Commissioners The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Winter 2022 Larry ChaseNational Commissioner Service Chair lhc@chasehome.net “Sustain.” We’re using that word a lot in Scouting today. What does it really mean, and more important, what does it mean to commissioners? Start with the definition: “To provide what is needed for (something or someone) to exist, […]

Commissioners The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Winter 2022 Chris BeaverRoundtable Chair cbbeaver@gmail.com “When I attend roundtable, I leave energized and refreshed.” This is a sentiment I hear Scouters throughout the BSA express frequently. Truly, something as simple as a monthly gathering can prove to be just the pick-me-up Scouting volunteers need. In fact, […]

Commissioners The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Winter 2022 Mike Weber Technology Chairmfweber112@comcast.net Each of us has a different reason for serving Scouting as an adult. Perhaps our child was in the program, and we signed up to help volunteer. Maybe you had a special interest in serving the BSA. Probably many of us […]

Commissioners The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Spring 2022 Luis FelicianoScouts BSA Liaison When we visit our Scouts BSA troops and marvel at the excellent program that they put on every week, we know their success is not by accident. It is the result of planning that happens at countless PLC and troop […]

Commissioners The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Summer 2021 Larry ChaseNational Commissioner Service Chair lhc@chasehome.net For over a year we’ve focused on delivering Scouting in the face of two challenges: the BSA’s restructuring (bankruptcy) and COVID -19. Both challenges remain, but more recently we’ve seen good reasons to be optimistic their grip is loosening. […]

Outdoor Programs Outdoor Programs/Properties Trail to Adventure Blog ATV Safety Program Aquatics Awards Biking Camping Cub Scout Day Camp Short Term Camp The Scouts BSA Outdoor Program Conservation & Environment COPE and Climbing Fishing Leave No Trace National Camping School National Camp Accreditation Program Outdoor Ethics Guide Outdoor Ethics/Leave No Trace Shooting Sports Why the […]

At the very outset, a cooperative and close relationship must exist between all campmasters and the camp ranger. The camp ranger is responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and proper use of all camp facilities; any support he can receive in this endeavor is welcome. The precise relationship between the campmaster and the camp ranger should […]

The troop open house allows a troop to swing open its doors and roll out the red carpet to welcome guests. It provides a forum to show off Scouting activities and the troop’s accomplishments. It is an effective tool to reach youth who have never tried Scouting. Hosting a troop open house is a five-step […]

Monthly Training District commissioners are responsible for seeing that every member of their staff receives adequate training. After completing basic training and being commissioned, commissioners should attend training at the monthly district commissioner cabinet meeting. It is the responsibility of the district commissioner to provide monthly training at the cabinet meeting. Thus, every month commissioners […]

Scout Oath On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Scout Law The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for […]

Winter Camping Safety There is magic to camping in winter. It is one of the most challenging of outdoor adventures. The Boy Scouts of America operates the National Cold-Weather Camping Development Center at Northern Tier through the Okpik program. Special considerations for winter camping are: Qualified Supervision. It is vital that a leader be an […]

What is Messengers of Peace? Welcome to the Messengers of Peace program in BSA. World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) created Messengers of Peace in 2011, to encourage Scouts around the world to step up and do what they can to make the world a little better. The MoP program falls under WOSM’s Better World Framework. Messengers […]

Religious Awards for Jewish Scouts Maccabee Emblem – Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts, grades 1-3 Aleph Emblem – Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts Ner Tamid Emblem – Boy Scouts and Venturers, grades six through nine Etz Chaim Award – Boy Scouts ages 14 to 17 and Venturers ages 14 to 20 Scout Shabbat Services Scout […]

BSA groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. Safe Swim Defense standards apply at backyard, hotel, apartment, and public pools; at established waterfront swim areas such as beaches at state parks and U.S. Army […]

Awards and Recognition Conservation Resources National Conservation Training Opportunities National High-Adventure Base Conservation Opportunities BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award Program Since 1910, conservation and environmental studies have been an integral part of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts have rendered distinguished public service by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water. Past generations […]

Climbing BSA Supply No. 35873 Climbing is not a sport that requires tremendous muscular strength; it demands mental toughness and the willingness to practice hard to master a set of skills. The adventure of climbing can also provide a new way to enjoy the outdoors. Requirements Do the following: Show that you know first aid […]

Standards Standards at a Glance Authorization Scoresheets Resources/Circulars Purpose of the National Camp Accreditation Program The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) is to help councils elevate camps to new levels of excellence in delivering Scouting’s promise to youth. Councils will engage in a rigorous review of camps and […]

Unit Guides DOWNLOAD PDF DOWNLOAD PDF DOWNLOAD PDF DOWNLOAD PDF These unit guides provide information and examples on how to conduct STEM Nova Award topics as part of your unit meeting.  

The Training Times A Publication of Volunteer Development, Scouting U, BSA – January 2024 EditionDownload Printer-Friendly Version In this edition: National Volunteer Training Conference Philmont Training Center Scouting U Week at Philmont Scouting U Conferences at Philmont Kodiak Challenge Discontinued Upcoming Training & Events National Volunteer Training Conference  Flyer Scouting U Week at Philmont Flyers […]

The Tyger By William Blake Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night; What immortal hand or eye,Could frame thy fearful symmetry? This module is designed to help you explore how symmetry affects your life each day. Choose A or B or C and complete ALL the requirements. Watch an episode or episodes (about one hour total) of a […]

MCS 301 – Commitment To On-Time Charter Renewal MCS 302 — Unit and Council Finance MCS 303 — Commissioner Lifesaving I MCS 304 — Commissioner Lifesaving II MCS 306 — Counseling Skills MCS 308 — Venturing and the Commissioner MCS 309 — Good Commissioners Need Both Head and Heart MCS 311 — All About Assistant […]

SUMMARY What can you do in 26 minutes to be more alert, make better decisions, and increase your performance? Hint: “It’s free, it’s nontoxic, and it has no dangerous effects,” say the authors of Take a Nap! Change Your Life (Workman Publishing Company, 2006). The answer is in that title: Take a nap! GENERAL INFORMATION […]

SUMMARY Food-borne illnesses peak during the summer months due to a variety of factors, including warmer temperatures and improper food handling. Keep your meals and your Scouts safe while participating in hikes, campouts, and other outdoor activities with careful menu planning and by following safe food handling practices. Remember the three “C’s” to keep your […]

SUMMARY Hiking is a great way to spend your time in the outdoors. Hikes are also good ways to get into better shape for more strenuous activities. Hikes can range from covering just a short distance to the 20-mile hike required for the Hiking merit badge. Some hikes might be on maintained trails that are […]

Adult Audience Only SUMMARY Sometimes you just say “no” to an activity when you “know” the program of the Boy Scouts of America. So, did you “know” there are activities and programs that should NOT be part of any Scouting experience? Or that there are limits for when some activities should be introduced? How you […]

SUMMARY There is magic to camping in winter. It is one of the most challenging outdoor adventures. However, potentially extreme weather conditions, cold temperatures, and unique hazards associated with outdoor winter activities require careful planning to ensure safety. GENERAL INFORMATION Keeping warm is the most important part of cold-weather camping and outdoor activities. Use the […]

SUMMARY Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common inflammation or infection of the lining of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. Conjunctivitis can occur in both adults and youth; it may be highly contagious and can be spread easily to others. GENERAL INFORMATION Conjunctivitis presents as a redness or pinkness in the […]

Cub Scouting is fun for the whole family.  Getting everyone involved makes the experience more meaningful for your Cub Scout.  There is a place for every parent, legal guardian, or other caring adults who want to help.  Often the challenge is not knowing how to help.  Below are some helpful steps in how you can […]

SUMMARY We’ve all caught some kind of infection, or sickness, from someone else. These illnesses are known as communicable or contagious diseases because they are spread from one person to another. They may occur when a healthy person becomes infected through contact with a sick person or by touching something that a sick person has […]

January 2022 Do not schedule Scouting events on red highlighted dates. If programs must be scheduled on red highlighted dates, councils should arrange alternate dates for the events that do not conflict with that religion’s holidays. Sun   Mon   Tue   Wed   Thu   Fri   Sat             […]