Summer 2023 COVID Policy

updated 5/22/2023

These policies specifically apply to Massanetta Springs-sponsored events. Guests are always welcome to mask, but will not be required unless a new state of emergency is established related to COVID-19.

NOTE FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Greetings, everyone,

As our Board of Trustees, Program Staff, and conference leaders planned for our summer 2023 programs, we decided several months ago to maintain our 2022 practices of rapid testing all participants and leaders upon arrival. Since then, the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control declared the COVID-19 emergency over. In conversation with our local Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 Mitigation Office, which specializes in school and camp settings, we have decided to keep to our original plan for this summer. While rapid tests aren’t the most enjoyable experience, we believe this is an easy way to help protect our leaders, participants, and the people they go home to, and is far less inconvenient than having to cancel entire programs due to an outbreak.

We will provide rapid tests upon arrival, free of charge, to all camp and conference participants. More information about our procedures can be found below. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions (my contact information is at the bottom of this page).
Peace,
Colleen Earp
Program Director

testing

All Massanetta-sponsored program participants and leadership will be given a rapid test for COVID-19 upon arrival to Massanetta Springs (regardless of vaccination status). If you recently tested positive for COVID-19, we recommend that you bring documentation of recovery in case of the rare instance of continuing to test positive for an extended period of time. Otherwise, those with positive test results will be sent home. (Those in close contact, like riding together in a vehicle, may also have to depart.) A refund will be issued, or payment may be applied to future Massanetta Springs events or donated.

masking

Massanetta Springs' mission statement begins with the statement we will be "a place for all people." This means respecting and encouraging everyone to be themselves. This includes fully supporting those who choose to wear a mask at any time for any reason. Masking will otherwise remain optional for our guests unless a new emergency is declared or our local health department indicates otherwise.

other covid safety practices

Outdoor dining spaces will continue to be available, but not required, for participants.

We ask that all participants pay attention to their own health as well as those under their care; if anyone becomes symptomatic, we recommend visiting one of the urgent care centers in Harrisonburg for testing, or Massanetta may be able to provide additional rapid tests as needed.

Anyone at higher risk should consult with their medical provider with any questions or concerns about safely attending Massanetta Springs programs this summer.

refunds

If you or a member of your group tests positive upon arrival, a full refund may be issued (pro rated for any portion of the conference you were able to attend), or program fees may be applied to a future event or donated.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Middle School Conference: will we have mixed Encounter Groups and Housing? We anticipate Encounter Groups including individuals from different churches. Housing will be according to back home groups, with some sharing of suites as needed according to registration numbers.

Are vaccinations be required? We hope all people eligible for COVID-19 and other vaccines will receive them. COVID-19 vaccines will not be required. Netta Day Campers are required to be up-to-date on all school-mandated vaccinations (see health form).

If someone in my vehicle tests positive upon arrival, will the rest of the passengers also be sent home? Members of the same household will also need to return home, due to assumed prior exposure. People who rode in the same vehicle as someone who tested positive (but test negative themselves) may be asked to take additional precautions, such as masking indoors.

Will I need to submit insurance information or pay for testing at Massanetta Springs?

No! We have acquired rapid tests through the Virginia Department of Health, and will not require any additional information, payment, or any kind of medical appointments.