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 MAY 26, 2021

COL COVID Guidance/FAQ *Updated 5-25-2021*

COVID Screening Questionnaire - Printable

General Updates as of May 26, 2021

If eligible, we encourage all staff, volunteers, Scouts, and family members to get fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Reminder – For unit events, the chartered organization has the final discretion over the policies to be followed.

Masking Policy:

As a reminder, those vaccinated for COVID-19 can still contract and transmit the virus.

1. If Indoors – Masks must still be worn when indoors

2. If Outdoors – We strongly encourage you to wear a mask, but it is not mandatory when social distancing is able to be maintained. If social distancing cannot be maintained, or where other event-specific guidelines are in-place, masks must be worn.

Tent Policy – We are still encouraging one person per tent, but in situations where two people need to share a tent, be sure to follow the BSA’s Barriers to Abuse policies and we recommend sleeping “head-to-toe.”

As a reminder, our council may set COVID policy for our properties that is more restrictive than the most recent state of Pennsylvania or CDC guidance since we host Scouts, some of which are not currently eligible to be vaccinated.

Unit Meetings & Activities

Important steps for units to follow regarding COVID mitigation practices:

You must have the approval from your Chartering Organization to gather in-person – since your unit is technically owned and operated by them.
To help prevent the asymptomatic spread of COVID-19, follow PA Department of Health and the CDC guidelines, including wearing face coverings if indoors or outdoors and not able to be physically distant, and in general remember to keep a six foot physical separation from others.

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.
As of 6/1/21, Pennsylvania occupancy limits are no longer in effect. Philadelphia is removing occupancy limits on June 11.
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.
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.

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 current COVID-19 safety restrictions.

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 are open. 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.

Everyone must still properly wear face masks/coverings when entering the building and when in general areas, including the Scout Shop.

Resource Center & Scout Shop Hours of Operations

We have found that the electronic communication utilized through the pandemic have saved folks time in traveling to the 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.

Council & District Events

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

Events continue to be offered in-person following the guidelines above. Council and District standing and ad-hoc committees may meet in-person but are encouraged to new methods of meeting (Zoom, etc) where they are most effective.

COL Calendar of Events

Virtual Programming

Council Camping Facilities

We are happy to share that both Resica Falls and Musser are open for tent camping, council and district events, and summer camps! Help us stay open by following all COVID guidelines, including wearing masks when in close proximity to others or if indoors, 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)