Dave Irwin

Dave Irwin is the Leadership Director at Camp Belknap. In this capacity, he is  he is the head of Belknap’s celebrated Leadership Program. During the summer, Dave works closely with the leadership to provide feedback and help them grow as Leaders.

This is his 29th year at Belknap. Dave was previously a Cadet Leader from 2000 through 2002 and served as the Middler Division Head for 2003 and 2004. He was then a member of the Program Staff from 2005 through 2013, acting as Program Director during 2005-2012.

In the “offseason”, Dave is the Director of Secondary School Counseling and Head of Upper School at The Fenn School in Concord, MA. He received his B.A. in American Literature and Civilization from Middlebury College and he attended Harvard University to receive his Ed. M. in School Leadership.

Dave lives in Concord, MA with his wife, Mandy, and their daughters, Willa and Hayes.

kb@rnes

kb@rnes

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Camp Belknap Refund Policy

Live Camp Updates with the Directors

Register for a session below to learn more about the 2021 season. Get your questions answered.

Director Q&A:

Communications

All communications related to COVID-19 and plans for summer 2021 will be posted here.

Pre-Arrival Requirements

The following link has mandatory pre-camp requirements. Additional details related to pre-camp symptom monitoring and pre-camp testing will continue to be posted on this page.

Pre-Camp Requirements for Unvaccinated Campers as of 5/25/21

Pre-Camp Requirements for Vaccinated Campers as of 5/25/21

Pre-Arrival COVID Testing Requirements (updated 5/26/21)

Summer 2021 Brochure - Everything You Need to Know!

Packing for Camp

Click here to view and download the most up-to-date list of items to pack for camp (Updated on February 24th, 2021).

If any changes to the list occur prior to the start of camp, a new list and updates will be posted here.

Please note the following:

  • No Laundry - To minimize handling of camper clothes and equipment, Belknap will NOT be offering laundry for sessions that are 1 or 2 weeks. We will provide laundry for 4-week campers.
  • Mask type requirements are outlined as of the current CDC guidance.
  • Water bottles with strap or carrying device are required. Water fountains will be closed to minimize transmission of COVID. Instead, campers will be asked to carry their water bottles to program periods. Water bottle fill stations are located throughout camp.
  • Medications – Belknap is using PackMyRx to help pre-pack medications for camp. Please click here for information and instructions. Please ensure you complete this process at least 30 days prior to your session. Late fees apply.
  • No care packages. Please send letters only.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Belknap is planning coordinated efforts to minimize exposure and risk on these high traffic days. 

In order to reduce the spread of COVID and safely enter and exit campers we have adjusted our drop off and pick-up process as outlined below.

Please note the following:

  • Reminder - Late arrivals will NOT be accepted on to campus because of the testing procedures and COVID protocols. Also please note if the camper needs to depart early from camp for a pre-planned event or unforeseen circumstance, they will be unable to return back to camp no matter what day it is within the session.

  • All unvaccinated campers must bring a printed copy of their negative PCR test on change day.

  • All fully vaccinated campers must bring a printed copy of their vaccination card showing date of both shots and completion two weeks prior to the start of your camp session.

  • The Camp Store will be closed on check-in days. The Camp Store is open online at campbelknap.org/shop

We require anyone outside of their car to wear a mask at all times.

We ask that everyone except for campers stay in their car during check-in and check-out time.

Bathroom facilities will only be available on Clark Field.

Due to onsite COVID testing on drop off day, drop off time will be staggered this summer.  Drop off will be between 10AM and 4PM with families being assigned a specific 1 hr arrival window.  Your time slot is designated by your hometown (not current location) and sometimes also by last name.  Please look for your session below to see your specific arrival times.  Pick up will be on Saturdays and will be between 9AM and 11AM for all five sessions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drop Off process will be the following:

            -Parents/Guardians will be directed to enter camp through camp’s eastern most entrance our laundry facility (just north of chase point rd. on Rt. 109).

            -This will allow us to guide all cars up onto Clark Field where cars will be parked, and campers will be checked in.   Check-in will consist of seeing proof of a negative PCR test within the last 5 days or vaccination card, reviewing any pertinent medical histories with our medical team and receiving division assignment.

            -From Clark Lodge, campers will walk across the field to our main office where they will receive a rapid PCR test. 

            -Campers will return to the car and once confirmation of a negative PCR provided by the test they will be released via car to the division.

            -Once cars arrive at the division, we ask that all parents remain in the car.  The cabin leader will help your son with his trunk. 

            -The cabin leader will provide time to speak to the parents while they are in the car.

Pick Up process

            -Pick Up process will consist of picking your camper up at his cabin and then returning to Clark Field to sign him out and settle up his camper spending.

Camp Life During COVID

 

Belknap’s mission remains unchanged.  And much of camp life will remain the same in 2021.  We will continue our Belknap traditions such as choice programming, vespers, woodcraft, candlelight and Adam’s cup.  To enhance safety and still preserve the core principles of Belknap life, we have implemented the following upgrades:

  • All Cabins have permanently installed screen doors and ventilation fans.
  • Our Dining Hall will receive a ~3,000ft2 addition of a tent to allow for more distancing between tables.
  • Replaced all water fountains with water bottle fill stations (don’t forget your water bottle this summer!)
  • Move all camp programming from our closer spaces like the chapel and woodcraft circle to messer field
  • Installed hand sanitizer stations throughout camp.
  • Installed additional hand washing stations throughout camp.
  • Installed a tents at the health center for outdoor triage and potential isolation of COVID positive campers.
  • Rented porta-potties for change days
  • Installed additional safety measures within our kitchen

Masks

Masks for campers and staff will be a part of Belknap’s plan for preventing introduction and spread of virus at Camp. Please note that campers and staff will be unmasked for sleeping, eating, showering, swimming and while participating in activities on the lake in small watercraft.  Campers/staff will be allowed to take masks off with their cabin group (their “Family” for the their time at camp) when that group is not interacting with others.  For information on choosing masks and number needed while at camp, please see CDC guidance and Belknap’s equipment list.  Please note, our masking policy may shift in a division (age group) based on percent of campers vaccinated. (Updated 5/12/21)

COVID Testing

Camp Belknap plans to use COVID testing as a part of our 2021 plan for entry and admittance to camp, diagnostic (symptoms) and ongoing monitoring.  The following outlines our requirements for pre-arrival COVID-19 Testing.

All unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated campers attending Camp Belknap are required to have a Covid-19 PCR-based test conducted 3 to 5 days prior to camp arrival.  The results must be complete and campers must arrive with a printed confirmation of a negative Covid-19 PCR-based test.  For fully vaccinated campers, there is no pre-camp testing requirement.  The camper will only qualify as fully vaccinated if they are 14 days after their final/second vaccination shot.  Please see the pre-camp requirements.

Reminder: once campers are swabbed for a PCR test, we ask that they interact only with their household family members and engage in low risk behaviors to prevent COVID exposure between the time of testing and arrival at camp.  For details, please refer to pre-camp expectations for VACCINATED or UNVACCINATED campers.

What is a PCR-based test?

A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based test is conducted to determine if a person is infected with SARS-CoV-2.   More specifically, a PCR test looks for genetic material from the COVID virus itself.  By contrast, rapid testing is usually antigen testing, which looks for cellular evidence of the body’s response to the virus, but not the actual virus.  The PCR test is the most accurate and reliable test for COVID-19, the “gold standard.”

If you want more information on different types of testing, you can read this:

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics

Again, Belknap can only accept a PCR test, not an antigen test.  This is a state requirement for camp admission.

Where can I get tested? 

Look on your local state websites or contact your primary care providers.  This link might help: 

https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html

Many drug stores such as CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, along with walk-in clinics, are now offering Covid-19 testing.  Just make sure, wherever you go, that it is a PCR test, not a rapid antigen test.

Can I do a rapid test?

Maybe.  Currently, most rapid testing is antigen testing, which the State of NH will not accept for camp admission.  There are some instances of rapid PCR testing, but it is less common.  Bottom line: rapid vs. slow does not matter; PCR vs. antigen does.  Again, we cannot accept an antigen test per the NH guidelines and regulations. If you have further questions, please let us know. 

How will the camp get the results?

You will hand carry a copy of the results with you to camp.  We need a hard copy, not a screen shot or photo of the result.  Your camper will not be able to remain at camp without documentation of a negative PCR test performed 3-5 days before camp, by order of the state of New Hampshire.  Additionally, you may be asked to upload this document to his CampDoc medical record.

What if my child has had COVID?  

If your child has had a Covid-19 infection within 90 days of camp arrival, your child does NOT have to be tested. However, you must upload documentation showing a positive Covid-19 test result to Camp Doc. We also require you to bring a hard copy of the result on arrival day. 

Will campers still be tested on arrival day even if they are vaccinated?  

Yes, all campers vaccinated and unvaccinated will also be tested upon arrival at camp.  If the test is positive, the camper will not be allowed to enter/attend that session.

What if I still have questions about testing?

Call camp or email the Camp Belknap COVID Team at teamc@campbelknap.org

Response to Positive Test

Belknap’s medical advisory group, has a detailed plan for the potential of a symptomatic individual and/or positive test at camp. This plan will include isolation, quarantine, contact tracing, and care of campers/staff.

Any camper who tests positive (vaccinated or unvaccinated) will be asked to leave camp.  All vaccinated campers in close contact with a positive case, as long as they remain symptom free, will be able to remain at camp.  All unvaccinated close contacts to a positive case will be required to leave camp and quarantine at home.

Visitors

Visitors are only permitted until June 6th.  Up until June 6th, please click below for detailed information on visiting camp. When camp is in session, for the safety of our campers and staff, visitors will be strictly limited to vendors and maintenance needs.  If there is an urgent reason to come onto the property between June 7th and August 29th please call camp.

Visit Information

Belknap Word of Honor

Please go to this link to review and agree to the Word of Honor. 

All parents, campers and staff are requested to accept this Word of Honor in an effort to support the safe operations of Camp Belknap.