COVID-19 FAQ

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Last Updated:  April 24, 2020

As you know, our priority is always the health and safety of all guests. As such, we will be regularly updating this page to inform you of our practices and policies regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The staff and board meet nearly on a daily basis and consults with local, state, church, national, and international agencies to remain informed and proactive as new information develops.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Sound View Camp open?

At this time, Sound View Camp is not open due to the governor’s stay home / stay safe order.  Sound View staff is living on-site to tend to the animals, plant the garden, mow the fields, and post daily OEE lessons.  

Like most businesses, the staff and board are meeting virtually to discuss options and are waiting for more guidance from the CDC, state authorities, and the local health departments.

Is Sound View taking phone calls?

Yes.  The phone system for Sound View Camp directs all calls to staff cell phones.    The camp phone number is (253) 884-9202.  You can choose to talk to these people:

  • Summer Camp and Group Retreats - Kurt Sample - Extension 1

  • Family Camp and School Groups - Katie Eskridge - Extension 5

  • Finances and Fundraising - Natalie Castle - Extension 2

Will I be refunded if my program is canceled by Sound View or a governing agency?

Sound View Camp, like many nonprofit organizations, is preparing to experience significant hardships in addition to those already realized. Second only to everyone’s health and safety, we aim to provide scholarships for campers this summer, fund our overhead, and continue to offer life-changing outdoor educational and recreational programs for all. However, we recognize families across the nation are also bracing for their own challenges.

All of our spring programs will be rescheduled to a late-summer or fall date.

If your program is canceled by Sound View or a governing agency, please choose from the following options:

  • Kindly donate funds already paid. Please call or email Natalie (listed above) to discuss how you can receive a tax receipt for your thoughtful and generous gift. Thank you!

  • Save the funds as a credit to be used in the future:

    • You can choose another date, and we’ll hold your spot

    • We’ll hold the credit in your account (good for 2 years from your scheduled visit)

  • Or receive a full refund for the amount paid

Will I be refunded if I choose not to participate in a program that is not canceled?

Please refer to the cancellation policy for your program. In general, when a guest or program participant chooses to cancel, they will not receive a refund. If you have questions, please call the appropriate number listed above.

Does Sound View have any virtual opportunities to keep my kids engaged?

YES!  Katie has been posting outdoor environmental education lessons online since March.  We are encouraging kids and adults to complete these lessons.  For those who complete twenty (or more), a special gift will be awaiting them at Sound View when we do reopen.’

What additional steps will Sound View take to prevent COVID-19?

This list will surely be updated with further direction from the CDC as well as our local health department.

  • We will have handwashing stations available at all entrances of our dining hall as well as hand sanitizer throughout camp. We have increased the availability of hand sanitizer to staff, guests, and campers.

  • Sound View Camp will only open when it is safe to do so.

  • When you visit, you will see an increased number of signs and literature about the importance of handwashing and other prevention practices.

  • During and between each group’s stay, housekeeping will take additional steps to deep clean buildings with a bleach-based solution (especially focusing on door handles, crash bars, light switches, toilets, faucets, and showers).

  • Staff will perform similar deep cleaning in our dining hall and other high traffic buildings 3-4 times daily, as well as ensuring the soap and hand sanitizer dispensers therein are regularly refilled.

  • All of our program areas will also be cleaned with a bleach-based solution between uses.

  • Sanitizing program equipment between individual use will also be put in practice.

  • Our food service staff will also increase their already robust prevention practices, including eliminating certain self-serve options.

  • All members of staff will receive training on the prevention of communicable diseases. Staff will be required to stay home if ill.

  • Our team is assessing the local and global situations every day and planning new policies and procedures as necessary. As always, our priority is everyone’s safety.

What are Sound View’s plans for summer camp?

We are planning to provide children with what will surely be a much-needed, fun-filled summer camp experience; however, we recognize that if it is not safe to hold camp this summer, we may need to cancel or adjust the program in order to continue to prioritize the health of our campers and staff. Thankfully we have an excellent working relationship with our county’s Department of Health and our accrediting agency, the American Camp Association, and the Presbyterian Camp Conference Center Association. Additionally, our staff and board are working with these agencies and many others to ensure that we are fully prepared to continue to offer the same Christian summer camp experience that we have been providing for over 30 years.

If you were planning to attend a summer camp open house, they will be taking place virtually. Check back for dates.

Will Sound View Camp have international staff this summer?

Unfortunately, our provider for international staff, AIESEC, has decided not to provide leaders for this summer.  In many countries, visa applications are on hold and the US is considered a “hot spot” in its entirety.  We are having really good discussions with AIESEC about providing naturalists for the fall OEE season.

As a donor to Sound View, how can I help?

We are beyond grateful to the members of our community – our alumni, guests, camper families, volunteers, and staff – who have recognized the challenges crises like this can pose to a human services organization regardless of their own hardships that they may be facing. For those that are able and interested, please make a gift here. THANK YOU for your support of children and families during these uncertain times.