We Own Adventure

Scouting News for the DC Metro Area

Cub Scouts

Pack 1055’s Virtual Bear Den Meeting

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Social distancing has canceled many activities but with today’s technology and the flexibility that scouting provides there is the capability to maintain Pack and Den operations. With this in mind, Pack 1055 is using those tools to keep their Cub Scouts working towards rank advancement.

It started with a simple survey using Google Forms that went out to the parents in the den. The hope was to discover the best platform to run a virtual meeting and when the best times would be to conduct the meeting. As it turns out, Zoom has been used frequently these days and most families were able to meet at the same time as the den would usually meet.

The virtual meeting invitation and information was sent out, and on April 7, 2020, the Cubmaster and Bear Den Leader of Pack 1055 led the meeting. The agenda was brief. Our main purpose was to see how a meeting would run. We started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, the Scout Oath and the Scout Law, had a few announcements, then had our den discussion.

Each Scout was asked three questions about staying at home during the crisis and had a chance to talk about their current experiences. After each Scout finished, the den meeting was opened up for some free-time chatting between Scouts, then we closed the same way we close all our den meetings: by signing “Do Your Best,” which is perfect for a virtual meeting.

The meeting was a success and it provided a good experience for how meetings like this can continue. As a result, the Bear Den is planning on having more virtual den meetings to complete the Critter Care elective adventure. While the den can’t visit any animal shelters or veterinary practices, they can still meet the requirements of the elective using an online format and sharing PowerPoint or Google Slides. They will also have an opportunity to show off their pets, something that could have been difficult during an in-person den meeting.

Pack 1055 is currently planning a virtual Pack Meeting as well to take place later this month to help ensure that, even in times of crisis, We Own Adventure!

Cub Scouts and Leave No Trace During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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During the 2019-2020 Scouting year, Pack 18 (for Girls & Boys) worked diligently to fulfill the four requirements for the National Capital Area Council’s (NCAC) Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award. Then in March 2020; the COVID-19 pandemic became the focus of our lives, the Governors of Virginia and Maryland issued stay at home orders and schools were canceled for the remainder of the year. The once uncommon term called social distancing became a term that everyone quickly understood. Then the question became, “To Scout or not to Scout” and then “What is the best way to connect with our Scouts and their Caring Guardians”.

Instead of waiting, Pack 18 (for Girls and Boys) decided to complete their Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award requirements. They worked with Council to modify any outdoor events for the new reality of indoor activities as well as to comply with social distancing guidelines.

This decision to proceed with Scouting added some normalcy into the lives of the Scouts and allowed them to complete a goal that they worked so hard to achieve. The Scouts in Pack 18 (for Girls & Boys) really liked using Zoom video technology because they could see the presenter’s videos and slide show as well as the ability to socialize with each other.

For the 2019-2020 Scouting year Pack 18 (for Girls & Boys) had nine Scouts complete the four requirements for the NCAC Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award. Of those Scouts, they all completed at least three requirements and some Scouts completed all four requirements with online video conferencing technology and indoor events.

Despite having to adapt to life in a COVID-19 environment, Pack 18’s Scouts pivoted and are now able to wear the NCAC Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award on their chests. When the Scouts realized that they had completed this achievement, the Scouts cheered and clapped very loudly – – it certainly made the decision to continue Scouting very worthwhile for them and their community!!!

Brent C. Purcell
Cubmaster Pack 18 (for Girls & Boys)
Leave No Trace Instructor
Wood Badge N6-82-18-2
Mattaponi District, National Capital Area Council

Pack 1859’s Journey to Earn the NCAC Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award

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Cubs in Pack 1859 from Sully District are earning the NCAC Outdoor Ethics Awareness award for Cubs. Before the recommendations to suspend all in-person Scouting events, they dedicated their last pack meeting to Outdoor Ethics and Leave No Trace!

Pack 1859 holding Leave No Trace reference cards.

The NCAC Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award has 4 requirements.
1. Cubs and Scouters recited the Outdoor Code together as a pack. The Outdoor Code captures the essence of the Scouting Outdoor Ethic and establishes our aspirations and commitment.

2. They viewed the Leave No Trace video, produced by the National Park Service and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. This video introduces the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.

3. Cubs and Scouters learned some of the principles by playing interactive games with a person who has taken the Outdoor Ethics Orientation, the Leave No Trace Trainer course, or the Leave No Trace Master Educator course. They played the trash timeline, the durable surface game, a wildlife habitat matching game, the animal vault game, and the thumb trick.

Cub Scouts determining whether surfaces are durable for hiking.
Learning the Thumb Trick to respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance.

4. At home with an adult they will take the Leave No Trace online awareness course. This online course can be tricky, even for adults, so do your best.

The NCAC Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award for Cub Scouts .

To learn more about LNT check out their online awareness course!

Q&A for Advancement & COVID-19

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Questions and Answers

Cub Scouting/Scouts BSA/Venturing/Sea Scouting Rank Advancement and the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The following questions regarding advancement have arisen as we deal with closures, cancellations, or other issues caused by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Although there are difficulties and constraints, advancement can continue. Youth, parents, and leaders should work together to implement creative, common sense ways to facilitate advancement while adhering to the Guide to Safe Scouting and following the rules of Youth Protection training.

Please follow this link to the Guide to Advancement (GTA), whichremains the primary source for information related to Scouts BSA advancement. It is referenced throughout the answers provided here.

Please send additional questions to advancement.team@scouting.org

All Scouting Programs

Q: How can advancement be tracked remotely?

A: Scouting units should use ScoutBook to record and track advancement. 

To track advancement remotely, parents should:1) Connect with their child’s member profile via an invitation that the unit leader sends within ScoutBook. 2) Once a connection is made, the parent should use the Scouting app, found in both the App Store and Google Play, to stay connected with their unit. 3) The Scouting app provides parents the ability to report any advancement that was completed at home. 

Go to https://help.scoutbook.com to learn more about how to start using ScoutBook and how to connect parents to their Scouts.

Cub Scouts

Q: May parents sign off on Webelos and Arrow of Light requirements?

A: 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?

A: 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.

Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts

Q: ​May merit badge requirements or rank requirements be modified?

A: ​No. All requirements must be completed as written. If meetings or activities are canceled or limited, youth should continue to work on requirements as far as possible. By employing common sense and creative solutions, many requirements–even Scoutmaster conferences–can be fulfilled through videoconferencing or telephone calls. 

Q: ​Can merit badge counseling or Nova/Supernova counseling be done using digital technologies like Zoom or WebEx?

A: 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 GTA Section 7 are required. 

Q: ​May time missed due to canceled unit meetings count toward active participation requirements?

A: ​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?

A: ​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 asyouth 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 18th birthday for the Eagle or 21st birthday for Summit or Quartermaster?

A: ​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-19disruptions.

Q: ​Will youth who are not yet Life Scouts be allowed to apply for an extension to earn the Eagle Scout rank?

A. Extensions are considered only for Scouts who are Life rank. If,once a Scout achieves Life rank, it turns out that COVID-19disruptions 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?

A: ​Normally, that is not allowed. However, due to the current situation—effective immediately and through September 30, 2020—council Scout executives may grant extensions, or delegate authority to the Council Advancement Committee to grant extensions under the following limitations:1. It can be established that COVID-19 disruptions were the only circumstances that delayed work on Eagle Scout/Summit/Quartermaster advancement requirements, such as the service project or merit badges. If any other causes were involved, the extension request must go to the National Councilfollowing the process outlined in the GTA.2. Extensions shall only be granted to youth in Scouts BSA who have already achieved Life rank.3. When the council receives a COVID-19-related request for a time extension, the council reviews the request and approves it if appropriate. A written response stating the outcome of the extension request must go to the youth. If approved, the notification must be attached to the youth’sEagle/Summit/Quartermaster rank application. For Eagle, the extension must not exceed 3 months from the youth’s 18thbirthday; for Summit/Quartermaster, the extension must not exceed 3 months from the youth’s 21st birthday.   4. Upon turning 18, the Scout must submit a completed adult application and successfully complete YPT; their participant code will now be UP for SBSA or VP for Venturing and Sea Scouting.5. Extension requests for more than 3 months beyond the youth’s18th/21st birthday must be sent to the National Service Center following the process outlined in the GTA. 

Note: A “month” in BSA advancement is defined as a day from one month to the next. For example, March 5 to April 5.

The authority for councils to grant extensions is temporary, lasting only through Sept. 30, 2020. 

Q: If youth have already received an extension, can they request additional time due to COVID-19?

A: ​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? 

A: 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?

A: ​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?

A: 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?


A: Youth may take a picture of their completed activity/requirement and share the work with unit leaders. In keeping with Youth Protection Training policies, all communications from youth should be sent to at least two adults. Parents or guardians may send advancement work on behalf of their child. 

3/19/20

Scouting At Home Challenge!

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Are you ready for the 30 day Scouting At Home challenge? Scout families take on the challenge of keeping your skills sharp by Scouting at Home and including the entire family. Participate in activities and adventures that are fun, exciting and informative!

If your family is up for the challenge for the next 30 days at 5pm share a picture or video of your family’s Scouting At Home activity on Facebook and hashtag #ScoutingAtHome! We can’t wait to see all the NCAC challengers and share them with other Scouts. Challenge begins Thursday, 3/19/2020 at 5pm!

Follow us @ncacbsa on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and be sure to hashtag #ScoutingAtHome!