Wildtender has procedures and policies in place to minimize risk of spreading communicable disease (including COVID-19), and to promote health and safety. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, please note these policies are subject to change based on updated conditions, and public health recommendations and requirements. (last updated Jan 2022)

Before the program:

  • Proof of full vaccination will be required for all participants and guides/instructors by the program start date. Participants who fail to provide proof of vaccination will not be allowed to participate and will risk forfeiting their tuition or credit.

  • Proof of a negative COVID-19 test will be required before arrival from all participants and guides. The specific requirements and timing for the test will be decided closer to the program start date, depending on the context and recommendations at the time.

  • Medical grade face masks (N95 or KN95) may be required in indoor spaces (at Esalen or Tassajara) based on official recommendations or requirements during the program. Regardless, all participants are required to pack 2-3 masks for the trip in case of a need to be in close proximity, such as an emergency first aid situation or shuttling.

  • All loaned and shared gear will be sterilized before and after each program.

  • Any participant or guide who has been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19 within 14 days of their scheduled program will not be allowed to join, unless COVID-19 asymptomatic and meeting local health department and/or CDC guidelines for quarantine exceptions – a negative COVID-19 test will still be required if so, with results coming from a laboratory or healthcare provider (PCR, NAAT, or antigen).

  • Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, body aches/chills, recent loss of taste or smell) within 14 days of their scheduled program will not be allowed to join while symptoms are present and without a negative COVID-19 test, or potentially more. The final test would need to be taken within 72 hours before arrival, with results coming from a laboratory or healthcare provider (PCR, NAAT, or antigen). Timing of the test(s) must adhere to CDC guidelines, and negative test result(s) must be submitted to Wildtender as soon as possible.

During the program:

  • Setting deliberate distance (six feet or more) between participants during hiking and camping allows space for solitary reflection and mindfulness within a group container, while adhering to California’s social distancing guidelines.

  • Hand-washing stations will be set up at every camp for overnight programs, and hand-washing and sanitizing will be required before and after making contact with any shared supplies.

  • Equipment shared between participants will be greatly minimized, and participants will carry their own food, equipment and supplies.

  • Any group food preparation will be handled by guides/instructors utilizing food safety best practices.

  • Participants and guides/instructors are encouraged to not make physical contact unless they are traveling together. Let’s bow to each other instead!

  • Any guide or participant who develops flu-like symptoms during a trip will be physically distanced- to the extent possible- from the rest of the group, and from any community spaces or items. Affected individuals will be required to wear a face mask. Staff will consider potential evacuation of the affected individual(s). If guides are in the position of providing direct care to an affected participant(s), they will be physically distanced from the rest of the group- to the extent practicable- for the remainder of the trip.

  • Participants who develop flu-like symptoms and are evacuated may be transported from the field by vehicle, helicopter, or ambulance to the nearest appropriate health care facility. Transportation costs will be the responsibility of the participant.

Post-program:

  • Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms (as defined above) 14 days post-trip will be asked to contact Wildtender and inform us of their symptoms. If we are informed that anyone associated with a program has experienced any flu-like symptoms, all guides and participants from that program will be contacted to inform them, and required health professionals and/or agencies contacted if necessary.

General/Regional Information

For more general and regional information about restrictions and recommendations relating to COVID-19 we recommend visiting the CDC website and/or the Monterey County Departments of Health.