ATVs at Cherokee Summer Camp 2020

Opportunity to Serve on New Council Committee for ATV Program

As part of the Summer Camp 2020 program, Scouts 14-years-old and older will have the opportunity to complete the ATV Safety Institute’s ATV RiderCourse. The goal is to teach Scout’s how to have fun riding ATVs safely.

Through a partnership with Polaris, we have six Phoenix 200’s for Scouts to use while completing the course.

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Congrats on the early successes of Popcorn Show & Sell!

Trail's End Rewards Ordering Starts October 28

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BSA National Criminal Background Re-Checks FAQ

1. Is the BSA doing credit checks on volunteers?

No. The BSA will only use these signed authorization forms for approval to obtain a criminal background check. State and federal laws regulating background checks and consumer credit checks require that both items be mentioned on the form since a full background check includes both parts. Again, the BSA is only using this form for authorization to obtain a criminal background check.

2. Why is this being done now?

Starting in 2020, rechecks will be performed every five years, but it will take several years to recheck all leaders. Unfortunately, technical limitations and changes in the law over the last five years prevent us from using existing authorizations from older applications. As such, new disclosure had to be sent and new signed authorization forms obtained. Rechartering provides the best window to collect and verify they have been received before the council processes the recharter application.

3. What about volunteers that are not registered with units?

All currently registered adults and employees who have not had a criminal background check in the last five years will be rechecked. Council registrars will individually track district and council registered employees and leaders. (That should also include merit badge counselors). Those registered only at the National Council level will receive instructions on where to submit their authorization forms.

4. What about those who did not get the forms by e-mail?

Councils were provided with advance instructions on how to ensure every volunteer receives this information. They have the forms, which should be printed and passed out at roundtables or other meetings. It is important that each volunteer receives both the disclosure form as well as the authorization form. However, only the authorization must be turned in with the charter renewal form for units. District and council volunteers should submit the authorization to the council service center unless the council issues other instructions.

5. What about those with multiple registrations?

Only one authorization form per person needs to be collected and retained by the council.

6. What happens if a unit leader does not provide an authorization?

Leaders who do not provide new authorization will not be able to renew their registration. Council registrars should be instructed not to renew any adult without first confirming that a new signed authorization form is on file at the council service center.

7. Why can’t the volunteer just reply to the original e-mail and attach their signed authorization form?

The best way for us to ensure compliance is to require that the council registrar verify that a signed authorization form is physically in hand before processing a unit’s recharter. This removes much of the potential error and associated penalties that could result from other methods. We recommend that the registrar retains background check authorizations forms in a separate straight alphabetical file separate from your current background authorization file. This will facilitate the process of ensuring that a current form is on file at the council service center before posting their registration.

8. Are there different forms for different states?

Federal and state laws prescribe what must be in the disclosures and how they are to be provided. A form compliant with federal and various state laws was sent to all volunteer leaders except those in California. Leaders with a California home address or whose council territory includes California received California-specific forms due to the specific requirements of California law.

9. Can the council accept a faxed copy or scanned copy sent via email of the signed authorization?

Yes, so long as it is legible and is sent by the individual who signed it. It must be printed and saved the same as an original.

10. Can the council accept an electronic signature?

Digital signatures from third-party providers are acceptable. They must be printed and stored the same as the original. E-mail confirmations, permissions or typed names on the form are not acceptable substitutes for wet signatures.

11. What about unit renewals that have already been processed or will not recharter until after January 1?

For unit renewals that have already been posted because the unit renewal date was prior to the email notification or the unit renewal date is after January 1, authorization forms still need to be collected as soon as possible. All new authorization forms should be received by December 31, 2019.

12. Can the council require the forms be collected at the unit level and not sent to the council service center?

Yes. The council can require the forms be collected at the unit level or by a designated unit representative.

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Volunteer Resources

New Youth Safety Webpage This new Youth Safety webpage offers an easy-to-navigate overview of our youth protection program using language and visuals that help the general public or those who are new to Scouting understand what the Boy Scouts of America does to help keep kids safe. This webpage does not replace the pre-existing Youth Protection webpage; instead, it offers an overview of our policies in a simplified version for those who may not be familiar with our terminology our program details. It also features expert testimonials, access to our Youth Protection Training, clarification of top misconceptions and a summary of BSA’s commitment to being part of a broader solution to address child abuse. We will continue to update the page as opportunities arise, but we encourage you to visit and share this as a resource when asked about BSA’s youth protection efforts.
This Site Shows the Many Scholarships Available for Scouts There are multiple scholarships listed on the new site with information on how Scouts can apply for them. Read More
Guide to Safe Scouting News The HTML version of the Guide to Safe Scouting has been updated. The effective date of the changes is October 1, 2019 giving you time to communicate the changes to your Scouting families. A pdf version of the current guide dated January 2019 is available now.
Four Steps to Support a Successful Join Scouting Night Follow-Up Event There are families who may need another Join Scouting Night opportunity.  Here's how to help them. Read More	Event Will Help Families Who Are New to Scouting and Want to Camp Some families may need a little extra guidance when it comes to camping, and this event can help. Read More
We're Calling on All Scouts to Rally Against Bullying on October 16th On October 16th, Scouts can wear their uniforms to help show they stand together against bullying. Read More	How Scout Units Can Help Recognize Hispanic Heritage Month As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, Scout units can find ways to recognize this important time.  Read More

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Eagle Scout College Scholarships

Each year, the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) awards about 200 college scholarships to Eagle Scouts. The application process is online only, and applications may be accessed Here. The application period is August 1st to October 31st. Scholarships range from $1000 to $50,000. Please share this information with deserving Eagle Scouts from your troop who are headed off for college in 2020.

 

 

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Donate to Scouting Today!

 

With the loss of all funding from the United Way of Greensboro this year ($76,000), your investment to continue to deliver life-changing programs to more than 8,600 Scouting youth in the Triad is needed more than ever!
If you haven’t had an opportunity to participate in “Friends of Scouting” this year at your Pack, Troop, Crew, or Sea Scouts meeting, please take a moment to do so now.
Thank you in advance for your support.
 

 

 

 

Scouting Provides Quality Time for Families and a Place to Call Home

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Calendar of Events

 

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Can’t make it the Scout Shop?
Let the Scout Shop come to you!

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