COVID Update for Unit Events and Camping 

February 2, 2021

Dear Volunteers, leaders and Scout Families,  

We have all learned much in the past year. Last March, no one envisioned that we would still be navigating a pandemic over a year later.  Thank you for your efforts to keep Scouting thriving! 

Utilizing the information, we have learned through our conversations with the health departments where our camps are located, and with our Council Health Supervisor, the council will be reopening Camp Lakota and Camp Berry for unit events and camping with updated protocols. 

With the information we have learned and in our conversations with the health departments where are camps are located the council will be reopening Camp Lakota and Camp Berry for unit events and camping with updated protocols

Units will also need to follow their charter organizations rules, the BSA’s guidelines found at this link: https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/ and our local council protocols for unit operations which is found at this link.

The key to this is going to be maintaining “pods” (groups of 10 individuals) that were used successfully for the camp mini-sessions this past summer.  The pod model is ideal for Patrol and Den outings.  Troops can camp with more than one pod at camp on the same weekend, but the different pods will need to use separate campsites and not interact.  

In our council we have been successful in preventing the spread of COVID-19 within Scouting functions.  If a unit wants to bring more then one pod to camp, a separate campsite will be required, but the unit will only be charged for one campsite.  Weekend camp reservations open on Friday February 5, with unit weekend camping at the camps starting on Friday February 12. 

The council will continue to evaluate the situation and the protocols in the ever-changing environment. As the environment changes the restrictions will be modified based upon the situation. 

In being prepared here are “7 tenets of prevention” that you and your Scouts should use as you follow the council’s guidance on how your unit operates.  

1. Properly wearing a face covering/mask.
2. Take care of yourself – make yourself an inhospitable host for this virus through healthy lifestyle practices. E.g. eating well getting plenty of rest, etc.
3. Practice social distancing. Keeping at least 6 feet between you and others during interaction.
4. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the day.
5. Avoid touching your face unless you have just washed your hands.
6. Cough or sneeze into your elbow – even when you have a face covering on.

If you are sick – stay at home

Follow the guidance and these tenets will help enable us to hold appropriate Scouting functions during this pandemic. 

Summer camp 2021 planning is occurring !
Look for information soon on the details for Cub Scout and Scouts BSA summer camp soon!

Let's put the outing back in to Scouting!
Yours in Scouting,