To our Scouting Family,
I am writing to update you on the new developments of Lake Erie Council’s protocols and policies for handling Scouting gatherings, events, and camping due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Based on the recommendations and mandates from the Ohio Governor and Ohio Department of Health, Lake Erie Council is postponing and changing several Scouting events starting today through April 2, 2020. The affected events are listed below. For instructions on how each of these events will be handled, including credits for events, moving to a virtual landscape, and cancelations, please read this document or reach out to your staff lead.
Weekend Camping at Beaumont Scout Reservation, Camp Stigwandish, and Firelands Scout Reservation are canceled through April 2, 2020 and will resume April 3, 2020. Read below for more information.
March 12, 2020 – Roundtable: Geneva
March 12, 2020 – Roundtable: Berea
March 14, 2020 – Spring Cub Overnighter
March 14, 2020 – BALOO 2020
March 14, 2020 – Basic Instructor Training
March 14, 2020 – Radio Merit Badge
March 15, 2020 – Cub Scout Adventure Loop Night
March 15, 2020 – Eagle Board of Review
March 15, 2020 – Eagle Scout Celebration Dinner
March 17, 2020 – Eagle Board of Review
March 17, 2020 – Roundtable Commissioner Meeting
March 18, 2020 – Eagle Board of Review
March 19, 2020 – Roundtable: Garfield Heights
March 20-22, 2020 – Shooting Sports NRA Instructor & Archery Trainings
March 20, 2020 – Mobile Climbing Wall Training
March 21, 2020 – Cub Spring Fun Day
March 21, 2020 – Trainers EDGE
March 21, 2020 – Merit Badge Workshop
March 21, 2020 – Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops
March 21, 2020 – Mobile Climbing Wall Training
March 22, 2020 – Chippewa Chapter Event/Meeting
March 23, 2020 – Mobile Climbing Wall Training
March 23, 2020 – Scouts BSA Leader Development Team Meeting
March 23, 2020 – COPE/Climbing Committee Meeting
March 24, 2020 – Scouts BSA Advancement Team Meeting
March 25, 2020 – Venturing Officer’s Association & Adult Roundtable
March 26, 2020 – Mobile Climbing Wall Training
March 26, 2020 – Cub Scout Division Tools Meeting
March 27-28, 2020 – Merit Badge University
March 28, 2020 – Mobile Climbing Wall Training
March 28, 2020 – Pinewood Derby
March 28, 2020 – Commissioner Training
March 29, 2020 – NOAC Contingent Meeting
With the rapidly escalating health concerns relating to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the decision to postpone and change these events was not made lightly. The flu-like disease has now infected more than 90,000 people with reported 3,000 deaths globally. With the confirmation of several cases in Northeast Ohio and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine mandating all events of 100 or more being canceled, Lake Erie Council has taken several precautions and made the following changes.
Camping
All camping reservations at Beaumont Scout Reservation, Camp Stigwandish, and Firelands Scout Reservation will be canceled through April 3, 2020, and the reservation holder will be credited the amount to be used within the next year.
LEC Events
Event registrations will be moved as stated in the attached document to future events. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled event, please contact the staff advisor listed on the registration page for the event for an event credit that can be applied to any future event within the next year.
Meetings
Many meetings and gatherings have been moved to Zoom Virtual meetings.Additional information will be sent out in the coming days. See the attached document below to learn what meetings will be hosted via Zoom.
Scout Shops
The Firelands Scout Shop will be closed during weekends. Call the store at 440-965-7054 for the most up-to-date hours during the week. The Cleveland store is operating with normal business hours.
Unit-Level Activities
All units should comply with their charter organization’s policy on meetings and gatherings regarding unit-level activities. Our Scout's safety should be our number one priority. Please utilize guidance provided by your local authorities, school districts, and chartering organizations in determining whether to cancel or postpone your events.
Properties
While our camps are closed, our properties staff will be expanding efforts to keep our camps safe and healthy. They will be using hospital-grade disinfectant throughout the properties, including all mattresses, bathrooms, cabins and public spaces. Each property will be ready to welcome Scouts back in April. At this time, the Unit Service Center will remain open and operate normally. The office is being disinfected daily.
Summer Camp Update
Summer camp has not been affected by this news. All payments and reservation deadlines remain the same. The first early bird payment for Scouts BSA camp at Beaumont Scout Reservation is due March 20, 2020. We can't wait to see you at camp!
Basic Precautions to Take
Please remember to follow the precautions and preventive measures as recommended by the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control:
wash your hands often with soap and water,
avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands,
avoid close contact with people who are sick,
and please stay home when you are sick.
Medical questions and concerns should be brought to your own medical provider or the Ohio Department of Health at https://odh.ohio.gov/.
Thank you for your patience and trust in Lake Erie Council. We are prepared to navigate through these challenging circumstances with your safety at the forefront of everything we do.
Yours in Scouting,
Marc J. Ryan
Scout Executive/CEO
For instructions on how each of our events will be handled, including credits for events, moving to a virtual landscape, and cancelations, please read this document or reach out to your staff lead.
Additional Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Boy Scouts of America
Local Council Membership/Participation Guidelines Regarding Communicable Diseases
Prevention of Communicable Diseases in Scouting: Recommendations for Unit and Council Event Leaders
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