Dear Scouting family,
First and foremost, we hope that this email finds you and your family well. It goes without saying that we are living through an unprecedented and concerning time.
As always, your safety and the safety of all our members, volunteers, and employees is the Boy Scouts of America’s top priority. As such, we have taken a careful and informed approach in evaluating whether to run summer camp this year. Since the spread of this pandemic, we have been continually monitoring the situation, and consulting with health experts, government officials and other camp professionals.
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that, after a thorough review, the Pennsylvania Dutch Council has decided to suspend our resident camp programs at J. Edward Mack, and Bashore Scout Reservation for the 2020 summer season. We know camp is an important part of every Scout’s summer, and this decision was not made lightly.
Our council and staff are saddened that we are not able to serve you at J. Edward Mack and Bashore Scout Reservation. This is an extraordinarily challenging time; unlike anything we have experienced. Our hope is we all emerge from this challenging moment stronger than before.
This extremely difficult decision was made by a dedicated group of volunteers, professionals, as well as camp leadership. We all agreed that we would like to hold summer camp, but the restrictions and uncertainty are too difficult to overcome.
If you have already signed up for camp, we will have a few options for your unit.
- Troops registered to attend Bashore Scout Reservation can reserve their spot for 2021 summer camp. Troops registered will have first access to sign up for 2021. We will keep $50 of your fees to reserve your spot. All remaining fees paid will be refunded. By reserving your spot for 2021 now, we will honor the 2020 Scout and adult camp fees for 2021. Troops must register for 2021 by June 15, 2020 to keep the fee amount.
- Packs registered to attend J. Edward Mack Scout reservation will receive a full refund of all fees paid.
- Troops registered to attend Bashore Scout Reservation can also request a full refund of all fees paid.
- All units have the option to donate a portion of their camp fees to the Pennsylvania Dutch Council, BSA. Summer camp programs are a large source of revenue for the Pennsylvania Dutch Council and by cancelling camp we will lose that revenue. All donations are greatly appreciated.
All refunds will be processed as a check made out to the unit and mailed. We will be reaching out to each unit individually to confirm their refund information and if they wish to sign up for 2021 summer camp.
As restrictions are lifted, we will be communicating different opportunities for you to use our two camps. Possibly as a unit, or individual camping. We have a wonderful new aquatic center that we will need to have people test out for us. Just getting outdoors and camping with your friends and fellow scouts will be a great start.
If you are looking for Scouting programming throughout the summer, the Pennsylvania Dutch Council will be providing virtual opportunities for programming. Please contact/email Daniel Hanson at Daniel.hanson@scouting.org if you’d like us to provide you with updates about upcoming efforts.
We hope all our Scouting families stay healthy and positive in our current environment and join us in preparing for future great summer camp experiences at our two amazing camping facilities.
If you have questions or comments please contact the Scout Executive Matthew Adams at matthew.adams@scouting.org , or 717-394-4063
Sincerely,
Glenn Achey Jim Troebliger Randy Wirth
Council President Council Commissioner Vice President of Program
Scott Gutshall Matthew Adams
Council Camping Chair Scout Executive
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