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Girl Scouts and COVID-19

We know Girl Scouts inspire courageous independence in action and thought in girls everywhere. While participating in Girl Scout fun, we want our Girl Scout family and communities to remain safe.

Below are updates we've shared with members via email. We will continue to update this page. If you have a question, please email us.

General Safety Precautions

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland is relying on the experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help continue to keep our members safe. Guidance from the CDC on all topics relating to COVID-19, including but not limited to the topics covered on this webpage, can be found on their website.

Face Coverings

GSMH is requiring all employees to wear masks in indoor settings such as GSMH Cookie Cupboards and at indoor meetings and events.

GSMH recommends that all members follow CDC guidance on face coverings for Girl Scout meetings, events, and activities. To protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, the CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask available, that fits well and will be worn consistently. Generally, the CDC recommends people, including children older than 2, wear a mask in indoor public places if they are not fully vaccinated, fully vaccinated and in an area with substantial or high transmission, or fully vaccinated and with weakened immune systems.

What To Do When Exposed

GSMH is currently following CDC guidance on safety precautions when exposed, including quarantine, testing, and beyond. GSMH promotes employees and members staying at home when they are sick, when household members are sick, or when required by a health care provider to isolate or quarantine themselves or a member of their household.

If you or a member of your household comes into close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, please follow CDC guidelines for exposure. 

If you or another person in your household have been tested and are awaiting results, help us keep our Girl Scout community safe. Do not attend or send your Girl Scout to a Girl Scout meeting or activity in-person until test results are received as negative.

Troop Travel

GSMH is currently following CDC guidance on travel. Troop Travel Applications continue to be accepted for consideration for overnight stays lasting more than 2 nights and travelling more than 100 miles inside or outside of our council boundaries. Troop Travel Applications are subject to approval and must be submitted 4 weeks in advance for domestic travel, and 12 weeks in advance for international travel. Please follow the instructions located in the Troop Travel Procedures and all COVID-19 guidelines. As always, contact GSMH for prior approval before planning any overnight stays and follow guidance in Safety Activity Checkpoints .

Virtual Resources

Looking for ways to stay connected virtually? Visit us at Girl Scouts at Home. This resource provides our girls, families, volunteers, and the public with opportunities for continued Girl Scout engagement from the comfort and safety of your own home. We're constantly creating and finding new resources and activities to add to this web page.

Are you a volunteer? We’ve got a resource for you, too! Check out our Volunteer Virtual Resources—full of tips, tricks, and resources to help you navigate this virtual time.

Please know that Girl Scouts remains here for you and your girl. We will take on this challenge together and lead, as we always do—we are #GirlScoutStrong. If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 or the steps we are taking concerning COVID-19, please reach out.

Be a Source of Comfort and Calm for Girls

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

We also ask everyone to be mindful that although coronavirus started in China, having Chinese ancestry–or any other Asian ancestry–does not place a person at higher risk for this illness. We can help keep our girls safe by sharing accurate information with our fellow community members.

Distance Learning During Coronavirus Closures

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has turned the world as we know it upside down, to say the least. Millions of families are trying to keep the learning alive at home amid virus-related school closures—even while they attempt to adjust to their own new work-from-home realities, stock up on household essentials, and do everything in their power to keep their loved ones healthy. Frankly? It’s a lot.

The good news is that even though you’re social distancing (staying in when possible and keeping at least six feet away from those not in your household), you’re absolutely not alone in this struggle. We talked to a few teachers who’ve been there, done that, and they had some amazingly practical advice for how everyday families can get through this difficult time.

Read the full story >>


Questions? Contact us today.