COVID -19 FAQs

We have a fun VBS program planned for this year! We are excited that you are considering joining us. We take the health and safety of our campers and volunteers very seriously. While some things might look a little different this year – the important stuff will stay the same. We will be gathering together as a community to learn about Jesus. We will have lots of fun, sing songs, make crafts, eat crazy snacks and rejoice daily in God’s saving grace.

Please review these FAQs regarding our COVID procedures for VBS 2021. If you still have questions AFTER reading this, please contact Nicole Olds

· Are children and volunteers required to have a negative covid test in order to attend VBS?

o Testing is not required to attend VBS. However, we ask that all our volunteers and campers stay home if they are not feeling well or exhibiting any covid symptoms. We also ask that anyone who has been in close contact with a covid positive person stay home from VBS per the quarantine guidelines provided by the State of Michigan. Screening at home before coming to VBS is a crucial first step in mitigation.

· Will there be mandatory health screening each day?

o Yes, we will be taking temperatures and asking general health questions daily for all campers and staff/volunteers. We will be utilizing multiple entrances to welcome the kids into the building. You will receive more specifics before the start of VBS.

· Will I be able to drop my kids off in their classroom?

o No, to minimize the number of people in the building only registered campers and volunteers will enter the building. In the morning, after each child is screened, you will meet their teacher or teen assistant outside the building in a designated area. You will also have a designated outdoor spot to pick up your child at the end of each day. More specific information about your child’s meeting place will be sent before VBS starts.

· Will masks be required?

o All children 5 and older and all volunteers/staff will be required to wear a mask at all times while indoors. Our younger children will not be required to wear a mask in the classrooms but will be asked to wear a mask in common or shared spaces to the best of their ability (we will support any family’s request that a younger child wear a mask in the classroom). We do ask that all children and parents wear masks during drop off and pick up. Everyone who can will be asked to wear a mask. These polices are in line with the current mask wearing requirements mandated by the State of Michigan. These policies are subject to change if the requirements or recommendations from the State change prior to the start of VBS.

· Will social distancing be utilized?

o We will be reducing class sizes as necessary to allow for more spacing in the classroom. Each class will have minimal interactions with other classes. Many activities we would normally gather together for (like crafts) will be brought to the classroom. We will be using the gym for some larger group gatherings – but there is plenty of room to space out. Classes will sit together and be spaced apart from other classes.

· What will happen if a child becomes sick during VBS?

o We will have a designated quarantine room or space. The child who has become sick will be removed from all other campers and the parent(s) will be called to come and pick up their child.

· Who will be notified if there is a positive Covid case of someone attending VBS?

o In the event someone who is attending VBS (Volunteer or camper) tests positive for COVID, we will contact Oakland Health Department and follow the department’s guidelines.

· Will there still be snacks?

o Of course!! For some kids that’s the highlight of VBS. We will be handling snack time differently to allow for social distancing while eating.

· Will there be a closing ceremony on Friday?

o Unfortunately, we cannot have our traditional indoor closing ceremonies at the end of day Friday with parents invited to attend. We are hoping to work out some sort of outdoor closing ceremony, logistics and weather permitting. We will keep you posted on our plans.