Saluting in Uniform

A question that seems to come up from time to time is can/should a Scout salute the American Flag when wearing their unit T-shirt with official pants, belt, socks, etc.  There are a lot of different opinions on this, and I will not even get into the "Class A, B, etc" debate, but here is how Scouting Magazine answered the question in June of '05:

Saluting in uniform
In addition to the official Class A Scout uniform, the BSA also has a Class B uniform—official Scout pants or shorts with a troop or camp T-shirt. My question regards protocol during flag ceremonies: Should a Scout use the Scout salute while in a Class B uniform or place his right hand over his heart?

Christopher Dillon
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 24
Bloomsburg, Pa.

First, when referring to uniforms, Class A and Class B are military terms that are not used in the BSA. The correct Scouting terms for the two versions of the uniform are "official uniform" and "activity uniform." Although less formal, the activity uniform is still considered an official uniform, and therefore it is appropriate for boys to use the Scout salute while wearing it during a flag ceremony.

http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0605/d-lett.html

So, there ya go.  Salute away!  Just remember, jeans are not official uniform pants, but that is an argument for another day :-).

Scouting’s Journey to Excellence to Replace Centennial Quality Recognition Program

Scouting’s Journey to Excellence is the new performance recognition program for Councils, Districts, and Units.  This program replaces the Centennial Quality Recognition program.  The BSA Journey to Excellence program uses a balanced approach and key performance indicators to measure performance versus process, encourage and reward success, and achieve the mission.  This exciting new program will launch January 1, 2011.

For more information visit http://www.scoutingnews.org/2010/10/10/bsa-journey-to-excellence/

Camouflage/Military Uniforms and Scouting

I found a great article that pretty much sums up whether Scouts can/should wear cammo with or in place of their uniform.  The correct answer is NO!  Click here for the article.

WOOD BADGE KICKOFF

WHO:  All Scouters, past and present, who have taken Wood Badge anywhere at any time.

WHAT:  Wood Badge Pig Pickin’ and Kickoff  for our next Wood Badge Course, to be held in the spring of 2011.

 WHY:

• Rekindle the Wood Badge Spirit
• Share Fellowship with past Wood Badge Participants and Staff
• Enjoy Good Food 
• See What's New at Camp Barnhardt
• Help other Scouters find out how the Wood Badge experience can help them gain personal leadership skills and deliver a better program for youth:  BRING A FRIEND!

WHERE: Camp John J. Barnhardt Dining Hall

WHEN: (Wed) September 29, 2010 at 6:30 PM

Join Host Jack Kepley,  Course Director of SR-345, for a great evening of visiting with old friends, making new ones and kicking off the next Wood Badge Course!  Hear (or tell) a story or two, have a good laugh and feel the spirit again!
There is no charge for prospective participants or their bead-holder hosts.  Cost is $10 for bead holders who do not bring a prospect.  All who plan to attend the kickoff should RSVP so enough food will be available.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Wood Badge Reunion Host:
 Jack Kepley
 (704) 636-1820

Wood Badge Course Director,
Course No. S5-416-11-1:
 Dan Waggoner
 (704) 633-0462
  dan@waggonerrealty.com

Council Training Chairman::  
 David Wilson
 (704) 642-7465
  Wilson.DavidB@Gmail.com

Bugling reinstated as separate merit badge

http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2010/08/bugling-reinstated-as-separate-merit-badge.html

Have your guys start practicing "Taps," because Bugling is here to stay.
In early June, we reported that the Bugling merit badge was to be discontinued and its requirements merged into Music merit badge.
That's no longer the case. Responding to concerns from hundreds of Scouters, the BSA's Youth Development team has decided to reinstate Bugling as a separate merit badge.
Oddly enough, this means that Bugling will never have officially been part of Music merit badge, because the changes were never reflected in a Boy Scout Requirements book.
Bugling and Music will continue to share a merit badge pamphlet. Requirements and information for both of the badges will be contained within that single booklet.

Important Changes to the Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Protection Training Policies

Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the BSA.

To increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is implementing several important changes to further enhance its Youth Protection policies:

Effective June 1, 2010:

• Youth Protection Training is required for all registered volunteers.
• New leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training before they submit their application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
• Youth Protection Training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection Training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be re-registered.

To ensure these policies are fully implemented, please take the following steps:

• If you have not taken Youth Protection Training within the past two years, please log on to MyScouting and take the training. Be sure to have your member ID number. The number can be found on your Boy Scouts of America membership card.
• If you do not know your member ID number, contact your unit leader or committee chairman. Your council can also assist you.
• If you have taken Youth Protection Training online but did not input your member ID number, please log back on to the Training section of MyScouting and input your member ID so the training will be linked with your records.
• If you have taken Youth Protection Training within the past two years but did not take the course online, log on to MyScouting to ensure your records are up to date, or contact your council and have them verify that your Youth Protection Training records are accurate.
• Finally, please share these important changes with other Scouters.

Youth Protection Training is available online at http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx.

To find out more about the Youth Protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America and how to help Scouting keep your family safe, see the information available in any of the Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting handbooks, or go to http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx.

Thank you for your commitment to our nation’s young people and to Scouting.

Sincerely,

James Terry
Assistant Chief Scout Executive

Price of Freedom Museum Event

The Price of Freedom Museum is an American war memorial dedicated to the men and women of the United States armed services who paid the ultimate Price of Freedom with their lives and service to our great country. Our goal is to teach all generations the true price of freedom.  For your convenience, we are open Sundays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and by appointment.  To schedule appointments, please call Bob Mault at 704-857-7474.

An event to remember D-Day is planned for June 5^th at the Price of Freedom Museum.  The museum is located at 2420 Weaver Road China Grove, NC.  

"On My Honor: 100 Years of Scouting" exhibit at Rowan Museum

The Rowan Museum will be opening an exhibit celebrating 100 years of Scouting.  They will start collecting hsitorical Scouting items on May 17th. The exhibit opens on June 6. Each troop is invited to bring photos, patches, vintage uniforms, or any other items of value to the history of Scouting in Rowan County. Leaders can contact Terry Holt at 704 856 8609 or the Rowan Museum at 704 633 5946.

The Historic Rockwell Museum announces an exhibit honoring the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scouting

The Historic Rockwell Museum will host an exhibit honoring the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scouting. There will be displays, uniforms, badges, books and manuals from past and present. Any person who has ever been in Scouting or had a son in Scouting will want to come.
The grand opening will be on Sunday, May 16th, from 2 pm until 4 pm, with refreshments being served. The exhibit will continue to be open each Sunday through June, from 2 - 4. Anyone may call Jean Puckett (704-279-4979)  to make an appointment to see the exhibit outside of our Sunday hours.

The museum is located on Main Street in downtown Rockwell.

Celebrate the Scouts 100th Anniversary at Charlotte Motor Speedway

In 2010 all scouts will have an opportunity to take advantage of the awesome events at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Scouts now have the opportunity to come to pole nights, Nationwide races, and NHRA events for just $1. Take advantage of the 100th Anniversary  Package and enjoy exciting NASCAR racing and Monster Trucks to receive a commemorative patch and hat to celebrate the 100th anniversary while sleeping under the stars at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Must act quickly, the first 1000 scouts to purchase the anniversary package will march on the infield prior to the Tech Net 300 and help honor some of your fellow Eagle Scouts.


100th ANNIVERSARY PACKAGE
    Includes:
-    Both Nationwide Races
-    Ticket to Monster Truck Event (August 14)
-    Sleepover at Charlotte Motor Speedway after Monster Truck Event
-    Breakfast Morning after Monster Truck Event
-    Commemorative 100th Anniversary Hat
-    Commemorative 100th Anniversary Patch
-    Pre-Race Recognition with Eagle Scouts (TBD)(Limited to first 1000 scouts)
Scouts - $26
Pack Leaders - $33 with 6 paying scouts
Adults - $33 (does NOT include Nationwide Tickets)

NASCAR EVENTS

Windstream Pole Night (May 27) and Bojangles Pole Night (October 14)
-    $1 for uniformed Scout
-    Adults $12
-    Pack Leader free with 10 Scouts (Leader Must be in Uniform)

Tech-Net Auto Service 300 (May 29) and Dollar General 300 (October 15)
-    $1 for uniformed Scout
-    Adults are $25
-    Pack Leader free with 10 Scouts (Leader Must be in Uniform)

All Star Race (May 22), Coca Cola 600 (May 30), NASCAR Banking 500 (Oct. 16)
-    ½ off any seat with paying adult
-    $10 child ticket in family areas

NHRA EVENTS

4-Wide Nationals (March 25 – 28) and Carolinas Nationals (September 16 – 19)
    -    $1 for uniformed Scout
    -    Adults $10 - $55 depending on day
    -    Pack Leader free with 10 Scouts (Leader Must be in Uniform)

MONSTER TRUCK EVENT (August 14)

-    Adults Ticket Only - $18
-    Scouts Ticket Only - $9
-    Adults w/ Sleepover - $22 (Includes Breakfast)
-    Scouts w/ Sleepover - $15 (Includes Breakfast)


We hope your pack or troop can join us for the celebration of this special year.  We are always pleased to have our friends in scouting with us.  For additional event information and maps, please visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.  Have a wonderful day and enjoy the race!!


Sincerely,

Chad Thomas
Charlotte Motor Speedway
704-454-6401

Geocaching Merit Badge Update

http://www.facebook.com/BoyScoutsofAmerica
According to The Boy Scouts of America's facebook page, Geocaching Merit Badge is now official!  You can download the requirements by clicking here. 

BSA Historical Merit Badge Program Update

The historical merit badges are now listed on BSA's national website!  You can go there now and download all the requirements for Carpentry, Pathfinding, Signaling and Tracking Merit Badges!
So, what are you waiting for.  Go find a merit badge counselor and start on them today!

Today’s the day! Grab your BSA Centennial Silver Dollar from the U.S. Mint.

From http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/

Beginning at noon Eastern time, collectors across the country can order the $39.95 proof version (pictured) or $33.95 uncirculated version of the coin.

Once the order window opens, click either link above to go directly to that product page. Then select how many of each coin you want—up to the limit of 100 per household.

Only 350,000 of the coins have been minted, so don’t delay. And those who order now will save some coin, too. At 5 p.m. (EDT) on April 21, the prices of the proof and uncirculated coins increase to $43.95 and $35.95, respectively.

You can feel good about adding to your collection of BSA memorabilia. Surcharges from the sale of this coin will go to the National Boy Scouts of America Foundation, which helps Scouting reach hard-to-serve areas.

Credit cards ready? Go!

Update: BSA Historic Merit Badge Program

From http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2010/03/update-bsa-historic-merit-badge-program.html

You may have heard rumors that the Historic Merit Badge Program has been canceled. Not true.

What is true is that the BSA is putting finishing touches on the program now, and the end result will be well worth the wait.

The Youth Development team plans to release the program soon, and once that happens, it will consist of much more than just adding Signaling, Tracking, Pathfinding, and Carpentry to 2010’s list of available merit badges.

The team wants today’s Scouts to get a sense of what Scouts in the 1910s experienced. They want Scouts to earn the merit badges in ways similar to those used by Scouts back then. The world has changed drastically in 100 years, but the fundamental lessons of these merit badges have not.

In the spirit of being green and making the program accessible, you won’t be able to get printed materials for the merit badges. Instead, have your Scouts go to scouting.org.

They’ll have access to scans of the original pamphlets for each of the four historic merit badges. However, because the language and techniques used in those badges comes from the early 20th century, the BSA has been hard at work crafting supplements that will help put the requirements in a modern context.

The site also offers program implementation guide, a camporee guide, a Boy Scout resident camp guide, a training session guide, press releases, and other materials that councils, districts, and units can use to promote the program.

Stay tuned to Cracker Barrel for additional news as we get it.

Venturing Age/Grade Eligibility Change

The National Executive Board recently approved a resolution to change the eligibility requirements for Venturing to ensure consistency among Venturing, high-adventure bases, and other core programs.
The current age and grade eligibility requirement for participation in the Venturing program is 14 years of age and completion of the eighth grade.
Effective May 1, 2010, the minimum age requirement will be changed to 14 years of age, or 13 years of age and completion of the eighth grade. The maximum age for participation remains under 21 years of age.
In support of this change, there is a list of frequently asked questions posted at www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Venturing/EligibilityChange.aspx.
If you have any questions, please contact Donald Shepard at the BSA national office at 972-580-2547 or donald.shepard@scouting.org.

Looking to Start a Unit Website?

SMDScouts.com offers a free solution to the huge problem of efficient communication between leaders and parents/scouts.

This is a free site, not a free trial. It is honestly free. There are no gimmicks, no space limitations, no ads.

Check it out, Pack 308 already has!

Boy Scout Active Definition Changes Effective January 1, 2010

A Scout will be considered "active" in his unit if he is

1. Registered in his unit (registration fees are current)
2. Not dismissed from his unit for disciplinary reasons
3. Engaged by his unit leadership on a regular basis
(informed of unit activities through Scoutmaster conference or personal contact, etc.)
4. In communication with the unit leader on a quarterly basis.

(Units may not create their own definition of active; this is a national standard.)

If the Scout does not initiate communication, the unit leader is to contact the Scout and ask if the youth wishes to remain in Scouting. If the answer is negative, then the unit leader should no longer communicate with the Scout. If the answer is affirmative, the unit leader should provide the unit calendar. After six months of nonparticipation, the unit leader may cease to contact with the youth and drop the Scout from the unit at recharter time.

The Scout may return to the unit at any time while on the unit charter. At any time a Scout is dropped from a charter, the youth may re-apply to a unit for readmission; the acceptance of the application is at the discretion of the unit. The youth would be reinstated at the rank and level that can be documented by either the Scout or the unit.

For a complete list of Boy Scout Advancement Requirement Changes that took effect January 1, 2010 visit http://usscouts.org/advance/changes/advchanges10.asp#active

Unit Commissioners Needed!

You have been Cubmaster or Scoutmaster or Committee Chair, but now your son has bridged out or aged out of the unit. What do you do now? You love being part of the unit, but you know it's important to step aside and let the parents of active Scouts fill those leadership roles. Yet you possess the knowledge base that units need to succeed. Your next job should be Unit Commissioner. The Unit Commissioner serves as friend, representative, doctor, teacher, and counselor. They assists units and their chartered organizations with the things they have learned from experience: rechartering. running ceremonies, outing planning, training boys and leaders, organizing, recruiting, and more. Take the next step. Become a Unit Commissioner and mentor. Help keep units strong, healthy, happy, rechartered on time, and successful as Centennial Quality Units. If this sounds interesting, email Assistant District Commissioner Thomas Griffin @ thomas@cubpack333.org or call District Executive Jim Sawyer @ 704-636-5030.

2010 Centennial Rank Advancement Badges

http://www.scoutingnews.org
The National Council has announced that all rank patches for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for 2010 will feature special designs. The patches called the ‘2010 Centennial Rank Advancement Badges’ feature 2010, Boy Scouts of America, and the rank in text.

View the designs of the 2010 Centennial Rank Advancement Badges (pdf).

The 2010 Centennial Rank Advancement Badges should be available in Scout Shops by the beginning of February. Make sure you honor your Scout’s rank advancement with these 100th anniversary rank badges.

‘Boy Scouts of America: Today’ National Photo Contest

The Boy Scouts of America: Today photo contest begins January 12, 2010, and entries must be received by March 31, 2010. Photos must be representative of Scouting activities but are not limited to any specific event. Photographs submitted for consideration must have been taken within one year of entry. Visit http://scoutstuff.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=12834 for more information including how to submit photos for consideration.

News from Pack 320

I have been promoted to Pack trainer and Weblos Den Leader. We would love to see this announcement posted for everyone to see our pack is growing.
Thanks,
Rusty Shaver
Pack 320

District Cub Scout Leader Training

"Every Scout Deserves A Trained Leader"
Next Cub Leader Training
Saturday March 13, 2010
1st United Methodist Church
Salisbury, NC
8:30am : "This is Scouting"
9:45am - 2:15pm : Leader Specific Training
2:30pm : Youth Protection Training

"This is Scouting" and Youth Protection Training can be taken online at myscouting.scouting.org