COVID-19 FAQs + Camp Opens June 21

1.Will Cherokee Scout Reservation open for Scouts BSA Summer Camp in 2020?

• Yes, as part of the Governor Cooper’s plan to re-open NC, overnight summer camps may operate during Phase 2 under specific guidelines.
• The governor moved NC into Phase 2 on Friday, May 22, 2020.
• On Thursday, May 21, 2020, the Old North State Council executive board voted to open and operate summer camp as scheduled.
• Scouts BSA Summer Camp will start on June 21, 2020 and operate for 6 weeks as previously scheduled.

 
2.Will Cherokee Scout Reservation open for Webelos Summer Camp in 2020?

• This question is unrelated to COVID-19.
• As communicated with initial promotions of Webelos Summer Camp 2020, for Webelos Summer Camp to operate in 2020, 200 Scouts must be paid in full prior to May 13, 2020.
• That did not happen.
• We extended the deadline for Scouts paying in full to May 28.
• If we have enough Scouts pay the full fee by May 28, we will open Webelos Summer Camp.
• The COVID-19 information provided here will apply to Webelos Summer Camp as well.

 
3.Who participated in the preparation of your COVID-19 Mitigation Plan?

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Office of NC Governor
• NC Department of Health and Human Services
• Caswell County Department of Health
• BSA National Outdoor Program Group
• American Camp Association
• Association of Camp Nurses
• Old North State Council Risk Management and Health & Safety Committees
• Council Physician Dr. Tim Taft
• Camp Health Supervisor Nita Grubbs

 
4.Should the camp be cancelled because of COVID-19, will Scouts receive a refund?

• Yes, Scouts will receive a full refund of fees paid to date, should summer camp be cancelled because of COVID-19.

 
5.Should a family feel it is unsafe to send their Scout to summer camp, because of COVID-19, will they receive a refund?

• Yes, families who feel it is unsafe to send a Scout so summer camp, because of COVID-19 will receive a full refund.
• Refund requests should be submitted by the unit leader to the camp direct.
• Family members should not contact the camp director or any one at the council office requesting a refund.
• Refund requests related to COVID-19 should be submitted before or during the unit’s 12-day-out meeting.
• COVID-19 refund requests will not be considered after this date.

 
6.How will refunds be processed?

• Unit leaders must submit all requests for refunds to the camp director.
• Refunds will be made to the payee.
• If the unit paid via check or cash, a refund check will be written and mailed to the Scoutmaster.
• If the unit paid with a credit card, a refund will be made to the card on file using the online payment system.
• For Provisional Campers or Day Campers, refunds will be made to the family.

 
7.My Scout cannot obtain a current physical. Is there any flexibility?

• Yes, for 6 months only, the BSA has provided flexibility regarding the Annual Health and Medial Record (commonly referred to as the camp physical).

·      This flexibility applies to a health camper – youth and adults.
·      A healthy camper is defined as a youth or adult who does not have any of the COVID-19 co-morbidities provided by the CDC.
·      We understand that physical exams may be difficult to obtain in some parts of the country because of COVID-19.
·      We also realize that this may present a hardship for some participants that typically schedule their physical exams prior to the camping season.
·      In light of COVID-19, the following guidance is being provided and will be in effect until August 31, 2020.
·      Note: Participants that have a valid, completed AHMR Parts A, B & C within 12 months of camp need no exception.
·      Participants with a Part C completed on or after February 1, 2019.
o   Validity of any Part C completed on or after February 1, 2019 is extended until August 31, 2020.
o   Update Parts A and B of the AHMR within two weeks of your departure to camp.
o   Download here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/ahmr/
·      Participants with no Part C or one prior to February 1, 2019, including new members.
o   Attach a completed alternate exam (sports, school, annual well exam at pediatrician) completed on or after February 1, 2019.
o   This will be accepted as a valid Part C until August 31, 2020.
o   Update Parts A and B of the AHMR within two weeks of your departure to camp.
o   Download here: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/ahmr/
·      There will be no other exceptions outside these parameters.
·      If a participant does not meet the criteria above, the following are options to consider to obtain an examination:
o   Telephonic well appointment – Conducted with an individual’s existing health care provider (HCP) to complete the AHMR Part C exam and examiners signature virtually.
o   Professional or Compliance well exams - Adult participants whose profession requires regular well or compliance exams (emergency responders, pilots, etc.) may also be able to complete the exam requirements by having the conducting HCP complete Part C either during those well checks or telephonically.
o   Local Community clinic or alternative HCP - If primary HCP is unavailable, use alternatives/clinics in the local community such as alternate HCP, CVS, Rite Aid, Care Now, etc.
o   Camp well exams - Just in time delivery at front gate of a local council camp – Council organized with volunteer medical providers (MD, DO, NP, PA).
·      We will provide physicals during the Sunday check-in process for Scouts and adult leaders if needed.
o   There may be a small fee associated with these camp physicals.
o   We will not be able to accept insurance.
8.Who should stay at home this summer?

• Youth and adult campers with a chronic illness or co-morbidity for COVID-19 should not attend camp this summer. The risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Age 65 or older
  • Asthma
  • Chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis
  • Diabetes
  • Liver disease (cirrhosis, Hepatitis C)
  • Serious heart conditions
  • Severe obesity
  • Immunocompromised
    • Cancer treatment,
    • Bone marrow or organ transplantation,
    • Immune deficiencies,
    • HIV w/low CD4 cell count or not on HIV treatment, and
    • Prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
  • Hemoglobin disorders (Sickle cell disease, thalassemia)

 
9.What steps will be taken to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 entering the camp?

• All people should work under the assumption that once camp opens, COVID-19 will enter camp.
• Anyone who participates in summer camp activities this summer is at risk of contracting COVID-19.
• Pre-Screening:
  • All campers, unit leaders and staff members must complete a 14-day pre-screening before coming to camp.
  • During the 14-day pre-screening period, campers, unit leaders, and staff members will track their well-being for any related COVID-19 symptoms and record their temperature.
  • Should the pre-screening protocol identify the individual has symptoms related to COVID-19, the individual should stay home and not attend summer camp.
  • The pre-screening document must be submitted upon arrival at CSR.
• Pre-event Screening:
  • Prior to departing the unit’s gathering place for summer camp, the unit leaders will conduct a pre-event screening on all people traveling to summer camp – this includes just people who are driving Scouts to camp on that day.
  • The pre-event check list includes asking Scouts if they have experienced any COVID-19 related symptoms and recent exposure to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • The pre-event check list requires unit leaders to take the temperature of all people traveling to summer camp.
  • Anyone who is flagged by the pre-event check list, should stay home and not attend summer camp.
  • The pre-event check list should be completed prior to anyone entering vehicles.
  • Unit leaders do not need a special thermometer to take temperatures for the pre-vent screening.
  • Unit leaders should wear gloves while taking temperatures.
  • If a digital, oral thermometer is used, the unit leader should place a protective covering over the probe and disinfect between individuals.
  • Documentation of the pre-event check list must be submitted upon arrival at CSR.
• Initial On-site Screening:
  • Upon arrival at CSR, all units will be directed to the parking lot.
  • All individuals will undergo another screening using the pre-event check list administered by one of the health professionals related with the camp.
  • The pre-event check list will ask about symptoms related to COVID-19, travel, and recent exposure to any people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
  • The pre-event check list will include a temperature check.
  • Anyone who is flagged by the pre-event check list will be sent home immediately. All people who traveled to camp in the same vehicle with this individual will be sent home immediately. These Scouts and families will receive a full refund.
• Staff members will follow a similar protocol when they move into camp.
• All visitors must report to the health lodge upon arrival at camp, to complete the pre-event check list.
• Any time an individual leaves camp and returns, they must complete the pre-event check list with the health lodge.

 
10.Will there be daily ongoing screening while at camp?

• Yes, unit leaders will conduct the pre-event screening check list daily with Scouts.
• The pre-event check list will be completed each morning as part of the unit’s morning routine.
• Any Scout who feels unwell will report to the health lodge immediately.
• The health officers will contact our medical professional (medical doctor, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant) on-call to assist with diagnosis.
• If the medical professional on-call diagnosis the Scout with COVID-19, the Scout will be quarantined immediately.
• The Scout’s family will be notified to come pick up the Scout.
• The Caswell County Health Department will be contacted to conduct a COVID-19 test.

 
11.What are the best ways for a Scout to stay safe during summer camp?

• Practice social distancing. Always remain 6 feet away from other individuals in camp.
• Wash or sanitize hands at the beginning and end of all program activities.
• Wear a face mask.
• These three strategies will minimize the risk of COVID-19 when groups mix.
• Report any symptoms or feeling unwell to unit leader and health lodge immediately.
• Stay in small groups.
• Interact with Scouts from other units as little as possible.
• Stay outside as much as possible.
• Do not allow other Scouts, beside your bunkmate, to enter your Adirondack.
• Bring your own tent, and sleep alone.
• Bring a folding chair/camp chair to use during program time to ensure you have a comfortable place to sit while remaining 6 feet away from others.
• Follow your pre-determined camp schedule.
• Follow the directions of staff members and unit leaders.
• Follow the guidance of signage throughout camp.

 
12.Do Scouts need to wear a face mask while at camp?

• We highly encourage the use of face mask, hand washing, and social distancing while at camp.
• Scouts should wear a face mask when they are unable to be less than 6 feet apart from other people.
• Scouts should bring their own cloth face masks that can be washed in between uses.
• At a minimum, Scouts will need two cloth face masks.
• Disposable face masks will be available throughout camp.

 
13.Will large group activities be held during camp such as religious services, flag ceremonies, campfires?

• No large group activities will be held during camp this summer.
• Flag ceremonies will be held in the unit’s campsite.
• Flag ceremonies will become the unit’s responsibility to complete.
• Religious services/vespers will be held in the unit’s campsite.
• Religious services/vespers will become the unit’s responsibility to complete.
• Campsites will be clustered in neighborhoods (a group of two or three campsites) for campfires.
• Campfires will be conducted in campsite large enough for social distancing.
• Staff members will assist with the implementation of the campfire.

 
14.Will we have family and visitor’s night on Thursday?

• No, we will not host our traditional family and visitor’s night on Thursdays.
• Families and non-essential visitors are dissuaded from visiting camp.

 
15.Will Scouts eat in the dining hall for meals?

• No, Scouts will not eat in the dining hall for meals.
• Breakfast, lunch, and supper will be served in a grab-and-go style.
• We will continue to serve meals in two shifts.
• Scouts will enter the dining hall using pre-determined lines.
• Scouts will sanitize hands prior to entering the dining hall.
• Scouts should wear face masks to the dining hall.
• Scouts will have choice of hot entrees, room temperature items, and cold items for each meal.
• Staff members will place the Scout’s choices in their lunch bag.
• Once Scouts select their food choices, they will depart the dining hall.
• Scouts may eat at picnic tables scattered throughout camp, especially those clustered around the dining hall.
• Scouts should socially distance when eating meals.
• We recommend Scouts eat with the same people each day.
• Camp will provide campers with a reusable water bottle.
• We will not be able to provide a salad bar option this summer.
• Scouts will have a choice of pre-made side salad at lunch and dinner.
• Scouts may want to bring a day-pack to carry their meals back to their campsite.
• For a rain plan, Scouts will be able to use picnic tables at the Dining Hall Shelter, Anderson Shelter, and Pennington Porch at the Trading Post. Scouts can also carry their meals back to the shelter in the campsite.
• Scouts should socially distance during meal time.
• Once our revised menu has been approved by our registered nutritionist partners at the University of Pennsylvania, we will post the revised menu of your review.
• This process does not impact the support we provide to Scouts with special dietary needs.
• All camp staff members have completed ServSafe Food Handler certification.

 
16.Will Scouts have increased access to hand washing stations?

• Yes and no. We have chosen to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer as our primary method to disinfect hands.
• We will use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that kills COVID-19.
• Hand sanitizer will be available in all common areas, program areas, and campsites.
• Scouts will hand sanitize at the beginning and end of program activities / merit badge sessions.
• Scouts will hand sanitize upon entering the dining hall.
• Scouts will hand sanitize during exchanges at the Trading Post.
• Hand soap will be available at all sinks.
• Camp will provide hand soap for use at the campsite latrine.
• Scouts may want to bring their own hand sanitizer.
• Scouts should use hand sanitizer when returning to their tent.

 
17.How will Scouts sleep at camp?

• In recent years, the majority of campers have slept in wooden adirondacks with four bunk beds.
• We use 8’x10’ canvas tents when needed.
• Adult leaders use 10’x12’ canvas tents.
• We will adjust the number of Scouts that sleep in adirondacks and tents to allow for social distancing (6 feet apart) when sleeping.
• For Summer 2020, we will limit the number of Scouts who sleep in an adirondack to two. Scouts will sleep head-to-toe to maximize distance between the campers’ heads.
• For Summer 2020, we will limit the number of Scouts who sleep in an 8’x10’ canvas tent to one.
• For Summer 2020, we will continue to allow two Scouts to sleep in 10’x12’ canvas tents. Scouts will sleep head-to-toe or toe-to-toe to maximize distance between the campers’ heads.
• We highly encourage Scouts and adult leaders to bring their own tent, to allow them to sleep alone, thereby increasing social distancing while sleeping.
• Scouts should store their personal belongings in a footlocker to keep their items from mixing with their bunkmates’.
• Scouts, visitors, family members should not enter the Scout’s tent or adirondack.
• Scouts should disinfect their hands upon entering their tent or adirondack.

 
18.How often will common spaces be cleaned?

• Common spaces will be cleaned daily using a disinfectant agent appropriate to eliminate COVID-19.
• Additional camp staff have been hired to assist with need for increased sanitation.

 
19.How often will high touch surfaces be cleaned?     

• High touch surfaces will be cleaned three times a day.
• High touch surfaces include, but are not limited to, door knobs, table tops, light switches, countertops, cabinet handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• Shared program area equipment will be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.
• We will use a disinfectant that kills COVID-19, but is safe to the environment and sanitation staff.

 
20.How often will shower houses be cleaned?

• Shower houses, including toilets, faucets, and shower rooms, will be cleaned multiple times daily.
• It should be noted that COVID-19 is not transmitted through water – drinking water, recreational water, or wastewater.
• We will use a disinfectant that kills COVID-19, but is safe to the environment and sanitation staff.
• Units will remain responsible for cleaning campsite latrines.

 
21.How will merit badge instruction/program delivery change due to COVID-19?

• Campers will complete much of the camp program in their campsite with their unit.
• Scouts will mix for merit badge instruction.
• The majority of our program delivery is conducted outside.
• Scouts and staff will practice social distancing during merit badge instruction.
• When Scouts cannot practice social distancing, they should wear a cloth face mask.
• Campers and staff should wear a cloth face mask during indoor activities when maintaining physical distancing is not feasible due to space limitations.
• We will maintain small group merit badge instruction.
• To maintain our small groups and force Scouts to socially distance across camp, we will not honor future requests to overfill merit badge sections.
• To maintain the integrity of our small groups, we will not honor requests for merit badge schedule changes after Sunday evening.
• Merit badge instructors will remain the same throughout the week.
• Campers and staff will disinfect hands at the beginning and end of activity.
• All shared equipment will be cleaned and disinfected between use.
• When possible, equipment will be designated for a single Scout’s use for the duration of the week.
• We encourage Scouts to bring a camp chair that can be used during merit badge instruction to ensure they are comfortable while socially distancing.
• As units will mix for merit badge instruction, the following mitigation methods will be used:
  • Outside instruction
  • Increased natural ventilation
  • Physical distancing during merit badge instruction
  • Campers and staff wear cloth facial coverings

 
22.Will you be able to offer all of the same merit badges?

• No, based upon recommendations from the Caswell County Department of Health there are some merit badges / program activities we will not be able to offer because we cannot socially distance, implement them safely, or disinfect between uses.
• These merit badges/activities include:
  • Climbing Merit Badge
  • Lifesaving Merit Badge
  • BSA Lifeguard
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard
  • Small-boat Sailing
  • Blob
  • Glacier
• This list may change.

 
23.How will Scouts engage in twilight activities?

• We will no longer offer open-programing at twilight.
• Units will submit choices for twilight activities.
• Twilight assignments will be made by the camp program director.
• Unit leaders may want to consider how they will enhance the unit’s experience by planning activities to entertain the Scouts.
• These items might include intra-troop competitions, patrol competitions, rank advancement instruction, cracker barrels.

 
24.Will Scouts participate in field trips?

• No, we will not offer field trips away from camp this summer.
• We will limit the amount of off-site exposure of staff and campers to the community.
• This will impact Citizenship in the Nation, Disability Awareness, and Farm Mechanics.

 
25.How does COVID-19 impact operations at the waterfront?

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states “there is no evidence showing anyone has gotten COVID-19 through drinking water, recreational water, or wastewater. The risk of COVID-19 transmission through water is expected to be low.”
• However, it is important to follow safe physical distancing and proper hygiene practices at the lake.
• Scouts will maintain social distancing while at changing stations and during merit badge instruction.
• Scouts will utilize the buddy system while at the waterfront.
• High-touch surfaces will be disinfected throughout the day.
• Shared equipment will be cleaned and disinfected between use.
• Due to the cleaning and disinfecting guidelines provided by the manufacturer, we will not be able to clean and disinfect life jackets between uses. For this reason, Scouts who plan to participate in boating activities (canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding) will need to provide their own Type III life jackets.

 
26.How will COVID-19 affect Trading Post operations?

• We will create partitions between shoppers and cashiers.
• We will limit the number of shoppers allowed in the trading post.
• We will place markings on the floor to promote social distancing.
• High-touch items will be cleaned throughout the day.
• Scouts will disinfect hands upon entering and exiting trading post.
• We encourage units to use the online web-store to pre-order merchandise.
• We will accept touch point cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay for payment.
• We encourage the use of pre-paid debit cards to reduce the amount of cash transactions.

 
27.Will you change the duration of summer camp?

• Yes, we will change the duration of summer camp.
• We will encourage early arrival on Sunday morning to allow for small groups moving into camp.
• Camp will end Friday night after supper.
• Units that must travel more than two hours, will stay overnight and depart on Saturday morning.
• Closing camp on Friday night provides more time for cleaning and disinfecting between sessions/weeks.

 
28.Can Scouts who are participating in the ATV Powersports program, bring their own helmet?

• Yes, Scouts may bring their own helmets.
• The helmet must bear the Department of Transportation approval markings, fit snuggly, and fasten securely.
• Helmets must be full-face in order to protect your face as well as your head.
• Scouts who bring their own helmets must also bring their own googles.
• Goggles are required unless you are using a full-face helmet with a built-in face shield.
• Glasses or sunglasses are not sufficient.

 
29.Are Scouts from other states able to participate in summer camp at Cherokee?

• Yes, Scouts from other states are able to participate in summer camp at Cherokee.
• However, in Phase 2 of Reopening NC, the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ guidelines for operating overnight camps, limits the states to those neighboring NC.
• In a meeting with the Caswell County Department of Health, the public health director interpreted “neighboring states” to mean bordering states.
• This limits out-of-state participation to Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

 
30.Will there be an international Scout this summer?

• No, we are not able to host an international Scout this summer due to COVID-19.

 
31.Why are you not requiring Scouts to wear gloves?

• Scouts are welcome to wear gloves if they want to or if their family wants them too.
• However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, wearing gloves provides a false sense of security and people end up touching everything.
• This leads to self-contamination.
• Instead of wearing gloves, the following steps are recommended:
  • Don’t touch your face.
  • Practice social distancing at all times.
  • Wear a cloth mask and don’t touch the mask once it is on your face.
  • Limit the number of items and surfaces you touch.
  • Sanitize your hands.

 
32.Has the camp visitor’s policy changed with regard to COVID-19?

• Yes, the camp visitor’s policy has changed due to COVID-19.
• Historically, we welcome family and visitors to camp.
• For Summer 2020, we discourage all non-essential visits.
• We will not host family and visitor’s night.
• We will not host guest instructors.
• All visitors must check-in at the health lodge and complete the pre-event check list including a temperature check.
• If a unit is changing adult leaders during the week, each adult will need to check-in at the health lodge and complete the pre-event screening process. They must also provide evidence of the 14-day pre-screening and symptoms monitoring.
• Once an individual has checked in to camp, they should not plan to leave the camp.
• Re-admittance to camp will be on a very limited basis and units should plan accordingly.

 
33.How should units plan to arrive at camp?

• Units should arrive at camp with as few vehicles and drivers as possible.
• Each Scout should have access to a seat belt in the vehicle transporting her.
• There should be a seat between Scouts in the vehicle.
• For example, the backseat of a car typically seats 3 people. Now, it only seats two people. Leave the middle seat empty.
• Remember, Scouts should not enter the vehicle until after the unit leader has completed the pre-event checklist.
• Units will have set arrival times on Sunday for check-in.
• Best for units to meet at the sponsoring organization and carpool to camp.
• Please DO NOT have your parents meet you in the parking lot at camp. This will severely impact the new check-in and screening procedures.

 
34.What things are added to the packing list for my Scout because of COVID-19?

• At least two cloth face masks
• Camp chair
• Personal tent
• Day-pack to carry meals back to campsite (Note: Day-pack should include 10 Scout essentials)
• Footlocker
• Personal supply of hand sanitizer
• Laundry bag that allows clothes to breath
• Change of clothes for every day

 
35.What things are added to the packing list for my unit because of COVID-19?

• Hand sanitizer
• Soap
• Pop-up tarps that allow for covering and social distancing
• Unit supply of disposable masks and gloves
• Wash basins for Scouts to use to wash cloth face masks each night
• Games and activities Scouts can utilize in the campsite because basketball court, gaga ball pit will be closed
• Activities for twilight
• Support materials for vespers
• Support materials for flag cermonies