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COVID News & Resources

11/19/20: As of November 20, changes to in-person activity guidance include reducing outdoor group size limit to 15 people, and meetings or activities in private homes are not allowed. It is strongly recommended that Girl Scout groups move to meeting virtually. See full email to members for details.

Check this page regularly for the most current COVID news and updates related to Girl Scout activities, program events, facilities, shops, and camps.

Girl Scouts River Valleys in-person activity guidance has been put in place for the safety and well-being of its members, and was developed using state and local directives for public spaces and youth activities across its jurisdiction.

Any time you are in a gathering with other people, you are putting yourself and others at risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 can lead to serious medical conditions and even death for people of all ages. We cannot predict who will become severely ill, although we know that older people and people with underlying health conditions are at higher risk. We do not yet know what the long-term effects of COVID-19 are; even people with mild cases may experience long-term complications. People with symptoms and without symptoms can spread COVID-19. The masking, distancing, and other guidance provided here is intended to reduce the risk of transmission, but does not eliminate it.

 

Updates by Category

Council Events
  • Find a listing of upcoming virtual and in-person events on our Events page. Be sure to check this list regularly as we continue to add more events.
  • If you are planning a service unit or troop event, read the In-Person Girl Scout Activity Guidance prior to planning your event.
Service Unit and Troop Activities

Girl Scouts River Valleys has developed in-person meeting, travel and activity guidance for troops and service units. We understand that allowing in-person meetings and events to resume may bring up many emotions. Some may feel excited and ready to get back together, while others may not feel as ready, but we empower you to connect with your families and volunteers to decide what is best for you and your group. Read our In-Person Girl Scout Activities Guidance and Planning Your Troop Year: 2020 Style volunteer blog posts for additional guidance.

These guidelines are subject to change depending on local and state regulations are in line with state and the Center for Disease Control’s recommendations. However, these will not fully prevent or guarantee that Girl Scout members will avoid contracting COVID-19. If you have further questions on in person meetings. You can reach us at 800-845-0787 or girlscouts@girlscoutsrv.org.

Cookies

The annual cookie sale will run February 20 through April 2, 2021. Safety and flexibility are our top priorities of the 2021 Cookie Program. Each girl and her family can participate at their own comfort level. There are three levels of cookie participation: online, hybrid, and in-person cookie sales. Girls can opt-in to any or all of the options. We will monitor local and state health guidelines now and through the cookie season and keep families and volunteers up to date on any program changes. Watch for more details coming in mid-December.

Shop

Girl Scouts River Valleys has many shop locations scattered throughout Minnesota which currently offer shopping by appointment only.

Our online store is fast, easy, secure, and orders typically ship within five business days. For additional shop resources, discounts, and special items, visit GirlScoutsRV.org/Shop.

Shopping by Appointment

To request an in-store shopping appointment, Zoom (Virtual) shopping appointment, or an order for curbside pickup or shipping, complete a Shop Order and Appointment Request Form. Girl Scouts River Valleys retail services team will follow up regarding your request within two business days.

Visit our Shop page for more information.

Our staff is available to answer your calls and questions. You can reach us at 800-845-0787 or girlscouts@girlscoutsrv.org.

Facilities

The following closures are in effect until further notice:

  • Our service centers, shops and camps are closed to visitors, except by shop appointment or rental reservation.

  • Facility rentals with indoor overnights will be canceled through December 31, 2020. Troop and service unit meeting reservations are allowed upon request. If you have questions about your existing rental or to schedule a troop or service unit meeting contact us at 800-845-0787.

Highest Awards

Due to COVID-19 final report deadlines for 2020 5th, 8th, and 12th grade graduates have been extended from September 30 to December 31. Girls planning to take advantage of the new deadline must renew their membership for another year or choose a Life Time Membership in order to continue these awards.

Please email all Highest Awards documents to girlscouts@girlscoutsrv.org.

Travel & Overnight Stays

Travel and overnight activities come in a wide variety of formats. Review the below requirements regarding Girl Scouts River Valleys travel at this time. As always, complete the Travel Request Form before planning any extended overnight stays and follow guidance in Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Tent/Outdoor Camping:

Tenting and outdoor camping is allowed. Troops and groups must follow all guidelines as outlined in the In-Person Girl Scout Activity Guidance (PDF). All participants should either tent with a member of their household or by themselves. If individuals from different households must share a tent, social distancing should be maintained.

Indoor Overnights:

Troop and group indoor overnights are not allowed at this time. This includes activities such as one-night overnights and encampments.

Extended Travel:

  • U.S. Travel – Troop, group, and Juliette travel will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis. Troops and groups should proceed cautiously with travel plans and consider current Centers for Disease Control (CDC), group size, family expectations, destination, and safety plans. The Travel Request Form is required for all Girl Scout travel. Girl Scouts River Valleys staff will work with each troop/group to discuss your trip final details and COVID-19 travel safety plan to determine trip approval. Troops and groups must recognize that the COVID-19 risk is fluid, and contingencies for rescheduling and pivoting should be in place for last minute changes.

  • International Travel – Troop and group international trips are not allowed at this time. Girl Scouts River Valleys will follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) travel guidelines. Girl Scouts cannot participate in international trips until the travel health notice is at a level 1 or level 2 for their trip destination.

 

Additional Support

 

Be a Source of Comfort and Calm

Girl Scouts of the USA has developed a helpful resource for How to Talk to Your Girl About Coronavirus and Help Kids Cope with Disappointment in the Face of COVID-19 to help minimize stress and worry in your Girl Scout’s life and give her a sense of calm and control.

Thank you for your help in keeping Girl Scouts a safe, fun space for everyone! If you have questions about how the coronavirus may impact Girl Scout activities, please contact us.

Be Prepared and Minimize Risk

The CDC has shared the following things you can do to minimize your risk of contracting any virus:

  • Stay home when you are not feeling well.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Girl Scouts are a Force for Good

Girl Scouts is leading as we have always done, as a force for good in the world. We can be an inspiration to others as we all live through this difficult time, and we can be sisters to every Girl Scout—especially those who are hardest hit by the disruptions of this pandemic, and our Asian American friends and colleagues unfairly treated and targeted by xenophobia and racism.

We will find ways to continue to stay connected, participate, and contribute, as we do the right thing for our community and our country. We will be Girl Scouts and we will help and lead. You should be proud of your membership in the only movement in the world that is by girls, for girls, and includes all girls.

Girl Scouts at Home; Badge activities, virtual programming, and more!
Girl Scouts at Home; Badge activities, virtual programming, and more!
View In the Loop Blog, a helpful resource for troop leaders.
View In the Loop Blog, a helpful resource for troop leaders.