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COVID-19 Updates

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Last Updated 3/26/2021

Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts is committed to the safety and well-being of our members, their families, and the communities we serve.  We know Girl Scouts provides a platform for friendship, belonging, and support for thousands of girls and we have appropriate measures in place to protect them when they participate in Girl Scout activities.

Our communities are beginning to explore what is likely to be new ways of gathering together for years to come.  Girl Scouts is carefully managing this transition to ensure compliance with official guidance and will continue to adjust to stay current as the COVID-19 risk changes over time.  Please continue to visit this site for the most up-to-date information and resources.

Basic Guidelines for All Girl Scout Gatherings and In-Person Activities
  • Everyone must properly wear a face covering over their mouth and nose
  • Social distancing of at least six (6) feet between people must be maintained
  • All participants must wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • All are expected to do a quick health check before they leave home and not participate if they are showing any signs of illness
Troop Meetings
  • Massachusetts March 22, 2021 Appendix to Gatherings Order #63 separates group size limitations for those meeting in residences (which GSCWM does NOT allow) and those meeting in public spaces. Gatherings in public settings are limited to no more than 100 inside and 150 outside. Six feet of physical separation (social distancing) is required so the size of your location will also limit the size of your group. (https://www.mass.gov/doc/appendix-to-covid-19-order-63/download)
  • Girl/Adult ratios listed in Safety Activity Checkpoints must be maintained
  • Outdoor spaces where social distancing can be maintained are strongly encouraged when weather permits.
  • Meetings may not be held in fitness centers or gyms because the atmosphere in sports facilities is aerosolizing making them a higher risk for contracting the virus
  • No meetings are allowed in private homes out of concern that there would be greater risk of exposure to other family members, as well as other complexities involved with meeting at private residences
  • Meeting options need to be flexible based on the fluid nature of the COVID-19 risk.  GSUSA recommends maintaining virtual meetings at least 20% of the time to keep tech skills and virtual meeting habits fresh.  Troop leaders can contact info@gscwm.org for information about Zoom accounts available at special Girl Scout rates.
  • Find out about virtual program opportunities
  • Check here for more complete meeting and activity guidelines
Camp Properties

Camp properties are available for Girl Scout use with reduced capacities and limited availability of special program equipment.

Girl Scout Leadership Centers and Stores

Leadership Centers in Holyoke and Worcester remain closed to the public but we continue working to provide services and support for you.  Girl Scout stores in each location are able to process orders and prepare them for curbside pickup.  You can also email info@gscwm.org or call 413-584-2602 or 508-365-0115 to make an appointment to visit the store in-person or have a CORI Acknowledgement form verified.

Raising Awesome Girls!

Don’t forget to check out Girl Scouts of the USA resources for Girl Scouts at Home.  You’ll find virtual meeting tips, activities for individual girls and troops, and help for parents and caregivers navigating challenges we’ve never seen before – like how to talk to your kids about coronavirus.

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