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Girl Scouts and COVID-19

At Girl Scouts, there is nothing we take more seriously than the safety and well-being of our members. Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland is taking all possible and appropriate measures to ensure girls continue to have a safe, fun, one-of-a-kind experience at Girl Scouts. 

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

Meetings, Events, and Trainings

As of April 1, troops and service units are allowed to continue meeting in-person, with updated volunteer guidelines. Troops and service units may meet in-person in indoor or outdoor spaces where physical distancing can be maintained. Service Unit and multi-troop events (such as bridging, day camp, etc.) are allowed. Family members not currently registered or tag-a-longs are only appropriate for family-style events.

Summer Camp Safety

The status of the COVID-19 situation in our region has changed significantly in the last week, resulting in an increased risk in hosting and attending summer resident camp opportunities. Because of this, and our commitment to keeping our girls, families, and staff safe, we have made the exceedingly difficult decision to cancel all remaining summer camp opportunities after July 23, through August 31. This includes resident camp, family camping weekends, volunteer-led summer camping, and program center reservations. More information can be found in our all member communication, sent via email on July 22.

Service Centers and Retail Stores

Retail Stores. Our Retail Stores in all service centers will be offering in-person shopping by appointment and curbside pick-up at the days and times below. Shopping by appointment may be staggered to allow for physical distancing.

Location Available 8:30-4:30 p.m.
Cape Girardeau                            Wednesdays & Thursdays                    
Dexter Mondays & Tuesdays
Jefferson City Monday through Thursday
Joplin Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Springfield Monday through Thursday

Free shipping of merchandise found in-store is available for all service center areas. Contact us at 877-312-4764 or by email to place your order today. Some restrictions do apply. As always, our online retail store is available 24/7.

In-Person Meetings. In-person meetings between employees and volunteers or employees and customers will be allowed following physically distancing guidelines.

Schedule an Appointment. Customers may email us or call 877-312-4764 to schedule a shopping appointment or curbside pick-up with their respective retail associate or an in-person meeting with an employee. 

To see the full guidelines, check out the COVID-19 Service Center Guidelines for Volunteers. 

Program Centers

GSMH Program Centers will be open for day and overnight use by GSMH troops and service units. Rangers will disinfect the facilities between scheduled reservations.

Program Center use is limited to troops/service units registered with Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland. No out of council member use will be allowed at this time. Family members not currently registered or tag-a-longs are only appropriate for family camping events.

To begin the reservation process, complete the Interim COVID19 Program Center Reservation Request. Program Centers will not be available for reservations at points throughout the summer due to GSMH Summer Camp. The units available and their respective capacities can be found in the Program Center Guidelines for Volunteers. Please read the complete guidelines prior to requesting a reservation. 

Troop Travel

Troop Travel Applications are being 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.

It is also so important to remember we are girl-led, and allow each volunteer and family to determine the level of participation that they are comfortable with. For any troops who choose to resume in-person activities, please continue to offer alternative ways for the girls to connect. 

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to change, so even though we are returning to some in-person activities, virtual opportunities will still be continued. Ultimately, we are striving to maintain flexibility while providing as much support and sense of community to our girls and members as possible. Please know that as circumstances change, our guidelines may be re-evaluated.

Our most valuable resource is and always will be our people, including our members, our volunteers, and our employees. We are committed to actions that maintain the health of all. Check out these additional resources as we all navigate through this unique situation.

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.