UNIT LEADER TOOLS

These Unit Leader Tools are designed to give you, volunteer leaders, some tools and resources to help you fulfill your role in your unit. One of the best ways you can prepare to be an effective leader is by becoming trained in your position. Check out the resources below to learn more.

ANNOUNCING THE NEW DAN BEARD COUNCIL UNIT CONNECTOR

Those of you that are familiar with the new Cub Scout program may be aware of the new requirements within the optional and required “Adventures”.  One of the required activities to complete Arrow of Light is, “With your patrol, or with your parent or legal guardian, visit a Scouts BSA troop” (Bobcat Adventure, task #7).

To help Cubs visit prospective Troops, we have created the “Dan Beard Unit Connector”, which lists all Packs in the Council, and those Troops that are close to that Pack.  Unit leader, phone number or email, and chartering unit and location are provided. 

Conversely, the time of Cub visitation is also a great opportunity for Troops to recruit prospective Cubs into their respective Troops.  Therefore, the Unit Connector also lists each Troop and those Packs that are close to that Troop.  We encourage Troop leaders to reach out and invite nearby Packs to their Troop meetings.

The Dan Beard Unit Connector is provided as an attached file below.

Those of you that are familiar with the “Be A Scout” website (www.beascout.org) may note that Be A Scout provides similar functionality.  Of course, you may choose to use either or both approaches and each has advantages and disadvantages.  For example, Be A Scout provides mapping features.  Conversely, the Dan Beard Unit Connector provides the most up-to-date names and contact information for unit leaders, which we have found may not be available on Be A Scout.

Cubs can transition to Scouts BSA if they are at least 10 years old, currently in the fifth grade and register on or after March 1st; OR have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old.  Therefore, we hope you will find the attached tool useful as you begin exploring the options for eligible Cubs to join nearby Troops!

If you have any questions on the Dan Beard Unit Connector, please feel free to contact your Unit or District Commissioner, your District Advancement Chair, or the Council Advancement Committee.

Yours in Scouting,

Stephen R. Cammarn
Advancement Committee Chair
Dan Beard Council BSA
stevecammarn@gmail.com

All participants in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting, applicable program literature or manuals, and be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America practices, policies, and guidelines. The Guide to Safe Scouting is an overview of Scouting policies and procedures gleaned from a variety of sources. For some items, the policy statements are complete. Unit leaders are expected to review the additional reference material cited prior to conducting such activities.

From the first knot tied to final hours of service performed, the Scouting experience is a journey like no other. Scoutbook ensures not a moment is missed – tracking advancement, milestone achievements and all the fun along the way.

On my honor I promise to do my best to comply with this Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct while serving in my capacity as an adult leader.

As an aid in the continuing effort to protect participants in a Scout activity, the BSA National Health and Safety Committee and the Council Services Division of the BSA National Council have developed the “Sweet Sixteen” of BSA safety procedures for physical activity. These 16 points, which embody good judgement and common sense, are applicable to all activities.

The current edition of the Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs: Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts. It replaces any previous BSA advancement manuals and previous editions of the Guide to Advancement.

Change is a constant throughout the national level programs, and flowing down this information is essential to ensure quality programs for all BSA youth participants and program participants.

Useful information and practical ideas to help make it easier for youth and adult troop leaders to present Scout meetings that are fun with positive outcomes.

The Den Meeting is the most important part of Cub Scouting.  It is where Cub Scouts build friendships, work together to learn new things, and progress towards earning their common badge of rank.  Serving as a Den Leader is providing an opportunity to make a positive life long impact on your child and others in the den.

A trained leader is knowledgeable and more confident in the role being performed. Trained leaders exhibit a knowledge and confidence that is picked up by people around them. Trained leaders impact the quality of programs, leader tenure, youth tenure, safety, and a whole lot more. A trained leader is better prepared to make the Scouting program all it can be! 

Use these helpful tutorials to navigate training resources within my.scouting.org:

ONBOARDING

Welcome to your new adventure! Your time volunteering in Cub Scouting will be rewarding and fun, and the information here will help you get off to the right start. With the proper training, resources, and enthusiasm, you have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of Cub Scouts.

All units (packs, troops, teams, crews, posts) are required to renew their affiliation with Scouting each year. Through the process, chartering (sponsoring) organizations, youth member and adult leader information is updated as well as registration fees and Boy’s Life subscriptions are collected/paid.

The Program Kickoff will provide the year’s program planning guide and share a number of recent updates, resources, events, and provide information that will aid your unit.

Visit the Unit Resources page for the resources and forms for Program Kickoff including Planning your Program Budget, Program Flyers, and more.