Covid-19

Troop 269 – meet in person (with social distancing)

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On July 27, Troop 269 had their first in person Troop meeting since the end of March.  The Troop has been having regular virtual meetings during this time – but this was the first in person.  The meeting was held out in the church parking lot, everyone had to wear a mask, bring a lawn chair, Scouts of the same family grouped together, and everyone else at least six foot separation.

The Scouts had a good time and they did LEAVE NO TRACE – by using socially distance activities, discussion and skits.

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This entry was posted in Covid-19, News.

OA NEWS: Temporary Camping Night Policy Due to COVID-19

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    Announcements

More information about the Order of the Arrow’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak can be found ​here.OA star

In light of the extended period of camping restrictions attributable to COVID-19, the following temporary modification is being made to the camping requirements for OA eligibility:

Virtual camping (i.e., backyard or solo camping) may be counted toward the required nights of camping for OA election eligibility if all the following stipulations are met:

  • To be counted, all virtual camping nights should be a direct result of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and be part of a BSA unit-organized unit camping event (i.e., multiple members of the unit are involved and camping simultaneously at remote locations).
  • Some form of unit-organized communications should occur either during or immediately following the event.
  • All existing youth protection policies and digital safety guidelines should be followed.
  • No more than three (3) nights of virtual camping are to be credited in any month in which government- or council-imposed COVID-19 restrictions are in place.

This change is in effect until September 1, 2020.

Units which have already held an election between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020 are authorized to hold one additional election for any individuals who were ineligible at the time of the election due to the camping requirement, but would have been considered eligible at the time if this temporary policy had then been in effect. This second election must be completed no later than July 1, 2020. Those who were previously considered for election in the first election may not be reconsidered on this second ballot (i.e., no one can be considered for election more than once in a year).

Given that virtually all councils have either cancelled or reduced their summer camp programs this year, creating a situation where a high proportion of Scouts will not have the opportunity to attend an in-camp summer camp in 2020, a temporary provision to allow for “virtual” long term camping credit for OA eligibility is necessary.

Virtual Long-Term Camping Authorization

Two situations have developed associated with the current pandemic that may prevent Scouts from having an opportunity to qualify for OA eligibility due to not having attended a long-term camp this summer.

  • The local council camp is closed and not offering a traditional summer camp experience.
  • Scout parents are unwilling to allow their child to attend traditional summer camp programs due to health concerns.

In order to address these circumstances, virtual long-term camping of five (5) consecutive nights is authorized to be counted toward the long-term camping requirements for OA eligibility consistent with the above guidance and the following additional guidelines:

  • A long-term camp plan must be developed and approved by the unit leader prior to the commencement of the long-term camp. This plan is to be individualized to each Scout’s capabilities and situation and should strive to include:
    • Progress toward advancement for each Scout
    • Outdoor relevant experience consistent with local conditions and restrictions
  • Unit-organized communications should occur on a daily basis during the camping experience and include discussion of progress made on summer camp goals.
  • An end-of-camp assessment must be conducted with the unit leader to report on progress made during the experience itself and discuss how future virtual long-term camping experiences can be enhanced. During this assessment the unit leader will make the determination if the Scout’s participation warrants granting credit for a completed virtual long-term camping experience in terms of OA eligibility.

This virtual long-term camping authority is not meant to substitute for attendance at traditional council summer camp programs, but rather to provide an alternative for Scouts who fit in one of the two categories mentioned above.

If you have any questions, please reach out to membership@oa-bsa.org.

This entry was posted in Covid-19, News, Order of the Arrow.

CAMP 2020 – no in person camp

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Summer Camp is one of the most exciting opportunities our members look forward to each year.

After reviewing our operations, we have determined for the health and safety of our Scouts, leaders, staff and the extended community we will not hold camp in person for the summer of 2020. We know camping is an iconic experience, but the health and safety of our Scouting family is our top priority.

We are appreciative of the planning and preparation our Units invested to be ready for camp, and we are eager to partner with you to plan for future summers. To learn more, including a unique way our Scouts can participate in program activities at home, please view the video message from our Scout Executive Joe Wiltrout.

To continue program and advancement opportunities, we are excited to announce the launch of our Cub Scout Adventure Boxes and our virtual Scouts BSA 2020 Summer Experience. For Cub Scouts, each rank-specific box is filled with nearly everything their family needs to complete five elective Cub Scout Adventures at home and kick start their Cub Scouts advancement to the next rank this summer. For our Scouts BSA 2020 Summer Experience, each week Scouts will virtually participate in unique experiences, facilitated skill-building session, merit badges and more, all lead by dedicated Ransburg staff.

We will begin processing refunds for affected participants by May 15. You do not need to do anything to initiate a refund. Refunds are returned to the original payer and in the original form of payment.

To ensure our programs are accessible to all Scouts, we are reviewing scholarship opportunities and working to provide a list of community partners where resources such as internet and device access is available. We are also still evaluating which platform(s) will be used for virtual camp because we know that safety, security and ease of use is critical to ensure a successful and safe experience.

For more than 110 years, the Crossroads of America Council has been supported by dedicated volunteers and members with a passion for youth development and transforming lives. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to the Crossroads of America Council and our Scouts. We will keep in touch through email and social media to share the impact of Scouting in our community.

Summer-2020-FAQ

This entry was posted in Covid-19, News, Summer Camp.

National BSA updates Covid FAQ

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National has issued new updates to their COVID FAQ as of this morning (4/13) related to virtual blue cards, rank advancement via videoconference, camping, merit badge requirements, etc.  foundhere

COVID-19 FAQ

UPDATED 4/13/20 – The most recent updates are indicated by a diamond in front of the question.

In-Person Unit Activities

Q: Should we hold in-person Scouting meetings, outings, or activities?

With safety in mind and based on guidance from national health officials, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is strongly advising that in-person meetings, activities, events and gatherings be suspended through the end of April. This applies to youth and adults out of an abundance of caution. Please also follow any restrictions outlined by your state and local health department or other local officials.

Q: What do we do about Scouts’ fundraising activities? 

The BSA is strongly advising that in-person activities be suspended through the end of April so any in-person fundraising should be postponed. If fundraising activities can be facilitated using digital methods while still adhering to applicable rules, then those activities may continue. For plans beyond that date, the BSA will continue to monitor the guidance as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves and will further update guidance accordingly.

Q: What is BSA’s policy on social distancing in a tenting environment when camping?

With safety in mind and based on guidance from national health officials, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is strongly advising that in-person meetings, activities, events and gatherings  be suspended through the end of April. This applies to youth and adults out of an abundance of caution. Please also follow any restrictions outlined by your state and local health department or other state and local authorities.

Beyond this timeframe, tent buddies should not participate if ill. There is no formal policy on social distancing in tents, just as there is no prohibition on tenting alone if logistics can accommodate that request.

Q: If council and district events are cancelled, how should units decide whether to cancel or postpone their own events?   

With safety in mind and based on guidance from national health officials, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is strongly advising that in-person meetings, activities, events and gatherings suspended through the end of April. If you council has cancelled events based upon local restrictions, then units should follow that guidance.

Q: What are the refund policies if I have already paid for an event that has been cancelled?

Event organizers typically set refund or cancellation policies.  Please reach out directly to those organizers.  In the case of attendance at a national high adventure base, contact them directly about your crew.

Camping this Summer

 

Q: What if I cannot get a new Part C, pre-placement exam because my healthcare provider is not taking well care exams now?

We are evaluating all options while being mindful of those who have valid exams as well as those new members and adults who may have never completed a Part C exam, state and local authority requirements, and the special review required by high adventure programs. In the interim, we recommend that council health supervisors, camp staff, and volunteers begin a conversation on local availability of well exams and alternatives that could be put in place.

Q: My Wilderness First Aid Course has been cancelled; can I still go on my trek? 

Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification will continue to be required for all backcountry adventures. As a reminder, a current CPR/AED certification is a pre-requisite for a WFA course.

We are working with our partners at the American Red Cross and the Emergency Care and Safety Institute to look for solutions in response to the current situation.

Note: Online-only WFA courses do not meet the WFA requirement.  As we review the issue, we suggest you begin working with your council’s WFA trainers to develop a plan for classes during the month of May or early June.

Advancement

Q: How can advancement be tracked remotely?

Scouting units should use Scoutbook to record and track advancement.

To track advancement remotely, parents should:

  • Connect with their child’s member profile via an invitation that the unit leader sends within Scoutbook. You may also connect to your youth via the Scouting app “Add a Parent connection.”
  • Once a connection is made, the parent should use the Scouting app, found in both the App Store and on Google Play, to stay connected with their unit.
  • The Scouting app provides parents the ability to report any advancement that was completed at home.

Learn more about how to start using Scoutbook and how to connect parents to their Scouts at Scoutbook.com.

Advancement — Cub Scouts

Q: May parents sign off on Webelos and Arrow of Light requirements?

Yes. Through July 31, 2020, parents and other adults in the Cub Scout’s family, may sign off on Webelos and Arrow of Light requirements. We strongly encourage that parents use the Scouting App or ScoutBook to record completion of their child’s requirements.

Q: If my den is behind in advancement due to COVID-19, can my Cub Scout continue to work on advancement through the summer?

Yes. Cub Scouts can continue to work on their current den’s advancement through July 31, 2020.  This is to provide any additional time a Cub Scout needs to complete their badge of rank; if they earn their badge of rank prior to July 31, 2020, they may advance to the next rank.

♦ Q: Can the Arrow of Light (fifth-grade dens) requirements fulfill the requirement to visit a troop or attend a troop outing to function as a patrol? 

Yes. Two things to keep in mind, the standard of completion for Cub Scout advancement is “Do Your Best,” so given the circumstances, we want to look at the purpose behind the requirements. Remember that doing nothing is never doing your best.

Dens can visit a virtual troop meeting to see the patrol method and youth leadership in action. Since the den cannot attend a troop campout or outing, the idea is for the den to function as a patrol while attending the virtual troop meeting. During this time, a virtual den meeting where the den functions as a patrol can be done. Elect a patrol leader, pick a patrol name, play a virtual game together as a patrol. Plenty of opportunities to Do Your Best to meet the intention of the requirement. Remember to maintain all youth protection standards online.

Advancement — Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts

♦ Q: Can merit badge counseling or Nova/Supernova counseling be done using digital technologies like Zoom or WebEx?

Yes, registered merit badge counselors or Nova counselors/Supernova mentors may work with youth using digital platforms, ensuring that all youth protection measures noted in the Guide to Safe Scouting and BSA’s social media guidelines are in place. In addition to youth protection, the advancement guidelines in Guide to Advancement (GTA) Section 7 are required.

♦ Q: Are merit badge counselors allowed to provide online instruction?
Yes. Merit badge counselors should follow the guidelines in the Guide to Advancement 7.0.3.2 and ensure you are adhering to all youth protection requirements and online communications guidelines. It is acceptable—and sometimes preferable—for merit badges to be taught in group settings, including online instruction. We currently allow group instruction at camp and merit badge midways, fairs, clinics, or similar events. These can be efficient methods, and interactive group discussions can support learning. Gathering a group online can also be beneficial. Guest experts and speakers that assist registered and approved counselors may be more willing to speak to a larger online audience. Slide shows, skits, demonstrations, panels, and various other techniques can also be employed, but as any teacher can attest, not everyone will learn all the material. Therefore, the standards we use to verify that each Scout has fulfilled requirements must not be relaxed. Merit badge counselors must be sure that each Scout has individually gained the knowledge intended. When accomplished, counselors can easily sign off requirements via ScoutBook.

Q: Can I connect directly with my Scouts/Venturers/Sea Scouts if I am a merit badge counselor?
Yes. In ScoutBook, merit badge counselors can now connect directly with the Scouts they are counseling; see https://discussions.scouting.org/t/march-23-2020-scoutbook-updates/165970 NOTE: Scouts/Venturers/Sea Scouts still must get approval from their leader, according to Guide to Advancement 7.0.3.0.  

Q: How will I know if a Scout/Venturer/Sea Scout has obtained approval from their leader to work on a merit badge?
In the member profile, you will see if the leader has signed off with their approval.

 

Q: What if my member profile shows that my merit badge counselor status has expired:
Check with your council. Local councils may need to upload their latest list of approved merit badge counselors.

Q: Will unit leaders know that a merit badge counselor has connected with one of their Scouts/Venturers/Sea Scouts?
Yes. The unit Key 3 will receive an email that includes the name of the merit badge counselor, the Scout, and the name of the merit badge.

Q: What if I have other merit badge/ScoutBook questions?
See https://help.scoutbook.com/knowledge-base/scoutbook-merit-badge-counselor-council-upload-faq/

♦ Q: What changes have been made to rank advancement/camping requirements given the need to maintain social distancing during this time?
We have implemented temporary changes, detailed below, to allow Scouts to complete rank requirements, detailed below, by video conferencing through September 1, 2020. This deadline will be re-evaluated as needed.
The goal when using video conferencing must be to preserve the ideals and intent of each requirement as best as possible. Scoutmasters or their designee(s) should remain mindful of the Methods of Scouting, such as the Patrol Method, before implementing the modified requirements listed below. Some advancement activities can be completed by video conferencing but not all. For example, virtual visits to a city council meeting, national historic landmarks, museums, and art galleries may be acceptable, but swimming, rifle shooting, and motorboating merit badges cannot be completed virtually.
Even when using video conferencing, all virtual campouts and activities should consist of as many elements found on a normal outdoor campout or activity as possible. The most significant difference is that patrol or troop members are not all in the same location. All existing youth protection policies and digital safety guidelines must be followed.
Tenderfoot rank requirements
1b. – Virtual patrol or troop campouts via video conferencing will be permitted.
2a. – During the same day as your virtual patrol or troop campout, assist in preparing one meal with the help of those with whom you live. Tell your patrol or troop why it was important for each person to share in meal preparation and cleanup.
2b. – During the same day as your virtual campout, demonstrate the appropriate method of safely cleaning items used to prepare, serve and eat a meal.
5a. – Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Verbally commit to following the buddy system on your next troop or patrol outing.
7a. – Tell how to display, raise, lower, and fold the U.S. flag.
Second Class rank requirements:
1a & 1c. – Virtual patrol or troop activities via video conferencing will be permitted.
3b. – Using a compass and map together, plan a 5-mile hike approved by your adult leader.
4. – Evidence of wild animals can be demonstrated with information or photos of your local area found online.
5c. – May be completed virtually via video conferencing on dry land.
7c. – Learn about the dangers of using drugs, alcohol and tobacco and other practices that could be harmful to your health. Discuss what you learned with your family and explain the dangers of substance addictions. Report to your Scoutmaster or other adult leader in your troop about which parts of the Scout Oath and Scout Law relate to what you learned.
8a. – May be completed virtually using video conferencing.
8d. – May be completed by comparing costs at three (3) online sites or locations.
First Class rank requirements:
1a – Virtual patrol or troop activities via video conferencing will be permitted.
2e. – On the same day as your virtual campout, serve as the cook. Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in First Class requirement 2a. Supervise the cleanup.
4a. – By drawing, computer software, or other virtual methods, plan an orienteering course that would cover at least one mile. Explain why measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.) is helpful. Explain how you would complete your course using a real map and compass.
4b. – Scouts do not need to follow their route.
5a. – Evidence of native plants can be demonstrated with information or photos of your local area found online.
6e. – May be completed on dry land.
9a. – Visit may take place virtually or by phone.
9c. – Outings can include past or future plans.
10. – Invite the potential new member to a virtual meeting or future activity using video conferencing. 

♦ Q: Will virtual camping count toward Order of the Arrow nights camping?

No, virtual camping will not count toward the 15 nights camping required for membership in the Order of the Arrow.

 

♦ Q: Can merit badge requirements be adapted since some elements can’t be completed as stated right now?
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.

♦ Q: Does a Scout need a hard copy of a Blue Card when working on merit badges?
No. Since the introduction of Scoutbook, the BSA has offered Scouts two ways of recording merit badge requirement completion: The Blue Card and Scoutbook. Both remain authorized methods to record merit badge work. Scoutbook is a part of the BSA Internet Advancement system, which means that entering an advancement record in Scoutbook is the same as entering it in Internet Advancement. Anyone with a BSA member ID automatically has access to a Scoutbook account through their my.scouting account.

Q: May time missed due to canceled unit meetings count toward active participation requirements?

Yes. If youth are registered and in good standing, a disruption from COVID-19 virus can be the “noteworthy circumstance” that prevents participation. This policy has been in place for many years and is explained in GTA Topic 4.2.3.1.

Q: May time missed due to canceled unit meetings count toward position of responsibility requirements?

Yes. If youth are registered and unable to meet the expectations of their positions because of COVID-19 disruptions, then units may need to waive or rethink the expectations. Just as youth must not be held to unestablished expectations, they must not be held to expectations that are impossible to fulfill. See GTA Topic 4.2.3.4, “Positions of Responsibility,” with its six subtopics.

Q: Does the National Council grant extensions of time to complete rank requirements beyond the 18thbirthday for the Eagle or 21st birthday for Summit or Quartermaster?

Yes, but only for the Eagle Scout rank as described in GTA Topic 9.0.4.0 or for Venturing Summit or Sea Scout Quartermaster as described in GTA Topic 4.3.3.0. Unit leadership must become familiar with the five tests under 9.0.4.0. The tests were designed to accommodate such obstacles as those presented by COVID-19 disruptions.

Q: Will youth who are not yet Life Scouts be allowed to apply for an extension to earn the Eagle Scout rank?

Extensions are considered only for Scouts who are Life rank. If, once a Scout achieves Life rank, it turns out that COVID-19 disruptions along the way have left them with insufficient time to complete Eagle requirements, then this may be cited when the time comes to submit an extension request.

Q: May local councils grant extensions?

Normally, that is not allowed. However, due to the current situation—effective immediately and through September 30, 2020—council Scout executives may grant extensions, or delegate authority to the Council Advancement Committee to grant extensions under the following limitations:

  1. It can be established that COVID-19 disruptions were the only circumstances that delayed work on Eagle Scout/Summit/Quartermaster advancement requirements, such as the service project or merit badges. If any other causes were involved, the extension request must go to the National Council following the process outlined in the GTA.
  2. Extensions shall only be granted to youth in Scouts BSA who have already achieved Life rank.
  3. When the council receives a COVID-19-related request for a time extension, the council reviews the request and approves it if appropriate. A written response stating the outcome of the extension request must go to the youth. If approved, the notification must be attached to the youth’s Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster rank application. For Eagle, the extension must not exceed 3 months from the youth’s 18th birthday; for Summit/Quartermaster, the extension must not exceed 3 months from the youth’s 21st birthday.
  4. Upon turning 18, the Scout must submit a completed adult application and successfully complete YPT; their participant code will now be UP for SBSA or VP for Venturing and Sea Scouting.
  5. Extension requests for more than 3 months beyond the youth’s 18th/21st birthday must be sent to the National Service Center following the process outlined in the GTA.

Note: A “month” in BSA advancement is defined as a day from one month to the next. For example, March 5 to April 5.

The authority for councils to grant extensions is temporary, lasting only through Sept. 30, 2020.

Q: If youth have already received an extension, can they request additional time due to COVID-19?

Yes. Council Scout executives may grant extensions, or delegate authority to the Council Advancement Committee to grant extensions under the limitations listed above.

Q: What should be done while an extension request is being considered?

Youth should continue to work on advancement in so far as they are able—e.g., independently, or over the phone or videoconference—and at Scouting activities once they resume.

Q: Are extensions required when an Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster board of review must be delayed?

No. Councils may grant Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster boards of review up to six months after the youth’s 18th/21st birthday. See GTA Topic 8.0.3.1, “Eagle Scout Board of Review Beyond the 18th Birthday.”

See also, GTA Topic 8.0.1.6, “Boards of Review Through Videoconferencing.”

Q: Are electronic or digital signatures acceptable for rank advancement or for the Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster packets/applications?
Yes. Electronic or digital signatures will be accepted through September 30, 2020.

Q: How can a youth continue to work on advancement requirements if they don’t have internet or high-speed internet for videoconferencing?
Youth may take a picture of their completed activity/requirement and share the work with unit leaders. In keeping with youth protection policies, all communications from youth should be sent to at least two adults. See our Barriers to Abuse for details. Parents or guardians may send advancement work on behalf of their child.

 

This entry was posted in Covid-19, News.

Scouting at Home Activities from Crossroads of America Council

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Scouting can take place anywhere – even in the comfort of your home!

Crossroads of America Council has set up this page to serve as a resource hub for parents and leaders to help support Scouting at home, with stay-at-home educational activities for any Scout rank, tips for continuing to work on advancements and kid-friendly content that connects Scouting with their daily lives.

more information : here

This entry was posted in Covid-19, News.

Updates on Eagle extentions and more – from Byron on Scouting

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Advancement during COVID-19: Official details about Eagle extensions and more

March 25, 2020 Bryan Wendell Advancement, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouting, Venturing 0 Comments

The BSA has a message to young people concerned that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will prevent them from completing Eagle Scout rank requirements before their 18th birthday: Don’t worry; we’ve got your back.

During this unprecedented interruption to Scouting nationwide, the BSA has released new guidance on advancement during COVID-19. This includes:

  • Time extensions for qualifying Scouts and Venturers working on the Eagle Scout, Summit and Quartermaster awards. Local councils will have the authority to grant this extension through the end of September 2020.
  • The ability to accept electronic signatures for rank advancement and award applications — effective now through the end of September 2020.
  • An option to complete Scoutmaster conferences via videoconferencing. (Section 4.2.3.5 of the Guide to Advancement says Scoutmasters “should not” conduct Scoutmaster conferences online; it doesn’t say “must not.” The new COVID-19 guidance clarifies that this practice is OK, as long as Youth Protection rules are followed.)
  • An option for parents or other adults in a Cub Scout’s family to sign off on Webelos and Arrow of Light requirements — effective now through the end of July 2020.
  • An option for Scoutmasters to allow time missed during the COVID-19 outbreak to count toward requirements for participation and positions of responsibility.

Here’s what else you need to know.

Time extensions for Eagle Scout, Summit and Quartermaster awards

Normally granted only in rare circumstances, the BSA and its local councils will allow extensions for Life Scouts needing more time to finish their Eagle Scout requirements. The authority for councils to grant this extension is effective immediately and continues through Sept. 30, 2020.

Extensions also are available for Venturers needing to finish Summit Award requirements and Sea Scouts needing to finish Quartermaster Award requirements beyond their 21st birthday.

These extensions are reviewed case by case, and not all Scouts will qualify. To get an extension through a local council, Scouts must meet the following requirements:

  1. It can be established that COVID-19 disruptions were the only circumstances that delayed work on Eagle Scout/Summit/Quartermaster advancement requirements, such as the service project or merit badges. If any other causes were involved, the extension request must go to the National Council following the process outlined in the Guide to Advancement.
  2. Extensions shall only be granted to youth in Scouts BSA who have already achieved Life rank.
  3. When the council receives a COVID-19-related request for a time extension, the council reviews the request and approves it if appropriate. A written response stating the outcome of the extension request must go to the youth. If approved, the notification must be attached to the youth’s Eagle/Summit/Quartermaster rank application.
  4. For Eagle, the extension must not exceed 3 months from the youth’s 18th birthday; for Summit/Quartermaster, the extension must not exceed 3 months from the youth’s 21st.
  5. Upon turning 18, the Scout must submit a completed adult application and successfully complete Youth Protection training. Their participant code will now be UP for SBSA or VP for Venturing and Sea Scouting.
  6. Extension requests for more than 3 months beyond the youth’s 18th/21st birthday must be sent to the National Service Center following the process outlined in the GTA.

A note for council administrators: Once the council approves an extension, the council’s administrator will need to go into Member Manager to activate the COVID-19 extension. This will automatically add the three-month extension and allow the youth to continue working past their 18th/21st birthdays. (They’ll still need to be registered as UP/VP after “aging out.”) This flag will then show on the member’s profile.

For more guidance for Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts advancement, read the complete FAQs.

This entry was posted in Covid-19, Eagle Boards of Review, Eagle Projects, News, Policies and Procedures.

CAC Advancement and COVID-19

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You’re receiving this email because of your involvement in the advancement process with Scouts in the Crossroads of America council.  I understand there are many questions given the COVID-19 social distancing mandates, and I’ve talked to a number of you in the last few days about specific situations.  I want to give you clear direction on the council’s workarounds during this time, but I’m waiting for promised input from national BSA and our council staff to make sure we’re all on the same page.  Here is what I can share as of now:

 

Advancement via Videoconference

It is permissible to hold discussions by videoconference to complete Scoutmaster conferences, merit badge work, Eagle project approvals, and boards of review.  National BSA has offered guidelines on how to do this, and I’ve included the link below.  The article emphasizes the importance of 2-deep adult participation, the need to have the Scout’s parent or guardian involved at the start and end of the call, the fact that nobody should participate in a call who is not visible or announced, and the ban on recording any conversation with youth.  Please read it carefully to make sure you’re aligned with the guidance provided.

How to conduct a board of review through videoconferencing

 

Time Extensions to Complete Eagle Rank

The rules for extensions of time for Eagle rank are spelled out in section 9.0.4.0 of the Guide to Advancement.  Extensions are only granted by national BSA.  The local council advancement committee receives requests from Scouts and prepares the “Request for Extension of Time to Earn Eagle Scout Rank” form.  The committee recommends to national BSA that the extension be granted or denied.  The form needs to be accompanied by the Scout’s explanation of why more time is needed and merited.  Input is needed from the Scoutmaster and other adults in regular contact with the youth in order for the council to make an assessment.  So, a letter from the Scoutmaster, the committee chair or advancement chair, and any other person who has input pertinent to the case is helpful.  In the event the Scout cites a medical issue as a contributor to the situation, a statement from a medical professional who is treating the Scout is needed.  If learning issues are cited, a school letter or individualized learning plan summary is needed.

 

There are 5 tests that must be met for an extension to be granted:

  1. The Scout was properly enrolled in a unit throughout the time needed to complete requirements.
  2. A circumstance came to exist that now precludes completion before the deadline.
  3. The circumstance was beyond the youth’s control.
  4. The circumstance is severe and not the norm in the Scout’s life.
  5. The circumstance could not have been planned for or anticipated.

 

Clearly, the COVID-19 situation satisfies some of these tests, and will likely be categorized (based on input from the Central Region advancement chair) as a natural disaster.  However, the other tests cannot be skimmed over lightly.  The request needs to explain why a Scout is in the position of having remaining work to do with little time remaining.  It must be clear that the Scout was on a path toward successful completion of all requirements as of March 13th when the first major social distancing mandates were imposed in our area.  Any claims of hardship or medical/learning obstacles must be ‘not the norm’ in the Scout’s life, and evidence must be provided for what is different in the months after the Scout turned 18 vs. in the months and years before.  We should not expect a blanket extension for all Scouts.

 

Gathering to Work on Eagle Projects

Over the past few days, it was permissible to meet only in very small groups with people who the Scout is in regular contact with, and for whom the Scout knows the recent health history and travel status.  As social distancing mandates continue to tighten, any meetings outside the Scout’s family may be banned.  During this time, the Scout can explore if there are alternate (e.g., electronic) ways to deliver the benefits of the project.  There may be a few projects where this is possible, but most projects involve a physical installation of some type.  The Scout can also determine whether his/her family is able to help with the project, but should be very careful that the leadership requirements of a valid Eagle project are not violated.

 

Continue Progress While Awaiting a Verdict

Some Life to Eagle candidates have requirements remaining beyond the Eagle project and a Scoutmaster conference.  If possible, the Scout should continue making progress on any outstanding requirements while awaiting the outcome of an extension request.  Extensions are granted for a specific period of time to complete a specific list of requirements.

 

Eagle Boards of Review After Age 18

A Scout must complete requirements except for the board of review before age 18, but is always allowed up to 3 months after turning 18 to complete a board of review.  In the event a board of review is delayed further than 3 months for reasons beyond the Scout’s control, the local council can grant a 3 month extension.  This applies only to the board of review, not to other rank requirements.  A delay longer than 6 months after turning 18 requires national BSA approval.  We do not know whether in this special circumstance national BSA might allow local councils to grant longer BOR extensions because of the volume of expected requests.

 

Submitting Eagle Binders or Retrieving Eagle Binders

Until the social distancing mandates are lifted, we won’t be passing hard copies of Eagle applications, project proposals/workbooks, or binders back and forth.  Binders already submitted to the council office are not accessible.  We will discuss whether it is possible to use an electronic process for this, but I have not gotten feedback from the council staff on what they can support while working remotely.

 

Applications and Advancement by New Scouts BSA or Crossovers

Some units are concerned that they have new Scouts who want to work on Scout rank or merit badges but are not registered in the unit yet.  If units have brand new Scouts or crossovers whose applications have not yet been processed by the council, they can send the applications electronically to their DE.  A blank electronic application can be provided if needed.  The date of the application will serve as the Scout’s membership date in the troop so that he/she can begin advancement work.

 

Closing Out the Cub Scout Advancement Season

Den Leaders are asked to keep accurate records of all advancements that have been completed this spring. If Scouts have some adventure work left to complete this school year, Den Leaders can provide guidance on how to work on them with parents and document completion.

 

Council Coordinated Committee Cancelled

The March 28th Council Coordinated Committee meeting, where we would have held the monthly advancement committee meeting, has been canceled.  We will communicate mostly by email for the next few weeks.

 

More to come!  As you have questions and special circumstances, please pass them on.

 

Yours in Scouting,

 

Sara Gormley

Crossroads of America

Council Advancement Chair

This entry was posted in Covid-19, News.