“Helping Jacob H work on his Eagle Project.”
From Helping towards Eagle, posted by David Thuis on 4/20/2013 (15 items)
- Eagle project workin
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BSA membership policy resolution released, will be voted on in May
The Boy Scouts of America’s Executive Committee today released its membership policy resolution, which proposes removing the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone and maintaining the current membership policy for all adult leaders of the Boy Scouts of America.
The resolution, if passed, would be effective Jan. 1, 2014. You can read a summary below or see the complete text at this link (PDF).
Next up, the resolution is sent to all voting delegates, a group of volunteers from every BSA council, who will put it to a vote at the National Annual Meeting next month.
The resolution comes after a lengthy review process in which the BSA gathered perspectives from inside and outside the Scouting family. The five-page Membership Standards Study Initiative Executive Summary (PDF) explains in detail the key findings from this review.
Here’s the resolution:
Youth membership in the Boy Scouts of America is open to all youth who meet the specific membership requirements to join the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, and Venturing programs. Membership in any program of the Boy Scouts of America requires the youth member to (a) subscribe to and abide by the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law, (b) subscribe to and abide by the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle (duty to God), and (c) demonstrate behavior that exemplifies the highest level of good conduct and respect for others and is consistent at all times with the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.
BSA media statement
In February, the Boy Scouts of America embarked on the most comprehensive listening exercise in its history to consider the impact of potential changes to its membership standards policy on the organization and gather perspectives from inside and outside of the Scouting family. This review created an outpouring of feedback from the Scouting family and the American public, from both those who agree with the current policy and those who support a change.
Scouting’s review confirmed that this issue remains among the most complex and challenging issues facing the BSA and society today. Even with the wide range of input, it is extremely difficult to accurately quantify the potential impact of maintaining or changing the current policy. While perspectives and opinions vary significantly, parents, adults in the Scouting community, and teens alike tend to agree that youth should not be denied the benefits of Scouting.
For this reason, the Executive Committee, on behalf of the National Executive Board, wrote a resolution for consideration that would remove the restriction denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation alone and would maintain the current membership policy for all adult leaders of the Boy Scouts of America. The proposed resolution also reinforces that Scouting is a youth program, and any sexual conduct, whether heterosexual or homosexual, by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting.
The voting members will take action on the resolution during the Boy Scouts of America’s National Annual Meeting next month.
America needs Scouting, and our policies must be based on what is in the best interest of our nation’s children. Throughout this process, we work to stay focused on that which unites us, reaching and serving young people to help them grow into good, strong citizens. Our priority remains to continue accomplishing incredible things for young people and the communities we serve.
Can Tiger Cubs attend resident camps?
That’s a trick question. Yes, they can.
Effectively immediately, the policy forbidding Tiger Cubs from attending resident camp has been reversed.
As Scout Wire first reported yesterday, the change allows Tiger Cubs to go to resident camp with their adult partner or guardian. What’s a resident camp? The BSA defines it, at least for Tiger Cubs, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts, as “a council-organized overnight camp of at least two consecutive nights in duration that operates under council-retained leadership.”
Overnight camping by Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear Cub Scout dens as dens is still not OK.
The language in the Guide to Safe Scouting and other publications will be updated as those documents are reprinted. In the meantime, the Age Guidelines in the Guide to Safe Scouting now read:
Age Guidelines
The Boy Scouts of America has established the following guidelines for its members’ participation in camping activities:
Overnight camping by Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear Cub Scout dens as dens is not approved, and certificates of liability insurance will not be provided by the Boy Scouts of America.
- Tiger Cubs may participate in boy-parent excursions, day camps, pack overnighters, or council-organized family or resident camping.
- Tiger Cubs, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts may participate in a resident overnight camping program operating under BSA National Camping School–trained leadership and managed by the council.
- A Webelos Scout may participate in overnight den camping when supervised by an adult. In most cases, the Webelos Scout will be under the supervision of his parent or guardian. It is essential that each Webelos Scout be under the supervision of a parent-approved adult. Joint Webelos den/troop campouts including the parents of the Webelos Scouts are encouraged to strengthen ties between the pack and troop. Den leaders, pack leaders, and parents are expected to accompany the boys on approved trips.
- All Scouts registered in Boy Scout troops are eligible to participate in troop or patrol overnight campouts, camporees, and resident camps.
- Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts 12 through 17 are eligible to participate in national jamborees. Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts 13 through 17 are also eligible to participate in world jamborees and high-adventure programs.
- All youth registered in Venturing are eligible to participate in crew, district, council, and national Venturing activities as well as national high-adventure programs and world jamborees.
(from Bryan on Scouting http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2013/02/22/can-tiger-cubs-attend-resident-camps/)
Scouts represent Pikes Peak Council at the Report to the State!
Pikes Peak Council sent 12 Scout delegates to represent the Pikes Peak region at the Report to the State on Friday, February 8th in Denver. Eagle Scout Andrew from Troop 220 served as the Scout delegate that read a portion of the report in front of Mayor Hancock and other congressional and city leaders. The Scouts were able to take tours of the Capitol Building as well as watch the opening proceedings in the Senate chamber.
“To The Cloud”
The Internet has changed so much over the last few years. There are now so many applications to help you do what you need to do without ever downloading a single piece of software to your computer. I recently did a search for the Top applications available, and I found very few lists, so I decided to put together a list of a few of my favorites. If your favorite is not listed please feel free to list it in the comments.
Personal Information Management
Email:
If you are like me you have more than one e-mail account. When you are away from your computer, or you need more than what you cell phone can offer, you can browse to Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Windows Live Mail, or many of the other webmail services; but that takes a lot of time and effort. Threadsy is the answer. This little web application allows you to check all your e-mail accounts in one screen. When you add your Twitter and Facebook streams, and a nice little chat box courtesy of Meebo, this website is a one stop shop for your communications needs.
Calendars:
I primarily use Google Calendar for my personal calendar, but I needed something that could aggregate my entire families schedules into one nice little package. That’s where Cozi comes in. Cozi allows me to import my families School Calendars, my personal calendars, and more. This site is so beefy I’ve only touched the surface of what it can do.
Tasks:
As my wife would say, I don’t make enough lists remind of all the tasks I need to do. When I do I’ve used Google Calendar, Outlook and other services to try and remind myself of all the little things I need to do. But then everything is spread out on multiple platforms, and unless I check each one I am likely to forget what was required of me. Remember The Milk is quickly becoming the answer. Web-based task lists that I can access from everywhere, and it will even SMS or e-mail me reminders when I need them.
Notes:
Just like tasks, I don’t take as many notes as I should. When I have to put together a publication for work or Scouts that involves researching the web or collecting photos, I tend to create folders and save bookmarks all over my computers, which makes quite a mess. Evernote solves this by allowing my to type a text note, clip a web page, snap a photo and much more and placing it into a format that is easy to work with.
Real-Time
Feed readers:
I know RSS feeds are rumored to soon go the way of the floppy disk, but in the meantime I still subscribe to a lot of them. I used to read them in my browser or in my e-mail clients, but they didn’t sync up the way I needed and I had to constantly delete “unread” items that I had already read. Google Reader reader is my answer to that problem. One place to check all my feeds, and once I read them they are “read”.
Links:
There are a lot of sites like Delicious that allow you to share your favorite bookmarks/links, but I don’t really want to use them. I just needed some place that I could store my Firefox, Chrome, and IE bookmarks without my having to manually export and import them to and from multiple computer systems. Google Bookmarks and Yahoo Bookmarks is the solution. They are very similar, so check both out and make a decision which may be right for you.
Documents
Create/edit:
This is my favorite part of the “new” web. You no longer need to purchase expensive word processing, spreadsheet, or presentation software to get your work done, it’s all available FREE online. Google Docs has been around forever and used to be my favorite, but since Microsoft Office Live introduced on-line scaled down versions of their MS Office line, I find myself using that more and more. Really a dead tie here on which I like better. I now use Google Docs primarily for “work” related items and Microsoft Office Live for personal items. Both allow you to create, share and collaborate all kinds of documents. Try them both and pick a favorite.
Working on Eagle
The whole fam went to Yoder, Co this morning to help a fine young man work on his Eagle Scout project by building a “fitness trial” for Edison School. Lot’s of work, but it was fun.
“Edison School, Yoder, Colorado”
From Will S Eagle Project, posted by David Thuis on 10/23/2010 (45 items)
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Scouts can score free SAT and ACT test prep software
Another school year is here, meaning it’s time for a fresh batch of high school students to start worrying about standardized tests.
But thanks to an alliance between the BSA and eKnowledge, some of the financial worry about getting ready for those tests is gone.
That’s because the test prep company eKnowledge recently announced that its $200 SAT and ACT PowerPrep software will be available free to members of the Boy Scouts of America.
There are separate versions for the SAT and the ACT, and it’s free whether you order one or both. Customers must still pay shipping and handling fees, which total less than $14 for each version of the software that you order.
According to a BSA release about the partnership, the software "includes more than 20 hours of video instruction, 3,000 files of supplemental test prep material, thousands of interactive diagnostic tools, sample questions, practice tests, and graphic teaching illustrations." To order or get more information, visit the eKnowledge Web site.
The eKnowledge Sponsorship Alliance, now in its fourth year, has worked with dozens of community organizations to give away more than $32.4 million worth of software so far.
BSA announces important changes to its Youth Protection policies
Recently, the Boy Scouts of America announced important changes to its Youth Protection policies. The purpose of these changes is to increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting.
Effective June 1, 2010:
Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position.
New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.
To find out more about the Youth Protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America and how to help Scouting keep your family safe, see the Parent’s Guide in any of the Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting handbooks, or go to http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx .
Questions and Answers
The following are answers to some of the questions we have received about these important changes. To read more, visit www.scouting.org/youthprotection.
Q1: When does the change go into effect?
A1: As of June 1, 2010, all registered adult volunteers–no matter what their position entails–must complete Youth Protection training prior to beginning their volunteer service.
Q2: Why a new training policy on such short notice?
A2: Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the Boy Scouts of America. It is important to implement this training at all levels of the organization. The BSA is always reevaluating and reassessing its policies to ensure the safest youth program and the best training are offered. The BSA’s Youth Protection training has been in existence long enough for it to be understood and accepted as a mandated training for all registered BSA adult volunteers.
Q3: What is the deadline to meet the new Youth Protection training standard?
A3: All registered leaders should take or renew their Youth Protection training so that it is current as of today. A unit will not be able to recharter without its key registered adults being up-to-date on their Youth Protection training. No individual leader will be able to register without being up-to-date on his or her Youth Protection training.
Q4: Is there a grace period to get all adults trained?
A4: No. If a leader’s Youth Protection training is not current, the volunteer must take or renew this training immediately. Every effort should be taken so that all adults involved in Scouting have a current certificate of completion of the Youth Protection training.
Q5: Will the system be able to handle the overload of people taking training at the last minute?
A5: The system platform that houses e-learning is expected to be able to handle
the high volume.
Q6: Does “all volunteers” mean all volunteers — even board members and council presidents?
A6: Yes. The goal is to have all registered volunteers Youth Protection-trained. This is an important statement for the Boy Scouts of America as a youth organization and reinforces the BSA’s commitment to the well-being of all youth members and volunteers.
Q7: I am sure I know all there is to know about youth protection. Can I “test out” by only taking the Youth Protection online quiz?
A7: No. You must complete the entire online training in order for your Youth Protection certificate to be valid. This ensures you receive the latest information on BSA Youth Protection.
Important: Please note that the quiz has been removed from the e-Learning Center because the content did not reflect the new changes in Youth Protection policy.
Q8: Does the executive officer (institutional head) of a unit need to take Youth Protection training?
A8: If the executive officer is not a registered leader, he or she is not required to complete Youth Protection training, although it is strongly recommended. If the executive officer is a registered member of the BSA, then he or she must complete Youth Protection training.
Q9: I am a Tiger Cub adult partner and ScoutParent. Do I need to take Youth Protection training?
A9: The Tiger Cub adult partner and ScoutParent designations are not registered adult positions; therefore, mandatory Youth Protection training is not required. It is strongly recommended, however, that all adults involved in Scouting take Youth Protection training. All registered adults are required to take Youth Protection training.
Q10: I am an Explorer post Advisor. Does this new policy apply to me?
A10: Yes. All registered adults are required to take Youth Protection training.
Q11: The new policy indicates that a Youth Protection certificate of completion must be submitted “at the time of application.” What does that mean?
A11: A BSA application should be collected from a prospective leader only with the fully completed form, with a copy of the individual’s Youth Protection certificate of completion. Both documents should be submitted together to the council service center.
Q12: Do leaders need to wait until they have final clearance on the background check to meet with youth?
A12: No. As long as their application is fully completed, submitted to the council service center, and approved, their fee is paid, and their Youth Protection training has been received by and acknowledged by the council, they will be able to interact with youth members while the criminal background check (CBC) is still pending.
Q13: Do merit badge counselors need to take Youth Protection training?
A13: Yes. A merit badge counselor is a registered volunteer position.
Q14: Can units that have some adult leaders who have not completed Youth Protection training be rechartered?
A14: In order for a unit to be rechartered, it must have all the required positions filled with Youth Protection-trained adults. Adults who do not have current (within the past two years) Youth Protection training will not be reregistered.
Q15: Will the new adult applications have this information?
A15: Yes. All new applications will reflect these changes.
Q16: Can a council or district organize Youth Protection group training for its adults?
A16: Yes. It is encouraged that adults take the training via the online module, but the instructor-led model is still acceptable as long as the most current version of the Youth Protection DVD (item No. 610327 or 36121) is used and the end-of-course quiz is proctored by the trainer at the end of the training session. Reminder: It is critical that training completion certificates be issued after successful completion and that a formal training record roster be submitted to the council registrar so proper credit can be recorded in the profiles of each participant.
Q17: Will both the regular and Venturing leader versions of Youth Protection training meet the requirement?
A17: Yes, as long as the most current versions of the DVDs are used for group training. The online version is the preferred method, as it allows for those taking the training to get one-on-one training and take all the time they need for review. The individual is issued an immediate certificate of completion, which allows for the updating of the volunteer’s ScoutNet record.
Q18: If a person is not a registered leader, how can he or she log in and take the Youth Protection training?
A18: A person does not have to be a registered volunteer to take Youth Protection training. To take the training, log in to myscouting.org and click on create an account. After you have confirmed your new myscouting account user name and password, log in to myscouting.org and click on e-training to begin the Youth Protection training. Upon completion, print a certificate to submit with a completed adult leader application to the unit leader or your local council representative for processing. Remember to keep a copy for your records.
Once the application is approved, the new leader will receive his or her membership card with their member ID. It is important that new members log back in to myscouting.org and update their profile with this member ID to receive credit for completing this and any other training.
Providing Scouters with clear and helpful information is a priority of the BSA. This blog post was adapted from an E-mail received from BSA on my “My Scouting” E-mail.
If you have additional questions, please contact your council or please let BSA National know by sending your questions to youthprotection@scouting.org. They will review all inquires and post updates to www.scouting.org/youthprotection.
Copyright – U.S. Scouting Service Project | Visit us at http://usscouts.org | News at http://usssp.blogspot.com
New insignia recognizes a unit’s founding members
Shared by David
I might be a nerd, but I think is a great idea… I might start up a new unit just so I can wear this.
Beginning in 1910, the founders of the Boy Scouts of America set out to create a program to enrich the lives of young people. It was no easy task, but their efforts paid off—big time.
Each year since, thousands of Scouts and Scouters have followed in the founders’ footsteps by creating a new Scouting unit. The BSA wants to recognize the efforts of a unit’s founding members with a special piece of insignia—just in time for the program’s 100th Anniversary.
The Founder’s Bar, shown above, is worn by all youth and adults whose names are on a new-unit charter or who officially join the new unit before the unit recharters for the first time. Members of veteran units still in operation who were on the original charter may also wear the Founder’s Bar with that unit’s numerals.
You don’t wear the bar until your original charter is up. After you recharter for the first time, all youth and adults who were on the new-unit charter can sew the Founder’s Bar on the left sleeve below the unit numerals.
Do you qualify? Contact your local Scout shop for information on how to purchase the materials shown above.
Wear the patch with pride and the knowledge that your work in forming and sustaining a Scouting unit has added to the program’s impressive history.
