COVID-19 Precautionary Measures

Fresh air, muddy hands and new friends are all part of what makes our farm immersion programs so special. 

Each day at Living Grounds is a magical experience. Structured and unstructured play time allow visitors to interact on their own terms with nature. Curiosity and wonder abound, and our activities, crafts, games and storytelling provide positive outdoor experiences and memories that last a lifetime!

We’ve outlined the COVID-19 safety practices in order of when they will present themselves before coming to the farm, upon arrival on site, and during your visit. We ask for active participation from families to ensure children and staff are exposed to the lowest possible risk.

Pre-screening and monitoring: 

Parents will be asked to take children temperature (monitoring for fever*) every day before arrival at Living Grounds. We will also ask families to answer pre-screening questions including asking about symptoms and history of exposure.

Staying home if sick: 

We require that if a child (or family member) is sick or exhibiting any symptoms that could be COVID-19, that they stay home unless assessed by a doctor or tested. Even if symptoms are mild, we require at least a one-day absence from the farm for monitoring. If a child or a close family member has experienced a suspected exposure to COVID-19 within the last month prior to farm, we ask that you cancel the farm program for a full refund. Our staff will be following the same procedure, informed by CDC’s guidance. 

On site, staff will be alert for symptoms: 

  • Staff will watch for fever*, cough or shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19

  • Staff will check temperature using a forehead thermometer if symptoms develop. 

Supplies: 

Children will be asked to supply their own mask, work gloves, and notebook or journal (including pens, pencils, colors), in addition to a water bottle, snacks, and all utensils in order to minimize sharing. Children need to wear a clean mask every day; masks should be washed or replaced daily. Surface sanitizer, extra masks, gloves, soap, paper products, and first aid supplies will be available. Farm staff will be equipped with COVID safety gear on-hand at all times. 

Pick up and Drop Off: 

Hand washing stations will be set up at the entrance of Living Grounds for children to clean their hands as children arrive at Living Grounds. The same parent/guardian should drop off and pick up, if possible. Pick up and drop off will be done individually. Parents and other individuals who are on-site during drop off will also be required to wear masks unless exempt based on Governor Newsom’s mandate. Children must have temperature taken daily either before coming to Living Grounds or upon arriving. If children have a fever* they will be asked to return or stay at home. Parent/guardian and children will be asked daily if the children has any symptoms of COVID-19 (shortness of breath, flushed cheeks, difficulty breathing, cough). Additional symptoms are not limited to, but include: 

  • Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 

  • Fatigue Muscle or body aches 

  • Headache 

  • New loss of taste or smell 

  • Sore throat 

  • Congestion or runny nose 

  • Nausea or vomiting 

  • Diarrhea

Parents will be asked to complete a daily sign-in and liability release waiver. 

Social Distancing on site at Living Grounds:

Farm capacity is very limited. No more than 10 participants are registered for each 2020 Farm School session.

  • The vast majority of farm activities will take place with all people spaced 6 feet or more apart. 

  • Participants will wear masks during farm days, especially when activities require participants to be spaced less than 6-8 feet apart. Masks need to be washed/replaced daily. 

Signage will be posted to remind children and staff of social distancing, hand washing and sanitation procedures. 

Although the goal will be to avoid such interactions, knowing that natural errors may occur, instructors will monitor and log when children come in close contact** (interactions within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes, especially if done so without masks or if coughing or sneezing occurs). 

Children who are siblings or are from the same household will not be asked to remain 6 feet apart from each other. 

Hygiene and sanitation: 

Gloves Disposable gloves will be used by farm instructors and volunteers when distributing or handling food, and will be properly disposed of after use. Hand washing All hand washing protocols outlined by the CDC will be followed, including:

  • Wash hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water OR sanitize with a hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol content. 

  • Wash hands every time a children/staff/volunteer enters and leaves Living Grounds property, a bathroom is used, before and after handling food, and after touching the face. Due to the increased hand washing need, additional hand washing and sanitizing stations will be available throughout the property. 


Communication: 

We ask for full disclosure and continued communication from parents if there is a concern about potential COVID-19 exposure or symptoms and we will do the same. If a participant is suspected of, or confirmed to have COVID during your farm week, we will disclose this information to staff and other farm families immediately. 

If a participant is suspected of having COVID-19, or exhibits any suspicious symptoms during farm: 

Participants will be immediately isolated, a mask or cloth face covering will be applied if not already, and parents will be called to immediately remove the children and pursue medical intervention and testing. Participants will be asked to stay home for the remainder of the farm week, all surfaces will be immediately re-sanitized. All participants and staff from the sick participant’s group will be closely monitored by parents and farm instructors. Anyone who has come in close contact with the affected individual will be asked to stay home for the duration of the week.