Boy Scout Advancement Changes

Scouters, On 1 January 2010 the BSA is changing and adding some requirements for Boy Scout rank advancement.  I've attached a summary of those changes and some amplification to help answer questions being received at the NCAC.  This is also posted on the NCAC website at http://www.boyscouts-ncac.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=17098&orgkey=1988 .   After reading this, if you have additional questions, please contact me at alandeter@cox.net or 703-455-3367. Yours in Scouting….Alan Deter, Patriot District Advancement Chair

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Patriot Press November 2009

To open the November 2009 Patriot Press click here. You will need Adobe Reader or a similar PDF reader to view the Patriot Press. If you have any problems, please email PatriotBSAWebmaster@gmail.com . In this issue of the Patriot Press you will find: Scouting for Food 2009 Rechartering News Centennial Camporee Slots Still Available OA Unit Elections and Arrow of Light Events Next Webelos to Scout Transition Session Final Notice: Good Turn For America Patch Merit Badge Dean Corner Adult Leader Scouting Awards 2009-2010 Pow Wow 2009 Scouting Salutes the Military District Chairman, Commissioner, and Executive Minute Calendar of Patriot District Events And much more!!! Be sure to sign-up for District E-lists so you can stay up to date with all the latest scouting news. Pick as many lists as you like. Sign-up for "Scoutmasters", "Cubmasters", or any other list you may have interest in.   Would you like to see the activities of your unit in the spotlight? Share your  news with us - please submit articles and pictures to osborne@erols.com  or PatriotBSAWebmaster@gmail.com  Click Here to see the calendar of events.

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Will Scouting work for boys who are in court committed situations?

The question is like a situation they might give me in my National BSA training. How do we preserve our Scouting identity, while remaining flexible enough to reach boys who have never had a chance to do Boy Scouts?

We are in the midst of a great experiment. There is a Boys Probation House on Shirley Gate Road. The adult leadership there is interested in starting a Boy Scout Troop in order to give the youth there an opportunity to do a program that will connect them with positive role models.

The man who volunteered to be the Scoutmaster, Lt. Cmdr. Michael Files, asked the adults at the probation house what they would consider success. The Program Coordinator there said one word: “Trust.”

He wants the boys to be able to trust.

Is that success for Scouting? Or does Scouting demand more than just trust from its youth? The Scout Law demands the youth be “trustworthy.” What does this mean for court committed boys?

My guess is that ole Baden Powell would say Scouting works for any boy. I think you have to hope so…

If you have a heart--and the patience for boys like these--please let me know. We are currently looking for merit badge counselors who are willing to give a couple Sunday afternoons a year to the boys at the Probation House.