9/13/2020 - Information and recommendations about masks have been added to the meeting tabs As announced on May 15, Northern Star Scouting has taken a small step away from Scouting at Home, and toward in-person den, patrol, and any group gatherings as of June 09. Per the Governor of Minnesota’s orders, and without conflict with state standards in Wisconsin, groups of young people and adult leaders that number 25 or fewer in an outdoor space, or fewer than 15 in an indoor space, and follow all social distancing (including 6' spacing) as well as self-screening safety standards may again meet in person for merit badge programs, roadside cleanups, Eagle service projects, and more. As of now, any meeting of more than 25 people gathered outdoors, or more than 15 people indoors, is not allowed. Northern Star Scouting continues to operate partially in a virtual capacity following State of Minnesota, Wisconsin and CDC guidelines, with a limited number of staff returning to the Leadership Center starting May 18. Here is a status summary of announcements that appear in detail on these pages: All units are restricted to gatherings of 25 people or less in an outdoor space, and 15 people or less in an indoor space, following all safety guidelines

All council camp properties are open, with some restrictions – Day Camps will begin in June as scheduled

Base Camp Leadership Center is open to outside visitors, but with additional safety restrictions in place.

Overnight camps began on July 5, we have prepared by using the best-practice health and safety guidelines as well as continuing to prepare for alternative camping experiences, should they prove necessary. Continue to monitor this page for updates Looking for COVID19 and Camp Information? Virtual Scouting Options During this time, we'll do our best to give suggestions and guidance on ways Scouting can continue virtually (digital meetings, at-home advancement, etc). Stay tuned to this page, our new Scouting From Home Page and our social media channels for that. In addition, our Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts Facebook groups have been very active with volunteers giving tips to each other. Check them out as well!

The Twin Cities Scout Shops and Base Camp Customer Service Desk for Drop-offs/Pick-ups will open within safety guidelines on Tuesday, June 2. To find the open hours for each Scout Shop location, please visit our Scout Shop page. Please note that these hours may change often and with short notice because of COVID-19. All will follow current state guidelines and social distancing practices

COVID-19 AND CAMP (Updated 7/6/2020) Summer Camp Programming The following Frequently Asked Questions documents share some of the anticipated changes to our summer camp operations. Important Changes/Reminders for 2020 Cub Scout Summer Camp FAQ Many Point FAQ Tomahawk FAQ Summer Camp 2020 We are excited to announce that Minnesota and Wisconsin have both given the green light for our overnight camps to open as planned on July 5th. In accordance with guidelines issued by both states, we have made changes to program, housing, health protocols and cleaning procedures to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. Specific details will be shared with all who have made reservations prior to their arrival. We continue to watch the information coming from both states and if further changes to our schedule are needed we will update all participants promptly. Additionally, we are offering week-long day camp at 9 locations across the Twin Cities metro throughout the summer for all Cub Scout aged youth. Additionally, we are offering week-long day camp at 9 locations across the Twin Cities metro throughout the summer for all Cub Scout aged youth. We are excited to see you at camp this summer! weekend Camp operations Beginning June 19th, Fred C Andersen Scout Camp and Stearns Scout Camp will open for units and families wishing to participate in tent camping. At this time we are not opening indoor accommodations for overnight use. Units and families will need to follow guidance published on the DNR website as it relates to group size, distancing, sanitation and other accommodations aimed at reducing the risk of spread of COVID-19. We are excited to welcome you back to camp! HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Even though we are still waiting for official guidance for operating overnight camps in Minnesota and Wisconsin, we are developing all types of protocols, including:



Heightened Sanitation and Cleaning: More frequent required handwashing, greater access to handwashing and hand sanitizer, additional cleaning of high touch surfaces, sanitizing program equipment between each use, elimination of self-serve dining and program supplies and additional screening protocols before travel and once arriving at camp. Social Distancing: Camp schedules will be simplified to reduce contact among Troops and Packs, large group gatherings will be avoided, we will implement additional dining rotations and increased commissary service at our Scouts BSA camps, single person/single household tenting will be encouraged and capacities will be reduced. All guidelines will be shared with families and unit leaders prior to camp. PHYSICALS FOR CAMP Due to the current climate we understand that scheduling your annual physical examination may be difficult for those attending Many Point and Tomahawk. The National Office of the Boy Scouts of America has announced a six-month extension of Part C (Physician Exam) of the Annual Health & Medical Record for physicals completed after February 1, 2019. This extension will only be valid for this summer as it ends on August 31, 2020. Alternate exams, such as virtual/telephone doctor or local clinic check-up visits will be accepted for campers who did not get a physical last season, or had their physical conducted before February 1, 2019. These visits will still need to use the Annual Health and Medical Record form. PAYMENT DEADLINES & LATE FEES The full payment deadline for Many Point and Tomahawk has been moved to June 15, 2020. All other planning and financial deadlines will remain in place. We understand that our current situation requires both flexibility and accommodation. So, if you are unable to meet deadlines, contact our office prior to the payment due date to discuss alternate arrangements.



Cub Scout Summer Camp – contact [email protected] or 612-261-2303 Many Point & Tomahawk Scouts BSA Camps – contact [email protected] or 612-261-2460 REFUNDS In the unfortunate circumstance that camps are forced to close this summer, units will be given a choice to credit all fees paid toward a future reservation or receive a full refund. We want to ensure that all families feel safe and comfortable sending their children to camp this summer. If a family decides to no longer attend camp due to health risk, we will refund all fees paid if the request is received by our office at least one week in advance of the start of their camp session. Requests outside of this timeframe will be evaluated individually. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE We understand that more families may now be faced with economic hardship due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy. Please communicate to all that financial assistance (camperships) is available to those in need. More information can be found following the button below. Camperships

Units can meet for den meetings, patrol meetings, service projects, or outings in groups of 25 or less in an outdoor space, or 15 or less in an indoor space, per state guidelines. All other state guidelines with regard to social distancing and sanitizing should also be observed. Can my unit hold our activity, meeting, or event? (Flowchart) Unit Camping FAQ Health Screening Checklist Q: When should we wear a mask during Scouting activities? A: Following state guidelines, all people should wear a mask when social distancing is difficult, either indoors or outdoors. Additionally, masks should be worn when in indoor spaces or vehicles containing multiple people. Masks are not necessary if the group of people all live together in the same household. Q: What if a participant cannot wear a mask during Scouting activities? A: Unless a participant has a medical exemption, all participants must comply with state guidelines requiring use of masks indoors and when social distancing is not possible outdoors. Those who have a medical exemption should sign the exemption sheet to be kept on file with the unit or activity leader. Those with a valid exemption will be asked to wear a face shield and indoor activities will be restricted to well-ventilated spaces that provide at least 144 square feet of floor space per person. If a participant cannot wear a face covering of any type their involvement in indoor programming, or outdoor programming without social distancing at all times, will be limited. All About Face Coverings Q: What if participant has symptoms or tests positive for COVID after attending a Scouting event? A: The symptomatic person should isolate and follow physician’s advice for personal care. Use the Suspected COVID Case in a Scouting Activity Flow Chart to determine what actions to take with other participants who attended the Scouting activity. For guidance we are following the detailed recommendations that can be found here for reference: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/socialdistance.pdf https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/covid-19-outdoor-recreation-guidelines.html