Stress Protest 2022 - Countdown to Colorado - Email #3
“The love expressed between women is particular and powerful because we have had to love in order to live; love has been our survival," - Audre Lorde
Hello Family,
We’re two weeks out from GirlTrek’s annual #StressProtest in Colorado! As promised, each Friday leading up to the weekend we’ll be sending out updates to help you prepare.
If you’ve been following the news, then you know COVID-19 is on the rise including new variants. We are working diligently to follow appropriate guidelines for group gatherings and keep you as safe as possible. That’s why it’s imperative that you review in detail our updated COVID-19 Testing Policy below. It is critical that you read and follow these instructions carefully for us to ensure the safety and health of all participants:
Stress Protest COVID-19 Testing Policy:
1. TESTING REQUIREMENTS:
All participants must take an at-home antigen test no more than 24 hours before your expected arrival time to Denver.
The antigen test must be a BinaxNow COVID-19 antigen self-test, which you can purchase from your local CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Wal-Mart, or Sam’s Club stores.
2. VERIFICATION OF TEST:
We are using a verified app called NAVICA to track at-home testing results. The app is FREE, available for both iPhone and Android, and is easy to navigate.
If you are an iPhone user, download the app HERE.
If you are an Android user, download the app HERE.
If you prefer to use the website version of the app, you can do so HERE.
We recommend downloading the app now and creating an account. To create an account, enter your address and additional details. You can select “Travel” as your primary use.
3. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE APP ON THE DAY OF TESTING:
Open the app and on the Welcome screen page, select “Self-Report a Result” and confirm the test details. Make sure to have your BinaxNow test in hand.
Follow the instructions to scan the QR code on the front of the test card to link the test card to your NAVICA profile.
Conduct your rapid test at home, carefully following the instructions outlined in your testing box.
After 15 minutes, report the result of your test in the NAVICA app.
4. RESULTS:
If negative, you’re good to go! We ask that you show your result at check-in.
If positive, we ask you to stay home and recover. You will unfortunately not be able to attend this year’s event. *Participants who test positive will be able to roll over their registration fee to next year’s Stress Protest less 20% administration fee. Make sure to keep your results on your phone. You will be asked to show your negative test result upon check-in at the Welcome Lounge.
REMINDER: Your self-reported test but be taken within 24 hours of your arrival in Denver.*
5. MASK REQUIREMENTS:
Masks will be required in the Welcome Lounge and on the bus ride to the YMCA. Please be sure to bring one with you. Masks are optional throughout the rest of the weekend and events.
6. EVENT TESTING:
Upon arrival to the YMCA, all participants will be given a FlowFlex rapid antigen self-test in your welcome bags. You will be expected to test in your rooms or lodges immediately before engaging in any activities.
If you test negative, you’re good to go! No self-reporting is required.
If you test positive, you must let the Lodge Leader on duty know immediately. You will be provided transportation back to Denver where you are expected to identify and follow your own steps for recovery and healing.
Participants who test positive will be able to roll over their registration fee to next year’s Stress Protest less than 20% administration fee. Make sure to keep your results on your phone. You will be asked to show your negative test result upon check-in at the Welcome Lounge. *Participants who need assistance with their care plan in Denver, can call 855-GRL-TREK. (855-475-8735)
It’s imperative we all take proper precautions in the days leading up to the Stress Protest to limit our likelihood of contracting COVID-19. We recommend masking up indoors and limiting your exposure to other group gatherings. We don’t want you to miss out on the event. We ask for your cooperation and understanding to provide a safe space for all!
If you have additional questions about the on-site testing policy, you can email us at stressprotest@girltrek.org.
NEXT STEPS:
SHUTTLE BUS TRANSPORTATION: Please complete THIS Google form no later than Friday, August 19 with your expected arrival and departure time from Denver International Airport. This information is required for us to plan for shuttle bus arrivals and departures that will transport you to and from the YMCA of the Rockies.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
PACKING: Last week’s email included information on what to pack. HERE is our list of recommendations of what to bring. Please read carefully and take note of the emphasis on carry-on luggage only! Trust us. It can be done. Just watch this video of Morgan pulling it all together.] The packing guide also provides useful information on the YMCA Estes Park, the weather, and how to prepare for the altitude.
ROOMMATE ASSIGNMENTS: We will share a short questionnaire via email next week to assist in the roommate assignment process. Traveling with someone? Don’t worry. You can provide your roommate’s name when completing the short form.
PHYSICAL PREPAREDNESS: Please make sure you’re following the physical preparedness plan that was sent in the first Countdown to Colorado email. High altitude can trigger underlying conditions coupled with COVID issues. If you have recently experienced COVID-19, have any chronic diseases that impact lung capacity such as COPD, or are struggling to follow the mandatory physical preparedness plan of walking a minimum of 2 miles a day, then please consider if you are healthy enough to attend this year‘s event.
Have questions about the above? Just let us know. We’re here to help!
Your sisters,
Vanessa, Morgan, and the entire GirlTrek team
PHYSICAL PREPAREDNESS PLEDGE | #Stress Protest
As an attendee at #StressProtest, I pledge to follow the below training plan as preparation for my time in the mountains. I understand that failure to do so may impede my ability to enjoy my experience fully and could put me at risk.
Physical Preparedness: Conditions in the Rocky Mountains can be challenging. Estes Park sits at 7,500 feet. High elevation can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, and dehydration – all symptoms of altitude sickness. If you have a medical condition of concern, please check in with a medical doctor before traveling. If you are on regular medication for a diagnosed condition, please continue to take your medication as prescribed, bring your medication with you, and make sure it is easily located.
Altitude Sickness Prevention: Start ONE week before
Avoid alcoholic beverages
Drink plenty of fluids
Consume a high carbohydrate diet, easy-to-digest foods - Ease into physical activity during the first 24 hours
4-WEEK TRAINING PLAN: Start Immediately!
Some of the activities offered will require a high level of cardiovascular fitness, others will require a moderate level of fitness. In all cases, for your comfort and safety, we are asking all participants to follow our 4-week training plan.
Baseline Fitness: Walk every day in August with a goal of getting 60 miles before you come, for an average of 2 miles a day.
Breathing: Practice yoga or pursed lip breathing techniques for 2 minutes every day for the next 30 days. It’s tough to catch your breath at high altitudes. To help, learn to control and conserve your breath. Yoga and pursed lip breathing expand your lung capacity while out on the mountain. Watch the following video and practice this technique for two minutes every day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4mf4kG_Evk
Hydration: High altitudes can cause dehydration so drink up prior to arrival! As a rule of thumb aim for 10 cups of water a day or 2.3 liters, each day for the next 30 days.
I commit to this pledge to protect my own health and safety and to be fully prepared for #StressProtest.
Any objections or issues should be emailed to stressprotest@girltrek.org.