Taughannock District, Baden-Powell Council, BSA
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Roundtable Handouts and Program Resources are available at https://www.TCScouts.org/roundtable.htm

Are you a member of the District Facebook Group? You should be!






















 

Breaking News...

Announcing an Exciting Last-Minute Opportunity for Baden-Powell Council Scouts
to join the Council Contingent going to Scotland in July 2024!

If you know a Boy Scout who will be at least 14 years old as of July 16, 2024, but not yet 18 years old as of July 25, 2024, who would like to spend three weeks Scouting in Scotland next summer, this is his opportunity! We have just had one of the members of our twelve-Scout contingent drop out, which means that we now have an opening for one Scout to join the group.

We will be spending a week touring around Scotland, before spending ten days at the Blair Atholl Scottish International Scout Jamborette in Blair Atholl, Scotland. After the Jamborette we’ll have a day or two of additional touring before we return home.

We’ve been meeting every month since August to plan out the touring part of the trip. So far, our Scouts have decided to spend a few days in the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland, and they’ve added lots of things they’d like to do to a Wish List - castles, boat trips, steam train rides, beaches, hikes, bagpipes - all sorts of things. At our December meeting we’ll sort that down into an itinerary for our week’s touring. If your Scout joins now he’ll still have an opportunity to get his wishes onto the list before the itinerary is finalized.

You can find information about our previous trips on our website at https://www.BPBlairAtholl.org/  and application forms can be downloaded at https://www.bpblairatholl.org/2024/default.htm 

Every Scout who has been on our previous trips, every even-numbered year since 1996, has agreed that this trip is an experience of a lifetime. This is the last chance to join the 2024 group - act now!

2024 Advancement Changes for Scouts BSA

National has announced advancement changes for Scouts BSA, effective in 2024.
For details, see the Advancement Page 

New Advancement Program for Cub Scout Program
Effective June 1, 2024

It’s official! The Cub Scout program will be updated for the 2024-25 program year. Over the past several years the National Cub Scouting Committee under the leadership of past chair Lisa Wylie and current chair Audrey Oakes has identified four areas to improve the Cub Scout program to ensure that it is fun, simple, and easy.

Over the past five years the National Cub Scouting has been working on these updates. These updates are based on feedback from over 23,000 parents and Cub Scout leaders through various surveys and data. Listening to and identify the key opportunities to improve the program the National Cub Scout committee is excited to finally reveal these improvements. Over the past year these improvements have been socialized to thousands of individuals with overwhelming support.

The four areas of improvement are the Bobcat badge, Cub Scout Adventures, Webelos, and Cub Scout Awards.

Bobcat will no longer be a badge that is earned once when a Cub Scout joins. It will become a required Adventure for each rank and earned each year. The requirements for the Bobcat Adventure are different for each grade to make them age-appropriate.

Cub Scout Adventures have been improved to make it easier to deliver the program to multi-rank dens or as a Pack. To earn each rank in Cub Scouting will require a Cub Scout to earn the six required Adventures and two elective Adventures. Required Adventures reflect the aims and focus areas of the BSA. The number of elective Adventures increases.

Webelos and Arrow of Light will be separated. Webelos becomes the 4th-grade program in Cub Scouting. Arrow of Light becomes a stand-alone badge of rank for 5th graders and will no longer be associated with. Arrow of Light will be the program that prepares Cub Scouts to join Scouts BSA.

Cub Scouts Awards will be reimagined as Cub Scout Adventures. Topics like camping, STEM, and range and target sports will remain and are reimagined into elective Adventures that can be used towards earning a badge of rank.

The changes will take effect officially on June 1, 2024.

To read the full announcement, with graphics, see Cub Scout Program Updates Announced | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org)
To keep up to date with the latest changes to Cub Scouts, see Cub Scouts Program Updates Archives | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org)

Boy Scouts of America has a new President and CEO

See below for the announcement.

Boating Safety Course - Ithaca Power Squadron 
Houtz Hall, 2 Lower Creek Rd., Etna NY
December 2nd and 3rd, 2023, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m each day.

See Training Page for details

Scouts BSA - You Love Summer Camp...
How about trying Winter Camp?
ZORT - Zombie Outbreak Response Training
Tuscarora Scout Reservation
February 16-19, 2024

  • Chapter 1 - Arrival - Feb 16 - Fingerprinting, Astronomy, Camp Building, Celebration Bonfire

  • Chapter 2 - Feb 17 - ZORT - Survival Cooking, Matchless Fire Building, Shelter Building 101, Orienteering, Semaphore Signals and Codes, Water Filtration and Survival

  • Chapter 3 - Feb 18 - Into the Unknown - Snowshoeing, Ice Fishing, Animal Tracking, Foraging, Ham Radio, Realistic First Aid

  • Chapter 4 - Feb 19 - Fall of the Fort - Barricade Building, Tower Defense, Last Stand, Fall of the Fort

For Details, see https://scoutingevent.com/368-wintercamp

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Every Cub and Scout deserves a trained leader. The Baden-Powell Council and Taughannock District present training events all year to help you get the training you need and want. Here are the next upcoming training events for you:

  • Boating Safety - December 2-3, 2023 - see Training Page*
  • Okpik - cold weather camping training - January 26-28, 2024*
  • Okpik/Attavik - advanced cold weather camping training - February 24-25, 2024*
  • University of Scouting - March 16, 2024 at TC3 - details to follow - watch this page *
  • Woodbadge - Friday to Sunday, May 3-5, 2024 AND Saturday to Sunday, June 1-2, 2024 at Camp Tuscarora - see Training Page*

See the Training Page or the Baden-Powell Council calendar webpage for details on all training events

2023-24 Program Planning Calendar

Has your unit planned out its calendar for the upcoming Scouting year? If not, you should - "failing to plan is planning to fail". 

While you're doing that, you can start out with these resources: 

  • Downloadable PDF 2023-24 Planning Calendar from National HQ - includes all the major Scouting milestones and also religious holidays and so on. A great resource to add your unit's events onto - you can type right into the days on the calendar. An updated calendar in fillable-PDF format, with District, Council and National dates through the 2025-2026 Scouting Year, will be posted in January 2024. 

  • Taughannock District Calendar page on this website - your resource for all local Scouting events

  • Baden-Powell Council Calendar a/k/a "BlackPug" - most council events will be on the district calendar already, but it can't hurt to check the council calendar before you finalize yours. Also, this is where you can sign up for any council-level events. 

  • Need ideas for your Scouts BSA troop calendar? You can download a list of everything Troop 80 in Cortland did over twenty-plus years from the 1980's to 2004. Of course, it's the Scouts who plan your Troop Calendar, right? Of course, right - and this will give them some ideas to help the troop try some new things. "It's a very fine line between a groove and a rut..."

  • Looking for handouts for District and Council activities which were handed out at Roundtable? See our Handouts and Resources page.

Have you heard about the new Messengers of Peace program? 

The enhanced Messengers of Peace BSA program launched this summer! The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) created Messengers of Peace in 2011, to encourage Scouts around the world to step up and do what they can to make the world a little better. The MoP program falls under WOSM’s Better World Framework.

Messengers of Peace aims to promote a culture of peace and dialogue for mutual understanding, promote service initiatives led by Scouts, support the development of young people affected by conflict situations, provide further connection to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and connect Scouts around the world in a global network of 20 million Messengers of Peace.

WOSM has defined Three Dimensions within which we can build a culture of peace and create positive change in our world today:

  • Personal 
  • Community Based 
  • Collective Results

This page has an introduction to the Messengers of Peace Program (MOP) https://www.scouting.org/international/messengers-of-peace/ 

Scout Life Article on BSA MOP - https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2023/09/14/getting-to-know-the-enhanced-messengers-of-peace-recognition-program/ 

BSA MOP Program Guide https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mnaFC33Hn1XMhcynUgvllGNLaEsALIso/view 

Cub Scout packs can camp up to two consecutive nights
Effective September 1, 2023

Effective Sept. 1, 2023, Cub Scout packs who are conducting their own overnight camping activities may now camp up to two consecutive nights. This is a change from the earlier policy on pack unit-coordinated camping, which was previously limited to single overnight experiences. The updated policy also applies to Webelos and Arrow of Light dens, who can now conduct campouts for up to two consecutive nights.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • What does unit-coordinated camping mean? A unit-coordinated campout is one that is entirely planned and executed by the leaders and parents in a Cub Scout pack, and not by the unit’s district or council. That means the pack or unit adults are solely responsible for organizing transportation and activities at the campout, and ensuring that all BSA rules are followed. This includes having at least one registered adult leader trained in Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) who oversees the planning and is in attendance for the pack campout.
  • What is BALOO? BALOO is a 1½-day course designed to be an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program. It consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight hands-on event. Participants will learn BSA’s Cub Scout-level camping policies along with the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. While only one adult at minimum needs BALOO, it’s a great idea to have multiple adults take it. The more adults who know BALOO, the better!
  • Note: Baden-Powell Council will be offering BALOO training on October 28-29 at Camp Barton and April 20-21 at Camp Tuscarora 
  • What else do I need to do as I plan a unit-coordinated campout? Make sure the location where you will be camping is approved by your local council. If you’re camping at a popular park or public camping area, chances are it’s already approved, but you should check with your local council to be sure.
  • How do councils decide which locations are approved? By using the Pack Overnight Campout Site Appraisal Form. Completion of this form helps your council ensure that the location has appropriate facilities for Cub Scout camping. Units are not allowed to do their own site appraisals. However, if you have a site in mind that is not on your council’s list of approved sites, you can reach out to them and request an appraisal.

- From Scouting Magazine Blog 
https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2023/08/03/coming-soon-cub-scout-packs-can-camp-up-to-two-consecutive-nights/ 

"Welcome" to Taughannock District's new(ish) 
District Commissioner, Clay Converse!

Effective September 1, 2023 (to pick a totally arbitrary date), Clay Converse will be taking over from me as our district's District Commissioner. 

Clay is a 60+ year veteran Scouter, being one of the very few people who have served in all of the Key 3 positions - District Chair, District Executive (both here and overseas in the Transatlantic Council) and District Commissioner. As a youth, he was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Explorer, becoming an Eagle Scout with Bronze Palm and earning his BSA Lifeguard certification. Clay has served as Unit Commissioner, District Commissioner (and ADC) and is currently an Assistant Council Commissioner for Membership. As a Commissioner, he has received the Commissioner's Key, Arrowhead Honor, Distinguished Commissioner Award, Award of Excellence in Unit Service. Clay received his District Award of Merit in 2000 and Silver Beaver in 2017, as well as the prestigious (locally, at least) Patriot Patrol, Old Guard, Dethpicable Order of the Black Duck, Founder's Award, "Honorary Mike" Award, and many others. Other awards include the James E. West Award, Founder's Bar, Emergency Preparedness Award, Professional Training Award and Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow. He has also been active in the Girl Scouts of the USA. 

I'm sure Clay will be a great DC, and I hope you will all offer him as much help and support as you've given me over the last seventeen years. 

Mike Brown, Taughannock District Commissioner for another week. 

National Fees Increased 
Effective August 1, 2023

Effective August 1st 2023 the National Membership Fee for youth members increased by $5 per year and the National Membership Fee for adults increased by $15 per year. Merit Badge Counselors not already registered in another scouting position (Unit or District) are required to pay a national annual fee of $25. The National one-time new member joining fee of $25 for program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts, BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts remains in place. The BSA unit recharter fee which is also a national fee will remain unchanged.

It is important to note the national membership fee, joining fee and then unit recharter fee are all national BSA fees and none of these funds stay with our local scouting program in the Baden Powell Council. These fees are a direct pass though to the National Council to cover such items as enhanced General Liability Insurance, Criminal Background checks on all Adults, and investments in BSA safety resources.

An infographic giving additional information about the new national fee structure and a Frequently Asked Questions document can be downloaded here in PDF format. 

The National Council also announced that beginning August 1st 2023 all new youth and adult members who join Scouting will be enrolled for a 12 month membership cycle and BSA will cease prorating fees. Both youth and adults will pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on their anniversary date. Registered members of the BSA will receive an e-mail notice with the registration renewal link 60 days before the anniversary date they joined Scouting. Unit leaders will receive a copy of the e-mail and should stay engaged in the membership renewal process just like rechartering. We will share additional details on the process when they become available from the National Office.

We recognize these fee increases may be difficult for some scouting families and encourage them to use the annual fall popcorn sale as a way for scouts to earn their own way. We encourage scouting units and sponsoring organizations to help support scouting families in need. Baden Powell council also has funds available to help support scouts and families with the greatest financial needs. If you have a scout that is truly in need please have them contact their district executive to apply for financial assistance.

The scouting program remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in today's youth. Our dedicated volunteers staff and families make scouting possible. Thank you for continuing to make a difference in the lives of the youth we serve.

Ken Bondurant Mary Ann Wilcox Matthew Bull
Council President  Vice President- Membership  Scout Executive/CEO

Additional note: Remember that the Taughannock District has a New Scout Fee Assistance Fund if you have a new member who needs assistance paying that fee. See below for details. 

Scouting is a uniformed organization… Do you need a uniform? 

We can help.  The Taughannock District currently has several experienced men's uniform shirts available for purchase. 
Reserve one now, and pick it up at Roundtable. 

Suggested price: $10 per shirt (new are $30-40) All proceeds go to the District New Scout Fund. 

Contact Mike Homrighaus at mhomrigh@twcny.rr.com 

Scouts BSA Advancement Requirements Updated

See Advancement News below for details

Looking for Recruiting Materials?

Check out https://www.scouting.org/recruitment/ 

Give to Baden-Powell Council while you shop!

AmazonSmile is a program that donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases on Amazon to a charity of your choice. All you need to do is start your shopping at smile.amazon.com. The donation will be made at no extra cost to you

Silver Beaver, Venturing & Sea Scout Leadership, Light of Scouting & Fretwell Awards

Scout Volunteers and Community Members,

The Baden-Powell Council recognizes the efforts and dedication our volunteers provide creating a quality program for our area youth. Please recognize the tireless efforts of our distinguished volunteers. 

The Silver Beaver Award is to recognize registered Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within a council. Introduced in 1931 the award is bestowed upon volunteers who consistently go above and beyond providing exceptional service not only to scouting but to their community.

The Venturing Leadership Award is used In order to recognize Venturing Scouts and Venturing Advisors who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law. To qualify for the award the venturing scouter or venturing advisor should demonstrate outstanding service to both the venturing program and our venturing scouts.

The purpose of the Sea Scout Leadership Award is to recognize Sea Scouts and Sea Scouters who have made exceptional contributions to Sea Scouting. To qualify for the award Qualification to be registered and involved as a Sea Scout or Sea Scouter for at least one year, hold a leadership position or an office at the unit, district, or council level, and show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Sea Scouting and to Sea Scouts.

Named after a Columbia University education professor (who also happened to be the BSA's second Chief Scout Executive), the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award is presented to those who work in education and who follow the BSA's mission "to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law."

Brand New: The Light of Scouting Award. Do you know someone who went above and beyond to keep the light of scouting going during the Coronavirus Pandemic? Someone who improvised, adapted and overcame the difficulty of finding ways to keep the Scouts active? Please consider nominating them for this new Baden-Powell Council award.

Please return all nominations to Baden Powell Council. Please send to the attention of Stacy Hall, Staff Advisor: stacy.hall@scouting.org 

Help with the New Scout joining fee is available

Effective August 1st, 2020, National instituted a $25 joining fee for all new Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Sea Scouts. The Taughannock District recognizes that this fee may pose a barrier to some families, especially in this time of Covid-19 uncertainty. 

The District has established a New Scout fund to help pay these Joining Fees for Scouts who might need help with paying them. The fund was established from the proceeds of the Scouting Memorabilia Sale held in August and from contributions by generous District Volunteers.  The New Scout Fund has been set up at the Council Office, and it is available now. 

If your unit has recruited one or more new boys or girls who have need of assistance with paying the Joining Fee, send an e-mail to NewScoutFund@TCScouts.org and let us know what unit you're with and how many Joining Fees you would need. We can't pay all the joining fees for every new member - there just isn't enough money for that - but we hope that where there is need, we can help. 
A Scout is Trustworthy - if you tell us these boys and girls need help joining Scouts, the Fund is there to help.

Please note: 

  • This fund is only available for units in the Taughannock District. If you're not in the district, talk to your district or council leadership about setting up such a fund for your district or council. 

  • The fund is only for Joining Fees for newly-joining youth. It is not available to pay registration fees in general. 

  • If you are a parent of a newly-joining Cub, Scout, Sea Scout or Venturer and need this help, ask your Pack, Troop, Ship or Crew to make application for the help. Money from the New Scout Fund will only be applied to fees due from the unit, on application by the unit. No cash distributions to units or individuals will be made.   

Coming soon...

Watch the District Facebook group, Council Website and Council Facebook Page. 

Upcoming Merit Badge Sessions

Watch this page and the Baden-Powell Council Calendar for more badges as they are added to the schedule.

What's new?

Roundtable Handouts and Resources are now available online

Check out our Handouts and Resources page on this website!

University of Scouting Resources

Presentations and handouts from the Baden-Powell Council's University of Scouting over the years are now available on an  on-line resource page. Check it out! 

The link to the resources can always be found on our Training page and also on the Council website training page. 

Take a look at the Taughannock District Virtual Patch Collection!

Lots of Scouts and Scouters collect patches - your Webmaster is no exception. 

So, I've started to put up a Virtual Patch Collection for the district. 
It's a work in progress, and will by no means be exhaustive, but it's what I've got.

Click here to get started - or look for the "Virtual Patch Collection" button on the left.

- Mike Brown

Does your Unit have a website or Facebook group/page?

If so, check out the Cub, Scout or Venture/Explorer web page on this site, and if there's no link to your page please send our webmaster an e-mail  so we can let the world know. The more links to your social media, the more likely it is that you'll pick up new members from it!

Advancement and Recognition News

For the most up-to-date Advancement information see our Advancement Page

  • Cub Advancement News: The New Cub Advancement System will take effect on June 1, 2024. To read the full announcement, with graphics, see Cub Scout Program Updates Announced | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org) To keep up to date with the latest changes to Cub Scouts, see Cub Scouts Program Updates Archives | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org)
  • Scout Advancement News: 
    • Advancement Changes for 2023: See the US Scouts Service Project page for complete list and details
      • Rank Requirements: The following requirements have been changed: 
        • Scout: 1(c), 5, 6
        • Tenderfoot: 1(c), 5(a) and (c) 
        • Second Class: 1(b), 2(b) and (c)
        • First Class: 1(b), 2(d)
        • Star:  3 (minor wording change) and 6
        • Life: 3 (minor wording change)
        • Eagle: 3 (minor revision - reordering to move Citizenship in Society with other Citizenship badges in listing)
      • Merit Badges: The following merit badges have had requirements changed for 2023: 
        • American Business (2c) 
        • Animal Science (1, Avian Option a, c, e) 
        • Archery (1a, b, c, d, 3b, 4a, b, c, d, 5ac, 5af1cd, 5bc, 5bf1cd) 
        • Architecture (1b) 
        • Composite Materials (1c 3a) 
        • Cooking (2c, d, 4a, 5b, d, e, g, 6a, f) 
        • Cycling (1a, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Option A a1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Option B a1, 3, b1, 2, 3, c, d, e) 
        • Digital Technology (3a, 3e, 4a, 5a, 7c) 
        • Disabilities Awareness (6) 
        • Emergency Preparedness (3) 
        • Environmental Science (3, 3f2, 5) 
        • Family Life (6b1, 2, 3) 
        • Farm Mechanics (1d) 
        • Game Design (1b, 5b, 8a, b) 
        • Genealogy (1a, b, c, 4a, b, c, d, e, 8b, c) 
        • Geology (5d2) 
        • Golf (3, 7g) 
        • Hiking (2a, b, c, 4, 5) 
        • Inventing (6b) 
        • Mammal Study (3a, b, c) 
        • Nature (4g2, 4h1, 6a, b) 
        • Personal Fitness (4d) 
        • Plant Science (8 Option 3 Field Botany A2, B, F1d, F3c1, 2, 3) 
        • Programming (1b, 3a) 
        • Reptile and Amphibian Study (3d, 5) 
        • Salesmanship (2b, 2d, 3, 4, 6a3) 
        • Small-Boat Sailing (6i, j) 
        • Snow Sports (2b, 7 Downhill a, h, i; Cross country a, b, d, i; Snowboarding i, k; Snowshoeing e, i, j) 
        • Sports (5) 
        • Swimming (5a)
    • Advancement Changes for 2022: The following changes were announced in June 2022: 
      • Minor Modifications to Scouts BSA Rank Requirements: 
        • In 2021, all outdoor-related rank advancement requirements were reviewed and realigned based on guidance from the National Outdoor Ethics and Conservation Subcommittee. These adjustments will help more effectively build a Scout’s outdoor ethics knowledge and align with the information in the Scouts BSA Handbook and Fieldbook. The requirements now build in a logical way through the ranks, with Leave No Trace (LNT) and the Outdoor Code (OC) used as references throughout. Beginning August 1, 2022, these modifications to the Scouts BSA requirements for the ranks of Scout through Star will take effect. Scouts may continue using the existing requirements for the rank on which they are currently working, or they may choose to use the new requirements. Scouts must use the new requirements once they advance to their next rank. 
          The specific changes are detailed at  https:// www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2022-Scouts-BSA-rank-requirements-side-by-side
        • On January 1, 2023, all Scouts must use only the new requirements. 
      • New videos were created to support “Personal Safety Awareness” (chapter 13) of the Scouts BSA Handbook. These can be used as an alternative to earning the Cyber Chip. 
      • Citizenship in Society Merit Badge became an Eagle Required merit badge on July 1, 2022. 
    • The age for joining Scouts BSA was revised in April 2022. Youth may join 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; OR 
      • are age 11 but have not reached age 18. 

      Prior to this change, new Scouts had to have completed fifth grade. Now, fifth graders can join in March, allowing the new Scout to have a few month's experience in Scouting before they go to summer camp for the first time. 

    • BSA introduces new merit badges from time to time:  watch our Advancement page for details as they become available! The most recent are:

      • Citizenship in Society became required as of July 1, 2022.  See the Advancement page for details. 

      • Health Care Professions replaced Medicine, effective December 31, 2021. See the Advancement page for details. 

    • As of March 1, 2022, all temporary changes made to Scouts BSA advancement requirements to address the COVID-19 pandemic expired, and the standard rules for Scouts BSA advancement once again apply. This includes deferment of some swimming requirements for First and Second class, virtual activities for Tenderfoot, Second and First Class, and requirement 9b of the Camping merit badge.
    • Extensions of time for Eagle, Quartermaster and Summit Awards - as of January 1, 2021, these may be granted by the local council. See the Advancement page for details. 
    • Life to Eagle Training will be offered at several roundtables or by request from the Advancement Committee (Advancement@TCScouts.org) throughout the year. See the Advancement Page for details.  

  • Venturing Advancement News: 

    • Certain restrictions regarding prior credit for Venturers have been changed. Effective immediately, Venturing Advisors have the discretion to give a Venturer credit toward Venturing award requirements for work previously completed by the Venturer while a registered member of a Scouts BSA Troop or a Sea Scout Ship. This change aligns the Venturing advancement program with the Scouts BSA and Sea Scouting advancement programs.  Under the current edition of the Guide to Advancement and the latest printed edition of Venturing Awards and Requirements, a Venturer was required to complete all work on Venturing awards while registered as a Venturer, and Venturing Advisors were not permitted to give credit toward Venturing award requirements for work previously done by a youth in Scouts BSA or Sea Scouts. Neither Scouts BSA nor Sea Scouts have these same restrictions. Except as stated in the temporary transition rules covering first-time members entering Scouts BSA after February 1, 2019, in both Scouts BSA and Sea Scouts, unit leaders are currently able to consider work done in any program when giving credit toward completion of rank or award requirements. To improve consistency within the three programs and to encourage membership in Venturing Crews, Venturers may now receive credit toward Venturing ranks and specialty awards for work completed while registered in a Scouts BSA Troop or a Sea Scout Ship.

    • Another recent update to the Venturing Program is also intended to improve consistency among the different programs within Scouting. Since the adoption of the ALPS model, the Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder and Summit awards have been referred to as core awards and not as ranks. The National Venturing Committee is also pleased to announce that effective immediately the Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder and Summit awards will be referred to as Venturing ranks. The Quest, Ranger, and Trust Awards will remain as part of the Venturing program as specialty awards and are not considered Venturing ranks.

For the latest news, see National's Program Updates page

District News

  • Help Wanted - Experienced Scouters wanted for Taughannock District Committee positions. Long hours, no pay, great job satisfaction. This opportunity won't come again (until next week), so act NOW! Openings in:

    • Activities (Cub, Scout and Venturing)

    • Advancement (Cub and Scout)

    • Finance

    • Membership

    • Training

    • Commissioner Corps - we can use several Unit Commissioners, also New Unit Commissioners are needed to make a three-year commitment to help newly formed units succeed. We're also looking for someone who would be willing to take on the District Commissioner role in a year or two - sign up as an Assistant DC now, and move up when you're ready. 

For more information, and a list of available positions, see our "Help Wanted" page!

 Contact the District Key 3 if you're interested or know someone who would be interested! 

Council News

See the Council Website at https://www.bpcouncil.org  

National and International News

Boy Scouts of America Selects Roger Krone
as New President and CEO

Irving, Texas (November 3, 2023) — Following an extensive selection process, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has chosen Roger A. Krone to serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Krone recently retired as the Chairman and CEO of Leidos, a $15 billion Fortune 250 government technology solutions firm where, in nine years of leadership, he and his team nearly tripled revenue and more than doubled the workforce.

An Eagle Scout who spent summers at Scout camp and Philmont Scout Ranch, Krone regularly applied the lessons he learned in Scouting during an engineering and aerospace career spanning more than 45 years.

“As a life-long Scout, the opportunity to lead the Scouting movement represents the perfect capstone to a long and fruitful career and a chance to give back,” said Krone. “The program was a big part of my life and the lives of my children. I want to make sure every child has an opportunity to have that same amazing experience.”

Prior to his work at Leidos, he held leadership roles at some of the most prominent aerospace companies in the world, including serving as President of Network and Space Systems at Boeing. An inspiring leader with a passion for people, Krone has a strong track record of uniting teams under a shared vision to achieve operational excellence – even amidst organizational challenges and societal change.

“Roger Krone has spent his entire career transforming complex businesses and preparing them for what lies ahead,” said Brad Tilden, who serves as the BSA’s National Chair. “His experience, combined with his personal passion for Scouting, will enable him to look at a familiar organization in new ways and find innovative approaches to welcoming more youth into the adventure of Scouting. Our movement could not be more excited to welcome him as our new leader.”

Krone earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Graduate School of Business. A Six Sigma Green Belt, he is both a licensed commercial pilot and a certified public accountant. He is also a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

The BSA’s CEO search process began in the spring of 2023 with the selection of global organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry, which used a robust and inclusive process involving a range of BSA stakeholders. This group, which included representatives from throughout our movement including youth, Scout executives, and BSA alumni, was tasked with providing feedback to inform the search. In late October, the CEO Selection Committee unanimously selected Krone to present to the BSA’s National Executive Committee and National Board.

Krone, Tilden and National Commissioner W. Scott Sorrels will work together as the BSA’s “National Key 3.” The trio, consisting of two volunteers and one professional, make up the organization’s highest level of leadership at the national level.

Krone follows Roger C. Mosby as the 113-year-old organization’s top administrator. Mosby, who was appointed in December 2019, recently announced his retirement, effective November 8, 2023.

“On behalf of the entire Scouting movement, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Roger Mosby,” said Tilden. “Leading the restructuring process was exceptionally challenging, and Roger demonstrated unwavering determination and resolve throughout. We will never be able thank him enough for what he’s done for Scouting.”

BSA Bankruptcy Plan has been approved

For the most up-to-date information, see https://www.bsarestructuring.org/ 

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