Nature at Camp Collier is all around us. We are happy to see and hear the loons, eagles, great blue herons and Canada geese on or near the lake. We are looking forward to spending time with you in ceremony and community.
The caretaker, Craig, let us know about a couple of situations we need to pay attention to. Please read on to prepare for your stay at the camp.
BEARS * CARRY IN, CARRY OUT
A mother bear with 2 cubs has been visiting the camp. It is unlikely she will bring them into a situation with a lot of people around. However, this could change if she smells food. We are asking everyone to “carry in, carry out”. Keep your well wrapped food and trash in your cars. Don’t leave any food or food scraps out where they will attract bears, especially at night! This includes the trash bags in the bathroom. The organizers will not be collecting any trash as in the past. It is up to each one of us to maintain a clean and safe environment for animals and people.
NEW CAR POLICY
There is a new “no cars” policy at the camp, put in place by the trustees. You may drive in to unload your camping gear and then return your car to the parking lot. Campers and cars people are sleeping in are allowed in certain areas of the camping area, as long as they remain in place. No one is allowed to drive on the new grass in the main field or in the field between the nurse’s cabin and the bunk house. The gate will be closed. Check with an organizer at the Welcome Table to open the gate and about where you may drive and set up camp. Please be considerate of ceremony, including talking circles, and wait until they are over before driving by to set up camp.
DOGS
Dogs are great, but they don’t belong in a nature preserve. Please do not bring them to the camp unless it is a service dog!
COVID AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
Covid, while not the threat it was a couple of years ago, is still in the area. Protect yourself and others by following the CDC guidelines:
As part of the guidance, CDC provides active recommendations on core prevention steps and strategies:
- Staying up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
- Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
When people get sick with a respiratory virus, the updated guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others. For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.
Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems. Read more here.
SELF-CARE
Come prepared to camp out and feed yourselves. These are good skills to learn and practice. Read Information for Attendees on our website for more information and suggestions on what to bring with you, as well as information about the Saturday Potluck and Sunday Giveaway. The weather at windy Camp Collier feels much cooler than in town. Bring a winter coat – you may need it!
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