October 2020 Tarheel Scouter |
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Dear Scouts and Scouters:
2020 has been a year like no other. Yet our Scouts and Scouters have shown resilience. I’m very proud of the efforts of our Scout leaders to persevere with meetings and activities through such adversity.
For the safety of all Scouts, we operated Camp Boddie Virtual Summer Camp this summer. 931 Scouts from 37 states, Puerto Rico, and Germany participated earning, more than 2,500 merit badges. Camp staff taught classes live over Zoom and Scouts participated from the safety of their own homes. Packages were mailed to every Scout including a camp patch, shirt, and materials for whatever merit badges the Scouts were taking. We received hundreds of positive reviews from Scouts who participated.
Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our Scouting families. Our Risk Management Committee reviewed hundreds of pages of guidance from the CDC, BSA, American Camp Association, and the State of North Carolina to provide guidance for our units. That guidance was emailed to all leaders and is on the main page of our website. Units may meet following safe distancing, face mask, and sanitizing guidelines with the approval of their chartering organization. Similarly, our camps are open for camping. We continue to adjust guidance as the State and CSDC make adjustments.
Experts tell us that establishing a routine and returning to a normal schedule is a major contributing factor to the emotional well-being of those affected by a stressful event. Scouting can help. Returning to regular Scout meetings and activities helps children (and adults) better cope with the stress of COVID.
COVID has changed the way schools operate. Our 22 school districts are operating on seven different models. Recruiting Scouts is more challenging this year. It will take everyone’s help to invite new Scouts. Many packs and troops have had great success with “drive through” recruiting events – set up in a parking lot. Others have conducted activities in parks, church lots, and backyards. Promoting Scouting on social media has been very successful. Find these and many more ideas on our website at www.eccbsa.org/membership-resources/ .
We can help others by inviting them to join the adventures of Scouting. We want them to come participate and join Scouting. We want them to develop friendship and a normal routine to help them cope with the lingering effects of COVID. So – go invite your friends to a Scouting activity – pack, troop, crew, ship, district, or council. I have seen units follow safety guidance and conduct scavenger hunts, play wide games, and even a rain gutter regatta (with protective shield in place).
Popcorn sales will be affected by the virus. With our popcorn company, Camp Masters, we developed a door hanger that Scouts can safely hang on doors in their neighborhoods and customers can order online and have shipped to their homes. Have your Scouts create their online Scout account (takes 3 minutes) and email their Scout Code to all your friends and family. Several packs and troops have had great success with Show-N-Sell in front of stores following all guidelines for social distancing a face protection. Popcorn is a great way to fund your Scouting activities. Popcorn sales end Oct 23 – keep selling!
We have a number of fall activities planned – following safety guidelines. We are conducting a Haunted Trail Drive Through at Camp Sam Hatcher the end of this month. Fall Merit Badge Weekend at Camp Boddie is next month. We are finishing details for a rescheduled council camporee in early December. Our normal Wild Game Feast has been converted to an Online Sportsman’s Auction which goes live next week and culminates on October 29.
Two years ago, the BSA introduced the new YPT 2.0 training. The deadline to complete was September 30, 2018. Remember YPT is required to be completed every two years, so make sure you renew your YPT through your account on my.Scouting.org. Nothing is more important than the safety of our Scouts.
After 19 ½ years, Camp Boddie's Ranger Nelson has taken another job to be closer to his family. Nelson took pride in caring for our camp and keeping everything in working order. He could also be seen helping teach merit badges, cooking in the kitchen or on a pig cooker, and providing advice to unit leaders. We are planning a farewell for Nelson later in October. Details will be shared when finalized.
I’d appreciate your feedback on what you think or ideas you’d like to share. Please email me at [email protected]. I’ll see you on the trail.
In service,
Doug Brown, Jr.
Scout Executive / CEO
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YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING 2.0 (YPT2) RELEASED |
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On February 1, 2018, the Boy Scouts of America released updated youth protection training, called YPT2. There is now only one YPT training for all levels of Scouting adults from Cub Scouts through our young adult programs. This is the one designated Youth Protection Training for all adults.
The mandatory training is closed captioned and includes three modules covering the following:
· Overview and Policies
· Sexual Abuse
· Bullying
YPT2 is accessible from a my.Scouting.org account, but BSA registration is not required to take the training. BSA chartering organization members are welcome to take the training free of charge. The training certificate will only be available for printing after completing the three required training modules and passing the test which completes the Youth Protection Training. The training certificate must accompany a new BSA adult application.
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Help Scouts Protect Themselves |
The Boy Scouts of America produced two age appropriate videos designed to educate Scouts about child abuse and how to protect themselves.
The video, A Time to Tell, is for youth 11 years of age and older. It Happened to Me is designed for youth 6 to 9 years of age. These videos are an important part of the BSA’s Youth Protection Training. The videos present common situations in which sexual abuse might occur and emphasize the BSA’s “three Rs” of Youth Protection.
Each Scout troop and Cub Scout pack are encouraged to show the age appropriate video to its members once a year.
It is important that we all recognize that child sexual abuse is a serious problem in our society and that Scouts are prepared to take appropriate steps to protect themselves if they, or their friends, are confronted by a person who attempts to put them in a situation where sexual abuse could occur. Nobody expects that Scouts are going to be sexually abused. However, just as we learn first aid skills to prepare ourselves in case we ever need to use them, we also need to learn about sexual abuse.
Leaders are encouraged to view the appropriate video and read the discussion guide before showing to Scouts at a pack or troop meeting. There are difficult, yet realistic, scenarios presented in the videos. Parents are encouraged to participate as well.
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CONTINUING ED – Monthly at your district Roundtable
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EVERY SCOUT DESERVES A TRAINED LEADER.
We believe that every Scout deserves a trained leader. We want to make sure that you understand how Scouting works and that you're properly equipped to deliver a fun and fulfilling program to our youth. The Boy Scouts of America provides a wealth of training opportunities at every level of Scouting. Whether you're a first-time Cub leader or a high adventure veteran, there's a training course for you. Continual learning is a key to the success of our programs.
YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING
Youth Protection Training is designed to help you keep our youth safe from abuse. You will learn the Boy Scouts of America's Youth Protection Guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse.
CUBMASTER AND ASSISTANT CUBMASTER POSITION TRAINING is intended to provide Cubmasters with the information and tools they need to successfully lead a Cub Scout pack. Cubmasters and Assistant Cubmasters who complete this training, as well as Youth Protection Training and Weather Hazards Training, are considered trained for both positions.
DEN LEADER POSITION TRAINING provides Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos den leaders with the information and tools they need to conduct successful den meetings. Den leaders who complete the Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scout den leader training, along with Youth Protection Training and Weather Hazards Training, are considered trained for their position.
SCOUTMASTER POSITION TRAINING provides Scoutmasters with the basic information and tools they need to lead successful Scout troops. Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters who complete this course must also complete Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), Youth Protection Training, and Weather Hazards Training in order to be trained for those positions. The IOLS course must be taken during an event held by a district or council. The Outdoor course is required to be considered fully trained.
VENTURING ADVISOR AND ASSOCIATE POSITION TRAINING provides an introduction to the responsibilities, opportunities, and resources that will ensure a successful Venturing crew leadership experience.
MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR TRAINING provides an introduction to the responsibilities, and advancement guidelines used by merit badge counselors, who also must take Youth Protection Training.
BASIC LEADER – WHAT IS REQUIRED?
Need to know what are the requirements to be trained for your unit leadership role?
Position-Specific (Role-Based) Courses - Basic Leader Requirements
Where do I find out about live courses if I missed Roundtable in my district? Training courses and other events are also listed on the East Carolina Council Website. To register for live training, go to the Council home page at www.eccbsa.org and click on Event Flyers.
LIVE Outdoor Skills training SOME COURSES MUST BE DONE LIVE:
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) - An instructor-led course that is required of a minimum of one adult leader on pack family campouts and Webelos Den Camping. An online training component is required prior to participating.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) - Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics, this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA troops in order to be considered “trained”.
Fundamentals of Training – required training for Unit Trainers, and district/council training team members.
The Trainers EDGE – required for Wood Badge and NYLT Staff and continuing education for Trainers after taking Fundamentals of Training.
STEM Nova Counselor Training – to provide training for STEM Nova counselors
ADVANCED TRAINING
Wood Badge – an advanced national leadership course for Scouting volunteers and professionals. For more information, see the ECC home page and click on Wood Badge under Quick Links.
ONLINE SUPPLEMENTAL TRAINING – PROGRAM SAFETY
Exploring Ride-Along Safety
Hazardous Weather Training
Safe Swim Defense
Safety Afloat
Trek Safely
Climb on Safely
Drive Safely
Continue learning by
Viewing current and archived podcasts for Cub Scouting and Scouting
Attending Roundtable – from the home page, click on Districts to locate information on your local Roundtable meetings held monthly. These meetings are held to give out information, provide useful program enhancements, discuss relevant Scouting topics, fellowship with other Scouters, and to learn and well as to share ideas, techniques and more.
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Jamboree over the Internet |
When:18-20 October
Where: Internet
Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time once again for the World Scouting Jamboree over the Internet (JOTI) and Jamboree over the Air (JOTA). While the JOTA event may be hard due to COVID-19 restrictions, the JOTI event will be going strong. There will also be a Scout/Scouter run Minecraft server. Communicating with Scouts during this event will count towards Webelos/Arrow of Light Requirements as well as Citizenship in the World. It goes all weekend long. More information can be found here: https://www.jotajoti.info/
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In memory of Benjamin May Boddie, Sr.
From:
Pamela Ricks
Dunn Family Foundation
Ray Batchelor
John Charles Thompson
Morrie Minges
Lewis Advertising, Inc.
Ben & Sue Moore
Bill & Terry Noble
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Gene L. Lewis
Ted & Glenda Fowler
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2020 ECC Sporting Clays Tourney |
When: Friday, 6 November 2020
Where: 3881 Rose Hill Lane, Nashville, NC
Benefits the East Carolina Council. More information can be found here. |
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On my honor I promise to do my best to comply with this Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct while serving in my capacity as an adult leader:
1. I have or will complete my registration with the Boy Scouts of America, answering all questions truthfully and honestly.
2. I will do my best to live up to the Scout Oath and Scout Law, obey all laws, and hold others in Scouting accountable to those standards. I will exercise sound judgment and demonstrate good leadership and use the Scouting program for its intended purpose consistent with the mission of the Boy Scouts of America.
3. I will make the protection of youth a personal priority. I will complete and remain current with youth protection training requirements. I will be familiar with and follow:
c. The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety:
4. When transporting Scouts I will obey all laws, comply with youth protection guidelines, and follow safe driving practices.
5. I will respect and abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, BSA policies, and BSA-provided training, including but not limited to, those relating to:
a. Unauthorized fundraising activities.
b. Advocacy on social and political issues, including prohibited use of the BSA uniform and brand.
c. Bullying, hazing, harassment, and unlawful discrimination of any kind.
6. I will not discuss or engage in any form of sexual conduct while engaged in Scouting activities. I will refer Scouts with questions regarding these topics to talk to their parents or spiritual advisor.
7. I confirm that I have fully disclosed and will disclose in the future any of the following:
a. Any criminal suspicion, charges or convictions of a crime or offense involving abuse, violence, sexual misconduct, or any misconduct involving minors or juveniles.
b. Any investigation or court order involving domestic violence, child abuse, or similar matter.
c. Any criminal charges or convictions for offenses involving controlled substances, driving while intoxicated, firearms or dangerous weapons.
8. I will not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting rules, regulations and policies:
a. Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana.
b. Concealed or unconcealed firearms, fireworks, or explosives.
c. Pornography or materials containing words or images inconsistent with Scouting values.
9. If I am taking prescription medications with the potential of impairing my functioning or judgment, I will not engage in activities which would put Scouts at risk, including driving or operating equipment.
10. I will take steps to prevent or report any violation of this code of conduct by others in connection with Scouting activities.
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The East Carolina Council has many sources of income: summer camp, Friends of Scouting, United Way, activity fees, and property rental are just a few. A good portion comes from Scout Shop sales.
At a recent gathering, District Chairs and Commissioners asked this information be included in the Tarheel Scouter.
East Carolina Council makes 30% on all sales in our Scout Shop. Anything purchased from Scoutshop.org provides a 6% return to the council sixty days after the sale. Purchases from Scout Shops in other councils or from Amazon.com provides no revenue to East Carolina Council.
The District Chairs and Commissioners shared that some people choose to go to Scout Shops in Raleigh or Wilmington for their selection. East Carolina Council has access to the very same merchandise. Those Scout Shops are operated by BSA National Supply which has a much larger budget to purchase items and stock them in stores. They also have more square footage for more items. East Carolina Council can order and provide the same items. We even ship to your home for about the same price as online shipping.
Last year, East Carolina Council made $2,544 from sales made to ScoutShop.org. Had those same purchases been made from our local Scout Shop, the council revenue would have been $12,444. That could help provide insurance on buildings at camp, pay utilities, make technology upgrades, and more.
Order through the East Carolina Council Scout Shop and we will have the items shipped to the Scout Shop, then delivered to monthly roundtable.
The next time you need a Scouting item, or even an outdoor item, buy it from the East Carolina Scout Shop. It makes a difference in the resources for our Scouts.
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New Cub Scout Shirts
Available Now
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Come see us at your local Scout Shop and get yours. You can also call 252-522-1521 and we will be glad to mail it out to you today.
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