Boy Scouts of America Wants to Hear From Past and Present Scouting Families
In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, the Generations Connection program has been developed to honor the powerful force of Scouting on American families. Many individuals have found that involvement in Scouting made their family better and stronger.
Circle Ten Council is inviting Scouting families, both past and present, to share their family experience with Scouting through the Generations Connection section of www.scouting.org/100years. Click on “Sharing Your Generational Scouting Family Story.” Families can share their stories and print a personalized BSA 100th Anniversary Generational Scouting Family certificate. While on the Web site, they can learn more about how to order an official BSA 100th Anniversary tree from the Arbor Day Foundation to plant in a special location!
The BSA is looking for Scouting families who capture the heart of the Scouting movement, and can help to showcase the Generations Connection program. Log in today and share your story!
Celebrate 100 Years of Scouting’s Impact on Families
Nearly every youth experiences Scouting with members of their family. Scouting provides the opportunity to strengthen ties between family members, create great family memories, and develop a shared family foundation of worthwhile virtues and values. The 100th Anniversary Generations Connection program celebrates Scouting’s legacy and its positive impact on American families through a program centered on the enduring symbol of the tree.
By visiting the Generations Connection section at www.scouting.org/100years, you will find fun and meaningful outlets for participation in the program. Explore your Scouting family tree, share your family story, or, thanks to an exciting partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, plant an official 100th Anniversary tree … to help grow a new BSA Centennial Forest. Visit the Web site and learn more today!
For 100 years, families throughout the country have realized the powerful benefits that participation in Scouting brings. Help us honor this legacy, and commit to supporting 100 more years of strong youth and families!
The Boy Scouts of America and the
Arbor Day Foundation Partnership
The 100th Anniversary provided a unique opportunity to bring together the BSA and the Arbor Day Foundation around a program centered on the symbol of a tree – the Generations Connection program. The two organizations have much common ground to stand on. Part of being a good Scout and citizen is practicing sound environmental living and conservation of natural resources. Scouts’ inherent interest in the outdoors, coupled with their commitment to public service, means thousands of hours each year are dedicated to protecting, restoring, and appreciating the fruits of the environment. And, many local and regional Scouting units have already successfully partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation on localized projects. The Generations Connection program provided an opportunity to expand on already successful partnerships with a national-scale tree-planting program.
Partnership Details
The Arbor Day Foundation has designated region-specific 100th Anniversary trees that are available to all. (See “Information About 100th Anniversary Trees” document.)
For every 100th Anniversary tree purchased through the Arbor Day Foundation, a corresponding tree will be planted in the newly created BSA Centennial Forest in Montana. The forest will aid replanting in the Flathead National Forest after recent fires.
Both organizations will share information about the partnership through their information networks.
The ultimate goal of the partnership is plant as many trees as possible to beautify and enrich environment with living legacies of Scouting’s powerful tradition of strengthening families.
If you have questions please contact Wendy Kurten, Marketing Director at 214-902-6794 or
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Online Adult Leader Training
(Includes Youth Protection)
August 27, 2008
These courses can help adult leaders deliver quality Scouting experiences to youth. A log-in is required, however anyone may create a user account and view the courses. Registered members of the BSA may provide their member numbers (as part of the user profile) to receive credit.
Youth Protection Training for Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leaders.
Safety Afloat
Safe Swim Defense
Troop Committee Challenge
Additional Training
Go to www.olc.scouting.org to take any of the above online training. Be sure to print out the card at the end of the course and bring in to the next troop meeting and give to Dotty Rowan.
Saturday, March 7, under gray skies that produced no rain, Troop 895 participated in the yearly North Trail District Camporee.
Including Saturday evening guests, 949 people attended the annual event, held at Camp Cherokee on Circle Ten Council’s 3,300-acre Clements Scout Reservation in Athens, Texas.
Camporee featured 17 competitive events for Boy Scouts. Required events included fire building, first aid, and an orienteering pentathlon. Among optional events were troop tunes, camp-fire entertainment, senior patrol leader international dessert, and world Scout history.
If you are interested or think you might be interested, please meet this Monday at 6:30 before the troop meeting to discuss (bring a parent). If there are several who want to go it would be very helpful to share rides to and from the camp or at least organize the bus trip together if there isn’t anyone who can drive them. Parents, I have talked with several boys who have attended and a couple who have staffed, this is worth the money and time. But if money is the issue lets approach council to see if we can get your son a scholarship. It is time Troop 895 had some boy leaders who have attended this advanced training, let’s see if we can’t make this a reality.
This is by and far the most advanced leadership training available to youth as part of the Boy Scout experience and it is at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. It just doesn’t get better than this.
Here are the dates for the courses:
Nayle Session #1: June 14 - June 20, 2009
Nayle Session #2: June 21 - June 27, 2009
Nayle Session #3: June 27 - July 3, 2009
Nayle Session #4: July 4 - July 10, 2009
Nayle Session #5: July 12 - July 18, 2009
Nayle Session #6: July 19 - July 25, 2009
Nayle Session #7: July 26 - August 1, 2009
Nayle Session #8: August 2 - August 8, 2009
This camp is designed to provide you with a Philmont based wilderness encounter that motivates you to follow a life of helping others succeed based on the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Law. The Philmont leadership is committed to making NAYLE a very special experience. You will live in a patrol setting at Rocky Mountain Scout Camp where you will use leadership skills to resolve exciting and challenging backcountry situations. This week will conclude with a closing challenge for each Scout to build upon the Legacy of Waite Phillips, the benefactor of the Philmont Scout Ranch.
NAYLE will equip youth leaders to be better Troop Leaders, NYLT staff members and/or superior camp staff. It will help guide a Scouts’ journey in leadership service to others, able to develop all members of whichever team they lead. It provides life skills for now and the future.
Requirements
Successful completion of Troop Leadership Training (TLT) and National Youth Leader Training
Be in top physical condition; a Philmont Health and Medical Record Form is required
Be 14 years of age by the first day of your course, but not yet 18 years old
Hold a troop leadership position
Program Costs
The cost of the NAYLE program is $340. This fee covers meals/lodging beginning with lunch on the first day of your course and concluding with breakfast on the final day of your course, training materials, a NAYLE cap, and 2 NAYLE t-shirts. Payment schedule is as follows: $100 deposit due with application. The balance of the fee ($240) is due by June 1. Transportation/early arrival fees are additional.
Soaring to Eagle is a special program area designed specifically for the new Scouts, the first year camper. Our goal is to assist Scouts in completing requirements of Tenderfoot, Second Class or First Class. Soaring to Eagle will be offered in three separate classes. Classes will focus on the rank needed first then move on to the next as time allows. It is not necessary to enroll in more than one class, since each will be working toward the completion of First Class.
To enroll in Soaring to Eagle pick one of the following classes:
Tenderfoot, Second Class or First Class and indicate this as their first choice on your troop’s merit badge sign-up sheet.
The following are the requirements that will be covered for each rank:
Troop 895 Congratulates Dale Grantham on the birth of his first Granddaughter. Melody was born on January 1, 2009. She weighed 6lbs. 5oz. and was 18.5" in length.
New Health & Medical Form
Replaces Class 1 & 2
January 13, 2009
link for form will be at end of article
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Annual Health and Medical Record
Q. Why do we need a new health form? A. Based on input from individual Scouters, the Order of the Arrow, local councils, health and safety and risk management committees, and high-adventure bases, there was confusion on when to use any of more than 20 different health forms in use across the nation. There was also an immediate need to update a medical form for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. The Health and Safety Committee took on the challenge and the opportunity to establish one Annual Health and Medical Record for all ages and known risks. It is simple and yet comprehensive enough to be used for both health and wellness evaluations as well as emergency situations.
Q. What are the major changes? A. A health history is still sufficient for typical activities lasting less than 72 hours (Parts A and C of the new form—similar to the old Class 1 form). For activities lasting longer than 72 hours, a medical evaluation by a health-care provider is now required annually (Part B). For high-adventure activities for which medical care may be delayed, restrictions based on standardized height/weight ratios are now mandatory.
Q. When does the Annual Health and Medical Record go into effect? I am used to the old form and would rather use it. A. Transition and change can be exciting and easy, especially if it positions the BSA for the future. Everyone should begin using the Annual Health and Medical Record immediately. The existing stock of Class 1, 2, and 3 forms can continue to be used while supplies last in 2009. The only supported form effective January 1, 2010, is the Annual Health and Medical Record. Its use will be mandatory for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.
Q. Where can I find the Annual Health and Medical Record? A. It can be found at your council’s Scout shop and is posted in a downloadable PDF format on Scouting Safely on Scouting.org.
Q. Can I keep a record of my Annual Health and Medical Record somewhere at my council’s office or online? A. Districts and councils are discouraged from keeping any medical records, whether digital or paper, unless required by local or state ordinances. However, the electronic version of the Annual Health and Medical Record is intended to be filled out and saved by individual Scouts and Scouters. The electronic Annual Health and Medical Record should not be transmitted via e-mail or stored by units, districts, or councils. Units are encouraged to keep paper copies of their participants’ Annual Health and Medical Records in a confidential medical file for quick access in an emergency and to be prepared for all adventures.
Q. The old Class 1, 2, and 3 forms were based on age. What about the Annual Health and Medical Record? A. There is no longer a difference in the exam interval based on age. The Annual Health and Medical Record is for everyone.
Q. There are three parts to the Annual Health and Medical Record, which part do I need to fill out? A. All participants should fill out Parts A and C for any event. Part B (the physical examination) should be completed if you are participating in an event that exceeds 72 consecutive hours, such as jamborees, summer camps, and Wood Badge training courses. Part B also is required for participation in a resident camp setting or when the nature of the activity is strenuous and demanding such as service projects, work weekends, or high-adventure treks. It is important to note that if the event will take your unit beyond a radius wherein emergency care is more than 30 minutes by ground transportation, the height/weight chart found at the bottom of Part B should be strictly followed. Please note that individual units, districts, or councils may have policies in place to exceed this standard based on their unique risks.
Q. How often will I need to renew/update my Annual Health and Medical Record? A. This form will need to be updated annually, just as many schools or sporting leagues require an annual update. Many changes can happen throughout a year, including changes in disease processes, medication, address, and insurance.
Q. What is meant by “Annual” and “valid for 12 calendar months”? A. If you complete your record on March 9, 2009, it will be valid through March 2010, but you must complete a new Annual Health and Medical Record by April 1, 2010. Please note that the 2010 National Scout Jamboree will have a specific window when the record must be submitted.
Q. I have several children in the program and a health care plan that does not provide cheap co-pays for physicals. What can be done to divert the increased cost of participation? A. Many units, districts, and councils offer physical exams. Facilitating such an event could be a positive experience, as well as decreasing costs. Several county clinics offer physicals at a very low price in order to assist children across the nation maintain a well and healthy life.
Q. I heard a physical for an adult can be very expensive. Is that true? A. As participants age, physicians (MDs, DOs), NPs, and PAs may require extra testing in order to approve and/or clear their participation in events. Participants who are on medications should already be checked annually.
Q. Do I really need to explain everything about myself or my child, such as learning disabilities or depression? I don’t want myself or my child to be treated differently. A. As hard as it may be to share these aspects about yourself or your child, this information is needed to structure safe activities and is imperative when giving emergency care. Please be thorough and honest. Our experience also indicates that a Scouting activity is not the place to experiment with or stop medications, especially those that address these issues.
Q. Why do I need to put my child’s or my own social security number on the record? A. It is your choice as to whether you fill in this number; however, in many states, medical care cannot be rendered without it.
Q. What does “grade completed” mean? A. If your son has completed the 6th grade and is currently enrolled in 7th grade, you would enter 6th grade here. You may always update your information more frequently than annually.
Q. What if I don’t want to have my child immunized for tetanus or other immunizations due to religious or philosophical reasons, do I have to sign a release? A. Yes, the recommendations of the immunization task force were accepted by the Health and Safety Support Committee in October 2008 and are listed on Scouting.org under Scouting Safely. If you choose not have your child immunized, the release form can also be found there. Declining or inadequate immunizations will require verification by a certified and licensed physician (MD, DO), NPs, or PAs that a communicable disease is not present. Inadequately immunized participants will be identified so that they can be located in case of a necessity for isolation or quarantine as per local public health official directives
Q. Can I decline medical treatment? A. Yes, but a release must be signed. The release can be found under Scouting Safely on Scouting.org. This practice is highly discouraged because this choice can put the entire unit at risk, both mentally and physically. Declining medical treatment will require verification by a certified and licensed physician (MD or DO), NP, or PA that a communicable disease is not present.
Q. Can I use another medical exam, such as a school sports exam, and attach it to the Annual Health and Medical Record? A. No. In an effort to maintain standards of preparedness and fitness for participation, and to make sure that the medical professional conducting the examination knows the various outdoor adventures than can occur in Scouting, the BSA requires completion of Part B. Part B also includes the height/weight chart for high adventure situation where emergency medical care is not readily available.
Q. Why can’t I use the Annual Health and Medical Record for participation at the high-adventure bases? A. The high-adventure bases have very specific activities that are unique to each of them. They each provided valuable input to position the Annual Health and Medical Record for use in the future. YOU are responsible to Be Prepared for your high-adventure trek and understand and follow all high-adventure base rules, procedures, and guidelines.
Q. Why is there a talent release on the Annual Health and Medical Record? It doesn’t really have anything to do with health. A. In response to requests from several councils to eliminate paperwork, we have included the talent release as part of the Annual Health and Medical Record.
Troop 895 is a Boy Lead Troop. Not sure which position you might be interested in? You have a position but want to know what your title entails? Click on the link below to download the descriptions.
Parents often ask what they can do to help ensure their son is advancing in scouts. Here is a list of a few steps you can take:
Step1Make sure your son participates in Troop meetings, outings and activities. This is where most of the advancement happens.
Step2Encourage your son to talk to his Patrol Leader, a Troop Guide, or the Senior Patrol Leader to get help with advancement.
Step3Talk to the Scoutmaster and assistants if you have any concerns about your sons' advancement. They can have a Scoutmaster Conference with your son and evaluate if there are issues of concern. They can offer your son some advice on the best way to proceed and may even ask the Patrol Leader to work with your son on a specific area.
Step4Do not sign your son off on his advancement.
Step5Let your son advance at a rate he is comfortable with.
Step6Be supportive of your son, but not pushy.
Step7Participate in adult training classes (Fast Start, New Leaders Essentials, Youth Protection, etc.) to better understand how the Scouting program works.
Step8 Be supportive of the scouting program, find a way to help the troop that isn’t directly working with your son. This will show him that you support him while affording your scout the independence he needs.
Troop Library Needs Updating
October 09, 2008
Attention all Scouts!
Whenever you finish with a Merit Badge consider donating the book to the Troop Library. Bring books to the next troop meeting. Contact the Troop Librarian for more details.
North Trail District Uniform Closet
October 06, 2008
The North trail district uniform closet is in desperate need of any old uniforms that you no longer use and are willing to donate to scouts and adults who otherwise can’t afford them.
Please bring them to tomorrow’s meeting or let me know where I can pick them up. Uniform items can be brought to any Monday night troop meeting.
We take both Cub and Boy Scouts uniforms.
Calendar 2008/2009
August 28, 2008
The calendar for 2008/2009 can be accessed by clicking on the "Calendar" Tab on the left. You can also download the entire calendar by clicking on the link below.
Check out the Troop's updated cookbook. Ideal for Grubmasters wishing to make something tried and tasty. It is also a wonderful source for the first time Grubmaster. Each recipe includes what Cooking utensils will be needed as well as ingredients and directions.
