ARE SUMMER OUTINGS OK?

Many of you have questions about how to conduct outings within BSA guidelines during the pandemic.

As you plan, first check out Scout Unit Trip Planning Tips to ensure you are meeting basic Scouting guidelines.  Second, please check for regular updates to the Council’s COVID-19 page. Look for the brown tab labeled Unit Meetings, Activities & Outings.

Q: Is it ok to hold an event or outing this summer?
A: We have created a flow chart to help you make that decision.  Please note that your plans should follow state guidelines and have the endorsement of the parents of the youth who are attending.

Q: Can we go camping?
A: Yes, recently published guidelines note that campouts with people from different households are acceptable if social distancing and increased sanitation procedures can be maintained. Groups sizes should follow current state guidelines.

Q: Can individuals share a tent?
A: Best practice is to encourage all participants to either tent with a member of their household or by themselves.  If individuals from different households must share a tent, social distancing (6ft) should be maintained.  Sleeping head to toe is recommended.

Q: Should we require participants to complete a health screening prior to attending?
A: Yes, we recommend that you use our camp health screening tool.  If anyone shows signs of illness they should stay home.  Additionally, we recommend that you rescreen individuals on a daily basis for all events that include overnights.

Q: Can we carpool?
A: Best practice is to encourage only members of the same household to ride together in a vehicle.  Other arrangements are at the discretion of individual parents and effort should be made to increase physical distance among passengers.

Q: How should we deal with a suspected case of COVID-19 while on an outing?

A:  Any individual suspected of COVID-19 should be immediately separated from the rest of the group.  With the assistance of a parent or unit leaders, the individual should seek and follow medical guidance from a physician.