We are in a remote location…

Star Island is a small island with access only by boat. The travel time to an off-island medical facility is a minimum of an hour and may be much longer depending upon weather and sea conditions. Although there is a first aid station on the island, it is equipped for only basic emergency and first aid treatment and may not be staffed at all times.

When should I *not* come to Star Island?

Star Island Corporation strongly recommends not participating in a program if you suffer from any medical condition which might reasonably require emergency medical response. This includes but is not limited to heart conditions, the last trimester of pregnancy, severe allergic reactions, dementia, and illnesses which require ongoing medical treatment or monitoring and other similar conditions. Star Island Corporation strongly recommends consulting your physician to ensure that Star Island is a suitable environment for you to visit if you have had or expect to have had recent surgery, are at greater risk for contracting communicable diseases (if you are unvaccinated, elderly, immunosuppressed, pregnant, etc.), neurological problems resulting in impaired mobility, mental health issues requiring use of medications or other similar conditions, or if you use or expect to use specialized medications, medical equipment, portable oxygen or other similar items.

Who is responsible?

Guests on Star Island are responsible for their own medical condition while on the island, including monitoring of health conditions and making sure that they have adequate medication to address any possible medical issues which may arise. If personal assistance is needed, please bring your own care attendant as Star does not have assisted living facility capabilities.

There are inherent risks in traveling to and staying on Star Island which cannot be eliminated, such as exposure to elements on a remote island including but not limited to inclement weather, wildlife and unmonitored terrain; the potential for others participating in conference programs to act in a negligent manner that may cause or contribute to injury, harm or death; and lack of access to a medical facility without extensive travel by boat and motor vehicle.

Guests who knowingly come to Star with a medical condition which might reasonably require an emergency medical response and then require emergency medical evacuation from the island will be charged for the full conference.

What about medications?

Bring enough of any needed medicine to cover the length of the stay plus an extra four days, and please pack your medications in your carry-on bags. All controlled medications must be locked up at all times (lock boxes provided through the First Aid Station). No prescription medications are kept on-island and there is no guarantee that we can get specific prescriptions filled.

What about COVID-19?

We are proud of how the Star Island Community has rallied together to form a Community of Care, which includes being mindful of not only one’s own health and safety, but also that of everyone else who comes to Star.

We have learned over the last few seasons that remaining flexible and making adjustments to our protocols based on COVID-transmission rates and other factors is key to having a successful conference season on Star.

Here are some important notes about what to expect this season:

Vaccination: Overnight guests who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine are expected (but not required) to be vaccinated and up-to-date on boosters.

Testing: Overnight guests must test for COVID-19 prior to arrival. This can be either a rapid antigen (“at home”) test done within 24 hours or a PCR test done within 3 days.

Masks: All guests should pack masks for their stay on Star Island. Common sense prevails – we will be strongly recommending mask wearing if doing so is advisable.

Testing positive on island: Any person testing positive for COVID-19 on island must leave the island until an appropriate isolation period has been satisfied. This is essential in our close congregant setting, and we thank you in advance for your understanding and commitment to our Community of Care. Every person should have a plan in place in the event they have to leave the island early due to COVID-19 or other medical situation. Implications to consider should include how this might affect your travel companions (including youth) and potential inability to use public transportation if contagious. Star staff cannot help arrange for housing or transportation.

Other precautions: We have several other policies and procedures in place to help mitigate the risk of COVID-19 (which also help with other communicable diseases). For example, every person is required to wash and/or sanitize their hands prior to entering the dining hall, and we will  continue to promote and facilitate outdoor dining, activities, and socializing whenever possible.