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COVID-19 Important Updates

The safety and welfare of our girls is Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia’s top priority. We are hearing from our community, and many families and volunteers are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in our state. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. We will be adding frequently asked questions to this page as they arise. Please also see the letter below from Sue Else, CEO of Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia.

Check out our Virtual Programs for fun Girl Scout activities to do while official activities are suspended! 

Need help explaining the situation to your children? Here's how to talk to your kids about coronavirus.

If you have questions, please email customercare@gshg.org or call 1-888-689-1912.

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What is GSHG doing in response to COVID-19?
  • All camps are closed through May 18, 2020. We will issue refunds to all individuals and groups scheduled to attend programs and events through this date.
  • All in-person council-sponsored girl and volunteer programs, trainings and events are cancelled through May 18, 2020. We will issue refunds to all individuals and groups scheduled to attend programs, trainings and events through this date.
  • No trips will be approved through May 18, 2020.
  • All council staff are being instructed to work from home through May 18, 2020 and are available through email and phone.
  • Our shops are closed through May 18, 2020. Please shop online for any merchandise you need.
  • Our customer care line is open! You may still contact us with questions or concerns during regular office hours at customercare@gshg.org or  1-888-689-1912.
  • All in-person troop meetings, service area events and other volunteer-led programs are cancelled through May 18, 2020.
What events are cancelled? Will we receive refunds?
  • All council-sponsored girl and volunteer programs, trainings and events are cancelled through May 18, 2020. We will issue refunds to all individuals and groups scheduled to attend programs, trainings and events through this date.
  • No trips will be approved through May 18, 2020.
  • All in-person troop meetings, service area events and other volunteer-led programs should be cancelled through May 18, 2020.

 

COUNCIL UPDATE REGARDING TROOP AND SERVICE AREA MEETINGS:

Our national organization has issued a statement that troop and service area meetings are to be cancelled.

From GSUSA:

 As federal guidelines currently limit gatherings to fewer than 10, the national office advises that all Girl Scout in-person activities, including troop meetings, be cancelled effective immediately.

As a national Movement, we must prioritize the health and safety of all girls and speak with one voice in doing so. At GSUSA, we stand in partnership with councils across the country that are making difficult decisions to protect all girls and families. We, as a Movement, are committing our collective resources to support all families during these stressful times. 

Can we meet virtually?

Stay tuned to our council website and social media for other virtual program opportunities developed by our Program team.

While we cannot endorse or support specific online meeting tools for your use, see below for a list of free and low-cost tools that could be useful to you.

Video and Audio-Conferencing Tools with free versions 

While all of these options have a free version, please note you may be prompted to consider their upgraded versions for a subscription fee.

  • Zoom - FAQ
    Note: Meetings durations maximum of 40 minutes in free version
  • Skype - Support
    Note: Up to 10 participants free
  • Webex – Help Center
    Note: Limited file and content sharing in free version

Chat and Collaboration Tools with free versions

Additional low-cost tools for collaboration and conferencing to consider if the above options do not meet your group's needs.

What steps can girls and volunteers take to prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Please remember that the best protection is self-protection and self-monitoring, especially in this flu season. Health officials recommend the following measures to minimize your risk of contracting any virus: 

  • Wash hands frequently especially after sneezing, shaking hands/bodily contact with another individual, and before eating. Use soap and water for 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. 
  • Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick – health officials call this “social distancing” and recommend staying about three feet away from someone who is sick. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like your phone or computer. 
  • Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing then throw the tissue in the trash, or as a last resort cough into the elbow 
  • Get plenty of sleep, good nutrition, stress-relief, and exercise – a healthy body is the best defense against illness. 
  • For the latest information, please consult the CDC website.


Greetings GSHG Volunteers and Families –

We hope you and your troop members are enjoying the virtual program opportunities posted daily to our FB and Instagram accounts. Perhaps they are a stabilizer for you and your troop members during this unusual time in our history. As you know, things continue to change daily and we want you to have any updates as quickly as possible: Governor Kemp on Thursday ordered the continued closure of schools until April 24 in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus. Your Council leadership team has decided to follow the direction of state officials. Therefore, our council offices will remain closed and staff will continue to work from home. The offices will reopen on May 18, unless otherwise directed by state health officials. All events and in person meetings are also cancelled until the same date.

Be sure to stay tuned for further instructions regarding our upcoming events, training opportunities and other pertinent information. Please continue to contact us with your questions and requests.  We’ll respond as quickly as we can. We miss seeing you all and look forward to getting back together soon. In the meantime, take care of yourself.

 Sincerely, 

Sue Signature + Text
ceoletter

Click the link above for the previous letter from the CEO!