Bookmark these two essential Scouts BSA resources for new and longtime leaders

This post originally published, April 13, 2019 by Bryan Wendell. Original post can be found at:
https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2019/04/11/bookmark-these-two-essential-scouts-bsa-resources-for-new-and-longtime-leaders/

Better make room on your bookmarks bar.

The BSA has refreshed and retooled a pair of online resources for Scouts BSA volunteers.

The first is the Program Resources page. Think of it as your quick-start guide to Scouts BSA. Here, you’ll find a collection of links for starting a Scouts BSA troop, helping Scouts earn merit badges, guiding youth leaders toward more effective troop meetings and more.

The second is the Program Updates page. This one’s for both newcomers and veterans, and it’s where the National Scouts BSA Committee posts the latest information on any changes to the program. If there’s a new program initiative, updated requirement or any change to Scouts BSA printed material, you’ll find it there first.

Feel free to stop reading here and explore the pages for yourself. If you’d like a little more info on what you’ll find at each one, keep scrolling.

Scouts BSA Program Resources page

Link: https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/resources/
Who it’s for: Adult volunteers, parents and Scouts
Why it’s useful: It’s a list of official resources to help your Scouts BSA troop be the best it can be.
What’s there:
- A checklist for a new Scoutmaster who might be unfamiliar with Scouts BSA
- The main page for family Scouting, which is the BSA’s initiative to welcome all members of the family into all Scouting programs
- A one-page, customizable document you can use at parent orientation
- A troop resource survey, which lets you learn the skills of each troop parent to identify potential merit badge counselors and volunteers
- The latest requirements for every merit badge
- The complete script for an orientation for new Scout parents
- Resources to help you plan better troop meetings
- Information on the National Eagle Scout Association, which is essentially an alumni group of those who have earned Scouting’s highest honor

Scouts BSA Program Updates page

Link: https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/program-updates/
Who it’s for: Adult volunteers, parents and Scouts
Why it’s useful: It’s a single place where you’ll find the latest updates or changes to Scouts BSA materials.
What’s there:
- New or updated language for Scouts BSA printed materials, such as the Scouts BSA Handbook, Scouts BSA Requirements book or a merit badge pamphlet
- Updated requirements for merit badges or ranks
- Information on new Scouts BSA initiatives or opportunities