Troop leaders should collaborate with families to decide how to proceed when hosting in-person troop meetings in a private residence. Be considerate, caring and respectful in all circumstances, especially considering those who may feel they still need to wear a mask or social distance. Please adhere to the following guidelines:
For all Girl Scout residential meetings:
- Ensure all participants complete the Heath Form/COVID-19 Waiver (English, Spanish) and keep accurate attendance records.
- Follow all guidelines contained in Safety Activity Checkpoints and refer to our expanded COVID-19 In-Person Meeting Guidelines for additional information.
- Wear masks and follow social distancing, unless vaccinated. This is on your honor.
- Ensure that families in your troop or group are aware of and comfortable with how you will conduct any in-person any mask/distancing-optional interactions.
- Choose outdoor environments, when possible.
- Sanitize commonly touch surfaces (i.e., supplies, equipment, doors, faucets, tables, chairs) upon arrival, in the middle, and at end of event. Limit shared supplies.
- Include COVID-19 prevention items in First Aid Supplies, such as sanitizer, tissues, disposable facemasks and disinfectants.
- Stay home or send home if sick or symptomatic.
- Tagalongs (non-Girl Scout members, including younger siblings and adults who are not registered members) cannot attend troop meetings; non-troop members should remain in a separate location from the troop meeting.
Transportation:
The safest way to transport girls to and from meetings is for individual
guardians to drop off and pick up their own girls from meetings, avoiding carpooling or public.
However, if the troop decides to carpool here are some recommended guidelines:
- Keep car window opened, at least slightly, to circulate fresh air.
- Routinely disinfect the car handles, seats and any touchable surfaces
- Wash hands before and after the trip.
- Follow child safety seat and seat belt guidelines of state
Personal contact
Hugs, handshakes, “high-fives,” and even activities like the friendship circle or squeeze can transmit COVID-19 from person to person. Refrain from these gestures for the time being. Create a safe way for girls and volunteers to greet and end meetings instead (like tapping elbows).
First Aid Supplies
Troop first aid supplies should include COVID-19 prevention items including hand sanitizer, tissues, disposable facemasks, and disinfectants. Disposable or no-contact thermometers may be added to supplies if available and not cost-prohibitive.
Reporting and communicating a positive COVID 19 test
In the event of a COVID-19 positive test result, contact the parents or troop members while maintaining privacy of the individual. The troop leader will notify parents and others about a positive test result and that the tester’s identity is confidential. Remember that girl and volunteer health information is private and strictly confidential and should be only shared on a need to know basis with a council staff member.
- Confirm and trace any contact with the positive tester.
- Contact the parents of anyone who may have been exposed (including other volunteers).
- Notify the facility or homeowner where the troop held their meeting.