Cub Scout Packs and Scouts BSA Troops need to understand the differences between a Crossover ceremony and an Arrow Of Light ceremony. Not all Webelos Cub Scouts achieve the Arrow Of Light award, But when they are old enough they all crossover to a Troop. Choosing a ceremony can be a daunting task. There are some basic principles to keep in mind when selecting which ceremony would be best. Remember that a Cub Scout deserves their moment on stage for parents to take lots of pictures. This is a major change in a scout's life and good documentation of that moment should always be encouraged. Traditions are grand but not ones that are predictable and boring. Making the ceremony meaningful but not over lengthy will also help. Don't forget your resources. The Troop can help out with the ceremony and even the Order of the Arrow (OA) can help.

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Each unit should have a recruitment team of Scouters that are ready to promote their unit at any event. They should also be equipped with applications and new parent guides. The team should be very familiar with the process and know what kind of training would be needed. They would also help recruit leaders for the committee and scout-facing leadership.

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Patch trading seems to be a big part-time activity with Scouts and Scout leaders. There are many facets to the patch trading world that can be explored and enjoyed by everyone. Patches or badges whatever you choose to call them are a big part of Scouting worldwide. Most patch collectors start just trading for fun but soon develop a desire towards a type of collecting. All of these are usually patches that are meant for uniform wear.

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Scouting started at the beginning of the 20th century. Baden-Powell the founder of Scouting believed in basic principles found in the Scout Law today. Scouting has grown over the years and around the world. Although the Scout Law has been adapted for each country's Scouting organization it still has in its core the same meaning. In the United States, the Scout Law has 12 keywords that evoke a meaning that could fill volumes. In many other countries, it is a simple 10 point text similar or verbatim to Baden-Powell's original text. Each countries interpretation and translation of the same principle is unique and culturally defined.

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Having a great new parents guide as a tool for your recruitment team is extremely important. This countdown list of 10 important points will help make your guide even better. This should also be kept up-to-date as often as needed. don't limit yourself to just these ten items. Presented here in no particular order. Having a list of who to contact, a schedule of events, meeting location, fees & cost, fundraising opportunities, levels of participation, code of conduct, and any charter restrictions.

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Youth protection is a priority in Scouting. The training for youth protection starts with the parent guide that is part of the scouts' handbook. Unit leaders will often show videos produced by Scouts BSA before taking the scouts out for a long-term camping adventure. Unit leaders are required to keep their youth protection training up-to-date. Parents should be highly encouraged (but not required) to take Youth Protection Training (YPT) online the same way the unit leaders do. Parents should set up a free account on my.scouting.org and take the online training. Even youth staff at camp go through youth protection training by the camp director.  

⚠️ Important: Unit leaders, please ask your parents to do the training and print out the certificate. Because the free account is not attached to a BSA ID there will be no way to account for this training with your unit access. If the parent joins the leadership of your unit a BSA ID number can be attached to the account. Only then will the training be attached to, and accessible for reports to your unit.

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Your local Order of the Arrow (OA) chapters Ceremony Team has worked with Cub Scout Packs throughout its area for many years. Providing OA Ceremony Team members for Crossovers and Arrow Of Light ceremonies. Recently this has changed with the standardization of the ceremonies from National. Many Cub Scout Packs may not be aware of this new change. Leaders need to provide appropriate ceremonies to make the experience more meaningful. No longer are regalia or costumes allowed depicting Native American Indians in Cub Scout ceremonies by the OA. This video is meant to inspire leaders to start using the prepared and approved ceremonies. Your local OA chapter is also available for food service at Blue N’ Gold, potlucks, and banquets.

📃 Official OA, Webelos to Scouts BSA & Arrow of Light Ceremonies (PDF):  https://oa-bsa.org/uploads/inductions/OA-Cub-Crossover-Arrow-of-Light-Ceremony-2021.pdf

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Job one of any scout leader is to run a safe program. In the past, we had the “Sweet 16” of BSA Safety in the Guide to Safe Scouting to refer back to. Now we have the SAFE Scouting guide to help us remember safety in our unit's activities. Supervision, Assessment, Fitness, Equipment, and environment. This guidance should be encouraged to be used and referred to when organizing activities and projects. It will help prepare a unit for uninspected issues that may come up. Leaders should do all they can to prevent unsafe activities from occurring. They should also be prepared for unforeseen events and always have a backup plan. We should do all we can to avoid risk and mediate inappropriate activities. We know that running a safe event makes it a fun event that everyone wants to participate in.

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Not Everyone Should Join Scouting? This sounds like a crazy statement but it was one that a parent made at a signup night. I have been struggling to think of the reasons why someone should not join scouting. This video is dedicated to answering some of those questions. Of course, I believe that everyone can benefit from scouting. Although extremely small exception that could be temporarily excluding. Here are three groups that I can think of that would have difficulties within scouting. Always remember that there are always exceptions to every rule. No one should try to force scouting on anyone. I've always found it amazing how reluctant parents can be to the detriment of their children. Scouting has saved many lives over the century or more years it's been around. It has lifted people up all over the world.

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You have attended Wood Badge and worked your ticket and now you got your beads. Now the Wood Badge course director has asked you to help by joining the staff. You say YES, and they hand you a bunch of recruiting material? Now you need to go get Scouters signed up. Some courses are full and no recruiting is needed, but some need help getting Scouters to signup. Be Prepared for this challenge by knowing the program and being able to answer questions. You know that Wood Badge is the highest level of training in Scouting. You also know Scouters who are waiting for some reason to take the course. Always remember that Wood Badge is serious training and not a used car. Don’t go “high-pressure salesmen” on a scout leader who is not ready. Like we keep saying here, most have never been asked. Just give them the opportunity and they will jump on board.

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