MIDDLE TENNESSEE COUNCIL, BSA  

PLANS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS 

COMMUNICATION # 4 

MARCH 24, 2020 

Dear Middle Tennessee Council Leaders and Families: 

We hope everyone is doing well and staying safe in these uncertain times. We want to bring you up to date on changes being made to Middle Tennessee Council meetings, activities and events. 

As we indicated in our previous communications, we will continue to provide updates to you as plans change in this fluid situation. The health and well-being of our Scouts, volunteer leaders, families, and staff continues to remain our number-one priority. 

New Changes 

  • We have decided that for everyone’s safety we need to extend the cancellation of all district and council activities, events and in person meetings through April 26th, 2020. This includes the Volunteer and Eagle Scout Recognition Reception scheduled for April 26, 2020. We are working with Lipscomb University to confirm a new date. Meetings by conference call, Zoom, Facebook Live or other communication platforms are encouraged. 
  • We just learned that Governor Lee has cancelled schools statewide through April 24th. We recommend that units not meet until April 27th. We will update you as more information becomes available. In the meantime, Scouts and families can go to the Middle Tennessee Council website to find badges and activities they can work on at home.  
  • With the new information provided by Governor Lee on school closings, our camping facilities, Scout Shop and Scout Office will remain closed through April 26th.  If you need to pick up or drop off items at the Scout Shop through April 26th, please call ahead and schedule an appointment 615-383-9724. 

 Reminders from Previous Communications 

  • We still recommend that “face to face” meetings be postponed through April 26th. We will provide an update if this date changes. Please feel free to have conference calls or virtual meetings if feasible.   

  • Camp Card Sales: The new official end date has been extended from April 17th to June 5th, 2020.  

  • Summer Camp Merit Badge class sign-up opened for registered units on March 24th at 10:00 a.m. as scheduled.   

  • Summer Camp Campership requests have been extended to April 15, 2020.  

  • If you have Scout related business that must be handled, please call or e-mail Ron Turpin 615-516-9751 or Vance Lackey 615-707-9002.  

MTC staff and volunteer leaders will discuss possible changes to the May calendar and send an update by April 10th. Summer Programs are still a GO! We are working to make sure that additional precautions are in place for handwashing, cleaning and social distancing during summer camp. We are asking all Scout leaders to work with their Scouts and families to plan your summer camp adventure. If the Council can help in any way, please reach out to us.  

These are unprecedented and challenging times, to be sure. Every day that we can prevent or delay the spread of the Coronavirus in our communities’ benefits everyone greatly, so your cooperation is very much appreciated. 

The Middle Tennessee Council team of staff and volunteers is here to support you and your Scouts in any way possible.  

Yours in Scouting, 

Dr. John Bright Cage
Council Board President

Karen Bengtson
Council Commissioner

Larry Brown
Scout Executive