As of October 5, GSEMA members should follow the strictest COVID-19
guidelines among federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws,
rules and regulations, including local business and workplace
guidance, for mask wearing, vaccination requirements, gathering sizes,
quarantine, testing, and other precautions.
Commitment to Health and Safety
At Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, the physical and emotional
safety of our Girl Scouts, our families, our volunteers, and our staff
is our highest priority. We are taking a responsible approach to
creating environments that allow us to embody the Girl Scout Promise
and Law, require us to be considerate and caring, courageous, and
strong, responsible for what we say and do, respectful of ourselves
and others, respectful of authority, and to act as a sister to every
Girl Scout.
As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are strongly recommended
for all members who are eligible and able to receive the vaccine.
GSEMA also recommends that all Girl Scouts wear masks while indoors,
regardless of vaccination status. On GSEMA properties, all members and
guests are required to wear a mask while indoors, regardless of
vaccination status. (Masks may be removed while eating or sleeping.)
COVID-19 Symptoms Screening
Be sure to communicate to all Girl Scouts, families, and other
attendees that everyone must have not exhibited any of the following
symptoms within the last 24 hours: fever (temperature of 100.0°F or
above), felt feverish or had chills, cough, sore throat, difficulty
breathing, gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting),
fatigue (fatigue alone should not exclude a member from
participation), headache, new loss of smell/taste, new muscle
aches. If a participant experiences any of these symptoms above, they
should NOT attend in-person gatherings, and also consider seeking
medical treatment from a healthcare provider if they have not done so already.
If a Girl Scout member or activity attendee receives a positive
COVID-19 test result and was in close contact with others (as defined by the
CDC) during a Girl Scout activity, the individual or caregiver should
notify GSEMA directly by emailing customercare@gsema.org. As a
reminder, information about an individual’s COVID-19 test results is
protected health information, as defined by
federal HIPAA laws.
Transportation
We recommend that Girl Scouts follow best practices outlined by the
Massachusetts Department of Public Heath while
carpooling, including limiting the number of occupants, wearing face
masks, opening vehicle windows, and cleaning touch points frequently.
While using public transit, Girl Scouts should follow all applicable
COVID-19 regulations.
Meeting on Private Property
We understand that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Girl
Scouts' ability to gather in public spaces. GSEMA’s Meeting Place
Policy, as detailed in Volunteer Policies and Procedures, allows
exceptions for Girl Scouts to meet on private property on a limited
basis. Review and complete the online application to request permission for
Girl Scouts to meet outdoors and indoors, provided the space can
reasonably accommodate the number of members meeting while following
current local, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines, on private
property on a limited basis.
Use of backyard equipment (pools, outdoor cooking, play
structures, or other equipment) requires additional council approval to ensure that Safety Activity Checkpoints are met. Please
see our safety page for details. (Note: use of
outdoor trampolines is not permitted, as defined on page 14 of the Safety
Activity Checkpoints.) Please
review the Safety Activity Checkpoints and submit a Girl Scout Activity Form for high-risk activities.
Troop Camping
After a successful summer camp season and with GSEMA’s properties
re-opening in fall 2021 for encampments and troop camping activities,
GSEMA has highlighted COVID-19 protection guidelines for Girl Scouts
planning and participating in overnight activities. Please see our troop camping page for details. (Note: service
units and troops who make property reservations will also receive a
copy of this information in their confirmation packets.)
Travel
Troops may travel for day trips and overnights up to 2 nights within
Massachusetts and neighboring states following the Massachusetts
Travel Advisory. Troops must complete the appropriate troop travel
paperwork, including a Girl Scout Activity Form.
International travel, domestic air travel, and overnights of 3+
nights are not approved at this time. GSEMA and GSUSA are actively
reviewing processes for extended trips and travel; more information to
come this fall.
Helpful Resources
If you have any questions or need help finding additional resources,
please email customercare@gsema.org.
