As you are all aware, the current virus situation has forced us to stop all normal group scout activities. Scouting is also about personal growth and there is no reason that you can’t continue to grow and progress on your individual scouting journey during this time.
A key part of this is that before starting a merit badge you must get approval and for 5749 your scoutmaster is ready to help.
There are many links to many merit badges that can be done while you are in isolation, since not all merit badges are appropriate at this time. This is a good opportunity to expand your knowledge and awareness of subjects and see what perks your interest to learn more beyond the merit badge itself.
The instructions for working on merit badges are here. We will attempt to keep this updated as new information emerges.
Troop 5749 meetings are suspended until further notice. Troop leadership will continue to assess the situation on an ongoing basis. We hope to return to full program activities as quickly as we can. Scouts are encouraged to work on continued rank advancement and Merit Badges.
Merit Badge Resources are here:
Books
Workbooks and requirements
As Troop 571 and 5749 continue to closely monitor the evolving Coronavirus COVID-19 situation, our number one priority is the safety, health, and well-being of our scouting community.
For now we are not cancelling any Troop related activities. As we have in
the past, we will mirror the actions of the school districts in our community.
Therefore, if LWSD or ISD elect to close schools we will suspend scouting
activities. We will also do so if MQP closes the facility or in response to BSA
guidance. However, we reserve the right to independently suspend activities if
that is judged to be prudent.
Due to public health concerns this Saturday’s Merit Badge fair at MQP has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a future date. We encourage scouts who have begun working on Merit badge worksheets to continue their efforts independently until such time as their work can be reviewed by a Merit Badge Counselor. Merit Badge resources including soft copies of books are available on both troop websites.
What to know about Coronavirus
Coronaviruses 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).
Symptoms of COVID-19:
COVID-19 usually causes mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives. These illnesses usually only last for a short amount of time. Symptoms may include:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulties
- Fever
In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
To protect your health and the health of our community, please continue to follow these steps:
While there are currently no vaccines available to protect you against coronavirus infection, You can reduce your risk of infection by doing the following:
·
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use hand sanitizer if when soap and water are not readily available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Seek medical advice if you’re traveling to an affected area.
- If you are not feeling well, please stay home and rest.
- Monitor your health for any signs or symptoms of illness (e.g. fever, coughing). If you have concerns, contact your healthcare professional and/or public health agency for guidance.
Please review these resources for additional guidance:
Be Prepared With These Safety Tips
If you haven’t already, get a flu shot. The flu shot not only reduces your risk of having to go to a doctor, it also helps prevent you or someone else getting the flu. Having two respiratory illnesses at once can drastically worsen outcomes.
Be sure you have non-perishable foods on hand in the event you need to stay home for 2 – 3 weeks. If needed, purchase things you would eat anyway and save yourself a few extra trips to the grocery store! Rice, beans, salsa, ramen, some sort of cooking oil, oatmeal, nuts and dried or canned fruits, and vegetables can be purchased at relatively little cost and take up fairly little space.
Check your medicine cabinet. Make sure you have all your prescriptions, and favorite cold, cough, stomach, and herbal remedies on hand. Avoiding the pharmacy will help keep you away from people who may be contagious.
Soap. Hand Sanitizers. Soap. Hand Sanitizers. (Repeat!) If there’s one thing you want to ensure you do frequently, wash your hands with soap and use hand sanitizer when soap is not available.
External Resources
