------------------------------------------------------------------------ [rec.scouting.usa] Commonly asked questions (FAQ 4) Part 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Path: news.jmag.net">news.jmag.net!news.jmas.co.jp">news.jmas.co.jp!nf0.iij.ad.jp!news.iij.ad.jp">news.iij.ad.jp!nntp-egw.ocn.ad.jp!newsfeed.mesh.ad.jp!newsfeed.media.kyoto-u.ac.jp!newsfeed.kreonet.re.kr!kreonet.re.kr!news.maxwell.syr.edu">news.maxwell.syr.edu!newsfeed!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!dreaderd!not-for-mail Message-ID: Supersedes: Expires: 23 Jul 2003 08:09:06 GMT X-Last-Updated: 2003/02/25 Subject: [rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa] Commonly asked questions (FAQ 4) Part 1 From: nelsonb@nospam.aztec.asu.edu (Bill Nelson) Organization: none Reply-To: bnelson45@hotmail.nospam.com (Bill Nelson) Newsgroups: rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa,rec.answers,news.answers Followup-To: poster Keywords: rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa scout wosm usa boy scouts ethics gsusa bsa faq Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Originator: nelsonb@aztec.asu.edu Originator: faqserv@penguin-lust.MIT.EDU Date: 14 Jun 2003 08:10:05 GMT Lines: 544 NNTP-Posting-Host: penguin-lust.mit.edu X-Trace: 1055578205 senator-bedfellow.mit.edu 22541 18.181.0.29 Xref: news.jmag.net">news.jmag.net rec.answers:12870 news.answers:46766 Archive-name: scouting/rec.scouting.usa/part1 Last-Modified: 2/25/2003 The FAQs are archived at: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/scouting/ http://www.faqs.org/#FAQHTML This is part 1 of a two part FAQ. Part 2 can be found at: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/scouting/ http://www.faqs.org/#FAQHTML TABLE OF CONTENTS ================= 4.1.1 General Introduction -- rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa 4.1.2 On-Line Etiquette Guidelines 4.1.3 Organizations -- Official Information 4.1.4 Organizations -- Internet Official information on the net 4.1.6 Organizations -- Unofficial (but useful) information 4.1.5 BSA -- Uniform 4.1.6 BSA -- Free uniforms 4.1.7 BSA -- Clipart and fonts 4.1.8 BSA -- How the BSA is organized 4.1.9 BSA -- Official BSA literature & catalog 4.1.10 General -- Proper etiquette for the US Flag, ceremonies 4.1.11 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Addresses of people who will send letters to Scouts that make Eagle 4.1.12 BSA -- Cub Scouting - Cub Scouts and Webelos Camping 4.1.13 BSA -- Unauthorized or restricted activities 4.1.14 BSA -- District and Council Volunteer Scouters 4.1.15 BSA -- Unit Management Software 4.1.16 BSA -- Ceremonies 4.1.17 BSA -- Advancement Information 4.1.18 BSA -- On-line forms 4.1.19 BSA -- Unit Bylaws More can be found on rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa FAQ 4 Part 2 which can be found at: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/scouting/ or http://www.faqs.org/#FAQHTML The following information is in Part 2: 4.2.1 BSA -- Two Organizations 4.2.2 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Aims 4.2.3 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Mission 4.2.4 BSA -- Learning for Life/Exploring - Mission 4.2.5 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Methods 4.2.6 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Boy Scout Oath 4.2.7 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Boy Scout Law 4.2.8 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Famous Scouts 4.2.9 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Scouting as Education 4.2.10 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Values and Ethics Resources 4.2.11 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Leadership 4.2.12 BSA -- Cub Scouting - Sports and Academic Belt Loops and Pins 4.2.13 BSA -- Cub Scouting - Pinewood Derby 4.2.14 BSA -- Cub Scouting - What Happened to Lion? 4.2.15 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Why Did the handshake change? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.1 General Introduction -- rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa Welcome to rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa, the boy and girl scouts, cub scouts, explorers, venturers, scout leaders and all people interested in scouting, venturing, exploring, sea scouting and guiding, within the United States of America. The rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa newsgroup provides a forum for the discussion of program, membership, finance, and unit support topics related to the scouting programs in the United States, and in areas where the USA's scouting programs are carried out around the world. Such topics include but are not restricted to discussion of the GSUSA Gold Award, WEBELOS BSA Cub Scout program, the BSA Eagle Scout rank, general US outdoor and community activity ideas, memorabilia trading and explanation, and other topics. This group discusses issues relevant to the program, unit support, finance, membership development and the administration of scout units. It allows for the solicitation of advice and information from other netters on what to do in certain situations, and generally seek and provide support, general information and encouragement regarding scouting. This newsgroup is NOT the place for discussions on scouting ISSUES, for instance, issues related to girls in the boy scout program, whether or not Assembly of God churches should abandon the Boy Scouts of America's programs in favor of the Royal Rangers, or open homosexual members as members or leaders in BSA programs. Those discussions will take place on rec.scouting.issues, and those posting to this newsgroup will be followed or redirected to rec.scouting.issues. Please see FAQ #1 for our charter and important information about all the rec.scouting.* groups. This document introduces new readers to the preferred Etiquette for rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa and to the compilation of files of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If you have a useful item that hasn't been included in this FAQ, please do all of us the favor. Write it up and post it on rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa. Drop me a copy too to make sure that I include it in this file. As the FAQ files are updated regularly, make sure that you have the latest copy in your hands. The release date of this FAQ is indicated in the line starting with "Last-Modified:" at the top of this file. Files older than three months should be considered as outdated. This file or parts of it may be freely used, printed and re-distributed as long as you enclose this paragraph and keep the references to the respective contributors and to the maintainer (listed below) intact. -- Bill Nelson ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.2 On-Line Etiquette Guidelines *** ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES *** Before reading any further, please go to the newsgroup news.announce.newusers and read the posting: Rules for posting to Usenet. That message describes some of the rules of conduct on Usenet. Posters to the rec.scouting* hierarchy are expected to follow these rules. Read also the rec.scouting.* FAQ #1 which contains our charter and Etiquette guidelines specific to the rec.scouting* hierarchy. o Please remember the scope of this newsgroup is to discuss PROGRAM topics related to scouting and US youth organization, *not* issues. If you find that your discussion is going outside of this scope, please take it to another group or off-line. rec.scouting.issues is specifically setup to handle political issues related to scouting and guiding. Please post controversial topics there. o In short, rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa is for questions, and discussions about topics specific to the USA. IT IS NOT A BSA ONLY GROUP! If your topic is not relevant to just the USA then use another group. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.3 Organizations -- Official Information No, official information from organizations is not normally communicated via rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa. Contact your local organization for official information and council. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.4 Organizations -- Internet Official information on the net Web pages: The BSA home page is at: http://www.bsa.scouting.org/ The Learning for Life/Exploring home page is at: http://www.learning-for-life.org/ There are a number of official BSA Council Sites as well an index can be found at: http://www.usscouts.org/ The GSUSA home page is at file://www.girlscouts.org/ The WOSM Web page is at: http://www.scout.org/ The WAGGGS Web page is at: http://www.wagggsworld.org/ Christian Service Brigade is at: http://infoweb.magi.com/~hbcsb/csb.htm Royal Rangers is at: http://www.rahul.net/rangers/ There is an unofficial Missionettes web page at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/6758/ Information on the Campfire Boys and Girls can be found at: http://www.campfire.org/ Newsgroups or email lists: BSA: none, it is recommended that you contact your local council. GSUSA: unknown Christian Service Brigade: Royal Rangers: alt.org.royal-rangers Direct email addresses: BSA: none, it is recommended that you contact your local council. GSUSA: unknown WOSM: worldbureau@world.scout.org WAGGGS: unknown Christian Service Brigade: BrigadeCSB@aol.com Royal Rangers: rangers@ag.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.4 Organizations -- Unofficial (but useful) information Date: 23 Nov 1996 Q. OK, where else can I find unofficial information then? A. There are plenty of places on the net to find unofficial information on US scouting organizations. For a few starting places see: http://www.usscouts.org/ (mostly Boy Scouting) http://www.macscouter.com/ (mostly Boy Scouting) http://www.cais.com/cwelch/gsrc/sr26000.htm (mostly Girl Scouting) http://members.aol.com/alicebeard/campfire.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.5 BSA -- Uniform Organizations keep official guides for uniforming. Usually, if it is not detailed in the uniform guide, it should not be worn on the uniform. The BSA *Insignia Guide* details where to put just about everything on the BSA uniform for both adults and scouts. It is very inexpensive, and available at your local Scout Shop. Every unit should purchase at least one each year, since it is updated on an annual basis. An on-line version of the insignia guide can be found at: http://cochise.uia.net/oldbaldy/formsandpubs.html According to the Insignia Guide there is only one official uniform for Boy Scout Troops. It includes the following statement: "No alteration of, or additions to, the official uniforms, as described inthe official publications, or the rules and regulations covering the wearing of the uniform and the proper combinations thereof on official occations, may be authorized by any Scouting official or local council, or any local executive board or committee, except the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America after consideration by the Program Group Committee." By the way, there are no official class B uniforms, there is only one uniform for Boy Scouts and it is officially called the 'field' uniform, and unofficially known by most of us as the class A uniform. What is optional: - Boy Scout neckerchiefs (troop decides by vote) - Official headgear is optonal, but while in Class A uniform, if you are wearing headgear it must be official headgear. - The web Boy Scout belt may be replaced with a high adventure base, camp or Wood Badge belt with official BSA buckles. - The world crest For information on the Cub Scout uniform see: http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/9152/uniform.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.6 BSA -- Free uniforms Often your council can provide you with resources for free or inexpensive uniform parts. There is also a Web page that a Scouter has put together called C.U.B. The simple aim of the C.U.B. is to route uniforms from people who have them and don't need them anymore, to people who don't have them and do need them! This way, uniforms may be acquired for free (or almost free) or via an exchange with another Scout or group. Ideally, the only cost involved is the cost of postage. C.U.B. can be located at: http://www.globalserve.net/~codyak/CUBCodyAK.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.9 BSA -- How the BSA is organized The BSA has a number of publications that contain its organization. All are available to the general public from your nearby Scout Shop. Check: The Cub Scout Leader Book and The Troop Committee Guidebook An unofficial description is available at: http://www.usscouts.org/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.10 BSA -- Official BSA literature & catalog All BSA literature is listed in a guide called Scouting's Library of Literature (70-080) The BSA Catalog has BSA supplies and equipment. They are available free from: BSA Supply Division National Distribution Cntr. 2109 Westinghouse Blvd., P.O. Box 7143 Charlotte, NC 28241-7143 1-800-323-0732 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.11 General -- Proper etiquette for the US Flag, ceremonies The U.S. Scouting Service Project pages has an extensive listing of sites with information on the Flag and some ceremonies. See: http://usscouts.org/flag/index.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.11 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Addresses of people who will send letters to Scouts that make Eagle The US Scouting Service Web site (http://usscouts.org/ look under Eagle) are of organizations and people that have sent letters or other items to new Eagle Scouts and new Gold Scouts. Additionally, going to the Eagle Scout site (http://www.eaglescout.org/) will also yield information about organizations and individuals whom will write to new Eagle Scouts. Finally, the MacScouter (http://www.macscouter.com/, look in "Eagle Resources") has a listing along with some templates of letters to send to those individuals. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.12 BSA -- Cub Scouting - Cub Scouts and Webelos Camping First take a look at your Cub Scout Leader Book in Chapter 5. Then go to your Council Program Office. It is the official source for this information. Different Councils have different local policies, so it is wise to check with them. The BSA policy is stated in the Guide to Safe Scouting, which is available at your scout shop. An unofficial on-line version is at: http://usscouts.org/safety/g2ss.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.13 BSA -- Unauthorized or restricted activities A. The following activities have been declared unauthorized and restricted by the Boy Scouts of America: * All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) -- unauthorized. * Boxing, karate, and related martial arts -- unauthorized. * Chainsaws and mechanical log splitters (trained and over the age of 18) * Exploration of abandoned mines -- unauthorized. * Varsity football teams and interscholastic or club football -- unauthorized. * Fireworks secured, used, or displayed in conjunction with program and activities is unauthorized except where the fireworks display is conducted under the auspices of a certified or licensed fireworks control expert. * The selling of fireworks as a fundraising or money-earning activity by any group acting for or on behalf of members, units, or districts may not be authorized by councils. * Flying in hang gliders, ultralights, experimental class aircraft, hot-air balloons, parachuting, and flying in aircraft as part of a search and rescue mission -- unauthorized. * Motorized go-carts and motorbike activities are unauthorized for Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs. All motorized speed events, including motorcycles, boats, drag racing, demolition derbies, and related events, are not authorized activities for any program level. * Participation in amateur or professional rodeo events -- unauthorized. * The activity commonly referred to as "War Games"--in which individuals shoot paint or dye at one another-- -- unauthorized. * Hunting is not an authorized Cub Scout or Boy Scout activity * Motorized personal watercraft, such as jet-skis -- unauthorized. * Except for very specific cases firearms should not be in the possession of any person engaged in camping, hiking, backpacking, or any other Scouting activity other than those specifically planned for target shooting under the supervision of a certified firearms instructor. (Among the purposes of this policy is to prohibit adult leaders from bringing firearms on BSA camping and hiking activities or to unit meetings.) * Parasailing, or any activity in which a person is carried aloft by a parachute, parasail, kite, or other device towed by a motorboat or by any other means, is unauthorized. * All activities related to bungee cord jumping (sometimes called shock cord jumping) are unauthorized. * Use of Carbon tetrachloride The BSA policy is stated in the Guide to Safe Scouting, which is available at your scout shop. An unofficial on-line version is at: http://usscouts.org/safety/g2ss.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.14 BSA -- District and Council Volunteer Scouters For a description of their job functions go to your Scout Shop and ask for a Commissioner Job Description Card BSA No 4265A. A summary of the BSA organizational structure is at: http://usscouts.org/aboutbsa/bsaorg.html Steve Henning posted the following good summary: There are many District positions that the rest of us can serve in to help these people Deliver The Promise. These positions include: Commissioners (Unit Commissioners, Assistant District Commissioners, District Commissioners) are responsible to provide service to units. This service includes rechartering, charter partner relations, problem solving for units, insuring that Units meet national standards, and providing information about training, camping and activities. All Commissioners are selected by the District Commissioner, recommended by the Scout Executive, and approved by the Council Executive Board. Members of District Committees are responsible to start new units; to assist with recruiting youth and adult members; raising funds for recruiting, training and camping facilities; providing recruiting, training and camping opportunities; providing opportunities for unit fund raising; and arranging activities. All members of the District Committees are elected by the Charter Representatives and Members At Large, and serve at the pleasure of the District Chairman who is also elected by the Charter Representatives and Members At Large, and approved by the Council Executive Board. The council executive board which is responsible for controlling the expenditure of council funds and making all policies in the council. The executive board is elected by the Charter Representatives and Members At Large. The professional Scouters are in place to assist in recruiting, training and motivating Scouters for all of the other positions. A professional Scouter who has done his job properly has nothing to do, since the volunteer Scouters he recruited, trained and motivated are responsible to do everything else. Realistically the professional Scouter spends much time making sure that all of the various jobs the volunteers are doing are completed successfully. -- Cheers, Steve Henning in Reading, PA USA ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.15 BSA -- Unit Management Software A number of web sites have links: http://web.idirect.com/~bhowson/software.html http://www.usscouts.org/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.16 BSA -- Ceremonies There are a number of places on the Internet where you can find suggested ceremonies. Here is one: http://usscouts.org/ceremony/index.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.17 BSA -- Advancement Information The US Scouting Service Project Advancement/Merit Badge Center. http://www.usscouts.org/usscouts/advancementTOC.asp Also check out Merit Badge Resources at: http://www.meritbadge.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.1.18 BSA -- On-line forms Check with your Council before using any online forms. Some are posted at: http://www.vccbsa.org/forms/ http://www.cyberg8t.com/oldbaldy/formsandpubs.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Troop, Pack, Crew, Post, Unit By-Laws A number of units have felt a need to write bylaws and parent guides specifying and explaining *exactly* how the unit should be run - over and above the "rules and regs" established by their national organization. Contact your organization for guidelines. In the BSA, you may write *any* rules you want - as long as they aren't *specifically* in violation of any BSA policy. BSA will bend to the desires of you as Charter Organization." A suggestion would be to write to the National Council in Irving, Texas and obtain a copy of the B.S.A. By-laws and Rules and Regulations. This would reduce or eliminate the need for an electronic template as you would only need to consider amendments. Each are $1.50 and they contain all the rules and laws you need to administrate your pack, including rules as "when does a Scout become inactive," uniforming rules, etc. It's all there. Any amendments need to be reviewed by your Chartered Organization and by your local council to ensure that you are not conflict with the B.S.A. or your Chartered Organization. Almost all troops have rules on how they operate: How long is the term of office for the youth leaders? What are the requirements for youth leaders? What are the job descriptions for youth leaders? What is the troop hat, troop t-shirt, troop neckerchief? What are the rules for uniform wear in the troop. When does the troop meet? The PLC? What are the troop dues and when are they to be paid? What are troop dues used for? etc.etc. However, for most troop these are unwritten, and that can cause problems. The by-laws just puts this all into writting. Other groups in scouting have them. Most OA Lodges do. Venturing Crews are encouraged to have them (as noted in the new Venturing Leader Handbook, along with a sample). As pointed out, these in no way should supercede the BSA's rules and regulations. A place where by-laws are very helpful is with regard to individual Scout savings accounts and other places where people want to make exceptions. Also, it may be good to require the Treasure be someone outside the Scoutmaster's family. This is a frequent source of perceived problems. What many have come up with are rules regarding the number of leaders they must have, what level of training they must have, and when they must get it, and so on. (BSA note: a lot of this is already in the BSA by-laws and Guide to Safe Scouting) A word of caution: write them carefully. You do not want to put down on paper a rule which might need at some future point to be broken. Rules written down are rules which *might* be turned against your unit. It is also a good idea to include wording that addresses revisions to the bylaws/guides as needed. For some ideas, see: Troop By-Laws and Parent Guides: http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Meadows/4651/forms.htm http://www.panetwork.com/BSATRoop285/troop.htm http://www.erols.com/mbcole/t32.html http://www.bsa.net/md/t214/bylaws.html Venture Crew By-Laws: http://yourpage.blazenet.net/ghkain/C-Bylaws.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- End of rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa FAQ ************************** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [rec.scouting.usa] Commonly asked questions (FAQ 4) Part 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Path: news.jmag.net">news.jmag.net!news.jmas.co.jp">news.jmas.co.jp!nf0.iij.ad.jp!news.iij.ad.jp">news.iij.ad.jp!nntp-egw.ocn.ad.jp!newsfeed.mesh.ad.jp!newsfeed.media.kyoto-u.ac.jp!news.mailgate.org">news.mailgate.org!news-spur1.maxwell.syr.edu!news.maxwell.syr.edu">news.maxwell.syr.edu!newsfeed!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!dreaderd!not-for-mail Message-ID: Supersedes: Expires: 23 Jul 2003 08:09:06 GMT X-Last-Updated: 2002/01/31 Organization: none Subject: [rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa] Commonly asked questions (FAQ 4) Part 2 From: Bill Nelson Newsgroups: rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa,rec.answers,news.answers Keywords: rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa values scout ethics wosm waggs honor bsa faq Followup-To: poster Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Reply-To: nelsonb@aztec.asu.edu Originator: faqserv@penguin-lust.MIT.EDU Date: 14 Jun 2003 08:10:09 GMT Lines: 458 NNTP-Posting-Host: penguin-lust.mit.edu X-Trace: 1055578209 senator-bedfellow.mit.edu 3928 18.181.0.29 Xref: news.jmag.net">news.jmag.net rec.answers:12872 news.answers:46768 Archive-name: scouting/rec.scouting.usa/part2 Last-Modified: 18 June 1999 The FAQs are archived at: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/scouting/ http://www.faqs.org/#FAQHTML This is part 2 of a two part FAQ. Part 1 can be found at: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/scouting/ http://www.faqs.org/#FAQHTML RECENT CHANGES Added information on Cub Scout Belt Loops and Pins Added Values and Ethics Resources Added info on Lion rank Added info on Boy Scout Handshake DISCLAMER There are recommended readings in this list of postings that are recommendations solely of the author of that posting. No Scouting organization officially communicates though the rec.scouting FAQs. TABLE OF CONTENTS ================= 4.2.1 BSA -- Two Organizations 4.2.2 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Aims 4.2.3 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Mission 4.2.4 BSA -- Learning for Life/Exploring - Mission 4.2.5 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Methods 4.2.6 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Boy Scout Oath 4.2.7 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Boy Scout Law 4.2.8 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Famous Scouts 4.2.9 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Scouting as Education 4.2.10 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Values and Ethics Resources 4.2.11 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Leadership 4.2.12 BSA -- Cub Scouting - Sports and Academic Belt Loops and Pins 4.2.13 BSA -- Cub Scouting - Pinewood Derby 4.2.14 BSA -- Cub Scouting - What Happened to Lion? 4.2.15 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Why Did the handshake change? More can be found in Part 1. Part 1 can be found at: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/scouting/ http://www.faqs.org/#FAQHTML The following is in Part 1: 4.1.1 General Introduction -- rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa 4.1.2 On-Line Etiquette Guidelines 4.1.3 Organizations -- Official Information 4.1.4 Organizations -- Internet Official information on the net 4.1.6 Organizations -- Unofficial (but useful) information 4.1.5 BSA -- Uniform 4.1.6 BSA -- Free uniforms 4.1.7 BSA -- Clipart and fonts 4.1.8 BSA -- How the BSA is organized 4.1.9 BSA -- Official BSA literature & catalog 4.1.10 General -- Proper etiquette for the US Flag, ceremonies 4.1.11 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Addresses of people who will send letters to Scouts that make Eagle 4.1.12 BSA -- Cub Scouting - Cub Scouts and Webelos Camping 4.1.13 BSA -- Unauthorized or restricted activities 4.1.14 BSA -- District and Council Volunteer Scouters 4.1.15 BSA -- Unit Management Software 4.1.16 BSA -- Ceremonies 4.1.17 BSA -- Advancement Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.1 BSA -- Two Organizations Many people do not know that the BSA is two organizations. The traditional Boy Scout organization and a wholly owned subsidiary called Learning for Life/Exploring. Learning for Life/Exploring has gained some attention lately as the BSA has rolled career Exploring groups into it. Learning for Life/Exploring is designed to support schools and other youth-serving organizations in their efforts toward preparing youth to successfully handle the complexities of today's society and to enhance their self-confidence, motivation, and self-worth. Learning for Life/Exploring also helps youth develop social and life skills, assists in character development, and helps them formulate positive personal values. It prepares youth to make ethical decisions that will help them achieve their full potential. Learning for Life/Exploring enhances teacher capacity and increases youth learning! For more information on Learning for Life/Exploring see: http://www.learning-for-life.org/ For more information on the Boy Scouts of America see: http://www.bsa.scouting.org/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.2 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Aims There are three aims to BSA Scouting: To build character To build self-reliance, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-respect To foster citizenship To foster love of community, country and world, along with a commitment of service to others and an understanding of democratic principles. To develop fitness To develop physical, mental, emotional, and moral fitness that will stay with a Scout for the rest of his life. These three aims are the bedrock of the American Scouting movement. They represent the long term outcomes we want for every boy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.3 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Mission It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The values we strive to instill are found in the Boy Scout Oath and Law. For more information see: http://bsa.scouting.org/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.4 BSA -- Learning for Life/Exploring - Mission It is the mission of Learning for Life to serve others by helping to instill core values in young people and in other ways prepare them to make ethical choices throughout their lives so they can achieve their full potential. For more information see: http://www.learning-for-life.org/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.5 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Methods The Eight Methods of Scouting 1. Ideals Each Scout commits himself to the personal behavior guides and standards in the Scout motto, the slogan, the Oath and the Law 2. Patrols Patrols give Scouts experience in teamwork, democracy and leadership. 3. Outdoors Scouting emphasizes outdoors activities which foster an appreciation of nature and our ecology. Along the way, Scouts practice and learn new skills and develop confidence in their own abilities to cope with obstacles. Scouting is outing! 4. Advancement The advancement program provides Scouts with a ladder of skills to climb at his own pace. On the way up, he has many opportunities to learn and to be recognized for his achievements. 5. Personal growth All of the other methods contribute to the personal growth of a Scout through experience. The quest for growth is a method, too. 6. Adult association Adult leaders, male and female, provide an example to Scouts of the high character they should strive for in their personal growth. 7. Leadership development Making boys get leadership experiences is one of the most valuable things Scouting does. 8. Uniform The uniform reminds a Scout of who he is and what is expected of him. It identifies him as part of a patrol, troop, council and worldwide youth movement. He can take pride in being a Scout, and in the achievements shown on his uniform and sash. Even neighborhood gangs recognize the importance of wearing a uniform, their colors. see: http://www.main.org/boyscout/aimmthd.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.6 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Boy 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.7 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Boy Scout Law A Scout is: Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.8 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Famous Scouts Since 1910, these principles have been taught in an atmosphere of recreation and fun which allows young people to develop self confidence, leadership and moral character. More and more men, trained as Scouts, are taking their places in today's world as responsible adult leaders. Men who earned badges as Scouts, sit on the Supreme Court of the United States. Others hold important offices in our government, business and industry. Most of the members of the present U.S. Congress were Scouts. Of the 214 pilots and scientists selected as astronauts since 1959, more than 125 were Scouts or have been active in Scouting, as well as most of the astronauts who have walked on the moon. The new Suns head coach, Danny Ainge, is an Eagle Scout. The long list of famous Scouts includes: President John F. Kennedy Boy Scout President Gerald Ford Eagle Scout J. Willard Marriott, Jr. President of Marriott Corporation Eagle Scout Sam M. Walton Chairman/CEO, Wal-Mart Eagle Scout Neil A. Armstrong, First person to set foot on the Moon Eagle Scout Steven Spielberg, Director, Producer Eagle Scout William C. Devries, M.D.; Transplanted First Artificial Heart Eagle Scout Barber B. Conable, Jr. President, World Bank Eagle Scout More can be found at: http://www.eaglescout.org/ http://usscouts.org/eagle/index.html http://bsa.scouting.org/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.9 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Scouting as Education The Boy Scouts of America is the largest youth oriented organization in the United States. More than 4 million young people and leaders are currently registered in the Boy Scouts of America. Unlike Cub Scouting, which many of you are familiar with, Boy Scouting is a youth-lead organization. The boys learn how to organize and lead the Troop. After training, and with adult supervision, the boys run the show. The boys in the Troop will be working towards their 1st class and then Eagle ranks. As they travel on their trail to Eagle and beyond, they will not only learn how to lead a team to a goal, they will lead teams of Scouts in a number of challenging situations. Boy Scouting also provides for growth of moral strength and character, teaches citizenship, and enhances the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. This is all done in the spirit of fun and adventure. Please take a few minutes to read Chapter One of your son's Boy Scout Handbook. For families to achieve the full benefit from the program, parents should realize that Scouting is as educational as sitting in a classroom. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.10 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Values and Ethics Resources Here is a listing of resources and references that discuss BSA values and ethics. 1995 Harris Poll on the Effect of Scouting: http://www.cpcbsa.org/cpcbsa/bsa_info/general/charcount.htm The meaning of the Scout Oath and Law can be found at: http://usscouts.org/boyscouts/index.html Below are resources for instilling values in young people. More info can be found at: http://www.main.org/boyscout/bsaethic.htm The Values of Men and Boys in America...A Call to Action for Parents - A pamphlet to give to current and prospective Scouting parents. B.S.A. No. 2-121. Ages and Stages videocassette -- explains the changes that take place is boys grow, the typical patterns of physical, mental, social, and moral growth during childhood and adolescence. Helps you to understand age-appropriate behavior and developmentally appropriate activities. Guide to Safe Scouting: A Unit Leaders Guide for Current Policies and Procedures to Safe Activities -- When planning any Scouting activity, safety is a primary concern. B.S.A. No. 10-212. Ethics in Action for Cub Scouts -- Contains 14 activity modules each with a theme targeted for Cub Scout age boys. B.S.A. No. 33015. Ethics in Action modules may be found in the Cub Scout Leader How-to Book, No. 33831, also. Ethics in Action videocassette -- explains the Cub Scout ethics program and how to guide a reflection. BSA Family Book -- an easy to follow guide to developing "family talks" on such matters as becoming responsible, learning to trust, communicating, and developing belief in self, family, God, and country. B.S.A. No. 33012 Learning for Life/Exploring -- a BSA subsidiary providing school systems with action-learning lesson plans to enhance and supplement core curricula. The kindergarten through sixth grade lesson plans include moral and character development themes. Youth's Frontier -- Making Ethical Decisions - A Manual for Parents and Youth Leaders -- A Guide to Help Youth Meet Today's Challenges . B.S.A. No. 33620. On My Honor videocassette with President Ford - view and share information with your Scouts. Ethical Controversies, B.S.A. No. 23-823, combines with the Explorer Leaders Handbook, to provide the outline for Ethics in Action in Exploring. Moments in Common, AV-03V005, is a twenty four minute film for post Advisors and other adults involved in Exploring. It shows how caring adults can make a difference in the lives of young people. The training outline that comes with the video structures a one and a half hour workshop for adult leaders. For the full text of the DELTA Handbook (Developing Ethical Leaders Through Action) ... this is a wonderful sourcebook ... see http://www.isd.net/stobin/delta/delta-hb.html http://frontpage.lightspeed.net/campkern/delta.htm "Scouting is a Game with a Purpose" -- a series of pages on Scouting's approach to developing ethical leaders. The pages include material on the Reflection process used in most of today's Scout leader training and a Listing of useful resources outside of Scouting literature. See: http://www.pinetreeweb.com/ethics.htm Maintaining BSA Standards The Scout Oath and Law are not up for negotiation. Our values are not for sale. Text of this article from Scouting magazine, September 1992. can be found at: http://www.main.org/boyscout/bsastand.htm A number of writings from the Pennington Group on values and ethics in leadership can be found at: http://www.penningtongroup.com/articles.html http://www.penningtongroup.com/writing.html (how the Scout Oath can be used to build ethical leaders and companies). On My Honor is a book about truthfulness and used in many classrooms. When his best friend drowns while they are swimming in a treacherous river that they had promised never to go near, Joel is devastated and terrified at having to tell both sets of parents the terrible consequences of their disobedience. "A powerful, soul-stirring novel told simply and well." A Newbery Honor Book; ALA Notable Children's Book. see: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ts/book-reviews/0440466334/qid=903289680/sr=1-3/002-1008674-1270447 http://www.eduplace.com/tview/tviews/miller8.html More resources can be found at: http://frontpage.lightspeed.net/campkern/delta_ref_appendix.htm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.11 BSA -- Cub Scouting - Sports and Academic Belt Loops and Pins The Cub Scouts Sports and Academic Program is one method of addressing the third aim of Scouting: the development of physical, mental and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the emotions (self-control, courage, and self-respect). As in most activities in Cub Scouting, this is not meant to be a highly competitive program, instead, the boys are encouraged to DO THEIR BEST. The Sports and Academic Program is an optional program for all Cub Scouts. It is not part of the normal requirements towards ranks (except were used in obtaining the Webelos Sportsman and Athlete activity badges). Its purpose is to assist the Scouts in learning a new skill, or improving one they already posses. Loops, pins, letters can be are earned by all Cub Scouts. Complete details on using the sports program are contained in the the Leader Guide for Cub Scouts Sports and Academics,(#34295). For some more information see: http://www.geocities.com/~pack215/sports-academics.html http://www.usscouts.org/advance/cubscout/sports-academic/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.12 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Leadership Resources for Leadership Lays the foundation for how we overtly pass on to others this oft-times loosely defined concept called leadership. Describes the underpinnings of what makes a group, how groups come about. Discusses the special role of the manager of learning. They delve into some of the special skills a manager of learning may use to help develop the group, and skill... http://www.whitestag.org/resources/index.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.13 BSA -- Cub Scouting - Pinewood Derby There is a lot of information on the Web about the Pinewood Derby The U.S. Scouting Service pages have a lot of information about the Pinewood Derby, see: http://usscouts.org/pinewood/index.html Also see the Pinewood Derby Racing Webring, a small group of excellent Pinewood Derby sites. Many of the sites are extensive, and several have Pinewood Derby track plans. Several have information on running a PWD. The ring index is at: http://www.webring.org/cgi-bin/webring?ring=pwd&index ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.14 BSA -- Cub Scouting - What happened to Lion? The Lion program was dropped in 1967 when the Webelos program became the program for 10 year-olds. The WEBELOS rank replaced the Lion rank, and the Arrow of Light replaced the Webelos rank. Also, in 1967, the Bobcat cloth patch was introduced. 1973 - updated Cub Scout program introduced with new colorful insignia for Wolf and Bear and NEW patch insignia (in addition to pin) for Bobcat. 1980 - Term "Den Mother" officially retired; all male and female leaders of dens will now be simply called "Den Leaders" and "Assistant Den Leaders". 1986 - Cub Scouting expands to a four-year program, to include a two-year WEBELOS Cub Scout program. Tiger Cubs implemented as separate Pack program (source: BSA Fact Sheet: Historical Highlights, BSA #2-551) http://bsa.scouting.org/factsheets/02-511/index.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: 4.2.15 BSA -- Boy Scouting - Why did the handshake change? In 1972 "The Scout Handclasp: It is made like a right handshake of greeting except Scout use the left hand. The little finger is not separated from the other fingers. The handclasp in the United States is the same as for Scouting in all the other countries of the world." For more information visit: http://www.users.fast.net/~shenning/history.html End of rec.scouting.usa">rec.scouting.usa (part2) FAQ ************************** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last updated: Sun Jun 15 00:00:50 2003