Policies

Photo Release

To facilitate the depiction of the fun of camp life in pictures, which often include large groups of people dancing or playing together, we ask that campers agree to this photo release when they register.

This photo release grants to BACDS permission to use and publish photographs or video, in print or electronically, for any lawful purpose, including without limitation publicity, illustration, and advertising. Notwithstanding that grant, if you see a picture you don’t like, let familyweek@bacds.org know and we’ll take it down to the extent possible.

If you do not agree to the photo release, we would still like to see you at camp, and we will contact you to understand how best to respect your choices.

Many campers enjoy sharing photos and recordings they take of the people, outfits, and performances at camp. However, this release is intended to cover BACDS Family Week’s use and not personal publications. If you are taking photos or recordings at camp, please do not publish these without performers’ and participants’ permission.

Use of Technology

We realize how difficult it is for many of us not to be constantly electronically connected to the world. One important goal of family week is that we create a close community with our fellow campers away from the pressures and distractions of everyday life. In order to achieve this goal, it is important that our participants not use cell phones or electronic devices other than as cameras or recorders.

There is no internet access in the heart of camp. We don’t allow children to leave camp, and we strongly discourage adults from doing so. Cell phones may work, but please–turn them off, lock them in your car, or put them in airplane mode. If you are an adult and must make a call in order to keep your world from ending, please do so discreetly where no other campers will see or hear you.

For adults with circumstances that require interaction with the outside world, we will provide one space away from the heart of camp with internet access. 

COVID & Illness

Five days before camp (Tuesday), please start being extra COVID conscious. For example, minimize indoor group activities or mask.

Three days before camp (Thursday), consider testing.

At check-in (Sunday), everyone must show a same-day picture of themselves with their negative rapid COVID test. Please test before you drive to camp.

If someone develops respiratory symptoms at camp, we may require them to quarantine, test, and mask indoors (and for outdoor classes where there is close contact) for a few days, and then test again. In the case of a positive test, we may ask you to leave camp and for roommates to mask.

Please pack well-fitting N95, KF94 or similar masks and at least one spare test per camper.

For five days after camp ends, if you test positive, let familyweek@bacds.org know, so that we can alert the community.

This policy promotes our goals of holding a fun camp and protecting our community, some of whom are older or immunocompromised and need to minimize the possibility of Long COVID. Masks are optional and welcome at camp. In recent years, some campers have masked all week, some part of the week, and some never; all choices are respected.

If conditions change and our policy changes, we will notify campers and offer refunds to those who request it. 

Camp arrival and departure

Camp runs from 3 PM Sunday to 10:00 AM Saturday, and we do not accept partial-week campers.

Camp runs smoothest when all campers arrive before the first camp meal, Sunday dinner. Late arrivals make it difficult for the camp managers to

• know who is up to date on current policies,
• form the community that we aim to foster,
• get camper chores covered, and
• know whom to look for in a fire-evacuation emergency.

If you are unable to arrive when camp starts, at 3pm Sunday, please let camp management know as soon as possible so we can collaborate on a solution.

Campers requesting a work-trade discount must arrive by 10:30 am Sunday.  Please do not request work-trade if you cannot commit to helping set up camp.

Conduct