between each activity and before touching any equipment.

4.Equipment will be sanitized to the best of our ability between uses.  Because we are in the sun, and it is known that the virus will die off within minutes from sun exposure, (when heat is added to the equation this time is decreased) groups will rotate onto equipment that has been left unused for at least 10 minutes.  If the sun is not cooperating we will sterilize with a UV light prior to use. On rainy days when we need to use the indoor facilities, groups will be separated into the Circus Shed. and covered space outdoors. 

5. Using a forehead thermometer (instant read via forehead, sterilized between uses) we will take the temperature of each child at drop off to be sure they are maintaining a normal body temperature.  If there are any signs of virus (sniffles, cough, rash, dizziness, lung pain, fever, upset stomach, rash, painful toes, etc.) parents will need to take the kids home, and a refund will be issued for the remained of camp. Coaches will also be monitored.

6. We will be asking parents to inform us if there are any family members are having symptoms and that children are getting minimum social exposure at home.

7. Coaches will wear masks as much as is reasonable and safe in hot and humid temperatures when within 6 feet of students.

8.Coaches will be signing contracts that assure that they are practicing safe social distancing in their lives outside of camp and good hygiene.

9. Families will be asked to sign an Covid -19 waiver addendum.

10. Families will be given a specific drop off area so that the pods can begin social distancing at the moment of top off. 

11. Bathroom will be sanitized throughout the day. Coaches will be wiping the bathroom with sanitizer between each use.

12. For families that are uncomfortable with our precautionary measures, we will be giving a full refund minus our processing fees until June 15th. 

Our Covid-19 Waiver: https://app.waiversign.com/e/5aaff2ce873e67259abe4381/doc/5cfa86a92682932de4989193?event=none

Mn Guidlines for opening: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/socialdistance.pdf

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/facilityhlthscreen.pdf

Though this is an uncertain time for all, it is especially uncertain for the most vulnerable of us- and that is our children. Though they are less vulnerable to the severe effects of this virus, they are more affected by the fear, social isolation, and lack of physical expression and movement. We are committed to giving kids a safe and fun environment to express themselves, laugh, blow off steam and reduce their stress levels.  Kids that practice using their core muscle connections have better focus. Our country setting is a wonderful place to connect with nature, breathe fresh air, soak up the sun, and frolic in the clean lake water.  Though stay at home computer camps have their place, they are no substitute for good old fashion outdoor physical exertion.

Last thoughts: courage is a learned skill and  like all skills it is strengthened through practice. What does one need more than anything in a world that is rapidly changing?- Courage!

Sherri Mann

Coach and Program Director

P.S.

FEEDING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM- Ways to optimize immune function to help the adaptive immune system get smarter, faster and stronger.

Amino Acids- All Antibodies Are Strings Of Amino Acids- Our immune system is comprised of amino acids,  therefor it is important to daily get enough protein for the building blocks to the immune system. L-glutamine is a particularly useful amino acid in that the body is able to use it to create any of the other aminos that it needs. It also promotes tissue healing and prevents overwhelming infection.  Lysine, Valine and Cysteine are needed  for immune system to make th the antibodies stick to the virus. L-Lysine in particular helps make anti-viral antibodies. Bone broths are a great and inexpensive source of amino acids. Also found in Whey and pea protein powders.

Vitamin D- modulates both innate and adaptive immune response-every white blood cell of the immune system has bit D receptors.

Zinc- Zinc chelated with arginine and glycine (aminos) help respiratory mucosa and is important to immune function.  Combining Quercetin with Zinc helps to carry the Zinc into the cells.

Vit C- Buffered, esterified or liposomal C (for easier digestion/ assimilation) important to immune function. In addition- Vit C actually breaks down cell walls of virus.

Good Gut Flora-Probiotics and probiotic yeast (saccharomyces) which make a product in the body called Beta- Glucan power up the immune system. Beta Gluten is also found in medicinal mushrooms like Reishi. Lactobacciullus Paracasei and Lactobacillus Plantarum in particular support healthy nasal, sinus and respiratory function.