BSA’s Statement on Membership Policy
Update January 31, 2013: Due to the high volume of calls and e-mails to the Boy Scouts of America National Office, individuals who wish to submit feedback regarding the ongoing membership policy discussion are encouraged to do so by visiting www.scouting.org/ContactUs
From BSA:
Boy Scouts of America
Monday, Jan. 28, 2013
Attributable to: Deron Smith, Director of Public Relations
“For more than 100 years, Scouting’s focus has been on working together to deliver the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. Scouting has always been in an ongoing dialogue with the Scouting family to determine what is in the best interest of the organization and the young people we serve.
“Currently, the BSA is discussing potentially removing the national membership restriction regarding sexual orientation. This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs. BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that best meets the needs of their families.
“The policy change under discussion would allow the religious, civic, or educational organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting to determine how to address this issue. The Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members, or parents. Under this proposed policy, the BSA would not require any chartered organization to act in ways inconsistent with that organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs.”
Amateur Radio Operator Rating Strip Introduced
The National Radio Scouting Committee is pleased to announce that the BSA Awards and Insignia Committee has approved the Amateur Radio Operator rating strip for wear on youth and adult uniforms. This rating strip recognizes the member’s availability as an amateur radio operator for communication services for events and activities, as well as for emergencies.
All registered youth members and adult leaders who also hold a valid amateur radio license, of any class, issued by the Federal Communications Commission are eligible to wear the rating strip. The Supply order number is 617431.
The rating strip is worn on the right sleeve, in position 3 or 4, under the U.S. flag (position 1), patrol emblem or den emblem (position 2). If a unit award is present in position 3, the rating strip is worn in position 4.
It is hoped that the new strips will help encourage more people to join amateur radio clubs so the useful skill is taken up by a greater number. If clubs see an increase in members then they may have to look at a HAM or a Two Way Radio Review to find the best ones to buy for the club to accommodate the new members.
This rating strip is similar to the Amateur Radio Operator Badge offered as a proficiency badge by Scouts Australia, as well as the recently introduced badge by Scouting Netherlands. It follows in the footsteps of the Scout Radioman personal interest badge for Senior Scouts and Explorer Scouts that was offered by the BSA in the 1940s.
(Read more in Scouting magazine’s Bryan on Scouting blog.)
Pinewood Derby – Tip #3
Dear Pack 1776,
Here is Pinewood Derby Tip #3 and a link to a fun article from the Columbus Dispatch.
Sincerely,
Pack 1776 PWD Committee
Pinewood Derby – Tip #2
Dear Pack 1776,
Here is Pinewood Derby Tip #2.
Sincerely,
The PWD Committee
Cal Basketball Scout Day
The first 400 scouts to register will receive a Cal Scout Day Patch!!!
Following is a list of upcoming Scout Days/Nights:
01/19 (Sat): Harlem Globetrotters Scout Night @ Oracle Arena
01/20 (Sun): Harlem Globetrotters Scout Night @ HP Pavilion
01/26 (Sat): Supercross @ Oakland Coliseum
02/23 (Sat): Monster Jam Scout Night @ Oakland Coliseum
03/02 (Sat): Cal Basketball Scout Day (vs Colorado University)
04/27 (Sat): Scout Day @ Schulz Museum
05/19 (Sun): A's Scout Day
Scout Days/Nights are not Pack 1776 events but rather community events open to Scout groups.
Pinewood Derby – Tip #1
Pack 1776,
Here is the first of several Pinewood Derby (PWD) tips that will follow over the next week. The PWD Committee looks forward to you having a great time at the event this year!
Sincerely,
Harry Beck
February Hike – Little Yosemite, Sunol Region Wilderness
Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from park headquarters. Cub scouts will enjoy this beautiful hike with its gorgeous waterfalls and pools.
Date: Sunday, Feb 24, 2012
Time: 8:45 am – 12:00 pm Time changed!
Location: Little Yosemite, Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol
Meeting Point: Corner of parking lot right by the trailhead.
Attire: Class B
Awards: Trail Trekkers Cub Scout Patch/Progressive Hike Award.
Fees: Park Entrance Fees - $5.00
Must read: Hike info
Contact: Hiking Chair - Sachin Sheth (925.968.9940)
Details
Distance, category, and difficulty:
Easy, 4.4 miles
Hiking time:
~3 hours
Exposure:
Exposed
Trail surfaces:
Fire roads and dirt trails
What to bring:
- Binoculars
- Long pants
- Dress in layers – please wear weather appropriate attire.
- Snacks
- Water
Getting there:
• Go south on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84 just south of the town of Pleasanton. Turn left onto Calaveras Road and proceed to Geary Road, which leads directly into the park.
GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude 37°30'55.58"N
Longitude 121°49'50.27"W
Spring 2013 Camping – SAVE THE DATES!
Date: Friday, April 19, 2012 2:00pm – Sunday, April 21, 2012 12:00pm
Location: Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore, CA
SAVE THE DATES!! Del Valle Regional Park, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, is located in a valley framed by oak-covered hills. The centerpiece of the park is a five-mile long lake, with all kinds of water-oriented recreation, surrounded by 4,316 acres of beautiful land for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and nature study. Del Valle is also the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 28 miles of scenic back country trail. The campground has ample bathrooms and showers and the average high temperature in April is 71° and the average low is 46°.
More info:
Park website: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/del_valle
Park map: http://www.ebparks.org/Assets/_Nav_Categories/Parks/Maps/Del+Valle+map.pdf
Details will follow in an Evite in March and will be posted here. We have one group site and the maximum number of campers is 50 with parking for 15 vehicles. Stay tuned.
Scott Spears
Camping Chair
Pinewood Derby Champ Camp
Have you started working on your Pinewood Derby car yet? Do you need help? You do? You are in luck because January is Pinewood Derby® Month at all BSA Scout shops!
From dreaming about the design to crossing the finish line, your local Scout Shop supports your Pinewood Derby® every step of the way.
And now, January is officially Pinewood Derby® Month. Stop in any time, all month long, for:
- A free, accurate weigh-in for your car
- Test runs on a practice track
- Answers to all your building and racing questions
- Speed secrets — ways to shave seconds off your race time
- Step-by-step info, including four great how-to books
- Start-to-finish supplies — ask about new items for 2013!
Then, join us for our first-ever Champ Camp... on Saturday, January 12, for a one-day info session that’ll get you race-ready in no time, including demos on precision tools! And just for attending, you’ll receive a free sheet of Pinewood Derby® decals.
Contact your local Scout Shop for more details, store hours, and event specifics.
Pinewood Derby® Champ Camp takes place during regular store hours on Saturday, January 12. Decal giveaway offer is valid January 12 only; does not apply to previous offers. All Cub Scouts must be accompanied by an adult.
