May 18, 2020
Hello Scouting Families,
As you’ve proven over the last few weeks, our Scouting communities are resilient, prepared, and able to adapt to any situation. Now, as we look ahead to the 2020 camping season, the question on everyone’s mind is, “What is Scouts BSA resident camp going to look like and is it safe to attend?”
To alleviate some concerns, we thought it would be helpful to share with you our current decisions as well as modifications to our pre-camp preparations and to the camp experiences offered this summer.
First and foremost, the health and safety of our Scouting families, volunteers and staff remains our number one priority as we continue to adapt to this unprecedented situation. Our council continues to develop new plans and review existing procedures that will keep our Scouts and volunteers safe.
The decision to operate our council camps will be based on our ability to operate safely within the CDC’s summer camp guidelines, in addition to recommendations from local, state and BSA authorities. Rest assured that the council will only conduct camp if it is legal, safe, and practical to do so.
This summer may not look like all the summers that have come before or any of the summers that will come after. What we do know is that camp plays a vital role in the lives of our Scouts and Scouters. At this time, we are taking steps to determine how we can best serve our Scouting community this summer.
As of today, May 18, 2020, we are announcing the following decisions:
The following camps and programs have been cancelled for 2020.
- Resident camping at Camp Resolute. All troops will be accommodated at Camp Squanto.
- National Youth Leadership Training: June 28 – July 4 at Camp Squanto
- Trail to Eagle Week: July 19 – 24 at Camp Resolute
- Venture Week: July 19 – 24 at Camp Resolute
- National Youth Leadership Training: August 2 – 7 at Camp Resolute
Scouts BSA resident camping at Camp Squanto has been postponed to later in the summer. The modified schedule is as follows:
- July 12 – 18
- July 19 – 25
- July 26 – August 1
- August 2 – 8
- August 9 – 15
The following Scouts BSA resident camp modifications will be made:
- Weekly attendance will be capped at 250 campers
- Tent occupancy will be limited to one camper
- Leaders will need to remain in camp for the whole week
For those that had signed up for any of these events, you will receive an additional email with steps regarding refunds, transfers, and additional information about the event. For any event cancelled you will receive a 100% refund.
So what can you expect this summer?
Just because some of our planned outdoor experiences cannot happen as expected, we are still committed to helping you and other families experience camp in a safe environment. We understand the importance of an outdoor in-person experience, and we will find ways to help your family experience the fun of camp this summer. It will look different from a traditional camp and that is ok. In the coming days you will see us roll out the opportunity to participate in a virtual Scouts BSA camp this summer, for those not comfortable with the in-person experience.
Allow us to share a glimpse of some of the additional elements of what “safely operating” our camps in this new environment will entail. While this list is not comprehensive and our review is an ongoing process, you can expect some significant updates to many of the following:
- Check-in Screening – Upon arrival at our camps, staff and participants will be screened and their temperature will be taken. Those with temperatures above 100.4 will not be allowed entry; those who travelled with them will also not be allowed entry.
- Food Service – We will be eliminating all self-service options during meals (including beverages and salad bars) and all serving will be done by trained staff.
- Sickness at Camp – Participants presenting symptoms of COVID-19 will be sent home.
- Visitors – Will not be allowed into camp.
- Sub-camps – Units will be divided into sub-camps within Camp Squanto to reduce exposure risk for participants. A number of activities will be managed within each sub-camp or on a scheduled rotation where cleaning can be done between groups.
- Family Day & Closing Campfire – 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.
- Accommodation Cleaning – Camp provided lodging, such as tents and cabins, will be disinfected before new participants arrive.
- Shower Houses & Restrooms – Shower houses and restrooms will be cleaned 3 times a day.
- Protective Gear – We will be reviewing best methods for use of gloves, masks, etc., while on our properties.
- Camp Equipment – We will properly sanitize all community and reusable program equipment after each use.
- Social Distancing – We will avoid activities where appropriate social distance cannot be maintained.
These items and many more 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 complete with instructions.
We thank you for your continued commitment to Scouting and for helping us prepare and adapt to any situation. We will continue to monitor the situation daily and relay any updates as they become available on our council website and through our social media channels. If you have specific questions please email them to covid19@mayflowerbsa.org and we will respond to them as quickly as possible.
Please stay safe and keep Scouting!
Mike Rotar
Council President
Josh Paulin
Council Commissioner
Bryan Feather
Scout Executive / CEO
