Personal Watercraft/Jet Skis Pilot 

10/26/09
In support of our collective goals of increasing membership and retention while simultaneously delivering relevant and engaging program, the “New BSA” has embarked on a new initiative to pilot Personal Watercraft, more commonly referred to as jet skis.

Read the ProSpeak article in the September 2009 issue at: http://www.scouting.org/ProSpeak/best_practices/watercraft.aspx
(Copy and paste the link)

Early in the spring of 2009 councils were invited to submit proposals detailing how they would potentially deliver a Personal Watercraft pilot program. The proposals were required to include details such as; location, training, safety, budget, equipment, promotion and staffing. It was anticipated that our first tests of this new concept would occur during the summer 2010. However, as a result of some great work by the Blue Ridge Mountains Council in Roanoke, VA, we were able to conduct our first pilot during their seven (7) week summer camp program at the Claytor Lake Adventure Base.

High level results of the first pilot are as follows:

• 280 Scouts participated in the pilot
• 90% stated the program “met” or “exceed” their expectations
• 90% of all youth indicated they were either “somewhat” or “very likely” to return to camp because of the PWC program.
• 35% stated participating in the PWC program increased their likelihood of staying in Scouting
• 59% indicated participating in the PWC program increased their likelihood of recommending Scouting to others

Moving forward, we have initiated the process of selecting additional councils to pilot the use of Personal Watercraft during 2010. All councils interested in being considered to pilot Personal Watercraft should submit their proposals to the Innovation Team (National Council), attention of Merril Davis, merril.davis@scouting.org, by November 30, 2009.

To access the proposal form, please click on this title at the top of this web page, then scroll down to find the .pdf file.

Using Buildings to Teach Math 

Submitted by High School Junior Donald Lovejoy, Greenwich, CT.

"Math is Buildings" is a program that uses buildings and architecture to make math interesting to learn. I have done extensive tutoring with socio-economically disadvantaged children and I have discovered that math is often difficult for them, with simple concepts seeming impossible for them to grasp. Thus I created this program to make learning math interesting to kids. I have integrated simple math concepts with the steps used in constructing buildings. Because the steps have been itemized clearly, this program is ideal for use by volunteers helping elementary school-aged children with math.

For more information please email Donald Lovejoy at DWRL@optonline.net

Scouting for Dummies 

Submitted by Life Scout of Troop 170, Sumner, WA

I've been seeking "the answers" in scouting as a leader. I've always wanted a large manual explaining every nook and cranny of scouting. That's why I'm suggesting the publication of this manual - or several smaller divisions through a series such as For Dummies or The Complete Idiot's Guide. I'm writing to you because I feel that you, as the head council, would know the professionals - the veterans of scouting with an abundance of experience to write such a manual. By collecting all of the information into a single location or series, I'm sure it would clear up much of the nation's uncertainties of running a troop/team/crew/post.

Gardening Belt Loop 

Add a gardening belt loop.

Technology series merit badge 

Web & Database Development: Grow your knowledge of how websites really happen and how databases support the web and other applications. Learn about programming languages used, development principals and the career opportunities in this field.

Video Game Design: Learn the ins and outs of this fast growing career. Gain an understanding of the game development process and tools used and come to understand how the concepts are used in applications beyond games.

Security & Networks: Develop an understanding of how digital networks are created and how they support the world wide web and private networks. Learn how security is established to protect the network from spam, viruses, and hacking.

Scouting Heritage Merit Badge 

 Closed

Experience the fun of exploring the history of Scouting – both nationally and in your own community. Explore the lives of Scouting’s founders, interact with long-time Scouters in your community and learn about your unit’s history and the evolution of Scout equipment and programs.

Crypography Merit Badge 

Learn about the ancient and modern history of cryptography and codes and how they have been used in government, politics and business. Learn how to build and codes and how they are used in modern-day security.

Kite Flying Merit Badge 

Baden-Powell had a patent on a kite?? Was he having fun or putting it to work? You can do both in this merit badge for Kiting. Design, build and fly your own kites. Learn about the concepts of flight, the many types of kites (indoor, giant, miniature, and modern sport kites) and new uses for kites like kite surfing and kites used as a “green” power source.

Disk Sports Merit Badge 

Learn about the history of disk sports and how to participate in the various disk sport disciplines of Disk Golf, Ultimate, and Freestyle.

Internet Skills Merit Badge 

Learn the skills necessary to effectively and safely use the internet. This badge would cover internet safety, internet terms, online shopping, email usage, the basics of web development, social networks and blogs.

Storytelling Merit Badge 

 In Progress

Leadership across all cultures, across millennia, has employed he art of storytelling to transmit tradition, values and vision. Today, storytelling is said to be the "secret language of business leadership." Storytelling requires the use of imagination, memory, insight, and creative joining of words, meaning with sound for a meaningful presentation to occur. Therefore, Storytelling enriches not only the literacy development but also the mental and social development of the young scout and fits well all scouting objectives. The storytelling merit badge would serve as a capstone to Communicant, Public Speaking and Debate badges.

Debate Merit Badge 

 In Progress

Leadership frequently requires effective use of persuasive reasoning, oftentimes in an extemporaneous setting against an opposing point of view. Learn to think and communicate critically and effectively in a formal, organized manner using the techniques and tools of formal debate. To be effective in debate, one must “be prepared”, be “mentally awake”. This merit badge builds on the skills of the Communications and Public Speaking merit badges to offer the scout additional opportunities to grow in confidence and presence in front of others.

Ethics Merit Badge 

 In Progress

The Boy Scout mission is “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes.” And while we educate Scouts in values via the Scout Law, nowhere in Boy Scout advancements do we offer the opportunity to explore what it means to “Be Prepared” in the area of ethical or moral decision making.

In completing this badge, Scouts would learn about ethics in real life via discussions and role playing realistic, everyday situations to help them model ethical decision making. This program is currently in place for Patrol Leaders in the Talakto District of the Greater Alabama Council.

Submitted on behalf of John W Shriver, Troop 351, , Greater Alabama Council

Cyber Safety 

Cyber Safety is a growing concern for children and adults alike. Internet child predators, child pornographers and other cyber criminals are exploiting children and engaging in online and various other forms of digital solicitation. Additionally, the security of personal information is critical to our safety and that of our children.

In an effort to further educate and protect our Scouts and their families, it is suggested the BSA dedicate additional attention to Cyber Safety throughout all levels of the Scouting program to increase awareness of the potential dangers and provide both Scouts and adults with the necessary tools to minimize the chance of falling victim to a “cyber crime”. Age appropriate content could be developed and reinforced with individual recognition ranging from belt loops up through requirements for rank advancement.

Specific topics may include:
Web site monitoring/control
Gaming
Chats
Blogs
Facebook
MySpace
Twitter
Texting

New Coed Program for Adults 

 Completed

Develop a new scouting program (“Versity Scouts”) for any adults 22 years of age and older (no upward age limit). The program would include a new uniform, a handbook and advancement with ranks and merit badges.

Disabled in Venturing 

 Completed

We have a youth with a disability that was held back in school making her older than her classmates. Due to the rule of needing to be out of 8th grade and 14 years of age she is unable to participate. With our typical venturer leaving the crew at 17 this rule will effectively limit the length of time she can participate. Is there a way for her to be able her participate in spite of her grade level which is a function of her visual disabilities?

Guide to Safe Scouting Changes 

 In Progress

I am our Venturing Crew’s Committee Chairman. I would like to know how I can lobby the Executive Committee to make a change to the Guide to Safe Scouting under the Youth Protection & Adult Leadership section. The rules read as follows:

Two-deep leadership:
Two registered adult leaders, or one registered leader and a parent of a participating Scout or other adult, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings. There are a few instances, such as patrol activities, when no adult leadership is required. Coed overnight activities require male and female adult leaders, both of whom must be 21 years of age or older, and one of whom must be a registered member of the BSA.
I would like to lobby the executive committee to consider making a revision to this policy.

Here is the situation I am trying to address. We have a coed crew of 10-12 members. When planning an outing or super activity, we may only have 4-5 crew members planning on attending. In that situation we are always able to have two adult leaders to provide two deep leadership. The problem is that occasionally my daughter may be the only female wanting to participate in the activity and the female assistant advisor will not be one of the leaders that is going on the trip. In these instances as my daughters legal guardian, I would like to be considered appropriate supervision for my daughter even though I am one of the male leaders attending. Otherwise I am in the position of not letting my daughter participate or cancelling the
event. Both of which are poor alternative. I understand the need for male and female leadership in coed activities and in any situation with female youth other than a leaders child I would not want to
see any other policy. Can you provide any guidance or assistance in this matter?

Inventing Merit Badge  

 Completed

Merit badge focused on the importance of inventing and problem solving in creating sustainable development. Scouts will learn to observe, identify problems and develop solutions around practical scouting needs and then to extend those skills to other inventing areas. Will reinforce skills in mathematics, science, engineering and technology.

Disc Sports Merit Badge 

 Completed

Learn to safely play any number of disc sport disciplines (Disc golf, Ultimate, Double Disc Court, etc.), learn the physics involved in disc performance, learn about the early history of the sport and how it contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

Intergenerational Merit Badge 

 Completed

Recognizing the aging of the US population, this merit badge would increase a Scout’s empathy and understanding of elderly citizen’s needs, provide increased opportunities for Scouts to offer their service to others, and better prepare Scouts for the future.

Yo-Yo Belt Loop 

 Completed

Like the existing Marbles and Frisbee belt loops, yo-yos is a long existing activity that allows for education of physics, collecting, skill advancement and or course fun.

Mathematics Merit Badge 

 Completed

Add a new merit badge for mathematics. Many current merit badges use mathematical concepts (Science, Chemistry, Model Rockets, Orienteering, etc.) yet none addresses the foundational nature of mathematics. A merit badge could help turn Scouts on to the value and fun of mathematics.

Reuse Uniforms and Gear 

I think it is worth exploring uniforms and gear could be reused on a regional basis.

Packaging meals at Philmont 

 Completed

Philmont Scout Ranch was the best experience, but one of the first things I noticed when on the trail was the inefficiency of the packaging for the meals and the excess waste this generated. I believe this is a complex problem, but I would be thrilled to work on a solution to it.

Recycling Programs at Summer Camps, Camporees and other Campsites 

 Completed

At summer camp, camporees and other campsites we go to throughout the year, I have not seen any recycling programs.