Den Leader Tips & Tricks Videos Rank Overview Den Leader Tips Scoutbook Hacks Scoutbook is the BSA’s online unit management tool and helps Scouts, parents and leaders track advancement and milestone achievements along the Scouting trail. The Den Leader Experience is a web app that makes it easier than ever for den leaders to prepare […]

Den Leader Tips & Tricks Videos Rank Overview Den Leader Tips Scoutbook Hacks Scoutbook is the BSA’s online unit management tool and helps Scouts, parents and leaders track advancement and milestone achievements along the Scouting trail. The Den Leader Experience is a web app that makes it easier than ever for den leaders to prepare […]

The pack meeting brings all of the dens in the pack together for the purposes of recognizing the achievements of the Cub Scouts, communicating information about upcoming events, and providing a program that enriches the Cub Scouting experience.  It helps the Cubs realize their den is part of a larger organization.  A good pack […]

  Select a NewsletterSpring 2021Summer 2021Winter 2021Spring 2020Summer 2020Fall 2020Winter 2020Spring 2019Summer 2019Fall 2019Winter 2019 The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Spring 2021 Scott Sorrels National Commissioner Go Start a Cub Scout Pack What is the most important thing you can do for Scouting? That’s easy. Go start a Cub Scout pack! […]

The Commissioner Newsletter Select a Newsletter Select a NewsletterWinter 2022Fall 2021Summer 2021Spring 2021Winter 2021Spring 2020Summer 2020Fall 2020Winter 2020Spring 2019Summer 2019Fall 2019Winter 2019 The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Fall 2021 Scott Sorrels National Commissioner Culture Matters I recently read about Eagle Scout Nolan Ridgeway’s inspiring hike of 2653 miles along the Pacific […]

The Commissioner Newsletter   Select a NewsletterSummer 2021Spring 2021Winter 2021Spring 2020Summer 2020Fall 2020Winter 2020Spring 2019Summer 2019Fall 2019Winter 2019 The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Summer 2021 Scott Sorrels National Commissioner Why local is the most important The COVID-19 pandemic was tough on Scouting units, especially Cub Scouts (if you find virtual meetings […]

The Commissioner Newsletter   Select a Newsletter Select a Newsletter Fall 2021 Summer 2021 Spring 2021 Winter 2021 Spring 2020 Summer 2020 Fall 2020 Winter 2020 Spring 2019 Summer 2019 Fall 2019 Winter 2019 The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Fall 2021 Scott Sorrels National Commissioner Culture Matters I recently read about […]

The Commissioner Newsletter Select a Newsletter Select a NewsletterSpring 2022Winter 2022Fall 2021Summer 2021Spring 2021Winter 2021Spring 2020Summer 2020Fall 2020Winter 2020Spring 2019Summer 2019Fall 2019Winter 2019 The Commissioner a publication for commissioners and professionals Winter 2022 Scott Sorrels National Commissioner Heart builds relationships, and acting together, it is how we change lives We live in a time […]

The Boy Scouts of America offers on online application process for youth and adults that can be completed from start to finish without a single piece of paper changing hands. This allows prospective members and leaders to register and pay in a way that’s convenient for them, and it creates a more efficient and […]

Back to: Commissioners The Commissioners Newsletter The Commissioners A PUBLICATION FOR COMMISSIONERS AND PROFESSIONALS Latest Editions – Fall 2023 Read More Read More Read More Read More Past Editions Fall 2022 See More Summer 2022 See More Spring 2022 See More Winter 2022 See More Fall 2021 See More Summer 2021 See More Spring […]

[…] challenges of parenting through the COVID-19 crisis. We posed these questions to independent experts on matters related to youth development to help provide some answers to our community. Importantly, these answers are designed to provide information and should not be used to diagnose health conditions. Please reach out to a professional health provider for […]

[…] 2024 Del-Mar-Va Council Rhodesdale, MD Location: Henson Scout Reservation, 5700 Nanticoke Rd, Rhodesdale, Maryland 21659 Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm Cost: $25 Lunch included Courses Offered: Bachelors of Commissioner Science Masters of Commissioner Science Doctorate of Commissioner Science Commissioner of Continuing Education To Register or for more information, visit https://scoutingevent.com/081-CommissionerCollege or contact Mike Gutzat, Dean […]

Engaging Everyone Learning Styles Managing Difficult Conversations Facilitation Beyond Training Facilitating With Questions Patrol Leadership Connections Getting To Know Your Patrol Game Summarizing Your Presentation

[…] council-approved mentor who is a registered Scouter. You may NOT choose your parent or your unit leader. Dr. Sally Ride Supernova Award First-Level Supernova Award for Venturers Complete THREE of the Venturer Nova Awards. (Note: These may be done at any time after becoming a Venturer.) Complete the Venturing Scholarship exploration. (The following requirement was inadvertently left out of the guidebook.) Do ONE of the following: Show that you have had an average grade of B or higher (80 percent or higher) for one term or semester. Show that for one term or semester you have improved your school grades over the previous period. Do TWO of the following: Discuss with your mentor the following situation: Suppose you are writing a research paper and you find a resource in which the author’s words are so perfectly aligned with your perspectives and understanding that you cannot imagine a better way to put it in your paper than to use the author’s own words. How can you handle such a situation while still maintaining scholarly integrity? Discuss with your mentor the following situation: Suppose you are writing a research paper and you find resources with conflicting “facts” and/or conflicting conclusions. What are some viable strategies for resolving these conflicts and deciding which resources are trustworthy? Discuss with your mentor the following situation: Suppose you are writing a research paper and have acquired dozens of resources. How would you keep track of the resources, summarize the salient parts of each resource, and synthesize the collection of resources into a coherent research paper? Get a note from an instructor* of yours that states that during the past term you have demonstrated satisfactory abilities or progress in independently completing scholarly endeavors and proactively seeking help when needed. *If you are home-schooled, you may obtain a note from a counterpart such as your parent. If you are near the end of your current term, you may ask a current instructor. Otherwise, you should ask an instructor from the immediate past term. Do ONE of the following: Show that you have taken part in a scholarly activity (in school or in Scouting) that required teamwork, and discuss with your mentor what you learned about how a team of people can work together effectively, fairly, and efficiently. Find three resources (online, in a library, personal interview, etc.) of expert advice on successful teamwork strategies and discuss with your mentor what you learned about how a team of people can work together effectively, fairly, and efficiently. Do ONE of the following: Write an argument of approximately 500 words that defends or opposes the principle that, “Students should be obligated to report instances of cheating by others.” Discuss this with your mentor. With your crews, another crew, school class, or another peer group, conduct an ethical controversy discussion that addresses the question, “Should students be obligated to report instances of cheating by others?” Using the guidelines found in the “Venturing STEM Explorations” chapter, complete STEM explorations for four of the topics listed above. (Note: These may be completed at any time after becoming a Venturer.) Complete TWO Supernova activity topics, one each in two different STEM areas. Participate in a local, state, or national science fair or mathematics competition OR in any equally challenging STEM-oriented competition or workshop approved by your mentor. An example of this would be an X-Prize type competition. Do ONE of the following: Spend at least one day “shadowing” a local scientist or engineer. After your visit, discuss with your mentor your experience and what you learned about STEM careers. Learn about a career that is heavily involved with STEM. Make a presentation to your mentor about what you learned. Working with your mentor, organize and present a Nova award or other STEM-related program at a Cub Scout den or pack meeting. Be sure to receive permission from the appropriate unit leader, and plan accordingly. If a Cub Scout den or pack is not available, your presentation may be given to another youth group. Review the scientific method (you may know this as the scientific process) and note how scientists establish hypotheses, theories, and laws. Compare how the establishment of “facts” or “rules” using the scientific method differs from the establishment of “facts” or “rules” in other environments, such as legal, cultural, religious, military, mathematical, or social environments. Then do each of the following: Choose a current subject with at least two competing theories on the subject and learn as much as possible about each theory. Analyze the competing theories, decide which one is most convincing to you, and explain why to your mentor. Make a presentation to your mentor that describes the controversy, the competing theories, and your conclusions about how the scientific method can or cannot contribute to the resolution of the controversy. Submit an application to the district or council Nova or advancement committee for approval. Wright Brothers Supernova Award OPTION 1: Second-Level Supernova Award for Venturers and Sea Scouts For those who earned the Dr. Sally Ride Supernova Award as a registered Venturer or Sea Scout. Earn the Dr. Sally Ride Supernova Award while a registered Venturer. Complete ONE additional Venturer Nova award for a total of four. (Note: This may be done at any time after becoming a Venturer.) Using the guidelines found in the “Venturing STEM Explorations” chapter, complete FOUR of the topics listed above. The four topics must be different from those completed while working on the Dr. Sally Ride Supernova Award, for a total of eight different topics. (Note: These awards may be earned at any time after becoming a Venturer.) Complete TWO additional Supernova activity topics, one each in the two STEM areas not completed for the Dr. Sally Ride Supernova Award. (Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Wright Brothers Supernova Award, the Venturer will have completed one Supernova activity topic in each of the four STEM areas.) Participate in a local, state, or national science fair or mathematics competition OR any other equally challenging STEM-oriented competition or workshop approved by your mentor. An example of this would be an X-Prize type competition. (Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Wright Brothers Supernova Award, the Venturer will have participated in two such events.) Working with your mentor, organize and present a Nova awards or other STEM-related program at a Cub Scout den or pack meeting. Be sure to receive permission from the appropriate unit leader. If a Cub Scout den or pack is not available, your presentation may be given to another group. (Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Wright Brothers Supernova Award, the Venturer will have completed two such presentations.) Research a scientific, technical, engineering, or mathematical breakthrough or invention of the past 100 years that has affected our society in a meaningful way. Develop your hypothesis on how this invention might further affect our society during your lifetime. Present either a 30-minute oral report or a 1,500-word written report to your mentor. Submit an application to the district or council Nova or advancement committee for approval. OPTION 2: Second-Level Supernova Award for Venturers and Sea Scouts For those who earned the Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award as a registered Boy Scout. Earn the Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award while a registered Boy Scout. Complete ONE additional Venturer Nova award for a total of four. (Note: This may be done at any time after becoming a Venturer.) The Venturer Nova award completed should be different from the Boy Scout Nova awards previously completed. Using the guidelines found in the “Venturing STEM Explorations” chapter, complete FOUR of the topics listed above. The four topics must be different from those completed while working on the Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award, for a total of eight different topics. (Note: These awards may be earned at any time after becoming a Venturer.) Additional merit badges earned while a Boy Scout may not be used in lieu of the STEM explorations required for this award. Complete TWO additional Supernova activity topics, one each in the two STEM areas not completed for the Harris Supernova Award. (Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Wright Brothers Supernova Award, the Venturer will have completed one Supernova activity topic in each of the four STEM areas.) Participate in a local, state, or national science fair or mathematics competition OR any other equally challenging STEM-oriented competition or workshop approved by your mentor. An example of this would be an X-Prize type competition. (Note: The intent is that, upon completion of the Wright Brothers Supernova Award, the Venturer will have participated in two such events.) Working with your mentor, organize and present a Nova award or other STEM-related program to a Cub Scout den or pack meeting. Be sure to receive permission from the appropriate unit leader. If a Cub Scout den or pack is not available, your presentation may be given to another youth group. (Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Wright Brothers Supernova award the Venturer will have completed two such presentations.) Research a scientific, technical, engineering, or mathematical breakthrough or invention of the past 100 years that has affected our society in a meaningful way. Develop your hypothesis on how this invention might further affect our society during your lifetime. Present either a 30-minute oral report or a 1,500-word written report to your mentor. Submit an application to the district or council Nova or advancement committee for approval. Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Award NOTE: A youth must be a registered Venturer or Sea Scout when this work is completed in order to this award. Third-Level Supernova Award for Venturers and Sea Scouts Earn either the Thomas Edison Supernova Award while a registered Boy Scout or the Wright Brothers Supernova Award while a registered Venturer. Complete FOUR additional Supernova activity topics, one in each of the four different STEM areas. (Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Award the Venturer will have completed two Supernova activity topics in each of the four STEM areas for a total of eight.) Create and propose a new Nova awards topic for any program (Cub Scout, Webelos, Boy Scouts, or Venturing) comparable to the existing Nova awards topics at that program level. Prepare a written outline for this proposed Nova awards topic and submit it to your mentor. With guidance from your mentor, select an area of current STEM-related concern and develop a research project or experiment related to that area. Prepare a one-page written proposal detailing your scientific hypothesis or engineering objective and your proposed experimental methods, which must be approved by the National STEM in Scouting Committee before you begin work (einstein@scouting.org).  This research project or experiment should be challenging and should require a significant investment of time and effort on your part. (A guideline would be approximately 100 hours.) If your mentor is not a specialist in the area of your project or experiment, he or she will solicit assistance from a specialist who to serve as a STEM consultant. Execute the project or experiment. Prepare a complete and well-documented written report AND an oral presentation. Present both to your mentor and your local council STEM in Scouting committee. Submit an application to the national STEM in Scouting committee for approval. A guide to earning and mentoring the Dr Albert Einstein Supernova Award is available (updated 2020 Feb 05).  Supernova Activity Topics Each STEM field—science, technology, engineering, mathematics—offers a choice of three Supernova activity topics. These are two-part, hands-on, high-level activities created to challenge you and help you continue along your STEM journey to excellence. Part 1 involves research, preparation, set up, coordination, and/or organization. Part 2 includes elements such as analysis, reflection, experimentation, design, or invention, and culminates in a report created by you. Click here to get started. STEM Exploration Requirements Science Technology Engineering Mathematics –> The following requirements apply to any specific STEM field of interest chosen by a Venturer or Sea Scout in the course of completing a Nova or Supernova […]

[…] be created and presented in any number of ways. Use your imagination! You may choose from any format below for your report, or you may create a combination of formats. You may create something entirely new as long as your Supernova mentor approves. The objective is for you to communicate to others in a […]

The Boy Scouts of America is committed to creating safe environments for Scouts and leaders. Child abuse is an uncomfortable topic but an important one for us to cover to ensure the safety and well-being of our Scouts. The Boy Scouts of America has partnered with subject-matter experts from the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center […]

Position-Specific (Role-Based) Courses These courses are designed to help Scouters learn how to effectively carry out their Scouting roles. In most cases, completing the course will make a Scouter “trained” for the role(s) covered in the course. Online and facilitated training is offered. Need to know what are the requirements to be trained for […]

The Boy Scouts of America is committed to creating safe environments for Scouts and leaders. Child abuse is an uncomfortable topic but an important one for us to cover to ensure the safety and well-being of our Scouts. The Boy Scouts of America has partnered with subject-matter experts from the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center […]

[…] and presented in any number of ways. Use your imagination! You may choose from any of the formats below for your report, or you may create a combination of these formats. You may create something entirely new as long as your Supernova mentor approves. The objective is for you to communicate what you have […]

[…] us to help us review and plan the future of training in the BSA. Virtual sessions will be identified soon as the agenda is finalized.  A separate communication will be sent out with the various virtual meeting links. Flyer for the Conference is below. PHILMONT TRAINING CENTER IS YOUR PARTNER IN EQUIPPING VOLUNTEERS The […]

[…] at Family Fun Fest have taken their place among the greats on NASCAR Hall of Fame’s website! Check out the fastest, fiercest and flashiest cars at NASCARHall. com/PinewoodDerby500. HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES​ Make your own constellation! Make this awesome constellation projector with items you have at home. Supplies Styrofoam cup A permanent marker A picture of […]

The Boy Scouts of America are committed to creating safe environments for Scouts and leaders. Child abuse is an uncomfortable topic but an important one for us to cover to ensure the safety and well-being of our Scouts and leaders. The Boy Scouts of America has partnered with subject-matter experts from the Barbara Sinatra […]

[…] while you are at Scouting events. Be certain that the event leader knows about all of your current medications. Based on the vast experience of the medical community, the BSA has identified risk factors that could become issues during weekend camping, hikes, treks, tours, or other activities. If you have any of the risk factors on this list, it means that you may have an increased chance of having problems while at a Scouting event. Therefore, someone else, preferably the event leader, should know about your risk status. Completing the Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR), having a discussion with your health-care provider regarding the types of activities you will be participating in, and sharing your current health information with adult leaders who will be joining you on these activities will help to keep you and everyone healthy and safe. Become familiar with the following risk factors to ensure all Scouts and Scouters are prepared. Excessive Body Weight (Obesity) Excessive body weight increases the risk for numerous health problems. To ensure the best experience, Scouts and Scouters should be of proportional height and weight. One such measure is the Body Mass Index (BMI), which can be calculated using a tool from the Centers for Disease Control (Reference 1). Calculators for both adults and youth are available. Adults with a BMI of 30 or greater should consult with their health-care provider prior to participation in Scouting events. It is recommended that youth fall within the fifth and 85th percentiles. Those in the 85th percentile or above are at risk and should work to achieve a higher level of fitness. Cardiac or Cardiovascular Disease These include Angina (chest pain caused by blocked blood vessels or supplying the heart) Myocardial infarction (heart attack) Heart surgery or heart catheterization (including angioplasty to treat blocked blood vessels, balloon dilation, or stents) Stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) Claudication (leg pain with exercise, caused by hardening of the arteries) Family history of heart disease or a family member who died unexpectedly before age 50 Heart failure Smoking Youth who have congenital heart disease or acquired heart disease such as rheumatic fever, Kawasaki’s disease, or mitral valve prolapse should undergo a thorough exam. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Scouts and Scouters should have a blood pressure lower than 130/85. Persons with significant hypertension (>140/90) should be under treatment, which often requires medication, and their condition should be under control. If participating in a Scouting event that is physically demanding, it […]

Read More about the Blackbaud Index of Charitable Giving

Birkholm Direct Mike Birkholm, 818-400-3814 mbirkholm@birkholmdirect.com Haines Direct Peter Forbes, 800-726-9577 pforbes@haines-direct.com Spectrum Marketing Companies Bob O’Sullivan, 603-627-0042 bosullivan@spectrummarketing.com Teuteberg Inc. Chad Carpenter, 800-222-6759 ccarpenter@teuteberg.com     Birkholm Direct direct mail fundraising direct mail fundraising

Bell Fundraising Consultants—Kyrsten Bell 208-867-6443 kyrsten@idahobells.com Over the Edge USA, Inc.—Kevin Meyer 866-434-8776 kmeyer@overtheedgeusa.com TouchPoints—Mike LoPresti 312-772-4675 mike@findtouchpoints.com Woltz & Associates, Inc.—Jonna McGraw 540-342-3560 jonna@woltz.com

[…] values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. We are excited to announce that our Cub Scouting program is now open to boys and girls. By wel coming both girls and boys into the program, even more youth will have access to the character development and values-based leadership that Scouting promises. This webpage is […]

Check out our visualization of Summit Rank recipients around the country! Recipients are mapped by the location of the council headquarters and the size of the Venturing logo indicates the number of awardees from that council. Our list is updated periodically based on the national database of Summit Rank recipients. If you have received your […]

This Adventure is for Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light Scouts as they learn about modular designing and building.   There are no adventure loops or pins to purchase for this adventure.  Requirements & Meeting Plans 3rd Grade-Bear Requirements Bear Den Meeting Plans 4th Grade-Webelos Requirements Webelos Den Meeting Plans 5th Grade-Arrow of Light Requirements Arrow […]

The National Radio Scouting Committee has collected and developed activity items to be used prior to Scouts getting on the air for JOTA or to be used as activities to keep Scouts engaged while waiting in line for one or more radio moments. The first activity item is called “Jamboree on the Air Thought […]