MIDDLE TENNESSEE COUNCIL, BSA  

PLANS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS 

COMMUNICATION # 5 

April 29, 2020 

Dear Middle Tennessee Council leaders and families: 

This is an important update for Middle Tennessee Council leaders and families. As we indicated in our previous communications, we will continue to update you as plans change. Our primary goal is always to provide safe programs for our Scouts, leaders, and staff. Our secondary goal is outdoor adventure, and we know that our Scouts crave it – especially right now. We realize these are extraordinary times and parents and leaders are concerned, but at the same time, we know you are ready to get back to outdoor Scouting programs.

The Middle Tennessee Council is implementing new dates to begin the reopening services, programs and activities for our leaders and families. Please see an updated schedule of planned openings below. These openings are not “in stone” because of potential changes in increased outbreaks and of the virus, and government restrictions in numbers of people who are allowed to gather in one place. Currently we have not decided on whether to hold summer camping programs at Boxwell. We are looking at all options to have both a safe and adventurous summer at Boxwell. The Governor announced yesterday that “Social and recreational gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited, including but not limited to festivals, fairs, parades, youth and adult sporting events, and overnight summer youth camps”. We are looking into how long this order will be in place.

We plan to send an email out to everyone no later than May 8^th with a decision on summer programs. We know that many of you are looking for a decision earlier than that, but like most other youth camps across the country we are in a “wait and see” status. We want to hold camp, but the safety of our Scouts, leaders and staff is our number one concern, and always will be. While you may have additional questions, the guide below should help you as you begin to plan to meet with your Scouts in the future.

We realize many families are facing economic challenges due to furloughs, layoffs and reduced income. The MTC is being challenged financially as well, as are most other organizations around the USA. Even in lite of these challenges, we are still committed to offer Camperships and Special Assistance for families that are struggling. This information can be found on our website at MTCBSA.org.

The Middle Tennessee Council team of staff and volunteers is here to support and work with you in any way possible. We will get through this and continue to offer what we consider are the best Scouting programs, led by the best volunteer leaders in the USA.

Thank you,