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
Share your favorite resources
What other Scouting-related sites are on your bookmarks bar? Leave a comment with your favorites.
On the weekend of February 15-17th, Scout Troop 996 of Alexandria, VA chartered by Aldersgate United Methodist Church cabin camped at Shrine Mont for a day of fun at Bryce Ski Resort. The scouts had 1 full-day of skiing or snowboarding with a lesson in the morning. Those scouts who were very good skiers helped other scouts learn so that everyone could have a great time. Many of the participating scouts earned the snow sports merit badge after this trip.
On March 26, 2019, The National Capital Area Council, Mattaponi District Commissioner Neil Hornung presented Sheriff Roger Harris, Executive Officer for the Law Enforcement Explorer Post 9119 the Post’s renewal certificate for 2019. Explorer Post Advisors Deputy Marcia Curtis and Brian Blackington received the Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for their outstanding volunteer service to the community.
Join the National Scouts BSA committee and Scouters from around the country to learn more about the Scouts BSA program 
The Scouts of St. Matthews UMC Girls’ Troop 1526 in Annandale completed their first three-day, two-night camp out this past weekend at Camp Snyder in Haymarket, Virginia. The strong winds of Friday night couldn’t blow their properly staked tents over. The freezing overnight temperatures didn’t stop them as they were prepared for the weather.
Last Saturday 85+ Scouts and Scouters from Packs and Troops in Patuxent District came together to learn and practice Search and Rescue, First Aid, and Emergency Management skills at the annual “Scouts to the Rescue!” training.
