Scouters,
The Governor’s office, in conjunction with the Ohio State Department of Health, has rescinded health orders having to do with reopening guidance and replaced it with a simpler set of rules to keep each of us safe during the waning days of the pandemic.
The order rescinding previous orders is found here. The order replacing reopening guidance is found here.
As it stands now, there is no longer a state restriction for camping only at residential camps. So, this means you can start camping at other properties.
Moving forward Scouts, Units, and Leaders should continue to follow safe practices to make sure that folks stay healthy. The new order emphasizes the use of facial coverings, social distancing, and limiting group sizes to 10 or less. Practically that means:
Units may meet in person but have smaller groups (e.g. patrols or dens) socially distanced from each other
Unit committees may meet in person but if the group is larger than 10, separate into smaller groups with social distancing between and if possible, meet outdoors
Wear masks if not socially distanced indoors or when not able to maintain social distancing outside
Continue to follow the guidelines of your Charter Organization
The full order can be read above. Scouting units should continue to follow guidance from the national office found at https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus.
While the state orders have been rescinded it is also important to note that counties/cities may have specific orders that you will need to follow. You can find the county websites listed here.
As a reminder, we will release additional details about Scouts BSA summer camp programming in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for details.
Phil Williams
Director of Experiences
Lake Erie Council, Boy Scouts of America
