Saturday, May 2, 2020

Message from the Scout Executive






April 29, 2020
Dear Longhorn Council Scouting Family, 
It has been about a month since I last wrote to you.
First, let me express my hope that all of our Scouts and every member of their families have stayed well during this challenging time. For those who may have fallen ill, I pray for your quick return to good health.
Secondly, I want to express my appreciation to everyone that has helped deliver local Scouting using remote methods while we have not been allowed to gather together in groups. I have heard many stories of how our Scout units continue to “meet” and enjoy each other’s company, while working to earn rank advancements and other badges. Our LHC Activities Committee created a “Keep Scouting Moving Challenge” which outlines fun at-home Scouting activities. Our Scouting units have also been featured prominently in our local news media for their help in fighting Covid-19.
I am also grateful for those who continue to send in contributions, and we understand that not everyone is able to do so. Thank you for helping us meet our operational needs. 
We are continuing to monitor the decisions of our State and local leaders and will make our own programming decisions as information becomes available to us. We are expecting to hear very soon from the CDC about guidelines for operating day camps and resident camps.
New dates have recently been determined for some Cub Scout Day Camps, so please monitor this fluid situation through our web site at www.longhorncouncil.org  
Our Council team of volunteers and staff are in the process of determining plans for each of our summer resident camps. We intend to make an announcement no later than May 15th in that regard.
Our service centers and Scout Shops remain closed to walk-in customers. We are hopeful to announce how we can open our Scout Shops in some way very shortly.
With social distancing still a requirement all district and council events and camporees, trainings, meetings and weekend camping remain cancelled or postponed until further notice. Meetings that can be conducted electronically by conference call or online meeting or other means following accepted public health guidelines are encouraged.
Units should continue to follow the CDC guidelines for social distancing. You should also follow the meeting requirements of your chartered organization. This will generally mean that in-person meetings will not be able to be held, although small den or patrol meetings might be possible (in person or via remote communication). We all have to be creative.
Please know that Scouting does not need to stop during this time. Encourage your Scouts to work on their advancements at home or virtually with their merit badge counselor. The Longhorn Council 30-Day Challenge deadline has been extended until the end of May, so there is plenty of time to take part. 
Our professional staff is still working, although mostly from remote locations, so feel free to contact them on their cell phones if you need assistance with charter renewals or anything else. As always, our commissioner staff stands ready to support you as well, so feel free to call on them, even if just to say “hi”.
These are challenging times, and I wish you all the best. Stay safe!
Sincerely,
John Coyle, Scout Executive 



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