Dear Scouting Family,

The Mayflower Council leadership is committed to resuming Scouting’s in-person meetings and activities as our Commonwealth, local authorities and the Council’s COVID-19 Task Force deem it safe to do so. At this time, our Commonwealth remains in Stage Two of the Reopening Massachusetts four phase plan issued by Governor Baker.

On Monday, June 15th the Mayflower Council’s district and council activities, as well as Scout unit meetings and activities, are permitted to resume in-person, with limitations. Many of you have been looking forward to being able to gather together again to work on advancement, go camping, and complete service projects; but we also want to ensure these activities are being done as safely as possible.

In order to mitigate the health risk of spreading COVID-19 to our volunteers, staff, and Scouts, the Mayflower Council is providing the following guidelines. These recommendations are designed to mitigate risk, but all participants need to be aware that any activity puts them at some risk of exposure. Please remember that some who are exposed to COVID-19 could be asymptomatic. If a person becomes infected, they may become asymptomatic carriers and could infect other people unknowingly.

  • Before resuming any meetings or activities, check with your charter organization to ensure they approve. Some charter organizations are not opening their facilities for meetings or have imposed additional restrictions on group meetings and activities. Rules or guidance from your charter organization must be followed. Please respect their wishes.
  • Currently Camp Squanto & Adventure Day Camp at Camp Resolute will be open solely for programs hosted by the Mayflower Council in June, July & August. We intend to open Camp Resolute and Nobscot Scout Reservation for tent camping later in the month and will share additional information on our website as soon as it is available.
  • Individuals at higher risk of severe illness (older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions) should consult their physician prior to participation in any group activities.
  • All participants should review their current health prior to participating in any activity. Individuals with temperatures higher than 100.4 and other symptoms of COVID-19 should not participate.
  • All units must keep a detailed roster of participants for all meetings and activities, so they are prepared in the event that contact tracing is required.
  • All individuals who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 must quarantine for 14-days prior to participation in any Scouting activity.
  • Outdoor meetings are highly encouraged.
  • All persons should remain at least six feet apart to the greatest extent possible, both inside and outside.
  • Group meeting size must be limited to no more than 10 people (8 youth and 2 adults). While we realize there are a number of troops and packs with more than 10 youth, this number is set by the Commonwealth to allow for appropriate social distancing and efficient contact tracing in the event of potential exposure. Activities done in small groups (den meetings and patrol meetings) are preferable.
  • We encourage you to postpone any large meetings or activities and continue virtual gatherings where possible, utilizing conference calls or online video conferencing.
  • Transportation to and from activities should be made within family units. Carpooling should be discouraged.
  • Each Scout and adult are required to wear a face covering.
  • Handwashing and sanitation of shared supplies must be done between use.
  • Sleeping arrangements on camping trips should be limited to one person per tent, unless they are family.
  • Families/siblings do not need to maintain social distancing for transportation, sleeping, or meetings.
  • Six foot distancing should be maintained when practical during hikes, bike rides, and other follow the leader activities.
  • All local, state, and federal safety guidelines should be followed. Please review guidelines for not only your unit’s meeting location, but the location of any camping/activity destination.
  • Ensure all Boy Scouts of America Youth Protection guidelines are adhered to.
  • It is recommended that these guidelines be shared with each member of your unit and posted during all meetings and activities. Units should obtain written permission from parents stating that they have reviewed these guidelines and consent to having their child participate in Scouting activities. Keep these permissions with the unit health forms.

Finally, as Scouts, it is important that we demonstrate the principles of the Scout Law now more than ever before. As restrictions begin to lift, individuals within your Scout unit may have varying levels of comfort or anxiety. It is our responsibility to be kind while being helpful and friendly and demonstrate empathy and respect to everyone, even if they have beliefs different than ours. As we move forward let’s be cheerful and brave while showing obedience to the rules, regulations and guidance of our Commonwealth, Mayflower Council, and chartered organizations.

Take care and be well,

Mike Rotar
Council President

Josh Paulin
Council Commissioner

Bryan Feather
Scout Executive / CEO