March 16, 2020
 
As mentioned in a communication sent to all Scouting families on Thursday, March 12 th, the Greater St. Louis Area Council’s top priority is the health and safety of our Scouts, volunteers, staff, and their family members. In this spirit and given the unprecedented circumstances related to COVID-19, effective tomorrow March 17th and remaining through April 5th are the following:

  • All UNITS are to discontinue in-person meetings and all activities including camping trips.
  • All DISTRICT and COUNCIL in-person meetings, activities, and camps are cancelled. Instead, consider using technology apps such as Zoom, Skype, Facetime, Duo, or Google Hangouts.
  • All COUNCIL camps will be CLOSED.
  • All SERVICE CENTERS will be closed. Council staff will be working remotely per CDC social distancing recommendations. Minimal services will continue via remote functions.

These cancellations do NOT apply to our summer camp programs and events occurring beyond the closure period of APRIL 5th. The Council will continue to monitor the situation closely.
 
How can you keep Scouting?
  • Continue advancement by focusing on merit badge requirements that can be completed at home.
  • Contact your merit badge counselor via email, Facetime, etc. (remember Youth Protection training with no one-on-one communication between youth and adult).
  • Do a good turn daily. Look for ways to contribute to your community while staying safe.
  • Stay in contact with friends and families in your unit even if it’s just to say hi via a phone call, Facetime, Duo or Google hangouts.
  • As a unit leader, now is a good time to take online trainings and renew your Youth Protection Training.
  • Encourage unit, district, and Council committees to continue normally scheduled meetings using technology apps such as Zoom, Skype, Facetime, Duo, or Google Hangouts.

Regarding event refunds - When possible, we are rescheduling events for a later date. If you are registered for an event that is postponed, your registration will be transferred to the new date. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled event, you may request a refund.  If you are so inclined, please consider not requesting a refund and allowing your event fee to support Scouting. This will help offset costs and lost income from cancelled events. For unit camping or event reservations, a credit will be given for future usage.
 
We are closely monitoring the situation in our communities, staying current on recommendations from the CDC, and consulting with local health professionals on a frequent basis. Council leadership will continue to evaluate the situation daily. Updates will be shared as they are available. I would also encourage our families to connect with us on our social media pages to receive notifications.

Twitter - @stlbsa
 
For additional questions, please reach out to your District professionals or Dave Chambliss, Director of Marketing  ( dave.chambliss@scouting.org)
 
We appreciate your cooperation and all you do for the young people in our program. It is important that our entire community pulls together to address this public health crisis.
 
Sincerely,
 
Ronald S. Green
Scout Executive / CEO