Dear LEC Family,
Following the release of my earlier email, I received some questions about the operations guidebook I referenced. It is understandable that families are looking for more information about what the safety precautions and procedures might look like. As a parent, I certainly understand and respect that. It has always been my goal to be transparent, but sometimes timing is an issue with being able to share information as quickly as possible. The only reason that we did not post it yet is because the guidebook is not approved and is subject to change.. That said, I have decided to share it with you now to give you a full look at the work being done to prepare for a safe open. This is all contingent on it getting approved.
This guidebook was built with current recommendations and best practices from the American Camping Association, the CDC, the State of Ohio, and BSA National. It considers the current reopening standards issued by the State of Ohio regarding campgrounds, pools, and youth activities and combines them with the recommenced practices of the ACA. However, this version does NOT include the program/ activities schedule and logistics or food service details as initial conversations with the board of health have led to some immediate revisions which are now underway. I will gladly share that next week as we make more inroads. Rest assured that they too have undergone significant changes and will be very different from what you have experienced at camp in the past. Again, I share this as a glimpse into a currently under review DRAFT of submitted procedures so you can begin to get a better idea of how camp would take shape this summer.
Other feedback received suggested that it would be best if we could just have a decision, so folks aren’t being “strung along”. Unlike other things where the Governor or CDC has weighed in, the ONLY “decision” about SBSA resident camp that we could have made at this point is to CANCEL. We are hoping and working to avoid that outcome, but we realize that it is not completely in our control. So, our plan is to “Be Prepared” and be proactive. That is why we created this manual and submitted it as a plan to operate.
In the past two months, I have read email after email that starts off with something along the lines of “in this uncertain time”. Dealing with a pandemic is not a perfect science and we are doing everything we can to try and make summer camping a viable option. Simply put, we will cease and desist if told we must or if the evidence is clear that we can’t run camp safely. Until then, it remains our intent to put the time and effort into moving forward. I hope the information shared here will help you to move forward with us. But this is your personal choice. Each of us must feel confident that we are ready to take whatever step is confronting our family whether that be school, camp, or even simply gathering with members outside of our family. They are all tough decisions and I pray for each of us to have the clarity we seek in making the one that is best for our own family.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or comments. I will do my best to get back to you ASAP. I hope whatever you do this weekend, that we can all take a few minutes to remember those who have made sacrifices for this great nation that are allowing us to even consider taking part in these kinds of activities.
Thanks for all you do for Scouting,
Marc Ryan
Scout Executive/CEO
Lake Erie Council, Boy Scouts of America
