Click here to read the Mayflower Council leadership’s update on Scouting and COVID-19.

As we informed you in our email on March 9th, we have been monitoring the situation regarding the COVID-19 “Coronavirus”. Since then, the situation has worsened: the World Health Organization has upgraded the virus to pandemic level and Governor Charlie Baker has declared a state of emergency. Therefore, effective immediately, we are suspending all council and district in-person group meetings, trainings, activities, events, etc. through April 7. We ask districts and committees to conduct their work virtually where possible to help carry on the important work of service to our youth.

We recommend that individual units suspend in-person meetings and activities, and to leverage technology to deliver the program to our youth during this time. While the majority of youth are at low risk from this illness, limiting group exposure can help to slow the spread of COVID-19 to at-risk members of our community.  Community service comes in many forms.  This course of action ensures that we do our part to protect others in our community-at-large and is in keeping with the values embodied in the Scout Oath and Law.

We encourage you to take standard precautions outlined by the CDC, including hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if you are ill. Please visit this page for additional information: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

For the latest information, please refer to our website. This includes a list of postponed or rescheduled events, and links to recommendations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed.

Thank you for your understanding,

Mike Rotar
Council President

Josh Paulin
Council Commissioner

Bryan Feather
Scout Executive

We hope this letter finds you and your family well during these unprecedented times. Everyone has spent the last several days and weeks learning about COVID-19 (coronavirus) and how it’s affecting our community. Families are adjusting to stay-at-home advisories and coping with school closures.

The Mayflower Council priority is to keep our Scouts, volunteers, staff, and their families safe as well as demonstrate good citizenship in our communities by considering the needs of those around us.

As the threat of COVID-19 increases, most states, local governments, and school districts have either issued or extended stay-at-home advisories. As a result, we are extending the stoppage of all Council, district and unit face-to-face Scout activities, face-to-face meetings, as well as Camps and Council Service Center closures through April 30. As a reminder:

• All face-to-face Scouting activities are canceled effective immediately through April 30. This includes unit meetings (including patrol and den meetings), campouts, activities, trips, Pinewood Derbies, Blue and Gold Dinners, in-person fundraisers, service projects, Court of Honors (including for Eagle Scouts), etc. Please continue to work with your Scouts via digital and electronic methods whenever possible.
• All face-to-face council-level and district-level events and meetings are canceled through April 30. This includes Roundtable, training events and committee meetings. Please use all digital and electronic means available to conduct your meetings.
• All Council Camps are closed through April 30.
• The Council Service Centers are closed through April 30. Our staff will be working remotely and respond to all calls, emails and postal mail.

This is most certainly a fluid situation. We will continue to align with best practices and policies set forth by state and local governments, municipalities, and schools. In the future, restrictions may be reduced or lifted within areas of the council thereby restoring Scout activities, face-to-face meetings, and the reopening of council service centers and camps in that area.  Should changes to closures be warranted, we will promptly communicate with you.

We have been working to identify and encourage opportunities for Scouts to continue meeting with their units virtually, learn new skills, earn merit badges and advancements, and – most importantly – to do their part in giving back to their communities. We wanted to share with you some resources we’ve gathered that you might find helpful while planning activities at home for your families and staying up-to-date with Scouting during this pandemic. Click here for our most current list of resources.

Together, we can help flatten the curve of this rapidly spreading virus and keep everyone safe. Stay positive, have faith, and know the health and well-being of our Scouts, volunteers, staff, and their families are our number one priority!

Take care and be well,

Mike Rotar
Council President

Josh Paulin
Council Commissioner

Bryan Feather
Scout Executive

Dear Scouting Family:

We hope that you remain safe and well during these unusual times. Like you, we are carefully monitoring the impact COVID-19 has on our communities and the guidance from our public officials, especially mandatory closure dates. For the safety of our Scouts, Scouters and community, we are extending our closures through May 31.

This means all in-person Scouting activities of any type remain prohibited through May 31. We have previously communicated that our guidance supersedes all other Scouting guidance, including that from the National Council Boy Scouts of America. Should any guidance from your chartered organization or your local health department be more restrictive, please also follow those restrictions.

We are inspired by our Scouting families for their determination to continue Scouting during these challenging times. Whether it is virtual meetings and activities or making cheerful cards for the elderly in nursing homes, Scouting continues to thrive across the communities in our council. Our Scouting at Home page has support for all our programs. These activities will help Scouts earn our new Scouting at Home Award patch, which you can learn more about here. We’d love to hear any ideas or resources you have, please share them with us at scoutingathome@mayflowerbsa.org or on our Facebook page.

We are hosting a plethora of virtual meetings, events and activities to keep our Scouts active. For our Scouts BSA members we have launched virtual merit badges, beginning in May we will offer our Cub Scouts weekly den meetings, for our entire Scouting family we’re hosting our second virtual campfire as well as a Camping At Home Challenge, and we’re excited about the National Camp-in on May 2.

Our teams at Camp Resolute, Adventure Day Camp and Camp Squanto are excited to welcome you this summer and we anticipate a fantastic experience. There is no risk for families and units of losing money by signing up for Mayflower Camps now. In the event that camp does not open or has a shortened season due to COVID-19 and your troop or campers are unable to attend during your scheduled time, all camp fees paid will be refunded. Read more about summer camp here.

We are all learning new ways to do Scouting and are succeeding. In many ways, this crisis has brought all of us closer together even from a distance. For over a century, Scouting has been all about being prepared. In a sense, we have been preparing for times like these for over 110 years. Our Scout motto of “Be Prepared” tells us that we are ready for this challenge.

Thank you for all that you do for Scouting.

Yours in Scouting,

Mike Rotar, Council President
Josh Paulin, Council Commissioner
Bryan Feather, Scout Executive

Cub Scout Summer Camp Update
Scouts BSA Summer Camp Update

Dear Scouting Family:

We hope that you are safe and healthy during this challenging time. Over the past several months, your Council leadership has been carefully monitoring the impact COVID-19 has had on our communities and on our Scouting program. While we are hopeful that restrictions will soon be adjusted to allow for some version of face-to-face Scouting meetings and outdoor activities, we are not quite there at this time.  State guidelines still limit group size to no more than 10 people and camping, parks and select sports are planned to reopen in Phase 2.  For the safety of our Scouts, Scouters and community, we are extending the suspension of all face-to-face meetings, events, activities, trips and our property closures through June 15th, which is consistent with the phased reopening of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Council leadership will revisit our restrictions again when information on Phase 2 is released by Governor Baker. At that time, we will provide information on approved activities that will best protect our Scouting family while continuing to follow the guidance of our local, state, and national authorities.

We are excited about the future and look forward to re-engaging in weekly unit meetings and the outdoor programs that we all know and love. These programs may look a little different, as we work to mitigate risk, but we are confident in the Scouting spirit and the tremendous value our program provides to the young people we serve.

We look forward to seeing you on the Scouting trail soon!

Mike Rotar
Council President

Joshua Paulin
Council Commissioner

Bryan Feather
Scout Executive / CEO

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

Scouts BSA Summer Resident Camp Cancelled

Today the Mayflower Council leadership has amended the following guidelines: the maximum group size allowed at Scouting meetings and activities to mirror that of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Phase III, Step I and the availability of our camp properties. The revised guidelines are in red:

• 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 Resolute & Nobscot Scout Reservation are available for tent camping on both weekdays and weekends. Camp Squanto will be open for tent camping beginning on August 1. Adventure Day Camp at Camp Resolute is open solely for programs hosted by the Mayflower Council in June, July & August. It is important to note that the revised gathering sizes do not apply when camping at our camp properties. Our camp properties are subject to sector-specific rules that are more stringent.
• 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 Meetings:
  • Indoor gatherings are limited to 8 persons per 1,000 square feet of accessible, indoor floor space and never more than 25 persons in a single enclosed, indoor space.
  • Outdoor gatherings in enclosed, permitted or leased spaces are limited to 25% of the maximum permitted occupancy of the facility or 8 persons per 1,000 square feet  and never more than 100 persons in a single outdoor space that is enclosed, permitted or leased.
  • Outdoor gatherings in unenclosed spaces are not subject to capacity limitations.
    • Gatherings in Unenclosed Spaces: Outdoor gatherings that are not subject to the capacity limitations above, such as those in a park, backyard, athletic field, or parking lot are permitted, provided that the type of gathering is not prohibited in the list below.
    • Prohibited Activities: Street festivals, agricultural festivals, walk-a-thons, road races and bike races, and other outdoor, organized athletic or recreational events that gather large numbers of participants or spectators outdoors are prohibited until further notice.
• 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.

Today the Mayflower Council leadership has amended the following guidelines: the maximum group size allowed at Scouting meetings and activities to mirror that of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Phase III, Step I and the availability of our camp properties. The revised guidelines are as follows:

• Group Meetings:
  • Indoor gatherings are limited to 8 persons per 1,000 square feet of accessible, indoor floor space and never more than 25 persons in a single enclosed, indoor space.
  • Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25% of the maximum permitted occupancy of the facility or 8 persons per 1,000 square feet and never more than 50 persons in a single outdoor space.
    • Gatherings subject to this limitation include: community, civic, public, leisure, sporting events, concerts, conferences, conventions, fundraisers, fairs, festivals, road races, and other similar events or activities. These restrictions apply to gatherings in all public and private venues and locations in the Commonwealth, including private homes, backyards, parks, athletic fields, and parking lots.
• Camp Resolute & Nobscot Scout Reservation are available for tent camping on both weekdays and weekends. Camp Squanto is open for tent camping on weekends only. Adventure Day Camp at Camp Resolute is open solely for programs hosted by the Mayflower Council in June, July & August. It is important to note that the revised gathering sizes do not apply when camping at our camp properties. Our camp properties are subject to sector-specific rules that are more stringent.

Review our revised Program Guidelines for the complete list of guidelines that are in place for Scouting meetings and activities.