Colorado 6th Amended PHO includes information for Camps and Aerial Adventure Operators

On June 5th the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment published the 6th Amended Public Health Order. The document has a number of items concerning outdoor recreations, ziplines, challenge courses, and aerial adventure operations as well as day and resident camp.

Section I.H.3.g states that “zip lines, ropes courses, outdoor artificial climbing walls, or outdoor sports adventure centers not affiliated with ski resorts” may open “if the local public health agency has reviewed and approved the resort’s plans.” Reopen plans must meet the requirements of Appendix K in the Amended Order. While this is an important step for operators in the state, Appendix K does include requirements that may challenge operators. Some provisions in the Appendix may cause significant changes in operational practices.

Please note that if the site is licensed by the Division of Oil and Public Safety, a OPS permit must be secured before operation can begin.

Section II.K states that day camps and youth programs may operate in accordance with the requirements found in Appendix J of the amended order. This rule specifically excludes resident camps.

Like the requirements for outdoor recreation, the rules found in Appendix J will require camp operators to rethink how they work with children and staff. For example, the Appendix states that group size will be limited to 25 or fewer people and small groups can not mix. Camps will also need to assure they have protocols for responding to and reporting sick campers or staff to local public health authorities.

Operators are strongly encouraged to carefully read these guidelines and create detailed work plans based on these rules.

Challenge Course builders, inspectors, and trainers are strongly encouraged to review a site’s specific approved safety plan before going to a site and at least adopting the provisions in the local plan.