Boy Scout Camp Canceled In RI; Girl Scouts Delay Start

NARRAGANSETT, RI — While summer camps will be held in Rhode Island this summer, scouting activities aren't certain. The Boy Scouts of American Narragansett Council announced this week that no camps will be held this year, while Girl Scouts of Southern New England said previously that no camp activities will be held until at least July.

During Thursday's daily news conference, Gov. Gina Raimondo said she is working with town leaders to make day camps possible this summer, starting June 29.

"It's not going to be just like last year," Raimondo said. "There are going to be new cleaning regimens... It's going to be fun, but different."

Earlier this week, Boy Scout leadership announced that no day- or overnight camps will be offered this year.

"After a thorough evaluation, we have concluded that based on the information available to us of likely restrictions, we will not be able to conduct on-site Cub Scout Day Camp or Family Camp at Camp Champlin, Camp Norse or Camp Aquapaug and we will not be able to conduct on-site Scout Camp at Camp Yawgoog," the statement read in part.

The council will instead hold virtual camp experiences through outdoor activities that can be done at home, materials mailed to scouts and other virtual opportunities.

Small groups might be allowed to use the camps later in the summer if it is safe to do so, the council said, as well as some weekend activities in the fall.

"We look forward to providing the full range of Scouting programs as soon as we can and as the situation allows, the statement continued. "We hope all our Scouting families stay healthy and positive in our current environment and join us in preparing for great and innovative Scouting experiences."

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England, meanwhile, said at the beginning of the pandemic that all camp activities were on hold until July at the earliest. As of Thursday, day camp sessions remain on the calendar in July and August. All summer camp open house events and summer outdoor series programs were canceled. In addition, no international staff will be brought to Rhode Island this year.