COVID-19

Coronavirus Safety in Girl Scouts

from Safety Activity Checkpoints

The health and safety of our members is always Girl Scouts’ highest priority. Recognize that COVID-19 health and safety guidance will continue to evolve as the risk of coronavirus transmission changes over time.  Being prepared to adjust for changes in coronavirus risk and the federal, state, and local protocols concerning pandemic safety is something we will all need to continue to manage carefully and factor into plans as appropriate. Recognize that state and local rules concerning coronavirus safety will vary from place to place. Safety regulations will also change as the risk of transmission changes. Be sure to stay current on what is required in your region but also consider that troop members may reside in different areas with different sets of safety parameters to abide by. A good way to ensure you are following the proper government guidance is to follow the practices as established in local public schools.

Girl Scouts has provided COVID-19 guidance specific to the topics that touch our lives in Girl Scouts. Your Girl Scout council’s COVID-19 guidance is the first place to go for health and safety practices in Girl Scouting.

Remember, always make sure that your planned activity complies with all federal, state, and local government health authorities at your locations and also where the activity will take place. For a variety of reasons during a pandemic, there may be situations where your council’s guidance is more strict than state or local guidance. If that is the case, either choose the rules that are most strict or contact your Girl Scout council for clarification. Some basic coronavirus safety and health protocols that have been issued by the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and are practiced in Girl Scouts include:

  • Wearing a mask (and making sure youth members wear a mask) where mandated and/or appropriate.
  • Practicing good hygiene by washing or disinfecting hands frequently.
  • Reminding youth and adult members about social distancing when in public and with each other.
  • Focusing on scheduling activities outdoors instead of indoors whenever possible.
  • Pre-screening for no symptoms, fever, or sustained contact with a COVID-19 positive person.
  • Requesting a youth or adult member who is exhibiting symptoms of being sick to not participate and not return until they are no longer sick.
  • Remember—if a youth or adult member knows that they have been in close and sustained contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, make sure that they comply with the appropriate quarantine period pursuant to the CDC before attending Girl Scout meetings or activities.

The CDC provides regular updates on their website which can be accessed here: CDC Coronavirus Updates (COVID-19) | CDC. GSUSA strongly encourages adult volunteers who are able, and who qualify in their home state, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine but it is not a requirement to participate in Girl Scouts. However, since state laws vary, contact your council to confirm its COVID-19 vaccination policy as it relates to adult volunteers.​​​​​​​

Current Council COVID Guidelines (Updated September 1, 2022)

We are happy to be re-engaging Girl Scouts and volunteers as we kick off the new school year.

Please follow CDC guidelines to keep girl Scout activities safe for everyone.

Reminders:

  • Be sensitive that medically vulnerable girls might not be able to attend troop activities.
  • Be sensitive that families will have varying levels of comfort with gathering.
  • If, after your gathering, a participant or a member of their family becomes ill, do NOT contact the parents or troop members, and share girl information. Remember that girl and volunteer health information is private and strictly confidential.
  • Virtual meetings are still an option.
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