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GSSGC Covid-19 Updates and Precautions

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April 13, 2021 Update

New guidelines state that our Counties are moving into the Orange Tier. For more information about what that means for your troop, please see the Safe In-Person Troop Meeting Guidelines section below. Other state orders are still in place. For more information, visit the State of Califronia Covid Guidelines page.

March 14, 2021 Update

New guidelines state that our Counties are moving into the Red Tier. For more information about the expanded cookie activities, please visit our Cookie Resources page and see the section on Red Tier Guidance. Guidelines for safe in-person troop meetings remain the same.

March 3, 2021 Update

New California guidelines allow for in-person troop meetings with COVID-19 precautions. For information about how your troop can start meeting in-person, see the Safe In-Person Troop Meeting Guidelines below.

Safe In-Person Troop Meeting Guidelines

Safe In-Person Troop Meeting Guidelines and Resources:
 

Hosting In-Person Meetings 
Annual Permission Slip
 
Cookies 2020 Rewards Update
Rewards Cookie 2020 Covid Delay Update

All “outstanding” cookie 2020  rewards have been distributed to your coordinator. Please reach out to your leader for information if you have yet to receive your rewards.

 

Fall Entrepreneurial Program 2020 Update
January 25, 2021 Update

January 25, 2021 Update

Regional Stay Home Order ended January 25, 2021

Counties returned to their appropriate tier under the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Other state orders are still in place. For more information, visit the State of Califronia Covid Guidelines page.

Both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties are still in the Purple Tier. Please see the Blueprint for Safer Economy for more information.

For information about what activities are permissable in the purple tier for cookie sales, please see the GSSGC 2021 Cookie Coordinator Guide.

December 5, 2020 Update

December 5, 2020 Update

Regional Say at Home Order and Girl Scouts San Gorgonio

The Regional Stay Home Order, announced December 3rd, 2020, will go into effect on Saturday, December 5 at 12:59pm and thereafter within 48 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU availability. It prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others.

The order will remain in effect for at least 3 weeks and, after that period, may be lifted when a region’s projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%. This will be assessed on a weekly basis after the initial 3 week period.

The state released a map of five regions and their current ICU capacity, as well as projected dates when regions will fall below the 15 percent threshold. The regions are:

  • Northern California: Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity
  •  Bay Area: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma
  • Greater Sacramento: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba
  • San Joaquin Valley: Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Benito, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Southern California: Imperial, Inyo, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura
So what does this mean to GSSGC:
  • All GSSGC waivers to meet in person will be withdrawn and no in person meetings can occur during duration of the stay at home order
  • No new waivers to meet in person will be accepted until after the lifting of the stay at home order
  • New waivers to meet in person will need to be submitted following the lifting of the stay at home order
  • Retail Shops will be restricted to 20% capacity
  • Access to GSSGC offices will be allowed on a request basis only
  • Entrepreneurial distributions/programs will be evaluated by the Executive Team and approved on a case by case basis based on safety protocols that can be instituted

Below is a link for the latest update from the California Department of Public Health.

https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/12.3.20-Stay-at-Home-Order-ICU-Scenario.pdf

 

September 17, 2020 Update

September 17, 2020 Update:

GSSGC September Email Update

September 3, 2020 CEO Update

September 3, 2020 CEO Update:

When can troops meet in person?

Dear Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council,

Below is my weekly report and update of the current status on in-person troop meetings and what needs to happen before they can resume.

Are troops allowed to meet in person now?

Currently, troops may not meet in person. We are observing both state and county mandates restricting in-person gatherings of individuals from different households.

When will troops be able to meet again in person?

A new set of color-coded criteria was announced in the past week by California’s governor.  There is virtually no change in status from previous weeks for counties in the “Purple” tier, which includes both Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Note that moving to a lower tier will require meeting that tier’s criteria for two weeks prior to the move, with a mandatory 21-day wait time between each move.  A detailed description of the new criteria is reprinted below,

Once our two counties move to a tier that permits social gatherings like troop meetings,  a two-week waiting period in that tier will be required after which Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council will lift its restrictions. At that time, specific guidelines and precautions will be shared with troops regarding the resumption of face-to-face meetings.

The following sources are being used to help guide our decision-making process:

I hope this helps to answer any questions you may have. I know that we are all longing to meet again face-to-face, and we will do so as soon as state and local mandates allow.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Cynthia H. Breunig

 



August 27, 2020 CEO Update
August 27, 2020 CEO Update:
When can troops meet in person?


Dear Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council,

We are receiving many questions about when troops can resume in-person meetings. In this update, you will find the current status on in-person troop meetings and what needs to happen before they can resume.

Are troops allowed to meet in person now?

Currently, troops may not meet in person. We are observing both state and county mandates restricting in-person gatherings of individuals from different households.

When will troops be able to meet again in person?

Both Riverside and San Bernardino counties are currently on the State of California’s COVID Monitoring List. Once mandates are lifted and our two counties are removed from the Monitoring List and remain off of the list for at least two weeks, Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council will lift its restrictions. At that time, specific guidelines and precautions will be shared with troops regarding the resumption of face-to-face meetings.

Because things are changing daily, I will be providing weekly updates on when troops may resume in-person meetings. The following sources are being used to help guide our decision-making process:

I hope this helps to answer any questions you may have. I am sorry we do not have a firm date at this time. I know that we are all longing to meet again face-to-face.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Cynthia H. Breunig

August 15, 2020 Update

August 15, 2020 Update

 

Dear Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio,
 
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is changing how we live, how we work, and how we serve our girls and volunteers. In response to these changes, Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council is providing quality virtual programming for our girls, because it is clear they need us now more than ever. Virtual offerings can be found on GSSGC’s website, under “GSSGC Virtual.” Facebook Live sessions highlighting various skills, such as learning how to tie different types of knots, are also airing throughout the month of August on our Facebook page.
 
In-person Girl Scout troop meetings, suspended since mid-March, continue via Zoom or other virtual platforms. While providing a much-needed form of communication and connection, we know that virtual meetings do not compare to being able to meet face-to-face. However, our utmost priority is and must be the safety of our girls, volunteers, and staff members. Until that time when state and county restrictions are lifted and it is safe to meet again, in-person troop meetings and events will continue virtually.
 
Your Council has made a pledge to ensure all girls, and their parents and leaders, are welcomed, respected and valued. We stand by our commitment to eliminate institutional racism and the structure that supports it within our own Council. As we continue to seek comments from our girls and leaders, we are finding many real-life examples of the times we have fallen short. It is painful and shocking to hear testimony of racism occurring within our own beloved Council. I know that if we have the courage to listen and learn from one another, then we can take positive action. We can do better and be better -- after all, we are all Girl Scouts and live by the Promise and the Law, “to make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.”
 
The Board of Directors has established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee that is in the process of selecting an outside expert to guide us through training and examination of all policies and practices. The staff has also established a DEI Action Committee whose members include volunteers and older girls. Our first task has been to strengthen the Volunteer Policies & Procedures to support our promise to girls and volunteers that racism in any form will not be tolerated. The new policy was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors on August 12, 2020. It will be widely shared in the next few weeks.  
 
Finally, the anticipated reopening of our offices has been pushed back to January 5, 2021. During this time of remote working, all departments are fully functional and stand ready and reachable to assist in all of your Girl Scouting needs. Our retail shops will begin to reopen next week on August 18th with limited hours and days for each location. Maximum precautions are being taken for everyone’s health and safety and current state and local guidelines are being followed. This newsletter contains important information and updates, with answers to many of the questions you may have. If you don’t find the information you need here, do not hesitate to contact Customer Care. You can chat with our Customer Care Specialists in real time via the “We Are Here” chat app found on GSSGC’s Contact Us webpage. To connect with a Customer Care Specialist by phone, dial the main number, (909) 307-6555, and at any point during the recording dial extension 5002. You may also contact Customer Care by emailing customercare@gssgc.org.
 
No matter what the future brings, I know that by working together and remaining highly focused on the needs of our girls, we will help them rise and become women of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. We work for today’s girls and for future generations. This is our duty and responsibility.
 
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Cynthia H. Breunig
President and CEO


Programs

We loved seeing your faces, virtually, this summer. What a treat to programmatically engage with our girls via Facebook Lives, Camp Awesome, Virtual Field Trips, Series and many other fun opportunities offered via the program team this summer.

Be sure to check  the event calendar and our Facebook for events as we launch cybersecurity for Juniors as well as other single day events and series items.

We then move into the “Back to Troop” fall season.  Watch your mail boxes for the Food For Thought magazine arriving to mail boxes soon. Within the pages you will find information about Programs-in-a-Box, Virtual Clubs, and Opting into Program 411 so that you are the first in the know about new program opportunities.  

Retail

Exciting News

Our retail shops will be reopened beginning August 18th. Our hours and days are limited based on increased sanitations and staffing, but we are thrilled to start seeing you within our shops.

  • Low Desert and High Desert – Open 1 day a week, every Tuesday from 10am-4pm closed for lunch from 1-2
  • Central West – Open 2 days a week, every Wednesday and Thursday from 10am-4pm closed for lunch from 1-2
  • Southwest – Open 2 days a week, every Wednesday and Friday from 10am-4pm closed for lunch from 1-2
  • Redlands – Open 2 days a week, every Thursday and Friday from 10am-4pm closed for lunch from 1-2
  • Saturdays in August 10am -2pm
    Redlands on the 22nd
    Central West on the 29th
    Temecula 29th

Safety and Sanitation

Of course our shops will be following all local and state codes for sanitation and safety. This indicates the number of people allowed in the store at any one time, 6ft distancing especially when standing in line for the register. Masks must be worn at all times by both staff and customers – without exception.  

Member Services

Troop Support is currently working on Troop Financial Reports. We still have a number of troops who have not submitted their reports, but you will be relieved to know that the deadline was extended to September 30 for non-renewed Co-Leaders.  We will continue to reach out to leaders and set up meetings with troops who have questions. If your Troop Financial Report has not been submitted and you need assistance contact our team.
We are still in the midst of Renewal for the 20/21 membership year.  If you are thinking about changing troop leadership or need assistance restructuring your troop, contact us.  We will work to do what is in the best interest of your troop. 

Service Unit Managers should be planning their back to troop Service Unit meetings and ensuring they have the tools to be successful in this new environment.  We are encouraging our SUMs to schedule virtual meetings and activities until further notice. Reach out to your Service Unit Mangers for upcoming dates or contact Troop Support. 

The Member Services Department is developing the framework for our upcoming Virtual Volunteer Conference in November.  Stay tuned for more information. 

Fall recruiting is in full swing and the recruitment team has scheduled several virtual meetups for interested new girls.  If you have neighbors, friends or family that have expressed an interest in joining Girl Scouts, please direct them to send an email to customercare@gssgc.org.  Someone from the recruitment team will personally reach out to them. 

Juliettes

Juliette’s or Individual Girl Scouting allows for a one on one approach much like home schooling. Each year we look to see how can we best serve our individual Girl Scouts. This year we reviewed the Entrepreneurial Program. This program is best when done in a troop/ group setting vs. an individual format. As such, beginning with this year’s 2020 fall program there will be no standalone IRG entrepreneurial program. Girls who participated as Juliettes or IRGs, in the 2019 fall or 2020 cookie programs and earned Juliette Program Credits will continue to have access to them until they expire. If you would like to participate in the Entrepreneurial Programs in the future we urge you to form troops and/or join a troop. In today’s virtual world girls from all over our council can form a troop, meet via zoom and participate in the Entrepreneurial Program as a troop. Location or travel is no longer a hindrance for an engaging troop meeting. This allows for greater opportunities within Girl Scouting as well as within the entrepreneurial program such as troop proceeds which do not expire. Please contact customercare@gssgc.org for information in regards to forming troops or finding a troop near you.

Adult Learning and Volunteer Services

Looking for a way to get ahead of the Girl Scout game? Overloaded on binge watching Netflix? Why not learn more about Girl Scouts? Or refresh your repertoire of Girl Scout trivia?

Get a jump start on the coming year. Go to the Council website, click on MyGS and log in using your Girl Scout community log in. You know - the same one you use to check your troop roster and access your VTK. Once you’re logged in, you can check out the courses that are in your course library. Even if you’re not a Cadette leader, take the Silver Award Training. What can it hurt? You say you’re a Brownie leader? Eventually you’ll be a Junior - sooner than you think – give the Bronze Award Training a try, you won’t regret it.

Even if you’ve been a leader for a while, check out the Successful Leader Learning Series, you might get some helpful tips or at the least reinforcement that you’re still doing it correctly.

Wander back once in a while, we will be adding more trainings in the future. Some might surprise you.

Properties

The Properties Department is closely monitoring guidance as provided by the State of California and the County of Riverside Department of Environmental Health on the operation of residential camps and meeting locations for non-family members.  Currently GSSGC is not allowed to provide overnight camp experiences or provide meeting spaces for non-family member groups.  If you have a camp reservation in the month of September or October, you will be receiving an email from our Program Coordinator letting you know about the status of your reservation.  We are not accepting any new reservations until guidance is provided by the State and County.  Please watch our Social Media posts as to when and how GSSGC will be accepting reservations for camp and meeting space use.



May 20, 2020 Update
May 20, 2020 Update

Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic is a situation that continues to change rapidly, and like all organizations, we have had to make decisions to best support the health and safety of our girls, volunteers and staff.  With this in mind, we have made the difficult decission to cancel ALL in person activities through September 1, 2020.

During this time, please direct all refund requests through our Covid 19 Cancelled Submission Form

More details are included in our most recent newsletter from our President and CEO, Cynthia Breunig.

 

Customer Curbside Pickup is available while shops remain closed

Schedule:

  • Mondays – Low Desert 10am-2pm
  • Tuesdays – High Desert 10am-2pm
  • Wednesdays – South West 10am-2pm
  • Thursdays – Central West 10am-2pm
  • Fridays – Redlands 10am-2pm

Upcoming Closure in observance of July 4th – Friday, July 3rd  and Monday, July 6th

How to:

  1. Customers shop online at https://www.girlscoutshop.com/SAN-GORGONIO-COUNCIL
  2. Email their orders and contact information to hmarquez@gssgc.org
  3. All customers will be contacted to confirm order, pay over the phone and arrange a convenient, no-contact pickup.


April 24, 2020 Update
March 19, 2020 Update

The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health is ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence.

More Information

March 17, 2020 Update
March 17, 2020 Update

At Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio we encourage our girls to make hard choices and face challenges with courage, confidence and character. Our communities continue to be affected on a rapidly changing basis and both of our counties have persons that have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. While the health departments continue to advise us on precautionary measures, we have an obligation to also do our part to take measures to slow the spread of the virus as other organizations have also done.

To address the evolving concerns about coronavirus (COVID-19), and following the guidance of federal, state and county agencies to avoid or slow the spread of the disease, our leadership here at GSSGC has worked to be as transparent as possible with the thought-process we are using to make decisions: we want to ensure the safety of our Girl Scouts, volunteers, and staff while attempting to minimize the impact to our girls, community and our mission. We had much to consider, foremost among those is how to continue to serve and support you, while protecting the health and well-being of our staff, members and communities.  Guided by heart and head, I announce the following actions, effective immediately.

Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio facilities are being closed to the public temporarily through March 30.  This includes all offices, service centers, scout houses, and camps.  We will continue to evaluate conditions and the closure may be extended.  While many Council staff will be working remotely, most council operations will continue to function as in the past.  All of us are committed to step up during this crisis and help our girls and volunteers thrive. Together we can be a source of stability and comfort to our girls in these uncertain times.

For our volunteers and troops, in-person meetings are suspended until further notice.  We encourage virtual meetings so that the mission continues. Look to our social media for upcoming virtual meetings and journeys.  All Girl Scout events are cancelled until April 30.  With our girls now out of school and parents striving to keep them occupied and engaged, we will be looking for ways to offer them “Virtual Girl Scouting” starting this week.

All staff will be available to you to provide support and assistance where needed.  Responses to emails will not be affected.  Our switchboard capability will be reduced, so I encourage you to communicate via email whenever possible or use the “Contact Us” button on our website as we will have staff available for live chats during business hours. The Council Facebook page and Council website will contain the most up-to-date information.

Following are some helpful links you can use from your home:

This situation continues to evolve rapidly and we are working with our community partners, county health departments, government agencies and GSUSA on how we are responding and keeping our members updated on our council. I know we can count on you for patience and understanding as we closely monitor the situation and do our part, while continuing to evaluate additional measures to support our members, communities and friends. United we are strong and resilient and will get through this together as one Girl Scout Family.

 



March 13, 2020 Update

GSSGC is closely monitoring the news and recommendations from the CDC and will share updates as they become available. We want to thank you all for your efforts around the community to follow recommended CDC guidelines to safeguard our service centers, our events and our community. The safety and welfare of our girls is Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio’s top priority.

First and foremost, we recommend that members regularly visit the Centers for Disease Control website for updated information on preventative measures.

GSSGC is closely monitoring the COVID-19 updates from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, American Camp Association (ACA) and the local public health departments for each of the two counties within our council boundaries. At this time, we are proceeding with the Cookie Program, all programs, events, camps, and property reservations as planned.

As Girl Scout events for children are similar to schools, we are paying close attention to local guidance for school closures. As much as possible, children should be allowed to carry on with their education and normal activities. We understand that some children have underlying health conditions, such as weakened immune systems, that put them at higher risk. Caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult with healthcare providers about whether their children should stay home.

As circumstances change, we will continue to seek guidance from these agencies and public health officials and are prepared to follow the recommendations of the CDC and local health departments to ensure the health and safety of our members.

 

Here are the additional things we all can do to keep our community clean and safe:

  • Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently especially after sneezing, shaking hands, hugging or even touching another individual, and always before eating. Use soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  •  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick – (health officials call this “social distancing”) and stay about three feet away from someone who is sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like your phone or computer.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing then promptly throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
  • Stay home when you are not feeling well or if you have a sick family member in your home.
  • Get plenty of sleep, good nutrition, stress-relief, and exercise – a healthy body is the best defense against illness.
  • Be cautious with meetings and travel
  • Handle food carefully

 

Here are the additional things we are doing to keep our community clean and safe:

  • We are adhering to the executive order per Governor Newsom and the CDC regarding the reccommended guidelines for public gatherings.
  • We are keeping our properties well-stocked with all of the supplies needed to reduce the spread of germs. 
  • All staff members who are ill will be sent home.
  • We are encouraging all members who are sick or are at a higher risk for serious illness to not attend Girl Scout meetings, programs, or events.
  • We are proactively advising all service units to follow specific increased hygiene measures at their large group gatherings.
  • We are asking all members to follow increased hygiene at Girl Scout events, such as:
    • Try to maintain at least 6 feet of physical space between you and other people
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
    • If soap and water are not available, 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used in a pinch
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
    • Do not cough into your hands and always wash your hands after coughing or sneezing if you use a tissue and make sure to throw your tissue away

Thank you for your help in keeping Girl Scouts a safe, fun space for everyone! If you have questions about how coronavirus may impact Girl Scout activities, please contact us at customercare@gssgc.org or 800-400-GIRL—we're here for you.

 

Consult Your Public Health Department

To be a resource to our members, we are reviewing local health departments' websites daily and updating our messaging. As always, check the CDC and your local health department’s website for the most up-to-date information.

 

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 Girl About Coronavirus to help minimize stress and worry in your Girl Scout’s life and give her a sense of calm and control.

 




 

You're invited to join the world of Girl Scouts! Join Us
You're invited to join the world of Girl Scouts! Join Us
You're invited to join the world of Girl Scouts! Join Us
You're invited to join the world of Girl Scouts! Join Us