If you’re thinking about taking NYLT in 2021, please take a moment to fill out the NYLT Winter Course Survey. This Survey asks how NCAC families are feeling about participating in NYLT courses in 2021. It will also help us determine our schedule and offerings for this winter.
This Survey will remain open until Sunday September 27th!
The Troop 26 (“26 KICKS!”) Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) – the youth leadership of a BSA Troop – worked with their adult Scouters to plan and execute a series of active Scouting events during this August and September.
Despite the on-going COVID-19 challenges, these Scouts were determined to live by Lord Baden-Powell’s advice that: “A difficulty ceases to 
be a difficulty as soon as you smile at it and tackle it.” And tackle it these Scouts did! All events were conducted safely and were designed to be “COVID-friendly” – outdoors, single tents, single meals, masks when necessary for travel or indoors, etc. You can’t keep a good Scout down!
On Aug 16th the Troop completed an Eagle Scout Project at Chancellorsville Battlefield where Scouts, Scouting families and adult Scouters restored weathered trench markers depicting key locations on the battlefield.
On Aug 22nd the Troop went on a trip to Luray Caverns where they toured the caverns, partook in the exciting adventure of a ropes course, as well as the fun of finding their way through a garden maze.
On Sept 1st, the Troop conducted an Eagle Court of Honor honoring one of our strongest Scout leaders, Kent. The Troop even tried a COVID-friendly outdoor ceremony but, in keeping with Troop 26 (“26 KICKS!”) “tradition”, it down-poured! The rain couldn’t dampen the Scout Spirit as these hardy Scouts and Scouters made the best of it and it will certainly be an Eagle Court of Honor no one will soon forget.
Then, from Sept 4th – 5th older Scouts took on the challenge of backpacking into Nicholson Hollow in 
Shenandoah National Park. On Friday afternoon Scouts and Scouters, Scoutmaster Mike, Assistant Scout Masters Mark, Noah and Kevin, Committee Member Angelina, Senior Patrol Leader Mike F, Troop Guides Gavin and Mike T, Instructor AJ, Life Scout Jadon and Second Class Scout Kaden, backpacked several miles into the backcountry and set-up a primitive campsite. Hammocks and tarps were the shelters of choice for the Scouts and naturally, as soon as the Scouts were set-up, in true Troop 26 (“26 KICKS!”) fashion, it down-poured again! But, since these Scouts and Scouters live the Scout Motto to “Be Prepared,” all was well (and dry) as the Scouts continued to thrive in the outdoors and enjoyed backpacking meals, relaxing time by the river and even had a bear sighting – thank goodness Scouts had ensured all food was in well-placed and properly hung bear bags!
The following morning the Troop broke camp after breakfast, backpacked out and tackled climbing and descending Old Rag. Ten miles of traditional switchbacks and the typical downhill descent, but all Scouts agreed that the best and most fun part was the roughly two-mile rock scramble where it was hand-over-hand climbing and, in some places, squeezing up, down, through and over various rock formations. Challenging as it was, the rigorous hike was a great capstone to an awesome weekend.
With these successes under their Scout belts, Troop 26 (“26 KICKS!”) Scouts and Scouters are looking forward to more outdoor adventures throughout the fall!
There are several different ways you can make a difference in our council at this time. The CFC is 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.
The CFC campaign kicks off on September 21st and will conclude in January. Look for us in your workplace charitable giving campaign and designate National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America #48974 as recipient of your generosity on your pledge forms.
Through our membership with America’s Charities, employees at hundreds of public and private organizations can donate to NCAC through payroll contributions.
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
CFC is a workplace giving campaign for federal employees: civilian employees, military personnel and postal workers. National Capital Area Council is a member of America’s Charities Community First federation and is listed as CFC #48974. Which begins September 21, 2020.
Unfortunately, there will not be in person charity fairs this year, they will be virtual. You can also contact Barb Perez for more information. Barb.Perez@scouting.org
Don’t forget to check if you employer will match your donation or the hours you have volunteered! Visit www.doublethedonation.org/ncacbsa.
When Trail’s End announced the Poppin’ in the USA challenge – collecting one order from each of the 50 states – First Class Scout and Patrol Leader Michael Browning of Troop 492 was really excited. He had set a low popcorn sales goal this year, since we are not willing to let him do any in-person sales due to COVID-19. But an order from every state? That inspired him!
Michael had me film a Facebook Live video of him explaining the challenge, being careful to not mention his last name or where he lived. He shared a bit of his story, why he loves Scouting so much, and how achieving his goal would help both his troop and him. He showed the map of the 50 states that he had printed out, and promised to keep updating everyone. Michael asked everyone to share his video with their friends. I set the video to ‘public’ and added his Trail’s End web address.
The next two days were crazy! Michael’s video was being shared like crazy, as were all his updates. Friend of friends of friends were tagging people they knew in states Michael still needed. As it progressed, Michael stayed busy handwriting thank you notes to everyone I could get addresses for. A little less than 48 hours after starting, Michael got the last state: South Dakota!
Or so he thought. I emailed Trail’s End to verify, and they replied a day later to let me know he did not have Oklahoma. What?? It turns out the lady in Oklahoma did order…but shipped the order to her daughter in California, so it counted as a California order! We updated on Facebook again, and everyone shared like crazy, and an hour and a half later, Michael got an order from Oklahoma. He did it! All 50 states!
Today Trail’s End sent Michael two e-mails. The first notified him that he was one of the first 20 Scouts in the country to get an order from 25 different states, earning him a $50 Amazon gift card. And the second notified him that he was one of the first 5 Scouts in the country to get an order from all 50 states, earning him a $150 Amazon gift card!
In achieving this goal, Michael not only surpassed his goal from last year and earned another free week at Goshen, he learned a lot of important lessons. The first is that huge goals are achievable one small step – or state – at a time. The second is that sharing your goal with enthusiasm gets others excited to help you reach that goal. And finally, not only was it thrilling for Michael to achieve his goal, but everyone who was cheering him on was excited too! Lots of people have been thanking him for giving him a fun challenge to follow and share in the excitement of. And best of all, he has been able to help his beloved Troop 492 at a time when the troop is going to need more equipment to make socially distanced events safe and possible.
MR. PAUL MACDONALD, ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEER
9/5 11AM EST | STEM Career Conference
MR. TONY SPRINGER, NASA ENGINEER
AIRPLANES AND ROCKETS, 30 YEARS AT NASA
9/5 6:30PM EST | STEM Innovator Moment
DR. CRAIG BEYROUTY, DEAN, COLLEGE OF AGNR
9/6 10:00AM EST | KEYNOTE
DR. BILL BOWERMAN, CHAIR, COLLEGE OF AGNR
9/6 10:15AM EST | Food Safety & Food Security
DR. CHRIS ELLIS, PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE AND LANDSCAPE AGRICULTURE
Green Infrastructure and Water Quality Treatment
MR. MARK DEMORRA, 4-H STEM Specialist
4-H Water Quality & Infrastructure
NIPUN KOTTAGE, ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS
9/6 11:45AM EST | Water Solutions
Nipun is an Eagle Scout from Maryland, now in med school at UPenn. In between these adventures, he worked with Engineers without Borders, which took him to work on a water tower in Ghana and a piped water system in Nicaragua. Nipun is joining STEMaTHON to share the nexus between the engineering design process and the food/water challenges. Ask him how he went from Philmont to Ghana!
BEN BEESE, EAGLE SCOUT with SDGs
9/6 12:30PM EST | Food (in)Security and Sustainable Development
Ben is a scout volunteer from Denver, CO. He has a passion for peacebuilding and the SDGs, a passion he’s brought with him to various scouting roles including the Contingent Management Team for the 2019 World Scout Jamboree and the planing team for the 2022 World Scout Moot. Outside of scouting, Ben studies modern history at Middlebury College in Vermont.
MR. ANDY DARBY, BEEKEEPER
9/6 3:00PM EST | BEES & HONEY
Andrew Darby; Troop 1449 Assistant Scoutmaster; full time retiree; part time project manager of a 200,000+ team working nonstop with one goal, to satisfy Mr. Darby’s sweet tooth. Mr. Darby has been a hobby beekeeper since he was 27, after being introduced to the hobby when a friend needed help moving hives. The seed was planted and tending bees became a lifelong passion, even though, he says, “I eat less than a pound of honey a year. I just like to watch what looks like chaos, but is actually a well controlled production plant, happening in my front yard. It also feels good to play a role in helping bees help our environment.
Join us from September 5-6, 2020 for a STEMaTHON: Scouts Building Bridges and Feeding the World through the lens and tools of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This two day event includes online workshops, keynotes, tours, presentations and even activities!
Q: Should we hold in-person Scouting meetings, outings, or activities?
With safety in mind and based on guidance from national health officials, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is strongly advising that in-person meetings, activities, events and gatherings be conducted only within the guidelines outlined by your state and local health department and other local officials, as well as under the direction of your local BSA council and chartered organization. This applies to youth and adults. Please review the Restart Scouting Checklist for additional information.
Q: If meeting locations are open, can units meet or do other in-person activities?
Councils make the determination, working closely with their council health supervisor and local health department, about when units can conduct in-person meetings and activities again. If the unit’s local council is allowing in-person activities but has restrictions in place (e.g., no more than 10, social distancing of 6 ft. etc.), the unit must meet and abide by those restrictions – even if the unit is traveling out of council/state.
Q: What do we do about Scouts’ fundraising activities?
Fundraising activities may be held if those activities are conducted within guidelines outlined by your state and local health department and other local officials and under the direction of your local BSA council and chartered organization. This applies to youth and adults. If fundraising activities can be facilitated using digital methods while still adhering to applicable rules, then those activities may continue.
Q: What is BSA’s policy on social distancing in a tenting environment when camping?
Camping should only take place in accordance with guidelines outlined by your state and local health department and other local officials, as well as under the direction of your local BSA council and chartered organization. There is no formal national policy on social distancing in tents, just as there is no prohibition on tenting alone if logistics can accommodate that request. As always, all BSA youth protection policies must be followed.
Q: What are the youth protection guidelines if I am using a commercial video conferencing platform that allows for breakout rooms?
All breakout rooms for youth must have at least one registered adult and either another registered adult or a parent/legal guardian of a participating Scout.
Q: What are the refund policies if I have already paid for an event that has been cancelled?
Event organizers typically set refund or cancellation policies. Please reach out directly to those organizers. In the case of attendance at a national high adventure base, contact them directly about your crew
♦ Q: There was an extension for Part C, pre-placement exam of the Annual Health and Medical Record at my camp this summer, is that still in effect?
As of 8/31/2020, the extension granted to certain BSA Accredited Council Camps and High Adventure Bases is expired. If your programs or activities require a valid Part C, it must be in place. As a reminder, if you are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, please ensure you have approval from your health care provider prior to attending camp.
We also encourage anyone whose medical condition or history has changed significantly since their last physical exam to get approval from their health care provider prior to attending camp.
♦ Q: If my camp is cancelled, can my unit get together with other units and have our own camp?
No. Chartering organizations play an important role in the program and activities for their chartered units. Chartering organizations promote well-planned unit program for the units they charter and encourage their units to have active outdoor unit programs. Chartering organizations are not authorized to plan, promote, or deliver programs for units outside of their charter.
It is the role of the council to plan long-term or resident camps and the role of councils or districts to plan camporees and other outings during the year that give youth an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills in competitive events with other troops and/or patrols.
When units with different chartered organizations do activities together, this becomes a district or council event and requires council approval. In fact, some states require such activities to be licensed.
Should your troop, crew or ship decide to do a long-term camping program for their own unit (Cub Scouts units are prohibited from this activity) please note that the Scouter Code of Conduct and relevant program safety and training requirements are still in place, e.g., Safe Swim Defense, Hazardous Weather, Wilderness First Aid, etc.
Q: My Wilderness First Aid Course has been cancelled; can I still go on my trek?
Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification will continue to be required for backcountry adventures including trek programs and high adventure base participation. As a reminder, a current CPR/AED certification is a prerequisite for a WFA course.
For the summer of 2020, please review options for NCAP accredited local council camps and National High Adventure Bases via a blended offering by ECSI: https://www.ecsinstitute.org/scouting-wfa
Note: Online-only WFA courses do not meet the WFA requirement.
Q: How can advancement be tracked remotely?
Scouting units should use Scoutbook to record and track advancement.
To track advancement remotely, parents should:
Learn more about how to start using Scoutbook and how to connect parents to their Scouts at Scoutbook.com.
Q: May parents sign off on Webelos and Arrow of Light requirements?
Yes. Through July 31, 2020, parents and other adults in the Cub Scout’s family, may sign off on Webelos and Arrow of Light requirements. We strongly encourage that parents use the Scouting App or ScoutBook to record completion of their child’s requirements.
Q: If my den is behind in advancement due to COVID-19, can my Cub Scout continue to work on advancement through the summer?
Yes. Cub Scouts can continue to work on their current den’s advancement through July 31, 2020. This is to provide any additional time a Cub Scout needs to complete their badge of rank; if they earn their badge of rank prior to July 31, 2020, they may advance to the next rank.
Q: Can the Arrow of Light (fifth-grade dens) requirements fulfill the requirement to visit a troop or attend a troop outing to function as a patrol?
Yes. Two things to keep in mind, the standard of completion for Cub Scout advancement is “Do Your Best,” so given the circumstances, we want to look at the purpose behind the requirements. Remember that doing nothing is never doing your best.
Dens can visit a virtual troop meeting to see the patrol method and youth leadership in action. Since the den cannot attend a troop campout or outing, the idea is for the den to function as a patrol while attending the virtual troop meeting. During this time, a virtual den meeting where the den functions as a patrol can be done. Elect a patrol leader, pick a patrol name, play a virtual game together as a patrol. Plenty of opportunities to Do Your Best to meet the intention of the requirement. Remember to maintain all youth protection standards online.
What is the guidance for completing the Outdoor Activity Award and Summertime Pack Award?
Packs and dens should do their best to meet the intent of the awards. If a required activity (such as day camp or resident camp) is not possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, packs can utilize an alternative option of their choosing. Units should continue to follow any restrictions outlined by their state and local health departments or other local officials regarding gatherings, etc.
♦ Q: Will there be any changes to the Swimming requirements for Second and First class?
Swimming remains a major health and safety concern and cannot be abandoned by Scouts BSA. With that in mind, the Swimming rank requirements for Second Class (5b) and First Class (6a) may be deferred until each Scout’s next rank, as necessary (through Life, but not Eagle).
Second Class requirement (5b) Demonstrate your ability to pass the BSA beginner test: Jump feet first into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place.
First Class requirement (6a) Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test.
This temporary deferment will allow Scouts to advance in rank up to, and including Life Scout, but not beyond. All other rank requirements must still be earned to advance. When conditions warrant and upon direction from the National Council, these requirements will be reinstated with 30 days’ notice to our Scouting family via Workplace, Bryan on Scouting, Scouting Wire, social media, and any other means determined appropriate.
For clarity, the following swimming requirements can be completed on dry land and are not a hindrance to advancing:
Second Class requirement (5c) Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects.
First Class requirement (6e) With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as tender and as rescuer. (The practice victim should be approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water.)
♦ Q: Do I still need to take a swim test for aquatic activities since there is a deferment in place?
A: The deferment is only for rank requirements Second Class(5b) and First Class(6A). Aquatic activities still require current and valid swim testing for both Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. If swim checks for these events cannot be done, then the aquatics activities cannot take place.
♦ Q: Will there be any changes for Scouts who cannot complete the camping merit badge?
COVID-19 has resulted in Scouts being unable to complete the Eagle-required Camping merit badge, specifically requirement 9b.
Requirement (9b) On any of these (Scouting) camping experiences, you must do TWO of the following,
only with proper preparation and under qualified supervision.
(1) Hike up a mountain, gaining at least 1,000 vertical feet.
(2) Backpack, snowshoe, or cross-country ski for at least 4 miles.
(3) Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at least four hours.
(4) Take a nonmotorized trip on the water of at least four hours or 5 miles.
(5) Plan and carry out an overnight snow camping experience.
(6) Rappel down a rappel route of 30 feet or more.
Although this requirement adds “Scout fun” to a camping experience, it will be temporarily suspended as a requirement to earn this badge. All other Camping merit badge requirements must still be completed to earn this badge. Upon direction from the National Council, requirement 9b will be reinstated with 30 days’ notice to our Scouting community through national channels.
Q: Can merit badge counseling or Nova/Supernova counseling be done using digital technologies like Zoom or WebEx?
Yes, registered merit badge counselors or Nova counselors/Supernova mentors may work with youth using digital platforms, ensuring that all youth protection measures noted in the Guide to Safe Scouting and BSA’s social media guidelines are in place. In addition to youth protection, the advancement guidelines in Guide to Advancement (GTA) Section 7 are required.
Q: Are merit badge counselors allowed to provide online instruction?
Yes. Merit badge counselors should follow the guidelines in the Guide to Advancement 7.0.3.2 and ensure you are adhering to all youth protection requirements and online communications guidelines. It is acceptable—and sometimes preferable—for merit badges to be taught in group settings, including online instruction. We currently allow group instruction at camp and merit badge midways, fairs, clinics, or similar events. These can be efficient methods, and interactive group discussions can support learning. Gathering a group online can also be beneficial. Guest experts and speakers that assist registered and approved counselors may be more willing to speak to a larger online audience. Slide shows, skits, demonstrations, panels, and various other techniques can also be employed, but as any teacher can attest, not everyone will learn all the material. Therefore, the standards we use to verify that each Scout has fulfilled requirements must not be relaxed. Merit badge counselors must be sure that each Scout has individually gained the knowledge intended. When accomplished, counselors can easily sign off requirements via ScoutBook.
Q: Can I connect directly with my Scouts/Venturers/Sea Scouts if I am a merit badge counselor?
Yes. In ScoutBook, merit badge counselors can now connect directly with the Scouts they are counseling; see https://discussions.scouting.org/t/march-23-2020-scoutbook-updates/165970 NOTE: Scouts/Venturers/Sea Scouts still must get approval from their leader, according to Guide to Advancement 7.0.3.0.
Q: How will I know if a Scout/Venturer/Sea Scout has obtained approval from their leader to work on a merit badge?
In the member profile, you will see if the leader has signed off with their approval.
Q: What if my member profile shows that my merit badge counselor status has expired:
Check with your council. Local councils may need to upload their latest list of approved merit badge counselors.
Q: Will unit leaders know that a merit badge counselor has connected with one of their Scouts/Venturers/Sea Scouts?
Yes. The unit Key 3 will receive an email that includes the name of the merit badge counselor, the Scout, and the name of the merit badge.
Q: What if I have other merit badge/ScoutBook questions?
See https://help.scoutbook.com/knowledge-base/scoutbook-merit-badge-counselor-council-upload-faq/
♦ Q: What changes have been made to rank advancement/camping requirements given the need to maintain social distancing during this time?
We have implemented temporary changes, detailed below, to allow Scouts to complete rank requirements, detailed below, by video conferencing through December 31, 2020. This deadline will be re-evaluated as needed.
The goal when using video conferencing must be to preserve the ideals and intent of each requirement as best as possible. Scoutmasters or their designee(s) should remain mindful of the Methods of Scouting, such as the Patrol Method, before implementing the modified requirements listed below. Some advancement activities can be completed by video conferencing but not all. For example, virtual visits to a city council meeting, national historic landmarks, museums, and art galleries may be acceptable, but swimming, rifle shooting, and motorboating merit badges cannot be completed virtually.
Even when using video conferencing, all virtual campouts and activities should consist of as many elements found on a normal outdoor campout or activity as possible. The most significant difference is that patrol or troop members are not all in the same location. All existing youth protection policies and digital safety guidelines must be followed.
Tenderfoot rank requirements
1b. – Virtual patrol or troop campouts via video conferencing will be permitted.
2a. – During the same day as your virtual patrol or troop campout, assist in preparing one meal with the help of those with whom you live. Tell your patrol or troop why it was important for each person to share in meal preparation and cleanup.
2b. – During the same day as your virtual campout, demonstrate the appropriate method of safely cleaning items used to prepare, serve and eat a meal.
5a. – Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Verbally commit to following the buddy system on your next troop or patrol outing.
7a. – Tell how to display, raise, lower, and fold the U.S. flag.
Second Class rank requirements:
1a & 1c. – Virtual patrol or troop activities via video conferencing will be permitted.
3b. – Using a compass and map together, plan a 5-mile hike approved by your adult leader.
4. – Evidence of wild animals can be demonstrated with information or photos of your local area found online.
5c. – May be completed virtually via video conferencing on dry land.
7c. – Learn about the dangers of using drugs, alcohol and tobacco and other practices that could be harmful to your health. Discuss what you learned with your family and explain the dangers of substance addictions. Report to your Scoutmaster or other adult leader in your troop about which parts of the Scout Oath and Scout Law relate to what you learned.
8a. – May be completed virtually using video conferencing.
8d. – May be completed by comparing costs at three (3) online sites or locations.
First Class rank requirements:
1a – Virtual patrol or troop activities via video conferencing will be permitted.
2e. – On the same day as your virtual campout, serve as the cook. Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in First Class requirement 2a. Supervise the cleanup.
4a. – By drawing, computer software, or other virtual methods, plan an orienteering course that would cover at least one mile. Explain why measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.) is helpful. Explain how you would complete your course using a real map and compass.
4b. – Scouts do not need to follow their route.
5a. – Evidence of native plants can be demonstrated with information or photos of your local area found online.
6e. – May be completed on dry land.
9a. – Visit may take place virtually or by phone.
9c. – Outings can include past or future plans.
10. – Invite the potential new member to a virtual meeting or future activity using video conferencing.
Q: Will virtual camping count toward Order of the Arrow nights camping?
Virtual camping (i.e., backyard or solo camping) may be counted toward the required nights of camping for OA election eligibility if all the following stipulations are met:
– To be counted, all virtual camping nights should be a direct result of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and be part of a BSA unit-organized unit camping event (i.e., multiple members of the unit are involved and camping simultaneously at remote locations).
– Some form of unit-organized communications should occur either during or immediately following the event.
– All existing youth protection policies and digital safety guidelines must be followed.
– No more than 3 nights of virtual camping are to be credited in any month in which government- or council-imposed COVID-19 restrictions are in place.
This change is in effect until September 1, 2020. Please see https://oa-bsa.org/coronavirus/temporary-camping-night-policy-due-covid-19 for further details.
Units that have already held an election between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020 are authorized to hold one additional election for any individuals who were ineligible at the time of the election due to the camping requirement, but would have been considered eligible at the time if this temporary policy had then been in effect. This second election must be completed no later than July 1, 2020. Those who were previously considered for election in the first election may not be reconsidered on this second ballot (i.e., no one can be considered for election more than once in a year).
Q: Can merit badge requirements be adapted since some elements can’t be completed as stated right now?
The published guidelines for the methodology of the merit badge program and the role of the merit badge counselor is found in the Guide to Advancement, Section 7.0.0.0. It is important to remember that leaders and merit badge counselors must not make additions or deletions to requirements. The Scout is expected to meet the requirements as stated; however, in some cases, virtual “visits” may fulfill the intent of a requirement. When the requirement’s intent cannot be reached virtually, the requirements cannot be completed, and the Scout must wait to complete that badge/requirement. Merit badge counselors signing off on requirements must determine to the best of their ability if the Scout has demonstrated the intended outcome.
All existing youth protection policies and digital safety guidelines must be followed.
Q: Does a Scout need a hard copy of a Blue Card when working on merit badges?
No. Since the introduction of Scoutbook, the BSA has offered Scouts two ways of recording merit badge requirement completion: The Blue Card and Scoutbook. Both remain authorized methods to record merit badge work. Scoutbook is a part of the BSA Internet Advancement system, which means that entering an advancement record in Scoutbook is the same as entering it in Internet Advancement. Anyone with a BSA member ID automatically has access to a Scoutbook account through their my.scouting account.
Q: May time missed due to canceled unit meetings count toward active participation requirements?
Yes. If youth are registered and in good standing, a disruption from COVID-19 virus can be the “noteworthy circumstance” that prevents participation. This policy has been in place for many years and is explained in GTA Topic 4.2.3.1.
Q: May time missed due to canceled unit meetings count toward position of responsibility requirements?
Yes. If youth are registered and unable to meet the expectations of their positions because of COVID-19 disruptions, then units may need to waive or rethink the expectations. Just as youth must not be held to unestablished expectations, they must not be held to expectations that are impossible to fulfill. See GTA Topic 4.2.3.4, “Positions of Responsibility,” with its six subtopics.
Q: Does the National Council grant extensions of time to complete rank requirements beyond the 18thbirthday for the Eagle or 21st birthday for Summit or Quartermaster?
Yes, but only for the Eagle Scout rank as described in GTA Topic 9.0.4.0 or for Venturing Summit or Sea Scout Quartermaster as described in GTA Topic 4.3.3.0. Unit leadership must become familiar with the five tests under 9.0.4.0. The tests were designed to accommodate such obstacles as those presented by COVID-19 disruptions.
Q: Will youth who are not yet Life Scouts be allowed to apply for an extension to earn the Eagle Scout rank?
Extensions are considered only for Scouts who are Life rank. If, once a Scout achieves Life rank, it turns out that COVID-19 disruptions along the way have left them with insufficient time to complete Eagle requirements, then this may be cited when the time comes to submit an extension request.
Q: May local councils grant extensions?
The Guide to Advancement (GTA) continues to serve and guide Scouts, adult leaders, and councils on the proper reasoning and procedures for extending the deadline for competing all work toward the rank of Eagle Scout beyond the age of eligibility. Currently, Scouts may apply to the National Council for extensions as outlined in the GTA (section 9.0.4.0).
To assist Scouts during the ongoing pandemic, local councils have been twice granted the authority to extend the timeframe, for up to three months each time (now totaling a possible 6-month extension) to complete all work only for the rank of Eagle. This was done to eliminate any potential delays in the normal process. The authority for councils to grant these extensions is currently scheduled to expire September 30, 2020.
Local councils will now be given authority by the National Council to grant an additional three-month extension, which will end December 31, 2020. During this time, the National Council will evaluate permanently allowing councils the ability to approve Eagle/Summit/ Quartermaster extensions beyond the age of eligibility of up to six months. This would make unnecessary for local councils to forward those requests to the National Council.
If it is determined to permanently grant councils the six-month extension authority, Scouts would still be able to appeal to the National Council should their local council not approve their extension request.
Q: If youth have already received an extension, can they request additional time due to COVID-19?
Yes. Council Scout executives may grant extensions, or delegate authority to the Council Advancement Committee to grant extensions under the limitations listed above.
Q: What should be done while an extension request is being considered?
Youth should continue to work on advancement in so far as they are able—e.g., independently, or over the phone or videoconference—and at Scouting activities once they resume.
Q: Are extensions required when an Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster board of review must be delayed?
No. Councils may grant Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster boards of review up to six months after the youth’s 18th/21st birthday. See GTA Topic 8.0.3.1, “Eagle Scout Board of Review Beyond the 18th Birthday.”
See also, GTA Topic 8.0.1.6, “Boards of Review Through Videoconferencing.”
Q: Are electronic or digital signatures acceptable for rank advancement or for the Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster packets/applications?
Yes. Electronic or digital signatures will be accepted through September 30, 2020.
Q: How can a youth continue to work on advancement requirements if they don’t have internet or high-speed internet for videoconferencing?
Youth may take a picture of their completed activity/requirement and share the work with unit leaders. In keeping with youth protection policies, all communications from youth should be sent to at least two adults. See our Barriers to Abuse for details. Parents or guardians may send advancement work on behalf of their child.
