Setting the Stage

During this time of year there tends to be a lot of transition of leadership in our Scouting programs, especially in Cub Scout packs. There are a number of things that all Scouting units can do to set the stage for the next program year.

Recognize your leaders! Please be sure your adults are getting their knots. Cub Scout adults should earn a knot almost every year, and Boy Scout and Venturing adults should earn them every few years. The awards are free, just fill out the form and return to the council. The forms are called “progress records” available at: http://www.scouting.org/Media/forms.aspx.

New leaders should complete training very quickly. Fast Start and Youth Protection Training should be completed withing 72 hours, and can be done at http://olc.scouting.org. Two in-person sessions should be completed quickly afterward: “New Leader Essentials” and “Position-Specific”. These trainings are done regularly within our district, and frequently around the council; it is not necessary to attend a training done within your own district. Information on district training is available on the district’s website: http://halifax.cfcbsa.org, and the council’s training page is: http://training.cfcbsa.org. These sessions are always free. The next local Halifax session is “Cub Scout Position Specific” and will be held on Monday, May 5 at Grace Episcopal Church in Port Orange. For information, contact Cindy Miller at cmill112@hotmail.com.

Another important step to getting ready for next year is having a calendar and budget set well in advance. Our district will be holding a workshop to help acheive these goals. It’s called Ideal Year of Scouting, and will be on Monday, June 30 at Grace Episcopal Church. Everyone, rookie or veteran, from your unit should plan on attending this fantastic workshop. More details will be on the district website soon.

Those three things are the legs of the stool for your unit’s preparation: recognize your current leaders, train your new leaders, and prepare your calendar and budget smartly.

Scouting is Year-Round

One of the most unique things about the Scouting movement, is that it is year-round.  While sports and most clubs have their seasons, Scouting never stops!

As adult participants in Scouting, it is our job to keep the program going during the summer.  Cub Scout parents should be sure that their pack is actively working on the Summertime Pack Award (http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33748.pdf).  And, every Cub Scout should enjoy a week at day camp.  Our district will be holding day camp on June 9-13 at Spruce Creek Park.

Boy Scouts and Venturers enjoy a week-long outing during the summer.  No matter where they go, summer camp is the most important thing that these Scouts can do all year.

The summer is also a very important time for planning and preparing.  Special focus on calendar planning, leadership development, and budget preparation will make your unit much, much stronger.  You can start by having your parents and committee attend the Ideal Year of Scouting workshop.

Please be sure that your Scouts are getting the best summer program they can get!