Get up-to-date on camping guidelines for units and families on Boy Scouts of America properties.
BSA Unit Operation and Camping Safeguards
These Guidelines are no longer valid.
Dear Lake Erie Council Scouts and Scouters,
Below are current COVID-19 safeguards for the Lake Erie Council as of November 1, 2020 and are subject to revision. These safeguards are in place to mitigate the risk of contracting COVID-19.
1. General
Follow local, state, and federal guidelines as it pertains to participation in activities.
Remember, your chartered organization owns your unit and may have its own policies and requirements in addition to local, state, and federal guidelines. If so, you must adhere to their additional requirements.
Maintain social distancing and limit group sizes to 10 or fewer.
Sanitize the meeting area as well as the equipment used for each activity.
Keep attendance for both youth and adults in the event contact tracing is needed.
Adhere to Youth Protection Policies.
Ensure that hand sanitizer is available and used regularly (either supplied or each person brings their own.)
Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water.
Additional guidance and resources can be found at https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus
2. COVID-19 Plans
Units should have and share with families their chartered organization approved COVID-19 safety plan.
For guidance, please refer to https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-693.pdf
3. Face Coverings
Adhere to the state mandate on face coverings FACE COVERINGS.
Again, your chartered organization owns your unit and may have its own policies and requirements in addition to local, state, and federal guidelines. If so, you must adhere to their additional requirements.
4. Welcoming New Members
As new youth are being invited to join our program, there is an exciting new feature on Beascout.org.
For the youth that are joining this fall, the system is automatically collecting fees through the end of 2021.
For those families who need an alternative method for registering, we can still collect paper applications and charge families the pro-rated rate until the end of 2020.
5. Unit Meetings
In-person Scout meetings are permitted for Scouts living in counties at alert levels 1, 2, or 3. If your unit’s county is level 4, in-person Scout meetings are prohibited.
Meeting outdoors is encouraged when available and weather permitting.
If the unit is still not ready to meet, we continue to encourage virtual meetings. All youth protection policies and guidelines for online meetings, including having multiple adults over the age of 21 present the entire time, must be followed.
If both male and female youth are on the same conferencing event, one adult of each gender must also actively participate. As a reminder, make sure youth are never being recorded or filmed.
6. Meals
While many unit activities include the sharing of meals, especially during the holiday season, there continue to be restrictions regarding the sharing of food. It is important that the unit develop dining protocols (including but not limited to):
No self-serve buffet meals or common water coolers.
Use of disposable utensils, napkins, cups, and plates.
Clean and disinfect eating and cooking gear after each use.
When in doubt, the safest answer is for families to bring their own food or to not have any “community or potluck” food at your events for the time being.
Here are some additional suggestions to consider:
Utilize single-serve, prepackaged foods.
If the unit wants to do a “community meal”, pick a person to take or find a person who has ServSafe training.
https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Food-Handler/Get-Certified
The ServSafe trained person can cook and coordinate the distribution of the food.
Choose a caterer or restaurant that could provide the meals and separate the servings appropriately.
If commercial food is offered, make sure that the food is not repackaged by the unit.
7. Camping
LEC’s full camping safeguards including the temperature and prescreening questionnaire can be found here: https://lecbsa.org/news/2020/7/30/weekend-camping-procedures
Reservations can be made here: https://lecbsa.org/weekend-camping
Here are some updates, highlights, and reminders:
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. This includes non-campground facilities such as private property and property owned by the chartered organization.
Camping and activities are permitted for Scouts living in counties at alert levels 1, 2, or 3.
If your unit’s county is level 4, participating in camping and activities at a Lake Erie Council camp is prohibited.
If Lorain (Firelands) or Ashtabula (Beaumont) County are at a level 4 alert level, each respective camp will be closed for the duration of the time at alert level 4.
Units who choose to camp independently when it is not permitted by the State, will not be covered by liability insurance that normally covers leaders, and the supplemental health insurance that covers leaders and Scouts will not be in effect during those camping activities.
8. Den Meeting Resources
The Lake Erie Council has created Den Meeting resources to help your packs have fun meetings this fall. Whether you choose to meet in-person or virtually, our Cub Scout Virtual Adventures Kit and Meetings are a great resource to use. To purchase your kits, please go to https://scoutingevent.com/440-CSvirtualadventures.
9. Unit Funding:
The Lake Erie Council Unit Funding Specialists have developed Unit Funding Guidelines to help units fundraise during COVID-19. These can be found here.
Please note that all fundraisers outside of Scout’s Own and Popcorn are subject to approval.
The Lake Erie Council is currently in the planning stages for our 2021 Scout’s Own Sale. Please be on the lookout for more information in December.
We appreciate everyone’s commitment to our youth in Northeast Ohio. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Member Care Team at (216) 861-6060.
Unit Service Center Closed
These Guidelines are no longer valid.
Scouts and Scouters,
It saddens us to inform you that this afternoon, November 10, 2020, we were informed one of our employees tested positive for COVID-19. The employee is now self-isolating. We have notified all close contacts and instructed them also to self-isolate. If you were not contacted, you have not been identified as a close contact.
We are doing everything within our ability and resources to keep our Scouting family safe and healthy. Still, with many cases of COVID-19 transmitted before anyone knows they have been exposed, and with employees only being at work for a fraction of the day, we cannot 100 percent guarantee the virus won’t enter our building.
Due to the unfortunate positive test, we have decided to close the Unit Service Center.
The Unit Service Center will be closed tomorrow, November 11, 2020 to all staff members.
The Unit Service Center will be closed to outside visitors until November 30, 2020.
The Cleveland Scout Shop will be open to curbside service during this time.
If you have a question about COVID-19 or your situation, please contact your doctor or review the recommendations on the CDC website.
Our commitment to your health and safety is our top priority. Please stay healthy and safe.
Yours in Scouting,
Lake Erie Council
2020 Unit Operations Safeguards
Weekend Camping Procedures
Reopening Safeguards
As the summer months approach, the Scouting program is alive and well in Northeast Ohio. We have been receiving questions and requests for guidance about when our units can start meeting again. We are happy to announce that we have received guidance from the CDC as well as the State of Ohio to release guidelines for units to begin meeting and to participate in non-camping activities.
Safeguards for restarting:
1. If the unit is not yet ready to meet, we continue to encourage virtual meetings. There are several free media platforms that accommodate virtual meetings. You must follow all youth protection policies and guidelines for online meetings including having multiple adults over the age of 21 present the entire time. If both male and female youth are on the same conferencing event, one adult of each gender must also actively participate. As a reminder, make sure youth are never being recorded or filmed.
2. It is important that your unit committee develops its own COVID-19 safety plan and it is shared with your Chartered Organization in order to receive further guidance and permission to begin meeting in person. Your Chartered Organization may have its own policies and requirements on meetings. At a minimum, this plan should address the guidelines listed below including but not limited to transportation, maintaining social distancing, wearing face coverings, taking attendance, and sanitization. It is important this plan is communicated to each of your Scouting families. Although not required, it may be an excellent learning opportunity for the Patrol Leaders Council, Crew Officers or Ship Officers to participate in drafting and preparing the plan.
3. Be sensitive to all families and consider offering a hybrid (both in-person and virtual) program opportunities to ensure all Scouts can participate. Parents should only resume Scouting when they are comfortable. Scouts must be able to continue to be members in good standing and accrue tenure by participating in-person or virtually with the unit if parents state they are not yet comfortable having their youth participate in-person. Parents are highly encouraged to ask their unit leadership questions about the unit's plan to restart in-person Scouting safely and a unit should ONLY begin meeting if social distancing can be ensured.
4. The plan should include a COVID-19 communication strategy. It should include a plan for if a member of the unit or their family tests positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone who has tested positive and also a contact tracing plan. Despite all precautionary measures, there is always a risk of exposure to communicable diseases. For guidance, please refer to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/open-america/contact-tracing/index.html
5. Please follow local, state, and federal guidelines as it pertains to participation in activities. There are specific guidelines that continue to be set for activities such as museum visits, national, county, municipal, and state parks, zoos, and amusement parks. These guidelines can quickly change, so always check local, state, and federal guidelines before you participate in activities.
6. When transporting Scouts, carpooling is not yet allowed as only families can travel together. If a unit is planning an activity outside the State of Ohio, please also be aware of certain travel restrictions other states may have including the need for self-quarantining. Learn more about travel guidelines here.
7. While non-camping activities and meetings can resume, there is NO overnight camping allowed outside of Beaumont Scout Reservation Resident Camp or other BSA Camps authorized to be open by the rules of their State or other jurisdiction. We will communicate with our families with procedures and guidelines once those restrictions are lifted. Unit's who choose to camp independently when it is not permitted by the State, will not be covered by liability insurance that normally covers leaders and the supplement health insurance that covers leaders and Scouts will not be in effect during those camping activities.
8. Units may not provide homecooked meals or serve commercially purchased food. Outside of resident camp, food for activities should be purchased and prepared by the Scout's individual family.
9. When meeting as a group please remember:
· To maintain social distancing and limit group sizes to 10 or fewer. As with summer camp, we encourage troops to follow the patrol method and split large groups into patrols of under ten people and maintain social distancing between patrols. Packs can split into smaller dens of 10 or under while meeting in large groups. With summer approaching, large outdoor spaces are a more ideal place to meet. Again, please make sure there are no restrictions with your desired meeting venue.
· To wear face coverings.
· To sanitize the meeting area as well as the equipment used for each activity.
· To keep attendance for both youth and adults in case contact tracing is needed.
· To adhere to Youth Protection Policies.
· To ensure hand sanitizer is available (either supplied by the unit or requiring each person to bring their own) with unit and youth leaders encouraging regular use.
· To encourage everyone to wash their hands with soap and water if available for at least 20 seconds.
There is also additional guidance that can be found at:
· https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus
While we know these guidelines make Scouting look a little different than normal, we must adhere to these changes for everyone's safety. We look forward to helping our units begin to meet and participate in activities again. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us should you need any help. As more updates become available, we will continue to update you accordingly.
Yours in Scouting,
Greg Voyzey
Director of Field Services
Lake Erie Council
Don Groszek
Council Commissioner
Lake Erie Council
News from Beaumont Scout Reservation
Summer Camp 2020 Update
We are excited to share good news today! This morning the Lake Erie Council Executive Board with the approval of the state voted to commence operations at Beaumont Scout Reservation for Scouts BSA Resident camp. This means that we will be operating summer camp this summer!
Yesterday, we were all waiting in anticipation of an announcement about resident camps during the daily press conference of Governor Dewine. Between 3:00 PM and 5:18 PM, it seemed that all hope was extinguished for offering summer camp this year. However, at 5:19 PM we received a signed order from Dr. Amy Acton with opening procedures giving resident camps permission to open immediately. Our operations plan, which was submitted to the Ashtabula County Board of Health, mimics the opening procedures provided to us by the state.
All of this being said, we are excited to get started this summer. If your troop hasn't registered for Beaumont Scout Reservation BSA Resident camp yet, you can do so by contacting Philip Williams or Noah Boksansky. There are a couple of notes below that you should keep in mind.
Please make sure that you and your Scouts are checking temperatures 14-days before arrival. Attached below is the form for tracking temperatures before arrival.
The program that was released last week will be closely followed, however, patrols of 8 or less must stay consistent throughout the week. Additionally, patrols camping at the campsite will need to be separated to follow the procedures outlined in the letter from the state.
Troops using troop lodges will need to use room separators for separating campers. Up to 10 campers can stay in each room.
More information will be coming, but I am so excited to be able to offer Summer Camp this year!
Tonight at 8:00 PM, the LEC team will be hosting a Facebook live on the LEC Facebook page to give further details.
Updates on Scouts BSA Resident Camp and Camp Stigwandish
Dear LEC Family,
This is the first of two updates this week. You can expect the second one on Wednesday.
This update includes important information on:
SBSA Resident Camp at Beaumont
The Legacy of Camp Stigwandish
SBSA Resident Camp at Beaumont
In my last email dated May 22, I shared that the ONLY “decision” about SBSA resident camp that we could have made at this point is to CANCEL. While it has always been our hope to create a path forward to safely operate camp this summer, we realize that we cannot reasonably expect everyone to hang on indefinitely as we await approval from the state to operate. Therefore, the following has been determined:
Week 1 of Scouts BSA Resident Camp at Beaumont Scout Reservation (June 14-20) will not operate.
Prior to making this decision, our camp leadership reached out to all our Week 1 units and are currently assisting them with choosing another week.
If the Governor/State does NOT lay out plans for resident camp tomorrow, we will no longer pursue our plans to offer SBSA resident camp this summer.
I encourage you to tune-in to his daily COVID-19 update at 2:00 pm so you can hear it for yourself.
If resident camps ARE addressed, then we will determine with our board on Wednesday if we can meet the requirements as laid out AND a formal announcement will come sometime on Wednesday.
As a reminder, we will follow all state and CDC guidelines.
I want to thank you for your patience as we have navigated this journey together. The trail has been arduous, but we are close to the end.
The Legacy of Camp Stigwandish
Ninety years ago, community leaders of Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula Counties established a camp to provide outdoor adventures for the young men of their communities. Camp Stigwandish served that purpose for 90 years creating a lifetime of memories and countess Scouting stories. As you know, following a comprehensive study of occupancy and needed improvements of all LEC properties, the Board of Director’s made the difficult decision to divest Camp Stigwandish. They chose to auction the property as they felt they could realize the best return for the future of Scouting. This past Saturday, May 30, 2020, Kiko Auctioneers held that auction on behalf of the Lake Erie Council.
The auction resulted in $1,649,700 which was designated by the board to be invested into the remaining council properties or to fund significant programs in the future.
These funds ensure that that the goal of those visionary leaders from ninety years ago will continue to live on. Funding future projects is not the only legacy that Stigwandish will leave. Over the past months, groups of volunteers and staff have been dismantling, packing, and moving program equipment, shelters, and memorabilia from Camp Stigwandish to Beaumont Scout Reservation. Many thanks to Jeff Olree, Terri and Larry Andrews, John and Lisa Shrock, Kim Wheatly, Chris Fortunato, Brian Belfi, Muffy Wheatly, David Metzger, Frank Dworning, Anthony Dworning, Jacob Brown, Bear Roloff and many more for the hard work that made this task happen.
There is an old saying in the outdoors to “leave only footprints and take only memories.” Over the last ninety years, thousands of Scouts have left their footprints on the trails at Camp Stigwandish. Now it is up to those that left the footprints, to take the memories, and to share the spirit of Scouting and Camp Stigwandish with future generations, to ensure that the legacy is remembered.
Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate these unforeseen circumstances. Again, we will send another update on Wednesday with the final decisions.
Yours in service to youth and families,
Scout Executive
Lake Erie Council
LEC Operations Guidebook
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
LEC Operations Update - May 22, 2020
Dear Lake Erie Council Families,
Today I am writing to give you the most up to date information on several aspects of our operation including:
Cleveland Scout Shop/ Unit Service Center
Cub Scout Summer Programs
Scouts BSA Summer Programs
Medical Forms
Eagle Scout Celebration Event
Wood Badge and NYLT
While long, this email contains important information and a look into the process behind how we arrived at certain decisions and what next steps look like.
Cleveland Scout Shop/ Unit Service Center
As shared on Monday, we are pleased to announce that the Scout Shop and Unit Service Center will reopen this coming Tuesday, May 26 at 10:00 AM.
We have been working hard to implement enhanced safety measures to ensure you and our teams safety is the top priority!
Here are some things you can expect when visiting the either the shop or the service center.
The Cleveland Scout Shop will be open Tuesday – Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
The Unit Service Center will be open Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Plans for the reopening of the Firelands Scout Shop will be communicated soon.
Hand sanitizer is available for your use.
Rigorous cleaning routines will be implemented throughout the day.
Fitting rooms in the shop have been temporarily closed.
Prior to beginning every shift in the shop, team members must complete an Employee Health Screening to ensure they are ready and able to work safely.
Every team member is provided with facial coverings to use during their shifts and are asked to frequently wash their hands throughout their shifts.
Social distancing markers have been put into place.
All product returns are being disinfected or quarantined for five business days before returning to the sales floor.
Cash will NOT be accepted as a form of payment until further notice to limit the risk of spreading germs. Credit/debit cards and checks will be accepted.
Payment systems in the shop have been updated to need fewer signatures and to accept contactless pay to include Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Limited occupancy regulations will be in place.
We respectfully request you to follow social distancing and safety protocols recommended by public health officials, including wearing a facial covering when visiting to help protect yourself and our team members.
If you wish to see a member of the council staff, PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT IN ADVANCE as many will be working from home with regular hours. Staff contact information can be found here.
Scouts BSA Summer Programs
Since the early onset of COVID-19 and the disruption to our normal operations, I have shared that it was our plan and intention to open camps if we could do so safely and sustainably, meaning Scouts and families would attend. This mindset allowed us to marshal needed resources to be prepared all along so that if we were given the “green light” we would be able to move forward. As you know, the situation and virus continue to evolve. Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, has now announced plans to reopen campsites, day camps, youth sports, and swimming pools to name a few. We have been anticipating an announcement specific to resident camps, but that announcement has yet to arrive. Therefore, we have taken the months of work and effort put forth by our team and complied a 30 plus page operations guidebook, specific to COVID precautions and protocols and submitted it to the local department of health seeking their approval to operate based on our well-informed and carefully constructed plan. Once approved, this guidebook will be made public and will be part of a multi-pronged communications strategy with virtual meetings to share what we will be doing to make Scouts BSA summer camping as safe as possible for participants this summer. We are anticipating feedback and hopefully approval on our plan next week. An informational meeting will be held this coming Tuesday to discuss programmatic changes for the 2020 season. You can register here. As of today, all Scouts BSA summer programs are on based on our added precautions in addition to the rigorous standards we exceed from the BSA and department of health.
Cub Scout Summer Programs
It is with a heavy heart that we cancel Adventure Camp and Webelos Exploration Camp for this summer. While we looked forward to summer camp, it is clear from both our conversations with pack leadership, survey results, and registrations for our summer programs, that our Cub families are not ready to return to traditional camp this summer. The health and safety of our campers is, and always will be, our number one priority and we understand the concerns amid a pandemic, particularly with camping programs for younger Scouts in a large group capacity. We also have a duty to be good financial stewards for our Scouts, families, and dedicated donors who expect us to be around for the long haul. Without the interest necessary for our traditional programs, we have to pause for this summer.
We understand that while the majority of our Cub Scout families were not planning to attend Adventure Camp or Webelos Exploration Camp this summer, this announcement will hit hardest with the Scouts who were already signed up to attend. Our hearts are heavy alongside yours. We eat and breathe summer camp too. Rest assured that any payment made toward Adventure Camp and Webelos Exploration Camp will be refunded in full. See below for an FAQ on how refunds will be made, and how the announcement will affect camp operations. Know this: Pausing traditional Cub Scout Summer Camps does not indicate any discussion of selling Firelands, nor any less commitment to offering great programs for Cub Scouts throughout the rest of the year and in summers to come.
Summer camp for pack and dens will return, but in the meantime we are excited to offer an alternative for families to continue their Scouting journey in a remote way while incorporating much of what we love about summer camp! Introducing Adventure Camp at Home!
Adventure Camp at Home
Program Highlights:
At-home kits with fun activities (pick up, or delivered)!
Campers complete activities on their own time with access to both written and video instructions!
Earn advancement for Cub Scout ranks!
Campers are part of small group dens to interact virtually with other campers and two adult camp staff!
Don’t miss out on favorite camp traditions with streamed flag ceremonies, mealtime entertainment, and campfires!
Come outside and camp on the weekends with your family and reserve programs to complete the camp experience!
All of this, starting at just $75 per camper!
As a camper with Adventure Camp at Home (ACAH), your Cub Scout will be put into a Virtual Den and receive an age-appropriate kit with fun projects and activities to do at home, complete with written and video instructions produced by our camp staff! Not only will campers complete advancement requirements, but the ACAH activities will take campers outside into their own backyards and neighborhoods to complete challenges, keeping the “outing" in Scouting.
However, without the camp staff, camp is just a pile of rocks and activity instructions. It’s the people that bring summer camp to life, and that’s why every ACAH camper will get to interact with the other members of their small den and their dedicated camp staff through virtual Campfire Chats each evening. These (optional) virtual get-togethers will be perfect for campers to share the activities they completed with one another, to be goofy with our camp staff by singing camp songs, and much more. All live video calls and streams are optional, and will follow youth protection guidelines with two-deep adult leadership.
Here’s the best part: By being an ACAH camper, you’ll be able to participate in Family Camping Weekends! After participating in the at-home program throughout the weekdays, you can complete the adventure by coming out to camp on the weekend with the whole family. Reserve a campsite for your family to enjoy a peaceful weekend by the campfire, or reserve select programs areas for your family to participate in together. You’ll get private access to camp favorites like the mobile climbing wall, shooting sports, nature area, and more. Rigorous cleaning routines will be implemented between uses of the program areas.
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While we are disappointed by the necessity to pause traditional Cub Scout Summer Camps this year, we think that Adventure Camp at Home will be an engaging, fun, and safe alternative for all our Cub Scout families this summer. Even during a normal summer, not every Pack can attend camp. With ACAH we have the potential to reach even more Cub Scouts to stay engaged with Scouting throughout the summer.
Medical Forms
The BSA’s annual health and medical record (AHMR) currently requires completion / update annually for all participants, in all Scouting events.
Parts A and B are a consent, authorization / risk acknowledgement and a detailed health history. Part C, the pre-participation physical is recommended for all participants but required for any event lasting over 72 hours, including traditional resident camping.
The following one-time exceptions will only apply to BSA Accredited Council Camps and BSA High Adventure Bases:
Participants with a Part C completed on or after February 1, 2019.
Validity of any Part C completed on or after February 1, 2019 is extended until August 31, 2020.
Update Parts A and B of the AHMR within two weeks of your departure to camp.
Participants with no Part C or one prior to February 1, 2019, including new members.
Attach a completed alternate exam (sports, school, annual well exam at pediatrician) completed on or after February 1, 2019. This will be accepted as a valid Part C until August 31, 2020.
Update Parts A and B of the AHMR within two weeks of your departure to camp.
There will be no other exceptions outside these parameters.
Download the form: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/ahmr
Eagle Scout Celebration Event
Lake Erie Council‘s Annual Eagle Scout Celebration is an important part of both our history and a testament to the hard work of countless volunteers, family members and others to help our youth achieve the highest rank in Scouting. As many as 800 guests come together to celebrate the achievements of the year’s Eagle Scout class. This year, we have been faced with an uncertain future for events of this magnitude and size. Lake Erie Council has arrived at the decision to transition this year‘s event to a virtual event. We want to make sure everyone who wants to be a part of this event or able to do so safely and without concern for their health. We also know how important it is to recognize our youth for their hard work.
Our Virtual Eagle Scout Celebration for the Class of 2019 will broadcast live on Sunday August 9, 1:00 - 2:30 PM as a Facebook Live, hosted on the Lake Erie Council Facebook Page.
As part of the event, we will honor the 282 members of the class by announcing our scholarship recipients, the best Eagle Scout projects of the year as well as include the Class of 2019 Eagle Scout Roll of Honor. This year, in recognition of every Eagle Scout in the class, we will mail every member the Eagle Scout Neckerchief as well as the Eagle Scout slide. Both tokens of recognition have been a longstanding part of the event, and this year, it will be no different.
For the families, guests and Scoutmasters of our Eagle Scouts who registered for the live event scheduled this past March 15th, we will extend full refunds for your registration. For those guests who can do so, we ask you to consider converting your registration fee to a donation to Lake Erie Council to cover the unrecovered costs in preparation of our live event.
For this year’s registered Career Guides, we will also extend a refund, but ask for those who are able and plan on participating in next year’s event, to allow us to keep the fee and apply it to next year’s event, Scheduled to be held in March 2021. We do hope that you have had the chance to meet or connect with your paired Eagle Scout.
For additional information regarding the event itself, refunds or any other questions, email Jason.Setser@scouting.org.
Wood Badge and NYLT
Wood Badge
Chrissy Edgehouse, Course Director
Registration for Wood Badge is open until June 15, 2020. If you are interested and have not yet registered, please do so by June 15, 2020. There are still a few slots available.
The course takes place the weekends of July 31-August 2 and August 15-16 at Firelands Scout Reservation. Come learn leadership skills that can help make a difference to the youth you serve. Adventure awaits you in Wood Badge.
NYLT
John Zastawnik, Course Director
The date for this year’s National Youth Leadership Training was moved to July 19 – July 24, 2020 at Firelands Scout Reservation.This change of date is to ensure that we conduct the safest course possible for participants and staff. All safety protocols will be followed including screening, masking, cleaning, and social distancing as defined by the State, Council, and BSA. Registration is open until June 30, 2020 and space is filling up – be sure to register soon to secure your place for this premier youth leadership training course!
While Scouting may look a little different in the summer of 2020, together we can ensure that every young person in our Council benefits from the valuable lessons we teach. Our team remains committed to providing the best program possible whether it be via the campsite or, when necessary, a website. Let’s keep focused on delivering the best experiences we can. Our Scouts deserve and are looking forward to it!
Stay tuned as we continue to respond to the evolving landscape.
Yours in Scouting,
Marc J. Ryan
Scout Executive / CEO
