A couple of questions

First of all, thanks to those who took the time to personally welcome me to
Scouts-L. I feel right at home already.

I could use a little immediate guidance regarding the concept of a service
project for ranks up to, not including, Eagle. Does BSA have any official
policies regarding service projects? If not, what might, and might not, be
considered a service project? Recently, I've had a couple of Scouts ask to
count the time spent in fundraising "walk-a-thons" as service projects.
Somehow, that doesn't fit my concept of a service project. Likewise,
another Scout has asked to use his participation in his school's gift
wrapping sale, another fundraiser. Again, are these types of fundraising
"good turns" generally accepted as service projects? How about a Scout who
volunteers to help run the annual district Pinewood Derby, or another who
builds birdhouses for, and with, Ducks Unlimited? The latter two certainly
come closer, in my view, to being service projects. I guess, unless BSA
has already clearly defined a service project (and please inform me of
this, if true), then it's the SM's call? Any thoughts and experiences on
this?

Also, I am attempting to put together an informational booklet to be given
to each new Scout and his family. The booklet will have general
information about equipment needs, uniforming, Troop policies, etc., etc.
If, and when, I resolve the service project question, that, too, will be
included. Anyway, has anyone else done this? I would appreciate knowing
the kinds of information you have included in your troop's
information-packet, and, if it's e-mailable, I would certainly appreciate
receiving a copy.

I'll be gone the week of June 23rd, but will check for any responses you
might have when I return on the 30th.

Thanks, in advance, for any guidance you might offer this new Scoutmaster
who wants to "do it right".

YIS,

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Steve Lenhart (slenhart@runet.edu),
SM, Troop 244, Radford, VA
New River District, Blue Ridge Mountains Council, Virginia, USA
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