A round-up of pertinent topics this month:
Charter renewal time, again
Like Groundhog Day, rechartering comes around every year and like it or not, we have to deal with it. Online membership applications along with Internet Rechartering 2.0 have made the process considerably smoother, but you still need to be organized in order to get it done on time.
The way to get started is to confirm that your membership roster, as shown in the Roster Manager for your unit on my.scouting.org, is accurate. New youth members must be approved by the unit leader (Cubmaster or Scoutmaster) in Application Manager, and new adult members (who must first complete Youth Protection Training) are approved by the committee chair and the chartered organization representative. Once approved, they appear in your online roster automatically, normally within 24 hours. If there are renewing members who are not shown in your online roster, you’ll need to find out why. Check with your unit commissioner or district executive. You may just end up having the individual complete a new online application. And don’t forget to budget for the increased membership and charter fees for 2023.
There is much useful information in the BSA’s Charter Renewal Resources page. While intended for commissioners to help their units recharter, the information is available to everyone.
Cub Scout Advancement Infographic
The BSA Advancement Team has updated and provided us with a helpful infographic [PDF] outlining what is required for Cub Scouts at each grade year to complete in order to earn each badge of rank. It’s helpful not only for Scouts and their families, but also for den leaders and others involved in providing the Cub Scout program, so they can plan the program year and know which recognition items to order.
The infographic was created in the Advancement Team’s ongoing effort to review the program helps and make it “fun, simple and easy” for both Scouts and their adult volunteer leaders. It can also be used as an aid in quickly guiding new leaders about the year ahead, before they can have a chance to take the position-specific training for their position. And the Cub Scout Program section of the BSA’s website contains much more information on Cub Scouting.
Jamboree On The Air
Here’s my annual plug for the world’s largest Scouting activity, Jamboree On The Air. It’s a worldwide gathering of Scouts and Scouters via amateur radio and it takes place the weekend of October 14-16. Most activity will be found on Saturday, October 15. To participate, you’ll need to either enlist the aid of a local amateur radio (ham) operator, or see if your council, district or unit in your area has arranged for participation. A few of us will be on the air as WB8BSA from the Troop 179 Webelosfest on Saturday. A companion event, Jamboree On The Internet, takes place the same weekend; however, there’s nothing like the thrill (and sometimes the fright) of speaking into a microphone and having your voice heard thousands of miles away, without wires. Read more in this Scouting Magazine blog post and on this page on the K2BSA website.
Reorganization update
You’ve probably heard or read in the news that the bankruptcy court has approved the BSA’s plan of reorganization. While it’s not the final word in clearing the bankruptcy, it’s a major step. While the overwhelming majority of abuse victims approved of the plan, there are still a few parties intent on appealing the decision, so an appeals hearing lies ahead. The BSA is hopeful that the reorganization will be wrapped up in the coming months.
That’s it for now. Thanks for your time and efforts delivering Scouting to our youth. Don’t forget: Keep it simple…make it fun!
This post first appeared on Bobwhite Blather.
