Dear Scouting Family:
Three Harbors Council’s top priority as we respond to COVID-19 remains the safety of our Scouts, leaders, parents and staff. Just as in our schools, businesses and family lives, returning to in-person Scouting activities will be a phased process based on evolving circumstances. Recognizing that the State of Wisconsin’s Safer at Home orders are no longer in place and each county and municipality has the responsibility to provide guidance on the reopening of businesses and other activities, Three Harbors Council’s COVID-19 Scouting Task Force has developed guidelines for resuming unit activities this summer.
Scout units in Three Harbors Council may consider resuming in-person meetings and activities effective June 12, 2020. The final decision on resuming in-person activities should be made by unit leaders and approved by the unit’s charter organization. All in-person meetings and activities must be conducted within the guidelines outlined by local health departments and municipalities. The guidelines below have been developed based on the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the BSA.
Guidelines for In-Person Meetings & Activities
- All Scout activities should be conducted following public gathering size limitations, if any, imposed by your local health department or municipality. Some areas of our council currently have restrictions in place limiting public gatherings to groups no larger than 10 people. In those areas, we recommend that Scouts BSA troops consider in-person patrol gatherings and Cub Scout packs consider in-person den meetings. Crews, Ships and Posts can also divide into smaller groups or meet virtually.
- Large Scout gatherings of more than 50 people are not allowed until further notice. Units with more than 50 members should consider dividing into smaller groups for in-person meetings or continue to meet virtually at this time.
- Follow the guidelines for meetings established by your unit’s charter organization as well as the location of your unit meeting or activity.
- During the summer months, outdoor meetings and activities are recommended rather than indoor meetings.
- Consult with your charter organization as well as the location of your unit meeting or activity for any additional guidelines or regulations.
- Anyone who is sick or exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms or been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should stay home.
- Social distancing of at least six feet is required for all participants, and face coverings are highly encouraged.
- Scout leaders should be vigilant in ensuring everyone washes their hands thoroughly, and hand sanitizer should be available for all participants.
- Travel to Scout activities or outings should follow the guidance of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and any applicable guidance from the county, city or other jurisdiction in which the activity will occur. Travel should be done within family units and not by carpooling.
- Adhere to all Scouting safety guidelines including Youth Protection policies.
Unit Committee Guidance
Three Harbors Council recommends that Unit Committees determine how best to proceed with in-person gatherings based on the current COVID-19 response guidance in your community. Please
click here to view a guide for Unit Committees.
Service Centers & Scout Shops Now Open
The Milwaukee Service Center and Scout Shop reopened this week. Please come visit the Scout Shop and the Program Services team for your Scouting needs. Other areas of the Service Center, including the PieperPower Learning Center and the 2nd floor conference rooms, are temporarily closed and our council staff is on a rotating office schedule with many continuing to work remotely. No in-person meetings or events will be held at the Service Center until further notice. All visitors to the Milwaukee Service Center and Scout Shop are asked to follow social distancing and safety protocols recommended by public health officials, including wearing a face covering when visiting to help protect yourself and others.
The Milwaukee Scout Shop is open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The shop will be closed for lunch from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm on weekdays. The Kenosha Scout Shop remains open for curbside pickup, Monday – Friday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Please contact Gina Hannemann at 262-632-1655 ext. 1111 or
Gina.Hannemann@Scouting.org to place your order.
Council Camps
Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta and Indian Mound Scout Reservation will reopen for Scouting programs on July 5th.
Effective June 12th, both camps will be open for work crews and program volunteers, in groups of less than 10 people, preparing for events later this summer. The camp dining halls and sleeping cabins will be closed until further notice with access limited to camp staff and volunteers supporting council programs.
Coming Soon: New Cub Scout Summer Programs
The Cub Scout summer programs scheduled for Camp Oh-Da-Ko-ta from June 19th through July 2nd have been canceled along with the In-Town Day Camp scheduled for June 22-25 in Greenfield. Full refunds will be provided for cancelled events. Next week, a new schedule of Cub Scout weekend programs during the months of July and August will be released along with information on a new “Virtual Day Camp” experience. The weekend programs will take place at both camps and will feature fun activities for the entire family including family camping. All summer programs will be conducted while practicing social distancing and following new camp operating guidelines from the CDC and state and local health departments.
Thank you for your efforts to continue delivering Scouting during these challenging times. We all look forward to returning to in-person meetings and Scouting adventures in a safe manner.
Scout on Safely!