On Monday, June 8th Palmetto Council district and council activities, as well as scout unit meetings and activities, are permitted to resume in-person. 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 also want to ensure these activities are being done as safely as possible. In order to mitigate the health risk of spreading Coronavirus to our volunteers and scouts, the Palmetto Council is providing the following guidelines for consideration. 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 exposure to coronavirus could be asymptomatic. If a person becomes infected, they may become asymptomatic carriers and would then most likely infect other people unknowingly.
1) Before resuming any meetings check with your charter partner to ensure they approve. Some charter partners are not opening their facilities for meetings or have imposed additional restrictions on groups meeting. Rules or guidance from your charter partner must be followed. Please respect their wishes.
2) 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.
3) All participants should review their current health prior to participating in any activity. Individuals with temperatures and other symptoms of COVID-19 should not participate.
4) All units should keep a detailed roster of participants for all meetings and activities, so they are prepared in the event that contact tracing is required.
5) All individuals who believe they may have been exposed to Coronavirus must quarantine for 14-days prior to participation in any Scouting activity.
6) Outdoor meetings are highly encouraged.
7) Groups are encouraged to maintain social distancing of six feet or more.
8) Group meeting size should be limited to 50 people or 50% of the capacity of your meeting room, whichever is smaller. While we realize there are a number of Troops and Packs with more than 50 youth, this number will 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.
9) Transportation to and from activities should be made within family units. Carpooling should be discouraged.
10) When practical, it is recommended that each Scout and adult should wear a cloth mask.
11) Handwashing and sanitation of shared supplies must be done between use.
12) Sleeping arrangements on camping trips should be limited to one person per tent, unless they are family.
13) Families/siblings do not need to maintain social distancing for transportation, sleeping, or meetings.
14) 6 ft. distancing should be maintained when practical during hikes, bike rides, and other follow the leader activities.
15) 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.
16) Ensure all BSA Youth Protection guidelines are adhered to.
17) 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 regulations begin to loosen 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 reverence to the rules, regulations and guidance of our State, Counties, Cities, and Chartered Organizations.
Stay Safe and Keep Scouting!