The Mount Baker Council is committed first and foremost to the safety of our Scouts and Scouters as well as their families. During the COVID-19 situation we hope that families are safe and finding engaging ways to stay involved in Scouting while social distancing. This page is a central resource for announcements and updates about how the Mount Baker Council is responding to the situation. Scout On!
Keeping Scouts Engaged During Social Distancing
Scouts love Scouting, but any prolonged break can slow down momentum. Keeping our Scouts engaged during this time of social distancing can help keep your unit strong, help alleviate the feeling of isolation, and give them a much needed connection to their fellow Scouts.
Technology is a wonderful thing. Not only are we lucky to live in an area where many of our adults are tech savvy, but we always have our Scouts who can take the reigns. In Troops, this is a great time to have our older Scouts implement some virtual ideas for gatherings. With Discord, Skype, Facebook Live, online gaming, and online file sharing so easy and prevalent, your Scouts will be “meeting” in no time.
Check out the Virtual Campsite below for ideas and resources for keeping Scouts engaged!
Program Resources
As a central location for program resources as well as virtual events that the Council is developing we have developed a “Virtual Campsite” to be the home of digital Scouting during the current situation. Have fun exploring the campsite and all Scouting we are offering there.
Health and Safety Resources
A critical part of combating the COVID-19 pandemic is working to slow its spread and “lower the curve”. This helps protect ourselves as well the first responders and health care workers in our community.
For Health and Safety resources we have found in regard to COVID-19 as well as resources to find our local government and schools visit the health and safety page hosted by the Virtual Campsite.
Mount Baker Council Announcements
April 03, 2020 Update – Service Centers and Trading Posts are closed through May 4th.
March 20, 2020 Announcement
Cub Scouting/Scouts BSA/Venturing/Sea Scouting
Rank Advancement and the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The following questions regarding advancement have arisen as we deal with closures, cancellations, or other issues caused by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Although there are difficulties and constraints, advancement can continue. Youth, parents, and leaders should work together to implement creative, common sense ways to facilitate advancement while adhering to the Guide to Safe Scouting and following the rules of Youth Protection training.
Read the complete announcement
March 17, 2020 Announcement
Dear Mount Baker Council friends,
Our Council leadership has previously written you of cancellations of council and district Scouting programs in our area. Like you, we’ve heard plenty of important information about the Covid-19 novel Coronavirus disease, so we are taking more precautions today which we hope won’t impact you and your family much.
Beginning March 17th at noon, we are closing our Scout Service Centers/Trading Posts in Everett and Bellingham through March 28th. We hope to reopen on Monday, March 30th.
April 03, 2020 Update – Service Centers and Trading Posts are closed through May 4th.
Read the complete announcement
March 13, 2020 Announcement
Dear Scouting Family,
As always, your safety and the safety of all our members, volunteers, and employees is our top priority. We know there are questions and concerns about how COVID-19, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, could affect local Scouting programs in Mount Baker Council. Please know that we are monitoring developments along with our Council Enterprise Risk Management committee regarding COVID-19 including information from our Local County Health Departments (please review their websites), the State of Washington and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). First and foremost, the decision to participate in Scouting is voluntary, and each family should make a personal decision for what level of participation, if any, it will have in Scouting meetings and activities during this outbreak.
Read the complete announcement
FAQs
Which events have been cancelled?
CLICK HERE to see a list of Council or District Events that have been effected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Are the Service Centers Open?
Currently both Council Service Centers are closed for regular business BUT are doing curb side pick up.
Can my unit still meet?
Decisions about unit meetings and activities should be made by unit leadership and chartering organizations based on the unit’s individual circumstances, current CDC and local health department guidelines, and common sense. The chartered organization may have policies or protocols that have been put in place in response to COVID-19. Remember that the Chartered Organization “owns” your Scouting unit and has ultimate authority in these decisions.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.
Source: World Health Organization
What programs and events have been effected?
Mount Baker Council
- BALOO Training – Canceled- Fall course Sept. 11-12, 2020
- IOLS Training – Canceled – Fall course Sept. 11-12, 2020
- OA Lodge Spring Gathering – Canceled
- Shooting Sports Merit Badge Make-up Day – postponed
Any of these events that required payment will be refunded or funds transferred to another council event. If you were registered for an event that has been rescheduled your registration has automatically been transferred to the new date. Please contact the Everett Service Center for assistance or with any questions.
North Cascades District
- All Baden-Powell Dinners- Canceled Until June
- North Cascades Court of Honor – Rescheduled for June 6th
- North Cascades District Pinewood Derby – Canceled
- North Cascades Camporee – Canceled
- Whatcom County Good Scout Breakfast – Rescheduled to TBD
- Skagit County Good Scout Breakfast – Rescheduled to TBD
- Oak Harbor Good Scout Breakfast – Rescheduled to TBD
- ALL Cub Scout Day Camps – Still On!
Pilchuck District
District Pinewood Derby – Canceled
Camporee scheduled for May 1-2 postponed until Fall in coordination with Fall Webelos-ree
