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Scouts BSA Transitions Troop Self-Assessments to User-Friendly Online Platform

In May 2025, Scouts BSA introduced a revised Troop Self-Assessment program to replace the discontinued Journey to Excellence (JTE) system. This revised program incorporated feedback from troops indicating that JTE was too complex and time-consuming. The Troop Self-Assessment program is not a patch or recognition program. Instead, it’s a tool designed to help troop leaders understand their troop’s strengths and challenges while making it easy to identify useful information and materials.

The revised self-assessments feature 9-12 targeted questions that can be completed in approximately 10 minutes and used multiple times throughout the year. The program provides immediate feedback and connects troops with relevant resources and information to improve their unit programs and operations by focusing on key metrics through a user-friendly approach. Key features of the revised program include streamlined surveys, immediate access to tailored information, and flexible implementation options that complement troop operations. This initiative reflects Scouting America’s commitment to putting program improvement directly in the hands of unit leaders, both youth and adult, while ensuring all Scouts receive appropriate support.

The revised program was initially launched in May 2025 as a PDF-based survey. Scouts BSA is now excited to transition this resource to a new online platform. This digital resource allows units to identify programmatic and operational areas needing attention while providing leaders with direct links to key resources and information. Relevant information can be emailed to youth and adult leaders for further action.

The new online surveys with integrated digital resources can now be found at https://troopleader.scouting.org/troop-planning/troop-self-assessments/. Scouts BSA is excited to empower local units to create stronger programs and assist troops in providing the best possible Scouting experience to youth across the nation.

Questions and feedback on the Troop Self-Assessments can be sent to Scoutsbsachair@scouting.org.

 

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Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.