Camping

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These Guidelines are no longer valid.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

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.

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:

  1. SBSA Resident Camp at Beaumont

  2. 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,

Marc J. Ryan

Scout Executive
Lake Erie Council

LEC Operations Update

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

Summer Family Camping Opportunities

The Lake Erie Council is your home for family camping experiences! Start and end your summer by reserving a spot at Beaumont Scout Reservation for our Family Camping Bookend Weekends during Memorial Day and Labor Day. If that does fit your schedule, Family Camps will be offered all summer long. If you are you looking to stay close to home this summer while still doing something completely different, we have four themed weekends of outdoor family adventures at Camp Stigwandish .

Activities include aquatics, boating, swimming, shooting sports, wrist rockets, crafts and projects, nature, sports, theme night, campfires. Register today to join in on the fun!

  Register today to join in on the fun!

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