LOMC – COVID-19 NEWS – LOMC
Updated 12.31.2021
We’re Hard At Work In Ministry
General Updates
- For all LOMC-led overnight programs (summer camp, retreats, etc.), participants must provide proof of full vaccination in order to attend.
- LOMC is a private retreat center.
- We ask group leaders to take the safety of their group members seriously.
- Best practice: vaccination and mask-wearing (when indoors).
- As of the date above, we allow group leaders to make safety decisions regarding COVID-19.
- LOMC staff will wear masks indoors when guests are present.
- AT ANY TIME… local, state and federal mandates may change our policies. *EVEN after you make a reservation.
- All of LOMC’s year-round staff are fully vaccinated.
- The newer variants of COVID have created another opportunity to adjust to mask-wearing.
- Please take vaccinations and mask-wearing seriously. We continue to monitor best practices to keep guests safe.
- For all overnight accommodation facilities, we let leaders make decisions for their group regarding mask wearing and distancing.
- Every group has different vaccination backgrounds, needs and comfort levels.
- For dining areas you may be asked to wear a mask when not eating at a table.
- Our LOMC staff will be wearing masks indoors when around guests.
- ***We strongly recommend all groups **wear masks indoors** when not eating or sleeping (regardless of vaccination status).
- No one should visit LOMC if you have symptoms, feel sick or been in close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
- Occupancy Restrictions
- Restrictions also depend on vaccinations within your group.
- Tents and Freedom Tree Village are limited to one person per room/tent (except those from the same household).
- Retreat Cabins (with bunks) are limited to no more than three per room (12 per cabin).
- As it has been throughout the pandemic, many factors may change these totals at any time.
- There are no current restrictions on out-of-state visitors.
- Vaccination Requirement – NEW
- A COVID vaccine is required for all overnight retreats and summer camps run and led by LOMC.
- 2022 Summer campers (including day campers) will be required to have a COVID vaccine to participate.
CANCELLATIONS
- We will not be holding overnight retreats for children and youth this fall in the Retreat Cabins due to the rise of COVID cases statewide and in our local, Ogle County.
- LOMC board and staff made the decision to suspend summer camps until 2022.
- Small groups, households and day groups can plan trips to LOMC today.
MEAL SERVICE
- LOMC is again providing two tiers of meal service to guests.
DAY GUESTS/VISITORS
LOMC is closed to the general public to accommodate our guests:
- Visit this page for details…
- Day visits including hiking and fishing is by permission only.
Now is a great time to support LOMC in this unusual and challenging time. Financial difficulties are at their peak! Let’s work together to keep this precious ministry strong.
Our continued goal is to keep LOMC an outdoor sanctuary full of faith-filled experiences that connect us to God and each other.
Air cleaners with UV light available for enclosed locations.
Hand sanitizer and other disinfectants in place.
UV light for area disinfection.
Electrostatic disinfectant sprayers available.
COVID SAFE
The basics as you lead your group at LOMC.
Sick? Stay Home.
Group leaders should check their participants before and during their stay for any symptoms of illness.
Keep Your Distance
Physical distancing (6ft. minimum) throughout your stay will reduce the risk!
Use Protective Equipment
Wear a face mask/covering at all times to reduce yours and others’ risk.
Wash Your Hands
Proper hygiene is a good practice ALL the time but washing hands after entering any building is just one practice that helps reduce risk. Don’t touch your face is another!
General Questions Answered
We are already cleaning and disinfecting all areas of camp and regularly disinfecting commonly touched areas like doorknobs and bathrooms. We are working with our local health department, reviewing CDC guidelines as well as putting into place new procedures on cleaning and disinfecting.
For non-family groups, we are electro-statically spraying disinfectant in living areas an additional time during a two-night stay.
We continue to consult with both experts and other outdoor facilities in implementing best practices to keep guests safer. An individual and group’s willingness to follow precautions increases the likelihood that guests remain healthy.
We continue to evaluate how groups experience LOMC and what impact current COVID-19 restrictions have on them. We hope you will understand the complexity of keeping your group safe, following health department policies and making your experience fantastic is a delicate balance. Your help, flexibility and understanding is welcomed! Your group may need to consider:
Starting July 1 all groups that visit LOMC will have restrictions and be part of our new RETREAT (Together) program.
In order to keep LOMC sustainable we have increased fees slightly to match increased expenses in cleaning and disinfecting.
For details on having a retreat at LOMC please visit this page…
Yes. The product we use throughout LOMC is on the approved EPA list and is effective in combating the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus.
The registration number is: 1839-166
To check the products you use, click this link to visit the EPA.
At any time, the health situation in the area (or in Illinois) may change causing us to roll back our options. We have three options to consider:
- Family Getaway experience
- RETREAT (Together) for small groups
- Day Events
For all opportunities and special events visit this page for details.
We encourage you to follow us on facebook and check our website frequently for the newest announcements.
Your prayers are very appreciated as we all navigate this strange and difficult time together. We have been blessed to receive financial help from donors and our federal government to continue ministry through early summer. Your financial help is always appreciated.
From AmazonSmile, Thrivent Choice Dollars/Action Teams, and financial donations we have lots of opportunity to support the ministries of LOMC.
To date, all year-round staff have been healthy. With recent federal help, we were able to keep our full-time staff and bring back a few part time staff. Our staff take daily temperature readings and we keep staff on limited duty, distance-duty or other restrictions based on their individual risk factors.
Financial realities are ever present as reservation numbers are 50-80% less than typical years. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Please visit our RETREAT (Together) page to get your group started in gathering for a safer experience at LOMC.
We want to help you walk through all the complex questions from transportation and housing to meals and activities. We want your group to be as safe as possible!
Yes, with restrictions.
If the signs are up at the entrance – we are closed to the public.
Please honor our policies and guests.