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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 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

Troops and service units are allowed to continue meeting in-person, following the updated volunteer guidelines released on November 23. Troops may continue meeting in-person in indoor or outdoor settings, following all local guidelines including city, county, and state. Family members not currently registered or tag-a-longs are only appropriate for family-style events.

Service Centers and Retail Stores

Retail Stores. Our retail stores offer free shipping to members of merchandise found in-store (some restrictions may apply) along with shopping by appointment. 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.

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 Center Use. GSMH Program Centers are open for day and overnight use by 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.

Availability. Reservations are being accepted for troop or service unit use November 29, 2021 through March 31, 2022, except for GSMH Winter Break (December 20, 2021 – January 2, 2022). 

The units available can be found in the updated Program Center Guidelines. To check the availability of a site or to begin the reservation process, fill out the Program Center Reservation Form. 

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.

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.