Important Announcements from the Greenwich Council

November 26th, 2022

Please Click Here for the latest information on tick season issued by the Greenwich Department of Health.

 

 

March 17, 2022

Please Click Here to connect to the "New Updated BSA Pre-Event Medical Screening Form

For instuctions on how to use the  BSA Pre-Event Medical Screening Form - Click Here

Please Click Here for the BSA National Statement on Covid-19 

 

 

February 23,2022

Greenwich Council is reopening Seton Scout Reservation to out of council units. Reservations can be made starting on Wednesday February 23rd for camping starting the weekend of March 5th. Seton will be open for tent and Lean-to camping only. Cabins are not available.

  • Masks must be worn in any buildings and when social distancing is not possible outside.
  • Face masks should not be worn in or near water, while eating, or while sleeping. Social Distancing should be taking place
  • Units should be utilizing the BSA “Model Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist”
  • “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.”

Please review the February 14th update below

 

February 14, 2022

Greenwich Council, Boy Scouts of America Covid Statement at Ernest Thompson Seton Reservation

Masks

  • Outdoors: Masks are not required outside if social distancing can be observed. If social distancing cannot be observed, or a close contact activity is being conducted, masks are required.
  • Indoors: Masks are required in all buildings. While the State of CT has lifted the mask mandate, we need to set the example and keep in mind that many of our families still have unvaccinated children at home or family members that may be immunocompromised.

Prescreening / Medical Checklist / Covid Reporting

  • The BSA “Model PreEvent Medical Screening Checklist” should continue to be used.
  • Unit leaders must report, within 12 hours, confirmed or strongly suspected cases of any
    communicable disease infections, including COVID19, occurring during or within 48 hours after a unit meeting or activity, to the council office. 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.

Outside Camping / Food Preparation

  • Tent and Leanto camping only allowed.
  • No buffet service or familystyle meals. All food preparation needs to plated for each participant by one cook. We recommend individually packaged condiments and anything you can purchase individually packaged.
  • The recommendation of only one person per tent when camping unless the participants reside in the same household. While it is recommended to sleep one person per tent, it is acceptable to camp with a maximum of two people per tent. Parental permission must be obtained by the unit leader for any youth members sharing a tent.
  • When sharing a tent or leanto, individuals should sleep no closer than 6 feet from one another.

Individuals sleeping next to one another should be arranged to sleep head-to-toe.

The Greenwich Council, BSA continues to review all Covid and Omicron variants per the guidance from the National BSA, State of CT, OEC, CDC, and the Town of Greenwich. As we receive updated information, we will share with you.

 

 

April 30, 2021

Greenwich Scouters,

We would like to share the latest update with all of you as to where we are with the Covid restrictions.  The Greenwich Council has been actively working with the Greenwich Health Department in an attempt to secure overnight camping again in Seton Scout Reservation.  At this time we have been unable to receive the authorization to restart our overnight camping.  The next update from Govenor Lamont is on May 19th.  As soon as we receive any further updates we will share it with you immediately.  We continue to offer day hikes, unit meetings, and outdoor day activities for our in Council units.  Thank you for your continued patience.  

 

April 30, 2021

 

Have You Seen the BSA’s Latest Updates to the COVID-19 FAQ?

As you prepare for the summer, be sure to check the latest FAQ information concerning Scouting activities and COVID-19.   Click Here for the updated information

 

 

June  24, 2020

Dear Greenwich Council Scouting Family:

First and foremost, we hope that you and your family are safe and navigating these unprecedented times with Scout Spirit.

The safety of our Scouts, Volunteers and Staff continue to be our top priority!

We continue to follow the recommendations of both National and State Department of Health and local Healthcare officials to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

The Greenwich Council will continue offering porch side pick-up for any Scout Shop supplies. Please reach out to Tom Pankosky, Scout Shop Manager at Tom.Pankosky@scouting.org to place your order.

The Greenwich Council, BSA has taken a careful and informed approach in evaluating whether to run Summer Day Camp programs at Seton Scout Reservation this year. The safety of our Scouts, Volunteers, Campers, and Staff is our first priority. Since the spread of this pandemic, we have been continually monitoring the situation, exploring various program scenarios and consulting with camp professionals, health experts, and government officials to make the right decision.

After a thorough evaluation, we have concluded that based on the information available and restrictions, we will not be able to conduct on-site Cub Scout or Scouts BSA Day Camp this summer.

Instead, we will be sending all our Scouts a care package in July and August with a combination of program materials and fun outdoor activities that Scouts can do at home or with other Scouts, Siblings and Family Members. 

Greenwich Scouting continues to move forward through Virtual Scouting! We encourage all local units to continue virtual meetings ( ZOOM ) and work together via the Scouting at Home resource page as there are great activities and links for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA.

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events!

Volunteer Recognition & Gathering of Eagles Dinner
Wednesday, August 5, 2020

9th Annual Sporting Clays Invitational
Saturday, August 29, 2020

Perry L. Burns Memorial Golf Tournament 
Monday, September 21, 2020 

Please refer to the Council website: greenwichscouting.org, our weekly newsletter and Facebook for current updates and notifications.

Should you have questions, contact Kevin O’Shea, kevin.oshea@scouting.org.

We wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable summer!

Yours in Scouting,

Eric Lindberg
Council President

Wayne Plewniak
Council Commissioner

Kevin P. O’Shea
Scout Executive / CEO

 

May 20, 2020

Dear Greenwich Council Scouting Family:

First and foremost, we hope that you and your family are safe and navigating these unprecedented times with Scout Spirit.

The safety of our Scouts, Volunteers and Staff continue to be our top priority!

We continue to follow the recommendations of both National and State Department of Health and local Healthcare officials to slow the spread of COVID-19. Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut has agreed to open the State of Connecticut, Phase 1, as of today May 20, 2020.

As of Tuesday, May 26th, the Council will be offering porch side pick-up for any Scout Shop supplies. Please reach out to Tom Pankosky, Scout Shop Manager at Tom.Pankosky@scouting.org to place your order.

The Greenwich Council, BSA has taken a careful and informed approach in evaluating whether to run Summer Day Camp programs at Seton Scout Reservation this year. The safety of our Scouts, Volunteers, Campers, and Staff is our first priority. Since the spread of this pandemic, we have been continually monitoring the situation, exploring various program scenarios and consulting with camp professionals, health experts, and government officials to make the right decision.

After a thorough evaluation, we have concluded that based on the information available and restrictions, we will not be able to conduct on-site Cub Scout or Scouts BSA Day Camp this summer.

Instead, we will be launching in the near future plans for Virtual Camp with a combination of program materials mailed to Scouts in advance, fun outdoor activities that Scouts can do at home or with other Scouts and supplemented by virtual programs.

Greenwich Scouting continues to move forward through Virtual Scouting! We encourage all local units to continue virtual meetings ( ZOOM ) and work together via the Scouting at Home resource page as there are great activities and links for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA.

We have two virtual events coming up on June 6, 2020

Cub Scout Virtual Cuboree

Scouts BSA Virtual Camporee

Stay tuned for updates!

The following events have been rescheduled so please mark your calendars!

Volunteer Recognition & Gathering of Eagles Dinner

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

9th Annual Sporting Clays Invitational

Saturday, August 29, 2020.

Please refer to the Council website: greenwichscouting.org, our weekly newsletter and Facebook for current updates and notifications.

Should you have questions, contact Kevin O’Shea, kevin.oshea@scouting.org.

Yours in Scouting,

Eric Lindberg
Council President

Wayne Plewniak
Council Commissioner

Kevin P. O’Shea
Scout Executive / CEO

April 22, 2020

Dear Greenwich Scouting Families and Volunteers:

We hope you and your families are safe, staying at home and navigating these unprecedented times with Scout Spirit.

The safety of our Scouts, Volunteers, and Staff continue to be our top priority. The Greenwich Council, BSA is following the recommendations of both the National and State Departments of Health and local Healthcare officials to try to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut has extended the Executive order through May 20, 2020. 

Scouting continues to move forward in the Greenwich Council, BSA through Virtual Scouting!  Please visit our website for virtual Scouting at Home activities and resources.

We have two virtual Council events coming up on June 6, 2020!
Cub Scout Virtual Cuboree
Scouts BSA Virtual Camporee

The following Council events have been postponed:
Fishing Derby
Recognition Dinner & Gathering of Eagles

The Council Service Center, Scout Shop, and Seton Scout Reservation will remain closed through May 20, 2020.

All camping reservations are cancelled through May 20, 2020. A credit will be issued, and the unit can transfer the credit to another reservation scheduled in 2020 / 2021. Please email the request to Tom.Pankosky@scouting.org

All face to face Scouting meetings, activities and events are postponed through May 20, 2020. We encourage all of our units to continue virtual meetings (zoom) and work together in the delivery of our various programs.

Refer to the Council website: GreenwichScouting.org, our Weekly Newsletter, and Facebook for current updates and notifications.

Please feel free to contact Kevin O’Shea, kevin.oshea@scouting.org if you have questions or concerns. 

Yours in Scouting,

Eric Lindberg
Council President

Wayne Plewniak
Council Commissioner

Kevin P. O’Shea
Scout Executive / CEO

March 23, 2020

Dear Greenwich Council Scouting Families, Volunteers and Employees:
 
The safety of Scouts, Volunteers, Employees and our Communities is our top priority.
 
In Scouting, we always vow to help other people. Now, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Scouting Community must do its part to slow the spread of the virus which will save lives and avoid overwhelming our local healthcare infrastructure. 
 
We are following recommendations of both National and State Department of Health, and local Healthcare officials and we are doing our part in trying to limit the spread of the virus.
Effective March 23, 2020, Ned Lamont, Governor of the State of Connecticut, Executive order No. 7H, do hereby order and direct:
 
1.     Restrictions on workplaces for Non- Essential Businesses. Effective on March 23, 2020 at 8:00 PM and through April 22, 2020, unless earlier modified, extended or terminated by me, all businesses and not-for-profit entities in the state shall employ, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely employ. Non – essential businesses or not-for-profit entities shall reduce their in-person workforce's at any workplace locations by 100% not later than March 23, 2020 at 8:00 PM. Any essential businesses or entity providing essential goods, services or functions shall not be subject to these in -person restrictions.
 
The Council Service Center, Scout Shop and Seton Scout Reservation will be closed until April 22, 2020. 
 
All camping reservations are cancelled through April 22, 2020. A credit will be issued, and the unit can transfer the credit to another reservation scheduled in 2020/2021. Please email request to Tom.Pankosky@scouting.org .
 
With safety in mind and based on the national health officials and the state of Connecticut, the Greenwich Council, BSA advises all Scouting meetings, activities and events to be suspended until April 22, 2020.
 
We will continue to evaluate the ongoing situation and prioritize the safety of the everyone involved in Scouting – youth, families, volunteers, employees and our community. 
 
Please refer to the Council website: www.greenwichscouting.org , our weekly newsletter and Facebook for current updates and notifications. 
 
Please feel free to contact Kevin O’Shea, at kevin.oshea@scouting.org if you have questions of concerns. Stay Safe! 
 
Yours in Scouting,
 
Eric Lindberg
Council President
 
Wayne Plewniak
Council Commissioner
 
Kevin P. O'Shea
Scout Executive/CEO

 

March 12, 2020

Dear Greenwich Council Scouting Families & Volunteers:
 
The Greenwich Council is responding to concerns for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are following recommendations of both national and state Department of Health, and local Healthcare officials and we are doing our part in trying to limit the spread of the virus. 
 
Effective immediately, March 12, 2020, we are postponing or cancelling all Greenwich Scouting activities through March 29, 2020. This includes:
 
• March 12th Roundtable
• Scouting for Food collection day 3/21
• St. Patrick's Day Parade 3/22
• Camp Seton Open House 3/28
 
We would like to support Neighbor to Neighbor during this difficult time and turn our Scouting for Food efforts to online donations. Please support #SFF2020 here.
 
We will be holding a conference call for Roundtable next week. We will notify you of the date and time.
 
In addition, the Council Service Center, Scout Shop and Seton Scout Reservation will be closed through March 29, 2020.
 
Should you need to order Scout items, visit https://www.scoutshop.org/
 
If a unit would like to postpone weekend camping at Seton Scout Reservation for April, please email a request to Tom.Pankosky@scouting.org. A credit will be issued and the unit can transfer the credit to another reservation scheduled in 2020/21.
 
Your unit should follow the guidance of your Chartering Organization. Please check directly with your Chartering Organization regarding your planned unit activities during the months of March & April.
 
As you continue your local Troop and Pack activities, it is important to follow all the steps recommended by the CDC
(see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html). The same simple steps that prevent the spread of ordinary flu viruses work against coronavirus and other illnesses:
 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cough into a tissue or your elbow (not your hand). Then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. Do not attend Scouting activities when you are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, with temperature above 100.0º F (38.7º C) or do not feel well, appear weak or ill.
• Consult your health care provider if you have special health conditions that put you at increased risk.
 
Please stay up to date with CDC & local Health Department guidelines as they may change rapidly in the future. Check back to the Greenwich Council facebook page and the Council website regularly for more information: greenwichscouting.org
 
Please be safe and we will keep you apprised of any new developments. Please feel free to contact Kevin.OShea@scouting.org if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Yours in Scouting,
 
Eric Lindberg
Council President
 
Wayne Plewniak
Council Commissioner
 
Kevin P. O'Shea
Scout Executive/CEO

 

 

February 18, 2020

Dear Scouting Community,

Today, the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.

I want to highlight important points that are most relevant to the Greenwich Council:

The Greenwich Council has not filed for bankruptcy. Our Council is legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization.

Scouting programs will continue. This means that unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects will take place as usual. In short, we expect no changes to the local Scouting experience in the Greenwich area.

Scouting is safer now than ever before. Over many years, we’ve developed some of the strongest expert-informed youth protection policies found in any youth-serving organization. I can also assure you that our volunteers and employees take youth protection extremely seriously and do their part to help keep kids safe.

Restricted donations – past, present or future – can only be used for their designated purpose. In addition, Friends of Scouting (FOS) and other annual donations made to our Council will continue to fund necessary day-to-day expenses that are critical to local Scouting programs.

While we do not anticipate the national organization’s bankruptcy filing will have any direct impact on the local Scouting experience or your involvement with our Council, I understand you may still have questions about these issues and things you will see in the news. To that end, the national organization has established a dedicated restructuring website, www.BSArestructuring.org. 

This site includes a helpful Resources page, where you will find a short video explaining what Chapter 11 means for Scouting, as well as a FAQ. The site’s Milestones page will be your best source for the latest updates throughout this process. 

If you have any questions about local Scouting, you can always feel free to reach out directly to me or your usual contact within our Council. 

Through your engagement and dedication to Scouting, the Greenwich Council will continue to bring adventures, values and lifelong benefits to youth and our communities for generations to come. Thank you for your trust and support as we continue this important mission.

Yours in Scouting,

Kevin P. O'Shea
Scout Executive/CEO