RememberSchiff

May 7, 2023 PARK RAPIDS, Minn. (Valley News Live) - An area of Boy Scout Camp Wilderness is now permanently protected, thanks to a partnership between the Minnesota Land Trust and the Northern Lights Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Fargo. The protected area includes more than 3,600 feet of natural shoreline on Bad Axe Lake and 219 acres of land and water near Park Rapids, Minnesota. The groups say this habitat supports a diverse population of plant and animal species including the ecologically critical tullibee (aka “cisco”) in Bad Axe Lake and downstream Tullibee Refuge Lakes. ... Permanently protecting this portion of Camp Wilderness also ensures that nature adventures remain accessible to youth for years to come, which the Minnesota Land Trust says is critical in a region of Minnesota that is losing more of its undeveloped and sensitive shorelands to the construction of vacation homes. “Environmental conservation has always been a part of the Scouting Program; it’s embedded in the Scout Oath and Law and codified in the Outdoor Code,” says Richard McCartney, Scout Executive of the Northern Lights Council. “We feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to demonstrate this value by protecting Camp Wilderness, an important resource the Council has used to teach outdoor ethics for over 75 years.” ... Bad Axe Lake is home to a diverse population of fish species, including black crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, northern pike, smallmouth bass and walleye as well as tullibee, a smaller fish species that supports Minnesota’s large gamefish populations. According to the Minnesota DNR, tullibee numbers have declined about 60% over the last 30 years. Lakes like Bad Axe are increasingly threatened by subdivision and development on and near their shores. This process reduces mature tree cover that helps cool the water below, weakens natural habitat and increases the flow of pollutants into waterways. More at source link: https://www.valleynewslive.com/2023/05/07/portion-camp-wilderness-permanently-protected-through-conservation-easement/ https://mnland.org/2023/04/28/bad-axe-lake-bsa/ Scout Salute,

Well said. Then are these raw membership numbers sufficient to determine if a demographic is under-served, disinterested, priced-out, ...? Regarding financials, I would add "average yearly cost to scout" and "average program cost to family" to report.

Should demographic data (gender, race, religion,...) be included in the National Annual Report? Or is a scout is a scout, albeit in different age groups?

This topic is for discussion of National Annual Reports - missing data that should be included, data analysis, format, etc. Recent posts regarding coed troops and their liability risks have been moved to its own new topic. RS

May 4, 2023 Seeking Potential Victims in William Mickel Case The FBI is seeking the public’s help in identifying potential minor victims who attended the following Boy Scouts of America Camps in New Jersey from August 2019 through March of 2022: Camp Winnebago located at 102 Timberbrook Road, Rockaway N.J., and Camp Allamuchy, 750 Waterloo Rd, #3468, Stanhope N.J. William Mickel, age 69, was employed at the camps and allegedly placed hidden cameras in the camps to illegally produce videos and images of children. Law enforcement believes there may be victims from multiple cities across New Jersey and/or the United States. On May 4, 2023, Mickel was arrested on federal indictment for distribution and possession of child pornography in the United States District Court of New Jersey. ... The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victim may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law. Your responses are voluntary but may be useful in the federal investigation and to identify you as a potential victim. Based on the responses provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information. All identities of the victims will be kept confidential. More details at source link: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/seeking-potential-victims-in-william-mickel-case Additional Note: “When children are involved, it’s not child pornography. It’s sexual abuse, and it’s a crime.” – Glen Pounder, Chief Operating Officer of Child Rescue Coalition On April 19, 2023, Glen Pounder became the BSA Youth Protection Executive.

https://www.einpresswire.com/article/631676132/the-boy-scouts-of-america-prepares-to-welcome-over-15-000-scouts-and-scouters-to-its-20th-national-jamboree "The 2023 National Jamboree will be BSA’s first National Jamboree where female Scouts are able to attend as members of Scouts BSA troops. Young women have attended previous Jamborees as part of Scouting’s Venturing and Exploring programs, or they may have attended the 2019 World Scout Jamboree; but this is a landmark event for Scouting, with women representing nearly 20% of the total 2023 Jamboree attendance." “There are now more than 119,610 young women in Scouting, and 4,613 have attained the rank of Eagle Scout. This is a historic opportunity for BSA’s young women, regardless of their rank, to experience the fun, and adventure of a National Jamboree,” said Tom Pendleton, National Jamboree Director for the BSA.

Excellent!

IMHO. at just two pages, the Report to the Nation is brief to a fault. No financial information or list by name of National Board and Committee members as in years past. No mention of Youth Protection. No mention of BSA professionals. No mention of leaving bankruptcy (seems a significant "proceedings" to report) No mention of upcoming National Annual Meeting (also required by Charter) No photos. Of the "more than 28,384 participants went on treks at the BSA’s four national high-adventure bases: Philmont Scout Ranch, the Summit Bechtel Reserve, Sea Base, and Northern Tier", Even if all participants were Scouts this seems a small percentage. My $0.01,

9.0.2.9 Eagle Scout Service Project Coach "It is true a Scout need not accept the assistance of the service project coach. Regardless, it is considered best for the council or district to designate one for every Scout who submits a project proposal for approval. The coach should then contact the Scout and suggest a first meeting, or telephone or video conference. Scouts have already promised when they submit a proposal that they have read the service project workbook, and thus they should already understand a coach is optional. Scouts who suggest they don’t need one should be counseled on the value a coach can add. Ultimately, however, working with a designated Eagle Scout service project coach is the Scout’s decision." My younger son ran into this. He did not want or need the assistance of an Eagle Coach. but the District Eagle Board demanded otherwise. My son had submitted his workbook electronically but the District could not process and later color paper copies (which were lost) before a District designated coach arrived. This coach was empathic as he had not had an Eagle Coach either. Coach made some comments but ultimately his real contribution was successfully delivering a 70+ page Eagle project workbook to the one-person District Eagle Board who was not an Eagle. "Can Districts or Councils make their own rules that are in conflict with what is published by National? " In my experience with two councils, both have made their own one-plus process rules. Sorry to hear of your son's experience. My $0.02,

Many suggestions, dare I say answers, have been given by our fellow scouters here. A Scout Salute to them for being Helpful to another scouter. IMHO, time for the OP's scouts to experiment with patrol yells and discover their preferences. In my experience this comes naturally, just provide a scout-run program that gives them something to yell about. Oh and have your PL's read the Patrol Leader Handbook. My $0.02, Locking thread.

Update April 17, 2023: Scouting Forward: 2023 National Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, May 30 – June 1, 2023, The conference registration fee for the 2023 National Annual Meeting is $740. The cutoff date to register for the National Annual Meeting is Friday, April 28th. Registration Details: https://scoutingwire.org/details-on-registering-for-scouting-forward-2023-bsa-national-annual-meeting-in-atlanta-georgia/ Registration Guide: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/se-packet/2023-03-27/2023-National-Annual-Meeting-3-22-23.pdf I found no information regarding the live broadcast or recording of sessions. There appears to be about 40 elective sessions. These sessions caught my eye. BSA Recapitalization / Collaboration Between Councils & National Moving FORWARD Together. Learn more about Project Phoenix, the recapitalization of BSA, and how collaboration between Councils and the National Office of Development is vital to our success. Building and Delivering Exceptional Outdoor Programs and Activities What does the customer want and how can we ensure we meet and exceed their expectations. Current tools and resources will be shared to help you achieve this important goal. The Future of Cub Scouting Discover what the National Cub Scouting Committee has been working on to update the Cub Scout program. Fun, Simple, and Easy are the guiding forces along with data- informed decisions to these significant updates to Cub Scouting. Non-BSA Use of BSA Properties From A to Z - Insurance, Liability, NCAP Applicability, Policies and Procedures. Current resources and proven practices will be shared. Understanding Council Financial Statements Presented by members of the Local Council Finance & Fund Development Committee and other subject matter experts, this session will provide insight on how your local council financial statements are built. We will review key financial ratios and help you determine questions you can ask when reviewing your statements (Imagine if attendees brought their respective Council's financial statements.) NCAP Myths Debunked Let's debunk the folklore together when it comes to the myths of short-term camp and camp standard interpretations. We will also highlight resources every council Key 3 and board should be familiar with.

Report to the Nation 2023 https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/2023-Report.pdf

Scout started screen repair business to pay for his Scouting projects. Dante Gentile said he’s learned that running a business is more than simply performing the service. “It’s a lot more complicated than I thought it was, with all the stuff you have to do – money, inventory, buying materials – mainly the management part of it.” Dante said. “And just the advertising, too. The more often people see it, the more likely they’ll try it.” Dante Gentile said he spends many summer days repairing screens. “Sometimes if it’s a long day, we’ll put a small TV in the garage, so it’s a little more entertaining.” He said the most challenging part of repairing a screen is removing an old rubber or metal spline. “It’s a lot more difficult to take out. If it’s dried out, it comes out in little pieces instead of all at once.” Two Scouts Screen Repair has also allowed Dante Gentile to put side some money for college and even flight school.. Scout Salute and 👍 Source link: https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/business/2023/04/17/romeoville-siblings-repair-window-screens-to-pay-for-scout-activities/

Are AIScouterMembers coming to our virtual campfire?

NBC News: Long accused of Indigenous misappropriation, Boy Scouts ask if it’s time to change In a recent email survey taken by 35,000 current and former members, the national organization asked a broad range of questions about what changes — if any — should be made to its usage and portrayal of Native American imagery, ceremonies and rituals. ...The survey’s results (from 20 questions) are not yet available but will be released publicly when they are, a spokesman for the organization said in a statement. ...Despite the range of the survey’s possible answers, the organization said in a statement to NBC News that “there are no plans to eliminate Native American traditions from the BSA program.” ...The organization routinely surveys members, although it has been years since it sent out a survey focused solely on the treatment of Native American culture and traditions, according to the statement. Much more at source link: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/native-american-appropriation-boy-scouts-rcna78373

Update April 14,2023 "...the report is expected to be delivered to Congress on April 25, 2023." https://finance.yahoo.com/news/stem-scout-selected-deliver-annual-120000221.html

@Trebor welcome to scouter.com I found this, Watchung Reservation Trail Map http://www.spfhsxctf.net/directions/XC/TrailsideMap.pdf

@HethSlaton welcome to scouter.com

Scout Gregory Wittine was severely disabled by cerebral palsy. "He could not walk or talk. In his wheelchair, he carried around a homemade keyboard on which he would point at individual letters and spell out words in order to communicate." By 1977 and 22 years old of age, he had earned the 24 merit badges then required for Eagle. Despite being past the age limit, his local Council awarded him Eagle Scout which National rescinded. He launched himself on a campaign to change the rules. A reporter for The New York Times visited him and asked if he had a message for people whose disabilities thwarted their ambitions. He slowly moved his left ring finger over letters on his word board: “K-E-E-P T-R-Y-I-N-G.” Mr. Wittine did exactly that. Ultimately, he made the Boy Scouts of America revise its policies toward disabled scouts. Ever since, thanks to his efforts, many thousands of them have found a sense of purpose that has shaped their lives. After he became an Eagle Scout, The Associated Press asked him what had given him confidence that he could change the national organization’s policy. With Mr. Golden’s (his Scoutmaster) help, he answered: “M-Y M-O-T-H” (“Mother,” Mr. Golden explained) “W-A-N” — (“wanted”) — “T-O S-E-E M-E B-E-C” — (“become”) — “A-N E-A-G-L-E.” Mr. Wittine died on March 5 in Bayville, N.Y., at a nursing facility run by the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County. He was 67. In observance of his wishes, Mr. Wittine was buried in a Boy Scout uniform with a sash bearing his merit badges. But he was not buried with his Eagle Scout medal, which he gave away to his nephew — following the example set by the former scouts who had sent Mr. Wittine their own medals one spring many decades ago. Scout salute and farewell, More details in Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/1978/05/06/archives/eagle-scout-age-limit-eliminated-for-the-disabled-demonstrates.html Highly recommend reading the following detailed obituary of Gregory Wittine written by Alex Traub of the New York Times:: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/24/us/greg-wittine-dead.html

During annual checkups when a young medical person asks what medication I am taking, I often mention I take 800mg of damitol or damnitall . For some reason I am amused when they write it down. I expect on my next visit my old doctor will prescribe orienteering.

Hydration, arch supports, support hose, hiking poles, Gold Bond (cornstarch please), COFFEE, tylenol, albuterol, damnitall, CPAP, find a younger more fit scouter, ultralight backpacking, ear plugs (helps with helicopter noise), no bacon (enough)...ow, oh aches, oh da pains. Remember back in the day when we were more physically strong and mentally awake? Speaking of mentally awake, McMaster University (Canada) found that continued use of GPS is contributing to our cognitive decline. The study recommends orienteering... Researchers hypothesized that the physical and cognitive demands of orienteering, which integrates exercise with navigation, may stimulate parts of the brain that our ancient ancestors used for hunting and gathering. The brain evolved thousands of years ago to adapt to the harsh environment by creating new neural pathways. Those same brain functions are not as necessary for survival today due to modern conveniences such as GPS apps and readily available food. Researchers suggest it is a case of “use it or lose it.” https://brighterworld.mcmaster.ca/articles/finding-a-new-way-to-train-the-brain-orienteering/ https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/reliance-on-gps-devices-may-lead-to-cognitive-decline-study-says-orienteering-can-help-165371973803 Your health suggestions?

Feb 28, 2023: A very interesting letter to the Civilian Marksmanship Program from a archery and firearms instructor regarding building a firearms program with local GSUSA Council. "...I have six girls that have stuck with it, and I have many more wanting to join. We have tryouts in April where we will try to grow the team to 12 girls. We have funded this by each girl paying $5.00 (now $10.00) each practice to cover the cost of ammo and targets. Council did invest to purchase 12 Daisy 599 rifles, and the girls parents purchase them directly from us, at cost, to be on the team. We’ve also built an indoor range at one of our camps and hold practice there (it was an old dining hall), and we did receive four air rifles donated by the CMP to help us with a junior team. I have lofty goals. In my time, I have taught archery for many years. Two of the girls that I introduced to archery have actually competed in the Olympics. I was not their coach, I just introduced them because they were friends of my daughters and fell in love with archery. One was an alternate and the other won a bronze medal, many years ago now. I would love to see one of the girls from a Girl Scout team compete in the Olympics before I die, which I’m not planning on for a while yet... ...When I visited Camp Perry, I walked down what I would call a Hall of Honor. I saw the Boy Scouts of America awards cabinets. I also knew, at that time, there was no active team, and it was just an honor given to the Boy Scouts. I was saddened to know there were no Girl Scout awards cabinets. Someday, I hope there can be a Girl Scout display case." More at source: https://thecmp.org/girl-scouts-of-northern-illinois-air-rifle-team/

Last year, Sophia a Girl Scout reached her goal of selling official Girl Scout cookies in all 50 states. However this year she has reconsidered because of one of the ingredients - palm oil. “So, palm oil causes 2 percent of major deforestation and climate change,” Sophia said, reciting from memory what she found through online research and books. “Because of palm oil, 1,000 to 5,000 orangutans are killed every year. There are also ties to child labor, human trafficking, and slavery in the harvesting of palm fruit.” Learning all this spurred Sophia to action: “One of our main things in Girl Scouts, it's in our pledge, trying to make the world a better place. And I don’t think that the ingredient in Girl Scout cookies is doing that, so I don’t support it, and I wanted to try to do something else.” Doing something else, in this case, meant baking her own cookies. In January, Sophia went door to door, offering her neighbors a chance to buy traditional Girl Scout cookies, or cookies she would make using her grandma’s recipes and ones found online, in her own kitchen. ...(she) received orders for 44 dozen cookies that would be baked by her — an actual Girl Scout. Both versions carried the same price tag: $5. Before embarking on her rogue cookie sales, Sophia got the okay from her local troop and troop leader, but she didn’t check with the regional Girl Scout council, which coordinates cookie sales. Easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission. (IMHO, we need to make her a member of scouter.com) ... More at source link: https://www.vermontpublic.org/2023-03-08/why-a-cookie-recipe-made-this-nh-girl-scout-go-rogue

Update Feb, 2023: "Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) hired one of their own for the open chief executive officer position, selecting Bonnie Barczykowski who ran the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) council. Her appointment follows the resignation of CEO Sofia Chang. They will transition leadership responsibilities through the month of February, according to an announcement from the organization. She had been with the organization barely one year, joining in January 2022. Chang and Sylvia Acevedo, CEO prior to Chang, had no prior involvement with the GSUSA." Sources: https://www.thenonprofittimes.com/people/girl-scouts-hire-one-of-their-own-as-ceo/ https://www.girlscoutsem.org/en/news/girl-scouts-of-eastern-missouri-ceo-announces-upcoming-departure.html https://www.girlscouts.org/en/footer/press-room/2023-press-announcements/girl-scouts-of-the-usa-announces-new-ceo-bonnie-barczykowski-a-decade-long-veteran-of-the-organization.html

"Elizabeth Ramirez-Washka joined the Duke University Office of Counsel in February 2023 where she advises Duke University and Duke University Health System on matters involving employment and labor law, employment litigation and regulatory compliance." "The BSA originally invited Ramirez-Washka to join the movement as associate general counsel... In 2020, she was named the BSA’s vice president of diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, becoming the first Hispanic woman on the BSA’s executive team." “Scouting has been a great experience — its rich heritage has stood the test of time for more than 110 years,” she says. “It’s been a pleasure and privilege to be part of this incredible organization and help BSA continue to grow and evolve with the changing times — while always holding true to our core ideals and values — such as kindness, integrity, respect, courtesy and care for others. ... “Scouting reinforces the values of your family. You learn how to be a leader, how to deal with conflict and how to understand different perspectives. We need to continue to lead by example and build communities where every person feels respected and valued to Be Prepared to welcome all interested families to take advantage of the many benefits that Scouting provides.” More at sources: https://ogc.duke.edu/profile/elizabeth-ramirez-washka/ https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2023/03/02/catching-up-with-outgoing-bsa-vice-president-elizabeth-ramirez-washka/