2026 Covid Policy for Dance Camp

We invite everyone to approach these guidelines with mindfulness and a spirit of care for one another. Let our shared commitment to each other’s health be our guide.

July 25, 2026 Update:

Your Health Advisory Team for dance camp is recommending home testing for Covid in the 24 hours before camp, but not requiring display of your result for entry into camp. This recommendation is based on the science that says when the area prevalence of Covid is under 3%, mandatory testing is not useful. The current prevalence of Covid in New England is 1.4%. This policy is also consistent with what other large groups and organizations are doing this summer.

We understand that this recommendation may not please everyone, but we are guided by the facts and the science. Of course, if you test positive or just don’t feel well, please stay home to help protect the health of the community.

Pre-Camp Recommendations

  • Minimize large gatherings the week before Camp
  • Wear a mask when possible and when traveling
  • Consider getting the most recent vaccine/booster
  • Stay home if you are unwell

Covid Testing Requirements

  • The Health Advisory Team (HAT) will make a final decision two weeks before Camp starts about whether mandatory Covid testing will be required or not.
  • At present, the community prevalence rates of Covid remain very low.
  • Two weeks before Camp: if the percentage of the general population testing positive for Covid is less than 3%, we will recommend testing at home but will not require showing a negative test result to enter Camp.
  • Of course, anyone with symptoms should just stay home.
  • We realize that whatever we do, some folks will not agree with or like the decision. However, we feel compelled to make this decision based on the science and the data available two weeks before Camp.

If rates rise above 3%, to safeguard our cherished community we will use the following policy to create a safe and secure container for Camp:

  • Upon arrival, all campers, staff, and teachers must provide a photo of a negative Covid test with the date of test visible (written on the test itself, or on a piece of paper next to the test)
  • Bring four or more antigen tests per person, and N95 masks
  • Campers who test positive or are sick with any serious contagious illness will be asked to leave Camp
  • Each camper is responsible for having an exit plan in case of infection

On-Site Safety

  • Remain on site when possible
  • If temporarily leaving Camp, please avoid crowded areas and wear a mask
  • Practice good hygiene, especially hand washing

Health Advisory Team (HAT)

HAT monitors infectious disease outbreaks and risks and has authority to:

  • Assess Covid risks at Camp
  • Require a camper to take a Covid test
  • Require a camper to leave if testing positive or refusing to test
  • Implement additional precautions during surges

Surge Protocol

If three people test positive for Covid in a day, masks will be strongly recommended in:

  • West Wind Dining Hall
  • Barefoot Ballroom
  • Lodge
  • Welcome Center

Note: The Wellness Center cabin cannot accommodate campers with contagious illnesses (no sick beds). It is limited to supply pickup only.

DNE reserves the right to change this policy as is advised by data.

Cancellations and Refunds

Should you need to cancel all or part of your Camp registration due to Covid or other illness, please read the “Exceptions” section of the 2025 Cancellation and Refund Policy on the Registration page. Access the cancellation form here.