*NEW OFFICE INFO*

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT – Midnight Sun Council Reopen All

Dear Scouting Leaders, Scouts, and Families:
In accordance with Governor Dunleavy’s recent announcement regarding the reopening of Alaska, we invite you all back to in-person Scouting. Starting Friday, May 22, 2020, restrictions on group size has been lifted and units can start meeting again. We recommend strongly that certain procedures stay in place. Maintain social distancing, keep surfaces clean, wear your face masks, if you feel inclined and follow the guidance that is put out by our state, which can be found here: https://covid19.alaska.gov/health-mandates/

While we strive to maintain cleanliness and recommended best practices, we need to be aware that there is still the possibility of the virus spreading, so please continue to be mindful of others and remember the Scout Oath and Law. We can only do our best to prevent the spread. We thank you all for being patient and for Scouting at Home. We hope that the suggestions we posted on our website and shared with you were found to be helpful. We are awaiting the patches to arrive for those that met the criteria for Scouting at Home, and we will let you know when they will be available. If you continue to Scout from home, you can still earn the patch until June 30, 2020.

While we are reopening, we will still follow the safety guidelines during our District and Council activities. The following programs are coming up quickly and registrations are currently underway. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so as quickly as possible.

For Scouts BSA: Summer Camp Week 1 July 12th through 18th
                             Summer Camp Week 2 July 19th through 25th

Please refer to the information that has been shared (or will be shortly in case of summer camp) regarding the safety aspects that are in place for each program.

Thank you again for all you do for Scouting and our youth.

Matt Cooper                                  Cindy Mascadri                                Stephen Smith
Council President                       Council Commissioner                    Scout Executive

COVID-19 Time Extensions

Updated 6/29/20

SAFETY RECALL - Cub Scout Activity Pin!

On June 24th, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America, announced a voluntary recall of Cub Scout Activity Pins sold between April 2016 and June 2020.

No other products are impacted by this issue, and we are not aware of any illness or injury resulting from the affected product.

CLICK HERE TO READ COMPLETE ARTICLE 

Midnight Sun Council Scouting at Home Patch Program

We are excited to be offering a Midnight Sun Council Scouting at Home patch!

Members of the Council Executive Board are generously sponsoring this program, and Scouts can earn this special edition patch by completing activities related to Scouting at Home.

The requirements for both Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA members can be found here. 

Please remember to practice social distancing and hand washing. Scouting is still strong in Interior and North Slope Alaska. Work on your advancements at home, go outside and have fun, and check our Facebook page and website for updates. We will continue to share information and updates.

Digital Safety Guidelines for Councils to Communicate to Unit Leaders

As local councils and units use digital and online resources, such as video conferencing, to continue Scouting meetings, projects and advancement during the COVID-19 outbreak, the National Council is providing guidance. Note this guidance is not comprehensive, and if it differs from the legal requirements of your state or local jurisdiction, please consult with your local council attorney.

Topics addressed in the Digital Safety Guidelines that volunteer leaders should be aware of:
BSA’s youth protection policies apply to all online activities.
Safeguard personal information.
Recording online meetings is not authorized.
Collecting personal information from youth under 13 is not recommended.

More details on each topic are included in the full Digital Safety Guidelines document.

Relevant information from these Digital Safety Guidelines can be shared with your volunteer leaders.

As a scout is clean, continue to educate your scouts and families by promoting the following:

Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.

Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Stay home when sick.

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should isolate and not attend any Scouting events. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

As is our practice in Scouting, our efforts are focused on preparation and responsiveness guided by official health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/

 Scouting at Home National Statement on COVID-19

https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/

Remaining vigilant in hand hygiene and social distancing are some of the most important practices.

Yours in Scouting,

Stephen Smith
Scout Executive

Programs