December 22nd Pandemic Guidance Update:
Council camp building reservations or use of meeting rooms at WHSC will continue to not be allowed through at least January 31, 2021. The Wausau Homes Scout Center will remain open for the Scout Shop, distance learning programs, and office functions by appointment or curbside service only. Special Note: The Scout Office & Scout Shop will be closed 12/28/2020-1/1/2021.
Council Staff and volunteers with outdoor program and risk management responsibility met in December to discuss the status of the pandemic and health/safety risks of our members. The group will meet in January to assess the situation again.
On November 10 you will recall the Governor of the State of Wisconsin issued recommendations related to COVID-19 in the form of Executive Order #94. This order discourages gatherings and interactions with people outside your immediate household. Emergency Order #1 which requires face coverings for indoor public spaces and recommended for outdoor gatherings when it is not possible to social distance is in place. This order was extended to January 19, 2021.
Scout unit leaders are encouraged to plan outside activities following social distancing guidelines. Meetings and outings of 10 or less participants are possible outdoors and is up to the discretion of the BSA registered adult leader in cooperation with the unit committee and parents of Scouts. We recommend the 10 participants ideally be a den, patrol or small Venturing Crews that been in the same cohort for a while. There is a new version of the Model COVID-19 Pre-event Medical Screening Checklist. Units are encouraged to use this when meeting in small groups. Link to the form is here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/pre-event-medical-screening/
Units who are uncomfortable in small group in person meetings, or unable to meet the guidelines are still encouraged to meet virtually.
Our Scouting@Home web page [ http://www.samoset.org/resources/scouting-at-home/72847] includes a variety of resources on Scouting at a distance and/or virtual Scouting. This page will be continued to be updated with opportunities. Some of the resources include running your own virtual meeting.
These policies are expected to be in effect through the month of January. The Samoset Council COVID Task Force will reconvene in January to discuss any policy changes as we approach February. Since the situation seems to be ever changing, we will notify changes on our website as well as future editions of Smiley News. If you have questions about Samoset COVID19 policies, you can reach out to John Overland at 715-355-1450 or go to www.samoset.org/covid19
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December 8th COVID-19 & Samoset Camps, Meetings and More: On November 10 you will recall the Governor Evers issued recommendations related to COVID-19 in the form of Executive Order #94. This order discourages gatherings and interactions with people outside your immediate household at both indoor and outdoor gatherings. In addition, a reminder that Emergency Order #1 which requires face coverings for indoor public spaces and recommended for outdoor gatherings when it is not possible to social distance is in place. This order was extended to January 19, 2021. Samoset Scouting follows the CDC, state and local guidelines for meetings, activities and outings. We also periodically meet with our volunteer Council Risk Management Committee to discuss possible changes as the pandemic has developed. Unit leaders should check their county website for any further guidelines. We are strongly recommending that all Scouting indoor activities follow a virtual format for the duration of December. We are assessing the situation again before the holidays and will update guidance soon after. Meetings and outings of 10 or less participants are possible outdoors and is up to the discretion of the BSA registered adult leader in cooperation with the unit committee and parents of Scouts. We recommend the 10 participants ideally be a den, patrol or small Venturing Crews that have been in the same cohort for a while. In line with this recommendation, we are not allowing any camp building reservations through at least 12/31/2020. The Wausau Homes Scout Center will remain open for the Scout Shop, distance learning programs, and office functions by appointment or curbside service only.
We know that this is discouraging and disappointing, but as a reminder here are some resources to help Scouts make the most of Scouting while at home: Our Scouting@Home web page [ http://www.samoset.org/resources/scouting-at-home/72847] includes a variety of resources on Scouting at a distance and/or virtual Scouting. Some of the resources include running your own virtual meeting. These policies are expected to be in effect through the month of December. Since the situation seems to be ever changing, we will notify changes on our website as well as future editions of Smiley News. If you have questions about Samoset COVID19 policies, you can reach out to John Overland at 715-355-1450 or go to www.samoset.org/covid19 |
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November 24 Scout Service Center COVID Update:
Effective Tuesday, November 24 the Wausau Homes Scout Center will begin additional safety measures by reducing access to the building and having less staff at the building. This is in response to the increase of positive cases of COVID in our council area. The additional safety measures include:
- Customer service by appointment only whether that be for general Scouting customer service by council staff or Scout Shop purchases.
- Drop off or pick-up of materials will be in the front entrance vestibule during routine business hours of 8:30 AM to 5 AM. During non-business hours there is a drop box on the north side of the building near the employee entrance for any volunteer drop off items.
- If you want to schedule an appointment with a staff member, you can do that directly with them and they can set-up a time for Zoom virtual meeting or phone call. Call 715-355-1450 or support@samoset.org if its not clear who you may need to communicate with for the topic you need help with.
- Our Scout Shop staff person resigned effective November 20, so please be patient as we cover those duties with other staff. Due to budget constraints, its not clear when we can backfill that position. It likely will not be until after the pandemic is over in several months.
- Visits to the Scout Shop by appointment will be possible, but we encourage email or phone-in orders as much as possible with either curbside pick-up or mail delivery of purchases.
- Volunteer committee meetings will continue to be via video or phone conference and not in-person.
Policies for unit meetings and outings have not changed since the November 11 issue of Smiley News. As the holidays are near, it’s a time when most Scouting units start to slow down anyway. You are encouraged to conduct any meetings/activities virtually unless the group is ten or less and from the same school cohort. If meeting with ten or less Scouts and adults, ensure social distancing occurs and face coverings are worn through the duration of the meeting/activity unless of course during a meal when participants should be even further apart than the minimum of six feet.
These policies are expected to be in effect through the month of December. Since the situation seems to be ever changing, we will notify changes on our website as well as future editions of Smiley News. If you have questions about Samoset COVID19 policies, you can reach out to John Overland at 715-355-1450 or go to www.samoset.org/covid19
November 11th Update:
Governor Evers published Executive Order #94 on November 10. You will see the document at the following link https://evers.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
Key points of the document are to protect everyone from COVID-19 as following:
- Stay at home as much as possible and only make necessary trips.
- Avoid gatherings of any size between individuals who are not members of the same living unit or household.
- Maintain physical distancing of at least six feet between those who are not members of the same family or living unit.
- Wash hands often.
- Cover coughs.
- Frequently clean high touch surfaces.
- Wear a face covering.
What does this mean for Scouting unit meetings and outings?
As the weather turns colder, Scout units undoubtedly may need to spend more of their meetings in a virtual environment due to possible regular meeting location COVID safety restrictions. Do your best to keep Scouts and families engaged while following the new guidance from the Governor. Scout leaders should use their best judgement and perhaps have a conversation with the unit committee as well as troop patrol leaders’ councils will help facilitate options for meetings and any adjustments to your current meeting & outing plans. Some schools are in-person, so if the youth interact safely at school, it’s still reasonably safe to conduct small size meetings (preferably outside with social distancing and face coverings) in groups of 10 or less (den and patrols). You may need reduce meeting frequency and do more virtual meetings if the capabilities are available. I believe the intent of order is to raise awareness of the seriousness of the pandemic and encourage everyone to increase COVID safety in their actions.
We obviously have popcorn pick-up this week for most Scout units as well as Scouts and parents delivering popcorn over the coming days and week to their customers. Please be safe by maintaining social distancing, wear a face covering and do your best for no contact deliveries (think of food delivery services, they ring the doorbell and step away from your door with your food in a bag at your front door).
The pandemic continues to be of concern as well as the safety of all Scouts and Scouters. We must continue to show our Scouting leadership and follow the guidance of our local health officials. If you are in doubt, check the health department section of your county’s website for further information.
If you have questions about Samoset Scouting’s COVID19 guidance, contact John Overland at 715-355-1450 or go to www.samoset.org/covid19
October 21st Update:
Marathon, Portage and Wood County Heath Departments posted a joint statement urging those that reside in those counties to take action now and stop the spread of the virus. In addition to the information in the Governor’s Emergency Order #3 on Oct. 6, they are asking citizens to limit outdoor gatherings to 10 or fewer, physical distance, and wear face coverings. See the 10/16/2020 Public Health Alert. We ask all Scout unit volunteers and families within these three counties to abide by the request of our local health officials when it comes to outside Scout unit meetings or events. Consider a virtual meeting.
In addition, on October 19 a judge denied the temporary injunction of Governor Evers’ Emergency Order #3… meaning that order remains in effect of limited public gatherings to 25% of a building or room’s capacity.
October 16th Update:
We understand that a judge recently overturned Governor Evers’ Emergency Order #3 that conveyed a restriction to public facilities limiting the room capacity to only 25% of the stated occupancy.
We encourage all Scout unit leaders to be mindful of the pandemic and the need to keep all our participants healthy and safe. We continue to ask all those in Scouting to wear a face covering while meeting indoor or outdoors and to limit group meetings to the 25% of room capacity in a public facility or only 10 in a private residence.
Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Scout Meetings/Activities/Outings
Scout volunteer leaders and parents,
As you know, Governor Evers published Emergency Order #3 on Oct 6. It took effect on Oct. 8 and is effective through Nov. 6
Here is the order - https://evers.wi.gov/Documents/COVID19/EmO03-LimitingPublicGatherings.pdf
Here is the related FAQ - https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p02792.pdf
What does this mean for Samoset Scouting?
This primarily effects public facility and private residence indoor meeting spaces due to the rise of COVID19 cases in the state.
- Public gatherings in indoor spaces that are open to the public are limited to no more than 25% of the total occupancy limits. Buildings at our camps and rooms at our service center will be restricted to this new occupancy guidance. The document emergency order references type of facilities that “exempt” which includes K-12 schools and churches, but that is likely for the pupils or congregation and not “outside groups” like Scouting that might still be meeting in schools. When in doubt, communicate with the facility manager for the location you currently or are wanting to meet at as a Scout group. If there is no posted occupancy sign, the order states to assume only 10 people, common sense prevails if the room is extremely large.
- In private residences, such gatherings are limited to 10 people.
Scout Meetings/Activities/Outings:
-Meetings (unit committee, den, patrol, etc.) in any private residence MUST be in small group of no more than 10. Face coverings are required as well as social distancing of at least 6 feet.
-Meetings in a facility open to the public must adhere to the no more than 25% of room occupancy. Face coverings are required as well as social distancing of at least 6 feet. The facility may require other restrictions so communicate with the facility manager as needed to understand expectations.
-Virtual meetings should be considered in order to be safe, especially if in-person meetings are not possible due to the new restrictions.
-Outdoor meetings/outings/camping can continue, however the additional requirement of wearing a face covering outside is now in place for Samoset Scouting (while participating in a Scouting event) based on conversations with our council risk management volunteers. The only exceptions are for medical reasons, eating a meal or sleeping. Continue to maintain social distancing of 6’ or more while participating in outdoor meetings and activities. Our new restriction for outside activities includes a new maximum of up to 25 people (previously is was 50). Unit adult leaders must be comfortable with the size of the group and have positive control of participants adhering to safety control measures. Volunteers are empowered to make the decision to have less in their group if needed. Its fine to have smaller circles/groups that total 25 or less within a larger group of 50 participants (patrols, dens, crews, etc.) at a Pack or Troop outing. The participants must be in the smaller group of 25 or less that don’t interact/co-mingle with other groups during the outing (like a unit campout where dens or patrols camp away from each other, but still within reasonable visual range). The intent is to reduce what is known as “mass” gatherings to be safe and ensure Scouting is seen as responsible citizens.
These updates and other guidance are in the revised Unit Restart Guide as well as the Campout Safety Checklist, Event Screening Checklist, and Restart Scouting Checklist.
These additional precautions will be in place until at least November 6 when the Governor’s order expires (or is superseded). They have been developed from the Governor’s Emergency order #3 as well as Council Risk Management Committee volunteers
It can be difficult for Scout leaders to ensure youth participants keep a face covering on and keep a distance of at least six feet, but we must do our part to keep everyone safe during Scouting activities.
The safety of our participants remains our #1 priority. Please adhere to these new guidelines until informed otherwise. If you have questions, please reference the www.samoset.org/covid19 page of our website or call the Scout office at 715-355-1450.
Thank you for all you do for Scouting,
John J. Overland
Scout Executive / CEO
Council Update September 2nd, 2020
Guidelines for Unit Meetings & Outings… an Update
Samoset Scouting continues to be in a Phase II Reopening Plan and has been since July 1. This means all visitors to the Scout Shop or office must wear a face covering, staff are doing the same. Disposable versions will be on hand for anyone that does not have one.
Units can continue to have meetings and outings, just remember these simple steps:
- Make a plan
- Communicate with the participants
- Have a fun and safe meeting
- Review how it went and adjust as necessary
Meetings and outings with up to 50 people are possible if you are prepared using the four steps above as well as ensuring that the indoor space is large enough for social distancing, face coverings are worn and disinfecting/cleaning agents are available. Outdoor meetings and outings are possible without face coverings if participants can maintain at least 6 feet of distancing, if not face coverings are required. It’s a good practice to ensure all participants whether an indoor or outdoor activity have a face covering available for times when social distancing is not possible. Just remember, you are in charge as a Scout leader and you can make adjustments to lower participation numbers and additional safety measures as you and your fellow leaders feel comfortable with.
Samoset Scouting has been published more on this topic for unit leader/parent guidance by our September 3 virtual roundtable. The information has been posted to the website and can be found in this Unit Restart Guide.
Please do your best as a Scout leader to keep to your den, patrol, pack, troop and crew meetings occurring in a safe fashion in order to keep your local Scouting program strong. Let us know how else we can help you.
Council Update August 21, 2020
Samoset Scouting continues to be in a Phase II Reopening Plan and has been since July 1. This means all visitors to the Scout Shop or office must wear a face covering, staff are doing the same. Disposable versions will be on hand for anyone that does not have one.
Units can continue to have meetings and outings, just remember these simple steps:
- Make a plan
- Communicate with the participants
- Have a fun and safe meeting
- Review how it went and adjust as necessary
Meetings and outings with up to 50 people are possible if you are prepared using the four steps above as well as ensuring that the indoor space is large enough for social distancing, face coverings are worn and disinfecting/cleaning agents are available. Outdoor meetings and outings are possible without face coverings if participants can maintain at least 6 feet of distancing, if not face coverings are required. It’s a good practice to ensure all participants whether an indoor or outdoor activity have a face covering available for times when social distancing is not possible. Just remember, you are in charge as a Scout leader and you can make adjustments to lower participation numbers and additional safety measures as you and your fellow leaders feel comfortable with.
Samoset Scouting has plans to publish more on this topic for unit leader/parent guidance by our September 3 virtual roundtable. The information will be posted to the website.
Please do your best as a Scout leader to keep to your den, patrol, pack, troop and crew meetings occurring in a safe fashion in order to keep your local Scouting program strong. Let us know how else we can help you.
Council Update July 1, 2020
The Wausau Homes Scout Service Center (WHSC) Phase II Reopening Plan has been modified to include that all visitors to the Scout Shop or office must wear a face covering. Disposable versions will be on hand for anyone that does not have one. Council staff will also wear face coverings while interacting with visitors at the facility.
This change includes any committee meetings at WHSC.
Council Update June 24, 2020
On Wednesday, July 1 Samoset Council will begin Phase II of our Scouting reopening plan. The Wausau Home Scout Service Center (WHSC) will allow a limited number of visitors in the facility and Scout Shop under social distancing restrictions. Wearing a face covering is optional. All visitors will be screened in the vestibule before entry. Visitors will be required to provide basic information (name, phone #) for our new visitor log. A summary of services (while maintaining social distancing standards) available are:
- Scout Shop shopping (mail order and curbside pick-up still available)
- General customer service actions
- Meeting with staff
- In-person volunteer Council Committee meetings (Schuette Hall will have a max. of 20 people and the Eagle Room a max. of 5 people).
Its important for everyone to know that the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes is NOT opening to visitors at this time. Please be mindful of this when you visit the WHSC.
In addition to in-person services at the WHSC, unit meeting, activity and outing restrictions are being reduced as of July 1. Please use the Can My Scout Unit Hold Our Meeting, Activity or Outing decision guide. Most counties in the 13 county Samoset Council area are moving to 50 people or less mass gatherings with social distancing. As a unit leader, you need to ensure you have a comfort level of this many people. If you are not, you are encouraged to provide guidance to your unit that has less people per gathering. Look at your county’s website for more information. Continue to reference the Campout Safety Checklist and updated Event Screening Checklist and the new National BSA Restart Scouting Checklist. Through a little preparation, your Scouting unit can have more people at meetings, activities and outings in a safe manner.
Council Update June 1, 2020
Samoset staff continues to operate in a virtual capacity with a limited number of staff returning to the Wausau Homes Service Center (WHSC) starting on Monday, June 1. Staffing of the facility will be during regular hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. WHSC remains closed to in-person business & Scout Shop customers. Curbside pick-up and drop-off of Scouting business can be coordinated by calling 715-355-1450. The Scout Shop will continue shipping orders and begin curbside pick-up. Call 715-355-9680 or ScoutShop@Samoset.org to place an order.
Starting Friday, June 12 Scouting units can begin weekend camping programs and Go See It (Cub Scout Pack) day activities with social distancing of 10 or less participants. See the Samoset guidance document along with the companion Event Screening Checklist and Camping Safety Checklist documents.
We anticipate that the next phase of Samoset’s reopening plan will be implemented later in June or early July. This will include less restrictions to weekend camping, guidance for Cub Scout Pack SuperTrips and in-person business/Scout Shop transactions at WHSC.
Council Update May 21, 2020
On Tuesday, May 26 Samoset Council will take a small step away from Scouting at Home, and toward in-person group gatherings. Per the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and local governments, groups of young people and adult leaders that number ten or fewer and follow all social distancing (including 6' spacing) and self-screening safety standards may again meet in person for committee/Patrol Leaders’ Council meetings, den/patrol meetings, merit badge programs, roadside cleanups, Eagle service projects, and more. In-person meetings & activities must adhere to all youth protection policies.
If maintaining six feet of distance between people is not possible, then masks should be worn by participants. Realize some participants or parents may not be ready for in-person meetings and to respect their decision.
Any meeting of more than ten people in any single meeting space or outdoor gathering is not allowed by state and BSA standards. Units are encouraged to continue virtual meetings if more than 10 people are participating.
Guidance on weekend unit camping will be the next step in our return to in-person Scouting. We plan to release these details around June 1. As this is an evolving situation, this information is subject to change. Safety is and always will be our number one priority in Scouting.
Council News May 14, 2020
We acknowledge that the Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down the Safer at Home order. Until there is more clarity from state and local agencies on the pathway ahead, we need to continue to refrain from having in-person meetings, activities, and camps. Acts of civic service can be coordinated by the unit, but should be facilitated by families while we all do our best to adhere to social distancing practices.
We have had several consultation sessions since mid-March with representatives from the Council Risk Management, Camping, and Properties Committees as well as other key council volunteer leaders to help guide our council leadership on camp and program decisions. We will continue to align decisions with best practices and policies set forth by state and local governments and recommendations from the CDC. Safety is and always will be our number one priority in Scouting. Council leadership is actively working on plans to issue further guidance to Scout leaders and parents.
Continue to monitor this page for updates.
Council News May 2020
Samoset Scouting is actively monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Wisconsin Department of Health communications and following their guidelines and recommendations.
For the safety of all, based on the guidance of the governors of Wisconsin, all units are to discontinue their in-person meetings, activities, and camping. Within our council area, schools are closed and several businesses have been urged to cease normal operations to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus (covid-19). Our Samoset council camps will also be closed until such time that schools reopen, and extracurricular activities resume. There are many Scouting activities that can happen at home, particularly advancement work. We encourage creativity in providing online and remote meeting/learning opportunities.
At this time we are cancelling most council events (see list below). Samoset Council will refund and/or apply fees paid to future events.
- Introduction to outdoor Leader Skills (May 15) - this event is cancelled. Another course is scheduled for this fall.
- Cub Scout Spring Camporee (May 29-31) - this event has been postponed until the fall.
- National Youth Leadership Training (June 14-20) - this event is cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
- STEM Day Camp June 22 - This event will be postponed.
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 self isolate. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Samoset Council Service Center (715-355-1450). We will do everything we can to answer your question using the information available to us.
