side menu icon

Latest News and Updates

Dad and daughter washing hands

Current COVID-19 Guidelines for GSHCC Members

Updated July 30: Masks required indoors

Girl Scouts’ number one priority is the safety and well-being of our members, their families, and the communities we serve. In accordance with updated local guidelines, we are now requiring everyone to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. 

Staff members, troop and service unit leaders, and event staff must wear—and require all participants to wear—masks during all indoor activities associated with GSHCC.

We will continue to update guidelines based on the CDC and the CA Department of Health’s evolving recommendations. CADPH youth sports guidelines are no longer in effect.

If individuals are feeling ill, they should refrain from attending in-person meetings or gatherings.

In-Person COVID Guidance Grid

*Masks may be required for some GSHCC staff run and partner events, regardless of location or vaccination status.

Masks

Masks are required indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are not required in adult-only outdoor settings for vaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated individuals should continue wearing masks in outdoor and indoor situations.

  • These guidelines align with the California Department of Health’s (CDPH) Guidance for Use of Face Coverings as of 7/29/2021, as well as CDPH’s COVID-19 and Reopening of In-Person Instruction Framework & Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California focusing on youth and adult settings as of 1/14/2021.
  • This protocol will be reviewed again when vaccines for ages 5+ are readily available.
  • The following individuals are exempt from wearing masks at all times, and therefore, should remain a safe distance from girls and other adults:
    •  Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a mask. This includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a mask could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a mask without assistance.
    • Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

Social Distancing

Social distancing will only remain in place in indoor settings and when youth are present, and/or when specific building requirements are set.

Camping

Overnight camping is allowed in outdoor settings. Girls may share sleeping structures under the following conditions:

  • Parents/guardians and troop leaders agree that girls may share sleeping structures.
  • Sleeping structures (tents, cabins, dormitories, etc.) are well ventilated with open windows or other ventilation systems in use.
  • Campers are distancing as much as possible (sleeping head to foot in ground tents, cots, or sleeping mats separated in buildings, etc.).

Carpooling

Carpooling is allowed with masking, under the following conditions:

  • If parents/guardians and troop leaders agree that girls may share a carpool while on a Girl event or activity.
  • These guidelines are consistent with public transit guidelines.

Food

Avoid any self-serve, shared food or drink options at Girl Scout meetings or events.

  • ServSafe measures should continue to be used in all Girl Scouts settings where food is being served.
  • Buffet-style food service is not recommended but is allowed.
  • Prepare pre-packaged individual servings (for example, when planning to make s’mores, offer each participant their own set of ingredients).
  • Food practice guidelines as outlined in the CDC’s Small Gatherings: Planning for Food and Drinks remain in place as of 5/20/2021.

Domestic Travel

Domestic travel is now possible, with the following advisory from the state of California:

  • California no longer has a travel advisory in effect. There is now no state recommendation to test and quarantine before and after travel.
  • The California Department of Public Health asks that you do the following:
    • Delay travel until you’re fully vaccinated.
    • If you’re not fully vaccinated, but choose to travel, get tested before and after.
    • No matter your vaccination status, wear a mask while on public transportation or in a transportation hub.
    • Get tested if you feel sick, and avoid traveling if you have or may have had COVID-19.
  • The Trip or High Adventure Approval form should continue to be completed for all domestic travel.
  • See the CDC’s travel guidelines and read more at CDPH’s travel flyer PDF.

International Travel

 International travel is possible under the following conditions, as outlined by the CDC’s International Travel During COVID-19 as of 6/10/2021.

  • Travelers must be fully vaccinated.
  • Fully vaccinated people should follow the guidelines outlined in the link above.
  • Unvaccinated people should also follow specific guidelines for them outlined in the above link.
  • Travelers should check the U.S. Department of State’s International Travel Advisories to understand which countries are Level 4 (Do Not Travel status) and Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Travel to Level 4 and Level 3 countries will not be approved by GSHCC.
  • The Trip or High Adventure Approval form should continue to be completed for all international travel.

County Health Department Requirements

For COVID guidelines by county, visit: covid19.ca.gov.

More Safety Measures & Guidance

Check the Safely Reopening California site for continued safety measures and guidance.

Questions?

Please contact customercare@girlscoutshcc.org.

Please note, the majority of staff continue to work remotely. We have added staff members to our Customer Care Team so we can more quickly address any questions or concerns our members have. For the quickest response, please reach out to us via the email address above.