The reality TV show "Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?" will premiere on the National Geographic Channel on Monday March 4 , at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central time. You can find resources like fliers, posters and Web banners to promote the show online here .
The results are in, and it's been another banner year in the BSA's Journey to Excellence. More than 90 percent of our 286 councils earned bronze, silver, or gold recognition in 2012, with 64 percent of councils improving their total points or remaining gold-level performers.
Marketing News: Attend a 'Marketing the Adventure of Scouting' Webinar!
The February issue of Marketing News has been published and is now available online. In this issue, read more about "Marketing the Adventure of Scouting"! 2013 is unofficially dubbed "The Year of Adventure" in Scouting. With the Summit High Adventure Base opening, the 2013 Jamboree in July, Philmont's 75th anniversary, and the new reality TV…
Improve your council's JTE score with the new 2013 Council Toolkit for Success . (Also available at www.scouting.org/jte by clicking on the bullet point in the Scorecard or Council Tools section.) The purpose of this tool is to provide volunteers and employees resources to help them improve the Journey to Excellence score in their service area.
Have you heard about the new MyScouting Tools? The MyScouting Tools recently became available to volunteers and leaders, and many have expressed positive feedback. Designed to encourage volunteer involvement and empowerment, some of the current features available include the ability to update their primary address, phone number, and email address; and the ability to view…
The fall 2012 executive summary and the fall 2012 highlights infographic are now available online. (Go to www.scouting.org/jte and scroll to the Voice of the Scout section, then click the link for Findings and Analysis.)
The Journey to Excellence council dashboard was due to be updated with 2013 data on February 8. However, the 2013 results are not yet available, and we apologize for the delay. There is a significant project under way that includes a new data management system, and this project has a major impact on JTE.
Finance Impact e-Letter: Tools for Developing Your Fundraising Strategy
Click to open March 1 issue The March 1 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is available online. While continued deliberation and input on changes to our membership standards will prove healthy and in the long-term interest of the movement, the public manner in which this debate has been inadvertently…
The IRS recently released the Form 990 and instructions to be used to meet the May 15, 2013, filing deadline. Many local councils have engaged an auditing firm to prepare their Form 990. Please note that your executive board needs to review your council's Form 990 before you file it with the IRS.
As we begin the use and implementation of the new camp standards and the National Camp Accreditation Program , this update is being provided to clarify which items are required this year by each council. In general, the process begins with a focus on the camp assessment process.
Don't Get Hacked-Develop Your Written Info Security Plan Today
Cyber liability is one of the most rapidly growing areas in today's use of Internet-based operations. The threat of hacking and stolen data reinforces the need to evaluate your security procedures and develop a written information security plan, or WISP.
The Outdoor Programs Committee at the February board meeting approved the following change to NCAP and Guide to Safe Scouting . This change takes effect immediately. As we reprint publications, the language will be changed. The change now allows Tiger Cubs to attend resident camp with their adult partner or guardian.
Registration for the 2013 National Camping School session is now available online. The site is available only to local councils, which will verify that the applicants have been approved by the Scout executive or designee. Here is the registration link: reservations.scouting.org/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x29489461a .
BSA to Further Study Membership Policy; Decision Planned for May
For 103 years, the Boy Scouts of America has been a part of the fabric of this nation, providing its youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. In the past two weeks, Scouting has received an outpouring of feedback from the American public.
Exploring Program Grows After 13 Years of Membership Declines
From: Assistant Chief Scout Executive Gary Butler I am very pleased to announce that after a 13-year drought, we achieved growth in Exploring at the end of 2012. This was a 3.3 percent growth, with 3,701 more young adults now experiencing real-world careers than did in 2011.
Help Promote 'Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?', Debuting March 4
A new reality television show that pits Scouts against adults in feats of outdoor skills-"Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?"-is set to debut March 4 on the National Geographic Channel. To help promote the show in your area/region/council, head to the Marketing Toolbox (see link below) and share the range of downloadable digital and…
Finance Impact e-Letter: Award Deadlines Approaching
Click to open Feb. 15 issue The Feb. 15 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter newsletter has been published and is available online. The deadlines for submitting the applications for the Major Gifts Award and the National Endowment Achievement Award are approaching.
New Major Gift Seminar Will Give Your Council Strategies, Tools
The BSA Foundation is offering a special major gifts seminar, "Gift Planning for Your Council's Second Century," March 6–8 at Harrah's Hotel in the heart of the Strip in Las Vegas, Nev. The seminar will focus on: How to create an ask strategy for every major council donor Learning more about the best gift strategies…
Two New Jersey Councils Merge to Create New Garden State Council
The former Southern New Jersey Council, No. 334, in Millville, New Jersey, has merged with the former Burlington County Council, No. 690, in Rancocas, New Jersey, to form the new Garden State Council , No. 690, in Rancocas. The effective date of this consolidation, as recorded with the state of New Jersey, was Jan.
F or the past few years, Cub Scout leaders have had an opportunity to listen in on some really great program ideas and useful tips for packs and dens from experts all across the nation, as well as getting the latest and greatest news about Cub Scouting, just by downloading the monthly podcast known as…
We know there are a ton of questions surrounding construction at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve . The big question is: Will it be ready for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree? In a word, yes. Here's a quick rundown of what's going on in West Virginia: Lakes are filling, and the last of the…
Supply Line: February Issue Highlights Exciting New Products
Click to open Feb. issue The February issue of Supply Line newsletter has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read more about a pair of Supply mailers that will be hitting your home mailboxes soon: The 2013 jamboree mailer (in homes the week of Feb.
The Winter 2013 issue of Training Times has been posted at www.scouting.org/training . Click on the photo, or head to "Training Updates" to find it. As always, it is available to read online or downloadable for sharing. Please do both! To read the entire issue, click the link above or the image at left.
As previewed in the Dec. 6, 2012, issue of Scout Wire , Incident Reporting Kits, No. 680-147, are now being delivered to your council. You should have received a shipment that contained one kit for each of the council's professional staff.
Congratulations to all of you who participated in the 2012–2013 Dashing All the Weigh/SCOUTStrong PALA Challenge. We set a record this year for participation once again. A total of 246 people from all over the country did their part, and more than half of you lost weight over the holidays.
Put the Fall Voice of the Scout Results to Work For Your Council
The fall Voice of the Scout survey cycle is over and now it's time to put the results to work for your council! If you haven't already done so, it is crucial that the reports from the survey be activated for your use.
Traveling From the National Council? Discounts on Offsite Parking Near DFW
Park 'N Fly is offering BSA employees a great discounted parking rate at their DFW Airport location through the Corporate Advantage Program. The rate is only $5 per day for covered parking-up to $15 per day cost savings over airport parking!
Gary's JTE Leadership Club: February Agenda Covers Effective Unit Service
Please join us on Wednesday, Feb. 6, for the JTE Leadership Club (formerly the Council Operations Breakfast Club) on "Improving the quality Scouting experience through effective unit service." We encourage both employees and volunteers to join in each month as we continue to discuss current topics that focus on optimizing the delivery of the Scouting…
The National Council has the following lease car available for sale: 2009 Dodge Charger RWD sedan Approximate miles: 59,622 Exterior color: Brilliant black crystal pearlcoat Interior color: Dark slate gray leather seats Asking price: $12,349 Location: Pleasant Hill, California Equipment/features: 2.7L V6 DOHC 24V MPI engine AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD/MP3 player and Sirius Four-speed…
All Markets Strategy Leads to Increases in Translated Materials
One of Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock's main priorities for the BSA in 2013 is increasing youth membership and retention rates in a quality way. The organization's All Markets strategy, in addressing this priority, has set goals of creating support and plans for councils that will lead to a 2 percent increase of market share…
Click to open the Feb. 1 issue The Feb. 1 issue of the Finance Impact Department e-Letter has been published and is available online. In this issue of the e-Letter , the Finance Impact Department provides councils with helpful audit resources: Local Council Guide to the 2012 Audit 2012 audit tool kit Sample footnotes (new this…
Sustainability Stories: What Is Your Council Doing? Let Us Know!
For the 2012 BSA Annual Report, we are looking for inspiring stories about what your council has been doing in the areas of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Have you launched any "green" initiatives at your summer camps or your council office buildings?
The BSA Supply Group would like to announce the 2013 Camp Director's Guide. This resource is designed to assist you with properly preparing for camp and running a successful trading post operation. The 2013 Camp Director's Guide is intended to assist the Scouting professionals who plan, organize, and operate council camps.
National Development and Fiscal Management Symposium Planned for April
Development and Corporate Alliances and the Finance Impact Department are pleased to announce registration for the 2013 National Development and Fiscal Management Symposium has begun. The dates are April 24–26 at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel in Northbrook, Illinois (Chicago area); and May 19–21 at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center in Grapevine…
Marketing News: President's Awards Deadline Coming in February
Click to open January issue The January issue of Marketing News has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read about the 15th Annual National President's Awards for Marketing Excellence -don't forget to submit your entries before Feb.
Alumni Relations: Discover the Journey to Excellence 'Magic Bullet'
Are you looking for the one thing that will boost the largest number of your Journey to Excellence scores? How about something that when done well directly or indirectly impacts 89 percent of your council's JTE gauges? That's 16 of 18 areas!
2013 Local Council Charter Renewal Applications Due Feb. 1
It is time to complete the 2013 Local Council Charter Renewal Application . The signed application must be submitted to the Mission Impact Team at the national office (SUM 210) by Feb. 1 . Make sure you fill in all the information requested on the back of the application and supply all of your insurance coverage carriers…
Comparative councils may vary widely based on financial data and program data. The Local Council Progress Review will allow you to be targeted in your selection of comparative councils that are most similar with respect to finances and program. Area directors are asked to engage Scout executives in a discussion to determine the best five…
Two California Councils Merge to Create Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council
The former Monterey Bay Area Council No. 25 in Salinas, California, has merged with the former Santa Clara County Council No. 55 in San Jose, California, to form the new Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council , No. 55, headquartered in San Jose.
Finance Impact Department e-Letter: What Will 'Fiscal Cliff' Deal Mean for Your Council?
Click to open January 15 issue The Jan. 15 issue of the Finance Impact Department's e-Letter has been published and is available online. As 2012 came to a close, we held our breath, not knowing whether the country was going over the "fiscal cliff."
LFL and Exploring Today: Career Interest Surveys, 2013 Training Opportunities
Click to open January issue The January issue of Learning for Life and Exploring Today has been published and is available online. In this issue, you can read more about the Career Interest Survey, as well as 2013 training opportunities and the new National Exploring Journey to Excellence Award.
Spring 2013 Voice of the Scout Surveys Will Kick Off Soon
The spring 2013 Voice of the Scout survey cycle is coming soon! Part of making this valuable program a success is to prepare your council membership by getting the word out. You can find customizable Voice of the Scout campaign materials for distribution as well as banners for your council's website by going to www.scouting.org/jte…
Online Registration for 2013 National Camping School Now Open
Registration for the 2013 National Camping School session is now available online. The site is only available to local councils, which will verify that the applicants have been approved by the Scout executive or designee. The registration link may be found here: National Camping School online registration .
New Template Will Help You Plan, Implement Greater Board Diversity
A new template is available for planning and implementing board diversity: Click here for the template or go to our website at www.scouting.org/jte and scroll to the Council Tools section.
If you're looking for suggestions on ways to develop your council's camp properties, watch for topics of interest at the new Camp Development and Maintenance Web page . This new addition to scouting.org offers topical information on costs, camp maintenance, and CPMS (Council Properties Management System), including a library of design and practices.
Webinar: Learn How Your Council Can Leverage 'Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?' Show
Learn about the new Scout-focused reality TV show airing this spring. Hear about the show, how you can help drive viewership, and more important, how you can use the show to drive interest in your local programming, recruitment, and fundraising. Register now! Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013-9 a.m. or 3 p.m. (Central)- Register Here
Communication to key audiences-including national employees, local council employees, and top volunteers-can be a critical part of any project's success. To ensure communication is built into your project's strategic plan, consult the 2013 Scout Wire production schedule so we can help spread the word: 2013 Scout Wire production schedule
Please join us on Wednesday, Jan. 9, for the second installment of the Mission Delivery Leadership Club (formerly known as the Council Operations Breakfast Club). We encourage both employees and volunteers to join in each month as we discuss current topics that focus on optimizing the delivery of the Scouting experience through councils and units.
It is time to complete the 2013 annual local council membership validation process . The procedures linked above must be reviewed and certified by all professionals, paraprofessionals, council registration staff, council service center employees, program aides/project workers, and designated volunteers. The appropriate signed forms must be returned to area directors no later than Feb.
In the Dec. 6 issue of Scout Wire , you were provided information regarding the new Incident Reporting Kit as well as where to find information on how to report and set up online reporting in the Risk Management Notebook (found at MyBSA > Resources > Risk Management > Risk Management Notebook > #17 ).
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