Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The safety of our Scouts, their families and adult leaders is a top priority of the Cradle of Liberty Council (COLBSA). To that end, the COLBSA staff has been and continues to monitor the coronavirus situation closely.

We are actively following the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local health departments, so we can respond quickly to any shifts in their recommendations. In keeping with the motto of the BSA, the council staff and volunteers are preparing contingency plans for programs and activities in the event of changing recommendations from public health authorities. Any changes will be communicated through this webpage, email newsletters, and shared on the council’s social media channels.

UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2021

COL Reopening Guidelines/FAQ *Updated 1-4-2021*

COVID Screening Questionnaire - Printable

COVID Questionnaire - Digital Template for Units and Districts

Unit Meetings & Activities

We continue to encourage groups of all sizes to meet virtually.

**SCOUTING WITHIN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA – Due to the restrictions from the City of Philadelphia that are in effect until January 15, indoor meetings are not allowed, and outdoor gatherings and events are limited to a maximum of 25 people (based on the outdoor limit shared at this link on page 5, section 3.

The Governor of Pennsylvania requests that continued telework is strongly encouraged. Therefore, we continue to recommend that units of all sizes continue to meet virtually. For units who opt to meet in-person, you will need to adhere to each of the following practices:

You must have the approval from your Chartering Organization to gather in-person – since your unit is technically owned and operated by them.
Develop a plan to follow PA Dept. of Health and CDC guidelines, which must be approved by your chartering organization. To help prevent the asymptomatic spread of COVID-19, follow all physical distancing and sanitizing guidelines set-forth by the PA Department of Health and the CDC, including wearing face coverings and maintaining a six foot physical separation.

PA Dept. of Health CDC

Be sure to have each participant complete this health screening questionnaire before they participate in each meeting, activity or event. Those who answer YES to any question, or have a fever above 100.0 ˚F should not be allowed to attend or participate. For overnight activities, temperatures should be taken once a day and symptoms of COVID reviewed to monitor for potential signs while on the trip.
Prioritize outdoor meetings, and limit gatherings to the current sizes outlined by guidelines set by the local, state, or federal government, using the most-strict of the guidelines. As of 1/4, indoor gatherings must be limited to 10% of occupancy and outdoor gatherings must be limited to 15% of occupancy based on the capacity limits shared here.
Transportation – Encourage transportation by members of the same household, limiting carpooling where possible. If carpooling with members outside of the same family, masks must be worn. Refer to CDC guidelines for updated practices.
If you cannot meet these guidelines, do not meet in-person; continue virtual meetings.

Important reminder: Unit leadership and meeting hosts of in-person meetings or activities who do not adhere to all of the PA Dept. of Health and CDC regulations noted above could potentially find themselves without liability insurance coverage, making them personally liable for any injury or illness contracted as a result of that meeting or activity.

Can units participate in one-day activities and overnight camping trips?

Units can attend single-day day events and overnight camping trips if they have the permission of their chartering organization and are careful to follow all PA Dept. of Health, local government, CDC, and Scouting guidelines.

For recommendations of practices to help keep Scouts safe, here are a few resources that can be used:

NEW – Digital COL COVID Questionnaire Form

Many units have asked for a resource for using the COL COVID Questionnaire without printing papers for every Scout every time there is an event. Thanks to the help of a Scoutmaster in Baden Powell District, we have a Google Form template that each unit or district can duplicate and use for your events!

Click this link and follow the instructions to make a digital COL COVID Questionnaire for your Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, or District!

In the meantime, we encourage units to utilize the exciting virtual programs offered by the Cradle of Liberty Council, including the many resources available on our website at colbsa.org/homescouting.

Scouting at Home

Advancement & Eagle Scout Guidance

Here are answers to advancement questions arising as we deal with closures, cancellations, or other issues caused by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) for Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting.

A popular question we’ve heard is about Eagle Scout Projects – Can our Life Scouts work on their Eagle Scout Service Projects?

Yes – See the Eagle Scout Project guidelines to see how to safely conduct Eagle Scout Projects under the COVID-19 safety restrictions.

Remember: If a Scout will turn 18 prior to September 30, 2020 and can’t complete their Eagle project due to these restrictions, then they can apply for a three month extension.

As a reminder, Eagle applications and statement of life purpose should be emailed to amy.davidson@scouting.org and the Eagle workbook should be delivered to the District Advancement Eagle Board Chair.

Please also refer to the Reopening FAQ’s for more information about Eagle projects.

Cradle of Liberty Eagle Project Guidelines

National Council COVID-19 Advancement FAQ's

Resource Center (Council Office) & Scout Shop

The Firestone Scouting Resource Center and Valley Forge Scout Shop in Wayne have now reopened. Our top priority is to keep our employees, their families and our visitors safe and healthy. We strive to balance public health concerns with meeting the needs of our customers and organization.

Face coverings are required in the building and everyone must observe physical distancing of six (6) feet.

Please understand that staffing is limited. Anyone who does not feel well should not enter the building. Please see below for additional details on hours and protocols.

Resource Center & Scout Shop Hours of Operations

Resource Center/Council Office

If you can continue to conduct Scouting business remotely (phone, email, video, etc.), please do so.
It is highly suggested that you call ahead and make an appointment if you have in-person business to conduct with a member of the council staff at the office: 610-688-6900. Field team members (e.g. district executives) continue, as they always have, to work remotely. Contact information can be found at colbsa.org/staff.
A drop box is located near the center door off the loading dock (in the center of the building) for anyone to leave documents or packages. Please use this option if it’s not necessary to enter the building. Self-serve document receipts and envelopes will be provided. You may also mail items to the office at 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne, PA 19087.
All visitors to the office must sign in and out.
The front reception desk will not be staffed. Visitors wishing to speak with a member of the staff (not including the Scout Shop) will be asked to ring an electronic bell/camera located on the front desk.
Access to the back office/bullpen area is restricted to staff only.
Donations of uniforms/clothing will only be accepted if items have been freshly cleaned and packaged in some way (bags, boxes, bins). Loose clothing items will not be accepted.

Scout Shop

A maximum of six (6) customers will be allowed in the store at one time.
The dressing room is closed.
You can purchase any of our 600 Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA Advancement related products online, and have the order gathered, bagged, and set aside for you to either pickup in-store, contactless curbside, or have the items shipped directly to you! Click here for more info

Council & District Events

We want to thank the many council and district program committees have worked hard to offering program for Scouts this Fall in ways that have kept our Scouts, leaders, and families safe while participating!

Council and District standing and ad-hoc committees are encouraged to continue to meet virtually using audio or video conferencing.

COL Calendar of Events

Virtual Programming

Council Camping Facilities

Both Musser and Resica Falls Scout Reservations are now open for tent camping!

**For out of state campers, please be aware that Pennsylvania now requires a negative COVID-19 test within 3 days prior to coming into the state, or quarantining for 14 days once you have arrived. To that end, participants from outside Pennsylvania will need to show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or certify they have quarantined for 14 days prior to being permitted onto a Cradle of Liberty Council property.**

We are thankful to have folks camp with us again, and we know many of you are looking forward to getting more fresh air. As we reopen our camps, please remember that all COVID guidelines must be followed, including wearing masks, maintaining a 6ft physical distance, and washing your hands regularly.

To book a campsite, go to www.colbsa.org/rentals

Order of the Arrow – Unami Lodge, One

Please visit unamilodge.org/coronavirus for the latest updates.

Steps to Prevent Illness

Click here for a list from the CDC of symptoms that defines a person as ill.

The same simple steps that prevent the spread of ordinary flu viruses work against coronavirus and other illnesses:

Stay home when you feel sick.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands before and after doing so.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve/elbow, not your hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Do not share personal items such as cups, water bottles, eating utensils, etc.
Avoid shaking hands.

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should isolate and not attend any Scouting events. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Click here for steps from the CDC to prevent illness and what to do if you’re sick.

Click here for mental health and coping resources.

Please monitor this website for up-to-date information and guidance as recommendations may change to follow recommended practices. The Cradle of Liberty Council is here to support you and your Scouting programs. Thank you for continuing to run safe programs that promote positive health habits.

Resources

(Click on the image to download a printable PDF)