COVID-19 Updates

Last Updated 3/14/22

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

All are expected to do a quick health check before they leave home and not participate if they are showing any signs of illness
While masks are no longer required, we remain mask friendly. Any participant, especially if not vaccinated and boosted, is encouraged to wear a mask if they are more comfortable doing so or if their parent/guardian instructs them to do so. Masks are required of all in GSCWM Leadership Centers and camp buildings.
We support troop and service unit leadership teams in establishing greater protection than GSCWM requires if, in their judgment, increased precautions are needed to protect a sister Girl Scout or her family or if advised due to local conditions or the nature of a particular activity.
All participants must wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 is not allowed to participate in Girl Scout activities until at least five days have passed since the onset of symptoms or since the positive result, they have no fever for 24 hours, and respiratory symptoms have improved. Individuals testing positive for COVID-19 MUST wear a mask for five days following the mandatory five-day quarantine period.

Troop Meetings

Girl/Adult ratios listed in Safety Activity Checkpoints must be maintained
Outdoor spaces are strongly encouraged when weather permits.
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

Troop and Service Unit Camp Guidelines

The following are key points to consider when planning a camp activity and more detailed guidelines are available here.

Nobody should attend if they are showing any signs of illness. Each attendee must complete a COVID-19 Screening Form ( Screening Form) upon arrival.
Girls from different households are discouraged from carpooling.
Non-essential visitors, who are not vaccinated (including parents or other individuals with no essential purpose for coming onsite) should be limited to the maximum extent possible. Essential visitors could include, for example, instructors, vendors, parents picking up children, local board of health/department of public health, or accreditation members.
Masks must be properly worn by all (vaccinated and unvaccinated) in GSCWM camp buildings, except when eating, drinking, or sleeping. Girls and adults who are not fully vaccinated and boosted are strongly encouraged, but not required, to wear masks when outdoors.
- Girls should bring their own lunch or snack from home (no sharing) or pre-packaged food/snacks can be provided.
- Campers can have S’mores and individually cooked campfire meals if adults wearing gloves distribute the ingredients
If a camper feels ill during the camp day or has COVID-19 symptoms, they will be separated from other campers and the parent/guardian or emergency contact must be notified and instructed to pick up their camper

Girl Scout Leadership Centers and Stores

All visitors, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, to Leadership Centers and stores in Holyoke and Worcester must wear masks. Please make an appointment to visit the stores or place an order for curbside pickup. The number of store visitors at one time will be limited and social distancing will be enforced.

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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