Suspension of Scouting Activities Through March 31, 2020

March 15, 2020

The Greater Niagara Frontier Council continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 Virus and to make decisions on Scouting operations in the best interests of our youth, families, volunteers, and communities. This morning the Erie County Executive declared a State of Emergency in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus.  All schools in the county have been ordered closed for tomorrow and citizens have been encouraged to avoid large public gatherings and to practice social distancing.

As a result of the State of Emergency now in effect, the Greater Niagara Frontier Council, BSA is suspending all in-person Scouting activities through March 31, 2020.  This includes all unit meetings and activities, district and council events, activities and camping at our camp properties, and the operation of our Scout Service Center (including the Scout Shop). 

We strongly encourage units, dens, and patrols to continue to meet virtually during this hiatus using video or phone conferencing at their regularly scheduled time.  This is also a great time for Cub Scouts to work on Electives and for Scouts, BSA to work on Merit Badges.  We would also encourage you to have your Scouts write letters or place phone calls to people that are in Nursing Homes and other facilities that have limited access to visitors.   This is a great way for our Scouts to Do a Good Turn Daily while brightening the day for the Seniors in our communities. 

The Council is working to identify resources and content to help you with your virtual meetings and will share them with you as they become available.  If you have virtual programs you develop and are willing to share, please send them to us and we will make them available to others. 

While the Scout Service Center will be closed through March 31, our staff will still be working (remotely in most cases) and will be available to provide support.  Please feel free to call us at (716) 891-4073 and leave a message in the appropriate staff members voicemail box or e-mail us at gnfc@wnyscouting.org if we can help you in any way.

As this is an evolving situation, we will continue to provide updates as they become available and will make additional adjustments to our operations as necessary.

Yours in Scouting,Gary A. Decker Scout Executive & CEO Darlene Sprague Council President Joe Lane Council Commissioner