Create Wood Badge replacement 

 In Progress

I suspect that the time for Wood Badge has run its course in the BSA. The fraternal format of the program acts more as a social program than productive training.

Let's pull the valuable and effective leadership materials that are in the course, and infuse it into a new format. Or, at the least, redesign Wood Badge to be less fraternal, self-existing, and a drain on resources (Centennial Wood Badge?).

We need to keep the enthusiasm, energy, and material that Wood Badge graduates have, and do so in a way that does not create an adult fraternity atmosphere.

Centennial Uniform Didn't Go Far Enough 

 In Progress

The new BSA uniform was a needed change to appear relevant and appealing in today's American society. However, I don't think the change was progressive enough. Here are a few suggestions:
-Eliminate the shoulder loops and epaulets. They give the uniform an outdated look and realistically not needed.
-Eliminate the large cuffs on the sleeves. It gives the shirt a vintage look which we should avoid.
-Eliminate (or adapt) the should pocket. I think it was a good concept, but too many volunteers joke (and use) it as their cigarette pocket.

New Unit Organization with Religious Emblems Group 

 In Progress

A successful way to start new traditional units at religious insitutions is to turn the initial emphasis by focusing on the church's membership and organizing a faith-focused youth group. Name this group after the Scouting religious emblem for that group.

For example, at a Presbyterian Church organize a church youth group for 1-3 graders called God and Me. The first few meetings are focused on the Presbyterian Religious emblem (God and Me), with infused Cub Scout activities. As the religious program draws near to completion, transition to additional Cub Scout meeting programs and the Bobcat badge and outdoor programs, eventually delivering a full Scouting program.

This can be continued each year with a new class of youth enrolling in the faith-focused group and transitioning into Scouting. It can be used for youth of any age and Scouting program.

This method has several immediate benefits: 1) the chartered organization has more members participating in their Scouting program--creating increased support and better program delivery, 2) Scouting immediately develops demonstrated value by addressing the primary objective of the organization: faith, 3) parents are immediately engaged and active in the program by working side-by-side with their children.

Support for this kind of initiative can be provided to unit-serving executives through a generic toolkit. Not needing to be faith-specific, the new unit organization process can be amended to provide steps for church officials and Scouting volunteers. An additional resource could be the production of "den meeting in a box" style kits to assist religious institutions in delivering the program.