2020 Summer Camp Options
The Covid-19 has led to major grief for all kinds of scouters planning for summer high adventure. In the spirit of Be Prepared - here is a list of possible options.
For all camps the biggest unknown is what county/state health code restrictions will be in place at the start of summer.
- No Restrictions
- Facemasks required in all settings
- Units not allowed to travel out of town (stay at home orders)
- No visitors allowed
- Gatherings limited to no more than ten scouts.
Health Risks for Youth
- Many health studies shows that youth in age ranging 0-20 are by far the lowest risk category for dying from Covid-19.
- Those youth with significant health issues seem to be at much higher risk than others. This makes the significantly increases the importance of BSA Medical Form C. If a particular youth would be at high risk in a camp setting - he should stay home.
- Many are still worried that healthy children can be non-symptomatic carriers of Covid-19 and but elderly household members at risk from transmission.
Option 1 : Council Opens Traditional Summer Camp Program
Many councils are optimistically planning for some form of a full summer program, but are not in position to state what there plans are for summer.
- By May 15th - everyone should have a much clearer idea of what to expect.
- Watch carefully the order on "Social Distancing": If in a public area - either keep six feet apart OR wear a facemask if less than six feet.
1A. Full Camp Program: Some camps can still provide upto 10 weeks of full programming with as little as of 1-3 weeks advance time to hire and train staff and sign contracts with service vendors.
1B. Modified Camp Program:
- No time to setup tents - bring your own tents
- Fewer merit badge classes available
1C. Shorten Camp Program: Camp cancels first weeks, starts later in the summer.
1D. Modified for Ban on large gatherings: Where social distancing is required (Quite Probable!)
- Eliminate the combined assembly and cafeteria meals.
- Meal service will be delivered to individual "patrol" campsites of no more than 10 boys per patrol.
- Merit Badge classes require boys to sit six feet park. If not, then they must wear a facemask (sharing a canoe?)
1E. Modified for Facemasks Required: Even when swimming? But will make hiking a lot harder.
1F. Camp outside of Prohibition Area: Find a summer camp with availability where no social distancing rules are in place.