There are some websites that tell you to NEVER refrigerate a SCOBY, just to keep it fed.
If it runs out of food, it will eventually die. Refrigeration slows down the metabolism of the SCOBY so it won't starve as quickly. If a baby doesn't start to grow when you put it in fresh sweet tea, then it's dead. So, the one on your counter--did it grow a baby?
Lisa Kombucha Method: This is what I've come up with after awhile--it's the easiest for me.
Bring about 4 cups of water to a boil.
Pour into a large bowl w/ a spout. (I use the Pampered Chef mixing bowl--it has measurement right on the bowl, a handle, and a spout.
)
Add 2 Tbsp. organic black tea and 1 cup sugar.
Stir well to dissolve the sugar
Let sit for about at least an hour--or until you're ready.
Remove SCOBYs from finished KT, place in bowl, bottle finished kombucha leaving about 1/2 cup in the jar. Do not wash the jar.
Put some VERY cold water into the jar, then add the sweet tea (I pour it through a strainer), then more cold water until it's at the appropriate level (I figured out the right level previous times through measuring but I no longer measure).
Add the SCOBY.
Cover w/ dishtowel (I use the same one over and over w/o washing) and secure w/ a rubber band. Place in pantry.
Write date on calendar so I don't forget!