Girl Scouts Of Southeastern New England Cancels 2020 Summer Camp

WARWICK, RI — Just one day after Gov. Gina Raimondo said summer camps will be possible this year, Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England announced that all camps scheduled for 2020 have been canceled. The decision follows in the footsteps of the Boy Scouts Narragansett Council's similar decision, announced earlier this week.

"After much consideration and keeping in mind the health and safety of our girls, we have made the difficult decision to not move forward with traditional in-person camp sessions this summer," said CEO Pam Hyland. "We realize that this is devastating news for many of you and we want you to know that we are working hard to create a robust alternative camp experience for our girls."

The decision applies to all camps in the council, which expands beyond Rhode Island to include 13 communities in southeastern Massachusetts: Bellingham, Blackstone, Attleboro, Fall River, North Attleboro, Plainville, Somerset, Swansea, Westport, Wrentham, Millville, Rehoboth and Seekonk, as well as Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Based on individual state guidelines, different plans may be needed to address needs in each community.

Read more: Boy Scout Camp Canceled In RI; Girl Scouts Delay Start

Families who have already paid for programs this summer will receive an email about the next steps.

The council is working to develop at-home camp activities and plans to launch alternate camp registration June 1. If safe to do so, Family Days will be held at camps this summer, when scouts and their families can hike, picnic and "experience the magic of camp."

The council is also working to determine if it is safe for troops to camp, and ask for pateince as they determine the next steps forward.

"Know that we do not make these decisions lightly. We are committed to providing the safest and most enjoyable opportunities that the circumstances allow for your Girl Scout," Hyland said. "We hope that you and your loved ones are staying healthy and safe, and that you continue to look forward to a magical summer."