Based upon the latest guidance from the State of Connecticut, Connecticut Yankee Council is adopting the following guidelines, effective March 1, 2022.
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 United States for the prevention of COVID-19.
General Guidance
- The Council is lifting its policy that face masks be worn during indoor activities. The use of face masks by individuals is optional. Proper social distancing should be maintained in all circumstances. Face masks should not be worn in or near water, while eating, or while sleeping.
- Each member should Be Prepared and have clean and dry face masks available to wear, as circumstances dictate. Examples where wearing of masks may be appropriate include places where social distancing is not possible, or first aid stations (where individuals may be ill).
- Units and members must follow any additional guidelines imposed by local municipalities or health departments, building operators, or chartered organizations.
- The BSA “Model Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist” has been updated, effective January 1, 2022. The Council recommends use of this checklist prior to beginning each activity.
https://www.ctyankee.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Covid-19-Pre-Event-Checklist-1.1.22.pdf
- Unit leaders must report, within 12 hours, confirmed or strongly suspected cases of any communicable disease infection, including COVID-19, occurring during or within 48 hours after a unit meeting or activity, to camping@ctyankee.org. Unit leaders are also required to promptly notify adult leaders and parents of all scouts who participated in the activity, as well as the unit’s Chartered Organization Representative.
- Unit leaders are obligated to work closely with their parents and youth members to ensure that no stigma is attached to ANYONE who chooses to wear a mask. Bullying, harassment, or similar forms of abuse related to masks, violate the Scout Oath and Law and are unacceptable.
Overnight Camping
- Cabins are available for program use by units, 24/7.
- Group (congregate) sleeping inside cabins or other indoor locations is permitted.
- While it is a best practice to sleep one person per tent, unit leaders may determine whether to permit additional number of individuals to share a tent.
- Parental permission should be obtained by the unit leader for each youth member sleeping in a cabin with others or sharing a tent.
- When sharing a cabin, tent or lean-to, individuals sleeping next to one another or in bunk beds should be arranged head-to-toe.
- Any member using a CPAP machine must not share a cabin, tent, or lean-to with other members.
Connecticut Yankee Council will continue to review these guidelines and make adjustments as conditions and evolving local, State, and Federal guidelines, dictate .