Troop 108 Covid-19 Update

With South Carolina Governor McMaster’s declaration of a state emergency and the closing of all school systems until the end of March this school year, the troop leadership wanted to remind all members of our “no school/no scouts” policy.

In fact, with the well being of our troop members and their families in mind, the troop leadership had already made this decision prior to the governor’s press conference earlier this afternoon,

Since this emergency halt in meetings backs right up to the Fort Mill School System’s spring break, we will not actually meet again as a troop until April the 13th, the Monday just prior to our Earthday Canoe event at the ASC Greenway and our Troop BBQ, both scheduled for the 18th of April.

We will be posting additional information about how scouts will report or turn in their sales numbers for the BBQ in an upcoming mailing and or post.

Note that this also affects scouting on the district and council level as well. We’ve included the official Covid-19 update from the Palmetto Council, which was just released, below. We have highlighted those items which may directly affect our troop members.

Dear Palmetto Council Scouting Family,

The health and well-being of our Scouts, volunteer leaders, families, and staff continues to remain our number-one priority.  As COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to have unprecedented impact on our Nation and community we will strive to maintain regular communication with you to address concerns within our Scouting community. 

Today, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMasters announced a state-wide closure of public schools through at least March 31 and a recommendation against large social gatherings.  As we often follow the lead of our public schools in determining event postponement/cancellation, Palmetto Council will be suspending all in-person meetings between Monday, March 16 and Monday, April 13.  This includes all unit meetings.  This time frame may be extended depending on guidance from local, state, and national health organizations. 

At this time all of the activities listed below should be considered postponed.  Each event committee will determine over the next few days if an event can be rescheduled and will communicate those changes. 

Council Activities Postponed

NYLT (both weekends 1 & 2; Mar. 20-22 & Apr. 3-5)

TOTAL training (May 2-3; due to the inability to hold staff development weekends)

District Activities Postponed

Daniel Morgan Scout Show (Mar. 20-22)

Daniel Morgan Pinewood Derby (Mar. 21)

York Pinewood Derby (Mar. 21)

York Spring Camporee & ASM/SM Training (Mar. 27-29)

All other Council/District Meetings/Activities

All in-person meetings and activities scheduled through April 13 will be postponed effective Monday, March 16.  Group meetings that can be conducted by telephone or other digital means are encouraged.  If you have questions about specific meetings or activities, please contact your District Executive or the Council office. 

Unit Meetings

For the safety of all, units are to immediately discontinue their in-person meetings, activities, and camps. This suspension will remain in effect until South Carolina reopens schools and permits extracurricular activities.  Units are encouraged to consider using skype, zoom, or other communication platforms to conduct patrol meetings or merit badge classes.  Many online meeting tools are offering improved free trials during this time. 

Council Office

At this time the Palmetto Council office will continue to operate during normal business hours.  However, for the safety of our staff our lobby will be closed to visitors from Monday, March 16 until at least Wednesday, April 1.  If you need to make a Scout Store purchase or conduct other business at our office, please contact 864-585-4391 for arrangements. 

Activity Refund Policy for Cancellations and/or Postponements Due to COVID-19

• If an activity is officially canceled, you should expect a refund within the next 2-3 weeks. 
• If an activity is rescheduled, your registration will automatically be transferred to the new date.
• If you cannot make the rescheduled date and/or would like a refund, please contact Morgan Hawkins (Morgan.Hawkins@Scouting.org; 864-585-4391) and we will honor your refund request. 

We appreciate your cooperation and all you do for Scouting.  Thank you for joining Scouting and the rest of our community in helping to address and mitigate this public health crisis. 

Sincerely,

Justin K. Williams | Scout Executive/CEO

Palmetto Council