Archive for the ‘Resources’ Category
BSA National Outdoor Challenge Application
The National Outdoor Challenge is a unit award that recognizes troops that maintain or increase the amount of outdoor activity when compared to the previous year.
The recognition is a streamer for the unit’s flag.
To earn this award, the unit states on the application that it has:
- Developed an annual plan for the current year.
- Conducted 10 outdoor trips or activities with at least 50 percent of the registered youth participating OR increased the number of outdoor trips or activities compared to the previous year.
- Attended long-term resident camp or a local/national high-adventure experience of at least six days/five nights.
- Conducted at least one outing with a Webelos Scout den.
- Earned at least one outdoors-related* merit badge per Scout.
- Conducted at least one Leave No Trace program during the calendar year for a minimum of 50 percent of the members.
Note: Outdoors-related merit badges are: Backpacking, Camping, Canoeing, Climbing, Cooking, Cycling, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, First Aid, Fish and Wildlife Management, Fishing, Fly-Fishing, Forestry, Hiking, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Orienteering, Pioneering, Rowing, Scuba, Snow Sports, Soil and Water Conservation, Swimming, Water Sports, Whitewater.
The unit leader completes the National Outdoor Challenge application (PDF) and submits it to the local council camping committee.
National Summertime Pack Award
A pack can earn the National Summertime Pack Award by doing three pack activities when school is out for the summer—one activity each in June,July, and August. Packs that qualify get a colorful streamer for their packflag. Dens that have at least half of their members at the three summer pack events can earn a den ribbon. Pack members who take part in all three events are eligible for the National Summertime Pack Award pin, to wear on the right pocket flap of their uniform.
If a pack is in a “year-round school” (or is part of a home-school association), the pack could earn the Summertime Pack Award by having a special pack activity during school breaks.
You can find the application here: Award Form (PDF)
Cub Scout Den and Pack Meeting Resource Guide
Cub Scout meetings are changing. Make sure you pickup the new Guide. You can pick one up from the Council Scout Shop. You can also order is from ScoutStuff.org.
The BSA National Site has info here (Added Link)
If you would like to hear some other Cub Scouters discuss this new guide, you can listen to a podcast from PTC Media’s “The Leader’s Camp Fire”
You can see a sneak peak of the manual here: (Link Updated)