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IMHO, rather than repeating the same YP content year after year after year after year, why not build and expand our knowledge and skills in protecting youth. According to the Mental Health First Aid Organization, the course, titled "Youth Mental Health First Aid," is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. It introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and noncrisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders. “Everybody should be trained,” Carolyn Griess, assistant teaching professor in Penn State said. “Parents, friends, teachers, clergy, scout leaders, anyone who interacts with youth. Some schools train their janitors, their cafeteria workers.” https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/take-a-course/find-a-course/ https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ https://news.psu.edu/story/594703/2019/10/24/academics/new-course-offers-tools-address-youth-mental-health-crises

Last year on this day, our Troop lost a scout to Suicide. This could have absolutely destroyed our Troop, and we lost some, but that is ok. The majority rallied around each other, and stood strong. I'd like to tell you, that was a hard day for us, and myself. I personally called every parent and let them know before they found out from another source. Bad news travels fast. The lessons I learned when my best friend died of suicide a decade ago helped me to help these guys process their feelings. We brought in a counselor for them all. Anxiety induced depression, depression, or who knows... these all can be dangerous. Keep an eye on your scouts. Talk with them, let them tell you whatever they need to get off their chest. Be there for them. Some kids really feel they can't talk to parents. Ask me questions if you like. I'd like to offer my services to others where I can. Its not a fun topic, and it hurts, but talking can save someone.