Transatlantic Council: Boy Scouts of America
Over 50 years of serving the youth of America overseas
News & Notes
Program Helps
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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 an 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 reregistered.
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.
-- A person does not have to be a registered volunteer or have an ID number to take Youth Protection training. To take the training, log in to MyScouting and create an account. From the MyScouting portal, click on E-Learning and take the Youth Protection training. Upon completion, print a certificate and submit it with an application or submit to the unit leader for processing at the local council.
-- If you have taken Youth Protection training online but did not input your member ID number, please log on to MyScouting and input your member ID in the My Profile section so the training will be linked to 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 for verification that your Youth Protection training records are accurate.
-- Finally, please share these important changes with other Scouters.
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 Parent's Guide 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
Frequently Asked Questions
The recent changes in Youth Protection requirements have generated a number
of questions. The following are answers to some of the questions we have
received. We will send regular updates to this information.
Q: Does the executive officer (Institutional Head) of a unit need to take Youth Protection training?
A: If the executive officer is not a registered leader, he or she is not required to complete Youth Protection training, although it is strongly recommended. If the executive officer is registered as an adult leader, then he or she must complete Youth Protection training.
Q: I am a Tiger Cub adult partner and ScoutParent. Do I need to take Youth Protection training?
A: The Tiger Cub adult partner and ScoutParent designations are not registered adult positions; therefore, mandatory Youth Protection training is not required. It is strongly recommended, however, that all adults involved in Scouting take Youth Protection training. All registered adults are required to take Youth Protection training.
Q: I am sure I know all there is to know about youth protection. Can I "test out" by only taking the Youth Protection online quiz?
A: No. You must complete the entire online training in order for your Youth Protection certificate to be valid. This ensures you receive the latest information on BSA Youth Protection.
Q: Are parents who attend weekly meetings, weekend campouts, or summer resident camp required to take Youth Protection training?
A: Only if they are registered leaders. However, it is highly recommended that any adult participating with your unit activities take Youth Protection training. Having them register as adult leaders is also highly recommended.
Q: What is the deadline to meet the new Youth Protection training standard?
A: All registered leaders should take or renew their Youth Protection training so that it is current as of today. A unit will not be able to recharter without its key registered adults being up-to-date on Youth Protection training. No individual leader will be able to register without being up-to-date on his or her Youth Protection training.
Q: Can a council or district organize Youth Protection group training for its adults?
A: Yes. It is encouraged that adults take the training via the online module, but the instructor-led model is still acceptable as long as the most current version of the Youth Protection DVD (Item No. 610327 or 36121) is used and the end-of-course quiz is proctored by the trainer at the end of the training session. Reminder: It is critical that training completion certificates be issued after successful completion and that a formal training record roster is submitted to the council registrar so proper credit can be recorded in the profiles of each participant.
Q: Why a new training policy on such short notice?
A: Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the BSA. It is important to implement this training at all levels of the organization. The BSA is always reevaluating and reassessing its policies to ensure the safest youth program and the best training is being offered. The BSA's Youth Protection training has been in existence long enough for it to be understood and accepted as a mandated training for all registered BSA adult leaders.
Q: The new policy indicates that a Youth Protection certificate of completion must be submitted "at the time of application." What does that mean?
A: A BSA application should only be collected from a prospective leader after they have fully completed the form, attached a copy of their Youth Protection certificate of completion, and submitted that to the Council Service Center.
Q: Will both the regular and Venturing leader versions of Youth Protection training meet the requirement?
A: Yes, as long as they use the most current versions of the DVDs for group training. The online version is the preferred method, as it allows for those taking the training to get one-on-one training and take all the time they need for review. The online quiz does not require printing of any test pages. They are issued an immediate certificate of completion and it allows for the updating of their ScoutNet record.
Q: Do leaders need to wait until they have final clearance on the background check to meet with youth?
A: No. As long as their application is fully completed, approved, and submitted to the Council Service Center, their fee is paid, and Youth Protection training is certified, they will be able to interact with youth while the Criminal Background Check (CBC) is still pending.
Q: If a unit's leaders' Youth Protection training is not current, should we not register any new youth to their units until they do so, or will those who are not current be dealt with through the recharter process?
A: This policy does not affect youth registrations. However, if a unit's leadership has not complied with the new Youth Protection standard by the next rechartering period, the unit will NOT be able to complete its registration.
Q: Will the system be able to handle the overload of people taking training at the last minute?
A: The system platform that houses E-Learning is expected to be able to handle the high volume.
Q: Will the new adult applications have this information?
A: Yes. All new applications will reflect these changes.
Q: When does the change go into effect?
A: As of June 1, 2010, all registered adult volunteers must complete Youth Protection training prior to beginning their volunteer service.
Q: Do merit badge counselors need to take Youth Protection training?
A: Yes. A merit badge counselor is a registered volunteer position.
Q: If a person is not a registered leader, how can he or she log in and take the Youth Protection training?
A: A person does not have to be a registered volunteer to take Youth Protection training. To take the training, log in to myscouting.org and create an account. From the myscouting.org portal, click on E-training and take Youth Protection. Upon completion, print a certificate and submit with a new application or submit to the unit leader for processing at the local council.
Q: Can units that have some adults that have not completed Youth Protection training be rechartered?
A: In order for a unit to be rechartered, it must have all the required positions filled with Youth Protection trained adults. Adults who have not completed Youth Protection training will not be reregistered.
Q: Is there a grace period to get all adults trained?
A: No. If a leader's Youth Protection training is not current, the volunteer must take or renew their training immediately. Every effort should be taken so that all adults involved in Scouting have a current certificate of completion of the Youth Protection training.
Q: Does all volunteers mean all volunteers-even board members and council presidents?
A: Yes. The goal is to have all registered volunteers Youth Protection-trained. This is an important statement for us an organization and shows our commitment to the well-being of our youth members.
New Staff Member at TAC
Please join with us to welcome Jennifer Goodwin as our new Advancement Specialist. Jennifer and her family have just moved from Fort Campbell, KY to Camp Darby. Jennifer has a wealth of Scouting experience. She has participated in several training courses while serving as a Den Leader. Her husband, Craig, has been an Assistant Cubmaster. Their children are involved in Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts.
We are extremely happy to have Jennifer on the TAC team!
2010 NATIONAL SCOUT JAMBOREE VISITOR INFORMATION
Since 1981 hundreds of thousands of Scouts and visitors have enjoyed the privilege of experiencing a Jamboree at Fort A. P. Hill!
In gratitude to our gracious host, and consistent with our “Leave No Trace” practice, we are committed to leaving the Fort pristine and beautiful. We are also committed to ensuring that Jamboree participants and visitors have necessary services available. Every visitor to this year’s Jamboree will be asked to become an “Official Centennial Jamboree Supporter”.
At the gates to the visitor parking area, we will be collecting a $10 donation per person per day to recover the expense of visitor support, and to aid in the restoration of the site. This will help us perform grounds clean‐up, provide additional portable restrooms and sanitation stations, and enhance the many amenities and services provided for the visitors to the Jamboree. All visitors will receive the distinctive Visitor’s Patch.
To help expedite arrival for vehicles carrying 8 or more people, we are encouraging councils and other large groups to send one check for $10 per person per day in advance. Please use the Visitor Information Transmittal form below. Upon receipt, a voucher and windshield placard will be sent to the designated group leader. The voucher will need to be presented to the Jamboree Welcome Team to facilitate a quick entrance using the “Easy Entry Lane” (represented as (E²) on the window placard) to the group parking area. Encourage all of your council Scouts and Scouters who will be visiting the Jamboree to help us “Leave No Trace” and to become “Official Centennial Jamboree Supporters”.
Visiting hours will be:
Tuesday, July 27 9am to 5pm
Wednesday, July 28 11am to 5pm
Thursday, July 29 9am to 5pm
Friday, July 30 9am to 5pm
Saturday, July 31 9am to 11pm
Sunday, August 1 1pm to 5pm
Monday, August 2 9am to 5pm
Tuesday, August 3 9am to 4pm
New Cub Scout Material
Cub Scout Delivery Method (aka Cub Scouts 2010): Leader materials supporting Scouting's New Handbook-based Delivery Method are available from National Supply. These include the new Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide (32354) and 2010-2011 Roundtable Planning Guide (32355), revised Cub Scout Leader Book (33221), Webelos Leader Guide (33853) and Cub Scout Position-Specific Leader Training (34875). Revised Fast Start training for Den Leaders and Cubmasters will be available on MyScouting on Friday, May 7.
The successful delivery method focuses on den activities that lead to youth advancement and higher retention. Information about the pilot, its results, and the new changes can be found in an overview brochure on ScoutSource http://scouting.org/scoutsource.
Scout Shop
Our Transatlantic Council Scout Shop is working hard to support your needs. Since our move to Franken Kaserne in Oberdachstetten, we have been able to increase our inventory by nearly 40%, and maintain a quality staff, and upgrade equipment. We are working hard to win back your support. We appreciate that so many units continue to use our shop, and are happy with the service provided. During the first quarter of 2010, over $33,000 in orders went to Scoutstuff.org. Many of those orders were for small items that we do not normally carry. However, a significant amount of the money spent were for large orders that we would have been able to provide. $33,000 in gross sales, translates into $8,000 in profit a quarter that could be used to support your council programs. We do receive 25% of that amount ($2K) in commission. One way to make sure that Transatlantic Council is around to provide a BSA program overseas is to use our Shop for all your Scout shopping. Transatlantic Council must be self-sustaining if we are to continue to provide a structured scouting program in Europe, Turkey, and Morocco.
Discount at Scout Shop!
All units who qualify as a 2010 Transatlantic Council Presidential Unit as a result of their 2010 Friends of Scouting Campaign, qualify for a 10% discount on items ordered by the unit using the unit account or paying on site. A Presidential Unit is a unit that has at least 40% of the families participate in Friends of Scouting with an average gift of $40. An example
Unit 123 has 10 families, 4 contribute and raise $160 so Unit 123 would be a Presidential Unit and would be eligible for the discount.
The discount is until February 28th, 2011.
This is a benefit of supporting the Friends of Scouting campaign.
Units are not eligible for a discount for earning Centennial Quality Unit. That is a different recognition and although we are proud of your accomplishment the discount is a reward for supporting the Friends of Scouting campaign.
District Executives are responsible for informing the Scout Shop of units who meet Presidential Unit status.
BSA Release: Historical Merit Badge Program
Read the information here
Philmont Training Center Information
PTC_Roundtable_Handout_2010.pdf
Change in Venturing Age
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, a list of frequently asked questions is posted at www.scouting.org/venturing.
Having difficulty with MyScouting, Internet Advancement or Internet Recharter with Internet Explorer 8?
MyScouting.org is not compatible with the new Microsoft Office Live Add- In. This is why you are receiving the error - 403 access forbidden, access denied screen. To continue to access MyScouting, you will need to uninstall the Microsoft Office Live Add-In. Go to the Control Panel and then add and remove programs. For Vista users: Control Panel and then Programs and Features.
Sometimes IE 8 is giving problems even after the MS Office Live Add-In is removed. The next step to try is to open your IE webpage, click Tools on the toolbar, then check Compatibility View and that should clear up the problem.
BSA Photo Contest
In celebration of the Boy Scouts of America's 100th Anniversary, the BSA and licensee DK Publishing will produce a new photo book to document Scouting as it exists today. This book, Boy Scouts of America: Today, is scheduled to be released in October 2010 and will incorporate both professional and amateur photographs of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers engaged in activities that represent the 12 points of the Scout Law.
To support this book, the BSA is sponsoring the Boy Scouts of America: Today National Photo Contest. Eligible participants may enter the contest by submitting photographs in any or all of the 12 categories to visually depict the 12 points of the Scout Law-trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Winning entries will printed in the book Boy Scouts of America: Today, and the winning photographers will receive a copy of the book and a $50 gift card for official Scouting merchandise purchased through Scoutstuff.org or at any participating Scout shop. Employees of the Boy Scouts of America National Council or local councils, their immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling, and their respective spouses, regardless of where they live), and persons living in the same households of such employees, regardless of relation, are not eligible to participate. A separate employee and family contest will launch soon.
For more information please visit http://scouting.org
Power of Scouting in Haitian Relief Efforts
The news coming out of Haiti is very grave. So many citizens are missing or are in need of immediate care. "Our hearts and prayers go out to those suffering at this very difficult time," said BSA International Commissioner Jim Turley.
There is one small beacon of hope. World Scouting has been in contact with a member of the Scouts and Guides of France who happened to be in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, during this horrific earthquake. "This Scouter reports that our brother and sister Scouts are helping in the relief effort. No one should ever underestimate the power of Scouting! Be Prepared are not just words on a piece of paper. Rather, they are a call to action," explained Turley.
Agencies trained in disaster relief are already on the ground in Haiti. Additionally, the U.S. is sending military troops and supplies to further assist rescue and relief efforts. But there are still a number of ways members of the BSA can help in Haiti. The biggest need right now is financial resources to purchase emergency supplies; later it will be to help rebuild once the emergency of the coming days has passed.
The most efficient way to meet immediate needs is through your local American Red Cross Chapter. The BSA has a long-standing relationship with the American Red Cross and has every bit of faith that monetary donations will be put to use in the most effective way.
Also, the World Organization of the Scout Movement is accepting donations to meet immediate needs. BSA members may visit its Web site at: http://www.scout.org/en/information_events/news/2010/solidarity_with_haiti
For rebuilding projects, our members are encouraged to make contributions to the BSA's World Friendship Fund. All monies collected here will be set aside for future projects requested by the Scout Association of Haiti. To conduct a local fund-raising program, contact your local council for World Friendship Fund brochures (No. 130-159), posters (No. 22-609), coffee can labels (No. 22-620), and DVDs (No. 22-611).
Roger Schrimp, chairman of the BSA's International Committee, adds, "At the end of the day, it does not matter how big or small an individual's contribution is. We all give what we can afford. That's what we do in Scouting. These are our friends, our fellow Scouts. They need our help. On my honor, I will do my best! is a pledge that each of us has taken as a Scout."
Digital Scouting Magazine
Check out the first digital edition of Scouting magazine! It’s available on www.scoutingmagazine.org. Click on the image of the magazine cover to start reading.
Digital Scouting is also available from MyScouting.org by clicking on same cover image. The digital edition is a work in progress designed to make Scouting magazine an even more useful tool for our members. Watch for improvements such as embedded video and links to forums, blogs, and podcasts. Be prepared. If you don't have a MyScouting login, create one today!
The Price of Freedom
A citizenship and leadership program of the Freedom Foundation and the Boy Scouts of America, held February 11-14, 2010 at Valley Forge
The Price of Freedom brochure.pdf
New Cub Scout Belt Loops and Pins
Video Games is one of 13 new belt loops and pins in the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. It’s been more than 10 years since the program expanded, so volunteers and Cub Scouts from around the country have been waiting for this change. In late January, Scout shops across the country should begin selling a new edition of the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide (No. 34299), which will include these additions:
Academics Subjects:
•Disabilities Awareness
•Family Travel
•Good Manners
•Nutrition
•Pet Care
•Photography
•Reading and Writing
•Video Games
Requirements for the new awards will mirror those for the existing belt loops and pins. Besides the addition of the new awards, the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program remains the same.
Sports:
•Hiking
•Hockey
•Horseback Riding
•Kickball
•Skateboarding
New Boy Scout Merit Badges
Scuba Diving is the first new Boy Scout merit badge in three years; it will become available in December.
Four other new merit badges will appear over the course of the coming year:
•Inventing (First quarter 2010)
•Geocaching (Second quarter 2010)
•Scouting Heritage (Second quarter 2010)
•Robotics (Fourth quarter 2010)
These badges are being introduced because they received positive feedback in a youth interest survey.
If five new merit badges seems like a lot, it is. By comparison, the BSA introduced just six new merit badges between 1992 (Collections) and 2006 (Composite Materials).
But the new badges aren’t the only innovation. In the past it took three years to create a merit badge. Now, that time has been cut to just less than a year, helping to keep the badge topics and content fresher than ever.
Please help spread the word about the new merit badges, belt loops, and pins through Web sites, newsletters, e-mails, social networking, roundtables, and events. As always, www.scouting.org is your best source for the most current information about these awards.
New BSA Stamp
The U.S. Postal Service gave us “a stamp of approval” to honor 100 years of the U.S. Scouting movement. The Celebrate Scouting stamp will be issued in the summer of 2010.
The design, created by Craig Frazier of Mill Valley, California, depicts the spirit and outdoor adventure of Scouting through a backpacking Scout and a large silhouette of a Scout surveying the landscape.
In conjunction with the announcement, we are encouraging Scouts to send letters and packages to veterans and U.S. Armed Forces personnel serving overseas.
“Regardless of our age, we never outgrow the joy of receiving a personal letter in the mail,” said Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. “This is the least we can do for the service men and women to whom we owe the deepest gratitude for their service.”
Celebrate Scouting letterhead, guides for writing letters to deployed soldiers and veterans, and care package tips are available in an online toolkit to help Scouts get started.
The Celebrate Scouting stamp was championed by U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas and supported by a bipartisan group of more than 300 Congressional members.
For administrative processing, please send requests and/or questions to the appropriate e-mail below for more efficient processing times:
International Newsletter from our National Office
NATIONAL JAMBOREE 2010 PATCHES
The Transatlantic Council's National Jamboree are currently fundraising to make the Jamboree the best in the 100 years of Boy Scouts of America. Check out their website to order your patches and support our representatives in Washington DC this summer.
http://www.tacjamboree.com/?page_id=78
TAC Cubcraft Proficiency Award
Read all about the new Cub Scout Award and order today!
TAC SCOUTCRAFT PROFICIENT-award - order.doc
TAC CUBCRAFT PROFICIENCY AWARD - Order Form.doc
Fundraising Page Updated (NFL, Popcorn, Bowl-a-Thon)
A helpful page on fundraising, including all the Fall Fundraising options, is available here. This includes the new NFL fundraiser information.
Cub Scout 2010
During Top Hands, there were a number of requests about making leader materials available as early as possible in 2010. To accommodate these requests, materials will be available in Scout shops in March. The video from Top Hands, in which Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh announced Cub Scouts 2010, is now available online at http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts2010.
Philmont Individual Trek Information
For scouts who have not had the opportunity to attend Philmont with a unit or council crew the scout ranch run programs individual scouts can apply for. Here is an explanation of the Philmont programs for which individual scouts can apply.
Nothing But Nets Campaign
This is the latest BSA initiative to support the UN campaign to eradicate malaria in Africa. You can find the information at http://www.nothingbutnets.net/
Preparing young people to make ethical and moral decisions over their lifetimes by instilling within them the values of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law