The idea is that Scouts from a specific unit will be able to travel, camp, and attend merit badge classes and program together. Scouts from one unit (or pod) will be required to maintain proper social distancing while in camp as well as in merit badge classes, campfires, etc. This model would allow 3-5 (or more) Scouts from one unit to sit near each other while being distanced from Scouts from another unit (or pod). If a merit badge required interaction from the Scouts or for them to share tools, etc. items would be wiped down before and after use to avoid cross-contamination.
PROGRAMS, MERIT BADGES, and EVENING ACTIVITIES
By using the Pod System described above, we believe we can safely offer merit badge classes in way that allows individual Scouts to pick and attend classes they want. Class sizes will be smaller, and we will look to have more sections of classes if needed. The Summer Camp Committee is examining the list of offered merit badges to decide what badges will be offered. When it comes to evening activities, we intend to hold campfires and other activities like Troop Night. Depending on the spacing in the council rings (units will be spaced from other units) it might be necessary to hold campfires on multiple nights. We will not be holding multiple campfires on the same night (there will not be campfires before flag lowering).
WE WILL NOT BE HOLDING A FAMILY NIGHT – the risk of exposure and outside contamination is too great.
CAPPING WEEKLY ATTENDANCE
We will be limiting the number of people in camp each week. The largest factor is seating in the dining hall. We decided to cap the overall capacity each week at under 50%. This is consistent with decisions of surrounding councils. It’s important that units understand we will have a hard cap in the overall number of people in camp each week.
The practice of showing up to camp with more Scouts than you registered for, or announcing additional Scouts the week or two before will not be accepted. At some point, units will be told they cannot add any more Scouts to their registration unless they move to another week. Units will need to accurately project the number of Scouts attending summer camp when registering.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner will be offered in the dining hall and lunch will be in a “come as you go” contained package. This will allow individuals to pick up lunch, or if units want to meet and eat together to get their lunch and do so. We intent for the quality and quantity of the meals to remain at the current standard. We also intend to serve hot and cold lunch just as we have in years past.
In the dining hall, units will be spaced from other units. Additionally, Scouts and leaders from a unit will be spaced somewhat from each other as well. For example, if we normally sit 8 people at a table, we might limit the number to 5 people at a table. This will require units to be spread out and require more room in the dining hall to ensure units are distanced from other units.
