BOEC’s COVID-19 RESPONSE
Your Safety Continues To Be Our First Priority
We have worked closely with healthcare professionals, industry leaders, participants, staff and others in order to develop the protocols and policies needed to offer our constituents safe access to adaptive programming. The spring and summer of 2020 was a challenging time for all and we are proud to share that when BOEC programs were cancelled due to COVID-19, BOEC’s team rebounded by Recreating Our Recreation. We launched a series of creative and engaging virtual programs including yoga and fitness classes, we created BOEC Educational Shorts on a variety of topics and finally we re-opened for limited in-person programs serving just over 400 participants in a variety of safe, socially distanced, outdoor activities.
With the end of summer we have now moved on to winter program planning with the goal of offering access to adaptive ski lessons through the 2020-2021 season at both Breckenridge and Keystone Resorts. The development of safety protocols and procedures will be our guide for a safe winter of adaptive skiing.
Some things you can expect to see this winter include:
- Daily health screenings
- Face coverings required
- Socially Distant Instructing
- An Evolving Policy
Please refer to the BOEC COVID Operations Manual for additional information.
- Summer
- Winter (coming soon)
Winter Operations
BOEC will not operate the Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Program at full capacity this winter, in part due to having limited indoor space at both Breckenridge and Keystone Resorts. Advance reservations will be required for lessons at both locations. We will begin taking reservations on October 15th, 2020. Learn more about BOEC’s 2020-2021 Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Operations here.
All BOEC Wilderness overnight programs are cancelled for the 2020-2021 season. We will continue to offer limited in person programs as well as virtual yoga and fitness classes. Learn more about winter Wilderness Program here.
- For questions related to the upcoming winter season, please contact the BOEC Ski Office directly at 970-453-5633 or email us at [email protected].
- For questions related to the Winter Volunteer Program please email Steve Rubin at [email protected].
- Fore questions related to Wilderness Program operations and scheduling, please contact Claire DiCola at [email protected].
- General inquiries are encouraged through BOEC’s main line at 970-453-6422 or toll-free at 800-383-2632 (BOEC). Or you can email us at [email protected].
Adaptive Ski & Ride Program Updates
The ski & ride season is quickly approaching and BOEC is gearing up for another great winter. We are in close contact with Vail Resorts to determine what our season will look like given the necessary precautions we must all take due to COVID-19. The safety of all those involved in our program is of course our top priority, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate how best to offer our services in a safe and effective manner.
Reservations for the upcoming season will begin on October 15th, 2020. You can request a participant application or update your existing application by using the button below. Once this is complete, we will send you a link to access the application. Upon submission, we will be in touch with you about potentially scheduling one or more lessons for the season.
For a full list of our policies and procedures related to Covid, see our “policies and procedures” section below.
Wilderness Program Offerings
This past summer BOEC was thrilled to be able to safely offer small group, in person programs for local youth as well as one-on-one adventures for those with disabilities and special needs. We are committed to ensuring that everyone’s safety is a top priority this winter and have made the difficult decision to continue to suspend all overnight programs, however we will continue to offer limited in person programs as well as virtual yoga and fitness classes.
The HYPE Youth Adventures
The HYPE is a new Building Hope youth connection program providing free activities and events for Summit youth ages 14-20 to combat the issue of social isolation. BOEC has partnered with Building Hope and The HYPE program to offer free, fun events while delivering connection and an opportunity to gain self confidence and a stronger sense of self. The following are the scheduled activities:
Upcoming the HYPE Youth Adventures
MINDFUL MAKING
With Mindful Making, each week we come together and incorporate a unique creative art meant to inspire both the body and the mind. Class topics will span from culinary arts, music and singing, mindfulness and breathing, to various art projects. Classes are open to anyone who wants to join. All abilities are welcome. Each week you can expect to receive an email reminding you of the details for the following weeks class including any recommended supplies to have on hand.
If you are new to BOEC online classes, please review our VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING STATEMENT and fill out our registration link. The virtual statement and our registration link can be found below. If you already registered for a previous online class, just send an email to [email protected] confirming that you would like to be included in our weekly classes.
Classes are free of charge and are led by BOEC staff and volunteers. If you have a particular creative skill you want to teach, please send us an email including that as well.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING STATEMENT
The virtual programming content, information and videos offered by Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) are made available for informational purposes, please USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK. BOEC is not liable for injury resulting from virtual content and programming. You are responsible for your own safety and we care about you.
We may suggest physical activity or gentle movement as part of a virtual programming session. All activities are voluntary. If you have concerns, experience pain or other symptoms as a result of participation, please stop immediately and consider contacting your physician prior to continued participation.
By joining or otherwise participating in our virtual programming, you are indicating that you have read, understand, and assume the risks and agreements of engaging in BOEC programs via remote platforms such as Zoom.
Cubic Feet Per Second
Pack Your Backpack
Drink Water
Leave No Trace
The Yachtsman Coil
Helmets
Wildflowers
Wildflowers Pt. 2
Moose Encounters
Wildflowers Pt. 3
VIRTUAL ADAPTIVE CHAIR YOGA
Join the BOEC and adaptive yoga instructor and long-time BOEC volunteer Jane Barber for a virtual adaptive chair yoga class. These classes are for anyone who may benefit from doing yoga in a chair or seated position and will be held virtually using Zoom. The classes are free to sign up and simply require registration at least 24 hours before the class begins. There are ten spots available per class, so sign up fast by visiting your preferred class below and clicking on the link.
COVID-19 Policies & Procedures
We are committed to operating facilities and programs in a manner that provides a safe place for BOEC participants, staff and volunteers. The BOEC Operations Manual COVID-19 Response provides revised and additional policies and procedures to mitigate risk and reduce potential exposures to and spread of COVID-19 during BOEC programming. This information is consistent with the health and safety recommendations by the CDC as well as the State of Colorado and Summit County Health Department. BOEC’s policies and procedures meet or exceed guidelines set forth by these three agencies and will be reviewed and updated as needed. Staff and volunteers will be trained on all new policies as they evolve.
We hope that you will review the policy sections below and reach out to us with any questions you may have at [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you or your loved one back to BOEC summer programs safely this summer.
Regular Screening and Assessment
- Daily Staff Health Checks
- Daily symptom tracking must occur with daily temperature checks and filled out on the Employees Health Screening Google Form upon arrival and departure of the work place
- Staff are informed that if they are showing any sign of illness that they cannot report to work. Typical symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Fever or chills (Anything above 100.4 degrees)
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Provide all staff with support and referrals for their mental health needs.
Symptomatic Employees:
- If an employee is exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms upon arrival to work, or becomes sick during the day, their supervisor must separate them from other employees and participants and send them home and notify the office manager
- The supervisor should document the circumstances of the worker’s illness to help with contact tracing, as applicable and provide information to the office manager who will contact Summit County Public Health
- Because one can carry COVID-19 with no symptoms at all, anyone who has been in close contact with a person known to have had the virus, or whose family or friends show signs of exposure, should behave as if they are infected, isolate themselves, and contact their physician
- Returning to Work:
- Workers with positive test of acute respiratory illness associated with COVID-19 may return to work after (a) home isolation for 14 days since their first symptoms or positive test, and (b) medical authorization
An employee sent home can return to work when:
- He or she has had no fever for at least three (3) days without taking medication to reduce fever during that time; AND
- Any respiratory symptoms (cough and shortness of breath) have improved; AND
- An employee may return to work earlier if a doctor confirms the cause of an employee’s fever or other symptoms is not COVID-19 and releases the employee to return to work in writing
Participant Health
Eligibility to participate in programming is first determined by any County-imposed mandates or government orders guiding program providers. BOEC reserves the right to provide programming only to local families OR to any participant who has been appropriately screened and meets the essential eligibility criteria.
Check in/Check Out Procedures
- One staff member wearing a face covering and gloves will do parking lot check-in and check-out with parents, maintaining physical distancing guidelines.
- There will be a screening station in the parking lot before students are dropped off at the BOEC Wilderness Campus in Breckenridge.
- Mobile programs like Lake Dillon or Swan Mountain will have a check-in station away from equipment and other staff or students.
- Daily symptom tracking must occur with daily temperature checks for each student.
- A Google form will be used on a sanitized tablet to record students and staff results.
- The check-in staff member wearing a face covering and gloves will take the students temperature with a no-touch thermometer.
- BOEC will carry multiple no-touch thermometers for back-up.
- If a student shows any symptoms of illness or runs a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the student will not be able to attend programming.
- MOST COMOMON SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 (not an exhaustive list)
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- MOST COMOMON SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 (not an exhaustive list)
Parents MUST keep their child home if they are exhibiting any of these symptoms of illness. If a student arrives with any symptom listed above they will be sent home at the check-in point. If a participant become ill during the activity, please refer to the Response and Management of Cases or Probable Cases section.
Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html#discontinue-isolation for tips on what to do at home.
Staff training will include BOEC’s regular policy and procedures on all activities as well as special training on COVID-19 guidelines. Those guidelines will then be taught to each student. Topics include but are not limited to:
Hygiene
- Staff will teach the process to sneeze into the fold of their arms; staff will also carry tissues in the field.
- Staff will teach students to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth; as much as possible, students will be required to follow physical distancing guidelines and avoid gear sharing with other participants whenever possible.
- All students will not share any personal items including food and water bottles.
- Staff will make mobile hand washing stations available for washing hands while programming outside. In the event that water and soap are not available, staff are permitted to use hand sanitizer.
Face Masks and Cloth Face Covers
- Staff and students will be required to wear a face covering for certain parts of programming like launching and landing boats, rock climbing tie-in, and ropes course events.
- Parents picking up and dropping off students are required to wear masks or facial coverings.
- Face masks and facial coverings must be laundered or changed daily to prevent spread of infection.
- BOEC will provide extra face masks as needed.
Handwashing
- All students and staff are taught the correct “20-second” protocol for hand washing and are required to thoroughly wash their hands frequently throughout the day, including:
- Upon the start of each day at a BOEC program
- Before and after snacks and lunch
- Before and after program activities
- After an “unguarded” sneeze or cough within 6 feet of group
- After using the restroom
- At the end of the program day
- Staff carry extra water and soap for mobile hand washing and hand sanitizer
- Hand sanitizer will be made available for when soap and water is not readily available.
Physical Distancing
- There will be a maximum group size of 10 students and minimum of 2 staff members. Groups of 25 will be allowed outside as long as they are separated into smaller 10 person groups that will never interact.
- The same staff members will be designated to the same group of students each day if the program is a series.
- Staff will encourage participants to practice physical distancing as recommended by the CDC and CDPHE, keeping 6 feet of distance between individuals. To help, visual and/or physical barriers will be used (such as harness circles with designated zones, tables, signage, etc.).
- All personal belongings must be labeled with the student’s name and will be kept in a designated area 6 feet away from other student’s belongings.
Considerations for Facility Closure
If students or staff show any symptoms of illness or run a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, they will be isolated from the group (but still within sight) until a parent or emergency contact can retrieve them. The student then cannot return to the program until they are symptom free for 72 hours without the aid of medication.
For a positive or suspected case of COVID-19:
- The Office of Early Childhood’s guidance states “Note that Amended Executive Order D 2020 035 has changed the minimum time period a child care facility must close if there is a positive or suspected case of COVID-19 in a student, parent of a student, or staff member at the facility from 72 hours to 24 hours. During this closure a facility should conduct a thorough cleaning as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).”
- Due to the CDC guideline recommending we, “wait at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting a work space. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible”, we will monitor the situation and close program areas as needed.
Designated Sick Space
The BOEC will have a designated space for students and staff showing signs of illness. Students must be supervised and isolated from staff and other participants. Substitute staff will be available to cover for ill or quarantined staff.
Increased Frequency of Cleaning and quarantining of equipment
- BOEC will follow cleaning procedures as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
- Determine what needs to be cleaned.
- Determine how areas will be disinfected.
- Consider the resources and equipment needed.
- Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Use the appropriate cleaning or disinfectant product
- Always follow the directions on the label.
- BOEC will use products that meet the EPA criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
- Disinfect all high-touch areas at start and end of the day and, when possible, throughout the day.
Activities
- Programming will be designed to limit physical contact among students.
- Special use activities, such as boating, ropes course, biking, cooking and camp crafts, compasses and maps, etc. will require specific cleaning and sanitizing protocols. Each will follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
- BOEC will limit the equipment in use to those that are easily cleanable, non-porous, with smooth surfaces and eliminate soft, fabric toys, dress-up clothing, sensory tables and water play.
- Staff will only play small group games and games that do not include physical contact.
- BOEC will keep groups of students together in one groups with the same staff each day, if possible, especially when a program spans several days
- Discrete Program Groups
- On any particular day students will not join another group or engage in activities with students from another group.
- Students will be in the same group for the duration of the session at each program.
Square Footage Requirements
- Groups of 10 will be provided with a minimum of 36 sq ft of space per student while indoors.
- Groups of up to 25 will be allowed with proper social distancing and mask wear outdoors. Smaller groups will be made out of the 25.
Common and Shared Spaces
- The number of student-staff and student-student interactions in common spaces will be limited as much as possible (equipment, hallways, bathrooms, etc.).
- When common spaces are used, cleaning will take place before and after use.
- The Griffith foyer bathroom will be the only allowable bathroom for site based programs and will be disinfected between uses.
- Public bathrooms will be used for some programs and additional handwashing and sanitizing will be encouraged when the student returns to the group.
Designated bathrooms will be chosen before the program starts so all staff are aware.
Common Programming Supplies and Sports Equipment
- All common programming supplies will be cleaned and sanitized before and after use.
- All manufacturer’s recommendations on cleaning and sanitizing will be followed.
Storage Space for Personal Items
- All personal belongings must be labeled with the student’s name and will be kept in a designated area 6ft away from other student’s belongings.
BOEC Organized Travel Vans
- In cases when transportation is necessary, physical distancing will be maintained during loading and unloading. The vehicle capacity must not exceed 50% capacity and should accommodate the greatest physical distance between participants. Maximum of six people including the driver.
- Staff must uphold the same cleaning and disinfecting standards in vehicles as for other spaces.
- Facial coverings must be worn by all staff and students while traveling in vehicles.
- Participants of programs may use Free Ride/public transportation services as allowed under Summit County and/or CDPHE guidance.
- Students will load the vans back to front to keep the most amount of social distancing possible.
- Students will use the same seat when re-loading the van upon finishing the day.
- Windows will remain cracked to encourage air flow.
- Drivers will ensure fresh air is drawn in and not recirculating inside the van with A/C.
- BOEC will provide no food or snacks until further notice
- Students are responsible for all lunches and utensils etc.
- Meal times will be staggered if necessary to avoid a large group.
- Staff must clean and disinfect all surfaces before and after all meals and snack times.
- Students will not share any personal items including food and water bottles.
Students will wash hands before and after eating any food or snacks
- This document outlines protocols for designing and implementing day programming. In the event that a BOEC implements residential programming an addendum will be added with more policy and procedure around those function.
COVID-19 Updates
- Summit County Public Health Orders (Updated 11/20/2020)
- Summit County nonprofits recognized for youth programs and customer service (10/5/2020)
- A Letter from the Executive Director (7/17/2020)
- Summit students get outdoors with Building Hope Summit County, BOEC (6/25/2020)
- BOEC Launches New Virtual Summer Programs & Joins Forces with Building Hope (6/11/2020)
- COVID-19 Summer Update (5/11/2020)
- BOEC Cancels Specific Components of Summer Programming (5/11/2020)
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
- COVID-19 updates from The Town of Breckenridge
- BOEC Cancels Remainder of Winter Programming (3/13/2020)
To find out ways you can support BOEC, visit our support page or reach out to Development Manager Hallie Jaeger for information related to giving at [email protected] or 970-453-6422.