New International Spirit Award
The International Spirit Award is a temporary emblem that is awarded to registered Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, and Scouters who have completed the necessary requirements, have gained a greater knowledge of international Scouting, and have a greater appreciation and awareness of different cultures and countries.
This award serves as a replacement for (and therefore eliminates) the International Activity emblem and the Youth Exchange emblem.
International Spirit Award emblems cost $4 each and can be purchased from the International Department. Visit www.scouting.org/international/applications to fill out the application with the date that each requirement was completed. All requirements must be met within five years from the start of the award. Please mail the completed, signed application and a check (made payable to Boy Scouts of America) to:
Boy Scouts of America
International Department, S221
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, TX 75015-2079
One Oath and Law
On Oct. 17, the BSA’s Executive Board approved a resolution to use the Scout Oath and Scout Law in the Cub Scout and Venturing programs. Specifically, the changes approved are as follows:
Cub Scouts:
- Adopt the Scout Oath and Scout Law for use in the Cub Scout program, retiring the Cub Scout Promise.
- Revise the Core Values of Cub Scouts to align exactly with the 12 points of the Scout Law.
- Retire the Law of the Pack, while maintaining the concept of “Akela” as leader.
- Maintain the current Cub Scout motto, sign, salute, and handshake.
Venturing:
- Retire the Venturing Oath, Code, sign, and salute .
- Adopt the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout sign, and Scout salute.
- Engage the task force and National Youth Cabinet to determine whether Venturing should have a differentiating motto/slogan or adopt “Be Prepared.”
These changes will become effective with the release of youth handbooks and leader aids supporting this and other changes related to Strategic Plan Goal 411, approximately Jan. 1, 2014, for Venturing-related changes and May 15, 2015, for Cub Scout- and Boy Scout-related changes. Changes to publications, websites, and other materials should NOT be initiated based on this article. Those will be handled based on the previously stated timing and will be initiated by the task forces working on the respective programs.
Shown below are copies of the board resolution and a document addressing common questions and answers. Additional questions or requests for more information may be directed to [email protected].
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