This page was last updated on 3/26/2021

Minsi Trails Council Updates and News Important to Scouting

Information is ever changing! The MTC Staff and supporting Council Committees will continue to update information that is important to you.  Thank you for your patience.  

Scoutingwire.org 

BSA National Council COVID-19 FAQ

Commitment to Act Against Racial Injustice  

BSA National Council Membership Fees FAQ   

BSA Membership Fee Info Graphic 

Camping/Activities on MTC owned Properties Click Here For Short Link 

Scouting Activity Guidance and MTC Overall Operations  

1. Dens / Packs / Troops / Crews / Posts / Ships / District Activities / Council Activities. 

Pennsylvania

• In Pennsylvania, masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves home.  Masks are mandatory in all public places.
• In Pennsylvania, it's important to keep a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household. To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.   
• Currently, in Pennsylvania, indoor group sizes of 15% of maximum room capacity.  March 1, 2021 Announcement  
• On April 4, 2021, in Pennsylvania, indoor group sizes of 25% of maximum room capacity.  March 15, 2021 Announcement
• Travel restrictions have been eliminated. See PA  COVID - 19 Information for Travelers 

New Jersey

• In New Jersey, face coverings are required in indoor public spaces and in outdoor public spaces when social distancing is difficult to maintain. 
• In New Jersey, all indoor gathering attendees must stay 6 feet apart. 
• Currently, in New Jersey, indoor capacity limit will increase to a maximum of 25 people.  See NJ COVID- INFO 
• Units are strongly encouraged to not travel out of state for Scouting events/activities/camping. See NJ  COVID -19 Information for Travelers 

The below checklist must be used for holding any in-person Scouting Activities. If it is not practical to meet the minimal protocols found on the checklist, do not restart in-person Scouting activities or conduct in-person Scouting activities. 

(Click Banner to view checklist)

• The below documents are available (in conjunction with with the checklist) to help Unit Leaders and Charter Partners to successfully restart/continue Scouting activities.
   
  • Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist - NEW AS OF 1/19/2021 - Great form to use for Scouting Activities
     
  • Charter Partner-Scouting Unit Town Hall Presentation  - Overview supporting the Unit & Charter Partnership
     
  • Activity Consent Form & Approval  - This form may support Charter Partner requests for permissions to participate
     
• Leaders, be in contact with your Charter Partner as restrictions maybe in place regarding the facility you partner with. 
   
• Unit Committee's and Unit Leaders, continue to evaluate upcoming schedules and plan accordingly by referencing the guidelines through your local and state authorities.  Use the above helpful documents.   
   
• As always, participation in Scouting activities is up to the discretion of parents and guardians and unit leaders. For the protection of the community, please follow State Department of Health and CDC guidance to ensure Scouts and adults stay home when sick and do not attend Scouting or other activities.
   
• 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. 

2.  Minsi Trails Council Service Center

• In compliance with Pennsylvania’s recent updates to the COVID-19 guidelines, the Minsi Trails Council Service Center will be open on a limited, as needed basis until further notice. For the health and wellness of our Scout families, volunteers, and staff, we ask that you visit us only when deemed absolutely necessary.

• If you need to come visit us for service center related business, wear your mask and follow the guidelines we have set forth when entering.  But if you can continue to take care of your Scouting business remotely, please continue to do so for now.  

  • As a reminder, we will be asking everyone to sign in, require a mask, practice 6 feet social distancing, and follow exiting protocols.

  • The Minsi Trails Council is taking this action in accordance with local and state authorities as well as the Scout Oath and Law. The safety of our Scouting family is our highest priority. 

3. Scout Shop 

• Visit Minsi Trails Scout Shop page for details, as operational hours have changed.  

4. Cub Scouting/Scouts BSA/Venturing - Rank Advancement and (COVID-19)

• Download Q & A announcement from the National Council. "Understanding"  Update added on April 20, 2020.

• Download Minsi Trails Council COVID-19 Eagle Request Extension Guidelines "What to do" As of 10/8/2020 

Additional Information:

References - As of 11/12/2020

• Scouting Safely 

• Boy Scouts of America—Incident Reporting Tool: www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/incident-report/ 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention