Updated as of 4/30/2020

Dear Black Swamp Scouting Family,

Three weeks have passed since our last formal communication when we promised to notify you of the latest outlook and plans for our summer operations by today (4/30).

As of today, we remain hopeful and we continue to prepare to safely open and operate our camps this summer.  While there is still potential that this could change, we are encouraged by the direction the State of Ohio and the County Departments of Health are taking.  We will follow their lead and realize that much still needs to happen for places like camp to be in a position to open and operate with heightened safety measures.

Like you, we don’t truly know what this summer will look like.  We are waiting on more guidance from proper authorities that will enable us to solidify our summer operations.  Our Council has assembled a task force of volunteers and staff to make informed decisions on the direction that the camping program will take and how we can safely operate this summer.  This committee has been actively meeting over the past several weeks.  The roster of the members of this committee can be found here.

That said, allow me to begin to share a glimpse on some of the additional elements of what “safely operating” our camps in this new environment will entail.  While not comprehensive and an ongoing process, you can expect some significant updates to many of the following:

• Food Service – We will be eliminating all self-service options for and during meals (including beverages and salad bars) and all serving will be done by trained staff.  We are also looking into options for units to do their own food service in their campsites.
• Water Bottles – Participants will be required to bring a water bottle to camp.  We are looking into the feasibility of providing hands free filling stations.
• Check-In Screening – Upon arrival at our camps, staff and participants will be screened, including potentially having their temperature taken.  Those who fail the screening will be refused entry.
• Sickness at Camp – Participants and tent mates presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 will be sent home.
• Visitors – All visitors MUST check-in upon arrival and will receive screening before being allowed into camp.  Those who fail the screening will be refused entry.
• Unfortunately, Family Nights at both camps will NOT be held this summer.
• Hand-washing – Participants will be directed to wash their hands often.  Additional hand washing and sanitizing stations will be available.
• Shower Houses and Restrooms – Shower houses and restrooms will be cleaned 3 times a day.
• Lodging Cleaning – Camp provided lodging, such as tents and cabins, will be disinfected before new participants arrive.
• Protective Gear – We are considering requiring masks for all participants and staff at all our camps this summer.
• Camp Equipment – We will properly sanitize all community and reusable program equipment after each use.

As stated above, these are all under review as part of the comprehensive evaluation now underway of our standards and policies.  As we move forward, you can expect a comprehensive list with instructions.

Also, related to summer camping is the concern over required health forms.  I want you to know that we are very aware of the situation and working closely with the national BSA to determine the approved protocol for this summer.  We understand that it will be somewhere between difficult and impossible to get a new physical completed between now and summer camp.  We believe that a temporary policy will be put into place to mitigate this year’s unique set of circumstances.  We expect to be able to communicate the updated information in the early May.

As it applies to the summer calendar, there are three primary things that you should know.

First, NYLT, scheduled to be conducted at Berry from May 31-June 5 will be POSTPONED.  We are working on arranging the schedule for later in the summer and will release that date as soon as it is confirmed.

Second, Old Sycamore Day Camp, scheduled to be conducted from June 4-6 will be POSTPONED as well.  Again, we hope to announce the new dates very soon.

Third, while both Berry and Lakota were scheduled to open in mid-June, the likelihood that they might not open until later in June or as late as the beginning of July is relatively high.  We will make that decision as we carefully and thoughtfully follow Governor DeWine’s orders and work with our local county health departments.

In all cases with our summer operations, please be reminded of the following governing thoughts:

• First, our “full and hassle-free refund policy” is there to support your family if you decide you are not comfortable or unable to participate in camp this summer.  All monies will be returned through the vehicle they came in (i.e. your unit, your family) and NOT held by the council.
• If a refund is requested, any person or unit will have the opportunity to move any currently paid funds to a summer camp experience in 2021, at the 2020 fee. (2020 rates will be honored in 2021 for those currently signed up and paid for 2020 only).
• Scouts BSA Troops will be offered the same site and week they have currently reserved for the 2021 season.
• If resident camps are changed to a day camp or other formats, the difference in fees can be credited to 2021 or refunded, whichever the person prefers.

Our plan is to begin offering updates on the status of our operations on a weekly basis.  The next update will come on Friday, May 8^th.

For updates on the operations at the Council Service Center, please click here.

Lastly, we are interested in gathering some input from you, our Scouting families, about summer camp this year.  We are asking you to take this quick survey.  We appreciate your feedback!

I want you to know how much I appreciate your partnership and support as we continue to work through these uncharted waters.  I hope your family has been able to participate in some of the terrific virtual programs being offered via social media by our Scouting friends across many Councils. 

Be safe and stay healthy!  I miss you and look forward to sharing a Scouting campfire or trail with you very soon!

On Behalf of the Task Force - Yours in Scouting,

 

Marc Kogan

Scout Executive

Black Swamp Area Council, Boy Scouts of America