Scouts BSA

Lots of preparation goes into planning for a high adventure trip. A tip to help organize your next adventure is to have a meeting for your trip at least once a month, every month, leading up to your trip. A great start to these meetings is to have a parent meeting to share information on the program of the high adventure you are taking.

Topics to cover in these meetings include, but are not limited to: introduction of the leaders, important dates, costs of the trip (expectations of how it will be funded), clothing and equipment needed, transportation, and review of risks involved.

What other topics would you include?

The Outdoor Ethics Guide Handbook helps Scouts to recognize the impact of outdoor activities on land, water, natural resources, animals, and people to then realize what choices exist that increase, neutralize, or remove that impact. The Outdoor Ethics Guide serves as a member of the patrol leaders’ council representing outdoor ethics. How has your troop benefited from this position?

"“A Scout is Thrifty ” tip to help make Scouting more affordable for your troop. Create a troop container or list consisting of all your camping gear and other equipment. This is an excellent opportunity for your troop and patrol quartermasters to take inventory on what you currently have, what needs to be discarded/replaced, and what needs to be better organized to be more easily accessible. The container or list can be stored at your troop’s meeting place or at one of your available adult leader’s home. This helps reduce duplicates and increased cost of un-needed materials/items.

Comment down below and share some of the ways your troop helps make Scouting more affordable!

Dear friends in Scouting,

We are pleased to invite National Scout Organizations in the Interamerican Region to participate in the Youth Consultations 20240, which aim to allow young people in the Interamerican Region to express their opinions on the impact of Scouting on their lives, investigating how these experiences influence their personal development, social skills, and civic engagement.

Participants

Open to members of the NSOs of the Interamerican Region aged 7 to 29. No particular registration process is necessary.

Process Structure

Consultations will be conducted using virtual questionnaires adapted to four age ranges, which will be available in English and Spanish.

7 to 10 years

https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/7_10

11 to 14 years

https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/11_14

15 to 21 years

https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/15_21

22 to 29 years

https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/22_29

Key dates

Youth Consultations will be open from July 15th until September 16th, 2024. The support of the NSOs' national structures in disseminating this information is vital.

Benefits to NSOs

The World Scout Bureau - Interamerica Support Centre will consolidate the information by country to allow NSOs to benefit from:

Better understanding of the interests and problems of children, adolescents, and youth.

Proposing youth-focused scout programs.

Developing better communication and feedback mechanisms.

Continuously improving the programs of the Scout Movement.

Moreover, this information will serve as an important input for the new regional triennial plan for 2025-2028.

Informative Webinars:

You are invited to learn more about the framework of the 2024 Youth Consultations and answer questions about implementation.

Audience: Adults of all levels of the NSOs in the region.

Spanish Webinar: Jul 17. 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM PTY [Register here]

English Webinar: Jul 18. 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM PTY [Register here]

Thank you in advance for your support of this initiative that will ensure the needs of young people remain at the heart of what we do. If you have any questions, please contact us at: [email protected]

Diana Carrillo
Regional Director
World Scout Bureau
Interamerica Support Centre

Launching the Youth Consultations 2024 - Interamerica Circular No.IAR-C13-2024-ENSubject: Launching the Youth Consultations 2024 Dear friends in Scouting,We are pleased to invite the National Scout Organizations of the Interamerican Region to participate in the Youth Consultations 2024, which seek to provide spaces for girls, boys, adolescents, and you...

Have you heard about the Scouts BSA combined troop pilot?

The Scouts BSA combined troop pilot program is coming this fall Some Scouting America councils will participate in a Scouts BSA combined troop pilot program that will allow linked troops to operate as one unit.

Scouts can advance their leadership skills and Scout skills through the participation in National Awards and recognition!

Some special awards include: World Conversation Award, Paul Bunyan Award, 50 miler award, and much more! What's the most unique award you or your troop have earned?

Awards Central Find the most up-to-date information on all Boy Scouts of America related awards, including applications and nomination forms.

Are you looking to accomplish some merit badges in your summer down time? Time off from school is the perfect time to explore a new merit badge or two! You might be surprised that some requirements can be covered during your regularly planned summer adventures!

9 Things to Know About Merit Badges Important tips to help you get the most out of your merit badge experience.

Not a week goes by that many people hear about a troop trailer being stolen. Here are some ways to minimize that chance.
1. Use a wheel lock
2. Back the trailer against a building so the doors cant be opened.
3. Don't store any gear inside
4. Park the trailer in a secure location.
5. Have an inventory and make sure it is insured through your Charter Org.
6. GPS tracking device.

Find out more information using

Trailer Theft Adult Audience Only, Update January 2024 Protecting Your Troop Equipment Trailer Hello Scouts and Scouters, today’s safety moment focuses on safeguarding your troop’s valuable equipment trailer from theft. Properly securing your trailer not only prevents financial loss but also ensures that your...

The youth troop position of Outdoor Ethics Guide is a great addition to every troop’s Patrol Leaders Council. They are responsible for the troop’s success at living by the principles of the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace. The Outdoor Ethics Guide can work with the PLC to effectively teach and implement ethical outdoor practices to help everyone make choices that reduce impacts to our natural environment.

"A Scout is Thrifty” tip to help make Scouting more affordable for your troop. Create a troop uniform closet consisting of clean, previously worn Scout shirts, pants, shorts, and socks. Encourage older Scouts that have aged out or are leaving soon to donate their uniforms to the troop closet so that new Scouts can save money on buying uniforms when they join or have families keep an eye out in thrift stores for gently used items.
Comment down below and share some of the ways your troop helps make Scouting more affordable!

Our SBSA Youth Council application process for our next cohort is now live!

For the next few months, youth at least 14 years old and not yet 18 during the entire term (October 2024 through May 2025) may apply if they meet the following criteria:

--Currently in the Scouts BSA program
--Achieved First Class rank or higher
--Serving or have previously served in a position of responsibility in a Scouts BSA troop

The application cycle is open until Aug 31st. Please share this amazing opportunity with your units and fellow Scouts/Scouters!

Your Scouts can apply now for the 2024-25 Scouts BSA Youth Council - Aaron On Scouting The Scouts BSA Youth Council provides an incredible opportunity for youth to tackle some of the most important topics in the organization.

Wishing everybody a safe and enjoyable Independence Day! Whether you are marching in a local parade, or enjoying fireworks with families, we wish you a patriotic 4th of July!

Is your troop ready for the summer heat? With heat waves upon most of the US, here are some tips to keep cool and stay safe!

Heat-Related Illness SUMMARY Each year, heat-related illnesses strike the unprepared. Prevention is key! Be prepared by acclimating to the environment for at least seven days before going on an outdoor adventure; drinking plenty of fluids and eating a healthy diet beforehand; and continuing to drink fluids when outdoors...

While the khaki field uniform looks sharp for traveling and attending events, sometimes activity uniforms are more appropriate for the adventure. Did you know that contrary to common belief, when traveling to and from Scouting events, the field uniform is not required for insurance purposes?

Scouts who are interested in enhancing their leadership skills at a high-adventure base while building on decision-making and team-building skills should consider attending National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE)! NAYLE is offered at Philmont in New Mexico and at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. Participants use their backcountry and their leadership skills to resolve challenging and exciting situations in the outdoors. At Philmont, participants also have the opportunity to build upon the legacy of Waite Phillips, the benefactor of Philmont Scout Ranch. To learn more or register for Philmont NAYLE, please click below

https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/ptc/nayle/?_gl=1*tct7v2*_ga*MjAxNTAyNDUwOS4xNzEwMjAxMjgz*_ga_20G0JHESG4*MTcxMTgyNzI4NC4xNS4xLjE3MTE4Mjg4MTguMC4wLjA.*_ga_61ZEHCVHHS*MTcxMTgyNzI4NC4xMS4xLjE3MTE4Mjg4MTguNjAuMC4w

NAYLE http://www.PhilmontScoutRanch.org/NAYLEThe National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) is the ultimate in training experiences for youth leaders, b...

Applications are now open for our next national youth council for Scouts BSA. This amazing opportunity allows Scouts to provide valuable feedback to directly affect the program. We highly encourage anyone who is interested to apply!

Your Scouts can apply now for the 2024-25 Scouts BSA Youth Council - Aaron On Scouting The Scouts BSA Youth Council provides an incredible opportunity for youth to tackle some of the most important topics in the organization.

As troop meetings begin to take place outside, a good meeting to host Arrow of Light Scouts might be a brief nature walk.

By shifting a meeting to a local nature trail, Arrow of Light Scouts get a chance to spend time with Scouts BSA members, ask questions about the program, and experience the outdoors!

Outside of the bonding opportunity, Scouts BSA troops can take this chance to work on Second Class requirements.

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/outdoorarticles/148850/how-to-identify-and-deal-with-dangerous-insects/

Did you know that the Order of the Arrow provides Scouts opportunities for leadership beyond the troop level? The OA youth members must be elected by their unit. Elected members (called Arrowmen) may serve as officers for the chapter (district), lodge (council), section, region, and national level. The service during their tenure helps keep Scouts in the BSA active and engaged while providing increased leadership opportunities.

https://oa-bsa.org/volunteer

When's the last time you and your unit have tried Scoutbook? Scoutbook Plus is now online with some cool new features (and new features coming soon)!

Check out the brand new calendar feature that includes:
• The ability to create recurring events such as unit, patrol, den, and committee meetings.
• Users can generate activity logs from events prefilled with event information
• An html editor for event descriptions
• An automatic update of event invitees when members join or leave a unit
• Quick entry for invitation and attendance

If you aren’t already on Scoutbook, this new feature might change your mind Scoutbook, the free advancement tracking tool provided by the BSA, has always been designed to make running your unit easier.

A hands-on, outdoor activity is a great meeting plan for a Scouts BSA troop hosting Arrow of Light Scouts. Practicing outdoor shelter building is a great excuse to do just that!

By offering all Scouts some fresh air and a chance to get their hands dirty, this learning opportunity can easily be turned into a patrol based competition. Not to mention, this requirement helps Scouts BSA members practice their wilderness survival skills.

How to Build a Survival Shelter Being prepared to live — and live well — when you’re far from the comforts of home starts with being able to take effective shelter from the elements.

Have you seen our new conservation program focusing on clean waterways? Check out this amazing opportunity!

Announcing Scouting for Clean Waterways, a new conservation program for all Scouts Scouting for Clean Waterways is a nationwide effort designed to inspire Scouts to actively participate in cleaning waterways in their communities.

Do you know of Scouts who have attended NYLT and are interested in facilitating the course as a leader? NYLT Leadership Academy provides training for youth staff to be top-notch presenters, equips them with problem solving skills, and allows them the opportunity to run world-class NYLT programs. NYLT Leadership Academy takes place every summer with 2024 registration available for interested youth below

NYLT Leadership Academy | The Next Level of Leadership Training The NYLT Leadership Academy is a course designed to develop and teach NYLT graduates how to be outstanding presenters, evaluators and model leaders in their community, nation and world.

What merit badges are Scouts working on? Well this report tells us!

Here are the top merit badges for 2023
Citizenship in Society
First Aid
Swimming
Environmental Science
Citizenship in the world
Read the article to find out more!

https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2024/02/13/2023-merit-badge-rankings-a-look-into-scouts-current-interests-and-achievements/?fbclid=IwAR03QPW9sIHaIN59qr27NwlecnYIxGMXO2ZdiODNCHMyiM0TarVbohxSmQQ

2023 merit badge rankings: A look into Scouts' current interests Let's take a look at the 2023 merit badge rankings.

Crossing over from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA can be equally exciting and nerve racking! Whether you are a Senior Patrol Leader, parent, or Scoutmaster read this article to learn about common crossover worries!

Five concerns parents might have about the move from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA There are a lot of differences between Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA, and what seems obvious to those of us who have been involved in Scouting for years might not be so obvious to those who haven’t.

Did you know the Mile Swim Award was recently updated? Drawing from feedback gathered from BSA Aquatics personnel at camps nationwide, the revised Mile Swim BSA award is refocusing on enhancing swimming stroke effectiveness and efficiency, particularly for individuals seeking improvement.

Mile Swim BSA award updated for Summer 2024 The Mile Swim BSA award was introduced in 1961 by the BSA Health and Safety Service. The original purpose of the award was for Scouts to learn to swim a mile safely with ease. It was, and remains, a challenging recognition that contributes to fitness and safety. The last time the award requirements....

A common theme between Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts is Duty to Country. If an Arrow of Light (AOL) den is visiting your troop meeting, this creates a perfect chance for Scouts of all levels to practice a flag ceremony.

This activity teaches all Scouts respect for our American flag and displays Duty to Country. This time can be used for Scouts to work towards their Second Class rank requirements.

How to Display and Fold the American Flag Here’s how to properly honor and respect the flag of the United States.

Is your troop looking for a meeting idea during an Arrow of Light Scouts visit? This is a perfect time to review packing for a camping trip! This activity can show how your Scouts BSA troop embodies ‘Be Prepared’ as well as act as a refresher course for Scouts of all ages!

Not to mention, this activity can help prepare Scouts BSA members for an upcoming outing. Bonus: this will get all Scouts excited about the outdoors!

Every Packing List Starts With the 10 Scout Basic Outdoor Essentials Every packing list starts with these items. They’re called “Scouting Outdoor Essentials” for a reason.

For 110 years the Scout uniform shirt has been tucked in, but as of last year each Scout unit may decide whether to wear shirts tucked in or untucked. Both tucked and untucked shirts should be neat in appearance. For Scouts BSA, this decision should be made in consultation with unit youth leadership.
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33066/33066_Official_Policy_WEB.pdf

The Combined Troop Pilot was announced at the 2024 National Annual Meeting. This pilot will be made available to Chartering Organizations, allowing them to choose a third option: combining their boy and girl troops.

For more information please refer to:

Combined Troop Pilot The Combined Troop Pilot was announced at the 2024 National Annual Meeting. This pilot will be made available to Chartering Organizations, allowing them to choose a third option: combining their boy and girl troops. Download the file here