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CAC 2020 Summer Camp Announcement 5.4.2020

May 4, 2020

Coronado Area Council Summer Camp Plan

This summer will look, feel, and occur completely different from your previous summer camp experiences.  This may also lead to how we provide a summer camp experience in the future as well.  Programs and routines will change due to factors outside of our control. The Coronado Area Council is currently developing and updating contingency plans as additional information becomes available from our Federal, State, and Local partner organizations. COVID-19 is directly impacting some of our prospective camp staff members as well.

Currently our plan is to postpone camp to July.  We will offer 100% refunds up to June 15, 2020 for anyone who requests one.  Should the council decide to not hold camp or is not allowed to open camp we will provide a 100% refund.  Refunds can be used toward 2021 camping reservations.  The early bird registration fee will stay in effect until 7 days prior to the start of your assigned camp session. 

Our currently plan calls for the following schedule:

Cub Resident Camp

Session 1- July 10-12  

Session 2- July 17-19

Session 3- July 24-26

Session 4- July 30- Aug 1

Session 5- Aug 7- 9 if needed

 

Scouts, BSA Resident Camp

Session 1- July 12-18

Session 2- July 19- 25

Session 3- July 26- Aug 1

 

For those Scouts unable to attend summer camp at Dane G. Hansen Scout Reservation, we are working on an alternative virtual merit badge program.  We currently have 15 merit badge counselors willing to participate as counselors with this program. Details about this opportunity will be announced soon.  The virtual instruction portion of this program will be free.  Its possible there will be a fee involved if the Scout needs to finish the hands-on requirements.

What Should Packs & Troops be Doing Now

As we prepare to operate camp, units should do the following.

The troop committee should meet and determine if your unit has appropriate adult leadership who can attend summer camp. Everyone attending summer camp has the potential to be exposed to the COVID-19 virus. All adult leaders should not be classified as “vulnerable individuals” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vulnerable Individuals are defined as Elderly individuals, and individuals with serious underlying heath conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those whose immune system is compromised such as by chemotherapy for cancer and other conditions requiring such therapy. If a troop cannot secure adequate adult leaders, consider an alternate week or cancel your reservation to receive a refund.

If the troop has adequate adult leadership, then move forward to having conversations with parents to discuss if attending camp will be a good fit for them and their family. If a Scout is classified as “vulnerable” then summer camp will not be a good setting for them in 2020. If families have “vulnerable” individuals living in their household, it is not recommended their Scout attend summer camp. Scouts and their families should ask questions and discuss concerns, including the possible consequences of attending a week of summer camp, with their healthcare provider.

What Should Packs & Troops Do to Prepare

Troops should prepare for scheduling and programmatic changes as additional information is released from the Federal, State, and local government. The camp medical re-check will be enhanced for the 2020 season. The medical re-check will also begin at the unit level before the troop departs for camp, and additional screening at camp will include temperature checks. Again, we will provide additional information once it has been released by the Boy Scouts of America, CDC, and the other state and local organizations that govern summer camp operations.

 

Your safety and the safety of all our members, volunteers, and employees is the Coronado Area Council’s top priority. In light of COVID-19, we are taking additional precautions at camp on top of our long-established health and safety measures.

First, we are coordinating with state and local health departments from Dickinson and Phillips County as well as KDHE to ensure we are aware of and follow their guidance to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 at camp.  

Our mitigation plan includes but is not limited to:

Pre-attendance education,

Health screening conducted by your unit prior to travel to our camp, including a temperature check.

Health screening upon your arrival at camp conducted by our camp health officers, which will also include a temperature check.

Note:  should anyone in the unit not pass the arrival screening, the entire unit will not be allowed to enter camp. 

Limits on visitors in camp. 

All visitors will be screen upon arrival before entry to camp.

Hygiene reminders throughout camp experience.

Extra handwashing /sanitizer stations throughout camp.

Dedicated staff to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and shared program equipment.

An emergency response plan that includes isolation and quarantine protocol should a person at camp develop symptoms of COVID-19 or other communicable disease.

Check-ins with each unit one week and two weeks after the unit leaves camp to determine if any participants have developed symptoms.

These precautions are important, but they do not remove the potential for exposure to COVID-19 or any other illness while at camp. Some people with COVID-19 show no signs or symptoms of illness but can still spread the virus, and people may be contagious before their symptoms occur. These factors mean that an infected person may pass the required health screenings and be allowed into camp.

We also know the very nature of camp makes social distancing difficult in many situations and impossible in others.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. If you are in this group, please ensure you have approval from your health care provider prior to attending camp.

We know that each staff member, volunteer, and Scouting family has a unique set of circumstances to consider when deciding whether to attend camp. We hope this information will be helpful as you make those choices.

Coronado Area Council Summer 2020 COVID-19 Response Update Frequently Asked Questions:

 

 I am confused about when my unit has been assigned to go to camp!

 

Cub Resident Camp

Session 1- July 110-12  

Session 2- July 17-19

Session 3- July 24-26

Session 4- July 30- Aug 1

Session 5- Aug 7- 9 if needed

 

Scouts, BSA Resident Camp

Session 1- July 12-18

Session 2- July 19- 25

Session 3- July 26- Aug 1

 

 

I have already signed my Scouts BSA Scouts up for classes, what do I do?

Nothing.  We need you to let US move the Scouts to the new class schedules.  That will let us know which classes need new sections!

 

I am losing a leader since he cannot come anymore because of a change in employment, do I have to cancel?

No!  Let us know using the Leader Communication tool what you need!  We are recruiting Foster Leaders, fully qualified and trained Scout Leaders to help you with your unit while you are visiting Brown Memorial Camp and Dane G. Hansen Scout Reservation.

 

 The new dates mean that none of us can come, what do I do?

You complete a Refund/Postponement request form. It is vitally important that you let us know as soon as you can about your attendance!

 

Even though the restrictions are lifted, and we are good to go, some of my parents are worried and want to pull their Scouts from the Camp.  We are still coming, but some cannot.  What do I do?

You complete a Refund/Postponement request form. It is vitally important that you let us know as soon as you can about your attendance!

 

Our unit can come, but we don’t want to anymore – let’s just wait this year out.

We completely understand, please complete the Refund/Postponement request form and let us know in a timely manner!

 

I submitted my Refund/Postponement order June 15, when will I get my refund?

We will begin processing refunds on or after July 1, 2020.  The process may take some time!

 

 I heard a rumor that you will only allow One Scout per tent, is that true?

No – for two very important reasons: 1) if we permit only one Scout per tent, then we are removing a Barrier to Abuse that is very a vital part of how we keep Scouts safe, 2) the Buddy system is a very important method of Scout camping.

 

My State may not be in Phase II by the time we are ready to go to camp/we are still travel restricted/stay at home orders are still in place.

The National COVID-19 Response plan and Guidelines, which are an important component of our ability to move forward are a PART of the decision tree.  Coronado Area Council will follow State and Local guidelines.  If the state where you reside has not lifted travel restrictions/stay home orders you should not consider travelling in violation of your state’s authorities.  Please follow YOUR state’s guidelines. 

If you cannot visit us this summer, please complete the Refund/Postponement application.  We will see you in 2021!

 Foster Leaders?  We have several ASM’s in our Unit, can one of our people be a Foster Leader?

Yes!  Fully Trained and Qualified Scout Leaders can serve as Foster Leaders for other units to help Scouts have a great summer!  There is a vetting process, though.  Your potential Foster Leader needs to sign up to be vetted.  If they are selected, then they will receive their week at camp FREE in service to others! Have a Question??

Please ask!  Contact your Council Professional Representative and let them help you! 

You can also submit questions (especially if they need to be on the FAQ for everyone, by submitting an email to Kyle.Smith@scouting.org.

We know each staff member, volunteer, and Scouting family has a unique set of circumstances to consider when deciding whether to attend camp. We hope this information will be helpful as you make those choices.

Click HERE to download the 2020 Covid 19 Camp Refund Policy and Request form.

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