Phase II of the Hostel Reopening

Due to the communal nature of the Hostel in the Forest we have had to make hard choices about how we reopen. The closure of the hostel was difficult for our community. This space held so much of what many folks were missing during their experience of quarantine - things like connection, shared space, HUGS! and more. It was also a difficult time for the hostel itself. Cut off from our source of income, there were suddenly no guarantees we’d be able to make our payments on the land and keep the beautiful buildings and critical systems of the hostel maintained. It is our priority to keep our promise of stewardship of this land and space.  Therefore, as we reopen we are committed to making sure that we do not have to close again. This means being cautious and finding ways to reopen in phases as the pandemic subsides and becomes less of a worry for our community.

We are now accepting reservations of folks who have full covid vaccination according to CDC guidelines, OR who can provide proof of a negative PCR or rapid test administered within 72 hours of arrival by a drugstore (or clinic).

Children who are too young for the vaccine (4 years old and under, currently) are exempt from the needs of both the vaccine and testing. (This may change, as vaccines for young children become available).

We have increased cleaning protocols and limited the overall number of guests we have on site at one time. We provide each party with their own hut, no longer bunking folks from different groups in bunkhouses together and we take extra care to let everyone choose their comfort with hugs and closeness as well as other little changes to reduce risks. We know that this doesn’t eliminate the risks of spreading the coronavirus, but for now it is a good balance allowing us to open our doors and still provide a space that feels safe.

Should a member or staff show symptoms in line with covid during their stay, we require further testing in order for their stay to continue.

Should they show a positive test result, we will immediately quarantine them in their hut until the manager can have a conversation with them as to how to safely proceed further, with the intent to find out their current travel plans, and how they can move forward without putting themselves and others at risk. At the manager’s discretion, the member may be asked to leave earlier than their original time, or may be offered time to continue quarantining on site while they arrange their plans.

Whether the person remains or not, we will sanitize public spaces around the hostel.

For members quarantining on site, they may be required to relocate to a hut specified by the manager. Their associated party may also be required to test further, and may be quarantined as well. Food, water, and private bathroom facilities will be provided. Precautions will be taken around interfacing with members or any items passed from members. After the members leave, actions will be taken to sanitize their huts.

Making a reservation at the hostel at this time is an agreement to follow these procedures. We are striving to proceed in a way that protects as it includes, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and compassion through this process.