Subject: Black Swamp Area Council, BSA Center Actions Regarding COVID-19 updated 4-30-20

 

Dear Black Swamp Area Council Scouting Family,

These are interesting times, and they continue to evolve almost hourly. 

Here is an update on the Black Swamp Area Council operations, regarding COVID-19:

Findlay Service Center

The Findlay Service Center continues to be closed. The phones at the council service center will continued to be answered, but staff will be working from home. If you need to conduct business with the council service center, please do it by phone, e-mail or US mail. There is a drop box outside of the office for paperwork to be dropped off and will be checked weekly. Web-conferencing is being set up as well, if needed.  The status of the Scout Shop and Service Center will be updated weekly, watch your e-mail, council website, www.BlackSwampBSA.org, and social media for updates.  You can reach the Lima Scout Shop at LimaShop449@scouting.org or use  www.scoutshop.org to access items from the Scout Shops.

Lima Service Center

The Lima Service Center is closed until further notice.  There is a drop box outside of the office for paperwork to be dropped off.  Staff will be working out of the building, but visitors will not be allowed. 

District and Council Events

All district and council events have been cancelled between now and May 31.  This includes the district and council pinewood derbies.  District and council meetings will all be moved to conference call or web meeting; this will include roundtables. 

Unit-Level Activities

All in person unit meetings are to be cancelled.  Our Scout's safety should be our number one priority. Please utilize guidance provided by the CDC, your local authorities, and chartering organizations in determining whether to cancel or postpone your events.  Units are encouraged to move to virtual, web-based meetings and this is a recommended solution.  Contact your District Executive on how to use the free web based meeting platform the council has though google suites. 

Camp Lakota and Camp Berry

Both camps will be closed to weekend camping until further notice.  This includes all council and district events.  Units can move their weekend camping reservations that are scheduled to change their reservation based upon availability and the reservation holder will be credited the amount to be used within the next year.  Additional Summer Camp updates will be available at www.BlackSwampBSA.org

As is our practice in Scouting, our efforts are focused on preparation and responsiveness guided by official health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization. Remaining vigilant in hand hygiene and social distancing are some of the most important practices, especially in communities where there is confirmed community spread of the virus. The CDC offers helpful aids to guide these efforts, including:

• Keeping Workplaces, Homes, Schools and Commercial Establishments Safe
• Framework for Mitigation

As Scouts and Scouters, I know we will all use the principals of the Scout Oath and Law, along with our Slogan and Motto to guide us though these challenging times.

 

Be Prepared,

 

Marc D. Kogan | Scout Executive

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Black Swamp Area Council

2100 Broad Ave
Findlay, OH 45840
P419.422.4356 | F 419.422.4681 | www.blackswampbsa.org
marc.kogan@scouting.org
 

Updated as of 4/30/2020 at 2:45 PM