Changing My.Scouting Functional Roles

Changing functional roles can only be done by the COR or COR Delegate. The second tab on the Positions Manager page is for adding and maintaining “Functional Roles” like adding a Key 3 delegate or unit Training Chair. The process to assign or edit is a “drag and drop” method by clicking on a person and then dragging them to the position you are adding them to.




Unit Program Planning

To deliver the promise of Scouting, your unit needs a great program. And to deliver a great program, your unit must Be Prepared with a plan. With many units returning to in-person meetings and activities, it is a good time to review upcoming program plans and to plan for the upcoming year.

Your unit’s annual program plan also helps with:

  • Developing the unit budget
  • Setting goals for popcorn sales
  • Recruiting youth – Families like to see what fun activities they can expect
  • Recruiting help – When you know what events are coming up on your unit calendar, you have more opportunity to ask parents to help out with specific tasks

Program Planning Resources




Full-Face Snorkel Mask Use Prohibited

Full-face snorkel masks are combinations of a built-in snorkel with a mask covering the entire face. Due to several unexplained fatalities involving the use of full-face snorkel masks, their use is prohibited in all BSA aquatic activities. BSA is closely following aquatics industry efforts to further investigate the safety of full-face snorkel masks.

Full-face snorkel masks are prohibited in all BSA aquatic activities; all participants should use traditional snorkel/dive masks and tubes.




Scouting with Special Needs: The ISAP & the IEP

What is the difference between an Individual Scout Advancement Plan (ISAP) and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? An IEP is a legal document under United States law. It is developed by a team of school personnel familiar with the student, their parent/guardian, and, as applicable, the student themself. There are legal consequences if any part of the contract is not followed. The ISAP, on the other hand, is not legally binding and should not be viewed as such. An ISAP is developed by the BSA leadership familiar with the Scout, their parent/guardian, and, as applicable, the Scout themself. An ISAP should be only about four pages in length, and it should address the specific items listed on the ISAP form and in the Guide to Advancement.

Can the Scout’s IEP be used to develop an alternative plan needed for the Scout’s success? The two documents are not interchangeable. Some of the information and supports contained in the IEP may help to develop the Scout’s ISAP. Some of the services provided to the child at school may help the Scout when working on rank requirements. But it is important to include only the relevant portions. Those who work with Scouts with special needs and are familiar with IEPs can help to develop the Scout’s ISAP. Please contact your district advancement chair for assistance.




Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Awards

Lifesaving and Meritorious Action Awards recognize registered youth and adults who have performed an attempt to save a life, or to recognize notable acts of service that put into practice Scouting skills or ideals.

Recommendations for any of the awards are submitted by unit leaders to the Council Advancement Committee for review and submission to the National Court of Honor. The awards are:

Lifesaving Awards

  • Honor Medal with Crossed Palms: Awarded in exceptional cases to youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated unusual heroism or resourcefulness in saving or attempting to save a life at extreme risk to self.
  • Honor Medal: Awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated unusual heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at considerable risk to self.
  • Heroism Award: Awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at minimal personal risk to self.

Meritorious Action Awards

  • Medal of Merit: Awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed an act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the wellbeing of others.
  • National Certificate of Merit: Awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed a significant act of service that is deserving of special national recognition.




Outdoor Experience Starts This Saturday!

There is still time to register for Saturday’s Outdoor Experience event at Resolute Base Camp in nearby Bolton, MA. Climb the monkey bridge, shoot BB guns, throw tomahawks or try the orienteering course. There are nine activity areas to explore including cooking, pioneering, navigation, first aid, camping and fire building. There’s plenty to do and outdoor skills to learn under the guidance of a knowledgeable staff.

Outdoor Experience is an activity day offered on select weekends throughout the year. Units can work towards specific advancements and awards while non-Scouts can participate in fun outdoor activities and skills development – all following the latest Covid-19 protocols.

Our first Outdoor Experience was a huge success with Scouts and families and we’re excited to offer our next event this Saturday, June 19.

Learn all about Resolute Base Camp and get registered for Outdoor Experience today: ResoluteBaseCamp.org




Cranberry Harbors District June Roundtable

Here is the link to the June Roundtable presentation slides.  Thank you for participating in our 2020-21 virtual roundtables.  The next district roundtable, opening the 2021-22 program year, is scheduled for September, details on the session (live? virtual? location? etc.) will be provided in August.  I look forward to seeing you then.  In the meantime, have a great Scouting summer.

JuneRT_Slides_Fnal_Post

Cub Breakout Slides




National BSA Member Fee Increase 2021

The national annual membership fee is increasing by $6, about 50 cents per month effective August 1st, because the costs associated with Scouting, including the cost of liability insurance, continue to increase and the organization is not able to subsidize the increased costs as it had in the past.




Multi-Council Membership Kick-off June 10

Learn how to grow your unit in the day of virtual Scouting, expand your program and fund your adventures for free. Since our event is being held virtually we won’t do breakouts, so you won’t miss anything!




Weekend Fun Begins June 19

Climb the monkey bridge, shoot BB guns, throw tomahawks or try the orienteering course. There are nine activity areas to explore including cooking, pioneering, navigation, first aid, camping and fire building. There’s plenty to do and outdoor skills to learn under the guidance of a knowledgeable staff.

Outdoor Experience is an activity day offered on select weekends throughout the year. Units can work towards specific advancements and awards while non-Scouts can participate in fun outdoor activities and skills development – all following the latest Covid-19 protocols.

Our first Outdoor Experience was a huge success with Scouts and families and we’re excited to offer our next event on Saturday, June 19.

Learn all about Resolute Base Camp and get registered for Outdoor Experience today: ResoluteBaseCamp.org