As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a piece of our everyday lives, the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona have revised their guidelines.
As of August 2022, masks are no longer mandatory while participating in Girl Scout activities. Masks will always be welcome and at no time should any member be discouraged from wearing a mask if they choose to do so. At this time, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona staff will continue to wear a mask while indoors and providing program to our youth.
For Council Led Overnight Programs – Council will continue to REQUIRE a negative COVID test. Home test are accepted and for each of these experiences communication will be sent directly to registered participants with additional details. There are no exceptions for council led overnight programs; proof of negative test results will be required.
For Troop Overnights – Council is currently allowing troops to make a leadership decision regarding the proof of negative test results or vaccination status prior to overnight activities. This should be a GROUP decision using the guiding principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Being a Sister to Every Girl Scout (youth or adult) should always be the number one priority.
Approved short trips, extended trips and overnight experiences a signed COVID -19 waiver must be on file with the troop for each attendee. This is in addition to always having signed parent permission slip and health history for every attendee. It is the troops responsibility to follow all rules/guidelines for the location and activity. Troops going to a location that requires proof of negative test or vaccinations would need to prepare accordingly and follow all rules of the venue/location.
A short or preliminary + final extended trip form must be completed to notify the council about a trip that takes place outside of your normal meeting time and place or occurs outside of your town or city.
Property reservations are open and available. Troops can make online reservations here. The council calendar is being updated with programs and events. Our goal continues to be to host in-person programs. We will continue and adjust our protocol based on guidance from all agencies including the CDC as well as the state and the counties we serve.
Together, we must act responsibly, use our resources wisely, and stay committed to providing the best possible experiences to our girls and members while keeping health and safety a top priority.
Thank you for your continued support and being a Sister to every Girl Scout.
In addition to the guidance from the CDC, Arizona’s Governor Office, Department of Health Services, and the different county guidelines, GSUSA has provided all Councils with a set of guiding principles to aid in our decision-making process. These are:
- Do no harm – Safety, health, and well-being of staff, volunteers, and girls must remain our first and highest priority.
- An abundance of caution – When in doubt, choose the safest possible approach.
- What would you do – If given a choice, would you seek to return to an on-site setting? Would you feel safe in your office environment? Would you put your daughter there?
- Follow MOST restrictive guidance – Councils review all relevant federal, state, and local orders and public health officials to ensure that operations comply with the most restrictive rules in each jurisdiction.
- Face Coverings – Girl Scouts wear face coverings (masks) not only to protect themselves but to protect others. Face coverings are a civic responsibility and a sign of caring for the community.
Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona (GSSoAZ) is closely monitoring the COVID-19 updates from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, the local public health departments and all of the counties and cities within our Council boundaries.
Girl Scout events are aligning with schools, and we are paying attention to local public health guidance.
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