scouting

Q&A for Advancement & COVID-19

March 20, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

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 18^th birthday for the Eagle or 21^st 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 18^thbirthday; for Summit/Quartermaster, the extension must not exceed 3 months from the youth’s 21^st 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’s18^th/21^st 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 18^th/21^st 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

Advice on Volunteering During a Pandemic

March 19, 2020 by Dr. Michael J. Manyak

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT CORONAVIRUS AND COVID-19?

INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT CORONAVIRUS AND COVID-19?

COVID-19 is one of 7 coronaviruses out of many in that viral family that infect humans, 4 of which routinely cause transient seasonal flu-like symptoms. This is the newest of the 3 strains that cause serious disease along with SARS and MERS. This new virus is genetically 96% identical to a known coronavirus in bats and 86-92% identical to a coronavirus in the pangolin. Therefore, this virus most likely arose in animals before mutating to infect humans. The disease affects both men and women but seems to cause more deaths among men, older patients, and people with other pre-existing disorders like hypertension and diabetes, though it appears to affect children and adolescents less than adults. People with blood type A may have more serious disease but that remains to be confirmed. Children may be able to spread disease without symptoms.

COVID-19 is spread primarily by respiratory droplets and has an incubation period of 2-14 days with a median time of about 5 days. The critical zone for infection appears to be within 6 feet. It is unknown when a person becomes infective but the vast majority test positive when symptoms of fever (88%), dry cough (68%), exhaustion (38%), shortness of breath (18%), sore throat (14%) appear. Less common are nausea/vomiting (5%), nasal congestion (5%), and diarrhea (4%). About 80% of people acquiring COVID-19 have mild symptoms, 15% need to be hospitalized with respiratory support, and 5% need ICU admission.

The major source of spread is from respiratory droplets. The virus may live outside of the host for several hours to days depending on the surface. It survives in aerosols at least 3 hrs. On various surfaces, there is no viable virus on copper after 4 hrs. and on cardboard after 24 hrs. Though the viral titer is greatly reduced it is still detectable after 48 hrs. on stainless steel and after 72 hrs. on plastic.

The coronavirus has a protein envelope susceptible to sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol and hand washing is effective at removing viruses. Therefore, cleansing of surfaces and frequent hand washing are hallmarks of personal hygiene to prevent spread and very important given the relatively long times the virus remains on various surfaces.

Current tests may be inconclusive and there is a large backlog of samples to be tested. Several new tests are in development with release on a greater scale possible soon. Consequently, we do not know the full extent of the disease incidence nor an accurate case fatality (death) rate because the denominator in the equation is really unknown and likely much larger for both. Experts estimate that the true case fatality rate may be around 1% or less. This is good but it still makes COVID-19 about 10 times more lethal than seasonal flu.

WHAT DO WE NOT KNOW ABOUT COVID-19?

How long someone is infective before symptoms occur. Unknown but probably 1-2 days. A significant component of spread is from asymptomatic infected patients.
How long someone remains infective after having the virus and a negative test. Preliminary data suggests virus is still present 8 days after symptoms stop. The CDC says someone is clear after 2 successive negative tests separated by 24 hours but that advice is evolving.
If virus is passed in body fluids. Unknown but other viruses are present in body fluids.
If virus is passed in feces. Coronavirus has been found in rectal swabs and fecal samples.
If the COVID-19 virus will mutate to become more lethal. There are now 2 and evidence of 8 strains of virus, with one of the more recent ones more lethal but with lower incidence in new cases.
If there is immunity from a previous infection. Probably but a mutation can negate immunity.
If we will get a vaccine. It takes 12-18 months to develop new vaccines.
If the virus will become dormant or less active during warmer weather. Possible but unlikely given no decreased incidence in warm climates.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

It is a personal decision to engage in volunteer activities.

Frequent hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Stay home if you have symptoms of cold or flu – sneezing, coughing, fever
Seek medical attention if you have these symptoms, call your physician first to determine what to do and where to go
Do not travel or volunteer if ill
Do not travel to known areas of active infection
Masks work best to prevent someone with symptoms from spreading the virus. Only N-95 and above (N-97, N-99, N-100) respirators are effective to prevent virus from infecting a person but they are scarce and can become a contaminant
Avoid touching face, eyes, common surfaces, shaking hands
Cover coughs, sneezes
Try to keep a distance of 6 feet from others if in a public settin

More information is available at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen

This is the April 5, 2020 guidance document. This document will be updated as necessary.

We thank Dr. Michael J. Manyak, MD, FACS, Global Urology Medical Director for GlaxoSmithKline, Chief Medical Advisor for Crisis Response for the Washington Board of Trade, and Distinguished Eagle Scout. Dr. Manyak is a consultant to many different corporations, governments, on many topics, including COVID-19.

Camp Card Sale Extended to June 15th

March 18, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

Sell cards to your family or via social media and send them to your family throughout the United States-send cards via USPS!

In addition to the one-time and multiple-use coupons below, the 2020 Camp Card includes the BSA Digital Savers Guide!

Each card will have an online code that the card purchaser can use to access hundreds of local offers online! The user will simply set-up their account at www.boyscoutscampcard.com, enter the code on the Camp Card they purchased and start saving! Download the app.

The Digital Savers Guide account is activated through the end of the year.

Great Savings Await in the BSA Digital Savings Guide: Get 100’s of local 2-for-1 and 50% off coupons

Plus, over 360,000 coupons nationwide Coupons available on your phone and online Big savings on travel and at online stores New coupons added weekly

Redeem offers online from your desktop computer, print your coupons or present your offer from your iPhone or iPad through hundreds of merchants!

Below are just a few of the merchants with offers (subject to change at any time)

June 15th – Fully settle your account (turning in all unsold cards and payments) for full 50% commission prior to June 15th. Accounts settled after June 15 are reduced to 40% Commission rate

For questions please visit CampCard@NCACBSA.org.

Register for the Outdoor Ethics Leave No Trace Trainer Course!

March 5, 2020 by The Scouter Digest Staff

What is the purpose of this class?

The Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Varsity Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout programs all include outdoor stewardship, care for the environment, and Leave No Trace as part of their programs. This course is offered to train adults as Leave No Trace Trainers and youth aged 14+ to serve their units as Outdoor Ethics Guides. Every Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Varsity Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout unit should have at least one individual fully trained in Leave No Trace.

We recommend that youth complete this course before serving as in the troop Outdoor Ethics Guide position.

Who should attend?

Venturers, Sea Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Scouts BSA aged 14+; adult Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Varsity, Venturing, and Sea Scout leaders; and District and Council leaders and trainers.

What will I learn?

This course is designed to enhance your understanding of Leave No Trace practices and outdoor ethics, and to increase your level of expertise and confidence in teaching Leave No Trace skills. This class is both active and highly interactive. You will be introduced to concepts and methods that will advance your knowledge of Leave No Trace issues in both developed and high adventure environments, expand your repertoire of low-impact skills, and increase your effectiveness in teaching these important skills to others. You will be qualified to lead a unit in completing the last requirement for the BSA Outdoor Ethics Awareness award and the NCAC Outdoor Ethics Awareness award for Cubs.

On completion of this course, participants will be registered as Leave No Trace Trainers with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and with the BSA. Students will receive Leave No Trace teaching materials, a certificate of course completion, a Leave No Trace Trainer lapel pin and patch, and a BSA Leave No Trace Trainer card.

This course is instructed by nationally designated Leave No Trace Master Educators and Trainers. Attendance for the entire duration of the training is required.

(Campsite location, equipment list, and other course details will be emailed to participants a few weeks prior to the course. Each participant will have an assignment to prepare for the training.) Please remember this course is taught entirely in the outdoors and we will camp out Saturday evening.

To register for March 28-29, 2020 at Camp Snyder visit https://scoutingevent.com/082-NV1, for April 18-19, 2020 at Izaak Walton League in Gaithersburg please visit https://scoutingevent.com/082-MD1# or June 6-7, 2020 in Southern Maryland visit https://scoutingevent.com/082-SMD.

Help Celebrate NCAC Camping Centennial at Camp Snyder’s Work Days for All

March 5, 2020 by Craig Weston

Celebrate 100 years of NCAC summer camping by helping Camp Snyder get ready for the summer! Earn service hours and a free Camping Centennial patch for working on projects.

Open to all Scouts, Cubs through Venturers, and Families. Projects for all skill levels, which may include building and installing bird houses, splitting and stacking logs, staining and painting, digging and installing sign posts, assembling traffic barriers.

Be sure to bring work gloves, lunch, water, sunscreen and insect repellant. Check for ticks when departing. And, wear old clothing that can get dirty or stained with paint. No scout uniforms and no open toed shoes or sandals. Check In/Out at the Admin Building at the Camp Entrance.

Join us on Saturday, April 4th and/or Sunday, May 17th, from 9am to 4 pm. Come for the day or just part of the day!

Free registration at https://scoutingevent.com/082-35883

See you on April 4th and/or May 17th!

2020 D.C. United Scout Day

March 3, 2020 by Tristan Atterbury

Attention NCAC Scouts, Scouters and families, are you ready for an awesome and exciting experience with D.C. United? Then join us on March 7th for the 2020 D.C. United Scout Day as we takes on Inter Miami!!

Each Scout with the purchase of a ticket will receive a Scout Patch from D.C. United. And the first 100 Scouts will receive an exclusive invite to the Scout Clinic on March 20th at Audi Field to participate in drills and meet D.C. United Players and Coaches! Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity!

To register please visit: https://fevo.me/dcuscouts

For additional questions please contact Tristan Atterbury from D.C. United at (202) 655-2854.