In March, the Covid-19 pandemic was responsible for shutting down activities consisting of large gatherings. This made it very hard for DeMolay Chapters to meet, requiring the Executive Officer to make the difficult decision to shut down chapter activity. Chapters were allowed to hold virtual meetings through Zoom and various other forms of media, but meeting in-person was not permitted due to state restrictions. A few town halls were designed to help put DeMolays and Advisors at ease.
Pennsylvania DeMolay recently developed a plan that allows chapters to start meeting in-person. A safety team for each Chapter needed to be established, with participants going through safety training, thanks to Director of Health and Safety, Mom Jeanine Larkin. Each chapter is required to screen all participants at the door, taking temperatures before entering the room. Social distancing is still being met, but the important thing is that in-person activity can happen.
Since the reopening, Chapters have started to hold in-person activities, including installations, meetings, and social gatherings that allow for social distancing. It may have been a difficult time, but Pennsylvania DeMolay proved that we can make the best out of any situation thrown our way.
