We hope your are all doing well, staying safe and healthy at home, and following the guidelines from our Governor, Department of Health, and CDC.

Earlier this week, Governor Wolf extended his stay at home order through this month.

What does this mean for Scouting? It means that we do not have in-person gatherings for the month of April.

This means something significant for our Arrow of Light Scouts, because this means bridging is postponed.

As of yesterday we have also been told to wear masks when we go outdoors. Please do not use your uniform scarves.

Instead, here's a message from the US Surgeon General on how to make your own with items found at home.

This is new for all of us, so we need to practice patience and understanding as we navigate these uncertain times.

Practice patience in ourselves as Scouts, leaders, parents, and caregivers. With anything new, there will be mistakes. We all make mistakes. And I always remind Brady there's a reason pencils have erasers. Practice understanding in these uncertain times. With anything new, guidance from our leaders, relief from hardships, and so on can seem to be moving slow. Trust and encourage everyone to "DO MY BEST" as we move forward as a Scouting Family. 

We miss our meetings, and we miss our Scouts. But, don't forget, you may go through Scouting activities at home with your Scouts.
These activities often involve chores like helping to clean or cook. Some of them involve creating objects in the tool shed with your parent or caregiver. (Webelos I you currently have an exercise activity you can practice at home and in your back yard)

Do your best to work with the resources you have, and let your Den Leader know. We can always accept Akela's signature for projects our Scouts complete on their own.

A good resource for this is the Council Website, Council Facebook, and the National Website.

I'm also going to start adding items I see that could be helpful and interesting to our Facebook page. Be sure to request membership as it is a closed group.

 

In trying times we turn to our faith to help calm and guide us.

I would be remiss If I did not include Trinity Lutheran Church (our chartering organization) as a resource for our Scouts, families, and caregivers at this time.

Trinity offers us free resources and support throughout the year and we are grateful for that.

They have been at the forefront of combating this virus through social distancing measures. But, they do so without sacrificing a loss of service by maintaining a continuity of programming online for their members. I find their website to be helpful, but what I find most helpful is their consistent messaging and services offered through Facebook.

Our state Department of Education (PDE), Department of Agriculture, and Department of Health (DOH) have online resources to help us in times of need. I'm going to point out just a few:

PDE's Food Distribution page. If you, or anyone you know, needs help with food for children under 18 during this time, share this resource with them. Many districts are providing information on where they are dropping off, or you can pick up food online. I do know West Shore SD is participating in this and supporting the Camp Hill SD through their Food Distribution sites. "No questions asked (from WSSD)." If your district is not on the interactive map, check their site.

Our Department of Agriculture is similarly providing updates to food distribution resources and sites around the commonwealth.

The Department of Health (DOH) has guidance and resources about coronavirus. However, I believe these two links (from that page) are most helpful:

Helping children understand - This may be a time that is often confusing for children. Use this resource to help you in helping them!

Finally, stress and coping resources from the CDC. This is a difficult time for all of us and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. Use this resource to help you through this.

If you find this to be overwhelming to continue Scouting activities, simply don't. It's ok! We understand.

You're transitioning into home-schooling and a new schedule for your family. Scouting activities may help take your mind off of the current situation and provide you a little break in the day. This is unprecedented, and again, we understand. 

Stay connected. Call each other, FaceTime, Zoom, Video Chat, Google Chat! We live in a time where we can instantly connect with others.

Occasionally check in on your friends, family, and neighbors. It's good to get a phone call or text these days.

Stay home, stay calm, stay safe.

In Scouting,

-Luke Mace

Cubmaster - Pack 51