Versión en español.

June 7, 2010

Effective June 1, 2010:

• Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position.
• New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
• Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.

To find out more about the Youth Protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America and how to help Scouting keep your family safe, see the Parent’s Guide in any of the Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting handbooks, or go to http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx.

Questions and Answers

The following are answers to some of the questions we have received about these important changes. To read more, visit www.scouting.org/youthprotection.

Q1: When does the change go into effect?
A1: As of June 1, 2010, all registered adult volunteers–no matter what their position entails–must complete Youth Protection training prior to beginning their
volunteer service.

Q2: Why a new training policy on such short notice?
A2: Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the Boy Scouts of America. It is important to implement this training at all levels of the organization. The BSA is always reevaluating and reassessing its policies to ensure the safest youth program and the best training are offered. The BSA’s Youth Protection training has been in existence long enough for it to be understood and accepted as a mandated training for all registered BSA adult volunteers.

Q3: What is the deadline to meet the new Youth Protection training standard?
A3: All registered leaders should take or renew their Youth Protection training so that it is current as of today. A unit will not be able to recharter without its key registered adults being up-to-date on their Youth Protection training. No individual leader will be able to register without being up-to-date on his or her Youth Protection training.

Q4: Is there a grace period to get all adults trained?
A4: No. If a leader’s Youth Protection training is not current, the volunteer must take or renew this training immediately. Every effort should be taken so that all adults involved in Scouting have a current certificate of completion of the Youth Protection training.

Q5: Will the system be able to handle the overload of people taking training at the last minute?
A5:  The system platform that houses e-learning is expected to be able to handle the high volume.

Q6: Does “all volunteers” mean all volunteers — even board members and council presidents?
A6: Yes. The goal is to have all registered volunteers Youth Protection-trained. This is an important statement for the Boy Scouts of America as a youth organization and reinforces the BSA’s commitment to the well-being of all youth members and volunteers.

Q7: I am sure I know all there is to know about youth protection. Can I “test out” by only taking the Youth Protection online quiz?
A7: No. You must complete the entire online training in order for your Youth Protection certificate to be valid. This ensures you receive the latest information on BSA Youth Protection.

Important: Please note that the quiz has been removed from the e-Learning Center because the content did not reflect the new changes in Youth Protection policy.

Q8: Does the executive officer (institutional head) of a unit need to take Youth Protection training?
A8: If the executive officer is not a registered leader, he or she is not required to complete Youth Protection training, although it is strongly recommended. If the executive officer is a registered member of the BSA, then he or she must complete Youth Protection training.

Q9: I am a Tiger Cub adult partner and ScoutParent. Do I need to take Youth Protection training?
A9: The Tiger Cub adult partner and ScoutParent designations are not registered adult positions; therefore, mandatory Youth Protection training is not required. It is strongly recommended, however, that all adults involved in Scouting take Youth Protection training. All registered adults are required to take Youth Protection training.

Q10: I am an Explorer post Advisor. Does this new policy apply to me?
A10: Yes. All registered adults are required to take Youth Protection training.

Q11: The new policy indicates that a Youth Protection certificate of completion must be submitted “at the time of application.” What does that mean?
A11: A BSA application should be collected from a prospective leader only with the fully completed form, with a copy of the individual’s Youth Protection certificate of completion. Both documents should be submitted together to the council service center.

Q12: Do leaders need to wait until they have final clearance on the background check to meet with youth?
A12: No. As long as their application is fully completed, submitted to the council service center, and approved, their fee is paid, and their Youth Protection training has been received by and acknowledged by the council, they will be able to interact with youth members while the criminal background check (CBC) is
still pending.

Q13: Do merit badge counselors need to take Youth Protection
training?
A13: Yes. A merit badge counselor is a registered volunteer position.

Q14: Can units that have some adult leaders who have not completed Youth Protection training be rechartered?
A14: In order for a unit to be rechartered, it must have all the required positions filled with Youth Protection-trained adults. Adults who do not have current
(within the past two years) Youth Protection training will not be reregistered.

Q15: Will the new adult applications have this information?
A15: Yes. All new applications will reflect these changes.

Q16: Can a council or district organize Youth Protection group training for its adults?
A16: Yes. It is encouraged that adults take the training via the online module, but the instructor-led model is still acceptable as long as the most current version of the Youth Protection DVD (item No. 610327 or 36121) is used and the end-of-course quiz is proctored by the trainer at the end of the training session. Reminder: It is critical that training completion certificates be issued after successful completion and that a formal training record roster be submitted to the council registrar so proper credit can be recorded in the profiles of each
participant.

Q17: Will both the regular and Venturing leader versions of Youth Protection training meet the requirement?
A17: Yes, as long as the most current versions of the DVDs are used for group training. The online version is the preferred method, as it allows for those taking the training to get one-on-one training and take all the time they need for review. The individual is issued an immediate certificate of completion, which allows for the updating of the volunteer’s ScoutNet record.

Q18: If a person is not a registered leader, how can he or she log in and take the Youth Protection training?
A18: A person does not have to be a registered volunteer to take Youth Protection training. To take the training, log in to myscouting.org and click on create an account. After you have confirmed your new
myscouting account user name and password, log in to myscouting.org and click on e-training to begin the Youth Protection training. Upon completion, print a certificate to submit with a completed adult leader application to the unit leader or your local council representative for processing. Remember to keep a copy for your records.

Once the application is approved, the new leader will receive his or her membership card with their member ID. It is important that new members log back in to myscouting.org and update their profile with this member ID to receive credit for completing
this and any other training. Providing you with clear and helpful information is a priority If you have additional questions, please contact your council or please let us know by sending your questions to youthprotection@scouting.org. We will review all inquires and post updates to www.scouting.org/youthprotection. ]]> http://www.southernskydistrict.org/southern-sky/important-changes-to-bsa-youth-protection-training-policies/feed/ 0 http://www.southernskydistrict.org/southern-sky/bsa-youth-protection-training-mandatory-with-adult-volunteer-applications/ http://www.southernskydistrict.org/southern-sky/bsa-youth-protection-training-mandatory-with-adult-volunteer-applications/#comments Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:51:20 +0000 kiwi http://www.southernskydistrict.org/?p=4629

June 1, 2010

Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the BSA. To increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is implementing several important changes to further enhance its Youth Protection policies.

Effective June 1, 2010: – Youth Protection training is required for all registered volunteers. – New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before they submit an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins. – Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be re-registered.

To ensure these policies are fully implemented, please take the following steps: – If you have not taken Youth Protection training within the past two years, please log on to MyScouting and take the training. Be sure to have your member ID number. The number can be found on your Boy Scouts of America membership card. – If you do not know your member ID number, contact your unit leader or committee chairman. Your council can also assist. – A person does not have to be a registered volunteer or have an ID number to take Youth Protection training. To take the training, log in to MyScouting and create an account. From the MyScouting portal, click on E-Learning and take the Youth Protection training. Upon completion, print a certificate and submit it with an application or submit to the unit leader for processing at the local council. – If you have taken Youth Protection training online but did not input your member ID number, please log on to MyScouting and input your member ID in the My Profile section so the training will be linked to your records. – If you have taken Youth Protection training within the past two years but did not take the course online, log on to MyScouting to ensure your records are up-to-date, or contact your council for verification that your Youth Protection training records are accurate. – Finally, please share these important changes with other Scouters.

To find out more about the Youth Protection policies of the Boy Scouts of America and how to help Scouting keep your family safe, see the Parent’s Guide in any of the Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting handbooks, or go to http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx. Thank you for your commitment to our nation’s young people and to Scouting. Sincerely, James Terry Assistant Chief Scout Executive

Calling all 5th grade boys interested in earning the God and Family award:

There are a few weeks left before you are a 6th grader, and here is an opportunity to earn your God and Family religious award if you have not done so yet. This is the knot with the purple background and silver knot – the only knot that Boy Scout youth can wear on their uniform.

First Baptist Church Allen will be offering the God and Family on Monday evenings in May from 7-8:30 PM, starting on May 10. If you are interesting participating, please contact Anna Sturdivant before 12:00 noon on Monday, May 10. The best way to contact Anna is via email training@southernskydistrict.org.

For more details about what we’ll be doing, you can visit http://www.praypub.org/main_frameset.htm (click on P.R.A.Y. Program on the left, then God and Family link in the list – there is also a link for frequently asked questions that may help you with more information). Here’s a link to a recent article in Scouting magazine: http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0905/a-show.html

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When Abraham Lincoln is a founding father of your company, people expect great things from you. From building the nation’s transcontinental railroad to delivering the goods Americans use every day, the men and women of Union Pacific continually work to exceed those expectations.  UP has come to symbolize both America’s history and its progress, connecting and supporting this country and the communities and people that define it. In much the same way, the Boy Scouts of America is a source of national pride, helping develop leaders for future generations.  The UP No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America Locomotive commemorates the organization’s 100th Anniversary and its century of service to the nation. The locomotive, which was unveiled in Houston, Texas, on March 31, 2010, represents these two American icons coming together to celebrate progress, patriotism, and 100 years of Scouting.

Union Pacific No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America Locomotive

The Union Pacific No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America Locomotive was built at the General Electric plant in Erie, Pa., and delivered to North Little Rock, Ark., as UP No. 7469. In the process of having graphics applied in honor of the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary celebration, the locomotive was renumbered to UP No. 2010.

Because it is one of the newest, most reliable and most fuel-efficient locomotives in the Union Pacific fleet, the UP No. 2010 likely will carry service-sensitive consists such as automotive and intermodal trains traveling from facilities in Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Marion, Ark., to West Coast facilities in Los Angeles, Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.

Model GE 4400-horsepower “C45AC”
Weight 207 tons
Length 73 feet, 2 inches
Width 10 feet, 3 inches
Height 15 feet, 6 inches
Maximum speed 75 miles per hour
Engine Diesel 12-cylinder
Emblems 11, representing 10 “stages of Scouting” and National Scout Jamboree

The Boy Scouts of America is proud to announce that we will be a featured category on the February 25 episode of Jeopardy! This is a tremendous opportunity to extend our brand footprint to a nationally televised audience during our 100-year celebration.

Jeopardy! has been the top-rated television game show for several years. Having the opportunity to align our brand and movement with such a highly visible platform is strategically sound and organizationally exciting.

Be sure to stay tuned for the entire show, including the commercial breaks, because the BSA will be spotlighted during the first or second commercial break.

Brand Management would like to thank Scout Executive Jim Martin and the staff at the Golden Empire Council for supporting this effort.

Please check your local listings for stations and times in your area.

If you have questions, please contact Eric Moore at the BSA national office at eric.moore@scouting.org.

Spark Plug Award

Charter Organization Rep of the Year

Venturing Crew Advisor of the Year

Cubmaster of the Year

Committee Chair of the Year

Scouting Family of the Year Awards

Order of the Arrow Chapter Induction

Eagle Scouts of 2009

District Committee Presentations

Unit Leaders & Chairs

Silver Arrowhead Recipients

District Award of Merit Recipients

Silver Beaver Award

District Directors (Past & Present)

A little fun…

As you may recall, last month our District Director Tim Anderson got a promotion within the Circle 10 Council and left his district position of the last 4 years.

While we wish Tim well on his new adventure, Circle 10 Council has now announced who will replace Tim Anderson as the Director for the Southern Sky District.

Here’s some background info on Dennis Luellen, our new District Director.

Dennis has been in scouting most of his life, ever since he was invited to join his local cub scout pack in 2nd grade. As a lad, he stayed with scouting and attained the rank of Life scout. Dennis has worked with the program in many capacities including almost every position at summer camp, a unit commissioner, and as a volunteer FOS presenter. Luellen has attended Philmont, the National Jamboree, attended Woodbadge-81, and Woodbadge Staff-86 (his critter was an eagle).

He started as a professional scouter, after encouragement from his local scout executive at the time. Luellen’s first district was in Ardmore, Oklahoma. His other positions have included Sr. Dist. Executive in The Woodlands, Field Director in Houston, Asst. Scout Executive in San Angelo, Director of the Learning for Life program here at good ‘ol Circle 10, and Scout Executive in San Angelo. To be closer to his family, Dennis has decided to come back home to Dallas, and will start in this capacity on Jan 1, 2010.

His favorite merit badge is Wilderness Survival, and has a standing bet that nobody can tie a one-handed bowline faster than he can.

Dennis has a passion for the scouting program, golf, and most importantly his son & daughter (who are both venture scouts).

Please join me in welcoming Dennis to the Southern Sky District!

Effective immediately, I have been asked to assume the position as the Field Director for the Western Service Area in Circle Ten Council.  The Western Service Area is comprised of:  Blue Bonnet, Mountain Lake, Western Star, North, & Wisdom Trail Districts (essentially from Corsicana to Irving).  I will have the luxury of coaching 6 Executives… using the skills I have learned throughout my 13 year Scouting career (9 of which have been here at Circle 10 Council).

All of you have been nothing less than my extended family.  I will greatly miss each one of you! I can’t express to you in “words” what all of you have meant to me… not only as a Professional Scouter, but as a friend.  I hope to see each one of you at the December 3rd Roundtable, so that I can shake your hands and give you a personal face to face Thank You!  We will be sending out an email with details about the location of the December Roundtable shortly. Due to schedule conflicts it will be moved to another LDS location for December only.

Thank You so much for all you do!

Yours in Scouting,
Tim Anderson

During this transition, Any Southern Sky Scouting questions or concerns that would normally come to me should be sent to our District Executive, Ed Grune. egrune@bsamail.org 972-396-6444 X 5705.

The Southern Sky District is in great hands with an awesome District Committee and Commissioners Staff. Please visit the website www.southernskydistrict.org . Many of your questions can be answered through these wonderful volunteers. Rest assured that Circle Ten Council is committed to replacing my position quickly with an awesome new District Director.