Our fantastic summer camp program at Beaumont Scout Reservation is just coming to an end but the fun isn't over. This summer we welcomed over 2,000 Scouts, leaders, staff, and parents through our gates and we are happy to report that by following our health department-approved plan, we were able to keep our campers healthy and safe during our summer camping program. We plan on using that knowledge, similar operations, and state allowed guidelines to welcome our Scouting family onto our property in the coming months.
Based on the continued health orders for campgrounds and resident camps, we are implementing new procedures for unit camping at Lake Erie Council properties.
Our summer camp plans will be the basis for our operations in the fall. We are using the field operations guide as a starting point for our operating procedures.
Weekend Camping
Weekend camping for Cub Scout packs and Scouts BSA troops will operate this fall, with some noted changes. The following are new procedures for weekend campers:
State guidelines for camping only allow for two types of camping. Family camping where groups of no more than ten can stay together at a campground. Groups who are family camping must be from the same household. The state also allows for health department licensed resident camps to operate with cohort groups of no more than ten people including adult leadership.
Weekend camping at Lake Erie Council camps operates under our health department issued a residential camp license. This means that each weekend there will be a certified National Camp School trained Camp Director on the property providing leadership for following the operations plan. Each weekend will also have a Lake Erie Council approved health officer who will be responsible for entrance temperature checks and ensuring that pre-screening and temperature checks have been completed.
Weekend camping is limited to BSA properties operating under a resident camp license from their local health department. This means that units can camp at either Firelands, Beaumont, or any other BSA resident camp property that has been given permission to operate by their local health department. At the present time there are no procedures for units to camp on non-BSA resident camp properties.
Patrols/dens are limited to 10 people including adult leaders. This means that if a pack or troop is planning a campout, they will need to split into cohort groups before attending. Patrols/dens must have separation and should operate together, but not mix with other patrols/dens. While a unit may be bringing multiple patrols/dens to a campsite, these patrols/dens need to operate independently of each other.
Masks are required inside buildings per state orders. Masks must also be worn outside when social distancing of at least 6 feet from non-household members cannot be maintained. Exceptions for masks are designated by the state order.
Camping is permitted for Scouts living in counties at alert levels 1, 2, or 3. If your unit’s county is above level 3, you are prohibited at camping at a Lake Erie Council camp. If Lorain or Ashtabula County are at a level 4 alert level, each respective camp will be closed for the duration of the time at alert level 4.
Everyone arriving at camp must bring a current copy of the Temperature and Prescreening Questionnaire. This form must be filled out completely. This form must be signed by the unit leader prior to departure to camp. Forms will be collected at check-in and will be kept by Lake Erie Council.
Each unit must submit a roster of participants attending camp divided by respective patrols/dens. This roster must include address, phone number, and email for each participant or participant parent in case Lake Erie Council needs to contact individuals about an exposure.
Upon arrival at camp, temperatures will be checked of everyone arriving at camp. Health forms will also be reviewed by the health officer staff. Participants must remain in their vehicle until screened by health officer staff. Friday night check-in will have scheduled arrival times, and take place at the following locations:
Firelands Scout Reservation: Check-in will take place in the Camp Avery Hand parking lot. Temperatures will be checked and symptoms screened while participants are still in their vehicles. After temperatures are checked and confirmed under 100° F, campers will be allowed to exit their vehicles to wash their hands at the Webelos Latrine hand-washing station.
Beaumont Scout Reservation: Check-in will take place in the Camp Gray parking lot. Temperatures will be checked and symptoms screened while participants are still in their vehicles. After temperatures are checked and confirmed under 100° F, campers will be allowed to exit their vehicles to wash their hands at the Camp Gray Activity Center
If the screening, temperature logs, or temperature check indicates that a person within the vehicle could have symptoms of COVID-19, the entire vehicle may be denied entrance to camp by the health officer staff.
If any individual Scout, leader, or parent knows they have been in contact with a person who has tested positive of COVID within the last 14 days, the individual must disclose this information and will not be permitted onto camp. They will be asked to leave property if they find out they have been in contact with a positive COVID person while at camp.
Daily Temperature Checks: The unit leadership will be responsible for submitting temperatures of every participant at camp before noon each day. This means that if a unit is staying Friday – Sunday, they will need to submit temperature checks of the entire unit participating in the morning on Saturday and Sunday.
Camping/Lodge Configuration:
Campsites will accommodate multiple families, patrols, and/or dens. Units must separate tents into family, patrol, or den mini sites in the campsite. In Cub Scouts, families can share a tent. In Scouts BSA, each participant must use their own tent. The exception to this is if there are two members of a patrol who live in the same household at home.
Lodges will have a maximum capacity of 10 participants per room. This includes unit leadership. Beaumont Lodges have been configured to sleep a maximum of 24 people.
Sanitizing: Each group will be provided with a bottle of sanitizer spray that must be used three times per day on common surfaces. In a Lodge/Cabin this includes picnic tables, doorknobs, latrines/porta potties, kitchen equipment, and sinks. In a campsite this includes picnic tables, latrines/porta potties, and hand-washing stations.
Hand-washing: Hand-washing is mandatory before and after meals, as well as before and after participating in activities. In cases where handwashing is not possible, the camp will provide hand sanitizer.
Restrooms: On weekends when events take place, common restroom facilities will be open and cleaned three times per day. On weekends where there are no events and only weekend camping, the restrooms will be locked.
Camp Host Programs: To avoid mixing groups, Camp Hosts will not be providing normally scheduled programs. Ready-to-Go kits will be available based on the ability to properly sanitize the contents of the kits.
A Scout is Trustworthy and a Scout is Clean. Failure to follow any of these guidelines can result in your unit’s dismissal from camp.
We look forward to hosting your unit for safe and fun weekend camping this fall, with reservations starting on 8/14/2020. Reservations can be made online at www.lecbsa.org/camping.
Yours in Scouting,
Philip Williams
Director of Camping Services
