We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

COVID

Webelos Camp Update

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The weather is getting warmer, the cicadas are getting louder, and we’re getting ready for an amazing summer of Outdoor Adventure at Goshen Scout Reservation!

As we approach the beginning of the camping season, however, we have had to make a difficult decision about this summer. After consultation with our Council’s VP of Outdoor Adventure and Camping Chairs, to ensure we can provide every Pack with an outstanding program, we have made the decision to combine our Webelos camps for this summer. That means all Webelos programs will be taking place at Camp Ross. If your Pack has already registered to attend Camp PMI for weeks 2-5 this means you will be moved to the same week at Camp Ross. Some Packs registered for week 1 may be asked to switch to an alternate week; we are offering these Packs a 20% discount for their inconvenience.

This was not a decision we made lightly. We considered many factors, including the following:

  • Combining the camps allows us to consolidate resources, ensuring we can run all program areas effectively.
  • We selected Ross because it has had more recent facility upgrades and will help make general logistics more efficient.
  • Consolidating the Webelos programs into one camp ensures all key staff positions are filled. Other PMI staff will help fill openings in our other summer programs.

Packs should not have to take additional action at this time; we will simply switch their registration in the system. They will still attend camp in the same week and enjoy the same high-quality program, staff, and food service as they have come to expect at Camp PMI.

Please note that there will still be plenty of room for more Webelos at Camp Ross, so sign up today and be part of the adventure! For more information about Camp Ross please visit the website: www.gotogoshen.org/camp-ross.

See you all this summer!

Let’s Get Camping Webinar Series: Scouts BSA Camping Options

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April 1, 2021: Scouts BSA Camping Options

Missed the webinar? You can view a recording of it below.

In this webinar, we go over the different summer camps available for both Troops and for individual scouts (aka provisional scouts) at the various places in NCAC – from Thurmont, MD to Haymarket, VA to Goshen, VA. We go over how camping and program are going to work at the Virginia camps, given the Governor’s order concerning COVID-19 protocols.

Download the slides from the webinar here: Scouts BSA Camping Options slides [PPTX]

Get more information on the various Scouts BSA Summer Camps:

Stay up to date on the camp COVID protocols:

Find the whole series of Let’s Get Camping Webinar recordings on our playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5x999ziTZaU6Kr1lqS6tbNqgYTzjcBRf

Let’s Get Camping Webinar Series: Camping & COVID

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March 4, 2021: Camping & COVID Webinar

Missed the first webinar in our series? You can view a recording of it below.

You can also download the slides from the webinar here: Camping & COVID slides [PPTX]

Looking for the latest information on 2021 summer camp and COVID-19 protocols?

Visit www.gotogoshen.org/coronavirus for Goshen Scout Reservation camps and www.gotosnyder.org/coronavirus for Camp Snyder programs.

Upcoming Webinar Series: Summer Camp 2021

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Join the staff of the different NCAC Summer Camps & Programs for informational webinars and get all your summer camp questions answered! There will be representation from Goshen Scout Reservation, Camp Snyder, District Day & Twilight Camps, Camp Catoctin BSA, and the High Adventure Committee. Let’s get camping in Summer 2021!

March 4: Camping & COVID

Camp is going to look a little different this year. Learn what Goshen and Snyder are
doing to keep camp both safe and fun this summer.

March 11: Scouts BSA Camping Options

Get information about programs for both Troops and individuals at Goshen’s Camps
Bowman, Marriott, and Olmsted; Goshen’s Provisional Camp program; Snyder’s new
Specialty Week; and Camp Catoctin BSA.

March 18: Cub Scouts Go to Camp

Get all the details on day camps and overnight camps at Camp Snyder, Camp PMI,
Camp Ross, and District Day & Twilight Camps.

March 25: High Adventure at Summer Camp

Looking for adventure? Check out Goshen’s Lenhok’sin High Adventure or one of the
High Adventure Committee’s trips to a National High Adventure Base.

Webinars will begin at 6pm EST.

Register in advance at: https://ncacbsa-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_K297JI5zTrOSqIcHr9mpVw

Update on Resuming In-Person Scouting Activities

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As the weather starts to warm, many units have been contacting us about when they should restart in-person activities. We are grateful to all the leaders, families, and Scouts who have helped their units follow COVID-19 protocols over the past year. The health and safety of our Scouts is our collective highest priority, and everyone’s continued adherence to safety protocols helps us to fulfill that promise.  While there has been very good news about vaccination progress in our communities, unfortunately, the current models suggest at least several more months of primarily digital program delivery.

Due to significant variance in the state and county phased reopening programs being implemented across our Council’s territory, it is difficult to provide an “all-inclusive” recommendation for all NCAC units. As such, we would like to reinforce the following guidance regarding resumption of in-person Scouting activities.

  • The Unit Key Three should determine what activities and in-person gatherings are permitted for the county in which the unit is chartered. 
  • The Key Three should then work with the adult committee to determine if the unit is prepared to begin in person meetings or activities. 
  • If consensus exists among the adult committee members, the Key Three should consult with the Chartered Partner to secure their support for the resumption of in person meetings or activities.
  • It is the responsibility of the unit’s Key Three and adult committee to understand and ensure all state/county restrictions and required Covid-19 safety precautions are taken.  Units traveling to other states/destinations for camp/activities are responsible for knowing and adhering to the restrictions and precautions of those areas.
  • Units following the restrictions and administering the precautions are covered by the BSA insurance program.
  • In addition to precautions required by states and counties we ask you to incorporate the processes included in BSA’s Restart Scouting Checklist and use the Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist.

For more information about BSA’s response to COVID-19, please read the National Statement on COVID-19 and the COVID-19 FAQ.

We know everyone is excited to begin outdoor, in-person Scouting activities.  We ask that you “do your best” to follow the guidance provided here, and work with your adult committee and chartered organization, as well as your local protocols, to ensure a safe Scouting experience.

Goshen & Snyder Summer Camp COVID-19 Protocols

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We at the National Capital Area Council are committed to bringing back the joy of in-person summer camp for the summer of 2021. However, we must take additional measures to continue to minimize the risk of spread and infection. In anticipation of the summer, we have released COVID-19 protocols for both Goshen Scout Reservation and Camp William B. Snyder.

You can read and get copies of the protocols at their respective websites: www.gotogoshen.org/coronavirus and www.gotosnyder.org/coronavirus.