Girl Scouts Cancel All Events Through August Amid Coronavirus

SEATTLE, WA — The Girl Scouts of Western Washington have canceled all events, programs and any other in-person gatherings through August amid concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. However, they hope to continue teaching scouts in the interim through a new online scouting program.

Leaders say following Gov. Inslee's decision to close schools, they decided to re-evaluate their spring and summer plans, and made the difficult choice to cancel programs.

GSWW CEO Megan Ferland says it was a hard decision to make, but the health and safety of girls and volunteers just isn't worth the risk.:

"We understand the importance of gathering and are sad girls won’t be singing around the campfire this summer. However, we’re comforted by knowing they’re staying safe, and keeping their families safe, as we all navigate this unfamiliar ground. "

The canceled programming includes:

• Troop meetings
• Travel plans
• Encamporees
• Events on or off Girl Scout property

The Girl Scouts of Western Washington have also closed all offices, camps, troop houses and stores.

However, GSWW has announced the launch of a new online program, Girl Scouts at Home, an online challenge giving patches for skills that are useful in a pandemic, like first aid, sheltering, and procuring food and water.

Read the full letter on the closures from CEO Megan Ferland here.