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Scoutmaster Minutes

Inspirational stories and meaningful remarks to share


218 topics in this forum

  1. Within my power

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  2. Philmont Grace

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  3. Friendship

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  4. Priceless

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  5. When Night Ends...

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    • 1.6k views
  6. Clay Balls

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    • 1.4k views
  7. Be Prepared

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    • 2.3k views
  • LATEST POSTS

    • That was my question.  Normally a meeting is a discussion to reach a conclusion.  This sounds more like an expensive briefing on how things are going to proceed from here.  That could be published rather than spending thousands of dollars that the organization doesn't have to spare.  How many units could have been stood up in poor areas for the amount that was spent?
    • Just received an email from our council.  Note that there is no mention of national covering insurance for adults.  We still have to pay our $12 insurance fee on top of the $60 national fee. Dear XXXXXXX Council Scouting Family, Thank you for your continued involvement in Scouting! The values we teach in the Scout Oath and Law are the foundation young people need to address and overcome challenges in their lives and the issues facing their generation. So, as we continue to deliver the Scouting experiences for our Scouting family, we wanted to share information concerning the National Membership Fee.   The National BSA’s emergence from bankruptcy represents a pivotal milestone in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The court’s decision to approve the organization’s reorganizational plan solidifies a path forward for survivors and the Scouting movement. To preserve its mission, the BSA has had to take some extraordinary steps over the past three years to reposition the organization for the future: streamlined its professional staff and volunteer structure, reduced overhead costs while maintaining essential services to support the local councils who were critical partners during the bankruptcy. However, further measures are needed to position Scouting for the future. The BSA must increase the national annual membership fees for both youth and adults. This was a difficult decision that involved the engagement of key stakeholders, but is essential to building a strong, safe, and vibrant Scouting program for our nation’s youth.   Effective August 1, 2023, the BSA will implement the following national membership fees which were approved by the National Executive Committee:   $80 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants ($5 increase) $60 for all adult volunteers ($15 increase to cover increased general liability insurance cost and enhanced background checks) $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting (Not prorated and no change in fee) $30 for Scoutreach (Not prorated) $25 for Merit Badge Counselors (New Fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders) $50 for Exploring participants Youth & Adult ($5 increase) $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee (no change in fee) $15 for Scout Life magazine   BSA will no longer prorate fees for New Members beginning   August 1, 2023 Beginning August 1, 2023, all new youth and adult members who join Scouting will be enrolled in a 12-month membership cycle and BSA will cease prorating fees. Both youth and adults will pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on the anniversary date of joining Scouting. All proration of membership fees will be eliminated. Each registered member of the BSA will receive an email notice with a registration renewal link beginning 60 days before the anniversary date they joined Scouting. Unit leaders will receive a copy of the email and should stay engaged in the membership renewal process just like rechartering.   Please note: The XXXXXXX Council’s annual youth fee of $54 will remain the same as last year as will the $12 insurance fee for all registered youth and adults.   Thank you for what you do in the service of Scouting for our community and youth.
    • From what I've seen, it's definitely not worth standard conference price. I have no idea if this is typical for NAM, but when I plunk down almost $1000 (well, really, my employer does) for a professional conference I leave with new research information, new connections, and a sense of where the field is heading and who's currently pushing the limits. I'd expect the same for NAM, then, but if taking an airport train counts as a highlight that was absolutely not worth $750. The normalization of most cub dens could have been an email. Have to wonder about the ROI of NAM, and even the opportunity cost even if the attendee fees pay for it. Scouting isn't a research field and it's not something to sell at a giant expo. Why is a professional conference-type event helpful? 
    • This could be part of the issue.  If BSA, with myriad of staff and volunteers on multiple levels still needs to inform key stakeholders (one would assume they are that as they are at NAM) what "Social Media" may be, BSA has missed the boat. BSA unfortunately uses social media as a billboard and not a reflection of the program.  They should be highlighting participants doing things, not just promoting events.  Social media should be a way to spark interest in (1) Families of young people (2) Actual youth. But, as BSA does little to no marketing or brand awareness any way, guess missing the social media juggernaut is expected.
    • I think every Scouter here will enjoy today's Wordle, maybe you will get it on your first try! https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html  
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