GSNCA Summer Camp Update
The safety of our members and their families is our highest priority. We have been closely monitoring and evaluating the impact that the CDC, Alabama Department of Health, and State re-opening guidelines might have on summer camp programs at KPC, Camp Coleman, and Camp Trico. We are aware of concerns related to health and safety and the potential risks associated with bringing girls together at camp. In order to adequately evaluate parental concerns related to summer camp programs, we convened a Summer Camp Evaluation Task Group to identify potential health and safety measures that would be expected by parents. In late April, we conducted a parent poll which received nearly 300 responses from camper families. We are also working with the American Camp Association and will have further guidance and a Field Guide soon, which will help us in our planning.
In response to the current pandemic, GSNCA has decided to pause, prepare,and pivot for this summer.
We will pause the start of summer camp and have cancelled resident and day camps, at least through June. If we are able to operate summer camp in July, this delay will allow us time to properly prepare facilities and provide training to volunteers and seasonal staff. We will host two one-week Virtual Camp experiences June 15-19 and June 22-26 (more information coming soon).
We are preparing for summer camp programs by monitoring health and safety recommendations and developing appropriate protocols to address these concerns. We are retooling camp program activities to minimize contact; provide adequate space for social distancing; and protect the health of participants and staff. If the situation allows for operation of camp in July, we will be ready with specific protocols in place and well-prepared facilities and staff.
We will pivot by combining all GSNCA staff-provided resident and day camp sessions at one location, Camp Coleman. Due to staffing, cleaning, and sanitation guidelines, and program modifications, we needed to choose one camp location to minimize cost and risk. Campers currently registered for resident camp at Camp Coleman or Camp Trico will be able to transfer to resident camp sessions at Camp Coleman in July. Campers registered for Day Camp at Camp Coleman in June, will be able to switch to the new July dates. Registration for these July camp sessions is ongoing, so those who would like to transfer should do so as soon as possible.
Additionally, if operation of camps is not allowed by Alabama State re-opening guidelines or we feel we cannot safely operate resident or day camp in compliance within recommended guidelines, then we are preparing for alternative camping experiences, including Family Camp (more details coming soon) and additional Virtual Camp experiences in July.
We appreciate your understanding in the unforeseen interruption of one of Girl Scouting’s core traditions.
Camperships, Cookie Program Rewards, Refunds and Camp Transfers
Detailed information can be found here.
Troop Meetings and Events
All troop and service unit meetings remain suspended until June 5, when school ends and the state suspension of after school activities runs out. Beginning June 6, troops can return to meeting in-person, provided that state social distancing guidelines can be met. Please use your best judgement. Masks must be worn by adults and children over 10 years old should social distancing not be possible during specific activities, like instruction. All safety activity checklist guidelines must still be met.
Service Centers and Retail Shops
Staff are currently working remotely and are available. Call 1-800-734-4541 for assistance. Staff will begin working on a limited basis in the office beginning May 18, but will remain available Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Retail Shops will be open by appointment only from May 5, 2020 to May 15, 2020. Tuesday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Customers will need to call 24 hours in advance to schedule appointments. Only one customer will be allowed in the shop at a time and children will not be allowed inside. For the safety of us and you, masks will be required. To schedule an appointment, call us at 1-800-734-4541. As always, you can place orders ahead of time by calling or emailing us your order at retail1@girlscoutsnca.org. We are happy to process the order and do curbside pickup.
GSNCA Events and Training
All in-person council-sponsored and community partner girl and volunteer programs, trainings, and events are suspended through June 30, 2020. Troop travel (foreign, domestic, and in-state) remains suspended through June 30. As the situation changes, this date may be altered based on circumstances.
GSNCA Annual Meeting
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and for the safety and wellbeing of all our members the board of directors of Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, Inc., (GSNCA) has decided to cancel our in-person annual meeting this year. To accomplish the task of electing board members, officers, members of the board development committee, girl liaisons to the board, delegates and alternate delegates to the National Council Session of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America the voting members will take action by unanimous written consent. The board of directors and members of the board develop committee will conduct a live, virtual gathering soon to celebrate the GSNCA’s accomplishments from this past year and to further explain the written consent. Delegates and alternate delegates will receive further information soon and membership will receive information on how to participate in the virtual gathering in the next Program Update.
Highest & Adult Awards Ceremonies
Stay tuned the week of May 25 – 30 for Highest Awards Week, a week-long celebration of some amazing GSNCA girls and adults changing the world! Due to social distancing restrictions, we will not be able to host an in-person Highest Awards Ceremony nor be able to celebrate our Adult Awards. We will be featuring our Bronze, Silver and Gold winners, our graduating seniors and all of the amazing volunteers selected for our Adult Awards for 2020 throughout the week of May 25 – 30. Award recipients will be receiving information this week and again the last week of May.
Join us Tuesday, May 12 at 5:00 p.m. for Home Shopping with GSNCA on Facebook Live! Join us on our Facebook page starting at 5:00 p.m. as we showcase special items for Highest Awards recipients, volunteers, alums, and more! |
