Programs

COVID-19 Camp Guidelines & Cancellation Policy

All program participants, instructors, volunteers and guests must adhere to these guidelines to ensure a safe summer at Hog Island Audubon Camp.

The 2023 camp guidelines have been modified and updated on March 1, 2023. Our Refund Policy can be found below if these changes do not fit your current needs.

The work of Audubon’s Seabird Institute is steeped in the magic of Hog Island Audubon Camp. Generations have found friendship, solace, and even healing here – something our weary world needs right now. The Hog Island team is working hard to safely reconnect you in-person with its inspiring natural beauty.
Audubon reserves the right to change our COVID policies at any time.  We plan to keep the current guidelines (updated on 3.1.2023) for the full 2023 season.

All participants must read and sign a copy of our Program Acknowledgement prior to attending Hog Island Audubon Camp programs in 2023, this will be a part of your online camp paperwork. The following guidelines will be strictly enforced to operate camp safely for all program participants, staff and volunteers. Failure to comply will result in a warning for the first and second offense. On the third offense, participants will be asked to leave the premises. Participants asked to leave the program will be escorted off the island immediately and no refunds will be issued. The implementation and enforcement of these rules is solely at the discretion of the Hog Island Audubon Camp. Please read the guidelines thoroughly before registering for camp.  Also recognize that all policies are subject to change at the discretion of Hog Island Audubon Camp staff.

  1. All participants must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  Proof of vaccination must be submitted prior to arrival through the Camp Docs system (link will be provided at least a month prior to camp). Your vaccination records must be received no less than two weeks before camp starts. Fully vaccinated means you are at least two weeks post a full or final vaccine dose.  If you are over 18 years old, and 6 months or more past your original vaccine date, you must also show proof of a booster dose. All campers under 18 years old only need the full vaccine dose per the CDC.
  2. All participants must wear a face mask while in our camp vans per the CDC’s recommendation to mask in public transportation.  Face masks must cover both your nose and mouth. A three-ply cloth mask or surgical mask is preferred.  If your face mask does not fit, one will be given to you to wear while in the camp van.  Vans will be used for off-site field trips and for arrival/departure days.
  3. Please follow CDC guidelines when it comes to exposure and testing prior to arriving to camp.  If you present upper respiratory symptoms while at camp we will ask that you wear a face mask during your stay.  We will also ask that you test for COVID-19 if symptoms are present.
  4. Face masks are now optional for indoor spaces such as your housing, Fish House lecture hall and Queen Mary Lab.  You are still invited to mask if you feel more comfortable but we will not require them in our buildings or outdoors this year. However, any upper respiratory sickness will require masking while indoors in shared spaces (regardless of COVID-19 test results).   
  5. Participants that sign up for a shared room without a roommate will be assigned one.  Private rooms are available but on a limited basis.

Cancellation Policy

Deposits and Final Payments. A $100 non-refundable deposit will be required for all camp registrations. Final payments are due March 15, 2023.

If a camper/family cancels we will use the following refund policy:

  • 50% if cancelled prior to 30 days before start of registered camp session (not including the deposit)
  • 20% if cancelled within 30 days before start of registered camp session (not including the deposit)

A written request for cancellation is required by email - addressed to hogisland@audubon.org

Audubon reserves the right to alter itineraries, instructors and particular arrangements, or to substitute similar itineraries or arrangements, at no penalty. If Audubon cancels a session, it will issue full refunds of all deposits or payments to the paid participants.

Travel Insurance
We recommend purchasing travel insurance to avoid costs associated with a cancellation. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist. Typically insurance can cover registration fees due to emergency medical or health.

Sick Camper Procedure

Campers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, fatigue, aches, loss of smell, headache, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea) will be asked to mask once symptoms are identified.  The camper will also be asked to test for COVID-19.  If a camper has a positive test they will be asked to quarantine until their departure plans are finalized.  The affected camper will need to depart camp within 24 hours and at the camper’s expense.  Teens with COVID-19 symptoms will need to have a plan for evacuation that includes a way to depart the island and seek medical attention at their own expense.  If a camper tests negative, they will be allowed to stay if they agree to masking in all indoor spaces.

Vulnerable or high-risk populations are encouraged to consider participation in camp programs carefully.  

Programmatic and Operational Modifications for Camp

  • All staff, instructors and volunteers will be vaccinated for residential programs.
  • Camp vans will be used for day field trips but participants can choose to use their own personal vehicles if preferred.  All participants must be masked while riding in the camp vans.
  • Overnight field trips will resume in 2023.  Masking will be optional on these trips.
  • Hand-washing stations are installed at strategic locations throughout the campus.  Participants will be encouraged to hand wash before and after meals.
  • HEPA filters are installed in office and community spaces i.e., Bridge kitchen, offices, and Fish House lecture hall.
  • Shade structures and pavilion style tents are installed to maximize use of outdoor spaces for programming and dining.
  • Meals will be served buffet style and outside unless inclement weather.  Audubon staff will now be able to use the option of our inside dining hall under certain circumstances.
  • Common areas will be sanitized.  Friends of Hog Island volunteers will be provided PPE and CDC approved disinfectants.

View the current 2023 Schedule.

Atlantic Puffin and Razorbill Photo: Jean Hall

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