OA FALL ORDEAL Oct. 23-25

Posted on October 21, 2020

The induction weekend, called the Ordeal, is the first step toward full membership in the Order of the Arrow, the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America. All candidates for membership must complete the Ordeal and this is an extra Ordeal to help those candidates that were unable to attend either the Aug. or Sept. Ordeals.

For more information or to register https://scoutingevent.com/160-2020FallOrdeal

If you miss registering online, limited walk-in registrations will be accepted as this is a capped event due to COVID-19. Also, if you have any questions or foresee any conflicts, please read our Frequently Asked Questions page at http://jaccostownelodge.org/faq.html or email our Lodge Chief at chief@jaccostownelodge.org, or Matthew Walker, Lodge Staff Adviser at matthew.walker@scouting.org 

New District Name: The Monon District

Posted on October 21, 2020

It’s official!  Our merged district has a new name.

We are now:    The Monon District!

District Commissioners and Committee members generated a list of names to consider. Those names were whittled down to a few great candidates.  Of those, one name received wide support and helped to set the stage for our future.

We picked something that was geographical in nature.  The Monon Trail passes through both of the former districts.  It is also a green space that is well used by families and promotes fitness.  Two things that Scouting also tries to promote.

We will very much miss the Del-Mi and North Star names and the histories that went with them!  As we say goodbye to our much loved Del-Mi and North Star names, let us look forward to the future of a tremendously talented district. 

Leaders will start to see the role out of this name.  New email lists are being put together as we speak.  New communication methods are also being developed and will be made available very soon.

Yours in Scouting,
Bob Bissell and Paul Kovach
Monon District Co-chairs

Bewitched Belzer Bash

Posted on October 21, 2020

Bewitched Belzer Bash
October 24, 2020 5:00 -9:00 P.M.

Join us for our annual Bewitched Belzer Bash for a night of spooky family fun in a setting that can’t be beat!

https://scoutingevent.com/160-2021bewitchedbelzerbash

We’ll have activities including:
– Games
– Haunted Hike
– Campfire
-Spooky Stories
…and more!

Admission is $20 per person, dinner is included.

Attendance is limited and reservation in advance is required. No walk-ins allowed. Sanitation will be increased with regular cleaning of program equipment and social distancing will be required between groups. We will also follow the recommendations of state and local health organization which may include requiring masks. 
 

Bring along the whole family for some frightfully good fun!

Fall Camporee 2020 update and future schedule

Posted on September 2, 2020

Scouts and Scouters:

The Central Section Fall Camporee scheduled for October 23-25, 2020 has been cancelled due to impacts of COVID-19.  We apologize for the cancellation of this event because after months of isolation and virtual events we were looking forward to reconnecting for Scouting activities with our districts.  The good news is that we have retained the reservations at Ransburg Scout Reservation for these dates so that your troop or crew may camp at Ransburg that weekend and enjoy the fall weather with your fellow scouts. Currently, not all campsites are available at Ransburg, therefore reservations are available on a first come, first served basis for units in our section only.  Please contact Reem Okar [317-813-7094] to book your unit for the weekend at Ransburg.

The scheduled dates for future Camporees are:

• Winter: January 22-24, 2021
• Spring:  April 23-25, 2021
• Fall:       October 22-24, 2021.

We hope that we can resume the Camporees in 2021!

Cub Scout Adventures On-line

Posted on September 2, 2020

Cub Scout Adventures – Video Resources.  These are meant to be great resource tools for the current climate we are in.  The Council is also planning on producing additional video’s (about one a week) to supplement these.

https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/den-meeting-resources/den-leader-tips-tricks-video-series

Eagle Scout Information

Posted on September 2, 2020 Updated on September 2, 2020

The Trail to Eagle Scout is a long journey. The final steps taken from Life to Eagle can be overwhelming and confusing. Just a few things to help your Scouts understand the current process.

The Crossroads of America Council has a webpage devoted to the steps to Eagle. The Eagle Workbook can also be found on this page. https://www.crossroadsbsa.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement/trail-to-eagle/

Going over the Life to Eagle process at least once a year helps to remind both the scouts and the adults of the process.

Signatures. Reminder, to submit an Eagle Project for approval, please make sure that the scouts have ALL signatures except for the District/Council Representative (if you get these signatures by email, make sure to print off all emails and include in email to the Eagle Projects Committee.)

Also, make sure that you have your fund raising application at least filled out before the project meeting.  The person who signs your application is NOT a member of the Projects Committee.  This is a Council professional.  You can send them to Eddie Stahl at eddstahl@crossroadsbsa.org or Olivia Fairchild at fairchi@crossroadsbsa.org.

Finally, send your project materials to EagleScoutProposals@gmail.com.  This email will ensure that all members of the committee see your proposal and can reach out to you to help you along the way.

ALL EAGLE SCOUTS of the Class year 2020 are ELIGIBLE for the CAC Eagle Scout of the Year and CAC Eagle Project of the Year scholarships.  These applications are available online at the CAC website

Merit Badge requirements during Covid-19

Posted on September 2, 2020 Updated on September 2, 2020

The published guidelines for the methodology of the merit badge program and the role of the merit badge counselor is found in the Guide to Advancement, Section 7.0.0.0. It is important to remember that leaders and merit badge counselors must not make additions or deletions to requirements. The Scout is expected to meet the requirements as stated; however, in some cases, virtual “visits” may fulfill the intent of a requirement. When the requirement’s intent cannot be reached virtually, the requirements cannot be completed, and the Scout must wait to complete that badge/requirement. Merit badge counselors signing off on requirements must determine to the best of their ability if the Scout has demonstrated the intended outcome.

All existing youth protection policies and digital safety guidelines must be followed.

These temporary changes have been approved by National:

Camping Merit Badge  –  “Virtual Camping”, campouts at home can ONLY be recorded as a unit campout – when it is done in conjunction with a Unit / Troop event.   An example would be that the Troop meets for a day hike and then the Scouts return to their homes to camp out for the evening.

 Cooking Merit Badge – During this time of Covid restrictions, Merit Badge Counselors and Scouts MAY substitute the word ‘Family’ for ‘Patrol’ in  requirement # 5.  However, they may NOT change ANY of the other requirements – just that they may prepare these for their ‘Family’ instead of having to wait for Covid restrictions to be lifted.

Eagle Projects – Liam B T269

Posted on September 2, 2020 Updated on September 2, 2020

Liam B’s Eagle project was to dismantle the Scout bridge at the Indiana State Fair Grounds (prior to April) and then to re-use it to build a new bridge over a creek at Second Reformed Presbyterian Church.  The Scout bridge was built in 2010 at the Indiana State Fair Grounds to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of The Boy Scouts of America.  At the beginning of 2020, the Indiana State Fair Board decided that the bridge would be removed by late April – so they were looking for someone who could dismantle the bridge and use the material.

Liam’s Eagle Project, check all the boxes for the State Fair Grounds and he was given permission to dismantle the bridge.  Dismantling of the bridge occurred just as Covid-19 started to move into Indiana.  So the dismantled bridge set at Second Reformed Presbyterian Church for several months, until a safe way could be formulated for Liam’s Eagle Project to proceed (which was almost June).

The pictures of the dismantling was pre-covid, and the picture of Liam on the Bridge post construction at Second Reformed Presbyterian Church – was taken by himself, with no one else around.

District Committee Meetings and Roundtable Dates 2020

Posted on August 19, 2020

Mark you calendars and “be prepared.”

District Committee Meetings and Roundtable Meeting dates will remain the same even with the merger with Del-Mi District.

District Committee Meetings: 1st Thursday of each Month – 7 pm.  Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, and Dec. 3.

Roundtable Meetings: 2nd Thursday.  These will be by videoconferencing with a quarterly face-to-face tbd.  7 pm.  Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, and Dec. 10.

University of Scouting – Nov. 14 2020

Posted on June 24, 2020

The University of Scouting (scheduled for November 2020) will be done virtually – which classes, and how it will be done are still being planned.

Every Scout deserves a trained leader. The University of Scouting, one of the premier training events in the council, is one of the easiest ways for you to achieve this goal. This single-day training event, offered by the Crossroads of America Council, is designed to supplement any Scouter’s training.

BSA Membership Fee Increase

Posted on June 3, 2020

SAVE THE DATE: Fall Camporee Oct. 22-25

Posted on May 13, 2020

SAVE THE DATE: The Fall Camporee is scheduled for Oct. 22-25 – them Scout Olympics.

Firecrafter – summer 2020

Posted on May 13, 2020

Fellow Firecrafters,

On Monday, May 4th, the Crossroads of America Council made it public that there will not be traditional summer camp as we know it. Echoing the words of our Scout Executive Mr. Joe Wiltrout, health and safety is our top priority. Although we will not be having in-person summer camp like we are used to, Firecrafter is exploring ways to provide the best experience possible for our scouts this summer.

There is a lot of information that I am excited to share with all of you regarding different opportunities that the Firecrafter Council is planning to put on, but to start there are a few things that we would like to clarify and make publicly known. There will be no 2020 Midsummer Ritual, and all other events will be examined as we receive updates from our state and federal governments, including Grand Ritual. Moving on from there, the Council Committee has approved a year extension for those that would age out of the program this year, to allow them another year to complete any rank of Firecrafter next summer.

Regarding this summer, the Council Committee approved a program in which scouts can earn the Camper and Woodsman ranks in a virtual setting. The requirements for Camper and Woodsman will not be altered and the scout will be guided through a program to submit evidence of completing each requirement. The program will be led by our Council Vice Chief Ryan Wainscott. There will be more information in the coming weeks on the format of this program and how to sign up. We also are working on a similar program to be able to administer the Webelos Camper and Webelos Firelight ranks as well for cub scouts.

For the third rank of Firecrafter, the Council and Alumni officers met and decided in order to maintain the quality of the experience for the candidate and the program as a whole, we will not be allowing Firecrafter to be administered in any online format. Instead, the Council Committee approved the creation of a team to work on creating a possible in-person experience later in the summer.

Those units that are lone troop trained and are still planning on putting on a program need to reach out to Ryan Wainscott, the Council Vice Chief, to clarify how they are attempting to do so. Additionally, if your troop has created an alternate summer experience and wants to have a conversation about how the Firecrafter program could exist there, reach out to Ryan by May 20th via email (councilvicechief@firecrafter.org).

Finally, thank you to everyone who has been working towards creating some sort of experience for our scouts. By no means is this anyone’s first choice for a summer experience, but your willingness to work with what we’ve got is what makes Scouts and Firecrafter special. The Firecrafter Council will be open with communication about any developments in the programs we have proposed, and we hope we can make our centennial summer something to remember.

In the Mystic Fire,

M Matt Hustel

Firecrafter Council Chief

Popcorn Fundraiser Fall 2020 – sign up now!

Posted on April 22, 2020

Popcorn Fundraising planning at the district level is starting this week!

Please send your unit kernel’s information to Korena Dearholt kdearholt@gmail.com

Also, commit your unit on the Trail’s End website. https://crossroads.trails-end.com/

Needed: Unit Commissioners

Posted on April 22, 2020

Friend – Coach – Mentor – Listener

A Unit Commissioner is a volunteer Scouter who works directly with Scout units and leaders to help them provide the highest quality Scouting program possible….

The primary purpose of the Unit Commissioner is to help units succeed.

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

Spread the word and help us to support our Units.

Contact: Jenny Beyer 317-769-5060 or jenny.beyer52@gmail.com

unit comm postcard (1)

Indianapolis Scout Shop

Posted on April 15, 2020

Remember that the Indianapolis Scout Shop is still here for your scouting and outdoor gear needs. If you are in need of advancements or camping gear just call the shop at 317-813-7070 or email us at 160indyss@scouting.org to make arrangements for pick up or delivery.

Order of the Arrow Guidance

Posted on April 8, 2020

Lowaneu Allanque Chapter

Order of the Arrow Guidance

ELECTIONS

If Your Unit Has Not Held OA Elections in 2020:

The National OA Director has approved lodges to hold virtual unit elections through July 1, 2020.  Due to the cancellation of many induction events, candidates that were elected February 1, 2019 through July 1, 2020 will have 24 months from the date of election to complete their ordeal. There are no changes to the membership requirements. The following resources have been put together so that lodges may effectively implement virtual elections.

• Conducting Unit Elections via Zoom

The following guidelines should be followed in order to conduct virtual unit elections.

1. The Lodge and Council leadership must approve their lodge conducting virtual unit elections.
2. The unit leader must agree to a virtual election.
3. The Lodge Unit election team and the appropriate forms/videos must be able to be presented to unit members. (This assumes the use of some type of online meeting technology.)
4. The unit leader should continue to validate those eligible for elections.
5. A means to confidentially collect votes for eligible unit members must be available and used. NO OPEN VOTE COUNTING IS TO BE ALLOWED.
6. Conduct your election in accordance with the Election to Ordeal process outlined on page 23 of the Guide for Officers and Advisers which can be found here.

If Your Unit Has Held OA Elections for 2020:

There will be no official call-out since the Spring Camporee has been cancelled.  Scoutmasters may reach out and inform the candidates.  Candidates will receive Ordeal Packets via email by the end of April.

All successful candidates will now have 24 months to attend an Ordeal.

ORDEALS

The West Area Ordeal scheduled April 24-26 at Camp Krietenstein will be rescheduled to later this year.

The Central Area Ordeal scheduled May 15-17^th at Camp Belzer is still on the schedule but likely will be rescheduled.

OA Guidance

The Caring Center Food Drive

Posted on April 8, 2020

With the yearly Scouting for Food drive on hold, here is an opportunity for troops, crews, pack or dens  to try organize a food drive or to get the word out to the community.

Jennifer Dolack jadolack@gmail.com is the liaison at St. Alphonsus.

Fillable Blue Cards

Posted on April 1, 2020

Here is a fillable blue card – you might find this helpful at this time 🙂

mb app blue-card fillable

YouTube “Scouting at Home”

Posted on March 18, 2020

Check out YouTube at 3pm everyday!

Merit Badge Sundays at Fort Harrison State Park – April and May FULL! Considering adding more . . .

Posted on March 6, 2020

Due to an incredible response from our Scouting community, our April 5th & May 10th Merit Badge Sunday programs are FULL and no longer taking registrations. We are exploring adding a second class in response to the high demand! Please email the park naturalist at DAllison@DNR.IN.gov for more details.Merit Badge Sundays at Fort Harrison State Park — Every month scouts have the opportunity to work on a different Merit Badge. See attached Flyer.2020-MB-Sundays

Resources for information about the BSA bankruptcy filing

Posted on February 19, 2020 Updated on February 19, 2020

3-Things-to-Know-about-the-BSAs-Restructuring

Cub Scout Camp 2020 resources

Posted on February 12, 2020

Are you looking for more information about the options for Cub Scout Camp 2020?

Check out the information available here: https://www.crossroadsbsa.org/programs/cub-scouting/camping/

• Camp Presentation Request can be made at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQaG7pjrl6WqDSVCrN4G-QgY1k5MJZ9rXcBvHrlrkEdcwEOw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1
• Blue &  Gold Placemats Requests can be made at https://247scouting.com/forms/form.php?OrgKey=BSA160&id=1203

ICOO Karl E. Kelley Memorial Camp Scholarship

Posted on February 5, 2020

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ICOO Karl E. Kelley Memorial Camp Scholarship

David James “DJ” PreeceMemorial Scholarship to the ICOO Karl E. Kelley Memorial Youth Camp

2020 Camp dates are confirmed!  June 21 – 27, 2020

Scholarship application deadline is 11 PM EDT May 3rd, 2020.

For any boy or girl that has completed the 5th or 6th grade in the preceding school year.

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About DJ Preece and the ICOO Karl E. Kelley Memorial Youth Camp

DJ Preece, passed away unexpectedly and suddenly following a brief 24 hour illness on September 12^th, 2015.  He was 12 years old. This scholarship is intended to afford the opportunity to other students to experience what DJ emphatically stated to be the time of his life – a week at the Indiana Conservation Officer Organization (ICOO) Karl E. Kelley Memorial Youth Camp.

DJ was small in stature at 4 foot 3 inches tall, but he made up for it by living to enjoy everything he did, and by trying to make sure others did the same.  He did not do things to be the best – he did them to experience doing them. Along the way, he learned and enjoyed many things and made many people smile. One of the ICOO camp counselors wrote the following about DJ:

“I only got to be around DJ for a week but it was a week I will never forget thanks to him. By getting to see how DJ acted and how kind- hearted he was, I could tell that I was not the only one that enjoys being around him. DJ would always walk out of the tent in a good attitude and always came out smiling.

During the camp I would have never thought that a kid would ever get to me and change me, but I was wrong. As soon as I arrived home I told my parents about the camp and told them stories. The more and more stories I told, I figured out a common theme, which is that they all had to do with DJ. I was in shock when I heard the news [of his passing] and did not know what to say. Therefore, I decided to tell the people who were closest to him about my time with the most outgoing, kindhearted, and well-rounded person I was blessed to meet. I promise you that DJ may be gone but he will never be forgotten in my heart and many others.”

More about DJ Preece and his life can be found online on a memorial Facebook page here and via the Facebook link at the top of this page.

Detailed information about the camp can be found online here.

You can see more about the Karl E. Kelley Camp at the camp Facebook page here.

Many parents who have sent their child to the camp have stated their child came back changed – for the better.

Camp Dates for 2020 – June 21st through June 27th.

The camp begins on Sunday, June 21st and ends with a graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 27th.

Campers are required to spend the entire time at the camp, including overnight. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.

IMPORTANT!!

If you cannot attend during any portion of the camp, please do not apply for the scholarship.

Scholarship Application Eligibility

Application for this scholarship is open to any boy or girl that has completed the 5th or 6th grade in the preceding school year who completes and submits an application on or before the submission deadline.

Application Deadline 

Applications must be received by the foundation administrator no later than 11 PM EDT May 3rd, 2020.

What the Scholarship Covers for the Recipient

This scholarship covers the camp fee for a single recipient ONLY. What is included by the ICOO camp in this fee is detailed on the camp web site here.

PLEASE NOTE: The web site listed above has a link for a Camper Application – PLEASE DO NOT COMPLETE THE FORMS PROVIDED BY THIS LINK UNLESS YOU ARE NOTIFIED YOU ARE THE SELECTED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT! THE CAMPER APPLICATION IS NOT AN APPLICATION FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP NOR IS THIS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FOR THE CAMP.

What the Scholarship DOES NOT Cover or Provide

This scholarship does not cover or provide anything not expressly stated as being covered or provided by the scholarship in the “What the Scholarship Covers for the Recipient” section above.

The camp fee is paid by the scholarship fund directly to the camp. No monies are or will be provided to the scholarship recipient or other party for any purpose. 

Transportation to and from the camp is not provided by the scholarship and is the responsibility of the recipient.

Scholarship is Non-Transferable

The scholarship is non-transferable by the recipient. If the scholarship recipient cannot attend the camp, they are required to notify the administrator of the foundation at administrator@iamdjfoundation.org as soon as they are aware they cannot attend and before the start of the camp. The administrator will then offer the opportunity to an alternate attendee selected by the foundation.

Liability and Obligations

The scholarship and/or the foundation and/or the family of David James Preece has no obligation to and/or liability for events, situations, actions, or outcomes beyond reserving a camper position, paying the camp fee, and selecting an individual who meets the requirements set forth by the ICOO Karl E. Kelley Memorial Youth Camp (the camp), to offer the opportunity to attend the camp. The scholarship and/or the foundation and/or the family of David James Preece is/are not liable for the failure of any ISP to deliver a scholarship application or for the failure of any Internet connection or email program to deliver an electronic version of the scholarship application.

Under no circumstances shall the scholarship and/or the foundation and/or the family of David James Preece have any obligation to and/or liability for events, situations, actions, or outcomes resulting from, or surrounding the act of participating in any role, capacity or function, the ICOO Karl E. Kelley Memorial Youth Camp by any person at any time.

It is the responsibility of the scholarship recipient and their legal guardian(s) to complete the ICOO Karl E. Kelley Memorial Youth Camp camper application and agree to and abide by any requirements or rules attached to that application. 

Recipient Selection

Submitting this scholarship application does not guarantee the applicant receipt of the scholarship. The recipient of the scholarship is selected solely by the foundation.  No other entity or person are involved in the selection process. Applicant grade level may be validated by the foundation. The recipient selection and any alternate recipient selection made by the foundation is final. Scholarship awards may be refused but not challenged.

Selection Criteria

The following criteria will be used, in this order of importance, to select the scholarship recipient:

1.       Entire application received on or before the deadline

2.       Application completed in its entirety

3.       Presently enrolled in the 5^th or 6^th grade

4.       The completeness of applicant answers to questions on the application form

5.       The quality of applicant answers to questions on the application form

Apply Now

District Meeting Dates 2020

Posted on January 16, 2020

Please mark your calendars for the NSD Committee Mtg. (1st  Thursday of the month)  7:00-9:00 pm     Room 204 of Zionsville Town Hall,   1100 W. Oak St., Zionsville 46077.

[Feb.6, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug.6, Sep.3, Oct.1, Nov.5, and Dec.3]

Updated Annual Health Form!

Posted on December 31, 2019

Every few years, the BSA updates its Annual Health and Medical Record after consulting with health care professionals, Scout executives, council and camp health officers and other experts to ensure it is up-to-date and helpful.

This was one of those years, meaning a new form is available for everyone to use for 2020. Your AHMR is valid through the end of the 12th month after the date it was administered by your medical provider. For example, if you got your physical on Nov. 3, 2019, it’s valid until Nov. 30, 2020.

Next year will be a transition year, so you can use either the old or new form, but everyone in all Scouting programs must use the updated AHMR form starting Jan. 1, 2021. The old form will be obsolete at that date. So, the BSA recommends using the new form on your next physical exam or if you’re a new participant in 2020.

Since at least the 1930s, the BSA has required the use of standardized health and medical information. The last time this form was updated was in 2014. The changes made this year were minor, such as some conditions listed in the health history section.

You can download the new form here. The Annual Health and Medical Record is required for Scouts and adult leaders who want to go on Scouting events, campouts and high-adventure trips. Note that there are different parts to the AHMR:

• Part A is an informed consent, release agreement and authorization that needs to be signed by every participant (or a parent and/or legal guardian for all youth under 18).
• Part B is general information and a health history.
• Part C is your pre-participation physical exam completed by a certified and licensed health care provider.

Which part must be completed?

• For all Scouting events: Part A and B. Give the completed forms to your unit leader. This applies to all participants for all activities, day camps, local tours and weekend camping trips less than 72 hours.
• For events or camps: Part A, B and C. A pre-participation physical is needed for resident, tour, or trek camps or for a Scouting event of more than 72 hours, such as Wood Badge and NYLT. The exam needs to be completed by a certified and licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.), nurse practitioner or physician assistant. If your camp has provided you with any supplemental risk information, or if your plans include attending one of the four national high-adventure bases, share the venue’s risk advisory with your medical provider when you are having your physical exam.
• For high-adventure trips: Part A, B and C. Plus, each of the four national high-adventure bases (Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier, Philmont and the Summit Bechtel Reserve) has provided a supplemental risk advisory that explains in greater detail some of the risks inherent in that program. Please review these as some Scouts or leaders may not be physically or mentally able to handle the trek. Others arrive at a high-adventure base without discussing that base’s risk factors with their health care provider, meaning they have missing info at check-in that can slow down the process.

How do I fill it out?

Please review and complete the AHMR fully and carefully. If you have any questions how to review it, read this BSA Safety Moment or look at these frequently asked questions. Remember, these completed forms must be secure, so they are not to be digitized, scanned, emailed or stored electronically by unit leaders.

The Lange Challenge

Posted on October 2, 2019 Updated on December 24, 2019

2019 Lange report formK3’s were recently sent a packet with a letter about the Lange challenge, JTE, and Scout Advancement. To summarize:

What is the “Lange Challenge?”  This is a very generous challenge grant that our Council receives with our help.  It is a program that honors the memory of Alexander “Skip” Lange and his belief that an active Scout is likely to stay in Scouting and earn their Eagle Scout Award.

In order to qualify for the grant we need Units to:

1.) Send in your 2019  weekend camping experiences conducted this year, as well as those your PLC anticipates conducting between now and December 31, 2019.  The goal is that 65% or more of our Troops are participating in 8 or more short term weekend experiences through out the course of the year. Send your camping outing list via email to camping@crossroadsbsa.org.

2.) Check your advancement records against the form sent in the mail.  Submit any changes to advancement@crossroadsbsa.org.   Continue to submit advancements as normal going forward.

3.) JTE – Please fill out the JTE Scorecard for 2019 and turn in with your recharter paperwork.

APPROVE APPLICATIONS ON My.Scouting Mobile App

Posted on September 4, 2019

Approve Applications on My.Scouting Mobile App!

National 08/27/2019

Unit Leaders can now approve online applications in the Mobile app. Download the latest MyScouting app update at Google Play Store or the App Store. A previous release allowed leaders to take action on leads in the Mobile app.

IOLS Baloo Training

Posted on July 3, 2019

From Kevin Neese

Remember IOLS training is REQUIRED for all Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, and BALOO is required for for Cubscouts to conduct their own outdoor / camping program(s).

IOLS and BALOO training will be offered to adults attending SUMMER CAMP with their UNITS.

TURNING IN TRAINING –  IOLS/BALOO training done at camp.  Please retain your certificate from camp and send a copy of it to Kevin Neese so he can log your training into the data base.  The camp does not do that for you.

Other training dates that the Council is offering:

August 3-4, 2019

November  (will be the same dates as University of Scouting)

December 14-15, 2019

Here is the LINK to SIGN-UP for Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training and BALOO Training   https://scoutingevent.com/160-2019IOLS

NSD Council Calendar

Posted on May 15, 2019

Save the dates: plan ahead and use this calendar to help plan your scout year.NSD Calendar 2019

Adult Training Reminders

Posted on May 15, 2019

As we all know – training is an important part of Scouting.  Unfortunately, sometimes our training records can be hard to track.

Reminders: 1.) Anyone taking Classes (especially at summer camp) get a certificate and / or card and / or written documentation of the class completion.  Theoretically, all adults attending Summer Camp should be registered and thus have an ID # – but as we know, a lot of times the training sheets get lost and or don’t get recorded.

2.) Put your BSA id on any classroom training paperwork.  If you cannot find your card your BSA id is located on your YPT certificate and your my.scouting account.

Service Hours for St. Vincent House

Posted on May 8, 2019 Updated on May 8, 2019

St. Vincent House strives to create a home-away-from-home for St. Vincent patient families from around the state of Indiana and beyond. Many of our patients come from long distances for treatment and stay for extended periods of time. One way our scouts can volunteer is.

Magnificent Meal Makers

• Serve Breakfast (8:30 am to 9:30 am) or Dinner (6:30 pm – 7:30 pm) for the families. You will select recipes, bring food supplies, prepare meal for 30 guests

Please visit the St. Vincent House website for more information and to sign up https://give.stvincent.org/volunteerstvhouse

Merit Badge Counselor List and Procedures

Posted on April 24, 2019

North Star has finished updating it’s Merit Badge Counselor list!  Kevin Neese, our Training Vice Chair, has sent all Key 3’s the updated list.  Please share with Scouts and families through your Scoutmaster or Advancement Chair as requested but do not put out on websites, etc.

Moving forward.  New procedures for Merit Badge Counselors.

• Adding a new Merit Badge Counselor.  Fill out BSA Adult application.  Attach YPT.  Attach Merit Badge selections. Attach MBC training certificate.  TURN IN TO KEVIN NEESE.  He will then get the required District Signatures and turn in to Council when all paperwork in complete.

• Adding and Deleting Merit Badges for an existing MBC.  Send add/delete requests to Kevin Neese.  He will process the requests.

• 10 Merit Badge “rule” has been discontinued.  Any current MBC who would like to add Merit Badges to their redacted list needs to send Add list to Kevin.

A Merit Badge Counselor is: A trained adult, registered by and accountable to the Council and the District; they are an independent guide, instructor and / or coach for the Merit Badge(s) that they counsel.  A Counselors duty is to be satisfied that each Scout who comes to you as a counselor meets all the requirements for the merit badge you are counseling them on.  You are a coach, a guide, giving them positive reinforcement in the subject matter.  You are not to change the requirements or add additional requirements – you are there to help them over the different hurdles of the requirements.  Thus, helping the Scout to gain a deeper awareness of the subject matter of the Merit Badge.

As a Merit Badge Counselor, you are the coach, guide, and / or instructor – but you MUST allow the Scout to do the work themselves.

The last and MOST important duty of a Merit Badge Counselor is to follow Youth Protection Requirements.

A Scouts (and their parents / legal guardians) duties to a Merit Badge Counselor:

 Number one (1) remember that a Merit Badge Counselor is a VOLUNTEER, they are donating their time, talents, and experience – so a Scout is Courteous.  A Merit Badge Counselor may need to say NO to your request to counsel them on a Merit Badge (there are only 24 hours in a day).

Again, remember that a Merit Badge Counselor is a VOLUNTEER.  Some Merit Badges have cost associated with them (materials, entrance fees, rentals).  Don’t ask the Counselor to donate money and resources so that you can complete the Merit Badge requirements (unless the Counselor offers).

YOU are RESPONISBLE for completing the requirements, for doing the work, for being on time.   YOU are responsible for providing the signed Application to the Merit Badge to the Counselor.  You are also responsible in helping the Merit Badge Counselor maintain Youth Protection Requirements.  If contacting the Merit Badge Counselor by email, make sure to include a parent(s) and / or a leader on all emails.  If you are contacting the Merit Badge Counselor by phone, remember that you will need an Adult third party on the call to maintain Youth Protection Requirements.  Remember, it is very likely that the Merit Badge Counselor will need you to bring an Adult with you to face-to-face meeting so that Youth Protection Requirements are met.

Voyageur Scholarships

Posted on April 24, 2019

Voyageur Canoe Training Adult Scholarship

What is Voyageur Canoe Training?  Why should an adult or youth take the training?  The Voyageur Canoe Training program prepares adults to take the Voyageur program back to troop and other youth groups to prepare for and conduct safe canoe outings including High Adventure trips.  The focus is teaching how to have FUN SAFELY while canoeing.  More information about the Voyageur program can be found here

Don & Diane Claffey have established the Claffey Voyageur Scholarship Fund to provide ongoing support to this program.  Scholarships in the amount of $50.00 will be awarded for each Voyageur adult training class starting with the Spring 2019 class.  The applicant must be a currently registered adult leader of a unit in the Crossroads of America Council, BSA.  To qualify for the scholarship they should have a financial need to attend adult Voyageur training.  Additionally, their unit should be planning to conduct both unit training and outings centered on canoeing and/or kayaking within the next two years.  The scholarship must be used within twelve months of the date the winner receives notification by the Voyageur Course Director, or the scholarship will be forfeited.  Other details are contained in the scholarship application Voyageur Adult Scholarship Form Fillable – 0419

A similar scholarship is planned for the Youth Voyageur Training (announcement pending).

Direct Contact Leader Training

Posted on April 10, 2019

As we start we move towards summer I want to remind you about the council policy of requiring all Direct Contact Leaders to be trained for their respective leadership positions.  This policy will affect all Scouts BSA Direct Contact Leaders this year including new leaders that join with their Scout this spring.

Scouts BSA Direct Contact Leaders must be trained for their respective positions by December 31, 2019, to be registered for their positions in 2020.  Starting January 1, 2020 Scouts BSA Leaders who assume Direct Contact positions must complete position specific training by December 31 of that year.

To read the full required training policy click here.

All required training is available online at my.scouting.org with exception to Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) required for Scouts BSA.

Scoutmaster/Asst. Scoutmaster Training

• Online at www.my.scouting.org

• University of Scouting on Saturday, November 9

Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills Training

• Council provided training June 8-9 (Sat-Sun), Aug. 3-4 (Sat-Sun), Dec. 14-15 (Sat-Sun).  Click here to register for the Council provided IOLS training.

• University of Scouting on Saturday, November 9

• May be available at district camporees

For a list of other upcoming classroom trainings, check the Crossroads of America Council website at www.crossroadsbsa.org.  For Frequently Asked Questions about Direct Contact Leader training please click here.

Trained leaders lead to better unit program, better unit programs allow us to change more life’s and impact more communities.  Thank you for getting trained and all you do for Scouting.

Yours in Scouting,

Natalie Maenhout

Council Training Chair