We are hearing that it may be inevitable that the school systems of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota may be closed for the remainder of the school year. We are learning in new and unusual ways how to participate together in “distance learning” and community activities. I believe that many Scouts BSA Troops and Cub Scout Packs have been on the forefront of that activity and innovation.

Many people have also expressed that they don’t like the term “social distancing” and would prefer instead the term “physical distancing”. We are doing everything we can to remain close and connected socially. For everyone’s mental, social, and even physical health, I encourage us all to continue to look for ways to stay connected.

Questions have been coming in concerning Day Camp activities and Summer Camps. We have received some communication from the National Service Center regarding Summer Camps. The National High Adventure Bases are in the process of hiring, training, and preparing program for this Summer. They encourage all local councils to continue the same process for their Summer Camps. Granted that in the VAC we don’t operate a Summer Camping program, but we continue to Encourage every Scouts BSA Troop to plan and prepare for a Summer Camp adventure this year!

The VAC Day Camps, as scheduled, are still in effect. They are not cancelled. We expect to have registration open and ready to go in the next few days. If the circumstances, restrictions, and government regulations should change, we would certainly entertain full refunds to those that have registered for cancelled events.

Other events include: NYLT, Spring WAC, OA NOAC, the Merit Badge Camp for Aquatics, and some fundraising events. These are all being planned and preparations are underway to have them as scheduled. Updates on all of them will be available regularly. Please encourage your Scouts to look at which activities they would like to participate in when the quarantine is over, and get registered for them now.

We are not turning a blind eye to the realities of our local, national, and world struggles. We do, however, chose to remain optimistic that this too shall pass and we will be able to return to the outdoors where Scouts belong.

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Michael Jenkins – Scout Executive

Given that the governors of all three states that we serve, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan have ordered that all non-essential business close and the people stay home – we are going to go to the next step here at the Voyageurs Area Council.

In compliance with legal mandates, the Voyageurs Area Council Service Center will be closed until May 1, 2020.  No more appointments will be taken starting this Saturday, March 28.  Any in-person Scouting events or meetings for April that might have still been pending or even anticipated are hereby cancelled.  If the event or meeting can be re-scheduled we will do our best to let everyone know when that is going to happen.  In-person events or meetings for May would be considered unlikely at this point.

I want to assure everyone that the staff of the Voyageurs Area Council continue to put in full work schedules and are each doing their best to find ways to accomplish job tasks and other functions that will continue to add value to Scouting each day.  We are participating in webinars and chat groups to discover what others are doing to be successful.  We are working with each other to solve work issues and discuss the needs of our Scouts and their families.  We are doing our best to serve.

All members of the staff are available every day of the week and all of the professional staff (district executives, Director of Institutional Advancement, and Scout Executive) are available regardless of the day or time of day.  We can be reached by cell phone or email.  That information has been shared in a previous update and is available on the Council website at www.vac-bsa.org.

We are all in this together.  We are encourage by what we see from unit leaders and parents as they continue to work with their Scouts on advancements, service opportunities, and fun stuff in Scouting.

Remember – a Scout is

Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.  All of these things have special meaning during this crisis.

My best,

Michael Jenkins – Scout Executive

Covid-19 Update 3.27.20 Printable Version

The Voyageurs Area Council is moving to the next step of preparation and social distancing amid ongoing issues with the Coronavirus.

Starting Monday, March 23, the Council Service Center will not be open to walk-in traffic at least through April 4.  Work in the building on committee or unit issues, or with any member of the staff, will be by appointment only.  Since almost all of us in the office are working in our own space, members of the staff have been given the option to either work from home or work in the office.  Either way we can continue to participate in social distancing.  It will be important, for the safety of all concerned, that no one arrive at the Council Service Center without an appointment and expect to have entry to the building.  Signs will be posted on the doors and phone numbers available for those that need assistance.

As a reminder for all who might need services or information during this challenging time, please refer to the list below:

Scout Executive: Michael Jenkins           218-464-3000              Executive Services            

District Director: Clark Garthwait           218-409-1600              Arrowhead, Boundary Waters, & Glacial Trails Districts

District Director: Brad Olson                  218-329-1452              Northern Lakes District                                                                                            

Office Manager: Susan Meyer               218-310-8300              Office Services, Scout Shop Services

Financial Clerk: Candy Werner             218-590-5913              Finance issues, Communications

The Council general number is 218-729-5811.

We are all in this together.  Stay safe and healthy.

                                                                                                                       

Best,

Michael Jenkins, Scout Executive

Covid-19 Update 3.19.20 Printable Version

The Voyageurs Area Council, BSA has been actively monitoring all communications from government officials, health officials, and other community leaders.  We have been in active communication with other Scout Councils around the country and here in Minnesota.

Given our place in the community as a leading organization, and one with significant influence on families and other organizations, we know we must be socially responsible in our decisions and the process of program management.

With new information coming out daily and even hourly, we have decided to close all unit programs from “in-person” contact.  Scout Troops, Cub Scout Packs, Venturing Crews, Sea Scout Ships, and Exploring Posts are instructed to cancel all “in-person” meetings and events.  These activities should be conducted in the virtual world at least until the time that schools reopen.  We will update you when it is approved to begin meeting in person again.

Additionally, all Council and District activities and events are cancelled or postponed until further notice.  All Council and District meetings may be held in the virtual world and are encouraged to continue.  Roundtables and committee meetings can be conducted virtually without interruption.

With school closings, we recommend that units develop creative ways for all Scouts to continue to participate in Scouting on a regular, ongoing basis.  Workshops, seminars, projects, and advancement activities can be accomplished with support from unit leaders over the internet, email, and text.

Scouts should also be looking for service opportunities to help those that may be homebound because of the Covid-19 outbreak – always keeping in mind social distancing and personal safety.

We are hopeful that these measures will only last a short time and that our Summer activities will be able to go off without interruption.  Please watch our website, www.vac-bsa.org , or facebook page, and specific email communication for ongoing policy decisions that may affect each of you.

All my best,           

Michael Jenkins, Scout Executive

Covid-19 Update 3.16.20 Printable Version

The Voyageurs Area Council is monitoring developments regarding Covid-19, and we want to provide you with the latest guidance based on currently available information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and State and County Health Departments.  This information may change as updated research and facts become available.

While officials say the health risk to the general public in Minnesota and Wisconsin from Covid-19 remains low, the situation is evolving, and our Council is closely monitoring developments.  (Note: the situation in Michigan is at a different stage.)

Should public health authorities or government officials recommend additional preventative measures, we will act accordingly.  Please refer to the Council website for updates on postponement or cancellation of upcoming events, activities, or meetings in your local area.

 Our Council’s Response:  A Scout is Clean

We encourage everyone attending our properties and programs to follow health authorities recommendations to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms associated with Covid-19, or if you believe you may have been exposed to Covid-19, you should not attend a Scouting activity, meeting, or event. People who think they may have been exposed to Covid-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Best Regards,

Michael Jenkins, Scout Executive

Covid-19 Update 3.13.20 Printable Version