2022 Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri COVID-19 Protocol
COVID-19 Response Guidelines Jan. 28, 2022 The guidelines dated 1.28.2022 supersede all previous editions of the GSEM COVID-19 Response Guidelines.
COVID-19 Response Guidelines 1
GIRL SCOUT PROMISE On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
GIRL SCOUT LAW I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, And to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
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COVID-19 GUIDELINES Table of Contents
General Guidelines..........................................................................................................................................................................4
Troop Meeting and Volunteer-Led Activity Protocol..............................................................................................................7
Camp Protocol................................................................................................................................................................................13
Council Programs/Events at the Berges Family Program Center Protocol....................................................................22
Council Co-Led Programs/Events at Program Partner Sites Protocol............................................................................25
Adult Education Protocol............................................................................................................................................................29
Council Office Building, Girl Scout Shop and Emerson Resource Center Protocol.....................................................31
Product Program Protocol..........................................................................................................................................................32
Refund Protocol.............................................................................................................................................................................35
Appendix.........................................................................................................................................................................................36
COVID-19 Response Guidelines 3
2022 COVID-19 GUIDELINES
The below information was updated in the GSEM COVID-19 Response Guidelines dated 1.28.2022. The information below and the guidelines dated 1.28.2022 supersede all previous editions of the GSEM COVID-19 Response Guidelines.
COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily in the community. We must take all reasonable precautions to limit potential exposure for girls, volunteers and families.
The risk associated with COVID-19 pandemic continues to change as infection rates rise and fall in different areas throughout the country. There may be regional differences or developments since this guidance was published. Continue to follow local and national directives. Discuss plans with families and fellow volunteers. This guidance is being provided as of the effective date listed on the cover of this publication. Guidelines are reviewed frequently. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri may modify this guidance, from time to time as circumstances change and will post updates on its website. Consider the personal situation of your girls: • Do they live with an immune compromised person that they can put at risk? If so, perhaps make other accommodations for her with her parents/caregivers • Have the families been isolating, and free from contagion? If so, the troop may essentially be a safe bubble
One volunteer must be assigned to ask and document the responses to the screening checklist of all participants upon arrival. This record must be kept confidentially with health forms and permission slips. All COVID-19-related documentation, such as (but not limited to) the Participant Screening Tools/Logs, should be securely retained for a minimum of 90 days after the Girl Scout activity for which they were completed. As always, troop leaders should retain annually a copy of the Girl Health History & Annual Permission Form, including the additional COVID-19 Girl Health History Addendum, for every girl in their troop. This volunteer must serve as the point of notification for any post-meeting COVID-19 related incident. Upon notice, this volunteer must contact Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Senior Manager, Risk Management, Dan Sise at dsise@girlscoutsem.org , to receive explicit guidance.
In addition to the guidelines set forth by Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, participants should follow all the specific rules or guidelines of the meeting, program, event location or host site.
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Participation No participant, whether child or adult, should be permitted to attend any Girl Scout meeting or activity if any of the following are true: • The participant has had a fever of 100.4˚F or greater within the last 24 hours (the 24 hours with no fever should be without the use of fever-reducing medications) • The participant has had any one or a combination of other symptoms of COVID-19 within the last 72 hours. Possible symptoms include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, fatigue, muscle aches or pain, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea • The participant tested positive for COVID-19 or has symptoms, regardless of vaccination status. The participant should stay home for 5 days and isolate from others. Day 0 is the first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. Day 1 is the first full day after symptoms developed, or the test specimen was collected. • The participant was exposed to COVID-19, and is not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. The participant should stay home and quarantine for at least 5 full days. The date of exposure is considered day 0. Day 1 is the first full day after last contact with the person who has had COVID-19. ǔ The CDC defines “exposure” as contact with someone infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in a way that increases the likelihood of getting infected with the virus. “Close contacts” are someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. ǔ NOTE: If the participant was exposed to COVID-19 and is up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, the participant does NOT need to quarantine. ǔ See CDC guidelines on up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html ǔ See CDC guidelines on quarantine and isolation: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will be conducting temperature checks on all participants attending a council-led program or event (either held at council camps and facilities or other off-site locations). A participant who presents with a fever of 100.4˚F or greater will not be able to participate. In this instance, a refund or other program option will be offered. *Note: This does not include troop meetings, and troop leaders are not required to use a thermometer to take temperatures at troop meetings. However, troop leaders are required to utilize the COVID-19 Participant Screening Tool, pg. 43, which includes a question regarding temperature screening. All COVID-19-related documentation, such as (but not limited to) the Participant Screening Tools/Logs, should be securely retained for a minimum of 90 days after the Girl Scout activity for which they were completed. As always, troop leaders should retain annually a copy of the Girl Health History & Annual Permission Form, including the additional COVID-19 Girl Health History Addendum, for every girl in their troop.
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Masks Recognizing that our geographic area includes 28 counties, guidance on mask-wearing when participating in Girl Scout activities not at Girl Scout properties must follow the stricter of 1) the facility where the event is being held or 2) the local county/municipal/jurisdictional guidance. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is a mask-wearing organization and requires that masks be worn by individuals age 2 and older when indoors at all Girl Scout properties, including our camps and service center, unless the individual is fully vaccinated (two weeks past the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks past the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine). Masks are not typically required when outdoors at Girl Scout properties, though social distancing is still highly encouraged. (Please note, all campers must provide their own mask and carry it with them at all times when attending resident and day camps, as there may be times during which campers and staff will be required to mask, regardless of location or vaccination status, for the safety of the entire camp community, such as at check-in or in case of an emergency.) Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Participants should not wear masks, but should continue to practice social distancing, when sleeping, or when engaging in activities like swimming that may cause a mask to become wet. Some girls or volunteers may not be able to wear masks due to medical conditions such as asthma. Contact Council for guidance on how best to handle these circumstances as they arise. Social Distancing Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping a safe space between you and other people who do not live in your household. Social distancing should be practiced at both indoor and outdoor Girl Scout activities whenever possible. Maximum Capacity for Groups Recognizing that our geographic area includes 28 counties and the City of St. Louis, guidance on maximum capacity for group size has been removed. When participating in Girl Scout activities, participants must follow the stricter guidelines of 1) the facility where the event is being held or 2) the local county/municipal/ jurisdictional guidance. At all times the proper girl- to-adult volunteer ratio must be met.
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Troop Meeting and Volunteer-Led Activity Protocol
A new Girl Health History and other important participant forms were developed as part of the COVID-19 guidelines. These forms should be used for all meetings and activities. The forms can be found in the Appendix starting on pg. 36 or girlscoutsem.org/forms. 2022 COVID-19 GUIDELINES Troop Meeting and Volunteer- Led Activity Protocol
Masks See Masks, page 6 for current information as of 12.17.2021.
Troop Meeting Space-Size See Maximum Capacity for Groups page 6 for current information as of 12.17.2021
For meetings held at public facilities, contact (or research) the facility ahead of time and keep in mind the following: • Is the space cleaned, and are high-touch surfaces (i.e., tabletops, light switches, chairs, etc.) sanitized, at least daily? • Who else uses the space (how often, what size is the group)? Is the space cleaned between groups? • Are restrooms open to the public? • What type of faucets/soap dispensers are available in the restroom (sensory or manual)? Consider whether you can supplement any practices that are less ideal. For example, if you will arrive after another user group, plan to bring sanitizing wipes to get the space ready for your troop. Another example: if faucets are manual, take some time to show girls how to shut them off with a paper towel. Use paper towels for doorknobs whenever possible. Troop Meetings in the Home Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri suggests meetings not take place in the home out of concern that there would be greater risk of exposure to other family members, such as the elderly or those who are immune- compromised. Troops should consider meeting virtually, outdoors (weather permitting) or at places local to the community such as parks, churches, community centers or libraries. However, when other options are either difficult to utilize or entirely unavailable, meetings in the home are permitted. As a reminder, all GSEM COVID-19 Response Guidelines must still be followed when meeting in a home. Note: Do not assume public spaces are cleaned and sanitized. Arrive 30 minutes in advance and clean high-touch surfaces.
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Troop Meeting and Volunteer-Led Activity Protocol
When meeting in a home, the below guidelines should be followed: • The home must be the residence of a registered, background-checked and approved volunteer. • Girls may not meet in a home where a registered sex offender lives. • The proper girl-to-adult ratio must be met, and girls must be supervised. • Girls should be able to focus without disruptions from other household members. • Animals should be kept in a place separate from the meeting space. • The home should be safe, clean, large enough to allow for the participation of the whole group, have access to restrooms and be able to accommodate girls and volunteers with allergies and/or disabilities. • The home should be appropriately insured. GSEM’s liability insurance provides coverage for volunteers who hold meetings in their homes, but GSEM’s property/casualty insurance does not cover volunteers’ homes nor personal property. • Smoking, including e-cigarettes, drinking or being under the influence of alcohol, and non-medicinal drugs and controlled substances are prohibited. • Weapons must be completely out of view and stored in a locked space. • Medication, dangerous cleaning products or any poisonous substance must be stored in a secure space out of sight, preferably locked. Cleaning Protocol The meeting site should be cleaned and disinfected by adults, following CDC guidelines, before and after the meeting. Frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs and restrooms. Ensure sufficient on-site access to hand washing/sanitization, gloves and disinfecting supplies for the meeting. Other measures such as hand hygiene, cough/sneeze etiquette, cleanliness, sanitizing and reduction of shared tools and supplies should also be practiced. If supplies or equipment need to be shared, they must be cleaned by an adult between uses
All participants must wash or sanitize their hands upon entering the meeting site, in between activities and leaving the meeting site.
Hygiene and COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Follow the resources developed by the CDC or your local public health department. Share these with girls and volunteers and ensure that they are practiced during meetings and activities. Place signs in the meeting or activity space to remind girls and volunteers to engage in everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Signs should include: • Stay home if you are sick
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash, and wash or sanitize your hands • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol
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Troop Meeting and Volunteer-Led Activity Protocol
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash hands if you do touch them • Volunteers, girls and parents/caregivers should be reminded to make sure temperatures are taken prior to group interaction to confirm the individual is not running a fever and temperature is a normal (approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Members with a fever of 100.4˚F or greater within the last 24 hours (the 24 hours with no fever should be without the use of fever-reducing medications) may not attend
Troop Meeting Size See Maximum Capacity for Groups page 6 for current information as of 12.17.2021
Virtual Meetings Meeting options may need to be flexible based on the fluid nature of COVID-19 risk and the possibility of limited meeting locations. Troops that are able to run online meetings as needed (or wanted) should do so. Even when in-person meetings are possible, consider using in-person events to supplement ongoing virtual gatherings.
Use the Safety Activity Checkpoints for Virtual Meetings to guide your meeting plans. Also have your girls take the Internet Safety Pledge to teach, encourage and support web safety while online.
Personal Contact Hugs, handshakes, “high-fives,” and even activities like the friendship circle hand squeeze can transmit COVID-19 from person-to-person. Refrain from these gestures for the time being. Create a safe way for girls and volunteers to greet each other and end meetings instead. Food, Dining and Snacks Be careful when handling and serving food and have girls be careful with each other when eating. Safety recommendations for food, dining and snacks include: • Encourage girls to bring their own foods to eat (bag lunch or dinner) • Encourage girls not to share their food after having touched it, such as a bag of chips • Individually wrapped items are recommended • If providing snacks, especially if unwrapped, have one person, wearing gloves, hand out items to each person, such as with cupcakes or cookies • Use a serving spoon or scoop rather than reaching into a bag or bowl of snacks • Use a buffet line only if staffed with a safely protected server with mask and gloves • Avoid “serve yourself” buffets • Public dining only as permitted in your local jurisdiction • If serving family style, have one person, wearing clean gloves, serve everyone on clean plates • Use disposable plates, forks, napkins, etc. when possible • Encourage girls to bring foods they can easily cook themselves (a prepackaged foil pack) or hot dog for outdoor cooking • Ensure everyone handling food, those serving, girls, adults, wash hands (even if they will be wearing gloves) prior to any food prep or meals, following CDC hand washing guidelines • If sharing outdoor cooking utensils (roasting forks), they should be washed and sanitized between each
use or bring enough utensils so that each person gets their own • Continue recommendation for 6 foot spacing during meals
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Troop Meeting and Volunteer-Led Activity Protocol
Transportation Individual parents/caregivers are strongly encouraged to drop off and pick up their own girls from meetings and activities. However, carpooling may be permitted if: • Parents/caregivers are aware ahead of time that girls will be in a car together • All participants complete a screening tool form prior to carpool pick-up • Car windows are kept open, at least partially, to circulate fresh air • Unless all are fully vaccinated, we strongly encourage those carpooling to wear masks, as social distancing is not possible
When riding buses for Girl Scout activities, only individuals from the same household should sit in the same seat, and seating should be staggered.
Public transportation should be avoided whenever possible. However, when public transportation cannot be avoided: • Parents/caregivers should be made aware ahead of time that girls will be using public transportation • Avoid peak hours
• Allow extra time to wait and avoid crowded buses or subway cars • Space out girls to avoid crowding (but keep to the buddy system) • Consider grade level, age and maturity level of girls
• We strongly encourage those using public transportation to wear masks, as social distancing is not possible, and masks may in fact be required by the public transportation (in which case you must follow their requirements) • Clean hands before and after public transportation travel
Remember, contact within six feet for 15 minutes or more creates a higher risk for virus transmission, so be very careful with transportation decisions.
Beyond the Troop Events/Day Outings Participation in beyond the troop events and day outings is permitted. Individual parents/caregivers are strongly encouraged to drop off and pickup their own girls from planned beyond the troop events/ day outings. Call ahead to the facility or vendor to confirm that they are following CDC and local safety guidelines. If activity or equipment is being provided, ask the provider if they wipe down equipment in between uses to maintain cleaning protocols as well as hygiene and COVID-19 risk mitigation for troop meeting/activity spaces. For example, bring extra sanitizer or disinfectant wipes if none will be provided for public use at the activity location.
District/Neighborhood Meetings & Events See Maximum Capacity for Groups page 6 for current information as of 12.17.2021.
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Troop Meeting and Volunteer-Led Activity Protocol
Overnights & Travel Permission for troops to travel resumed May 1, 2021. GSEM will continue to monitor the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as guidance from GSUSA and the CDC, and may modify this guidance and permitted activities as circumstances change. Troop travel must be approved by Council and will be approved on a case-by-case basis, considering several factors including health and safety guidance for both our area and the destination. To review what is required for troop travel approval, please visit GSEM’s Travel page. If your troop plans to travel, please submit a Troop Trip Application to Dan Sise, dsise@girlscoutsem.org , at least six months prior to your departure date if domestic or 18 months prior to your departure date if international. If your departure date is less than six months away and you have not yet submitted an application, please reach out to Dan immediately. If your troop plans to camp at a non-Council-owned site, please submit an Application for All Camping on Non-Council-Owned Sites to Senior Manager of Troop, Day and Outdoor Adventure Programs, Melissa Niedermann, mniedermann@girlscoutsem.org , at least one month prior to departure. For all overnights and travel, follow all guidance outlined in this document, with specific attention to the “Camp Protocol” chapter, which includes guidance for Initial and Continued Screening and Sleeping Arrangements that specifically apply to overnight and multi-day activities. If any guidelines at your stops/ destinations are more restrictive, follow the local restrictions. It is the responsibility of the trip leader to know what the local restrictions are at the troop’s stops and destinations. As always, participants must also follow all guidance in Safety Activity Checkpoints and continue to follow the Hygiene and COVID-19 Risk Mitigation, Transportation and group size guidance outlined in the most recent release of this document for the foreseeable future. A troop should not make any non-cancelable or non-refundable arrangements or payments for transportation, accommodations, activities, etc., until their trip receives final approval. Even after receiving approval from GSEM, contingencies for rescheduling or canceling, as well as knowledge of the cancelation and refund policies of the vendors the troop plans to utilize, should always be considered, recognizing that the risk posed by COVID-19 is fluid and may force a change in plans. Additionally, it is recommended that the trip leader clearly communicate with troop members any important dates or deadlines by which members are expected to make a firm commitment to the troop’s travel plans.
Recruitment Events and Activities See Maximum Capacity for Groups page 6 for current information as of 12.17.2021.
In-person recruitment events and activities will be permitted as long as guidelines for Troop Meeting Space, Troop Meeting Size, Cleaning Protocols and Hygiene and COVID-19 Risk Mitigation (as mentioned above) can be met. Get advance permission from the property owner or the jurisdiction that provides the location. Participants should follow all specific rules or guidelines of the in-person meeting location or host site. In some cases, restroom facilities may not be available. It is strongly encouraged to hold meetings and events outdoors whenever possible.
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Troop Meeting and Volunteer-Led Activity Protocol
Permission to Attend A girl, parent/caregiver, or volunteer (or member of their household) must meet certain participation parameters before attending a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri in-person meeting or gathering. Turn to pg. 5 for a comprehensive list of participation parameters. Reporting and Communicating a Positive COVID-19 Test In the event of a COVID-19 positive test result within a member’s household, promptly contact Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Senior Manager, Risk Management, Dan Sise, dsise@girlscoutsem.org , to receive explicit guidance. A Council staff member and NOT volunteers, will be responsible for: • Confirming and tracing the positive individual • Contacting the parents/caregivers of anyone who may have been exposed (or other volunteers) • Notifying a facility where a troop has met
Adult Education Classes
Let other volunteers know that council staff, NOT volunteers, will notify parents/ caregivers and others about a positive test result and that the individual’s identity is confidential. Remember that girl and volunteer health information is private and strictly confidential and should only be shared on a need-to-know basis with a Council staff member.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our Girl Scout community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Camp Protocol
2022 COVID-19 GUIDELINES Camp Protocol As of 12.17.2021 there are not any recommended changes to unit capacity/residential living. As we anticipate the upcoming camp season we will continue to monitor GSUSA, ACA and CDC guidelines for direction. A new Girl Health History and other important participant forms were developed as part of the COVID-19 guidelines. These forms should be used for all meetings and activities. The forms can be found in the Appendix starting on pg. 36 or girlscoutsem.org/forms. Council Camp Properties Unit opening will be dependent upon the ability to meet CDC, American Camp Association and GSUSA guidelines. Only one troop/group will be allowed to reserve or utilize an existing reservation per weekend, allowing a unit to “rest” for a minimum of five days in between reservations, unless proper and thorough disinfection of the unit has occurred. When proper and thorough disinfection between troops/groups can occur, a unit may be used by another troop/group. The following units are not available for overnight use by troops/groups at this time due to the inability to meet established guidelines for use as established by the CDC/ACA/GSUSA. However, the kitchen shelters for Border Village, Treehouses and Covered Wagons may be reserved for use for day outings. These units may be used by family or parent/child programs with permission from the Camp Department.
Cedarledge Border Village Cliff’s End
Tuckaho Maple Groves Treehouses
Covered Wagons Prairie Schooners
The following units will operate under reduced capacities in order to meet the established guidelines.
Cedarledge Commissary Bright Star Wohl Lodge
Fiddlecreek Gaylord
max capacity of 8 max capacity of 20 max capacity of 14
max capacity of 10 max capacity of 20
Sequoia
Legacy Lodge max capacity of 18 (not currently available for troop use; available for event use only if approved by camp department) Friendship Lodge max capacity of 18
Tuckaho Boone’s Loft Carver House
max capacity of 15 upstairs and 5 downstairs
max capacity of 11
Sacajawea Tuck East Tuck West
max capacity of 15 in large room and 3 in leader room
max capacity of 16 max capacity of 16 max capacity of 6
Frontier Village
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Camp Protocol
Any units not listed above remain at their original capacities, not to exceed 20 individuals to match the current maximum number of individuals permitted indoors at small gatherings, with the exception of tent units, which are considered “outdoors” and may not exceed 30 individuals to match the current number permitted to gather in a group outdoors. Current capacities for all units are listed in Doubleknot. Please call the Answer Center if you have any questions about current unit capacities. If a troop finds it necessary to utilize additional units in order to meet the GSEM COVID-19 Response Guidelines for troop/ group size, and the reservation of an additional unit presents a financial burden, that troop/group may contact the Answer Center to reserve additional unit(s) at no extra cost (when available). If a troop/group is able to or desires to pay for the cost of the additional unit(s) needed, we welcome that to help offset the expense of having the extra unit(s) occupied. Additional unit(s) may be reserved by those with an existing reservation or those who schedule a facility reservation during the time in which the COVID-19 Response Guidelines are in place. Additional units at no extra cost can be reserved when available and if it falls under the original intent of the facility/unit reservation (i.e. your group should bring the number of campers originally projected for which you needed to split the group to meet guidelines). Each unit must meet the proper girl-to-adult ratio, and, unless in shared units, must have a Certified Troop Camper. Common use areas and activities will be scheduled for troop/group use and troops/groups will be provided with the schedule prior to arrival at camp. A troop/group is expected to stay together when at camp and limit contact with other troops/groups at camp. Each troop/group must use their assigned unit, including sleeping structures, kitchen shelter and assigned ET/latrine. Troops/groups should not visit other units. Troops/groups should only use common areas or common activity areas during their scheduled time. Troops/groups will be assigned a time for use of the troop/group side of the shower house, use of common activity areas such as gaga pit and human foosball and use of common areas such as the Anheuser Busch Nature Center, Tuck Hall, etc. A troop/group will have exclusive use of those areas during their assigned time and should not use those areas at other times not assigned to them. Common areas that also serve as emergency shelter during severe weather may need to be used by any campers during an emergency. Troop Size and Troop/Group Distancing at Camp See Maximum Capacity for Groups page 6 for current information as of 12.17.2021.
District/Neighborhood Meetings and Events See Maximum Capacity for Groups page 6 for current information as of 12.17.2021.
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Camp Protocol
Initial and Continued Screening Upon arrival at camp, each parent/caregiver of a camper, or each adult, must answer the COVID-19 screening questions and have their temperature taken. Answers to questions that indicate COVID-19 exposure, history of recent illness or a temperature 100.4° F or greater requires that a camper leave the camp facility immediately. Each camper, adult and minor should have their temperature taken and recorded daily while at a camp facility. Each unit will be provided with a no-touch forehead thermometer and health screening record log. These items will be returned to the camp supervisor upon departure. For Resident Camp, participants will also receive additional information about screening prior to camp and check-in on the opening day of their camp session. For Day Camp, participants will receive additional information about daily check-in and screening processes in an email prior to their camp session. All COVID-19-related documentation, such as (but not limited to) the Participant Screening Tools/Logs, should be securely retained for a minimum of 90 days after the Girl Scout activity for which they were completed. As always, troop leaders should retain annually a copy of the Girl Health History & Annual Permission Form, including the additional COVID-19 Girl Health History Addendum, for every girl in their troop. During resident camps, campers or staff who are staying together in the same living space (tent, cabin or lodge) are considered a “household” or “family.” These campers or staff do not need to wear masks when they are in their living space, or when they are together and distanced from others in their unit. Examples would be sitting at the same table for crafts or for eating, or participating in an activity with those in the “household” or “family.” Masks should still be worn when indoors with others in their unit. Hand Washing All members are expected to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds prior to meals, prior to and after entering common areas, prior to and after using common equipment, after going to the bathroom, and after blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing. Signs posted around camp will remind campers to wash hands when appropriate. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available. Use of Gloves Campers must wear gloves when cleaning and serving food at camp. Use of latex free gloves is recommended to protect those with allergies. Masks See Masks, page 6 for current information as of 12.17.2021.
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Camp Protocol
Sleeping Arrangements Each sleeping structure (tent, cabin, lodge, etc.) must not exceed the established capacity.
Access to sleeping structure is only for individuals who reside in the sleeping structure; avoid having parents/caregivers, or visitors enter sleeping structures or other members of troop/group enter sleeping shelters to which they are not assigned. Troop leaders should create a sleeping roster with names of campers and adults sleeping in each shelter. Unless necessary, do not rotate campers between sleeping structures. The roster should be kept on file for a minimum of 90 days after the camping trip. Prior to entering the sleeping structure, all campers should use hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol or wash their hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Campers should keep personal belongings organized and separate from other campers’ belongings. Sleeping position should meet the following guidelines: position sleepers head-to-toe or toe-to-toe to maximize distance between heads/faces: For bunk beds, position the head of the camper in the top bunk opposite the position of the camper in the bottom bunk. For side-by-side beds, position the head of the camper in one bed opposite the position of the camper in the adjacent bunk. For end-to-end beds, position the toes of each camper close to the other camper’s toes. Lodge units in which mattresses are placed on the floor will be marked with tape to indicate the position in which mattresses must be placed to meet guidelines. Mattresses need to be placed according to outlined tape and must be maintained during sleeping hours. Campers must provide their own bedding, and all bedding used at camp should be washed and dried in a mechanical air dryer for at least 30 minutes once home. Keep each camper’s bedding separate during transport to/from camp. Where applicable, disinfect provided mattress before and after use using a CDC approved disinfectant. Personal Belongings Personal belongings should be limited to essential items plus a limited number of non-essential items. Campers should keep personal belongings organized and separate from other campers. Campers should not share personal belongings including bedding. Shared Bathrooms Troops/groups should use the bathroom facilities assigned to their unit. In shared units, each unit will be assigned a designated side of the bathroom facilities for use by their troop/group. Campers should wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after using the bathroom, blowing nose, coughing, sneezing or touching frequently touched surfaces; and before preparing food. Campers should not wear a mask while sleeping.
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The shower house at camp will be divided by side for two separate uses: one side will be for troop/group use during assigned time and the other side for “public” use as needed, meaning it can be used by any troop/group/individual as need arises. The side assigned for troop/group use will be assigned by the Camp Supervisor and will be a time set aside for that troop/group to use exclusively for showering/toileting needs. Campers should not enter that side of the shower house unless it is their assigned time. The “public” use side will remain open for use by any camper who needs to use the shower/sink/toilet as need arises. It is recommended that campers wear a mask and limit time inside of the shower house when using the “public” side. Use of the shower house will be limited to female campers; separate facilities will be designated for male campers.
COVID-19 Response Guidelines 17
Camp Protocol
Troop Camping Meals It is important that meals remain the responsibility of girls to plan and prepare. In advance of the troop camping weekend, review all safety procedures with campers and discuss how to prepare for safe meal service. When preparing meals and serving food, campers: • Must wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after food preparation and serving • If soap and water are not available to wash hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer • Must wear gloves and mask while preparing meals • Maintain a physical distance and increased spacing from other campers when preparing food and eating • Must wash dishes thoroughly using a three-step process, including the bleach water disinfection process in step three if washing dishes in a unit or facility in which a dishwasher with appropriate sanitizer is not available; use of a dishwasher at camp, where available, is allowed—a Camp Ranger will ensure dishwasher machines are working within the manufacturer’s specifications and the appropriate water temperatures, detergent and sanitizers are being used Consider the following as a troop: • Consider using disposable plates, bowls, cups and utensils; however, dishes provided in a camp kitchen may be used if proper sanitation and storage processes are used at each meal • Use prepackaged food • Have campers bring their own food when possible (sack lunch) • Bringing enough cooking utensils for each person (roasting stick, pie irons) Preparation and Service of Meals at Dining Hall The following guidelines relate to seating in the Dining Hall • Make outdoor dining spaces available when possible • Decrease the number of campers at each table by as much as half in order to maintain social distancing. For example, if a table typically seats eight, use only four seats at that table • If possible, offer multiple mealtimes in an expanded window in order to decrease the number of diners in the dining area at a time. Clean and disinfect the dining area between mealtimes • Encourage campers to sit with their troop/group while maintaining physical distancing of at least six feet apart from campers in other campsites Guidelines for meal service prepared and served in the Dining Hall/Kitchen • All individuals involved in the preparation or serving of meals must wear a mask and gloves • Do not use buffet style eating, salad bars, self-service or family style serving configurations that require diners to use shared utensils • When possible, utilize “grab-n-go” services, in which meals are pre-packaged and picked up from the dining hall or delivered to a unit • While serving cafeteria style, encourage campers to maintain physical distancing between themselves and others while in line for their meals • Consider using disposable plates, bowls, cups and utensils; however, dishes provided in a camp kitchen may be used if proper sanitation and storage processes are used at each meal
18 COVID-19 Response Guidelines
Camp Protocol
Campers should follow these guidelines during meals at the Dining Hall: • Campers should wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer upon entry to the dining area or immediately prior to eating • Avoid touching frequently touched surfaces such as handles, doorknobs, tables, and counters as much as possible • When retrieving food, avoid touching items and putting them back • Maintain physical distance and increased spacing between yourself and others whenever possible. • Sit with or near the same individuals each meal and/or in the same seat if possible • Cover your cough or sneeze using good cough and sneeze etiquette. If using a tissue or napkin, throw it away and wash hands immediately • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Activity Supplies Activities should be planned to limit the contact of supplies between campers and should be held outside if possible. When possible, provide each camper with the supplies needed to complete the activity, such as scissors, glue, markers, etc for each individual to use. When supplies are not available for each camper, disinfection of the supplies between camper use is ideal. For sports and other activities where a troop/ group uses the same equipment to participate, such as soccer or gaga ball, have campers wash hands prior to and immediately after participating in the activity. Each troop/group will be provided with a gaga ball and soccer ball to be used at the gaga pit and human foosball. The ball will be stored in the unit and should be transported to and from the activity areas by the troop/group. The equipment should be left in the unit at the end of the weekend. Additional guidance will be provided for troops/groups using the archery equipment and water sports equipment at the lake. Archery and lake equipment used during scheduled Activity Staff hours will be cleaned and maintained by the Activity Staff. Swimming Pools The swimming pools at all three camps will open the weekend of Memorial Day 2021. Campers should swim with those in their unit/group, and mixing of groups should be avoided. Perform proper hand hygiene prior to entering the pool and when leaving the pool. Masks are not to be worn in the pool. Social distancing should be maintained when possible in the pool if campers of different units or groups are at the pool together. All shared items such as pool toys and equipment should be sanitized regularly; common touch surfaces around the pool deck and shower house should be sanitized regularly, between groups if possible. Disinfection of Units Each troop/group is responsible for disinfecting high touch surfaces at their unit daily and prior to departure from camper. High touch surfaces include tables, light switches, counter tops, handles, bathroom toilets/ latrines and sinks/washstands. • Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect • Clean surfaces using a CDC approved disinfectant that kills germs on surfaces • Allow surface to air dry
COVID-19 Response Guidelines 19
Camp Protocol
• More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use. • Dispose of any materials used to wipe down surfaces in the trash. DO NOT flush or place these items down the ET Household bleach is effective against COVID-19. Check that the bleach is not expired and determine if appropriate on a given surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Bleach solution effective up to 24 hours when properly diluted. To prepare a bleach solution, mix: 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Disinfection of Common Areas • Good practice: As with other frequently touched surfaces, toilets, showers, and restrooms are cleaned and disinfected daily • Better practice: High touch surfaces including toilets, showers, and restrooms are cleaned and disinfected more than once per day • Best practice: High touch surfaces including toilets, showers, and restrooms are cleaned and disinfected between users Permission to Attend A girl, parent/caregiver, or volunteer (or member of their household) must meet certain participation parameters before attending a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri in-person meeting or gathering. Turn to pg. 5 for a comprehensive list of participation parameters. Reporting and Communicating a Positive COVID-19 Test In the event of a COVID-19 positive test result within a member’s household, promptly contact Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Senior Manager, Risk Management, Dan Sise, dsise@girlscoutsem.org , to receive explicit guidance. A Council staff member and NOT volunteers, will be responsible for: • Confirming and tracing the positive individual • Contacting the parents/caregivers of anyone who may have been exposed (or other volunteers) • Notifying a facility where a troop has met A Council staff member and NOT volunteers, will be responsible for: • Confirming and tracing the positive individual • Contacting the parents/caregivers of anyone who may have been exposed (or other volunteers) • Notifying a facility where a troop has met Recommendation: Troops/groups should disinfect common touch surfaces after their scheduled time of use at the shower house, if they utilize the facility during their assigned time.
20 COVID-19 Response Guidelines
Camp Protocol
COVID-19 Suspected or Positive Incidents If a staff member or camper develops a fever or COVID-19 symptoms while at camp, the individual will be isolated until appropriate return to home transportation can be arranged.
Isolation will occur in the following locations: • Fiddlecreek: Health Center beside supervisor’s quarters
• Cedarledge: Staff house • Tuckaho: Health Center
An isolated individual must be provided access to a restroom, food/water, and supervision in the case of a minor. The adult supervising the minor camper will be provided with PPE. The isolated individual will be provided with a mask to wear while awaiting transportation home. After the isolated individual leaves the camp facility Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri staff will begin the disinfecting process of the isolation area and camper’s living space. Additional protocols to be provided for staff.
Adult Education Classes
Let other volunteers know that council staff, NOT volunteers, will notify parents/ caregivers and others about a positive test result and that the individual’s identity is confidential. Remember that girl and volunteer health information is private and strictly confidential and should only be shared on a need-to-know basis with a Council staff member.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our Girl Scout community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Response Guidelines 21
Programs/Events at the Berges Family Program Center Protocol
2022 COVID-19 GUIDELINES Council Programs/Events at the Berges Family Program Center Protocol A new Girl Health History and other important participant forms were developed as part of the COVID-19 guidelines. These forms should be used for all meetings and activities. The forms can be found in the Appendix starting on pg. 36 or girlscoutsem.org/forms. One staff member is assigned to ask and document the responses to the screening checklist of all participants upon arrival, if the event is a recurring daily event or includes an overnight. This record must be kept confidentially with health forms and permission slips. All COVID-19-related documentation, such as (but not limited to) the Participant Screening Tools/Logs, should be securely retained for a minimum of 90 days after the Girl Scout activity for which they were completed. As always, troop leaders should retain annually a copy of the Girl Health History & Annual Permission Form, including the additional COVID-19 Girl Health History Addendum, for every girl in their troop. This staff member must serve as the point of notification for any post-meeting incident of a communicable disease. Upon notice, this staff member must contact Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Senior Manager, Risk Management, Dan Sise, dsise@girlscoutsem.org to receive explicit guidance. Program Participation Size See Maximum Capacity for Groups page 6 for current information as of 12.17.2021.
Masks See Masks, page 6 for current information as of 12.17.2021.
Group Size See Maximum Capacity for Groups, page 6 for current information as of 12.17.2021.
First Aid Supplies Berges Family Girl Scout Program Center first aid supplies will include COVID-19 prevention items including hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol), tissues, disposable facemasks, and disinfectants. Trash baskets or bags will be supplied for meeting and activity spaces, if not already available. Make sure that the trash baskets (or bags) are easily accessible for girls.
22 COVID-19 Response Guidelines
Programs/Events at the Berges Family Program Center Protocol
Food and Beverage An individually and commercially wrapped snack will be provided at Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri at Council-sponsored programs or events. Program participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottles. Pre-Program Health Screening Council Program staff will confidentially document all participants’ responses to a screening checklist upon arrival to each class, if it is a recurring daily event or includes an overnight. If a participant or instructor has been ill or has any signs of illness within 24 hours prior to the class (fever, cough, breathing difficulties/ shortness of breath, or other symptoms), they should not attend the program. If a participant (or a member of their household) is showing signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19 or has been in close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19, they are not permitted to attend in-person programs until they are either: cleared by a medical professional, it has been 72-hours since signs or symptoms were present, or it has been 5 days since the last date of a confirmed exposure to COVID-19. Program Supplies Activities should be planned to limit the contact of supplies between participants and should be held outside if possible. When possible, provide each girl with the supplies needed to complete the activity, such as scissors, glue, markers, etc. for each individual to use. When supplies are not available for each participant, disinfection of the supplies between girl use is ideal. For sports and other activities where a troop/group uses the same equipment to participate, such as soccer or gaga ball, have girls wash hands prior to and immediately after participating in the activity. Cleaning and Hygiene Each program site with in the Program Center will be cleaned and disinfected, following CDC guidelines, before, during, and after the program. Frequently touched supplies will be disinfected as needed. Hygiene best practices will be as follows: • Program participants (including facilitators) must perform hand hygiene using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. At a minimum, hand hygiene should be performed at the following times: ǔ Beginning and end of program ǔ Before and after skill practice sessions (when wearing gloves, hand hygiene should be done before putting on gloves and after removing them) • Use provided disinfectant wipes to disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, switches, handles, tables, and other surfaces • Participants should always cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, mouth, and the outside of their mask Disinfection of Common Areas: • Good practice: As with other frequently touched surfaces, toilets, showers, and restrooms are cleaned and disinfected daily • Better practice: High touch surfaces including toilets, showers and restrooms are cleaned and disinfected more than once per day • Best practice: High touch surfaces including toilets, showers and restrooms are cleaned and disinfected between users
COVID-19 Response Guidelines 23
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