TRC Scribe

Dear Scouting Family,

We understand that this is a stressful time for everyone, filled with uncertainty. Our primary concern is the safety and health of all of our families, and we encourage you to follow the guidance of public health professionals.

As always, your safety and the safety of all our members, volunteers, and employees is our top priority. We know there are questions and concerns about how COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, could affect local Scouting programs in the Twin Rivers Council. Please know that we are monitoring developments regarding COVID-19 both locally and through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The following information regarding events and prevention measures is based on the latest available guidance. As this is an evolving situation, this information is subject to change. We will continue to update you on relevant developments, and we appreciate your understanding of any necessary adjustments in the interest of health and safety.

Every season is great one for Scouting, but the spring and summer months are a particularly busy time, filled with wonderful opportunities for training, fellowship and outdoor program. We are carefully monitoring the guidance of public health officials to help determine the best way forward for our many district- and council-sponsored events scheduled in the coming months. .

What is the status of Council and District events, what cancellations have been made at this time?

Please see our website calendar for a full listing. To date, the following programs have been cancelled:

• All in-person summer camp activities for Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Cub Scouts.
• National Youth Leadership Training (both sessions)l
• Wood Badge

Is the service center open? What about the Scout Shop?

At this time the service center remains closed and our staff continue to work from home. We are hoping that the phased re-opening of NY will make it so that we can open sometime in mid to late June on a limited scale. The expectation is that there will be no large meetings or training for some time still and that our field staff will continue to work from home.

The Scout Shop is run by our National Office and will make their own determination of when they can open under the state guidelines. Once we hear from them their opening plans, we will communicate them with you.

What are the refund policies if I have already paid for an event that has been cancelled?

The council staff are in the process of putting together all of the refunds that need to be processed. Unit leaders will be contacted about refunds for Scouts BSA summer camp and all other individuals will be contacted in regards to their refunds for other programs they were registered for.

Where can I find the announcement on summer camp? 

Please see our announcement on summer camp here. 

Are the Council Camps open for units and families to use? 

No, as of right now our properties are not open and they will remain closed so for the foreseeable future. That being said, it is our hope that we will be able to open them during the summer, if we can safely do so.

The local regulatory agencies are regularly updating guidance and timelines that will help determine when, and how, we can safely re-open our properties under strict circumstances. We are closely reviewing these guidelines and will keep our membership updated with changes.

Should we hold in-person Scouting meetings, outings, or activities? 

With safety in mind, and based on guidance from national health officials, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is strongly advising that in-person meetings, activities, events and gatherings be conducted only within the guidelines outlined by our state and local health departments and other local officials, as well as under the direction of your chartered organization. This applies to youth and adults.

Many Scouting activities are considered “recreation” in the staggered re-opening phases that New York has put into place. At this time, we are not cleared for in-person activities as an organization. We expect that we will be given the approval during Phase 4 of the State’s plan.

Units should also expect that once approval is given to open, large units may be subject to different restrictions than smaller ones, and these districts may also differ by county. The Twin Rivers Council serves three different regions in the New York State reopening plan.  Each territory may follow a different timeline for re-opening.

Though it is tempting to get out and start doing activities and meetings, please be respectful of the requests from our community leaders.

Since summer camp is cancelled, can my unit get together with other units and have our own camp once we are approved for unit activities?  

Chartering organizations play an important role in the program and activities for their chartered units. Chartering organizations promote well-planned unit activities for the units they charter and encourage their units to have active outdoor unit programs. Chartering organization are not authorized to plan, promote, and deliver programs for units outside of their charter.

It is the role of the council to plan summer camps and the role of councils or districts to plan camporees and other outings during the year that give youth an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills in competitive events with other troops and/or patrols.

When units with different chartered organizations do activities together, this becomes a district or council event and requires council approval. In fact, some states require such activities to be licensed.

BSA Polices to Prevent the Spread of Illness

The Boy Scouts of America continues to have policies and procedures in place that help protect participants from contracting an illness at large Scouting events. These include the Annual Health and Medical Record and the Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist.

Everyday Preventive Measures

Even with those important policies in place, it is critical that we all take these everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:

• Stay home when you feel sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands before and after doing so.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve/elbow, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Do not share personal items such as cups, water bottles, eating utensils, etc.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should isolate and not attend any Scouting events. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Should you have any questions or concerns about a specific upcoming event or activity, please reach out to your local district executive or you are welcome to email us directly at officers@trcscouting.org. We wish the best for you and your families.

Yours in Scouting,