Social Saturdays and Sundays

Social Saturdays and Sundays

Social Saturdays and Sundays is a shorter program offered on weekends that is based on our Via West and Altitude community integration outings. The program will consist of 2-4 social outings each month.

Social Saturdays and Sundays is designed to address the emotional needs and safety concerns of our participants with re-entry into social situations coming out of the pandemic. Our outings could be the first steps in re-engaging families who have experienced social isolation but remain cautious about re-entry.  This program is also a great introduction to the types of services we offer at Via West. Families are encouraged to use one of these sessions as a trial before a full day or overnight weekend camp. It’s also a great short break for parents to go have lunch or spend time with other siblings!

Via has long offered community integration programs such as this as an element of the Via West curriculum. We are excited to offer these community activities that are meaningful, challenging, and fun, yet also provide parents reassurance that appropriate health protocols are in place for their loved ones to be safe.

Outings will consist of a meetup at a specified location – a city or regional park with open space and trails, museum, zoo, or amusement park. With the initial launch of our program, groups will be limited with staff providing 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 ratio support. Those who are able will wear a face mask at all times, social distancing will be maintained, and location guidelines will be followed. As covid restrictions lessen, the numbers of the groups will expand.

For Fall, Winter, and Spring 2021-2022 click here for Via West and click here for Altitude.

Covid-19 Policies and Protocols

Via West Campus Covid-19 Risk Reduction Procedures for Programs – Updated January 20, 2022

As the pandemic changes, these policies will be updated to reflect best practices or mandates from Federal/State/local authorities, or recommendations from the ACA (American Camp Association)

  • All employees and campers are required to be fully vaccinated in order to attend. Additionally, starting on February 1st, all employees are required to have received a booster shot, per guidelines from the Department of Social Services. 
  • All staff members are required wear a disposable mask (surgical mask, KN-95, or N-95) while indoors, except during meal times, when sleeping, and in outdoor spaces. 
  • We are requiring all campers that can, to wear a disposable mask (surgical mask, KN-95, or N-95). Please, no cloth masks. Via West can provide masks to both campers and staff as necessary
  • Staff and campers presenting with Covid-19 symptoms will not be able to stay.
  • Upon arrival, both staff and campers are required to take a rapid/antigen test.  A negative test is required in order to remain on Via West Campus.
  • Via West has suspended offsite activities that require transportation (prolonged close contact is unavoidable during transportation).
  • Via West requires campers and their families to indicate their understanding of Covid-19 risks.

Current symptoms that prohibit participation in Via West Campus programs for both staff  and campers:

  • Positive Covid-19 test within the past five-days.
  • Fever-greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Sore throat.
  • Persistent cough that cannot be attributed to other causes such as asthma/allergies.
  • Loss of taste or smell.
  • Vomiting for non-behavioral reasons.

Current symptoms that prohibit participation in Via West Campus programs for both staff  & campers when 2 or more symptoms are present:

  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Sneezing

Additional requirements:

  • We are requiring that all campers take a rapid test upon arrival at Via West. Negative tests will be required for your camper to remain at camp.
  • Please keep your camper home if they are experiencing any Covid-19 or flu symptoms.
  • We are requesting campers use either disposable surgical masks, KN95 or N95 masks (we will have extra KN95 and surgical masks on site if needed).
  • We ask that you, and especially your camper, practice as much physical distancing and mask-wearing as possible during the coming days in preparation for their stay at camp. 
  • While on campus, staff will continue to monitor for signs or symptoms of Covid-19. 

Other steps taken to decrease risk:

  • Increased cleaning frequency.
  • Increased space between campers in the cabins.
  • Encouraging people to maintain distance.
  • Encouraging frequent hand washing.
  • Camp capacity has significantly been limited.
  • Waived all cancellation fees during the pandemic.

Please be aware, although we are taking steps to limit the risk of contracting Covid- 19 on Via West Campus, participating in group activities, such as camp, still poses a real risk of contracting Covid-19. 

Social Saturdays and Sundays

The Program

  • Kids, teens, and young adults sessions for ages 5-22, young adults and adults sessions for ages 16+
  • Altitude kids and teens sessions for ages 9-18, teens and young adults sessions for ages 18-30
  • Staffing ratios provided for 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1
  • Check-in is at 11:00am and check-out is at 3:00pm

Pricing & Enrollment

  • Private Pay: $160 for Altitude or $135 for Via West 3:1 or $170 for Via West 2:1 or $195 for Via West 1:1. Please click here for financial assistance.
  • If you would like to utilize Regional Center funding, please check with your Regional Center planning team to use your out-of-home respite hours. If the session is indeed funded by the Regional Center, you will only be charged for the enhanced experience – the Supplemental Daily Rate of $75/day. We have a scholarship fund available for anyone who needs assistance with partial or full payment of the fee. Please click here to request a scholarship. Please note that effective July 1, 2021, all Altitude programs are private pay only.
  • New participant? Click here to inquire about programs