Journey to Excellence
“Scouting’s Journey to Excellence” is the BSA’s new performance recognition program designed to encourage and reward success and measure the performance of units, districts, and councils. It is replacing the Centennial Quality Awards Program as a means of encouraging excellence in providing a quality program at all levels of the BSA. Information, forms, and recorded webinars can be found on BSA's website.
In order to accommodate volunteers and professional staff who were not able to attend one of the Journey to Excellence webinars in October or November, the Boy Scouts of America has expanded the schedule into the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, January 26 at 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 2 at 8 a.m.
Register for the webinar here.
IMPORTANT: More Info on BSA Youth Protection Training
Important information from the District:
To Meridian Scouters,
Many of you may have already received notification on changes to BSA's Youth Protection Training Policies. If not, please review these changes CAREFULLY. It is VERY IMPORTANT that all Meridian Scouters follow the new mandatory requirements as outlined in this guideline.
NOTE the new requirements for New Registered Leaders -- they cannot turn in an Adult Registration Application until they have completed Youth Protection Training!
More information can be found in this FAQ.
Please let me know if you have any questions...
YiS,
Ray Chan
Training Chair
Meridian District
925-548-6179 - Cell
Uniforms on Clearance
Clearance is on at BSA online shop and Scout Shops. Hot items like uniforms and gears are going fast. More info below:
You're one click away from the best Scout-gear deals you can find! With closeout savings in every category, you'll find hundreds of incredible buys when you shop our online Closeout Catalog. Discover up to 65% savings on clearance and discontinued items, while supplies last!
These products are sure to go fast but we're always adding new ones. Make it a habit to shop the Closeout Catalog whenever you visit ScoutStuff... check in regularly to check out the deep discounts and unbeatable savings!
And be sure to look for closeout items in our stores as well. Supplies are limited and selection varies online and at national Scout Shops. All prices are permanent markdowns. Once items sell out they're gone, so shop today.
Important Changes to BSA’s Youth Protection Training Policies
BSA has recently announced changes to its Youth Protection Training policies. The purpose is to increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting.
Effective June 1, 2010
- Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position.
- New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
- Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.
Scout parents are not registered volunteers and thus not required to take the training. It is strongly recommended, however, that all adults involved in Scouting take Youth Protection training.
This training can be taken online at MyScouting.org. More information can be found at BSA and US Scouting Service Project.
New Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide Now Available
We mentioned changes will be coming to Cub Scouting in the next school year, and now the new Den and Packing Meeting resource guide is available online for download and purchase. If you are like me who can't wait to read more about it, you can find it here.
And if this is not enough to curb your crave, don't miss the 22 webminar sessions on this new program that are already underway!
Belt Loop and Pin for Video Games
Over 10 belt loops and pins have been added to the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program this year. Among them, video gaming is one of the most controversial to be added. Contrary to the traditional image of a scout, video gaming doesn't seem to belong. If you are puzzled like most people, this video may help answer a question or two.
To find out more about this award, check the BSA website.
Cub Scouts 2010 Overview
You may have heard about changes in the Cub Scouts program for next year. While things are still being rolled out gradually, here's an overview of the upcoming changes.
2010 National Jamboree Patch Now On Sale
Passing this on from the Council:
2010 Mt. Diablo Silverado Council National Jamboree Patches Are Now For Sale!
If you would like more information on the patch, and to order one (or more!), please visit www.bsa-mdsc.org/jamboree or view this document. All proceeds will go to fund the 2010 National Jamboree trip for our three Troops! Thank you!
Special Message on Youth Protection from the Meridian District
Fellow Meridian District Parents,
Recently there was an incident in the Meridian District involving a parent leader who was accused and arrested by the San Ramon Police for being in possession of child pornography. At this time it is believed that none of the materials involve members of our organization, although the investigation is still underway. As a Scout Leader it would be bad enough if there were evidence of him visiting adult pornography websites like https://www.tubev.sex/?hl=es although these types of websites are legal it's still not something we would encourage or condone for our Leaders. Any media contact should be referred to Valerie Ridgers at Mt. Diablo Silverado Council offices in Pleasant Hill.
We would like to share our official position and actions with respect to this matter as follows:
- The adult was a registered leader and underwent a background check that came up clean. His membership has been revoked.
Every youth-facing leader is expected to register with Boy Scouts of America using the standard form which requires a Social Security Number. If an adult wishes not to give his or her Social Security Number he or she will not be permitted to lead a Den, Pack, Troop, Outing, Event, or any other Boy or Cub Scout activity which by definition depends on the integrity of responsible and trustworthy parent leaders. This is a non-negotiable policy. No registration - No leader. Period.
- The San Ramon Police Department, and the courts will decide the case, Boy Scouts of America will not. We are a nation of laws and due process and we defer to those public agencies in the execution of their lawful duties. If it is determined that members of our organization have broken the law, or knowingly abused or harmed other members they will be removed and referred to the authorities. Adult leaders of Boy Scouts of America are required to report to the Scout Executive any suspicion or knowledge of child abuse of any kind. If any adult suspects an abuse situation be it from an unrelated adult, or a child's own parents, he or she is required by BSA and California State Law to report.
- Boy Scouts of America has taken steps to prepare for and counter the possibility of inappropriate situations between adults and children. Each and every adult leader is required to take the Youth Protection Training every two years, and other trainings include further instruction on the subject. Adults are required to adhere to the concept of Two-Deep Leadership. The video called It Happened To Me which is age appropriate for our youth members should be shown and discussed at every unit to teach children useful defense methods. These things are presently offered to the membership on an Honor System basis. This is going to change very soon to a requirement with verification.
Boy Scouts of America is a community organization with a goal of helping parents teach our youth Character and Leadership. We have a system to do that and we rely on the participation, integrity and commitment of our fellow parents to carry it out. We prepare and protect ourselves and each other as well as we can, as responsibly as we know how. We do not cover up bad behavior for the sake of protecting our image or our friends. The safety of our youth is always our first priority.
James Teare
Meridian District Chairman, MDSC
Earle Conklin
Meridian District Commissioner, MDSC
