As the Boy Scouts of America enters its second century, I often hear about how we need to be sure to “keep up with the times”. You may not know that the BSA has been working hard recently to be an example for smart ways to use new technology. Here are some that can be great tools for you:
RSS Feeds. First, what’s an RSS feed? This is a way to “subscribe” to a regularly updated internet-based item. They could be blogs (web-logs), podcasts (an audio or video clip), or news stories. For example, this blog you are reading is available as an RSS feed. You can think of it as web-based syndicated content. There are currently 3 RSS feeds available from the National Council: Cubcast (a podcast for Cub Scouters), National Commissioner’s Podcast (for commissioners), and the “What’s Hot” news. You can find these at www.scouting.organd clicking on the RSSlink beneath the main story picture.
Now that you know what an RSSfeed is, and where a few useful ones are, what do you do with it? You can receive it through an RSS aggregator or include it on your unit’s website. Many web browsers include a feature to automatically subscribe. For example, Internet Explorer 8 will light up the RSS feed button when one is available, click on it to add the feed to your favorites; favorites will alert you when there is a new update.
On-Demand Communication: Recent surveys of professional Scouters and Scouting volunteers has indicated, overwhelmingly, that our organization has been focused too much on top-down communication (“What are they telling me to do?”). Our entire organization is moving to a different method of communication that enables you to access the information you want, when you want (“What can they do for me today?”). Beginning with the 100th anniversary programs and committees, new websites are being designed to allow for access to documents, editable files, and forums. Stay tuned for some exciting new things!
Geocaching: When I was growing up (admittedly, not long ago) one of the most exciting Scout activities I participated in was orienteering: a team-sport traveling a course using a compass and instructions. Technology has enabled a new evolution of this activity: geocaching. Geocaching is a sport that involves using a GPS to find hidden treasures (caches). You can use this activity to create new enthusiasm with your Scouts and to improve retention, advancement, membership, and public relations. Plus, next fall the BSA will be introducing a 100th anniversary program called “Get in the Game”, a nationwide geocaching game.
MyScouting:Last year, the Boy Scouts of America introduced a new online presence called MyScouting. All Scout volunteers can create a MyScouting account tied to their BSA membership ID. After logging in, you can update your address and contact information. Some other features include registering for national events, applying for local tour permits, and a portal for the advancement, rechartering, and e-learning centers. Coming soon is the Scouting Community, where all adult leaders can blog, join a discussion forum, e-mail friends, listen to podcasts, view videos, and generally communicate about Scouting. If you have not created your MyScouting account yet, please visit www.myscouting.org today to do so.
E-Learning:The Boy Scouts of America continues to offer more adult leader training online, and update the existing sessions. Accessible through MyScouting (or at http://olc.scouting.org, but MyScouting account will still be required), online tutorials and training is available in several areas. Here is what is currently available:
GENERAL SESSIONS:
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ScoutParents Unit Coordinator Fast Start
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Unit Commissioner Fast Start
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Youth Protection Training
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Safe Swim Defense
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Safety Afloat
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Staffing the District Committee
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Weather Hazards
CUB SCOUTING:
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Fast Start: Cubmaster
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Fast Start: Tiger Cub Den Leaders
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Fast Start: Wolf/Bear Cub Scout Den Leaders
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Fast Start: Webelos Den Leaders
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Pack Committee Fast Start
BOY SCOUTING:
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Fast Start: Boy Scouting
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Troop Committee Challenge
VENTURING:
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Fast Start: Venturing
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Youth Protection Training: Venturing Version
A few other tutorials are available (currently only by going to http://olc.scouting.org):
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Generational Diversity
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Den Chief Training
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Venturing Crew Orientation
Halifaxbsa Yahoo! Group: For several years, the Central Florida Council has been utilizing Yahoo! groups for more effective direct communication to parents and leaders. We are beginning to utilize some additional features of this group including the polls. Please respond to these polls (currently 3 listed). We will be using this data to change the way we do things and better serve you.
The Blog You’re Reading:This blog you’re currently reading is a technology tool for you, too! Instead of a static newsletter article or web page listing, you have the ability to ask questions, comment, and voice your opinion on items. I strongly encourage you to use the comment feature of this blog to ask immediate questions; I will respond promptly and it will help clarify and provide better information to adults. Please voice your support for discussion items, or suggest a “best-practice” or idea. The idea is to give clear information and improve the way we do things in all areas of Scouting.
Scouting is a constantly changing movement. Staying true to our core values, the Scout Oath and Scout Law, we are always looking for better ways of accomplishing our mission. Technology will play an increasing part of that. As our Chief Scout Executive recently described, we can’t be that 1955 Chevrolet any more. We need to be faster, sleeker, and more efficient. We need to be the 2009 Corvette. Utilizing new media and new technology will get us there.
A final note: If you need any assistance with the technology associated with Scouting–podcasts, blogs, etc.–please let me know and I will help you utilize these tools.
