The Mayflower Council is implementing the following changes that are effective immediately.

We continue to encourage our Scouting families and leaders to practice healthy and safe activities following recommended guidelines for COVID mitigation strategies. We are following the recommendations of the CDC, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, local healthcare officials and the Boy Scouts of America.  

Mask Mandate Update

  • Masks are no longer required for indoor Scouting meetings; however, masks are recommended while in large groups where social distancing is not possible.
  • Scouts, leaders, and families are encouraged to practice social distancing whenever possible.
  • Scouts and units must follow their chartered organization or meeting location guidelines or policies regarding the wearing of masks. 
  • Please note that the requirement of mask-wearing may be determined and enforced by the chartered organization or meeting location.
  • Unit leadership must be aware of any local health department ordinances or requirements regarding the wearing of masks in public facilities.
  • If an individual chooses to continue wearing a mask, that is perfectly acceptable.

COVID Attestation Form Update

  • COVID attestation forms will no longer be required at every Scouting meeting and activity. The forms are still available for those who would like to use them, but they are no longer required to be used. 

General Guidance Update

  • Any adult or youth experiencing COVID-like symptoms needs to immediately isolate and follow existing protocols. 
  • If a participant was exposed to COVID-19 within the last 10 days, guidance is as follows:
    • For those who are FULLY vaccinated: If you were exposed to COVID-19, participation is still allowed. Keep an eye out for symptoms for 10 days after the last contact. Participant must wear a mask around others to prevent possible transmission.
    • For those who are NOT vaccinated: If you were exposed to COVID-19, no participation is permitted for 5 days from the last contact. Keep an eye out for symptoms for 10 days after the last contact. Masks are required for participation during days 6-10.
  • Unit leaders must report, within 12 hours, confirmed or strongly suspected cases of any communicable disease infections, including COVID-19, occurring during or within 48 hours after a unit meeting or activity, to incidentreport@mayflowerbsa.org using the incident report forms. Unit leaders are also required to promptly notify adult leaders and parents of all Scouts who participated in the activity, as well as the unit’s chartered organization representative. Additional guidance on reporting is available here.
  • No shared food or drink, for example, no buffet service or family-style service. If someone from the unit is cooking, then that person needs to plate the food for each participant. We recommend individually packaged condiments and anything you can purchase individually packaged.

Unit Camping Update

  • Cabins continue to be available for program use by units.
  • While it is recommended to sleep one person per tent, it is acceptable to camp with a maximum of two people per tent. Parental permission should be obtained by the unit leader for any youth members sharing a tent.
  • When sharing a tent or lean-to, individuals should sleep no closer than 6 feet from one another. Individuals sleeping next to one another or in bunk beds should be arranged to sleep head-to-toe.

Transportation Update

  • Carpooling is permitted. While traveling in a vehicle to an outing or activity, face covering use is suggested, but not required. It is also recommended that windows are at least partially open to increase airflow and air exchange and air intake is in non-circulating mode.

Review the complete Mayflower Council COVID-19 Program Reopening Guidelines here. If you have specific questions, please direct your questions to covid19@mayflowerbsa.org

Thank you for doing your part to help keep our Scouts, leaders, and families healthy and safe.