COVID Update for Unit Events and Camping 

March 24, 2021

Dear Volunteers, Leaders and Scout Families,  

Please find below information and the link to the updated set of guidance for COVID unit operations as of 3/24/21.  The council has had great conversations with our local health departments and gave us direction on how to even loosen up some of our proposed guidance.

The Council is still using the 4 level Ohio Health Advisory System as the basis of our operations plan.   The new protocol is designed with the realization that a county might remain at level 3 (red) for an extended amount of time since the community spread is still above 100 cases per 100,000 in population. If a county is at level 3 for more than 2 indicators, please consult the council service center for guidance. The indicators can be found at this website:  https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/OPHASM/County-Level-Indicator-Breakdown.pdf  Using the approach of what is going on within the schools of social distancing, use of masks and hand sanitization we are going to continue down the path of increased in-person programing. 

New in the update is the following with counties in Levels 1-3 (level 4 still requires all virtual programing): 

  • Units (Packs, Troops, Crews and Post) can meet in person, if more than ten people are at the meeting, divide into dens, patrols, or pods of 10 people for interactions.  Use large spaces for meetings, outdoor meetings preferred. 
  • Carpooling is allowed at levels 1-3 though masks are required and carpooling is not recommended at level 3 but allowed. 
  • Cabin camping is now allowed at 50% capacity at levels 1-3. 
  • If a county is hitting more than 2 indicators and is at Level 3 (red), please consult the council service center on how to proceed.


See the detailed operations chart at this link: http://www.blackswampbsa.org/document/covid-unit-operation-updates/204550

The key to the successes of this updated operation plan will be to follow the 7 tenets of prevention:

In being prepared here are “7 tenets of prevention” that you and your Scouts should use as you follow the council’s guidance on how your unit operates. 

  1. Properly wearing a face covering/mask.
  2. Take care of yourself – make yourself an inhospitable host for this virus through healthy lifestyle practices. E.g. eating well getting plenty of rest, etc.
  3. Practice social distancing. Keeping at least 6 feet between you and others during interaction.
  4.  Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the day.
  5.  Avoid touching your face unless you have just washed your hands.
  6. Cough or sneeze into your elbow – even when you have a face covering on.
  7. If you are sick – stay at home

Both Camp Lakota and Berry staff members are looking forward to welcoming our Scouts back to camp this summer.  Summer camp details will be published shortly and will include a hybrid of merit badge class participation as individuals and patrol grouped (pods) for all other activities.    

Let’s put the “Outing” back into Scouting! Hope to see you along the Scouting trail soon.  Your efforts make difference in the youth that we serve.

Yours in Scouting,