RememberSchiff

Ah, be careful what we ask for! The AI answer seems to suggest replacing scouter.com with an AI chatbot! According to iAsk.AI Ask AI Search Engine: After conducting extensive research on the topic, I would highly suggest that the Boy Scouts of America National Annual Meeting include a workshop on using AI to increase membership. Artificial intelligence has become an essential tool for organizations looking to improve their membership numbers and engagement rates. By leveraging AI-powered tools and technologies, organizations can gain valuable insights into their members' behavior, preferences, and needs. One way that AI can help increase membership is by analyzing data from various sources to identify patterns and trends. For example, AI algorithms can analyze social media data to determine which types of content and messaging resonate most with potential members. This information can then be used to create targeted marketing campaigns that are more likely to attract new members. Another way that AI can help increase membership is by improving the member experience. For instance, AI-powered chatbots can provide instant assistance and support to members, helping to address their questions and concerns in real-time. Additionally, AI-powered recommendation engines can suggest relevant content and activities based on a member's interests and preferences. Overall, there are numerous ways that AI can be used to increase membership in the Boy Scouts of America organization. By incorporating AI-powered tools and technologies into their strategies, the organization can gain a competitive advantage and attract new members more effectively. Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications/Domain Names Used: 1. Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/06/08/how-ai-can-help-nonprofits-boost-membership/?sh=5a8d9f4a18e3 2. Harvard Business Review - https://hbr.org/2020/01/how-ai-is-changing-membership-organizations 3. McKinsey & Company - https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/how-artificial-intelligence-can-improve-the-member-experience

I could see National having a trial run of AI Council Scout Executives..

Hopefully more knowledgeable members will provide answers, I have only guesses.

June 7, 2023: Following text was extracted from article: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/um-men-is-on-the-move UM Men’s relationship with Boy Scout troops has also been overhauled in the aftermath of the settlement of abuse cases, and faith could take a larger role in Scouting programs. Boy Scouts The United Methodist Church’s relationship with the Boy Scouts was imperiled when that organization entered child sex abuse-related bankruptcy proceedings, and the denomination agreed to contribute $30 million to a $2.4 billion fund to settle last year with more than 82,000 sexual abuse survivors. A new affiliation agreement was developed to define the roles and responsibilities of the players in local Scout troops — the national Boy Scouts organization, local churches and others. Insurance and indemnity responsibilities have been spelled out. “Programmatically, we’re working on a program called The Shepherd Church,” said Steve Scheid, director for Scouting ministries. “You pay a little bit to help the United Methodist Men organization continue to develop resources, and we provide those. You don’t know how to help kids start to pray? We provide prayer templates that help you to be able to reach a broad audience with the connection through prayer.” Other curriculum will be developed to complement with scouting activities like hiking, camping and rappelling, he said. “These devotionals directly connect to what you’re doing,” Scheid said. “So that (those) who are experiencing the rappelling experience, we talk about the word ‘trustworthy.’ I've got the rope. I've got you. If you slip and fall, I got you. How does that relate to God?’”

"Starting in January 2024, Hawaii Catholic parishes will no longer be allowed to host Boy Scout groups." “Unfortunately, given the liability issues and our dissatisfaction with the BSA’s cooperation on the issue, we will no longer allow parishes and parish schools to charter a BSA unit, nor will BSA units be allowed to meet in our facilities.” Bishop Silva, Diocese of Honolulu https://hawaiicatholicherald.com/2023/06/07/boy-scouts-will-no-longer-be-sponsored-by-hawaii-catholic-churches/

"Back in the 1920's, Scouts around the world were asked to donate a penny each to buy Jam Roll and a caravan called Eccles. They were presented to Lord Baden-Powell at the 1929 World Jamboree to mark the Scouting movement's 21st birthday. The car was named Jam Roll in recognition of its connection to the Jamboree and Rolls-Royce. It carries the Fleur de Lys emblem, etched with the Scouts' motto, "Be Prepared", on the radiator. Lord Baden-Powell used the car and caravan for many years until his death in 1941 and they were acquired in 2008 by a specially-formed trust called BP Jam Roll." He had the car for 12 years? Sounds familiar. More at sources including photos: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-65821911 https://thescoutingpages.org.uk/bp-rolls-royce/

Some days more than others. I didn't get today's word, I guess I was still on a positive SCOUT high. SCOUT is one of my start words and I happened to use it yesterday. First correct guess on first try for me.

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

Update June 5, 2023: "Amtrak has submitted applications for approximately $716 million in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding for 16 proposed projects around the country that would improve Long Distance reliability, reduce travel times and expand service." Under one Long Distance project, the Southwest Chief line would undergo signal modernization on parts of the route that pass through Colorado and New Mexico. “Whether it’s connecting communities from Raton, Las Vegas, or Lamy or bringing thousands of Scouts every summer to the Philmont Scout Ranch, Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is essential to New Mexico. Vital infrastructure investments like train signal modernization will go a long way toward ensuring the long-term viability of this important long-distance passenger rail line so it will keep running for generations to come.” Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) https://media.amtrak.com/2023/06/amtrak-applies-for-federal-grants-to-improve-long-distance-network/?cmp=smmorganic-20230605-twitter-corp_comms&SID=10246638055

After using AI in a Google Ads search campaign, the GSUSA saw a 40% reduction in the cost per new member acquisition. Actual costs per new member were not provided. "In just under a week, AI made thousands of adjustments to the search campaign, constantly tweaking it to make it more efficient. That’s compared to the hundreds of adjustments made during a year’s worth of manual search optimization strategies. The Google Ads search campaign allows a marketer to place ads across the platform's network of search results." “We’ve been doing this evergreen recruitment search for a while,” Ruden said, noting the agency has been running it since it won the Girl Scouts account in 2019. “We got acquisition costs in a pretty good place. The client was happy and we were happy with that. But then we started to think, ‘OK how much better can this do?’ To see that 40% drop was incredible.” Can't say that I have seen these ads, but then I use ad-blockers, etc. Source: https://adage.com/article/marketing-news-strategy/how-girl-scouts-using-ai-boost-memberships/2497816

June 5, 2023: "Philmont announced today that they have initiated the first phase of an aggressive Forest Restoration project utilizing state-of-the-art mechanical thinning. This thinning process allows for a one-pass treatment of overgrown forests with a focus on the restoration, protection, and sustainability of the landscape and watersheds for future generations. ... The first phase, a 600-acre Restorative Thinning Project began in mid-April and will be completed by the end of June 2023. The treatment area will serve as an anchor point between Philmont’s backcountry camps of Crater Lake and Miners Park and connects to the 1,000-acre fuel break. ... Philmont’s restorative thinning project is supported by Kenneke, Director of Ranching and Conservation, led by Lee Hughes, Director of Conservation and led by Philmont’s Forester Marty Parsons. Collaboration with the State of New Mexico Forestry Division through Cimarron District Forester Mary Stuever has allowed Philmont to work with Miller Timber Services. Miller uses state-of-the-art thinning machinery, processes of working in steep southwestern forests. They are treating approximately ten acres per day. Most of the material generated through the project is transported to Blanca Forestry Products located in Blanca, CO., in addition to several local mills in New Mexico. Blanca is dedicated to producing high quality lumber and forest products backed by the sustainable harvest of Miller Timber Services. Revenue generated from the project is reinvested into treating additional acres. Thanks to U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and New Mexico State Forester Laura McCarthy who were instrumental in securing the 1.3 million dollars needed to initiate this project. Philmont is grateful to the thousands of staff and volunteers who put time, energy, labor, and passion into this project. A special thank you to the thousands of Philmont donors across the country who gave and continue to give to Philmont’s Fire Mitigation and Restoration Fund." More at source: https://krtnradio.com/2023/06/05/philmont-announces-1-3-million-restorative-thinning-project/ https://www.roadsriversandtrails.com/how-philmont-was-affected-by-the-ute-wildfires/

@Eagle94-A1 @Jameson76 in support of your points. Note around 14:00 or so "...There is a plan in place...very cool to hear...I think we are in good hands...On the unit level,... just keep doing what you are doing..."

Cub Scout Rose Tylor Kunkes crossed-over and another Eagle walked hand in hand with the saints along the streets of Heaven. Initially, she was diagnosed with common strep, but it quickly became severely invasive. So fast, so terrible. "Rose loved service," her father said. "That was one of her favorite things to do." But, he said, "she was more of a foreman kind of person." Rose's mother said, "She would love to be there to help, but her help was talking to everyone and telling them what to do ... she loved to visit and tell stories and entertain everyone." Some time after their daughter died, the Kunkeses were going through Rose's desk. "They (the Scouts) had a day where it was, right around Valentine's Day, write a note to yourself and send yourself a Valentine," her mother said. "The Cub Scout Motto is 'Do your best.' We've said it so many times and we try to engrain that in everybody ... we found this note in her desk," she said, laying out a heart-shaped piece of paper with Rose's handwriting. "This was supposed to be a note to yourself," her father said. It reads, "Do your best! Be you." Rose's mother said, "When we found that note, we were just in awe of how much she loved it and lived it." That's when they decided seek the Spirit of the Eagle award for Rose. ... "On a quiet and sunny Sunday afternoon, more than 100 Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scout leaders jammed into Bloomington's Second Presbyterian Church for a special award ceremony." "Rose had the right level of perseverance and commitment that we believe there's no way, there's no way she wouldn't have become an Eagle Scout." Ben Blumenberg, Scout executive, W.D. Boyce Council Much more at Source: https://pantagraph.com/news/local/bloomington-girl-who-died-from-strep-honored-for-her-spirit-character/article_fc94f672-00b0-11ee-a022-6fd14e78f0f1.html Scout Salute and farewell young Eagle,

Did our new Youth Protection Executive Glen Pounder speak at NAM? I have not heard him speak yet about new YP measures and organization in the BSA going forward?

??? Why not get the local Scouter input first and then determine if it is necessary or even affordable to hire an outside national architect firm? So for an existing camp, we have local scout leaders familiar and concerned about program quality and summer camp costs and Council execs seeing money that immediately needs to be spent to hire an outside architect firm to develop a master camp plan??

IMHO, an understating of the important and an overstating the mundane. I would like details. As I recall Tilden when CEO Alaskan Airlines, cut executive salaries during difficult times. What expanded insurance protections? What expenses have been reduced - are handbooks and MB books freely online? How much has the yearly cost of scouting increased? Tell, Show, Do. My $0.02,

So for AOL, a coed den would then officially have to split into boy and girl dens to prepare scouts for a non-coed BSA troop? Another temporary wall to tumble?

The ACE program run by Avelo Airlines is the first of its kind program that is said to inspire the next generation of aerospace and aviation professionals. The program lasts for six months and is focused on providing opportunities for middle-school-aged students. This specific program is a partnership between East Haven Public Schools and Avelo Airlines in collaboration with Exploring. Exploring is a co-ed awareness program that is run by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) that provides curriculum development and management for younger kids across the country. The Boy Scouts of America Director of Exploring, Paul Lukas, spoke about the partnership, saying, "The partnership between East Haven Schools, Avelo Airlines, and Connecticut Yankee Council, BSA, is a collaboration that seeks to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals right here in our community.” More at Source: https://simpleflying.com/avelo-airlines-hosts-aviation-career-exploration-program/

Back in the day, my troop's CO was identified on our neckers. Similar to this example below which I found on ebay. Maybe a historical troop necker? Draw a circle, divide into 3 wedges. One for BSA trefoil, one for CO logo, one for your old logo. Around perimeter, " Scout On, BSA Troop NNN 19xx- 202y" My $0.02,

Update 5/25/2023: Camp Trexler sold to the Trexler Veterans Initiative (TVI) for $7.8 million. "Following the sale, TVI will offer a leaseback agreement to the Valor Clinic Foundation...Among the foundation's main objectives is to help address and reduce the number of military veteran suicides. The TVI and the Valor Clinic Foundation have agreed to permit the use of the property by Scout units for cabin rentals and and campsite use "into the foreseeable future," according to the news release. " "Selling the property will help Minsi Trails Council cover its $2.6 million portion of a multi-billion-dollar national settlement with survivors of sexual abuse in the scouting programs. To select a buyer, the council’s real estate committee looked for an organization that intends to maintain the camp in a natural state, allow future access to Scouting programs, and close on the sale quickly." Sources: https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/poconos-coal/camp-trexler-sold-to-trexler-veterans-initiative-for-7-8-million/article_b74cb2a6-fb2b-11ed-b014-63ebb7197d51.html https://www.lehighvalleynews.com/local-news/trexler-veterans-initiative-agrees-to-buy-camp-trexler https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2023/05/trexler-scout-reservation-is-sold-to-new-owner-vowing-its-preservation-and-conservation.html

United Kingdom (about 400,000 young people) – 29 topic-indexed web pages. Their annual report is a detailed narrative giving a fuller picture of challenges, successes, setbacks, reflection, and direction (2025 goals) and a better understanding of UK Scouting than BSA Annual Report. Some takeaways we might add: Instead of “scout-run” unit experience, they promote a wider “youth-shaped” scout experience with 200-500? Youth Commissioners who ‘Plan’, ‘Lead’ and ‘Represent’ but be aware their upper age limit for scouts is 25. Board members are listed by name along with their % attendance and committee assignments - nice transparency. For example: 1 = Finance Committee Member 2 = Strategy and Delivery Committee Member 3 = Nominations and Governance Committee Member 4 = People and Culture Committee Member 5 = Safeguarding Committee Member 6 = Safety Committee Member Craig Dewar-Willox (100%)5 Nicola Gamlen (75%) 1, 3 Like New Zealand, they specifically thanked partners and sponsors. Some interesting ones: Pokemon, Raspberry Pi, Manchester United, Warhammer.. https://www.scouts.org.uk/about-us/our-impact-and-reports/ https://www.scouts.org.uk/about-us/our-impact-and-reports/scouts-annual-report-2020-2021/

"The Coast Guard is looking for volunteers to share their skills and experiences with future leaders during the 2023 National Jamboree hosted by Scouts BSA, July 19-28 at the Bechtel Summit Reserve in Beckley, West Virginia. Prior Scouting experience isn’t required, but you must submit a volunteer packet by June 16 to be considered for this community service opportunity. The Coast Guard has supported 11 previous Jamborees and previous volunteers have used this community service to stand out from their peers for officer candidate school packages, officer-in-Charge review packages, Gold and Silver Badge packages, and civilian job promotions. That said, previous volunteers say the greatest reward was sharing their service stories with emerging leaders. “It was really rewarding giving kids a tour of the static displays (trailered small boats) we had on site and answering their questions about the Coast Guard,” said R. Eric Adams, Personnel Security Specialist, Station Cape Charles, Virginia. “I would take small groups from eight to ten people and tell them about the small boat and its missions and then I would turn it into a Q&A session and answer any questions they had about the Coast Guard.” This is a permissive orders opportunity and volunteers will be responsible their travel costs, meals and incidental expenses. While you will be berthed onsite in a tent with a provided cot, expect to pay $300-400 for food and lodging. You must also have permission from your first and second level supervisor to volunteer. " More at Source: https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/3404163/coast-guard-seeks-volunteers-for-2023-national-jamboree-hosted-by-scouts-bsa/

Ah, so a microchip is required for dog ownership? My town still uses the old annual collar tags. Microchips are uncommon for mutt owners here. I will ask vet about microchips, blood types, recommended genetic screening.

I'm curious, what kind of registration tags does the US Army give to dogs owned by members? Over the years, it has been pleasantly reassuring meeting old familiar scouters at activities. RS with a 10wk puppy getting her second core vax today.