In case you haven’t heard, Youth Protection Training is a requirement for all Scouting leaders.
No new adult leaders can be registered, and no current adult leaders can be renewed, unless they have a current Youth Protection Training certificate.
Earlier last year an updated version of YPT was released. This new version includes more personal stories to better help leaders recognize the signs of abuse, and was designed so that one course works across all Scouting programs. The enhanced and updated content also ensures leaders comply with all current state and local legal requirements.
Additionally, starting this summer, adults accompanying units on activities for 72 hours or more must be registered and take YPT. The 72 hours need not be consecutive. For most units, this applies mainly to summer camp. If your unit desires to set a stricter policy (e.g. ALL adults going to camp must be registered and have YPT), that is certainly permitted.
All registered leaders were required to complete the updated training by October 1. This reflects BSA’s commitment to the safety of all youth. If you have not taken the new training, please do so ASAP to avoid the rush at recharter time.
Don’t put your unit’s recharter at risk: Make sure your YPT training is completed! To learn more, discover additional resources, or take the training now, please visit:
One of the easiest, most effective ways you can support National Capital Area Council is through workplace giving, an employer-sponsored program that empowers you to support your favorite charities through tax-deductible donations deducted directly from your paycheck. 
For the first time this year, Goshen had two Family Camps – one during Memorial Day Weekend and one during Labor Day Weekend. The inaugural Memorial Day Family Camp had good turnout for the new event. It was a little stormy, but campers crammed in fun in the sunny mornings at Aquatics and Shooting Sports and then, when the storms came in the afternoon, tried their hand at crafts in Handicraft. The event was popular enough that Goshen is happy to announce it will be offering Memorial Day Family Camp again in 2019!
The newest aspect of Family Camp during the Labor Day Weekend was the return of the Saturday evening Square Dance. Way back in the day, the Square Dance was a staple of Family Camp, but it gradually faded away as there was no one who knew how to call. Lucky for Goshen, one of the current summer camp staff members, Lauren Brown, knows how to call from her off-season job at an outdoor school. She led much of the camp in square dancing and line dancing at Forster Hall. Everyone had a fantastic time and we’re looking forward to adding the Square Dance back in as a regular event at Goshen’s Family Camps.
Miss out on the fun? Want to come back again? Join us for Family Camping fun in 2019. Goshen Family Camps will be offered Memorial Day Weekend (May 24-27, 2019) and Labor Day Weekend (August 30-September 2, 2019). The cost is $20 per person. Bring your own tent, bring your own food, and Goshen supplies the program. All ages are welcome. Registration is already open! Learn more and sign up at 
Upcoming topics and activities on the post’s agenda include: the Five Basic Cooking Techniques, Understanding “Sous Vide” Cooking Methods, Sustainable Seafood and Cooking Techniques, Understanding Nutrition and Healthy Easting, Environmental Impact of Cooking, two community service projects (Scouting for Food and cooking at a charity kitchen), visits to a farm or food vender, and a hotel visit. There will be a cook-off at the end of the year with the members cooking their favorite dish and serving it to the other members of the post.
My name is Laura Kuras and I am the NCAC District Executive for our US Virgin Islands and Director of the local Boy Scout Camp here in St. Croix, Camp Howard M. Wall. I am extremely excited to be here in the USVI because it is such a beautiful location filled with amazing people who are ready and willing to bring Scouting back in to the community.