BASE Camp strives to be an inclusive environment for all children in our community. While we staff our camps with certified teachers along with certified teaching assistants and a social worker, we do not have the ability to provide the assistance of a one-on-one aide. We do our very best to ensure it is a positive experience for all campers and we encourage you to contact us at basecamp@opef.org to discuss any questions or concerns about whether BASE Camp is right for your child. When registering for camp, please share information in our camper form about your camper’s learning, physical, emotional and/or behavioral needs. This will help us to make BASE Camp a great experience for your child. For 2021, please note that all children must be able to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.

We offer both full and partial scholarships. Families who have qualified for free and reduced lunch are eligible, as well as others facing financial difficulties. Please visit this page for more information or contact us if you have questions.

YES! As people’s plans for the summer change, we often find we have space in previously full camps. We also might open up new spots or sections of popular camps depending on demand.

The families of all unvaccinated campers will be asked to self-certify every morning before camp using the CrisisGo phone app or website. This process will be familiar to anyone whose student attended D97 schools in person this spring. Every family registered for a specific week of camp will receive an email link (and possibly text reminders) every morning asking them to verify that their camper does not have any COVID-related symptoms, a positive COVID test, or exposure to someone testing positive for COVID. Only students receiving entry clearance will be allowed to attend camp for the day. Fully vaccinated campers (likely those in 7th/8th grade camps) will be encouraged to verify their vaccination status via CrisisGo; these campers will not be required to self-certify daily.

If you forget to self-certify your child before camp, the child will be sent to a separate check-in area to complete the process. If you are not with your child, you may receive a phone call. Your child will not be able to attend camp until they are certified.

As in past years, teachers and youth counselors will spread out on the playground/blacktop outside with signs about 10 to 15 minutes before camp starts. Parents/campers will check in and teachers/youth counselors will verify through our dashboard that campers are self-certified and cleared to attend camp. (Campers without who didn’t complete the CrisisGo self-certification will be sent to a separate check-in area to complete the process). Parents and campers will be expected to wear a mask because the area will be congested during this busy time.

Self-certifying on CrisisGo every morning of camp will greatly assist your child getting to camp on time.

We will have a limited number of spots available for families that need after-camp care from 3 to 6 pm. When possible, extended camp will take place outdoors. We will NOT be offering early drop-off from 8 to 9 am to avoid congregating in larger groups inside the school buildings.

Every teacher, youth counselor and camp support staff member has been (or will be) fully vaccinated by the first day of camp. Vaccinated campers will be encouraged to report their status to avoid any unnecessary quarantining in the event of a camp exposure.

• Masks are required INSIDE for all campers and staff (even those who are vaccinated).
• Masks will be optional OUTSIDE for campers and staff, except in crowded settings or during activities that involve sustained close contact with unvaccinated campers.

Extra masks will be available if campers lose or forget their mask.

If campers take a field trip by bus, they will be required to wear masks on the bus. In biking camps, if a biker cannot complete a ride and needs to be picked up from an off-site location, a parent or emergency contact will be contacted about safe, convenient pickup options.

While we consult with D97 nurses for Epi Pen training and medicine policies, we typically do not hire an on-site nurse for BASE Camp. We have been advised that it is not necessary because of  COVID-19 . Our teachers and administrative staff are trained in basic first aid and capable of handling typical health issues. We encourage families to consult with their child’s physician regarding any specific health concerns, including those related to COVID-19.

Based on the most recent scientific evidence, surface transmission of COVID-19, although possible, is not thought to be a significant risk. To further minimize this risk hand sanitizers will be available to all campers and staff, and hand washing will be practiced regularly, particularly before and after meals, during transition of activities, and after the use of shared equipment.  Furthermore, all BASE Camp facilities on D97 property will be cleaned each day in accordance with D97 policies. Equipment used by any camper or staff who is later found to test positive for COVID-19 will be subject to more intensive cleaning.

Campers will be sharing some equipment and supplies–robots, LEGOs, art supplies, sports equipment, etc. The risk of infection from touching a surface is quite low. We will encourage all campers and staff to regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizer — the most reliable way to prevent infection from surfaces.

We will notify all parents/guardians and the health department immediately following a positive test result for COVID-19, and work with local public health officials to identify close contacts (extended contact for more than 15 minutes) as well as quarantine, testing, and isolation recommendations or requirements.

Exposure to COVID-19 as currently defined by the CDC involves being within close proximity of an infected person for 15 cumulative minutes or more over a 24 hour period.  BASE camp activities will be socially distanced whenever possible to reduce exposure risk.  Additionally, based on current guidelines, all campers and staff will be required to wear masks and maintain a distance of at least 3 feet while indoors and outdoors. By abiding by these CDC guidelines, we hope to greatly reduce the chance that any BASE camper experiences a true COVID-19 exposure. It is, however, impossible to eliminate all risk. 

Camp will not be canceled. Any campers who we believe to have been truly exposed to COVID-19, according to CDC guidelines, will be asked not to return to camp. Unexposed campers in that same session will be informed about the positive case of COVID-19 and may continue at the parents’ discretion. If an exposed camper is enrolled in future sessions, they will need a note from their doctor before returning.

The families of all unvaccinated campers will be asked to self-certify every morning before camp using the CrisisGo phone app or website. This process will be familiar to anyone whose student attended D97 schools in person this spring. Every family registered for a specific week of camp will receive an email link (and possibly text reminders) every morning asking them to verify that their camper does not have any COVID-related symptoms, a positive COVID test, or exposure to someone testing positive for COVID. Only students receiving entry clearance will be allowed to attend camp for the day. Fully vaccinated campers (likely those in 7th/8th grade camps) will be encouraged to verify their vaccination status via CrisisGo; these campers will not be required to self-certify daily.

If a camper develops potential COVID-related symptoms, they will be asked to remain in a safe, isolated area until a parent is contacted. In certain cases, our medical advisor with Oak Park Pediatrics will be consulted for medical guidance on next steps.