5 Gears of Programming

News

Below are the guidelines for the type of programming The Spirit of Adventure Council is going to follow in regards to the types of programming and activities that are being offered. We will meet or exceeds the level of strictness that the State or Local recommendations dictate. The current gear or phase that the council is in at any given time will be posted on the home page of the council website.

Local Scouting Units should apply the same standards when determining what type of activities they should be participating in. Like all safety protocols, failure to follow stated standards can put individual youth, and leaders at risk.  Actions that conflict with scout safety guidance should submit this Incident Report Form https://scoutspirit.doubleknot.com/survey/bsa-incident-reporting-tool/75867


Gear 1 – Strictest Social Distancing Restrictions in Place – 100% Virtual


Gear 2 – Slightly Eased Social Distancing Restrictions in Place – Virtual, Plus At-home Kits Available

**Revised 1/21/2021**

Gear 3 – More Eased Social Distancing Restrictions in Place –   Indoor meetings limited to no more than 10 people.  Outdoor meetings limited to no more than 25 people.

** Failure to follow these protocols may result in your group not being covered by the BSA’s liability insurance

  • Indoor den/patrol meetings limited to no more than 10 people.
  • Outdoor meetings/Day Activities
    • Dens can meet in person in groups of 10-12.  Adult leaders are included in that count.
    • There is a maximum of 25 people (organized and socially distance by den/patrol/group) that can gather and must be able to adhere to the 6-foot distancing rule.
    • Scouts, Adult Leaders, and Families all count in the 25 person count.
    • Multiple dens can meet at the same time, however, each den must be separated 20-feet apart, with each den following the 6-foot rule.  Large fields would be the best venue to accomplish this.
    • A sign-in log (with names and phone numbers of all that are attending) should be maintained for every meeting or event, for Contact Tracing purposed.  Walk-in visitors should be discouraged.
  • Council delivered Online Programs and Individual Den and Patrol Kits.
    • Online Merit Badge Classes and Cub Adventures
    • Back Yard Virtual and overnight camping is allowed
    • Cub Scout Facebook Live Segments
    • Online Speakers Series
    • Den Kits (accommodates 8 Scouts) available for individual reservation.
    • Patrol Kits (accommodates 8 Scouts) available for individual reservation.
  • Face coverings must be worn
  • Frequent handwashing and/or sanitizing should be conducted
  • 6-foot social distancing should be followed
  • Outdoor day events (hikes, rocket launches, Cub Adventures, etc.) must follow all the protocols mentioned above.
  • **Please check local standards as well.  The expectation is to follow whichever is the stricter protocol**

 

Starting on Monday, January 25th, we will be taking reservations for Base Camp in Milton for overnight camping.  Please do not call or email for reservations until Monday.

**Effective 1/7/2022**

Updates to COVID protocols in Gear 4

Due to the increase in prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities, The Spirit of Adventure Council is adopting the following guidelines, as of January 7, 2022.  We are currently remaining in Gear 4.

COVID-19 vaccines currently approved or authorized by FDA are effective in preventing serious outcomes of COVID-19, including severe disease, hospitalization, and death.  A COVID-19 vaccination is currently recommended for everyone five years of age and older in the Unites States for the prevention of COVID-19.

General Guidance

  • It is the policy of the Council that Face masks will be worn by everyone in attendance during meetings or other indoor events. This applies to every person, youth and adult, vaccinated and unvaccinated.
  • Face masks should not be worn in or near water, while eating, or while sleeping. Proper social distancing should be maintained in those circumstances.
  • Each member should Be Prepared and have clean and dry face masks available to wear.
  • Units and members must follow any additional guidelines imposed by local municipalities or health departments, building operators, or chartered organizations.

 

Overnight Camping

  • Cabins are available for program use by units.
  • Cabins should only be occupied at 50% capacity of the structure. Individuals should sleep no closer than 6 feet from one another. Individuals sleeping next to one another or in bunk beds should be arranged to sleep head-to-toe.
  • Masks will be worn by everyone when indoors. This applies to every person, youth and adult, vaccinated and unvaccinated.
  • Masks are not required while sleeping.
  • While it is recommended to sleep one person per tent, it is acceptable to camp at a 50% tent capacity. Parental permission must be obtained by the unit leader for any youth members sharing a tent. Sleeping arrangements should be head-to-toe.

The Spirit of Adventure Council will review these guidelines no less than once every 30 days and will adjust as appropriate.

**Please check local standards as well.  The expectation is to follow whichever is the stricter protocol**

** Failure to follow these protocols may result in your group not being covered by the BSA’s liability insurance

Gear 5 – Back to “Normal”– Virtual, Kits and Typical unit functions

  • Effective March 10th  General Protocols for Unit Activity
    • Indoor and Outdoor events and activities may occur, with no capacity restrictions
    • Masks are no longer mandatory.  They are encouraged for those that have not been vaccinated in situations where close contact of 3 feet or less is occurring for prolonged periods of time
    • **Units should follow the protocols of any Scouts BSA Summer Resident Camp regarding tenting.
    • Hand washing facilities and proper sanitation is still encouraged

     

    Please keep in mind that there may be stricter protocols at the various venues that are being used for events, activities, or camping trips, based on the local rulings of that organization and/or the local Board of health.

     

    Units will have the ability to administer stricter protocols if that is what the families in that unit wish.

     

To see the State of Massachusetts four-phase approach for re-opening, click here.

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