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<p>The Executive Board of the Voyageurs Area Council met Tuesday night in its regular Board Meeting.&nbsp; One of the important topics of discussion was the Covid-19 related plan for re-opening the Council.&nbsp; Specifically, the Board addressed the issue of units beginning to meet again “in person”, or Step 3 of the plan.</p>
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<p>Some highlights of Step 3:&nbsp; “Notifications will include any remaining restrictions or guidance…”, and “Step 3 may have several phases”.</p>
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<p>The Board came to an agreement that the first phase of Step 3 can begin on June 1.&nbsp; We recognize that Wisconsin’s stay at home order has been overturned by the Supreme Court of the state and that Minnesota’s stay at home order has been lifted with restrictions.&nbsp; We have also reviewed CDC guidelines and what they are calling “recommendations”.&nbsp; All of that was taken into account in setting a path forward.&nbsp; We also recognize the request for more communication and specific examples of what the rules may mean.&nbsp; The Council president has requested that the Risk Management Committee of the Council present recommendations to the Board by May 28 for what will be allowed by units on June 1<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;and any other appropriate dates and phases to Step 3 that can be reasonably planned out at this time.</p>
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<p>We are concerned that all of our Scouts and Scouters can be safe and healthy, and particularly that none of our policies will contribute to undue risk.&nbsp; We are also interested in getting our units back together and Scouts back into the out of doors.</p>
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<p>Some units have put together service projects, which have been encouraged by the Council.&nbsp; When participating we ask that you do these in family groupings, continue to practice safe distancing, and be sensitive to everyone’s ideas of what is appropriate.&nbsp; Please do not move to organized meetings in any enclosed space until we have further guidance for you as to what will be allowed on June 1<sup>st</sup>.</p>
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<p>As of Tuesday, May 26 we will be at Step 2 here at the office.&nbsp; The Scout Store will be open without an appointment (in keeping with retail store policies set by the Governor of Minnesota), though a face covering will be required.&nbsp; We are also preparing a companion document that outlines procedures for using our camp properties.&nbsp; That will be available in the next few days.</p>
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<p>Yours in Scouting,</p>
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<p>Michael Jenkins - Scout Executive</p>
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<p></p>
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