A Scout is Helpful – Especially in Times Like the Present
Roger Mosby Address from Boy Scouts of America on Vimeo.
Today I would like to share some thoughts with you regarding the challenges that all of us are facing in these trying times and how the Scouting community is coping with the many challenges of social distancing, sheltering in place, and working and schooling from home.
These are challenging times, but it is important to recognize that these are the moments we prepare for. And this is when the Scouting family shines.
During some of our country’s most challenging hours, our Scouting movement has shouldered the burden when it was too heavy for many communities to bear.
As in previous crises, Scouts have stepped up to meet the challenge, and that continues today.
In just a few weeks, Scouts have mobilized countless initiatives to support communities hit hardest by COVID-19. This includes the following efforts:
- Used 3-D printers to make visors, face shields and ear savers
- Facilitated the donation of thousands of neckerchiefs to offset shortages of face coverings
- Collected food to replenish food pantries
- Lifted the spirits of those suffering loneliness
- Honored those that fell victim to this pandemic
Scouts are always united in their commitment to help other people.
That is precisely why it is important that Scouting continues during these uncertain times.
Since mid-March, Cub Scouts have worked on or completed more than 115,000 Adventures, and Scouts have worked on or completed nearly 73,000 merit badges – all from the safety of their home.
Thanks to the selfless dedication of our volunteers, councils and staff – Scouts continue to meet, learn, and grow. Online platforms have taken the place of community halls, with all the same Youth Protection policies still in place, and I’m thrilled to know that the camaraderie and learning continue – thanks to you. Our Scouts, our organization and our movement are grateful that you have stepped up and provided powerful Scouting lessons during this time of uncertainty. I know I speak for many of us when I say we prefer the outdoors to the digital world, but you have navigated the challenge with inspiring fortitude.
And that strength is something we all need at times like these. The financial impact of this crisis has dealt a devastating blow to our communities, and these challenges are felt within our national organization and local councils – the very people you count on to help continue Scouting. Tuesday, May 5th is special edition of Giving Tuesday, and I hope you will take the opportunity to support your councils in whatever way possible so that they can come through this challenging time with the resources we need to continue bringing Scouting to children in our communities. You can find some social media images you can use to promote Giving Tuesday here: Giving Tuesday assets.
Now more than ever, social distancing protects us, but Scouting connects us.
And that is why we are excited to invite ALL American families to join us in a National Camp-In on May 2nd – a nationwide day of virtual adventures, skill-building, service, and of course, camping, that we hope will provide a respite of fun for families. I encourage you to attend, and I ask that you also invite neighbors and friends to do the same because we all know that everybody can benefit. Find all of the latest details about the event on the National Camp-In homepage: www.scouting.org/campin.
Families can count on the Boy Scouts of America to help make the most of the time we have together, but we are also the organization that will stand shoulder to shoulder with others in times of need.
For years, Scouting for Food has been at the heart of how we give back. Since collecting food is not feasible right now because of the reality of the pandemic, we are instead dedicating time during our National Camp-In for a National Good Turn to raise money through a virtual 5K that will help Feeding America replenish food banks nationwide as they face unprecedented demands in the fight against hunger and food insecurity. This is our national call to action.
After all, a Scout is helpful.
Our Scouts, volunteers, employees, and families prove that time and time again.
Thank you again for all that you are doing for your communities and especially Scouting.
-Roger
Do Members of Your “Faithful 3” Know About the Online Chaplain Training?
The Chartered Organization Representative, the Chaplain, and the Chaplain’s Aide are known in their units as the “Faithful 3.” Supporting the work of the Faithful 3 can be one method unit-serving executives can use to further strengthen relationships with units.
As you work with the Chartered Organization Representative, Chaplain, and Chaplain’s Aide for your local units, make sure they are aware of the online Chaplain Training program that was introduced in 2018 and launched through the Members’ BSA Learn Center.
This training program fulfills the position-specific training requirements for any Chaplain role across all Scouting programs. Since its introduction, thousands of adults have completed the course.
The online Chaplain Training is divided into three modules.
- The first module, “Chaplain Roles & Responsibilities,” provides an understanding of the various opportunities and identifies the duties of both the Unit Chaplain and the Chaplain’s Aide.
- The second module, “Religious Emblems & Awards,” introduces participants to the religious emblems, badges, patches and awards available in Scouting.
- The third module, “Interfaith Considerations,” helps participants become aware of the various unit worship opportunities.
The course was developed by members of the National Religious Relationships Committee alongside representatives of many different faith groups. The entire training can be completed in less than an hour.
This training supports the vital role of Chaplain, Chaplain’s Aide, and the Charter Organization Representative as they work hand-in-hand to provide extraordinary faithful service to their Scouters.
Chaplains:
- Remind Scouters that they have a Duty to God.
- Serve as mentors for the youth Chaplain’s Aide position.
- Encourage their units to provide appropriate Interfaith worship experiences on campouts and outings.
- Advocate participation in the Religious Emblems Programs.
Many Scouting units charter to places of worship; however, others charter to civic organizations, educational facilities, and other businesses where there is no direct faith or spiritual aspect to the Scouting partnership. Together with a Chartered Organization Representative and a Chaplain’s Aide, a trained Chaplain can make an impactful difference in the program of the units you serve.
Follow-up with your units to inquire if they have a “Faithful 3,” and make sure to inform them about the online Chaplain Training available in the BSA Learn Center.
Scouting U to Hold Fundraising Essentials Course at the Summit Bechtel Reserve
Scouting U will be holding the newly developed FUNDRAISING ESSENTIALS COURSE December 2 – 5, 2020, at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.
This course is designed for 3- to 5-year BSA professionals who aspire to strengthen their development skills. It is also an excellent opportunity for professionals who are considering the fundraising/development track as they advance their career.
The course will also qualify for 16 hours of continuing education credit toward earning the Certified Fundraising Executive credential.
Fundraising Essentials will include high-level training in all facets of a council’s annual development plan as well as long term donor cultivation.
Participants will arrive on Wednesday, December 2nd and depart on the morning of Saturday, December 5th. Guests will be housed at the newly constructed Yamagata Lodge with instruction being presented in the adjacent Marriott Leadership Center.
In addition, participants will be able to participate in several Summit program opportunities while on site.
Cost for this event including course fee, meals, lodging and recreation programs is $750.00. For more information, please contact Courtney Chiv at 972-580-2337 and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thoughts on the Value of Starting Exploring Units in Your Council
Article submitted by Deanna Heisler, Norwela Council-Caddo District Director
Some Unit Serving Executives may be unfamiliar with the value of Exploring in driving growth for their council; however, by making use of available resources and utilizing key tactics, Unit Serving Executives can make Exploring an integral part of a successful growth strategy.
So, what is Exploring? It is a mentorship opportunity for youth looking to discover their future. It is made possible by direct relationships in the community with businesses, departments, and municipalities. Exploring serves two different age groups, both coed. Exploring clubs serve middle schoolers, aged 10 – 14, in sixth through eighth grades. Exploring posts serve older youth 14 – 20 years old. The program model is the same for both age groups – hands-on and interactive character and career activities are facilitated by trained business leaders in your local community.
Pro tip: What major departments in your town would benefit from a youth program? Do any of these experience high turnover of employees? Who has adequate facilities ready for instruction of youth in an Exploring program? You would be surprised just how many you already know!
The Benefits of Exploring
You may be asking yourself, “Why is Exploring so beneficial to a council and a district?”
Exploring can:
- Impact the council JTE score
- Boost council and district membership
- Create community service opportunities
- Build relationships and networking potential for new charter partners otherwise not involved in Scouting
- Retain members by offering new and exciting challenges
- Provide critical information to councils seeking the long term effects of the Scouting program
Many Scouters may be organizing Exploring posts and clubs for the very first time. If you’re one of these new Exploring leaders, don’t let planning a new program overwhelm you. There are multiple resources at your fingertips! Being familiar with the Exploring.org website makes you a fantastic resource to your units for information and quick answers on topics such as:
- Planning hands-on activities, guest speakers, and field trips
- Who to include in the planning process
- Building an Exploring program calendar
- Where to recruit
Timeline model for Exploring Success (full year):
First Quarter- Identify available opportunities (i.e. youth programs already in the area who would be a great partner, charter partners)
Second Quarter- Conduct Surveys at schools and schedule meetings with key individuals at departments/organizations
Third Quarter-Promote new clubs/posts to schools. Schedule/plan/complete open houses
Fourth Quarter- Train commissioners and establish an Exploring Officers Association if you don’t already have one. Host a super activity and help new units through the recharter process.
** Host quarterly Exploring meetings in addition to the above
Resources for Growing Exploring
With 12 different career fields and a multitude of subcategories, the Exploring program offers a repeatable model for standing up units in these different fields. Finding the right opportunities comes down to knowing the area and having the right tools to promote Exploring in your community.
Marketing & Membership Hub for Exploring – Now, you can easily navigate to the most effective sales and recruitment tools to grow your Exploring programs.
Career-field-specific resources and PSA videos – The BSA Brand Center is your go-to source for a host of career-field-specific promotional resources, including videos. Did you know your local television stations will run public service announcements (PSAs) at no cost? You can find multiple PSAs in the Brand Center that you download and provide to your local TV station. Make the ask and have them to play these clips as often as possible through a certain date.
Club anthem video and Career Interest Survey video – The BSA marketing team has been working hard to bring you even more testimonial assets to wow future Explorers and advisors. Check out the videos featuring Exploring clubs and the Career Interest Survey (CIS). The Career Interest Survey is a great tool for high school counselors, as well. It helps provide an opportunity to better serve their students as well as give you another tool to bring a potential charter partner to show the need from the youth in the community.
You can find many additional resources at Exploring.org and in the Exploring section of the BSA Brand Center.
Scouting Wire would like to thank Deanna for submitting this article.
Ralph Voelker Selected as Scout Executive of Bay-Lakes Council
Congratulations to Ralph Voelker, who will serve as Scout executive of the Bay-Lakes Council in Appleton, Wisconsin, effective May 16, 2020.
Ralph began his Scouting career as an associate district executive at the Denver Area Council in Denver, Colorado. He moved on to become the senior district executive m/p and later camping director at the council. He was promoted to director of camping and then field director at the Cascade Pacific Council in Portland, Oregon, and then in 2003, was selected to serve as Scout executive of the Redwood Empire Council in Santa Rosa, California. From there, he joined the team at the Center for Professional Development as a professional development specialist, and in 2014, was selected to serve as Scout executive of the Pacific Harbors Council in Tacoma, Washington.
Ralph is an Eagle Scout who enjoys writing Scouting stories and voice acting.
Ralph and his wife, Jill, have no children, but are owned by a Bernese Mountain Dog named Ruby Sue.
Please join me in congratulating Ralph as he joins in partnership with the volunteers and staff of the Bay-Lakes Council to deliver quality Scouting experiences to the young people of the communities they serve.
How Members of the Sikh Scouting Community Recognize Guru Nanak Sahibji’s Parkash Purab, Khalsa Saajna Divas and Vaisakhi
In our “A Scout is Reverent” series, Scouting Wire takes a look at how Scouting families across the country observe a variety of religious holidays of their own faith and support fellow unit members in theirs. Join us as Kavneet Singh, Chief Resource and Advocacy Officer of the American Sikh Council, shares a unique perspective on the importance of Guru Nanak Sahibji’s Parkash Purab, Khalsa Saajna Divas and Vaisakhi!
For those who may not be familiar with Guru Nanak Sahibji’s Parkash Purab, Khalsa Saajna Divas and Vaisakhi, can you please tell us a little about the holiday?
It is the most important celebration because it is the day when our Guru Nanak Sahib came (was born) to this world to show us how to get imbued in the universal love and joy of the entire human race.
On this auspicious day, Guru’s Khalsa (fraternity of sovereign equals) were recognized and projected to the world. People were in awe and wonder to see the ultimate form of saint-warriors who changed the destiny of the oppressed and the downtrodden who were slaves of the brahmins for centuries in South Asia.
Furthermore, the cultural harvest festival celebrated in Punjab happens to be “Vaisakhi” which also falls on the same day! Spring brings blossom in the environment, and so does the harvesting of crops in Punjab, which brings bountiful abundance.
It is not any accident or a coincidence that the birth of the founder of the Sikh religion and the formation of the Khalsa are on the same day. It is the deliberate, well-thought foresight of the glorious enlightener to charge us with the spirit of the truly sovereign through his divine revelations, so we remember both.
You can read more about Day of ‘1 Vasakh 552 Nanakshahi’ (April 14) according to the Mool Nanakshahi (Sikh) Calendar here.
Do you know Scouts who have Scouting traditions connected to this holiday, and, if so, can you please tell us about that?
Sikh American Scouts typically celebrate this religious holiday by singing Gurbani (verses from the Guru Granth Sahib – the Sikh Scripture), dressing up colorfully, engaging in Gatka (Sikh martial art), and distributing delicious food to all (langar).
For Scout units that may have a member of Sikh faith, what are some considerations and ways these Scout units can show support for their fellow Scouts who observe this holiday?
Non-Sikh Scouts and the Scout units can help support the Sikh American Scout by being part of the festivities. If some decide to support by wearing a turban to show solidarity, that would be great. The Sikh turban is a commandment by our Gurus, and it is a crown, a symbol of honor, dignity, freedom, justice, and sovereignty.
Special thanks to Kavneet Singh, Chief Resource and Advocacy Officer of the American Sikh Council, for sharing this with Scouting Wire.
How These Members of the Scouting Community Recognize Ramadan
In our “A Scout is Reverent” series, Scouting Wire takes a look at how Scouting families across the country observe a variety of religious holidays of their own faith and support fellow unit members in theirs. Join us as Syed E. Naqvi, consultant at World Islamic Committee on Scouting, shares a unique perspective on the importance of Ramadan!
For those who may not know what Ramadan is, can you please tell us a little about this holiday?
Ramadan, the month of spirituality, education, and tolerance. This Islamic holiday is always observed during the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, which is 11 days shorter than the solar, or Gregorian calendar. That means Ramadan moves through the months and seasons of the solar year; sometimes in the long hot days of summer and sometimes in freezing, snow days of winter.
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, and the practicing Muslims consider it a retreat camp to practice spirituality, discipline, kindness, forgiveness, giving, and charity as well as being educational and enlightening. Many pray more and spend time reflecting on the Holy Book, the Quran.
This year, Ramadan starts on the 25th of April. On the first day, many Muslims receive congrats from their non-Muslim fellows, and they feel proud of it. If you have Muslim friends, you may congratulate them by using the famous Islamic phrase, “Ramadan Mubarak!” (Happy Ramadan!). Most of them understand and even use this phrase, despite the fact that it is in Arabic.
Every day of fasting finishes around sunset by prayer with a traditional meal called “iftar” (breaking fast). Many break their fast with something sweet, like dates.
The holy month of Ramadan ends with a celebration that marks its end, known as “Eid al-Fitr” (Celebration of breaking fast). Many Muslims celebrate Eid by attending Islamic centers to perform Eid-Prayer, meet and exchange congratulations with community members, and giving gifts to children.
Do you know Scouts who have Scouting traditions connected to this holiday, and, if so, can you please tell us about that?
Sadly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, it will be challenging for many of us. As we progress through this holy month, remember those who are in poverty, famine, or war that are also fasting in this unfortunate time of year, even without a major epidemic.
For Scout units that may have a member of Muslim faith, what are some considerations and ways these Scout units can show support for their fellow Scouts who observe this holiday?
While many think only eating or drinking invalidates fast during Ramadan, lying, gossiping, and other sinful acts also invalidate someone’s fast, and that is why Muslims are advised to make an extra effort to be more mindful of what they do during this blessed month. Many reset their year resolutions in Ramadan or start new goals for their spiritual growth. For units who have members of the Muslim faith, it’s very helpful to be mindful and considerate of these factors.
Special thanks to Syed E. Naqvi, consultant for the World Islamic Committee on Scouting for sharing his story with Scouting Wire.
How These Members of the Scouting Community Recognize Easter
In our “A Scout is Reverent” series, Scouting Wire takes a look at how Scouting families across the country observe a variety of religious holidays of their own faith and support fellow unit members in theirs. Join us as Steven Scheid, Director of the Center for Scouting Ministries, General Commission on United Methodist Men, shares a unique perspective on the importance of Easter!
For those who may not know what Easter is, can you please tell us a little about this holiday?
Easter is possibly the most special day in the year to Christians. The entire week leading up to Easter is a journey through the events before Jesus was crucified. We take time to remember the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday the week before. Youth, including a lot of Scouts, are invited to wave palm branches to herald the coming of the king. Thursday is known as Maundy Thursday. We remember the trial of Jesus. Friday, known as Good Friday, we remember the crucifixion. This week helps Christians reflect on the coming resurrection and their lives. Easter Sunday is the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. It represents the culmination of His earthly ministry by the conquering of death. On the first Easter Sunday, the resurrected Jesus appeared first to Mary outside the tomb. Sunday became the day of worship for most Christians based on this pivotal event. The high point of the day is the attending of church services or mass. Many churches will hold an early service right at sunrise. This service is called the Sunrise Service.
Do you know Scouts who have Scouting traditions connected to this holiday, and, if so, can you please tell us about that?
Easter is celebrated today with a variety of traditions. Many of these traditions have been adopted over time as various world cultures came into the Christian faith. The dying or decorating of Easter Eggs is a very popular tradition. Many Scout Troops will help to hide Easter Eggs for the big Easter Egg Hunt in their communities.
For Scout units that may have a member of Christian faith, what are some considerations and ways these Scout units can show support for their fellow Scouts who observe this holiday?
If your Pack, Troop, or Crew has Christians represented, Easter weekend is not an ideal time to schedule a camping trip – even though the weather may be perfect to be outside. Scouts could ask a local Christian church if the unit can help with or participate in the Easter Egg Hunt. There is frequently a need for people who can keep up with excited little ones. There may be other ways for interested Scouts to help serve, like setting up chairs outside for a Sunrise Service, or bringing flowers for a “living cross.”
Special thanks to Steven Scheid, Director of the Center for Scouting Ministries, General Commission on United Methodist Men, for sharing this with Scouting Wire.
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How These Members of the Scouting Community Recognize Passover
In our “A Scout is Reverent” series, Scouting Wire takes a look at how Scouting families across the country observe a variety of religious holidays of their own faith and support fellow unit members in theirs. Join us as Bruce Chudacoff, Chairman of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting shares a unique perspective on the importance of Passover!
For those who may not be familiar with Passover, can you please tell us a little about this holiday?
All Jewish holidays begin at sundown. Passover is an 8-day holiday which, this year, begins Wednesday, April 8. The date of the holiday is different each year because the Jewish calendar is a lunar one, not a solar one. All major Jewish and other religious holidays can be found on the BSA Calendar of Religious Observances.
Passover observes the Exodus from Egypt approximately 3,500 years ago. The story is that the patriarch Jacob’s son, Joseph, was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt, where he was falsely imprisoned. While there, he was able to interpret the dreams of two of the Pharaoh’s advisors. When no one could interpret the dreams of the Pharaoh, one of them remembered Joseph. He was brought before the Pharaoh and interpreted his dreams to mean that Egypt was about to have seven years of good harvests followed by seven years of famine. The Pharaoh appointed Joseph to help Egypt through the famine. He later brought his family there. Over a period of 420 years, Joseph’s following grew from the 70 people in his family to over 1 million people. The Egyptians enslaved these people and forced them to build cities.
Moses was born in Egypt and raised by the Pharaoh’s daughter in the court. When he became an adult, he saw an Egyptian beating an Israelite. Moses killed the Egyptian and was banished. At the age of 80, Moses encountered the presence of God in a bush that burned but was not consumed by the fire. God instructed him to take his brother Aaron and return to Egypt where he was to free the Israelites. Moses spoke to the Pharaoh and asked him to let the people go. When the Pharaoh refused, God brought 10 plagues upon the Egyptians, beginning with turning the waters of the Nile River to blood and ending with the killing of the first born children of Egypt.
The term Passover comes from the story about how the Angel of Death struck Egypt at midnight. The Israelites had been instructed to sacrifice lambs, eat them at a communal meal that night, then place blood from the lambs on their doorposts. The Angel of Death “passed over” the Jewish homes. Shortly thereafter, the Israelites left Egypt, crossed over the Sea of Reeds, and headed to the promised land of Israel, which they reached after 40 years in the wilderness.
The Torah, the Five Books of Moses, (Old Testament) contains the instruction that every Jew must relive the Exodus and tell the story of it to their children on Passover. This is done on the first two nights of the holiday at the seder, which means “order.”
This year, because of social distancing, many Jewish families cannot come together for the seder and are holding virtual seders over the Internet.
Do you know Scouts who have Scouting traditions connected to this holiday?
Since Passover is a family holiday, the seder is not often celebrated in units. However, some interfaith units have been known to have their own seder during or before the holiday to learn the story of Passover.
For Scout units that may have a member of Jewish faith, what are some considerations and ways to show support for their fellow Scouts who observe this holiday?
The proper greeting for Passover is Chag Sameah, which means, “have a good holiday.” Scouts who have Jewish friends can wish them a Chag Sameah. They can ask their Jewish friends to tell them the story of Passover and share a piece of matzoh with them.
Special thanks to Bruce Chudacoff, Chairman of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting for sharing this with Scouting Wire.
Chuck Brasfeild Selected as Scout Executive of Denver Area Council
Please join us as we congratulate Chuck Brasfeild, who will serve as Scout executive of the Denver Area Council in Denver, Colorado, effective May 1, 2020.
Chuck began his Scouting career in 1998 as a district executive at the Central Florida Council in Orlando, Florida. He served in various positions at the council over the next ten years, the last three as director of field service. In 2009, he was selected to serve as Scout executive of the Flint River Council in Griffin, Georgia, and then in 2014, as Scout executive of the Golden Empire Council in Sacramento, California.
Chuck is a basketball coach, Scout leader, and enjoys anything outdoors. His current hobbies are chicken farming and manual labor, which apparently go hand-in-hand.
Chuck and his wife, Katie, have three children: Will (12) a Tenderfoot, Robbie (15) a Life Scout, and Laura Grace (19) who has served on Jamboree staff twice as a member of the skate park staff.
In the comments below, please help us send Chuck our well wishes as he joins in partnership with the volunteers and staff of the Denver Area Council to deliver quality Scouting experiences to the young people of the communities they serve.
Randy Saunders Selected as Scout Executive of Southern Sierra Council
Please join us as we congratulate Randy Saunders, who will serve as Scout executive of the Southern Sierra Council in Bakersfield, California, effective April 16, 2020.
Randy began his Scouting career in 1994 as a district executive at the Gulf Ridge Council in Tampa, Florida. He served as a senior district executive, field director, program director, and camping director at the council before moving on to serve as a program director and later director of field service of the Great Southwest Council in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Randy is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, who enjoys backpacking, golf, and traveling.
Randy and his wife, Nicole, have one son named Isiah, who is a student at the University of New Mexico.
Please help us send Randy our well wishes in the comments below as he joins in partnership with the volunteers and staff of the Southern Sierra Council to deliver quality Scouting experiences to the young people of the communities they serve.
Scouting at Home Web Conference From March 26
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