If you have not done so already, please visit www.myscouting.org to set-up your MyScouting account. To do so, you will need your BSA membership ID number (found on your membership card, or just ask me). In MyScouting you will be able to access advancement, training, apply for tour permits, and be a part of the new online Scouting community where you can interact with Scouting volunteers from all over the country. Commissioners can also access the unit visitation tracking system.

Another change that is active now is the new health and physical form. In the past there have been 3 separate forms used for different purposes (Class 1, 2, and 3 forms). A new form, called the “Annual Health & Medical Record” is available now. The old forms will be phased out during 2009, and required effective January 1, 2010. The new form prints out 11″X17″ and can be found at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34605_Spread.pdf. You can also find the FAQs on the new form at http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/Resources/MedicalFormFAQs.aspx.

As the 100th anniversary of the BSA draws increasingly closer, you may have noticed more materials coming from our local council. I urge you to visit our council’s website for the anniversary at http://100years.cfcbsa.org for the most updated information on the celebration here in Central Florida. Also, there is an information session for the National Hall of Leadership on Tuesday, January 13 for any adult interested in learning about this oportunity.

Finally, Happy New Year and I look forward to visiting your meetings this winter!

It is a difficult time in our community and more families are facing difficult circumstances.  Yet, when our Scouts visited their neighborhoods during Scouting for Food, they collected the most food ever!  Our council’s total in that project was 566,000 lbs.  That means that Scouts provided over 1 million meals for those in need, right here in our own community!

At the beginning of the school year we extended a personal invitation to every eligible boy or girl to join a Scouting program.  Eagerly, families signed up their kids as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Venturers.  Over 8,000 new families became part of Scouting this fall!  That means we have 8,000 young men and women right here in Central Florida who will grow up with Scouting values and leadership.  And, statistically, that is 160 more Eagle Scouts in America.

This has been a stunning season for our events.  We had the biggest camporee in our councils history with over 5,000 visitors, complete with a laser show, concert, helicopters, NASCAR cars, and conservation project…and all on the new CFC Scout Ranch.  Our district’s Cub Family Campout was the biggest in our district’s history–over 450 camped at Bulow!  And, it’s been a record-breaking fall for Cub Scout campouts at Camp La-No-Che.  What I’m trying to say is that Scouting is delivering the promise.  Scouts are taking hold of the opportunity to go camping, shoot bows & arrows and BB guns, and face physical and mental challenges in the great outdoors!  I hope your family had the opportunity to enjoy one of these outdoor events.  If not, don’t worry.  We have more events coming this spring!  (Webelos don’t forget Webelos Woods on February 6-8, 2009!)

It’s a busy time of year, and it’s been a busy year for Scouting.  I’m so proud to serve as your executive and to see the outstanding things you’ve accomplished in your packs, troops, and crews.  Thank you for being a part of the Scouting family and for “doing your duty to do your best”.  In the hustle and bustle of your Scout’s program, take a moment to look around and see what we are accomplishing.  We are building the America of tomorrow, because it’s leaders are your Scouts. 

Please enjoy this holiday season, and my best wishes to you and your family!

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:

• ScoutParents Unit Coordinator Fast Start
• Unit Commissioner Fast Start
• Youth Protection Training
• Safe Swim Defense
• Safety Afloat
• Staffing the District Committee
• Weather Hazards

CUB SCOUTING:

• Fast Start: Cubmaster
• Fast Start: Tiger Cub Den Leaders
• Fast Start: Wolf/Bear Cub Scout Den Leaders
• Fast Start: Webelos Den Leaders
• Pack Committee Fast Start

BOY SCOUTING:

• Fast Start: Boy Scouting
• Troop Committee Challenge

VENTURING:

• Fast Start: Venturing
• Youth Protection Training: Venturing Version

A few other tutorials are available (currently only by going to http://olc.scouting.org):

• Generational Diversity
• Den Chief Training
• 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.

The money that your unit (pack, troop, crew, ship, post) accumulates is an asset of your chartered organization.  You’re might be thinking, “Wait!  Our Scouts worked their tails off earning that money.  The organization can’t just say it’s theirs!”.  You may not know that your unit is actually organized as a youth department of the chartered organization.  In fact, all Scouting programs are owned and operated independently  by community groups.  That’s a fundamental aspect of the Boy Scouts of America: creating partnerships with community organizations so that they can deliver a Scouting program that helps them reach their goals.  This partnership is built around the Annual Charter Agreement (you can view this document at: http://www.cpcbsa.org/downloads/forms/pdf/ch_charter_agreement.pdf).  So, the executive officer of the chartered organization becomes the executive officer of your Scouting unit.  This person appoints (or serves himself) a Chartered Organization Representative who is the “Scouting department head” for the organization; communication link and person to ensure charter agreement is being met.  From here you can trace the chain-of-command through the Committee Chairman and Cubmaster/Scoutmaster/Advisor/Skipper, to the unit’s committee and other adult leaders. 

This is all valuable information, but I haven’t answered your question: “How is the money our Scouts earn for Scouting owned by the Chartered Organization?”.  By tracing the chain-of-command in your unit, and looking at the Annual Charter Agreement, you see that your Scouting unit is a part of your Chartered Organization.  Just as a Rotary Club operates an InterAct Club, or a church operates its own youth group, or even a business owner franchises a McDonald’s…your Chartered Organization is the owner/operater of your unit, and your youth are in their Scouting program.  The budget your unit uses, all its fundraising, and its expenditures should be regularly reviewed by the organization for approval.  The money (and assets) are used for Scouting and support of the youth members, but it is an asset of the chartered organization.

So, what does that mean?  It’s very important that all your unit’s assets are handled as assets of the organization, and not as if your unit is its own organization.  Here’s a couple important items to consider:

• How is your bank account set-up?  The account should be set-up using the tax exempt (or other tax ID) of your chartered organization.  The account should be named in recognition of this.  For example, Troop 2 at Green Acres Baptist Church should be set-up as follows: “Green Acres Baptist Church, Troop 2″.  The account and checks need to have the chartered organization named on them.  The physical address on all checks should be the address of the chartered organization.  A leader’s name and address should never appear on checks or named on the account.  It is also very important that an account or check never is represented as the BSA; for example, “Cub Scouts of America Pack 84″ is incorrect. 
• Who are signatures on the bank account?  First, and foremost, the executive officer (pastor, president, etc.) of your chartered organization should be listed as an authorized user for your accounts.  This person should approve all other signatures on the account (or done through the chartered organization representative).  It is strongly recommended that your account is set-up to require 2 signatures on all checks.
• What about vehicles and trailers?  All vehicles and trailers that are primarily used for your Scouting program should be registered in the same way as your bank accounts, “Green Acres Baptist Church, Boy Scout Troop 2″.  The address must be the chartered organization.  Never register vehicles or trailers to an individual or to a personal address.  Insurance should be handled accordingly.
• Who approves money being spent from our accounts?  A yearly budget is set and approved by your committee and the chartered organization.  Your Treasurer is charged with providing regular updates and recommendations on spending.  Small purchases included in the budget (typically under $100) can be approved by the Treasurer.  Larger purchases (above $100) or anything not budgeted should be approved by the Committee Chairman and Chartered Organization Representative.
• How many different bank accounts should a unit have?  One account is sufficient.  There should never be individual accounts for dens or patrols. 
• How much of a balance should we carry from year-to-year?  $0!  Scouting is a nonprofit activity and there should be no surplus from year-to-year.  BSA fundraising policies prohibit raising money for anything beyond budgeted items in the next 12 months; you may not fundraise if there is not a need.  The only exception is for superactivities such as National Jamboree or Philmont.
• Should we provide debit cards for our leaders?  There is no official policy regarding this, but it is strongly discouraged.  The BSA recommends that all expenditures are handled through checks and petty cash; this ensures clear record keeping and accountability.
• “”Scout accounts are the correct procedure, right?  The BSA does not provide specific guidance in any direction regarding “scout accounts”.  Developing a “scout account” program should be a decision made by the unit committee and chartered organization.  If you choose to use “scout accounts”, never lose sight of the fact that your fundraising program should be designed to provide quality program to 100% of your Scouts.  Do not create a situation where there is disparity in the program that Scouts receive.  Your fundraising should focus primarily on funding your unit’s yearly operation, not on money to be spent by a Scout on himself.  If Scouts need assistance with uniforms, activities, or books, contact the district for funding from the United Way.  In addition, “scout account” funds should not be transferred from one unit to another.  If a Scout transfers, his funds should be moved back to the general fund; do not cut a check for personal use or another unit.  The only exception should be if a boy moves from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, or Boy Scouts to Venturing, within the same organization (ie. from Pack 456 to Troop 456).  However, this policy should be approved by the unit committee and chartered organization.

No matter your role in Scouting…parent, leader, chartered organization member…you should be aware of the way we raise money and how we handle it.  Every penny in your unit’s treasury was hard-earned and must be held in the highest regard.  The community has shown their support of Scouting by contributing, and you are a steward of these funds.  By following these guidelines you will protect the funds, and good name of Scouting–and your chartered organization! 

For additional information on the money of Scouting, I strongly suggest the “Funding Your Scouting Program” packet (http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=AUDIO_VIDEO&c3=AV_LEADERS&c4=&lv=3&item=32037) which includes literature and a DVD, and is in stock at the Central Florida scout shops (it is only $1.99).

Thanks for listening and go use that hard-earned money for a great Scouting program!

Way #1: Go to an official Scout Shop! We have 3 BSA Scout Shops in Central Florida. One is located in Melbourne, FL off of Wickham Road, the second at Camp La-No-Che in Paisley, FL, and the third is at our council service center in Apopka, FL. There are also a number of licensed independent retailers (Uniforms & More in Daytona Beach is no longer one of these retailers).

Way #2: Call an official Scout Shop and place your order over the phone! They will mail it directly to your house.

Way #3: Place your order at www.scoutstuff.org. This is also your location for finding address and phone information on the local Scout Shops.

Now you know. And now you can get out there…in your new uniform!

When registering new Scouts, use the New Youth Application. Be sure it is filled out completely (including adult’s employer, ocupation, and email). There are two signatures that are absolutely required on this form: 1) parent and 2) a unit leader. If the application is for a Venturer, the new Venturer must sign as well.

Next, new adult leaders. It is very important that the adult fills out the form completely, including the questions on the side. Don’t forget to list what position the adult is taking in the unit. There are 4 signatures required on this form: 1) applicant, 2) unit committee chairman, 3) chartered organization representative, and 4) district executive. As the application gets approved, be sure each party gets their copy of the registration form (one for each person who signs). A common misconception is about who’s responsibility it is to call the reference; it is the responsibility of the unit committee chairman and chartered organization representative to call the applicants references.

How about a leader who is changing positions mid-year? They must complete a new application.

What about a Scout or adult who are changing units mid-year? They must complete new applications

Another common question is about the fees. Membership in the BSA is $10 per year. Boys’ Life magazine is an additional $12 per year for Scouts and adults (adult registration automatically includes Scouting magazine subscription). However, registration and Boys’ Life are pro-rated and pre-paid at different points during the year. So, registration is $.85 a month and Boys’ Life is $1 per month. January-June you pay from that point until the end of the year. July-December you pay from that point until the end of the next year.

And, did you know that the registration forms are available online? Just go to: http://www.scouting.org/Media/forms.aspx.

So just remember, if there is a blank on a registration form, it needs to be filled out. Don’t forget signatures or leave off information. And, the only way to add or change a registration record is with a brand new application.

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.

The first step in youth protection is to educate all the adults. To be considered a “trained” adult leader in the BSA, you must complete this training component. I strongly recommend that you have all your parents complete it, even if they are not registered leaders. There are two ways that the adult education can be completed. The first, and perhaps easiest, is in the form of an online tutorial found at the Online Training Center: http://olc.scouting.org. The adult training can also be done by watching a video that is available through me, or at the council service center.

A strong part of the BSA Youth Protection process is in educating our youth. This comes in a number of forms including a review of personal safety tips with a parent as a joining requirement (parent’s guide found in front of handbook). But, it is very important that every unit annually reviews the appropriate video with all their youth. There are three videos, each appropriate for a specific age group: “It Happened to Me” for 6-10 year olds, “A Time to Tell” for 11-14 year olds, and “Personal Safety Awareness” for 14-20 year olds. There are faciliatation guides and parent letters available online. These videos are available to be checked out from the district’s library, or can be purchased at a Scout Shop or at www.scoutstuff.org. In addition, I’m available to come and facilitate the program with your unit if desired.

All of the BSA’s youth protection elements are available to the public at large, and the other community organizations, schools, or churchs that you are a part of. The youth videos are available in co-ed formats and commonly used for schools and groups. Again, I’m available to facilitate the program to these groups.

All the BSA Youth Protection information is available in one place online. Simply go to www.scouting.org and click on the to link for “Youth Protection”.

So don’t forget: 1) educate your adults, 2) educate your youth, and April is a great time to do it!

As the Scouting program year comes to a close, please encourage all of your leaders to fill out the progress record for adult leader knots. These are very important recognitions that every single leader needs to receive, and our council pays for the patch and certificate! You can find the forms online at: http://www.scouting.org/Media/forms.aspx. Please include a presentation to the recipients at your next meeting. This also includes the Scouting Veterans pins.

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!