COVID-19 Update

BSA POLICIES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS

UPDATED - January 1, 2021

The Scout Shop is operating on limited business hours of Monday - Friday from 1:00pm - 5:00pm. The Great Alaska Council is asking all customers to utilize pick-up or delivery of Scout Shop orders until further notice. 

If you would like to call-in a Scout Shop order, arrange for delivery or pick-up, please email Gretchen.Kuhuski@scouting.org or call (907) 337-9547 extension 1.

We request that members conduct business with our staff via email and phone as much as possible. We anticipate that most needs can be served without the need to visit the Scout Service Center. Orders placed ahead of time can be prepared for pick up, or mailed to you, thus limiting contact.

As we maneuver through an ever-changing territory, we appreciate your patience and understanding.

 

National Statement on COVID-19

UPDATED - January 21, 2021

Restart Scouting Checklist

As always, the safety of our Scouts, volunteers, employees and communities is our top priority. 

Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be informed by expertise from agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We expect that everyone in Scouting will follow the guidelines listed below, which are based on the CDC’s guidance. In addition, we have instructed local councils to consult with their local and state health departments, as well as local chartered partners, in order to implement appropriate protocols to help keep members, volunteers, and employees safe.

  • Isolate if you are sick, and do not attend any activity/meeting/event if you, anyone you live with, or anyone you have recently been around feels unwell.
  • Stay at least 6 feet apart from people who do not live with you. (properly executed Scouting cohorts at council camps may be an exception).
  • Avoid crowds.
  • Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Meet outside if you can.
  • Wear a face covering or mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid international travel if possible.
  • Do not attend any activity/meeting/event if you or anyone you live with has been tested for COVID-19 or another illness and do not have the results back yet.

Units should look to their council regarding whether/how to conduct in-person meetings and activities. If in-person gatherings are permitted, be sure to follow all applicable guidelines and use your council’s version of the Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist before attending.  

We are taking similar steps as a national organization as we continue to evaluate and adapt to the current environment with the best interests of our members, volunteers, and employees in mind. 

Thank you for doing your part to ensure that young people continue to benefit from Scouting while protecting the health and safety of our families, friends, and communities.

Resources:

 

UNIT PROGRAM

It is advised that all in-person unit programs be postponed until further notice. We strongly encourage scout units to use web meetings (such as Zoom, WebEx, or Skype) or group conference calls to keep scouts engaged and active. The Great Alaska Council has developed a mitigation plan to assist units with preparing and planning for in-person unit activities below. 

For Cub Scouts, this is a great time for your whole family to enjoy the Scouting program at home with you. See what adventures you can complete.

Should you have any questions or concerns about a specific upcoming event or activity, please reach out to your Team Executive or call (907) 337-9547. We will do everything we can to answer your question using the information available to us. These are recommendations, current municipal mandates should be followed at all times and can be found at https://covid-response-moa-muniorg.hub.arcgis.com/
 

STATUS OF COUNCIL EVENTS

You may monitor event updates here: https://scoutingalaska.doubleknot.com/app/calendar/month/4300

Decisions about unit meetings and activities should be made by unit leadership and chartering organizations based on the unit’s individual circumstances and current CDC and local health department guidelines.
 

Resources:

 

File Name Description
Eagle Extension Request and Instructions Eagle Extension due to COVID-19 request form with instructions. Download
GAC Mitigation Plan Recommendations and steps for planning unit activities during the Pandemic. Download
Restart Scouting Checklist 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. If it is not practical to meet these minimal protocols, do not restart in-person activities. Download
Scouts BSA Covid Updates 8/26 Download