May 2020

May 29, 2020

Aloha Council COVID-19 Update

May 22, 2020

 

Aloha Scouting Family,
During this continued time of uncertainty, we are concerned about the health and safety of our families and communities. This is uncharted territory, as such, we need to focus on helping each other, and assisting our communities as they respond and adapt.
With safety at the core of everything we do, Aloha Council BSA is observing the recommendations provided by local, state, and federal leaders.
Currently – as of May 22, 2020:

  • Camp Facilities: All Council Camps and Facilities are closed to visitors until August 1, 2020.  This includes all cabin and weekend tent camping rentals. The Aloha Council will re-evaluate the plan moving forward, in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines.
  • Unit meetings, unit activities, and unit events: unit leadership should follow State of Hawaii, city and county, and CDC guidelines in response to COVID-19. Consideration should be given to continue to conduct meetings using virtual web technology. In person unit activities should resume when it is in line with government guidelines and with full acknowledgement and approval of each unit’s-chartered organization.
  • All offices and Scout Shops will begin to gradually open beginning June 1st. Offices will be available in a modified format, while adhering to local, state, and federal guidelines, and heightened health and safety procedures. Hours will be posted on website and reviewed regularly. If needed, arrangements can be made for contactless drop off or pick up of paperwork at the Council Office by appointment only Monday through Friday. Please call our main number - (808) 595-6366 - to schedule a time.
  • Staff. Our staff is now available to meet in-person, in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines. Please contact them directly to secure assistance.
  • All in-person council activities, council events and council gatherings will be suspended until advised as safe by local, state, and federal authorities. We anticipate resuming regularly scheduled activities beginning later this year; however, we will monitor the situation and follow all guidance and restrictions as issued by the authorities.

The National organization has created https://scouting.org/coronavirus to keep you informed during this time. This includes resources on safety, health and hygiene. As well as advancement, the website also provides information on some modifications to rank advancement during the COVID-19 outbreak. For eagle candidates, Aloha Council provides the following information: Click Here.
We will continue to find solutions to accommodate Scouts, leaders, their families and our communities. I personally want to assure you that Aloha Council BSA, as an organization is doing all we can to protect and support the health and well-being of our communities.

Aloha,
Jesse Lopez
Scout Executive/CEO
 

National Statement on COVID-19

May 7, 2020

As always, the safety of our Scouts, volunteers, employees and communities is our top priority. 

Our response to the coronavirus pandemic continues to be informed by the guidance of official bodies, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whose framework for mitigation for community groups is based on the level of community transmission of COVID-19, as well as the latest White House guidelines.

As the national response to the coronavirus pandemic shifts to a state-focused and phased approach, the Boy Scouts of America is advising local councils to consult with their local and state health departments, as well as local chartered partners, in order to implement the appropriate protocols to help keep our members, volunteers, and employees safe.

We are taking similar steps as a national organization as we continue to evaluate the current environment with the best interests of our members, volunteers, and employees in mind. We are currently reviewing critical events that are scheduled to take place within the next six weeks. We will continue to update impacted groups about event decisions as they are made.

We thank you for helping meet the needs of our communities throughout these difficult times.  

COVID-19 FAQ

Aloha Council COVID-19 Update
May 1, 2020

Scout Shops remains closed until May 31st.  Our staff continue to work remotely and still processing membership applications, charters and Eagle applications and much more.  Click here for the Electronic Eagle application process

Through May 31st, All Unit/District/Council Meetings and Events:

All in-person Scouting activities are canceled effective immediately. This includes unit meetings (including patrol and den meetings), campouts, activities, trips, Pinewood Derbies, Blue and Gold Dinners, Court of Honors (including for Eagle Scouts), etc. There are no exceptions to this rule. Please continue to work with your Scouts via digital and electronic methods. 

All in-person council-level and district-level events and meetings are canceled.  This includes Roundtable, training events and committee meetings. Please use all digital and electronic means available to conduct your meetings.  

As of May 1st the following Council/District level events & activities have been cancelled and or postponed:

Memorial Day Good Turn at Punchbowl - Cancelled.  We are in the process of working with punchbowl for a possible veterans day good turn.

NYLT 2020 - Postponed (New date to be determined)

Cub Scout Day Camps - Postponed (New date to be determined)

Summer Camps & Cub Scout Resident Camp - Cancelled - We are working on setting up an Aloha Council Virtual Camp experience during the month of July which will include all of our Camps and islands which will be available for all scouts.  More information to come in the near future.

If you have questions about District or Council events happening in your area, please contact your District Professional. For unit meetings, please continue to work directly with your unit leadership and charter organization.