M.E. Rinker Scout Shop
Get all your uniforms needs at the
M.E. Rinker Scout Shop.
Uniforms
Insignia
Literature
Trophies
Awards
Crafts
Camping Gear
Gift Cards
Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Saturday 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Fast delivery
on phone orders !
(561) 691-3929, FAX (561) 691-3935
Scout Shop Page - Click here
Top of page
ATTENTION LEADERS
New Guide to Advancement
The new Guide to Advancement is now available on the national BSA website at: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/
pdf/33088.pdf (Advancement Guide) .
This contains the latest information regarding advancement for all programs in Scouting. All unit leaders are encouraged to download a copy. There are some major changes within the program. Over the next few months, we will be discussing some of these changes. If you have any questions, please contact your District Advancement Committee or Eagle Board Chairperson for clarifications.
What Active Means: How Troop Leaders Should Measure
A Scout's Participation For BSA Requirements
TO EARN EACH of Boy Scouting's top three ranks-- Star, Life, Eagle—a Scout must "be active" in
his troop and patrol for a specified number of months and 'serve actively" in a position of
responsibility such as patrol leader or quartermaster. So what exactly does "active' mean and
how can troop leaders measure participation? Read on to find out.
WHY IS BEING ACTIVE IMPORTANT? Scouts best achieve the aims of Scouting (character
development, citizenship training, and personal and mental fitness) when they participate in
meetings, outings, and service projects. A Scout who holds a position of responsibility can fulfill
his duties only by being present.
WHAT CONSTITUTES 'ACTIVE'?
To meet the requirement of active participation, a Scout must be registered in the unit and be
in good standing, meaning he hasn't been dismissed for disciplinary reasons. In addition, he
should meet the unit's "reasonable expectations."
CAN TROOPS SET ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THEIR MEETINGS AND OUTINGS?
Yes, so long as the standard is reasonable and recognizes the many worthwhile opportunities
beyond Scouting. A Scout who falls short of the unit's expectations must be given the chance
(during a board of review) to offer an explanation. Certainly, there are medical, educational and
other issues that may prevent participation. If the Scout would have been more active under
other circumstances, he is deemed active. A board of review must also let Scouts demonstrate
how non-Scouting activities contributed to growth. For example, a Scout might have missed a
campout to attend a church retreat.
CAN STANDARDS GO BEYOND PARTICIPATION? No. Expectations such as uniform compliance,
payment of dues, and parental involvement can't be considered when evaluating tenure.
DO MONTHS OF ACTIVE PARTICIPATION HAVE TO BE CONTINUOUS? No. A Scout may piece
together any periods he has been active and still qualify and active months won't expire if followed
by inactive months.
CAN A TROOP SET PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS?
Yes, as long as they are established up front. It's a disservice to the Scout and the unit to reward
work that hasn't been done. Holding a position and doing nothing is unacceptable.
HOW DO YOU EVALUATE A SCOUT WHEN THE UNIT HAS NO ESTABLISHED EXPECTATIONS? An
adult leader or the Scout—or both—should work out the responsibilities to fulfill. BSA literature
such as the Patrol Leader Handbook can provide the basis for this effort. If it's left to the Scout
to determine the responsibilities, and he makes a reasonable effort, he passes the requirement.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
The best source is the Guide to Advancement 2011 (No. 33088), available at Scout Shops and
online at scouting. org./filestore/pdf/33088.pdf+
Yours in Scouting,
Lew Crippen
Council Advancement Committee Chair
LCrippen@gunster.com
Advancement for Members with Special Needs
Youth with physical disabiities and youth and adults with developmental or cognitive challanges are welcome in the Boy Scouts of America. Various accommodations exist to facilitiate advancement. A special unit oriented to
serving members with disabilities need not be joined, although those exist and may be beneficial in some cases.
When parents or volunteers are able to provide assistance and ovesignt, most anyone can be a memeber. While leaders should be enthusiastic about helping those with special needs, they should also recognize the demands that will be placed on their patience, understanding and skill, in working on advancement.
Advancement Flexibility Allowed
Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers or Sea Scoits who have disabliites may qualify for limited flexibility in advancement. Allowances possible in each program are outlined below (See Registering Qualified Members Beyond Eligibility below). Experience tells us those members whose parents are involved, or at least regularly consulted, progress the farthest. Some units have also followed the example set in Individualized Education Plans, and have established "individual advancement plans" with the same benefits. In addition, Youth and Adults who are who are developmentally disabled, or youth with severe p;hysical challenges, may be considered for registration beyond the age of eligibility for their program. The BSA Guide to Advancement, available on the council website at www.GulfstreamCouncil.org. under Forms, details the procedures for advancement flexibility. The following information is from the Guide.
Guide to Advancement - 10.2.1.0 Advancment for Cub Scouts with Disabilities
Advancement is so flexible that, with guidance, most Cub Scouts with disabilities can complete requirements. The standard is, "Has he done his best?" It may take him longer to attempt requirements and demonstrate this, but his accomplishments will be rewarding to him, his parents and his leaders.
There could be times, however, when a Cub Scout's "best" isn't enough even to get a start. For example, a boy in a wheelcahir cannot pass requirements calling for walking or running. In these cases, Cubmasters and pack committees may jointly determine appropriate substitutions. For example, elective requirements could take the place of those found in achievements or in consultation with parents; other adjustments representing similar challenges could be made. These decisions can be made at pack level.
Guide ot Advancement - 10.2..0 Advancement for Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts with Disabilities
Members must meet current advnacment requirments as writen for merit badges, al ranks and Eagle Palms, althoug some allowable substitutions or altenatives are speciafically set forth in official literature. The member is expected to meet the requirements - no more and no less- and he is to do exaxtly what is stated. If it says "Show or demonsrate," that is what he must do; just "telling" isn't enought. The same holds for words and phrases such as "make," "list," "in the field," "collect," "identify," and "label." Requests for alternate rquirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks can be made using the information outlined below.
Guide to Advancement - 10.2..1 Using Alternative Requirements
A degree of modification in advancement requirements may be necessary to mainstream as many members with disabilities as possible. Thus a socut with a permanent physical or mental disability (or a disability expected to last more than two years or beyond the 18th birthday) who is unable to compet all the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class or First Class rank may, with his parent or quardian, submit a request to the council advancement committee to complete alternative requirements. Unless a Scout has been approved to register beyond the age of elegibility, than alternative requirements must be completed by the 18th birthday. The procedures for Registering Qualified Members Beyond AGe of Eligibility appear below. This avenue is also available to youth with longer-term disabilities (such as those related to a severe injury) who want to continue advancing during recovery.
Simple modifications very close to existing requirements need not be approved. A Scout in a wheelchair, for example, may meet the requirements for hiking by "wheeling" to a place of interest. Allowing more time and permitting special aids ar also ways leaders can help Scouts with disabilities make progress. Modifications, however, must provide a very similar challenge and learning experience.
The outcomes of the Scouting experience should be fun and educational, and not jus relate to completing rank requirements that might place unrealistic expectations on a member who has a disability.
REGISTRAR'S CORNER
Reporting Advancements
When units earn advancements and order badges from the Scout Shop - in person or by mail, an Advancement Report form is required in order to make a purchase. It is very important that a record of each Scout's ranks and badges be made at the Council Service Center.
Advancement reporting has become a much easier and efficient process with NEW! Internet Advancement. This process can be accessed on this Council website from the Internet Advancement button on the home page or through www.MyScouting.org. When processed by this method, advancements are automatically posted directly to official Scout Advancement Records and eliminates the possibility of duplicate reporting or inadvertent change of date, and other errors. You will discover if a Scout is not registered, have the ability to print rosters, advancement records, membership cards. etc. It is a very simple and self explanatory system.
It is still necessary to print advancement reports for signature and submit to the Scout Shop when purchasing advancements. The printed document will be passed to the Council Service Center for the permanent files.
Approved Unit Software
Many units currently use software to maintain records of members, advancements, etc. This software may still be used in conjunction with Internet Advancement by uploading your software records into Internet Advancement per the instructions in Internet Advancement. The following are compatible with BSA Internet Advancement.
Packmaster 2000, Vers 1.03 or higher
Troopmaster 2000, Vers 1.09 or higher
Troopmaster ME, Vers 2.0 or higher
Contact: 804-589-6788, www.troopmaster.com
ScoutMate, Vers 5.12 or higher
Contact: 888-572-4768, www.scoutsoftware.com
Rank N File - CS, Vers 2.06 or higher
Rank N File - BS, Vers 4.07 or higher
Contact: 800-218-4966, www.ranknfile,com
Scoutsoft, Vers 3.5r2 or higher
Contact: 801-599-5271, www.scoutsoft.net
Top of page
|
Congratulations High School Seniors
Congratulations to the thousands of high school students across our council who have recently graduated, especially those students who are current or former Scouts. We are so very proud of you and know that you will go on to even greater success in life.
There will be hard times ahead (life always has a few in store for us)... but rest assured that what you learned from the Scout Oath and Scout Law can help you. Help Others. Be Friendly, Courteous and Kind. Be Brave and Reverent. And never forget that your example can inspire others.
EAGLE CLARIFICATIONS
AND CHANGES
Unit Leader Approval of
Eagle Rank Applications
The Eagle rank application requires the signature of the Unit Leader (Scoutmaster, Crew Advisor, Skipper, Coach). If the unit leader will not sign the application, for whatever reason, an assistant cannot sign for him/her.
NEW Eagle Application and Project Forms
Eagle Scout rank requirement 5 has been reworded. To support that change, a new Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook has been created.
Please see the Forms page of the website for links to all Eagle forms.
Congratulations!
2013 First Quarter
Eagle Scouts
Bradley Emmit Smith - T422
Timothy Wels McNalis - T356
Brandon Todd Kiernan - T327
Christian James Wright - T336
Samuel Patrick Luttier - T141
Basil A Burke,Jr - T160
Reinhard Neil Brown - T105
Steven Lee Crichton - T215
Evan Cliff MacKay - T503
Kyle Joseph Malone - T155
Stanley Joseph Oblacznski, II - T701
Austin Chandler Higgins - T810
Sean Francis Webber - T811
Christian Michael Maurno - T774
Jack Douglas Longo, Jr - T125
Douglas J Killip - T337
Jesse Ray Saunders - T202
Stephen Joseph McCloskey - T155
Richard Harrylal - T197
Louis Liberato Rondino - T323
Sean Francis Budge - T435
Adam Hostetter Kelly - T208
Robert Neil Livingstone - T333
Philip Lee Lavandera - T513
Richard Keenum - T711
Ross David Pantone - T111
Charles Robert Hedlund - T13
Daniel Nathan Hobbs - T173
Christopher Richard Rogers - T155
Thomas J Begens - T208
Gerald Crumly Lemongello - T155
Matthew Dakota Ramsey - T774
James Xavier Herrera - T840
Nicholas Patrick McNamara - T304
Hunter Thomas Myers - T315
Alexander Bardley Po - T315
Eagle Scholarship Opportunities
Local
Florida Culinary Institute -Application
PBCo NESA Chapter -Application
National
Jewish Committee on Sctng - Application
NESA Directory of Eagle Scholarships
VFW Scholarship
American Legion Scholarship
Duplicate Eagle / NESA Credentials
Top of page
In Memorium
Lawrence Koob
Barbara Hughes
Eduardo Correia
Charles Gover
M/M Samuel Stahl
Barbara Georgi
Little Egypt Orchid Society - FOC
Brody Black & Dianne Evans - FOC
Jerre & Nacy Pfaff - FOC
Nancy Neilsen
Fred Stitt
Bill Zern
Phil O'Connell, Jr
COUNCIL PINEWOOD DERBY WINNERS - 5/11/13
1ST PLACE- CAMERON JONES- PACK 176
2ND PLACE - AARON CARR - PACK 173
3RD PLACE-COOPER MUSSER -PACK 141
TIGERS
1ST Place - BRAYDEN UPTON - PACK 173
2ND Place - JD ROSS - PACK 125
3RD Place - HENRY HECKERTHORNE-PK 337
WOLVES
1ST Place - TANNER GOULET - PACK 473
2ND Place - CAMERON JONES - PACK 176
3RD Place -BRADLEY O'CONNELL-PACK 356
BEARS
1ST Place - COREY CARRIER - PACK 812
2ND Place -CALEB BUSH - PACK 306
3RD Place - KEVIN LANDRY - PACK 124
WEBELOS
1ST Place - COOPER MUSSER - PACK 141
2ND Place - AARON CARR - PACK 173
3RD Place - CYRUS WILKES - PACK 420
Thank you David Wood for being our Council Pinewood Derby Chair, and running such a great event!
Tanah Keeta needs your help.
Please consider supporting your Council camp by adopting one of these projects.
Contact Ranger Steve for details.
561-746-8749
Weeding and Pruning:
General clean up around the main camp. A good project for younger Scouts or Webelos. This could be split up into two projects.
Spreading Bark:
Will need to be scheduled after Weeding and Pruning Project.
Spruce up of Campsite:
Basic clean up, pruning & repairing of specific campsites.
Clearing Brush:
Groups should bring gloves, pruners chainsaws, rakes and possible a chipper. The Ranger has some tools but whatever your group could bring would help.
Painting:
Painting inside and out. Ranger may have funding for this project but if your group can, a full adoption would be great.
Top of page
Serve to Preserve Scout Award
TALLAHASSEE – This award will give scouts the opportunity to develop a sense of stewardship for the environment and create an effective way for young people to share new ideas and approaches to protect natural Florida.
The program allows scout troops to earn an award insignia by completing educational activities about Florida's natural environment. Age-specific requirements for the Serve to Preserve Scout Award were developed in partnership with leaders from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in Florida.
Serve to Preserve Requirements
Top of page
SERVICE PROJECTS
AVAILABLE IN THE COUNCIL AREA
Below is a link to a list of suggested service projects in public gardens and parks that need help. For more information contact Asst Council Commissioner, Bill Skinner at WJSWTG@aol.com.
Project List
2013 River Raft Regatta Results
Camp Tanah Keeta
April 26-28, 2013
Junior Race
1st - Raft 14 – Troop 109 GSC, Time: 23:56
2nd – Raft 30 – Troop 422 GSC,Time: 24:45
3rd – Raft 3 – Troop 774 GSC, Time 27:23
Senior Race
1st – Raft 15 – Crew 109 GSC, Time: 20:25
2nd – Raft 24 - Troop 308 GSC, Time: 24:26
3rd - Raft 8 – Troop 141 GSC, Time: 29:26
Design
1st – Raft 1 – Crew 497 SFC
2nd – Raft 10 – Crew 150 GSC
3rd – Raft 27 – Troop 132
Spirit
1st – Raft 1 Crew 497 SFC
2nd – Raft 17 – Troop 402 GSC
3rd – Raft 16 – Troop 204 GSC
Overall Winners
1st – Raft 1 Crew 497 SFC
2nd – Raft 17 – Troop 402 GSC
3rd – Raft 10 – Crew 150 GSC
MERIT BADGE COUNSELORS
The Council recently discovered that an adult volunteer who has taught a number of merit badge classes (including Eagle-required badges) was not properly registered as a merit badge counselor. Needless to say, this caused a major problem for the Scouts who relied on this adult. As a reminder, the following are the requirements to serve as a merit badge counselor. The volunteer must:
1. Register annually with BSA by completing the Adult Application form and submitting it to the Council Service Center (there is no charge to register as a merit badge counselor).
2. Be at least 18 years of age.
3. Be of good character.
4. Be proficient in the merit badge subject through vocation, avocation or special training.
5. Be able to work with Scout-age youth.
6. Be approved by the Council Advancement Committee. This requires that the counselor annually complete the Merit Badge Counselor Information form (#34405), and submit it to the Council Service Center by December 31 of each year.
7. Each volunteer must complete Youth Protection Training (available on-line) before working with youth, and renew this training every two years.
|
