Summer Programs and the Influenza Pandemic

July 7, 2009

It’s summer, and although the activity in many congregations is slowing down, the season is just beginning for camps and other summer programs across the country. With concerns about the H1N1 influenza pandemic still fresh in our minds, many may be asking, “Should we be running summer programs for children and youth?”

The decision whether to run a summer program needs to be made at the local level. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization* (WHO) raised the pandemic alert level from phase 5 to phase 6. To date, no travel restrictions have been put in place. In fact, on July 2, 2009*, Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO, stated that travel restrictions do not contain the outbreak or prevent further international spread.

However, taking steps toward prevention is still important:

Practising good hygiene, including proper hand-washing techniques, continues to be the first line of defence.
Regular reminders to participants in summer programs—camps, day camps, vacation Bible schools, congregational retreats—are essential.
Staff who run programs need to monitor for flu-like symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, runny nose or nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If a camper, volunteer, or staff person exhibits symptoms, medical attention should be sought.
Every ministry needs to have a plan in place to contact participants, volunteers, and staff in the event a case of influenza or other communicable disease is identified. Your local public health unit will be able to provide direction and assistance on what to do if this occurs.

Included at the end of this document is a list of H1N1 influenza federal and provincial health websites. In addition:

The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued guidelines for day and residential camp programs that may be helpful.
The governments of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario [PDF: 4 pp/54 KB], Quebec, and Yukon [PDF: 2 pp/33 KB] also have summer program guidelines on their websites.

Community ministries are encouraged to check the information provided by their province/territory and to monitor influenza activity in their own community and region. The importance of working with public health in the event of an outbreak cannot be overemphasized. Our camps and summer programs can continue to be safe environments for the children and youth who participate if we work together.

Summer is a time for building lasting memories as we continue to build our faith. By taking the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of disease and accompanying those who need support in this time, summer 2009 need be no different. May everyone have a blessed summer as they embark on the traditional activities of this wonderful season.

General News and Announcements

Government H1N1 Influenza Websites

Related Pages