Dear Black Swamp Area Council Scouting Family,

We hope this email finds you and your family healthy and safe.  Here is the latest update from our council and unit meeting guidelines as of May 28, 2020. 

Unit Meetings & Events:

Unit leadership must follow State of Ohio and CDC guidelines in response to COVID-19. We highly recommend using web technology for your Den, Pack, Patrol, Troop, Crew, and Post meetings. Many of our local units have had great success in the past few weeks with their meetings, and new learning opportunities on virtual platforms. Adult leaders should continue their training at my.scouting.org.

To assist with virtual meetings, our council can provide access to Google Meets for your unit, den and patrol meeting online.  Contact your district executive to get access to the Google Meets tool for your unit.  For online meetings, ensure that you comply with our two-deep leadership policy of two adults over the age of 21, with at least one of those adults, a registered leader.  In addition, no youth can be recorded online.  Please review the youth protection guidelines at this link:  Youth-Protection.

All units should comply with their charter organization’s policy on meetings and gatherings regarding unit-level activities.  Our Scouts’ safety is our number one priority. Please utilize guidance provided by the CDC, your local authorities, and chartering organizations in determining whether to cancel or postpone your events. In addition, our council guidance is as follows:

  • Maintain and limit the gathering to no more than 10 people
  • If you are going to meet, use an outdoor location
  • People should observe social distancing of six feet with frequent handwashing and sanitization
  • When meeting in person, individuals need to wear face coverings 

Guidance from the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America can be found at these links:

Scouts lead by example, so taking photos that show groups not following the CDC, mask/face coverings and social distancing guidelines does not show leadership. 

Online Scouting resources:

Here are links to help run online Cub Scout and Scout BSA meetings:

Cub Scouts can continue to work on advancement at home, even if their Den has not met virtually.  Parents can record their Scout’s advancement in Scoutbook or the my.scouting app.  Remember, Cub Scouts rank advancement requirements have been extended to July 31 this year.

Camping

Summer camp is happening this summer, it is just modified!

Scouts BSA

CyberSwamp Virtual Program:

  • Dates:
    • June 22-26
    • June 29-July 3
    • July 6-10
  • Can choose to attend as many weeks as they wish
  • Scouts BSA members can sign up as an individual, not just with their unit. 
  • For more information click this link: CyberSwamp Leaders Guide

Mini-Sessions (overnight resident camp):

  • 3-day, 2-night program, offered at both Berry and Lakota
  • Sessions:
    • July 12-14
    • July 15-17
    • July 19-21
    • July 22-24
    • July 26-28
    • July 29-31
  • For more information click this link: Mini Sessions Program Guide

At this time, our council camps will remain closed until July 12.  From July 12-31, camping will only be available for those participating in the Mini Sessions programs. The council is working on guidance for unit summer activities including camping and using the council camps outside of the Scouts BSA mini sessions. We hope to have more information on individual unit campouts in the coming weeks. 

Cub Scouts
Watch for more information about the Family Camping weekend, now scheduled for August 1-2 at Camp Lakota.

Decisions about the operation of all our Cub Scout Day Camps are still being determined.  All Cub Scout resident and ultimate (combined overnight and day camp) programs are cancelled for this summer.

If you want to attend the Old Sycamore (Celina) Day Camp 2020, the registration is open, with the special council refund policy in effect, with a full refund option available.  You can register for the Old Sycamore (Celina) Day Camp at this link: Old Sycamore (Celina) Day Camp Registration.  The other day camps will be modified, please watch for more info.

Council Service Center and Scout Shops
On Monday, June 1, both the Findlay Service Center and the Lima Service Center and Scout Shop will reopen with limited staffing.  While the service center is open, the drop box is still available outside of the front door of each service center, if you prefer no contact delivery.  The preferred method would be to call or send an e-mail to the service center in advance of your visit, since limited staff will be working out of the service centers. Click here for contact info and the staff roster.

For the health and safety of our staff, only the front desk and Scout Shop area will be open to the public. Our staff will be wearing face coverings when they interact with you during your visit.  When you come to the Service Center and Scout Shop, you will be required to wear a face covering as well.   

The Lima Scout Shop will be opening on Monday, June 1. Hours are Monday-Wednesday & Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, on Thursdays, open 10 am to 6 pm, and closed each day, 1-2 pm, for lunch. You are encouraged to call or e-mail prior to your visit, so your order can be pulled in advance.  The Lima Scout Shop can be reached at (419) 227-2107 or Nancy.Rex@scouting.org.

The National Scout Shop at the Findlay Service Center will be opening on Tuesday, June 2.  The revised hours for the Findlay National Scout Shop will be Tuesday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm, the shop will be closed Mondays and for lunch from 1:30-2:30 pm.  You are encouraged to call or e-mail prior to your visit, so your order can be pulled in advance.  The Findlay Scout Shop can be reached at (419) 423-7174 or FindlayScoutShop@scouting.org

Thank you for your support and understanding as the guidelines continue to change with the situation.

Stay safe and Scout On!

Marc D.  Kogan
Scout Executive