Scouting.org News (284)
Anna Marie Moran Has Been Named Supervisor, Alumni Relations Annual Support Boy Scouts of America
Anna Marie Moran has been named Supervisor, Alumni Relations Annual Support for the BSA Office of Development effective June 1, 2021. Alumni Relations focuses on increasing and improving alumni involvement, supporting the BSA Alumni Association and members of the esteemed National Eagle Scout Association, and working closely with Alumni and NESA volunteer committees. Program areas under the auspices of the Alumni Relations department include the NESA Scholarship platforms, the many alumni award programs including DESA, NOESA and the Adams awards, as well as Alumni and NESA communications channels, strategic plans and marketing programs.
Anna Marie Moran
Anna Marie has been with BSA since January 2016, when she joined the Office of Development as a philanthropic advisor, working to secure major gifts to benefit the BSA High Adventure Bases and local area councils. She received her Wood Badge in 2018.
Anna Marie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and business administration from Pennsylvania State University, an MBA from the University of Dallas and a certificate from the Smith Management Program for women in business. Anna Marie worked in the telecommunications industry for many years, managing strategic business units for Verizon and NEC. She was president of the Dallas Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, and was an adjunct instructor for SMU, the University of Dallas, and the Art Institute of Dallas. Anna Marie first shifted her career toward nonprofit organizations by joining the University of Dallas College of Business Advancement team where she implemented an Alumni Hall of Fame and Alumni Advisory Board.
Anna Marie’s family has been affiliated with Scouting for generations, mainly through Pittsburgh and Lancaster, Pennsylvania–based councils. She is married to David and the mother of Eric, and spends her leisure time dabbling in art, yoga, swimming, traveling and endless hiking with her rescue Belgian Malinois, Tera.
Patrick Sterrett Selected EVP, Assistant Chief Scout Executive – High Adventure Bases and General Manager of Summit Bechtel Reserve
Patrick Sterrett will assume a new role as EVP, Assistant Chief Scout Executive – High Adventure Bases and General Manager of Summit Bechtel Reserve, effective immediately.
Patrick Sterrett
In this new role, Patrick will accelerate the optimization of the BSA High Adventure Bases as pinnacle Scouting experiences and expand access to these extraordinary programs to new and diverse participants. Patrick will collaborate with the High Adventure Base teams to take advantage of creative opportunities to increase Scout participation, strengthen facilities and program, and attract new people to the programs, such as families and outdoor enthusiasts. Patrick’s leadership in building on the successful high adventure model will be important to growing Scouting’s program and securing its financial future.
“Patrick is the right leader at the right time, and I am grateful he has taken on this new challenge,” said Chief Scout Executive Roger Mosby.
BSA Membership Fee Increase Details and FAQ – Updated 6/4/2021
Over the last year, we have seen the Scouting community come together, even while being physically apart, to bring solutions, relief and comfort to those in need. Scouting continues to be a vital partner for communities across the country.
The value of Scouting is undeniable for those within the program and the greater public, and the Boy Scouts of America is committed to continuing to offer this unmatched opportunity to young people and families nationwide. It is important that we all reach out to Scouting families who might have left the program due to pandemic reasons and invite them back. We should also be thinking about how to invite new families to join.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has worked to keep the membership fee as low as possible. Unfortunately, operating costs have continued to rise, and COVID-19 has compounded the need to increase the fee to maintain the program.
To ensure we have the resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting, the updated national membership fee is
- $72 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts participants
- $45 for Exploring participants
- $30 for council-paid memberships
- $45 for all adult volunteers (includes cost of background check)
- $75 for a unit charter fee
The membership fees will take effect August 1, 2021, for the 2021-2022 program year.
The one-time $25 joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts is still required; however, there is no joining fee for Exploring participants, participants previously registered in any BSA program, those transferring from one program to another, council-paid memberships, or adult volunteers.
See an infographic explaining these updates.
The national membership fee helps pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources.
National BSA will also continue to develop and improve resources that support our volunteers and youth members through online registration, Scoutbook, and national initiatives that bring us all together.
Across the country and in each of our communities, we know that Scouting remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in young men and women today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow.
Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and Scouting families make this possible. Thank you for continuing to support one of the most valuable opportunities available to young people today.
FAQ
Q: Why are the fees increasing?
A: The national annual membership fee is increasing by $6, about 50 cents per month, because the costs associated with Scouting, including the cost of liability insurance, continue to increase and the organization is not able to subsidize the increased costs as it had in the past.
Q: When will this increase take effect?
A: The updated membership fees will take effect August 1, 2021, for new members in the 2021-2022 program year.
Q: Is Scouting still a good value?
A: Absolutely! While most extracurricular activities are seasonal, Scouting is a year-round program that remains one of the most valuable investments we can make to support young men and women today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow. For most of our participants, the new national membership fee amounts to $6.00 a month, which is an enormous value when you consider that many seasonal extracurricular activities often start at $100 for programs that last a few weeks.
Q: Does the fee increase apply to council-paid memberships?
A: Council-paid memberships will be $30 annually for youth members in fully funded council-paid units for low-income communities.
Q: What will the money be used for?
A: The annual national membership fee and new-member joining fee help pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources.
Q: Is this increase being implemented to cover the cost of the additional background checks?
A: While the cost of background checks is paid for by the national organization, that is not the driver of this increase.
Q: Will membership fees go toward funding a victims compensation trust?
A: No. The national annual membership fee and the new-member joining fee will help pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources.
Q: What measures has the national organization taken to offset its financial challenges?
A: In addition to ongoing efforts to streamline and simplify the organization, the national organization has taken a number of steps to address its financial challenges, which include multiple rounds of reductions over the past year. These were in addition to ongoing consolidation of departments and elimination of some significant vendors for the most effective utilization of resources in support of Scouting.
Q: In addition to the national membership fee, my council is implementing a council fee. Is that allowed?
A: Starting August 1, 2021, councils can also choose to charge a fee up to, but no more than, the national membership fee – up to $72 for participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts; up to $45 for participants in Exploring and up to $45 for adult members. The council fee can include local insurance costs (i.e., accident, property, etc.), as well as the cost to administer unique local programming. Units can continue to assess activity fees.
Q: Will the national membership fee continue to increase?
A: Although no decision about future increases has been made, the cost of operating our organization and services increases every year. Should it be necessary to increase fees in the future, the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America has agreed to evaluate the needs and make such decisions, whenever possible, at the National Annual Meeting so that decisions can be announced with as much lead time as possible to allow councils and units to plan accordingly.
BSA 2021 National Annual Meeting Fireside Chat: Governance
As part of the 2021 BSA National Annual Meeting, the organization held multiple Fireside Chat virtual meetings on a handful of key topics. These included Safety, Membership Growth, Female Board Leadership, and Governance. Governance was the topic for the fourth of these meetings.
Governance
The Fireside Chat focused on the ongoing evolution of the governance of the Boy Scouts of America – both at a national level and at the local council level.
The panel of speakers for this Fireside Chat included former BSA national chairs Jim Turley and Dr. Robert M. Gates, former BSA National Commissioner Ellie Morrison, and BSA General Counsel Steven McGowan. Each panelist offered thoughts on the governance model of the organization.
The panel began by referencing a previous Fireside Chat about increasing diversity on boards. They cited increasing board diversity as a means to gain greater perspective while bringing together people from different backgrounds with a shared focus on making the Boy Scouts of America the best organization it can be.
The panel offered thoughts on the evolution of governance in the BSA over the past decade, mentioning that it has been a journey that has seen a shift toward increased input and direction coming from volunteers, rather than BSA professionals. They also talked about the ongoing focus on a separation between operations and governance for the organization.
The panelists discussed the importance of the future emergence from bankruptcy as a driver in further progress being made on governance, and pointed toward increased engagement and input from local councils being sought.
Each panelist mentioned the importance of the ongoing journey and evolution of the governance model and that, though there may be differences of opinions and challenges, everyone is keenly focused on open dialogue, respect, and an unwavering commitment to the development of the youth in the program.
For more information on the Governance Fireside Chat, watch it below:
NAM2021 Governance Fireside Chat from Boy Scouts of America on Vimeo.
Top 12 Key Takeaways from the BSA 2021 National Annual Meeting
If you have not previously registered for an account, please do so by clicking on the registration link below. To fully utilize the capabilities of the BSA Brand Center, you must be logged in every time you use the tool. This will allow you to customize and download "Dynamic Templates" for your specific marketing needs. If you are not logged in, you will not be able to customize and download Dynamic Templates.
BSA 2021 National Annual Meeting Fireside Chat: Female Board Leadership
As part of the 2021 BSA National Annual Meeting, the organization held multiple Fireside Chat virtual meetings on a handful of key topics. These included Safety, Membership Growth, Female Board Leadership, and Governance. Female Board Leadership was the topic for the third of these meetings.
Female Board Leadership
The Fireside Chat focused on thoughts and strategies for increasing female board leadership as well as increasing the overall diversity of boards for the Boy Scouts of America, both at national and local council levels.
Led by BSA National Executive Board Member and National Executive Committee Member Thear Suzuki, the panel of speakers also included South Florida Council President Alicia Speight, National Executive Board Member Tanya Acker, BSA Chief Diversity Officer Elizabeth Washka, Crossroads of America Council Scout Executive Jeff Isaac, and BSA Chair-Elect Brad Tilden. Each speaker shared multiple perspectives on the value of increasing female board membership as well as broadening the diversity of BSA boards.
Panel members cited the importance of having a board that is reflective of the diverse membership the BSA. This strategy seeks to focus on understanding and connecting with moms, many of whom often make the decision on the types of organizations their children join. The panel members discussed how diversity at the board level helps to bring a diversity of thought into problem solving and seeking innovative ways to grow the Scouting movement.
The panel noted that board members can have a variety of roles, including doers, donors, and door-openers, and that focusing on the strengths of board members of diverse backgrounds can benefit the BSA on many levels while also providing a greater connection to the many communities the BSA aims to serve.
For more information on the Female Board Leadership Fireside Chat, watch it below:
NAM2021 Female Board Leadership Fireside Chat from Boy Scouts of America on Vimeo.
BSA 2021 National Annual Meeting Fireside Chat: Membership Growth
As part of the 2021 BSA National Annual Meeting, the organization held multiple Fireside Chat virtual meetings on a handful of key topics. These included Safety, Membership Growth, Female Board Leadership, and Governance. Membership Growth was the topic for the second of those meetings.
Membership Growth
Like many organizations, Scouting faced challenges in growing its membership during 2020; however, with the 2021 fall recruiting season approaching, the organization is prepping to invite even more families to experience the fun and value of Scouting.
During this Fireside Chat on membership growth, attendees heard from Scout Executive Anthony Escobar of the Caddo Area Council, who shared recruiting strategies that worked for his council during 2020, enabling the council to grow its membership, even against the backdrop of a challenging year.
This session introduced the 2021 recruiting theme of Escape the Great Indoors, and offered links to an entire suite of marketing resources (fliers, videos, social media posts, web banners, photos, and more) on the BSA Brand Center.
The discussion also focused on the current Summer of Service initiative, which helps Scouts to be visible in their communities this summer through their acts of service. The Summer of Service also features a set of dedicated resources on the Brand Center that can be used to promote local service activities.
Two upcoming webinars are scheduled to help inform people on key marketing and membership growth strategies. The first, scheduled for June 17, will focus on the Escape the Great Indoors recruiting theme. Register here for the June 17 webinar. The second webinar, scheduled for June 24, will feature a discussion on key technology platforms (online registration, invitation manager, application manager) used to recruit and grow Scouting. Register here for the June 24 webinar.
Additionally, two separate membership kickoff webinars were discussed. The one for BSA staff took place on June 10, and one for volunteers will be scheduled for July 22. More details about these kickoff webinars will be shared in the near future.
The session also featured updates on the Den Leader Experience (including Tips and Tricks videos, Cub Scout Preview Adventures, and other tools used to help grow and retain Scouts.
For more information on the Membership Growth Fireside Chat, watch it below:
2021NAM Membership Fireside Chat from Boy Scouts of America on Vimeo.
See the Q&A from the session here.
BSA 2021 National Annual Meeting Fireside Chat: Safety
As part of the 2021 BSA National Annual Meeting, the organization held multiple Fireside Chat virtual meetings on a series of key topics. These included Safety, Membership Growth, Female Board Leadership, and Governance. Safety was the topic for the first of these meetings.
Safety
The safety-focused Fireside Chat featured a discussion on the new S.A.F.E. Scouting approach. This means Supervision, Assessment, Fitness & Skill, and Equipment & Environment. To help ensure the safety of its participants, the Boy Scouts of America expects leaders to use the four points of S.A.F.E. when delivering the Scouting program.
The session also discussed the availability of extensive safety resources contained online at the BSA Health & Safety site. These resources include BSA Safety Moments, the Guide to Safe Scouting, and Youth Protection Training.
Finally, the session focused on the importance of having a culture of safety within the BSA, where safety isn’t just a priority, but where it is a core value and paramount in every aspect of the organization. The commitment to that level of safety begins individually with everyone involved in Scouting.
For more information on the Safety Fireside Chat, watch it below:
2021NAM Safety Fireside Chat from Boy Scouts of America on Vimeo.
Keeping the Cub Scout Adventure Program Relevant for Today’s Families
Every year, Cub Scout Adventures are reviewed to identify trends and determine interests of our youth, den leaders and Cub Scout families. In our ongoing efforts to keep the Cub Scouting Adventure program relevant to today’s families, Cub Scout elective Adventures are reviewed for both content and popularity. The most recent review has identified 19 elective Adventures that do not meet the standards of youth and den leader engagement, with the lowermost being earned by less than 3% of eligible youth. They will be retired effective May 31, 2022. The retiring of these adventures allows Cub Scouting to be more agile as the BSA makes continuous improvements to the program.
Some families may want one last chance to earn these Adventures, and some den leaders may have already made plans for the upcoming program year. To help with that transition, these Adventures will be available until the end of the 2021-2022 program year.
The affected elective Adventures, which will be retired effective May 31, 2022, are as follows:
- Family Stories, Rank: Tiger, SKU: 619922
- Earning Your Stripes, Rank: Tiger, SKU: 619925
- Tiger Tales, Rank: Tiger, SKU: 619930
- Tiger Theater, Rank: Tiger, SKU: 619931
- Collections and Hobbies, Rank: Wolf, SKU: 619940
- Grow Something, Rank: Wolf, SKU: 619944
- Hometown Heroes, Rank: Wolf, SKU: 619947
- Motor Away, Rank: Wolf, SKU: 619950
- Beat of the Drum, Rank: Bear, SKU: 619958
- World of Sound, Rank: Bear, SKU: 619960
- Make it Move, Rank: Bear, SKU: 619963
- Robotics, Rank: Bear, SKU: 619968
- Looking Back Looking Forward, Rank: Webelos/AOL, SKU: 619978
- Maestro, Rank: Webelos/AOL, SKU: 619979
- Project Family, Rank: Webelos/AOL, SKU: 619997
- Build My Hero, Rank: Webelos/AOL, SKU: 619992
- Adventures in Science, Rank: Webelos/AOL, SKU: 619989
- Fix It, Rank: Webelos/AOL, SKU: 619975
- Movie Making, Rank: Webelos/AOL, SKU: 619982
The listed elective Adventures are still part of the Cub Scouting program until May 31, 2022. After that date, these Adventures will be retired, and the Adventure loops and pins will no longer be available. Earned Adventures will be archived in Scoutbook and Internet Advancement. The Adventure will appear as earned but will no longer be able to be marked as completed after May 31, 2022.
The Heart of a Champion
Story by Evan Heller, Buckeye Council
It would have been like watching a scene from a movie—if I’d had time to think about it.
With 10 seconds left in a hard-fought basketball game, my team of underdogs was tied with the tournament’s top seed. Nobody expected us to hang with them this close, yet now we were within a single basket of a huge upset. We were oblivious to the pressure, oblivious to the crowd, oblivious to the sweat, just playing our game. I wheeled into position, and a teammate passed me the ball as he’d done hundreds of times in practice. The basket was in sight. I drew up to shoot. And time stopped.
All 10 wheelchair basketball players on the court turned expectantly to follow the ball as it rose from my hands toward the basket, tumbling as it sailed through the air. An eternity seemed to pass as the ball approached the rim. It passed almost silently through the hoop, dropping to the court untouched as time expired and the horn blared to end the game—with the underdogs on top. We had won the biggest matchup in team history, and my shot had sealed it!
DISCOVERING A PASSION
Evan with his winning Pinewood Derby car in 2009.
I basically grew up in Scouting. When I was very young, my mom was a district executive for the Boy Scouts of America, and while she was in classrooms signing up new Cub Scouts, I was there. As soon as I was old enough, I joined Scouting. We had just moved to a new town, and I had no friends or family nearby. Scouting helped me meet people I could relate to. My den did everything together, from outside adventures to hands-on crafts and hobbies, and we learned important lessons like working as a team without even realizing it. I discovered that if I focus my competitive fire, I could become a Pinewood Derby ace. The opportunities I found through Scouting gave me experiences I would have missed otherwise. You see, I was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that makes walking very difficult for me, so I didn’t do much in the way of sports until I discovered archery at Scout camp at Woodland Trails Scout Reservation in Hilliard, Ohio. The smothering heat of that summer didn’t get in my way; I loved the feel and the power of the draw, aim, and shoot, and as my skills grew, so did my confidence.
Evan on the court with his Wooster High School wheelchair basketball team
When I returned home, I practiced constantly with the bow I received for my birthday. I can still remember the bright yellow fletching on the arrows and the sting of the bow strike against my forearm, and through all those hours of practice, I realized something: I wanted to share this awesome sport with other kids. So, I volunteered to teach archery the following year at Cub Scout day camp in Delaware, Ohio. There’s no better feeling when a Scout you’re coaching hits his first target. I knew I wanted to experience that feeling again and again. Helping other kids became my passion, but I knew I had other goals to conquer first.
PRACTICING MY GAME
As a teen, I discovered wheelchair basketball. With the discipline and leadership skills I had learned throughout my lifetime as a Scout, I emerged as a natural leader on the team. I joined my high school wheelchair basketball team, becoming one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation and leading my team to a 54-0 record and three straight state titles. When signing day came, I decided to continue my basketball career and education at Auburn University. I also am aiming higher, training to try out next year for the USA Men’s National team with a goal of earning a spot to compete at the U23 World Championships in Japan in 2022. After that, I plan to play professionally in Europe and work to earn a spot on Team USA to compete in the Paralympics before beginning a career that fulfills another lifelong goal.
I also am aiming higher, training to try out next year for the USA Men’s National team with a goal of earning a spot to compete at the U23 World Championships in Japan in 2022. After that, I plan to play professionally in Europe and work to earn a spot on Team USA to compete in the Paralympics before beginning a career that fulfills another lifelong goal. – Evan Heller
SINKING THE SHOT
Signing day for Evan
I have made the most of the opportunities I had through Scouting, and I continue to capitalize on what I learn from so many different types of incredible people I have met. No matter what happens after college, my plans definitely include a career that was presented to me directly from a strong Scouting influence. Teaching archery to Scouts at camp really opened my eyes to how I wanted to help people throughout my life. Outside of basketball practice at Auburn, I am pursuing a degree in special education to make my goals a reality. Being a Scout has helped me succeed throughout my life, even when challenges in my physical ability made it appear to be a near impossibility. Scouting gave me the chance to compete and to feel the rush of winning—and I like to win! My plan is to pay that blessing forward. Because I am a Scout, I’m not the underdog. I am a champion.
Evan, thank you for telling your Scouting story! We wish you the best in your pursuit of a Division I crown and a spot on the USA National wheelchair basketball team.
Special thanks to our donors and alumni who believe in the potential for our local camps and councils to open doors for young people to learn, excel, and set out on a path toward their futures. Evan’s story is unique, as are the stories of thousands of other young people whose successes are directly tied to their Scouting experience. You continue to make that happen with your unwavering support.
Evan and Amy
About Evan Heller
Evan is a scholarship freshman scholar/athlete at Auburn University, where he is a member of the wheelchair basketball team. In addition to the Scouting program, Evan credits his mother, Buckeye Council Senior District Director Amy Heller, as being the mentor who had the most impact on his life.
All photos courtesy of Amy Heller
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An Important Milestone In The BSA’s Chapter 11 Case
Dear Scouting Family,
This past year demonstrated that the Boy Scouts of America’s mission is more important than ever before, and I look to the future with hope. The entire Scouting community showed impressive perseverance, leadership, and commitment to the mission. I thank you all for showing up for Scouting each and every day.
It has been just over a year since the BSA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As you know from our regular updates, we have made significant progress, but there is still more work to be done. With that said, I am pleased to share with you that the BSA has taken an important step toward emerging from this process by filing an amended Plan of Reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court.
The amended Plan of Reorganization outlines the BSA’s proposed strategy to provide equitable compensation to victims of past abuse and address our other financial obligations so that we can continue to serve youth for years to come. There are still many aspects of the Plan that we are refining through ongoing mediation, but the amended Plan is an important step in demonstrating progress that we believe will ultimately lead to a final plan that the Bankruptcy Court will confirm.
Some of the proposed aspects outlined in the filing include:
- A 5-year business plan that demonstrates a sustainable model for continuing Scouting’s vital mission into the future and provides for the BSA to continue to fund its pension and benefit plans for employees and retirees.
- The channeling of all claims of past abuse against national BSA and local councils into a compensation Trust, which will allow us to equitably compensate victims and continue to serve youth across the country into the future.
- A national BSA contribution to the Trust that includes a significant portion of national BSA’s unrestricted, non-core assets that are not subject to liens of its secured lender.
- A loan from the National Boy Scouts of America Foundation to the BSA to provide the BSA with sufficient working capital following emergence from bankruptcy.
- A contribution of at least $300 million from local councils to the Trust.
As I mentioned, this amended plan is not the final plan. While we have reached agreements with two key constituents—our secured lender and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors—we continue to negotiate with other parties as we move through the process of having our Plan confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court. Ultimately, claimants in the BSA’s Chapter 11 proceeding will have the opportunity to vote on the Plan. We are hopeful we can come to a global resolution that is in everyone’s best interest, including the victims, and can complete our restructuring process by this fall.
I recognize that this is a complex process, but I want to remind you all of what we are trying to achieve through it: Our Scouting Movement—the national organization and local councils alike—has a moral responsibility to compensate victims of past abuse and to continue Scouting’s mission. We understand the gravity of meeting these imperatives, and we are taking the necessary steps to get there.
While there is still work ahead of us, I’m confident that our Scouting Movement will come out of this process even stronger, as long as we move forward together. I look forward to sharing updates with you as we continue to make progress.
Yours in Scouting,
Roger Mosby
President and CEO
Boy Scouts of America
NBC Nightly News Features Members of Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts
On its February 17 broadcast, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt featured 17 young women from the Baltimore area who have all become Eagle Scouts as part of the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts. NBC’s Kristen Dahlgren talked with several of the girls about the experience of earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
Be sure to watch the entire broadcast below, and don’t forget to join us here on Facebook Live or here on Youtube on February 21st at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT for the “Be the Change” event, a celebration of service, leadership, and the groundbreaking accomplishments of the first female Eagle Scouts!
Find more details on “Be the Change” here: www.scouting.org/bethechange.
Watch the NBC Nightly News segment below or here.
Critical COVID-19 Safety Reminder from BSA
The Scouting community has shown remarkable resilience through this pandemic: units have continued providing vital, socially distant community service, volunteers have facilitated merit badge classes online and outdoors, and thousands of young people have even attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
But it certainly has not been easy. And as we rightfully celebrate the initial distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, and perhaps the beginning of the end of this pandemic, it’s important to remember that we must remain vigilant in our daily efforts to combat this deadly disease.
We each have the responsibility—as members of the Boy Scouts of America and as role models for the next generation of leaders—to continue following guidance from public health officials so we can protect not only ourselves but also the people in our dens, packs, troops and crews, as well as the individuals they go home to after attending a Scouting activity.
Scouting is a diverse organization with people of all ages and backgrounds, some of whom are at increased risk for contracting the virus and suffering severe symptoms. Whether you’re a Scouting parent, leader, or employee, you have the power to help protect everyone in the Scouting family by taking basic precautions.
To aid in your efforts, we recently updated our national statement on Covid-19 to include general mitigation measures, also included below, based on the CDC’s latest guidance. When coupled with guidance from your local council and local health department, these simple measures empower us to safely deliver and participate in Scouting programs.
Covid-19 Mitigation Measures for Everyone in Scouting
- Isolate if you are sick, and do not attend any activity/meeting/event if you, anyone you live with, or anyone you have recently been around feels unwell.
- Do not attend any activity/meeting/event if you or anyone you live with or have recently been around has been tested for COVID-19 or another illness and does not have the results back yet.
- Stay at least 6 feet apart from people who do not live with you. (Properly executed Scouting cohorts at council camps may be an exception).
- Avoid crowds.
- Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Meet outside if you can.
- Wear a face covering or mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others whenever you are around people who do not live with you.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid international travel if possible.
A Look at Our History and Our Future
Scouting Family:
On February 8th, I’m going to wear my Scouting uniform, and I encourage you all to do the same as we celebrate the Boy Scouts of America’s 111th birthday.
It’s a moment to acknowledge the contributions made by millions of young people and adults to Scouting, as well as the power of our Movement to bring people together to make a positive difference in our communities, our country, and the world. It is a moment to both reflect and look forward.
This past year demonstrated that the BSA’s mission is more important than ever before. When the pandemic uprooted our lives, seemingly overnight, our volunteers and employees found innovative ways to continue delivering programming and a sense of normalcy, which were foundational to so many young lives. Thousands of Scouts tuned in to virtual events for activities and adventures from home. Units across the country volunteered in their communities at a time when their service was needed most. And in cases where it was safe to do so, Scouts escaped the great indoors with their families or with socially distant Scouting activities.
As much as we persevered, there’s no denying that this past year was filled with extraordinary challenges—some we faced as a country and others as an organization.
But here’s one thing I know about the Scouting family: no matter how insurmountable challenges may seem, we can and do rise above when we do so together.
Difficult moments do not define us. What defines us is how we address those moments, learn from them, grow from them, and move forward as one Movement dedicated to preparing young men and women for life.
As we look to 2021, we all have much to celebrate as we welcome the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts: a group of incredible young women who now share a remarkable achievement with all those who have earned the prestigious rank through the years. These young women are among the many Scouts who continue to find opportunities to serve their communities even on our most challenging days. This perseverance speaks to the resiliency and adaptability of our young people, our programs and our organization.
I have many hopes for the year ahead—a year when I expect more Scouts will be able to safely explore the great outdoors, go camping, and learn the many life lessons and skills that Scouting has to offer; I look forward to Scouting’s continued role as a partner to families in building character, friendships and memories; and I look forward to coming together, however conditions allow, to continue to help other people at all times and showcase the immense good our Movement can do.
Whether you’re a Scout, a volunteer, an employee or one of the millions of Scouting alumni, I ask you to join me in wearing the Scouting uniform, neckerchief, or a Scouting emblem on February 8th as a gesture of commitment to and celebration of Scouting’s mission. Whether you’ll be at home, at the office, at school, or connected virtually with others, show your Scouting spirit with me that day in some fashion that might get others to ask you about the BSA.
And if given the opportunity, I ask you to share with family, friends, neighbors and colleagues what Scouting means to you. I am sure each of us will share something unique, but I also believe our stories will share core threads: memorable adventures, character-building moments and leadership-defining lessons. Our unique Scouting story helps define us as individuals, and—collectively—they define us as a Movement. I am proud of what we have accomplished in our 111-year history, and I’m energized by what I know we will accomplish in the next 100 years and beyond.
Yours in Scouting,
Roger Mosby
President and CEO
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