Restart Scouting Checklist

 
 
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As always, the safety of our Scouts, volunteers, employees and communities is our top priority. This checklist outlines several minimum guiding protocols that adult leaders/volunteers must consider while working with local and state health departments, local councils, chartered organizations and Scouting families on when and how to resume meetings, service projects, camping and all other official Scouting activities.

 

S=Supervision

  • Understand local and state guidance on preventing COVID-19 exposure.

  • Engage your chartered organization and local council on necessary adjustments.

  • Conduct the "before you gather" protocols.

A=Assessment

  • Identify participants who fall under the CDC's group of higher-risk individuals. Notify all participants about the risks of participating since COVID-19 exposure cannot be eliminated.

  • Verify that the planned activity, gathering or group sizes are not prohibited by local or state orders.

F=Fitness and Skill

  • Review Annual Health and Medical Records and consider using a pre-event screening for all participants.

E=Equipment and Environment

  • Verify that handwashing, hygiene and cleaning supplies are available and used properly.

  • Monitor social distancing, interactions and sharing of equipment and food among participants.

  • Monitor participants for changing health conditions.

  • Use the “as you gather” protocols.

SAFE doesn’t mean risk-free

As the response to the pandemic shifts to a state-focused, phased approach, the Boy Scouts of America advises local councils to consult with their local and state health departments, as well as local chartered partners, to implement appropriate protocols to help keep our members, volunteers and employees safe.

Precautions and mitigation strategies are important, but they cannot eliminate the potential for exposure to COVID-19 or any other illness when in-person activities resume.

People with COVID-19 may show no signs or symptoms of illness, but they can spread the virus. Some people may be contagious before their symptoms occur. The fact is that someone with COVID-19 may pass the required health screenings and be allowed into program activities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. If you are in this group, please ensure you have approval from your health care provider prior to resuming in-person Scouting activities.

Every member, volunteer and family must evaluate their unique circumstances and make an informed decision before attending in-person activities.

We hope this information will be helpful as you make that choice.

For updates, please monitor https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus.