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The council leadership wants to reiterate that the safety of our youth, volunteers, and employees continues to be an important part of the TAC Scouting experience and is of utmost importance.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 restrictions imposed to protect the residents in the countries served by TAC continue to impact our Scouting programs. We are committed to outdoor programs, but only when they can be conducted in a safe manner.
The TAC Program Steering Committee is continuously evaluating our programs and pivoting as needed to ensure that we continue to support and supplement unit programs. Last evening this committee met to review the impact of COVID-19 on TAC Scouting and set direction for the months ahead.
BSA Standards and Resources for Unit Programs
The Boy Scouts of America has developed resources and standards to help units deliver programs in the safest possible manner. Please be sure you are familiar with these resources as well as local rules, requirements, and restrictions. TAC Scouting volunteers and youth members are some of the most creative and resourceful leaders in the BSA. New activities and new methods of conducting some of our traditional programs will emerge while meeting all safety standards and local restrictions. We encourage this innovation and a return to outdoor group activities but only when they can be delivered safely.
Virtual Program Offerings
Building on the SpecTACular Summer Palooza of 2020, a multi-week program will be offered this summer. This will incorporate not only virtual programs but also outdoor and small group activities as local restrictions allow. Activities for both Cub Scouts and Scouts will be included. Details will be announced in the weeks to come.
2021 Scout Summer Camps in Transatlantic Council
Camp Avantura BSA - due to travel restrictions and the uncertainty to ensure compliance to all health and safety standards, especially those related to COVID-19 risk mitigation,
Camp Avantura BSA is cancelled for 2021.
Note that those with paid reservations at Camp Alpine or Camp Avantura BSA will soon be contacted related to the refund process.
Cub Scout Day Camps in Transatlantic Council
Plans continue in several districts to conduct Cub Scout Day Camps using an in-person format. COVID-19 related risks will be mitigated as participants will not be traveling great distances, and small group activities will be conducted where permitted. These plans will continue to be evaluated as pandemic related restrictions change.
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) & Wood Badge
The Council Training Committee continues to plan in-person (and explore options for virtual and hybrid) Wood Badge and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) for 2021. These plans are proceeding with the greatest concerns for the health and safety of all staff and participants.
TAC Scouting is committed to operating in the safest possible manner. We believe that cancelling Camp Alpine and Camp Avantura BSA in 2021 to be the best decision to ensure the safety of our members, volunteer leaders and staff.
Likewise, we have learned that the COVID-19 era has brought forth many innovative and effective new program and delivery methods.
We appreciate your commitment to TAC Scouting and its safe program delivery.
Thomas M. Jansen
Scout Executive / CEO
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