Information, Observation, and Inspiration for Scouters
Information you need to know this month:
Internet rechartering, version 2, is here. It’s more straightforward than the previous system. It works through the existing my.scouting portal. Unit Key 3 have access, and there’s no access code needed. Documents can be uploaded into the system. Payment can be made online, and the chartered organization representative can approve the recharter application online. The Key 3 can Continue reading “News & Notes, October 2021”
The Boy Scouts of America’s National Advancement Team has completed its biennial review and updates to the Guide to Advancement, BSA’s canonical reference to all things related to advancement.
First published in its current form in 2011 and updated every two years since, the Guide has chapters covering all aspects of advancement across all the BSA’s programs. In the past, updates have been quietly published with little fanfare, but in recent years – and especially with changes necessitated in the last year or so – there’s been more publicity surrounding its release. So you’ve probably heard or read about some of the changes.
Just in case you haven’t, though, here’s a quick rundown: Continue reading “Guide to Advancement 2021”
The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America has announced another in what has become an annual increase in membership fees.
Effective August 1, 2021, the fee for an individual Scout in traditional programs (Cub Scouts, ScoutsBSA and Venturing) along with Sea Scouting will increase from $66 to $72. Adult volunteers and those in the Exploring program will see a rise from $42 to $45. The one-time joining fee will remain at $25, and the annual charter fee stays at $75. BSA has provided an infographic explaining the new fee structure.
The three-year fee increase progression was not unanticipated. Continue reading “Fees to rise again”
Summer is approaching – something we may have lost track of, despite the change in weather, because our routines have been substantially altered over the last year. Pack and den meetings have taken on a completely different look from what we were used to. Many of the ways that Cub Scouts took part in activities that lead to advancement in rank have had to adapt to the changing circumstances of social distancing and meeting remotely.
The National Advancement Team of the Boy Scouts of America reminds us that even though our Cub Scouts roll up to their next rank in June, special provisions are in place for them to complete the ranks they are departing while they begin to enjoy activities of their next rank. Continue reading “Let’s just have some fun!”
A Scout is Helpful. It’s right there in the Scout Law. Number three. A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting a reward.
Except… when helping someone takes away an opportunity for them to help themselves.
Of course we want to help. But as we know, helping others doesn’t mean doing their work for them. You wouldn’t “help” your child by doing her homework, would you?
Much of the time, we are tempted to just jump in, grab the wheel and take care of a task ourselves if we feel it’s expedient, or we know how to do it better. Continue reading “The best way to help? Don’t.”