RememberSchiff

I like their initiative. Since newbies in the woods have been known to underestimate their situation, it will be interesting to see how this helpline further develops. Will there be functionality to directly connect to emergency services? Imagine if RoadRunner Patrol got a text, Family 2.3 miles NW of you needs water, Can you help?

Note: As I understand, this was NOT a Scout group - RS "The Santa Paula Canyon trail is a six-mile hike in Ventura County, with an elevation gain of more than 3,700 feet. A local hiking website describes the terrain as rugged and difficult. The "Last Chance" portion of the canyon is a trail that connects the Santa Paul Canyon section to another hiking path, and has another high elevation gain. The "Last Chance" trail is about seven miles long. " Ventura County Sheriff Office Narrative: On May 12, 2023, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Upper Ojai Search and Rescue (SAR) Team located and came to the aid of 10 missing hikers near the “Last Chance” area of the Santa Paula Canyon. On the above date, at approximately 8:00 P.M., Ventura County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a text message from a group of ten hikers who were unable to find their way back from the Santa Paula Canyon. These hikers were able to contact Ventura County Sheriff’s Dispatch through the Apple Emergency SOS feature and provided valuable information such as a possible location and if immediate medical aid was needed. Additionally, guardians for the 10 overdue hikers contacted Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies near the trailhead to report the subjects as missing and possibly in need of assistance. At approximately 8:30 P.M., the Upper Ojai Search and Rescue (SAR) Team was activated and immediately responded to the Santa Paula Canyon Trailhead. A total of 13 SAR members responded to locate the missing hikers. SAR team members hiked approximately 4 miles into the Santa Paula Canyon to locate the 10 missing hikers. SAR team members were faced with low visibility, multiple stream crossings and trails that had been previously damaged from the heavy rains. At approximately 11:15 P.M., SAR team members located the 10 missing hikers. Most of the hikers were not prepared for the hike and were provided with food, drinking water and lighting equipment as they were led out to the Santa Paula Canyon Trailhead. At approximately 2:40 A.M., SAR team members returned to the Santa Paula Canyon Trailhead with the 10 missing hikers. The hikers were reunited with their guardians and fortunately did not require any medical aid. The Upper Ojai Search and Rescue (SAR) Team consists of approximately 28 volunteers skilled in search and rescue operations in mountain, canyon and urban settings. The team volunteers on average 4000 hours per year on searches, rescues, training and public events. More at Sources: https://nixle.us/EFS8X?fbclid=IwAR1FiFH_ek8dvpow51YS-edQqFypPz8WsBG5q1h9s_3lhYB-tFLDxIK2zoM https://www.cbsnews.com/news/10-missing-hikers-rescued-from-california-canyon-thanks-to-apple-sos-feature/ https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/10-teenage-hikers-ojai-iphone-sos/ https://www.conejovalleyguide.com/dosomethingblog/the-punch-bowls-in-santa-paula#:~:text=The Santa Paula Canyon Trail,4 to 6 hour excursion. https://www.hikelospadres.com/last-chance-trail.html#.ZGTVOOzML0s https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208076

CALL SCOUTS CANADA FOR TIPS TO QUELL YOUR CAMPING CALAMITIES In honour of the upcoming epic Canadian camping season, Scouts Canada (the country’s leading co-ed youth organization), is ‘going to the phones’ to help outdoor-challenged Canadians navigate common camping calamities. Starting May 1st, expert advice on the ten top camping conundrums will be available for free, 24/7, when calling Scouts Canada’s ‘Camptastic’ Helpline at 1-844-SCOUT101. “As nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Scouters live for camping, but we recognize that many Canadians may hesitate to benefit from the camping experience due to rusty skills or a lack of confidence,” said Mike Eybel, a volunteer Scouter of nine years with Scouts Canada. “A 24/7 helpline was the quickest, most practical and easiest way for us to support Canadians this camping season, wherever they’re at and whenever they need.” More at source: https://www.scouts.ca/news-and-events/news/2023/05/camping-cluelessness-theres-a-1-844-number-for-that

In the summer of 2017, Eric Valentine recalled that he was volunteering with an eastern Oregon Boy Scout troop when they encountered a group of rafters in need of assistance. Six years later, the 80-year-old retired judge — and former Scoutmaster...was hiking along Hells Canyon in early May and taking photographs when he lost his balance and fell 60 feet down a slope and was in desperate need of help... More details including photos at source: https://news.yahoo.com/60-foot-fall-hells-canyon-100000035.html

Sea Scout Ship Viking (Ship100), a local Sea Scout Ship of the national coeducational program from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) that blends youth boating and leadership skills with social and community service experiences, has been has named the 2023-2024 BoatUS National Flagship - a recognition as the best "ship" (Sea Scout group) in the country. ... Said BSA National Chair Sea Scout Chair Ben Feril, "Sea Scout Ship Viking is outstanding because they ensure every single activity has an element of fun, where Sea Scouts are encouraged to be warm, welcoming, and bring their friends. This is bolstered by a policy of getting on the water every time a prospective new member attends a meeting." Much more at source link: https://www.sail-world.com/news/261774/Whats-the-Best-Ship-in-the-Country Scout Salute,

Could we have this training available online before this summer's scout camps and National Jamboree ?

I think a law enforcement group or professional security firm could produce a leader training video set at a camp and other scout venues. After all there are several basic hidden camera search videos on Youtube. I watched a couple videos about AirBnB and rentals and these points were commonly made: - visual check for anything unusual - check power outlets, lights, and switches - check smoke detectors - check mirrors - darken room, use flashlight to see reflection of camera lens (as mentioned, lenses are getting smaller). Also while dark, use phone camera to detect infrared camera operation. - RF detector phone apps (detect wireless signal) - check devices on camp wireless router Another $0.01,

Good point! On May 4, the FBI and Justice Department notified public media in NJ/NY/PA area with a request to reach victims. In my search, only the home Council to those camps posted a Council website notice some days later, though no doubt they were emailing and phoning when the FBI announced. IMO, given: 1. camp scouts possibly came from different councils and states. 2. the investigation includes Council employee(s) 3. child porn often has an internet component 4. the investigation is being conducted by federal enforcement agencies. FBI and Justice Dept here. Note previously, the Ohio "Aqua Joe" (30 years sentence) case was handled by Homeland Security, and there was another scout abuse case(s) by Secret Service. The National Youth Protection Executive and his staff should be directly involved and responding. As I understand Mr. Pounder has experience with 3 and 4.. This is a time to rethink National and Council roles. I would like to see a uniformed Council SE in court sitting with victim families. NCAP changes, follow-up inspections? My $0.01

From https://quivira.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2023/05/Program-Fee-FAQ-5-4-23.pdf • Although collected locally, the annual BSA fee of $75 per youth and $45 per leader goes entirely to the National Council. These national rates will significantly increase this fall. Conversely, every dollar of the proposed Program Fee will stay within Quivira Council to support essential services, background checks for leaders, program development, training resources, youth protection and safety, improved IT/digital experiences, deferred maintenance for QSR and services for our Chartered Organizations. • It should be noted that Quivira is not the only Council to introduce local Program Fees. Councils in Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas City, Tulsa and Oklahoma City have already established a Council Fee and are discussing further increases. Des Moines, Mid Iowa Council 2023 Program Fee: Youth: $75 National Registration, $15 Scouts’ Life subscription (optional) , $96 MIC Program Fee, $186 Total or $15.50 per month Adult: $45 National Registration, $15 Scouts’ Life subscription (optional), $87 MIC Program Fee, $147 Total or $12.25 per month 2021 Program Fee Youth: $66 National Registration, $12 Scouts’ Life subscription (optional) , $102 MIC Program Fee, $180 Total or $15.50 per month Adult: $42 National Registration, $12 Scouts’ Life subscription (optional), $90 MIC Program Fee, $144 Total or $12.25 per month

May 9, 2023, Patriots' Path Council's 8 page response: https://ppcbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/FBI-Investigation-Frequently-Asked-Questions-5.9.23.pdf

Update May 9, 2023: The Logan County Commission purchased the 804-acre Camp Chief Logan boy scout camp at Garrett Fork for $915,000 using money from the Coal Reallocation Fund, which is earmarked for economic development purposes. While there are no immediate plans, Logan County Commission President Diana Barnette said the commission hopes to utilize the massive tract of land for a variety of purposes including boy scouts, girl scouts, 4-H camps, WECAN camps, church camps and trainings for county and local city law enforcement officers. More at source link: https://www.loganbanner.com/news/county-commission-purchases-boy-scout-camp-property-at-garrett-fork/article_d46d47ff-1a34-55c4-a293-ed2656385847.html

Other Scouting Organization Annual Reports: New Zealand (about 11,000 young people) 24 page report has gender demographics, acknowledges major donors, readable financials, board members, no cost of scouting. Impressive. Oh and let's adopt scarf day here! Note: New Zealand Dollar = 0.63241472 US Dollars https://scouts.nz/annual-report-2022/ I will add more as I find them but I am limited to English.

You may need the name of his Scoutmaster and Charter Organization for a Council Eagle search.

According to above change.org petition, "3. A review of the Council’s recent financial statements indicate: A balanced 2023 budget without the inclusion of the program fee, the inability of Brian Nastase (CSE) to cover the cost of his own compensation through fundraising efforts. " Between the United Way fumble and the CSE LinkedIn posts, I can understand leaders and families having questions.

The Quivira Council, which oversees troops in 30 Kansas counties, added the $120 May 1 for new scouts. All the money will go directly back to the local council. “They just said, ‘Here it is,’ and they didn't really tell us why,” one Wichita area scout leader, who wanted to remain anonymous, said. “They said there's a budget deficit and then we asked questions, and we didn't get any answers.” The new fee is on top of the $75 national yearly fee. Leaders told KAKE News there is also a one time application fee to join. Boy Scouts have to buy their uniform, books and pay for all expenses, like food, on camping trips. One man said he thinks the fee will impact recruitment and retention. “There are entire units comprised of underprivileged children, and that's why we're fighting, because we don't want to lose those kids,” he said. More at sources: https://www.kake.com/story/48866183/scouting-should-be-for-everyone-or-new-dollar100-program-fee-for-wichita-area-youth-boy-scouts-causes-concern-for-leaders-parents https://quivira.org/program-fee-2023/ And I recommend reading scout leader petition https://www.change.org/p/opposition-to-the-quivira-council-program-fee

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.