Golden Empire Council Statement on Scouting Activities during COVID-19 -Updated July 15, 2020

Scouts, Scouters and Alumni,

The Golden Empire Council has been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic closely. As a council, we serve units across sixteen counties. Many of you have asked us for guidelines on how we recommend you conduct your Scouting activities now and as we move forward. In reviewing our 16 counties where we serve scouts and or have property, the discrepancy in what is allowed in each county is so great that if we adopted one sole council policy we would be prohibiting activities allowed in others. The fundamental guidance from all public health agencies backed up by regulatory health orders requires stay at home and use of protective measures such as face coverings and social distancing. Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and state and county regulations for further details regarding permitted activities.

As such, we would like to provide the following general guidance regarding resumption of in person Scouting activities:

•The Unit Key Three (Unit Leader, Committee Chair and Chartered Organization Representative) should determine what activities and in person gatherings are permitted for the county in which the unit is chartered.

•The Key Three should then work with the adult committee to determine if the unit is prepared to begin in person meetings or activities.

•If consensus exists among the adult committee members, the Key Three should consult with the Executive Officer of the Chartered Organization partner to secure their support for the resumption of in person meetings or activities.

•It is the responsibility of the unit’s Key Three and adult committee to understand and ensure all state/county restrictions and required Covid-19 safety precautions are taken. Units traveling to other counties/states/destinations for camp/activities are responsible for knowing and adhering to the restrictions and precautions of those areas.

•In addition to precautions required by states and counties, you need to incorporate the processes included in BSA’s Restart Scouting Checklist as you resume unit activities.

We thank you for your continued support and adaptability in these unprecedented times. Your leadership and the leadership you provide your Scouts will be something they remember for the rest of their lives. As always, we subscribe to the Scout Oath and Law in our daily lives and ask that you remind your scouting family to do the same. We’re in this together and together our Scouting family will grow and prosper.

Websites:

Boy Scout of America: https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/

State of California: https://covid19.ca.gov/

Additionally, effective July 14^th, the County of Sacramento regressed phases which has caused us to close the Council Service Center until a time that the county ordinances are eased. In the meantime, your District Executives are working hard and ready to assist you!  They are here to support your needs, answer your questions and to help you keep Scouting strong.  Please reach out to them if there is anything they can do for you.

Thank you to our Leaders, Scouts and their families for continuing to provide an outstanding program for our youth in these unusual times.  Together we can ensure Scouting continues to thrive!

-Golden Empire Council