troop Current COVId-19 news
Update for 2021-2022 Scouting season:
Hosting outdoor meetings outside of the church. Masks are now optional. We will update mask requirements and the status of meetings as needed in accordance with local guidance.
Letter from Scoutmaster Ross: (March 8, 2021)
Given the great weather expected tomorrow, we’ll meet in-person at the church at 7 pm for our weekly meeting. To meet state limits on meeting size, we’ll divide into three groups: New scouts will meet by the doorway to the fellowship hall (our usual doorway). Venture/High-School age scouts will meet by the side door facing the playground area. The middle-aged Scouts will meet near the troop trailer.
Please DO NOT mix between groups. Masks are required at all times, the church will not be open, so use the bathroom beforehand.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone [in person]!
Mr. Ross
(January 6, 2021)
Troop 1916 will remain virtual for the time being, given the rising COVID Cases in Northern Virginia. The PLC is looking at scheduling weekly or biweekly troop meetings over virtual communications software. The PLC is also looking at ways Scouts can meet in person as Patrol-level groups, or something similar.
We will be back with more information regarding the meeting frequency and outing planning after the next PLC and Parent’s committee meeting.
Thank you for your patience,
-Troop 1916
Letter from Scoutmaster Ross: (August 30, 2020)
Good morning Troop 1916,
We will return to regular in-person meetings starting Tuesday, Sept 1, at 6:00PM, at the churchyard near the playground.
(Note that we discussed a 6PM start at the parents' meeting earlier this month.)
I strongly encourage all patrol leaders and other elected leaders to be present, and I could use the help of all ASMs as well.
The Troop will follow strict social-distancing procedures, and I encourage everyone to understand them in advance. These are the essential requirements for the near term :
1. All participants will wear masks that do not have a valve at all times. NO EXCEPTIONS, NO MOMENTARY LAPSES.
Please consider reviewing this link with your Scout. Good info on how masks work as a "source control":
If you do not have confidence that your Scout can keep a mask on for the length of a meeting, please do not participate.
For the sake of the health of the entire troop, we must be strict. If any youth or adult leader sees a Scout with his mask off his face, I will require that Scout to withdraw from the group and sit in a separate area until the meeting is over.
2. Six feet of distance between all participants at all times. We will focus on the implications and applications of this requirement in the first meeting. I'll have markers set up for members of each patrol to stand on at the start, and we'll practice moving around as a well-distanced group.
3. No access to the indoor areas of the church.
4. Appointment of additional Troop Guides to monitor mask and distancing requirements. I hope to have at least one Scout in each patrol designated to help other Scouts understand the requirements, and ensure that all follow them. I'll accept this service as leadership experience for rank advancement purposes.
The troop leadership and the church may change protocols as circumstances permit or require.
I understand that some families in the Troop may have different risk tolerances, and may not be comfortable with in-person meetings. I fully understand. I will work with everyone to ensure that each Scout can stay involved and have a meaningful Scout experience. If any parents out there would like to assist in exploring and developing a virtual-only program for those who do not want to attend the Tuesday meetings, I would love to hear from you.
Many thanks,
Mr Ross
Letter from Scoutmaster Ross: (July 28, 2020)
The Parent Committee Chair and I are hosting a meeting with the Assistant Scoutmasters this evening to discuss and explore outdoor opportunities for the Troop through the remainder of the calendar year. I also set a meeting for the Patrol Leaders’ Council to discuss the same topics this Thursday. We will circulate the results of those meetings later this week.
For everyone’s awareness, our chartering organization has given us approval to operate outdoor events in groups no larger than 20 people. Given ongoing COVID-19 pressures, I do not expect any troop event to involve larger groups for the remainder of the year. Any events we do hold must be carefully managed to ensure that our troop does not facilitate the spread of infection.
We are tentatively looking to repeat many of our familiar fall events, provided we can make them work with social distancing, masks, and other risk-reduction efforts. With those limitations in mind, I do not expect the Troop will schedule a Lock-In this year. It may be difficult to participate in Rise Against Hunger as well.
Letter from National Capital Area Council:
Dear Scouting Families:
I know we are all overwhelmed with the news surrounding COVID-19, the daily changes to our lives, and keeping our families healthy. Without a doubt, many of us are feeling anxious as we navigate the uncertainty of the weeks ahead; I want you to know, NCAC is feeling it too. What we do know is that Scouting can play a vital role in helping Scouts and their families feel less impact from social distancing.
We have been working to identify and encourage opportunities for Scouts to continue meeting with their units virtually, learn new skills, earn merit badges and advancements, and - most importantly - to do their part in giving back to their communities. I wanted to share with you some resources we’ve gathered that you might find helpful while planning activities at home for your families and staying up-to-date with Scouting during this pandemic.
Resources:
We are also planning a council-wide service project, and reviewing options to find one that keeps our Scouts safe while doing their Duty to Others.
I have been amazed at the positive attitude of our Scouts and volunteers and how proactive our community has been about helping each other and their neighbors through these turbulent circumstances. In difficult times, kindness and acts of service matter more than ever. If you know a Scout that is making a difference supporting or comforting other people, please reach out to scoutstories@ncacbsa.org and tell us about them. At a time when much of our news is discomforting, my hope is to share stories of these inspirational acts of kindness facilitated by local Scouts.
The strength and support of NCAC’s Scouting families, alumni, volunteers, and supporters encourages us to keep pursuing and focusing on our essential mission. Scouts are our future leaders and change-makers. They will undoubtedly face challenges in their future. We promise to do our part to make sure they are Prepared. For Life.
Thanks for all you do to ensure Scouting continues!
Yours in Scouting,
Craig Poland
Governor Ralph Northam issues a Statewide Order to Stay Home:
TEMPORARY STAY AT HOME ORDER DUE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) To reinforce the Commonwealth’s response to COVID-19 and in furtherance of Executive Orders 51 (March 12, 2020) and 53 (March 23, 2020) and by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article V, Section 7 of the Constitution of Virginia, by § 44-146.17 of the Code of Virginia, I order the following:
1. All individuals in Virginia shall remain at their place of residence, except as provided below by this Order and Executive Order 53. To the extent individuals use shared or outdoor spaces, whether on land or on water, they must at all times maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person, with the exception of family or household members or caretakers. Individuals may leave their residences for the purpose of:
a. Obtaining food, beverages, goods, or services as permitted in Executive Order 53;
b. Seeking medical attention, essential social services, governmental services, assistance from law enforcement, or emergency services;
c. Taking care of other individuals, animals, or visiting the home of a family member;
d. Traveling required by court order or to facilitate child custody, visitation, or child care;
e. Engaging in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements;
f. Traveling to and from one’s residence, place of worship, or work; 2
g. Traveling to and from an educational institution;
h. Volunteering with organizations that provide charitable or social services; and
i. Leaving one’s residence due to a reasonable fear for health or safety, at the direction of law enforcement, or at the direction of another government agency.
2. All public and private in-person gatherings of more than ten individuals are prohibited. This includes parties, celebrations, religious, or other social events, whether they occur indoor or outdoor. This restriction does not apply:
a. To the operation of businesses not required to close to the public under Executive Order 53;
b. To the gathering of family members living in the same residence.
3. Institutions of higher education shall cease all in-person classes and instruction, and cancel all gatherings of more than ten individuals. For purposes of facilitating remote learning, performing critical research, or performing essential functions, institutions of higher education may continue to operate, provided that social distancing requirements are maintained.
4. Effective April 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., cessation of all reservations for overnight stays of less than 14 nights at all privately-owned campgrounds, as defined in § 35.1-1 of the Code of Virginia. 5. Closure of all public beaches as defined in § 10.1-705 of the Code of Virginia for all activity, except exercising and fishing. Social distancing requirements must be followed.
6. All relevant state agencies shall continue to work with all housing partners to execute strategies to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Virginians experiencing homelessness during this pandemic and to assist Virginians in avoiding evictions or foreclosures.
7. As provided in Executive Order 53, nothing in this Order shall limit:
(a) the provision of health care or medical services;
(b) access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks;
(c) the operations of the media;
(d) law enforcement agencies;
(e) the operation of government.
Violation of paragraphs 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this Order shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor pursuant to § 44-146.17 of the Code of Virginia. 3 Effective Date of this Executive Order This Executive Order shall be effective March 30, 2020, amends Amended Order of the Governor and State Health Commissioner Declaration of Public Health Emergency, Order of Public Health Emergency One and Executive Order 53, and shall remain in full force and in effect until June 10, 2020, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order. Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 30th day of March, 2020. Ralph S. Northam, Governor
Troop 1916 is holding virtual meetings until further notice.
Page last updated: Aug 30, 2020