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COVID-19 Guidelines


As COVID-19 health and safety protocols continue to evolve, please check here for the most up-to-date information. The safety and well-being of our girls, volunteers, and council staff are our number one concern as we continue to provide opportunities for our membership.  

Updated Health and Safety Guidelines for COVID-19 as of June 3, 2021
 

Per the CDC Guidelines, unvaccinated Girl Scouts, volunteers, or staff should continue to wear masks, social distance, sanitize frequently, and engage in outdoor events or virtual meetings for the safest experience.

At this time, those individuals that have been fully vaccinated for a minimum of two weeks may now participate in most activities without a mask (please see additional details and exceptions in our COVID -19 Guidelines which include Summer Camp specific guidelines).  As we transition to these new guidelines, we still remain a mask and socially distance, friendly organization.

While the CDC has approved vaccinations for those individuals that are at least 12 years old, it is not mandatory to receive the vaccine to participate in Girl Scout activities and each person’s vaccination status is their choice. We encourage everyone to follow whatever safety measures you feel comfortable with to protect yourself, your family, and the community.

COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Each troop/family should weigh their participation based on their own, as well as their family members health concerns. As with any social activity, participation in Girl Scouts could present the risk of contracting COVID-19. While Girl Scouts of Citrus takes every safety and preventative precaution, Girl Scouts of Citrus can in no way warrant that COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in council programs.

All adults, parents, and/or guardians understand that it is their responsibility to be aware of the current guidelines from the CDC, GSC and other governing bodies. When participating in any Girl Scout activity, all adults, parents and/or guardians accept full responsibility for their own decisions and/or their own child’s decision regarding safety protocols and exposure to COVID-19 risks, this includes but is not limited to choosing not to wear a mask or social distancing regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status

Please review the individual guidelines listed below:

Troop Meetings

While virtual is still the preferred method of engaging in troop activities for now. Troops have been able to meet in person. All troops that are currently meeting or that are going to begin meeting in person, at a public indoor/outdoor or residential outdoor location, will need to do the following:

  1. Complete a Meeting-General TAR Activity Packet which includes the following forms that are all dated 4/15/2021: ( TAR, Roster, Acknowledgement Form ) and submit it to the Safety Coordinator in each community for approval annually.
  2. If meeting at an outdoor residential location, you will also need to complete the Residential Agreement Form and submit that with your Meeting Request Packet.
  3. Follow all guidelines contained in Safety Activity Checkpoints and refer to our additional COVID -19 Guidelines for additional information and communicate the requirements to the other adult volunteers and parents.
  4. Ensure all participants complete the Pre-Screening form  and keep accurate attendance records.
  5. Wear masks and follow social distancing, unless vaccinated. This is on your honor.
  6. Ensure that families in your troop or group are aware of and comfortable with how you will conduct any in-person any mask/distancing-optional interactions.
  7. Always have the following items: cleaning supplies, sanitizer,  tissues, disposable facemasks, and disinfectants. Clean and sanitize high touch surfaces and supplies upon arrival, in the middle, and at end of event. Limit shared supplies.
  8. Avoid shared food sources and offer individual wrapped/packaged snacks or encourage attendees to bring their own food and drink.
  9. If someone is sick or running a temperature above 100.4 they should stay home, if already at an activity or event they should be sent home if sick or symptomatic.

All paperwork that is collected for troop meetings must be kept on file for at least the entire school year. This includes, but is not limited to: meeting rosters for each meeting, pre-screening forms, adult certifications, and any other information such as meeting schedules, etc.

Events, Programs and Activities Sponsored by Council, Troops, and Community Program Partners

When participating in any activities outside of the meeting place that are not considered high adventure or high risk, please follow the following guidelines:

  1. Complete a Meeting-General TAR Activity Packet which includes the following forms that are all dated 4/15/2021: ( TAR, Roster, Acknowledgement Form ) and submit it to the Safety Coordinator in each community for approval annually.
  2. Follow all guidelines contained in Safety Activity Checkpoints and refer to our additional COVID -19 Guidelines for additional information and communicate the requirements to the other adult volunteers and parents.
  3. Ensure all participants complete the Pre-Screening form  and keep accurate attendance records.
  4. Wear masks and follow social distancing, unless vaccinated. This is on your honor.
  5. Ensure that families in your troop or group are aware of and comfortable with how you will conduct any in-person any mask/distancing-optional interactions.
  6. Always have a certified Troop First Aider with a stocked first aid kit with specific COVID supplies such as: gloves, thermometer, disinfectant wipes, tissues, and disposable masks.
  7. When applicable - clean and sanitize high touch surfaces and supplies upon arrival, in the middle, and at end of event. Limit shared supplies.
  8. Avoid shared food sources and offer individual wrapped/packaged snacks or encourage attendees to bring their own food and drink.
  9. If someone is sick or running a temperature above 100.4, they should stay home, if already at an activity or event they should be sent home if sick or symptomatic.
  10. For all activities and events that will be hosted and/or facilitated by our Community Program Partners, please review, and adhere to the protocols and guidelines that are in place for that activity/location. Please be sure to follow all GSC guidelines and contact the partner ahead of time with any specific questions regarding their guidelines.
  11. If an activity is high adventure or high risk, please review that section of the guidelines and follow those procedures.
Service Community/Multi Troop Day Events

These guidelines are for all Girl Scout Activities/Day Events that are on a larger scale, such as an event that has more than one troop or with one or more communities.  To host these types of activities, communities/multi- troops will need to do the following:

  1. Complete the Community/Multi Troop Activity Request Packet which includes the following forms that are all dated 4/15/2021: (CAR, Roster, Guidelines, Acknowledgement Form) and submit it to Customer Care at customercare@citrus-g.org for approval, a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the event date.
  2. Follow all guidelines contained in Safety Activity Checkpoints and refer to our additional COVID -19 Guidelines for additional information and communicate the requirements to the other adult volunteers and parents.
  3. Ensure all participants complete the Pre-Screening form  and keep accurate attendance records.
  4. Wear masks and follow social distancing, unless vaccinated. This is on your honor.
  5. Ensure that families in your troop or group are aware of and comfortable with how you will conduct any in-person any mask/distancing-optional interactions.
  6. Always have a certified Troop First Aider with a stocked first aid kit with specific COVID supplies such as: gloves, thermometer, disinfectant wipes, tissues, and disposable masks.
  7. Always be sure to keep activities socially distanced when applicable - clean and sanitize high touch surfaces and supplies upon arrival, in the middle, and at end of event. Limit shared supplies.
  8. Avoid shared food sources and offer individual wrapped/packaged snacks or encourage attendees to bring their own food and drink.
  9. If someone is sick or running a temperature above 100.4, they should stay home, if already at an activity or event they should be sent home if sick or symptomatic.
  10. For all activities and events that will be hosted and/or facilitated by our Community Program Partners, please review, and adhere to the protocols and guidelines that are in place for that activity/location. Please be sure to follow all GSC guidelines and contact the partner ahead of time with any specific questions regarding their guidelines. If an activity is high adventure or high risk, please review that section of the guidelines and follow those procedures.
High Adventure, Overnights and Troop Travel

To participate in any one of the following activities: High Adventure, Camping, and Overnights for 3 days/2 nights or less, please be sure to review the following guidelines listed below. Be sure to complete all required paperwork and submit it according to the requested timeline to allow enough time to review and approve.

  1. Complete the required packet and submit it with all documents by the requested due date.
  2. Be sure to follow all guidelines contained in Safety Activity Checkpoints and refer to our additional COVID -19 Guidelines for additional information and communicate the requirements to the other adult volunteers and parents.
  3. Ensure all participants complete the Pre-Screening form  and keep accurate attendance records.
  4. Be sure to wear masks and follow social distancing, unless vaccinated.
  5. Ensure that families in your troop or group are aware of and comfortable with how you will conduct any in-person any mask/distancing-optional interactions.
  6. Always have a certified Troop First Aider with a stocked first aid kit with specific COVID supplies such as: gloves, thermometer, disinfectant wipes, tissues, and disposable masks.
  7. When applicable - clean and sanitize high touch surfaces and supplies upon arrival, in the middle, and at end of event. Limit shared supplies.
  8. Avoid shared food sources and offer individual wrapped/packaged snacks or encourage attendees to bring their own food and drink.
  9. If someone is sick or running a temperature above 100.4, they should stay home, if already at an activity or event they should be sent home if sick or symptomatic.

Please note:

When participating in any overnight and/or high adventure events that are hosted specifically by Council Staff on GSC properties or other locations, an Overnight Troop Travel Packet is not required. A standard TAR submitted to the Safety Coordinator will be sufficient, in addition to any event specific paperwork that may need to be completed. This will be noted in the event description.

In addition, for individual troops that are participating in high adventure activities and/or camping specifically on a GSC property, an Overnight Troop Travel Packet is not required. A standard TAR submitted to the Safety Coordinator will be sufficient.

High Adventure Activities

Before planning your activities with the girls and submitting your paperwork to be approved, please:

  1. Verify that any activity you are planning with your girls is allowed for their grade level. You can review these guidelines by referring to:
  2. Be sure to verify the vendor/partner is approved and listed on the:
    • Approved Vendors and Community Partner Page to do a safety inspection
    • If the vendor is not yet approved, be sure to review the Approval Process for Vendors guidelines and submit your request 4-6 weeks prior to the event to ensure there is enough time to verify insurance and to complete a safety inspection.
    • Please note: if a vendor does not comply with the safety standards required for that activity, they will not be approved. It is not recommended to make payments that are non-refundable until a location has been approved.
  3. Always remember that even though Girl Scouts of Citrus has vetted and approved these activities and/or vendors, it is still the responsibility of the troop leaders, parents, and other volunteers to ensure everyone is adhering to all current Girl Scouts of Citrus COVID-19 safety and health guidelines as well as the guidelines of the location.
  4. If the location is approved, please complete a High Adventure, Camping and Overnight Packet which includes the following forms that are all dated 4/15/2021: ( AR, Roster, Acknowledgement Form ) and submit it to the Customer Care attention Michelle Rouleau at customercare@citrus-gs.org no less than 1 month  prior to the event. 
GSC Overnight Guidelines

When planning any type of overnight experience with people outside of your own household, the following guidelines must be always adhered to by the adults and girls when sleeping in the same structure:

  1. Reduce the sleeping capacity by approximately 50% of total capacity depending on the type of accommodations you are using.
  2. Groups should remain in small cohorts/pods throughout their activities. Masks are not required if groups are only in contact with their own pods. Once other groups are around in activities, etc. masks should be worn by everyone that is not vaccinated and everyone should socially distance 6 feet from each other.
  3. Everyone sleeps 6 feet apart and has their own bed/sleeping area
  4. All participants must sleep head to toe or feet to feet (never face to face)
  5. Adults sleep in separate structures unless the event is specified for that such as a family camp event, Mom and me/Dad and me
  6. All clothing, toiletries and personal items should remain in closed bags when not in use
  7. Everyone should have their own personal items/toiletries that are labeled and stored when not in use, including multiple masks. Avoid sharing any personal items outside of family members
  8. Masks are not to be worn when: (unless otherwise specified)
    • Eating or drinking
    • Sleeping
    • Participating in any outdoor physical activities
    • Around a campfire
    • Be sure to maintain a minimum of 6 feet of distance during these brief times without masks if you are around other cohorts/pods.
  9. Cleaning and Sanitizing:
    • Ensure there are enough supplies for the trip
    • All sleeping areas should be cleaned and disinfected prior to setting up their beds as well as daily. Wiping or spraying down mattresses/bedding with disinfectant
    • When possible open windows, flaps etc. to allow enough sufficient ventilation once girls begin their day
    • Ensure that there are sufficient hand sanitizers at all activities
    • Wash hands frequently with soap and water throughout the day
  10. If there are any male volunteers on the trip, they must always sleep in a completely different area and have their own restroom (when possible) if the restroom is shared, there must be a sign or indication on the door. The door/entrance must be locked/blocked, or a female adult should be outside ensuring girls do not enter  
Camping/Troop Travel that is 3 days/2 nights or less

This includes when camping on campsites, parks, hotels, other youth camps, etc.

  1. Complete a High Adventure, Camping and Overnight Packet which includes the following forms that are all dated 4/15/2021: ( AR, Roster, Acknowledgement Form ) and submit it to the Customer Care attention Michelle Rouleau at customercare@citrus-gs.org no less than 1 month  prior to the event.
  2. Adhere to all current GSC Overnight Guidelines as well as additional GSC, CDC, Safety Activity Checkpoint, Volunteer Essential and COVID – 19 guidelines
  3. Location must be vetted and on current vendor list
  4. All girls attending the trip hold a current membership
  5. All adults attending and/or driving must have a current membership and an approved CBC
  6. Troops must have a current First Aider and Troop Camper for the type of overnight activity
  7. All participants must complete the pre-screening form and have their temperature taken and logged daily
Other Accommodations

Hotels and Air B&B’s

It is recommended at this time that only those that are in the same household share a hotel room/bedroom. However, if there is a need for non-family members to stay in the same room all the above guidelines need to be adhered to at this time.

Always follow Safety Activity Checkpoints for all guidelines and confirm Safety and Health guidelines with the location prior to reservations to ensure they are COVID compliant with all sanitary and health guidelines.

Tent Camping

Always ensure the troop/group has a Troop Camper that holds  a current Outdoor Skills Certification - Troop Camper Level 1, that includes new Covid-19 guidelines. (for those that had previous training from 2019-2020, there will be a brief update module sent to you to view)

It is recommended at this time that only those that are in the same household share a tent. However, if there is a need for non-family members to stay in the same tent all the above guidelines need to be adhered to and no more than two people per tent. 

Extended Troop Travel

Extended Camping/Troop Travel – more than 3 days/2 nights

As of June 1st troops will be allowed to submit Troop Activity Requests for extended overnight camping/trips. Providing they adhere to the following criteria:

This includes when camping on campsites, parks, hotels, other youth camps, etc.

  1. Complete a Extended Troop Travel Packet dated June 2021 and submit it to the Customer Care attention Michelle Rouleau at customercare@citrus-gs.org no less than 2 months prior to the event.
  2. Adhere to all current GSC Overnight Guidelines as well as additional GSC, CDC, Safety Activity Checkpoint, Volunteer Essential and COVID – 19 guidelines
  3. Check all activity waivers or other vendor paperwork
  4. Parent permission for each girl
  5. Annual Health Exam for girls and adult participants
  6. All girls attending the trip hold a current membership
  7. All adults attending and/or driving must have a current membership and an approved CBC
  8. Troops must have a current First Aider and Troop Camper for the type of overnight activity
  9. All participants must complete the pre-screening form and have their temperature taken and logged daily
  10. Trips must take place within the United States. International trips are not permitted at this time.
Camporees

Beginning October 1st, 2021 Communities will be able to host overnight camporees for the 2021 – 2022 Girl Scout year on approved site locations. Property reservations for Mah-Kah-Wee will open on July 1st for troop camping and select camporee weekends.

Beginning July 1st, 2021 Camporee Request Forms will be accepted for the 2021-2022 Girl Scout year. Please submit all requests to Customer Care at customercare@citrus-gs.org   

All current Camporee Directors/Coordinators will need to attend an additional training that will go over updates and guidelines. New Coordinators will also need to take Camporee Training 101.

Camporee training needs to be taken every 2 years.

Training updates and new trainings will also be released by July 1st, 2021

Approved Activity/Vendor List

The vendor/activity list will be updated as new vendors are vetted and approved. What is vetted and approved? This is when the vendor has been visited by a designated staff person and all activities, guidelines and polices are reviewed. This includes, but is not limited to compliance with all safety, health, governing bodies, GSC, GSUSA, local and state guidelines regarding all activities, COVID -19 protocols, current certifications, program delivery, specific training, emergency procedures and compliance with liability insurance minimums. 

 

Approved Activity/Vendor List

 

Summer Residential and Day Camp

The following guidelines will be in place for Summer Residential Camps and Overnight Activities for Summer 2021

  • Please remember, if you are not feeling well, please stay home
  • Residential Campers will be required to fill out a pre-screen through Campdoc daily beginning 12 days before arriving at camp.
  • Staff and campers will be required to wear a mask when they are indoors or within 6 feet of another pod/cohort.
  • Mask for campers will not be required outdoors within their pod/group, however if a camper wants to wear a mask, they are welcome to do so except during the following times:
    • Eating or Drinking
    • Near or on the water
    • When participating in in the following high adventure activities for safety reasons
      • Swimming
      • Archery
      • Challenge course
      • Tomahawk throwing
      • Water sports
    • Sleeping
    • Near a fire
    • Medical condition that will not allow for mask, but they will be required to wear a face shield
  • There will be mask free zones outside throughout the property to give campers and staff an opportunity to remove mask. While in the mask free zone girls and campers must maintain a social distance. 
  • Pods/groups will only have interaction within their group unless an all-camp activity can be done while maintaining a 6-foot social distance between pod/groups
  • All session attendance will be reduced by 50%
  • Sleeping quarters will be limited by 50% and special sleeping guidance will be provided
  • Additional sanitizer stations will be installed at all locations
  • Hand washing will be done before and after all activities
  • Individual supplies will be provided for each pod/group unless the supplies can be sanitized between pods/groups
  • All activity supplies will be sanitized between each pod/group
  • Campers and staff will do a daily temperature check each morning in the unit. If your camper is found to have a temperature above 100.4, she will be taken to the infirmary for an additional screen. If she is found to still have a fever parent will be contacted to pick up camper within 2hrs. Camper will remain isolated in the infirmary until parent arrives.
  • Campers who are sent home early during the week due to illness will be issued a prorated refund. 
  • Please understand that COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily in the community. Each family should weigh their participation based on their own, as well as their family members health concerns. As with any social activity, participation in Summer Camp could present the risk of contracting COVID-19. While Girl Scouts of Citrus takes every safety and preventative precaution, we can in no way warrant or be held responsible that COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in Summer Camp activities.
Vaccination FAQs - Volunteers and Parents

GSUSA Guidance to Councils—COVID-19 Vaccinations

FAQs for Girl Scout Councils to use with Parents and Volunteers

1.     Once adults are permitted to receive the COVID-19 vaccination in their home state, are volunteers required to be vaccinated before they can meet in person with girls?

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) strongly encourages, but does not require, vaccination for volunteers. State laws and council policies vary, so please check with your council to find out whether it requires vaccinations (for those who can get vaccinated) and whether specific vaccine protocols apply in your jurisdiction.

 

2.     Can council staff members inquire about the vaccination status of volunteers?

Unless your council has specifically mandated COVD-19 vaccinations for its volunteers, council staff should not inquire about a volunteer’s vaccination status. Deciding to receive a vaccine is a personal decision and Girl Scouts of Citrus Council encourages our staff and members to respect the privacy of fellow members and their families.

 

3.     Can parents/caregivers ask about the vaccination status of volunteers?

While parents/caregivers may certainly ask, volunteers are under no obligation to disclose their personal vaccination status. Also, under no circumstances should a volunteer discuss the personal healthcare decisions of another volunteer with anyone.

 

4.     Can parents/caregivers or volunteers ask about the vaccination status of council staff and camp staff?

While parents/caregivers may certainly ask and Girl Scouts of Citrus Council strongly encourages all council staff members who can get vaccinated to become vaccinated when the vaccine is available to them, council staff are under no obligation to disclose their personal vaccination status. Under no circumstances should one staff member discuss the personal healthcare decisions of another staff member with anyone. However, a council may disclose whether it has either mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for its staff or has strongly recommended COVID-19 vaccinations for its staff.

 

5.     Can parents/caregivers ask other parents/caregivers about the vaccination status of girls in the troop?

Parents/caregivers are certainly free to discuss vaccinations with other parents/caregivers when both parties are open to that conversation. However, parents/caregivers should not feel obligated to share personal medical information if they choose to maintain their privacy in the matter. Girl Scouts of Citrus Council encourages parents/caregivers to respect the privacy of the girls and other adults in their girl’s troop.

 

6.     Once vaccinations for children are available, can councils or troop leaders require girls to be vaccinated before they attend in-person activities?

COVID-19 vaccines are not expected to become available for children before the end of 2021. Councils are encouraged to stay abreast of state regulations and the protocols that are practiced in public schools and use that information to inform their policies.

 

7.     Once someone is vaccinated, do they have to continue to practice the safety protocols as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), such as social distancing, washing their hands frequently, and wearing a mask?

Yes. For the protection of all members as well as the families and communities we serve, Girl Scouts of Citrus Council will continue to practice, and encourage all members of the Movement to practice, all CDC-recommended health and safety protocols, regardless of whether or not an individual has received the vaccine.

 

Customer Care and Council Shop

Customer Care

Please keep in mind that the while the Council office is still closed to the public, our staff are working remotely and can be reached during normal business hours.

Our Customer Care team is also available during our normal business hours. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. They can be reached through live chat or by calling 407-896-4475. You can also contact them outside of regular business hours  by sending an email to customercare@citrus-gs.org.
 

Council Shop

The Citrus council Shop is now fully open . Masks are required for everyone entering the shop.

  • Safe social distancing will be enforced.
  • The shop staff will disinfect and clean their workstations and storefront regularly throughout the day.
  • Orders can be placed through shop@citrus-gs.org  and these will be processed and shipped out. Orders must be summitted by email at least 48 hours prior to the order pick up date.
  • The Council Shop will continue to offer curbside pickup.
Meeting Virtually

While we cannot endorse or support specific online meeting tools for your use, see below for a list of free and low-cost tools that could be useful to you.

Please be sure to follow the GSUSA Virtual Meeting Guidelines found here

Video and Audio-Conferencing Tools with free versions 

While all of these options have a free version, please note you may be prompted to consider their upgraded versions for a subscription fee.

  • Zoom - FAQ
    Note: Meetings durations maximum of 40 minutes in free version
  • Skype - Support
    Note: Up to 10 participants free
  • Webex – Help Center
    Note: Limited file and content sharing in free version

Chat and Collaboration Tools with free versions

Additional low-cost tools for collaboration and conferencing to consider if the above options do not meet your group's needs.

Reporting and communicating a positive COVID-19 test

In the event of a COVID-19 positive test result, contact the parents or troop members while maintaining privacy of the individual. The troop leader will notify parents and others about a positive test result and that the tester’s identity is confidential. Remember that girl and volunteer health information is private and strictly confidential and should be only shared on a need-to-know basis with a council staff member.

  • Confirming and tracing the positive tester by reviewing the pre-screening forms (review contact tracing)
  • Contacting the parents of anyone who may have been exposed (or other volunteers)
  • The troop leader should email their Community Engagement Manager with details regarding the point of contact and the safety measures that were in place.
  • Be sure that the infected person follows all quarantine guidelines from the CDC before resuming any in person activities.
  • Notify a facility or homeowner where a troop has met

Close Contact according to the CDC is considered someone who has been within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes in one day). An infected person can spread SARS-CoV-2 starting from 2 days before they have any symptoms.

For all major forms related to Girl SCout activities, please search our FORMS section of our website.

We recognize that the uncertainties surrounding the virus are causing a great deal of stress. We will continue to monitor the situation and will continue to adjust girl activities as recommended by GSUSA, the CDC and local Health Department.

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