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.
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 APRIL 5, 2021
We continue to encourage groups of all sizes to meet virtually.
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:
PA Dept. of Health      CDC
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.Â
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. Â
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.Â
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.
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
Scout Shop
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.
Both Musser and Resica Falls Scout Reservations are now open for tent camping!
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
Please visit unamilodge.org/coronavirus for the latest updates.
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:
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.
(Click on the image to download a printable PDF)