Sunset Lake COVID-19 Policies

Retreat Season 2021/2022

Introduction

Sunset Lake is excited to welcome your group to our facility. Your health and safety are our top priorities. We follow CDC, Washington State and Pierce County Health Department COVID guidelines. Our specific guidelines will change as these agencies update their recommendations and mandates.

After consultation with the Governor’s office and the Pierce County Health Department, Sunset Lake is pleased to be able to offer simplified and relaxed procedures for guest groups during the 2021-2022 Retreat Season.

A few of the key modifications are listed below:

1.     Groups will no longer have to prove vaccination status upon arrival.

2.     Unvaccinated guests do not need to quarantine for 72 hours and receive a negative COVID test prior to arrival at camp.

3.     Guest groups will not need to be organized into small cohorts of less than 30 people during their stay at camp.

We will look forward to serving you in the coming year and pledge to keep your group informed as guidelines change over time.

Preparing to Welcome You

At Sunset Lake you belong. Pandemics and social distancing can never change that reality. Our camp staff is working hard before you ever arrive to make sure your event is safe and filled with amazing memories.

1.     Vaccination – While we do not require vaccinations for our year-round staff, we have strongly encouraged them to consider this alternative. Currently all our year-round team is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

2.     Communication - Washington State guidelines are constantly shifting. Sunset Lake will keep its user groups up to date with the latest requirements. If you have questions about the implementation of these policies, please contact us. We are here to help.

3.    Cleaning Procedures – Between each group, cabins and facilities will be cleaned and sanitized using the latest guidelines from the CDC, State and local health departments.

4.    Hand Sanitizer – Hand sanitizer will be provided at the entrance to the meeting areas and dining hall for guests to use. It is recommended that guests wash their hands frequently during their time at camp.

Policies for Overnight Youth and Adult Retreats, Family Groups, and Day Events

1.    Vaccination/COVID Testing – It is no longer necessary for guests to show vaccination status or proof of a negative COVID upon arrival at camp.

2.    Pre-arrival Health Assessment – Before leaving home for their weekend at Sunset Lake, guests should do a quick health assessment. If a member of your group is running a fever above 100.4 F, is feeling sick, displaying any COVID symptoms, is unvaccinated and been exposed within the past 10 days to someone who has COVID-19, please advise them to stay home.

3.    Screening – It is recommended, but not required, that groups screen each of their guests upon arrival for temperature and COVID symptoms and exposure. Sunset Lake can provide a template to record the screening results if necessary.

4.    Masking –Indoors: On August 23, the State of Washington re-issued a mask mandate requiring everyone regardless of vaccination status to wear a mask indoors, except when eating or sleeping.  Outdoors: Masks are not required outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are strongly recommended for unvaccinated individuals when outdoors in crowded places or when in close contact with people from outside their immediate family group. Sleeping Areas: Mask are not required to be worn while sleeping. Sunset Lake will have a limited supply of masks available at meeting areas and the dining hall for those who may need them.

5.    Food Service – Meal preparation should follow Pierce County health department guidelines. All food service workers and servers must have a valid Washington State food handler permit. Meals must be served cafeteria style or in grab and go containers. Whenever possible meals should be eaten outside. When weather makes this impossible, meals may be eaten inside with increased ventilation and a maximum of 50% capacity (125 people). If groups are larger and outdoor eating is not possible, it may be necessary to stagger mealtimes or using additional spaces (such as the gym) for eating.

6.    Social Distancing – When indoors it is encouraged that a minimum distance of 6 feet be maintained between guests outside of immediate family. Potential exposure occurs when two people are less than 6 feet apart for 10 to 15 minutes.

7.    Waiver – Each user group will be required to sign a waiver indicating that they have read and agree to abide by Washington State’s guidelines for overnight guest groups. It is the sole responsibility of the user group to ensure that these guidelines are followed.

Updated October 1, 2021