Camp de Benneville Pines prides itself by being ready for most types of emergencies.  We will help everyone out in the face of this latest Worldwide situation called the coronavirus by being flexible.  We will help the deans, leaders, and sponsors of upcoming events in April to make the best of this worrisome issue by allowing them to make their own decisions and if those decisions involve cancellation, then reimbursement of deposits and registrations fees will be made in a timely manner.  At the same time, we encourage everyone who has flu like symptoms or who have been exposed to any virus to stay home, and we will reimburse you for the event fees you have already paid.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?  The most common early symptoms appear between two and 14 days after being infected.  These symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath.  The symptoms range from mild to severe.

How does the virus spread?  Like many other viruses, the coronavirus seems to spread from person-to-person through a cough, sneeze or kiss.

How can you protect yourself?  The most effective way to protect yourself from the new coronavirus is frequent hand washing and overall good hygiene.  An alcohol-based sanitizer is a good substitute when soap, water, and a sink are not immediately available.  Other good habits to practice include covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze.  Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth unless you wash your hands before and after.  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Prepare and deal with the coronavirus as though it is a particularly bad flu season.  The coronavirus appears to be 2 to 3 times more contagious than the flu. Yes, you should worry versus no, you shouldn’t worry—the situation is changing shape daily so we aren’t sure where or how it will end up.  And more people die from regular flu, but coronavirus seems to get more people sicker.  Your family may not be in the most vulnerable group so you will probably be fine; we just don’t know how far the virus will spread.  To me, being overly prepared to run a safe and healthy retreat is our best bet for keeping our community safe from all viruses.  And your good planning will result in positive experiences for all campers.

Like all emergency planning, when it is quiet and calm you plan.  You try to keep the emergency from happening in the first place.  You train people on how to respond.  You have policies and procedures in place to deal with all types of emergencies.  When it is not quiet, you respond with what you have.  Camp de Benneville Pines is prepared to handle general medical emergencies, but we ask everyone to use their common sense and develop personal guidelines to prevent an emergency illness at camp.  Ask all “feeling sick” campers to stay home!

Camp de Benneville Pines is here to nourish your lives, we are here for you and will be flexible with your needs.

Thank you for your support,

In Faith,

Dale Botts

Camp de Benneville Pines, President of the Board of Directors, president@uucamp.org