Update 25 January 2021
COVID Safe Intrastate youth camps
Since the outbreak of the global COVID19 pandemic Camp Clayton has complied with and worked
closely with all its clients to ensure the safety of its staff and visitors. As a result, Camp Clayton has
successfully continued to operate safely and successfully for those clients who choose to come and
stay, be it overnight or for a day excursion. This means we can continue creating a platform where
we are able to partner with, equip and empower young Tasmanians.
Since June 2020 the Department of Education, one of our highly valued clients and one many other
clients look towards for guidance in these uncertain times, has applied the AHPPC guidelines for
dormitory style accommodation to our organisation, and those similar to us. The recommendation is
to only use 25% of the total capacity of a room for overnight stays.
This recommendation severely limits Camp Clayton’s operation and is in contradiction to the rebuild
and recover approach by the Government across many other sectors. Camp Clayton has adapted and
provided alternative options for groups who wished to comply with the recommendation in the
short term with the advice and reason to believe the Government would change the
recommendation in Term 3 or 4 of last year.
Unfortunately, the State Government to date has NOT changed or indicated it has reconsidered the
25% recommendations, even though it indicated it would. With Term 1 now fast approaching Camp
Clayton and Christian Venues Association Australia have continued to provide evidence to a number
of State Government Departments indicating that the AHPPC guidelines are not applicable to our
sector.
As you now are also reconsidering intrastate overnight camps for your organisation, I believe it is
important you know all the evidence too. The reason that Camp Clayton and CVA Australia do not
believe these guidelines should be applied to our sector are as follows:
- On average a student stays at a dormitory for 10 weeks, School Camps are on average 3 only
days, and maximum of 5 - A student on camp is now in contact with 87% fewer students than if they had remained on
campus (100 vs 600) - There are simultaneously 13% fewer student on campus allowing for enhanced social
distancing (500 vs 600) - Students on camp do not require public transport
- Students are not congregating in public spaces after school
- Accommodation at Camp Clayton is NOT dormitory style accommodation. Camp Clayton has
5 separate buildings with each separate bedrooms and bathrooms. - The AHPPC guidelines were developed at the height of the pandemic and are now 7 months
old. Like many other guidelines they should be reviewed and updated - Western Australia and South Australian were two other jurisdictions that initially adopted
the guidelines but have since removed them - School Camps have been operating successfully and safely through mainland Australia since
late June 2020 - Camp Clayton has been operating other community groups and client groups safely since
late June 2020 - School groups that travel together to a site are treated in a bubble and kept save during a
stay on site. The spread amongst them is again limited in accordance with COVID-Safe Plans
like any other business in our community
As an organisation we are here to provide a safe platform that you are valued client can shine upon,
and have continued to do so during the pandemic. We are here to work together with you on a safe
and successful camp.
School Camps are an essential part of the mental welfare and development of young Tasmanians.
This is why they have been part of the curriculum for many years and many of you are strong
advocates for it. Be assured that we have researched, consulted, planned and modified our
operations to ensure you will be able to do so safely in Term 1 of 2021 and beyond.
We kindly request you show us your support and continue intrastate overnight camping.
Your sincerely,
Melle Zwerver
CEO Camp Clayton
Update 5 June 2020
Introducing the Camp Clayton Covid19 Safety Plan.
Camp Clayton is an accommodation, conference, and activity facility providing group accommodation and recreational facilities for general hire to the public. The health and safety of staff and clients are a high priority. The COVID-19 Safety plan has been developed to ensure the best industrial practices to keep the workplace safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Update 13 May 2020
Are Camps going to be back for July School Holidays?
School holidays are still a little while away, but if things go to the Government’s Plan we could be running Camps as soon as July!
Having said that, Camp Clayton is seriously committed to the safety and well-being of our staff and clients. A range of infectious disease prevention strategies have already been implemented in accordance with our infectious disease policy. Camp Clayton will also, in accordance with the State and Federal Governments recommendations, be implementing a COVID19 Safety Plan for our business.
So, subject to the Government and Public Health restrictions being lifted in accordance with the dates outlined in the Road Map to Recovery, Camp Clayton will be able to:
May: Continue Maintenance Mode, small practical learning and assessment sessions (11/5), small group bookings of maximum of 10 people (18/5).
June: Continue Maintenance Mode, recommencement of accommodation facilities, small group bookings of maximum of 20 people (15/6).
July: Continue Maintenance Mode, group bookings of maximum of 50-100 (indoor/outdoor)(13/7)
So be assured Camp Clayton will be ready to continue to support your business and our vision for young people.
Update 28 March 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE 4- Camp Restrictions by DOE.
The Management of Camp Clayton has been actively looking at how we can help our community at this time.
In accordance with the Premier’s message yesterday Camp Clayton is now allowed to support Tasmanian workers, interstate workers deemed as essential workers, and people whose principle residence is unavailable (nomad community).
So if you are looking for somewhere to call home for some time, or you’re one of our locals who can’t go home at the moment, Camp Clayton is here to HELP.
Camp Clayton is not a caravan park, but has plenty of space for a caravan or two, at this stage we are unable to offer self-isolation options. But we have several other great budget opportunities, like self-contained accommodation, or rooms with an individual bathroom if you need somewhere to go.
From the start of this emergency we have adapted the way we do business to ensure the best practice possible.
Camp Clayton’s mission for the last 70 years has always been about supporting young people. We are a not-for-profit organisation, so staying with us will ensure we can continue to do this for the next 70 years.
Give us a call as each enquiry will be considered on a case by case basis. Let’s continue to support each other whilst preventing the spread of the virus.
Update 25 March 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE 3 – Camp Restrictions by DOE.
Saying goodbye at the end of every Camp is the hardest part. Having fun, being able to hang out and to make new friends is what we are all about at Camp Clayton. But for now we have to say see you later. The governments message is very clear we need to go home and stay at home . We respect this we have to do our bit, so until further notice Camp Clayton has cancelled all its ministry camps.
We know that our campers and leaders are going to find this very tough, we are right there with you! This is not goodbye, but see you later.
If you had registered for any upcoming camps with Camp Clayton your account has been credited with the full amount paid. For those who want a refund we ask you to send us an email on admin@campclayton.org.au so we can organise that for you.
We will continue to keep you up to date and look forward to looking back together on some of the great times we have had together! Before we know it we will back with such a greater appreciation for what we have.
Update 16 March 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE 2 – Camp Restrictions by DOE.
The Management and Board of Camp fully respect yesterday’s decision by the Tasmanian Government to suspend all camps and excursions by Tasmanian Schools. As a result Camp Clayton has upgraded to phase 2 in its response plan to COVID-19.
Phase 2 is about ensuring that we do our bit as an organisation through the social distancing measures and flattening the curve of infections. The way we are doing this is that as of immediately we are restricting access to our site for any person that has been overseas in the preceding 14 days.
We are contacting each of our valued clients and discussing their specific situation and bookings with us. Advising them of our increased control measures that are currently in place to reduce the spread of the virus. As an organisation we highly value our clients and will be working with each and every individual one of them ensuring the best possible outcome, during this challenging time as a community.
As an organisation we are here to support all of our valued clients, campers and their families and we know that as a community this is a a special times as we can not simply rely on experience, and will work through this together as a family anchored in our faith.
Update 14 March 2020
As the situation around the COVID-19 virus is developing very rapidly the Camp Clayton Management and Board would like to reassure our community and clients that we are monitoring the situation daily.
As a result, Camp Clayton has now implemented a 4-phase response plan to the situation, in accordance with recommendations of the Department of Health.
For all our valued clients and campers who either have booked with us or are planning to do so, be assured that currently, it is “business as usual”.
Camp Clayton takes safety very seriously and we have made various improvements to assist the prevention of the spread of the virus, in accordance with our response plan and infectious disease policy.
For further information or for a copy of our policy and response plan please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We encourage you to check out the facts on the Department of Health’s website: