Dear LEC Scouting Family,
Two weeks have passed since our last formal communication when I promised to notify you of the latest outlook and plans for our summer operations today (4/17). In addition to some important summer updates, I will also share information on the current status of weekend and business operations at our properties including the unit service center.
Let’s begin with summer camp:
As of today, we remain hopeful and we continue to prepare to safely open and operate our camps this summer. While there is still potential that this could change, we are encouraged by the direction the State of Ohio and the County Departments of Health are taking. We will follow their lead and realize that much still needs to happen for places like camp to be in the position to open and operate with heightened safety measures.
That said, allow me to begin to share a glimpse on some of the additional elements of what “safely operating” our camps in this new environment will entail. While not comprehensive and an ongoing process, you can expect some significant updates to many of the following:
Food Service – We will be eliminating all self-service options for and during meals (including beverages and salad bars) and all serving will be done by trained staff.
Water Bottles – Participants will be required to bring a water bottle to camp. Water filling stations will be limited but strategic and will be hands free.
Check-in Screening – Upon arrival at our camps, staff and participants will be screened and their temperature will be taken. Those who fail the screening will be refused entry.
Sickness at Camp – Participants and tent mates presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 will be sent home.
Visitors - All visitors MUST check-in upon arrival and will receive screening before being allowed into camp. Those who fail the screening will be refused entry.
Family Night/Activities - Unfortunately, Family Night/Activities at both camps will NOT be held this summer.
Hand-washing – Participants will be directed to wash their hands often. Additional hand washing and sanitizing stations will be available.
Shower Houses and Restrooms – Shower houses and restrooms will be cleaned 3 times a day.
Lodging Cleaning – Camp provided lodging, such as tents and cabins, will be disinfected before new participants arrive.
Protective Gear – We will be reviewing best methods for use of gloves, masks, etc., while on our properties.
Camp Equipment – We will properly sanitize all community and reusable program equipment after each use.
As stated above, these are all under review as part of the comprehensive evaluation now underway of our standards and policies. As we move forward, you can expect a comprehensive list complete with instructions.
Also, related to summer camping is the concern over required health forms. I want you to know that we are very aware of the situation and working closely with the national BSA to determine approved protocol for this summer. We understand that it will be somewhere between difficult and impossible to get a new physical completed between now and summer camp. We believe that a temporary policy will be put into place to mitigate this year’s unique set of circumstances. We expect to be able to communicate the updated information in the early part of May.
As it applies to the summer calendar, there are two primary things that you should know.
First, NYLT, scheduled to be conducted at Firelands from June 7-12 will be MOVED to July 19-24, 2020.
Second, while both Firelands and Beaumont were scheduled to open in early June, the likelihood that they might not open until later in June or as late as the beginning of July is relatively high. We will make that decision as we carefully and thoughtfully follow Gov. DeWine’s orders and work with our local county health departments.
In all cases with our summer operations, please be reminded of the following three governing thoughts:
First, our “full and hassle-free refund policy” is there to support your family if you decide you are not comfortable or unable to participate in camp this summer. All monies will be returned through the vehicle they came in (i.e. your unit, your family) and NOT held by the council.
Second, as a reminder, we have extended our early bird period until May 1, 2020. We are encouraging units and families to continue signing up and submitting deposits where and as possible.
Third, while our campership submission timeframe has now concluded, we will support any family who has been directly affected by COVID-19 and will honor early bird fees. If you have not done so yet, please reach out to our camp directors ASAP (Phil Williams; Jarrod Blundy; Brittany Dunne).
Next, let’s discuss weekend operations. As of today, Lake Erie Council properties are closed through May 7, 2020. Based on criteria contained in Phase I of the State of Ohio’s plan to reopen the state, we find it necessary to extend that period, on a rolling basis, through May 14 to begin with. Here is a list of scheduled activities set to take place during that time and their disposition moving forward.
May 1 – Cub Scout Adventure Loop Nights and Disabilities Awareness – Moved to Zoom Virtual Meeting
May 1-3 – Wilderness Engineers Weekend at BSR – Postponed until June 6, 2020
May 2 – Merit Badge Workshop at FSR – Postponed until July 25, 2020 at FSR
May 2 – Merit Badge University 4 – Postponed until July 25, 2020 at FSR
May 2 – Cub Spring Fun Day – Postponed until May 23 at BSR
May 2-3 – Spring Cub Overnighter at FSR – Postponed until May 23-24 at BSR
May 4 – Scouts BSA Unit Tools Team Meeting – Moved to Zoom Virtual Meeting
May 5 – Key 8 Meeting (Division Leadership Team) – Moved to Zoom Virtual Meeting
May 8-10 – Shooting Sports NRA Instructor Training – Postponed
May 8-10 – Barkmont at BSR – Postponed
May 8-10 – Level 2 Climbing Instructor Training – Postponed
May 8-10 – The Spirit Lives On – Final Weekend – Postponed: More Information Soon
May 9 – Beaver Day at FSR – Postponed to June 6, 2020
May 9 – Trailblazer at BSR – Postponed
May 9 – Pinewood Derby Championship – Postponed
May 11 – Stewards of Firelands – Postponed
May 12 – Mobile Climbing Wall Training – Cancelled
May 14 – Mobile Climbing Wall Training – Cancelled
Every two weeks, we will update you on the status of our properties. The next update will come two weeks from today, May 1st, and will directly address the period of May 15- May 28.
Finally, operations at the Unit Service Center remain limited until April 30/May 1, 2020. Included in our communication of May 1 will be the plans relating to the Unit Service Center starting on May 4, 2020. Be reminded that we continue to process advancement, including Eagle workbooks, and membership. The drop box on the east side of the building is there for you to deliver important material 24 hours a day. In addition, our entire staff, who remain engaged and focused on serving our units, are available to drop off or pick up items as needed. Simply reach out to your unit serving executive to make necessary arrangements.
I want you to know how much I appreciate your partnership and support as we continue to work through these unchartered waters. I hope your family has been able to participate in many of the terrific virtual programs and offerings being conducted every day in your Lake Erie Council (Schedule at www.lecbsa.org/at-home) (Daily Facebook Live events @LakeErieBSA). I hope that many of you plan to participate in the Scouts Own Pancake Power Hour tomorrow morning (4/18) and the Camporall next Saturday (4/25) on our Facebook page. My family plans to be there for both! Oh, by the way, tune in tomorrow for some special guests as well as a major announcement that will change the future of Scouts Own and will help your units achieve their goals to fund their adventures! I am so excited about this! Don’t miss it!
If I don’t “see you” tomorrow, be safe and stay healthy. I miss you and continue to pray for you and our entire Scouting family!
Yours in Scouting,
Marc J. Ryan
Scout Executive
Lake Erie Council, Boy Scouts of America
Marc.Ryan@scouting.org
216-458-8910
