Welcome to the Activity Promotion (non-camping) Session a breakout of the Unit Support Conference

Welcome and Overview 2

It is the goal of the Pathway to Adventure Council to build and serve the healthiest and strongest units in the communities we serve

"Scouting's Journey to Excellence" is designed to set goals that encourage and reward success and measure performance and continuous improvement in key objectives in our units, districts and our council. It provides a road map, with benchmarks, to deliver the promises of the Scouting program and to operate at the most optimal level.

5 Journey to Excellence: Activity Promotion (includes non-camping activities and service projects) PACKBRONZESILVERGOLD TROOP CREW

6 Three Aims of Scouting CHARACTER Growth in moral strength and character through each youth’s personal qualities, values, and outlook. CITIZENSHIP Building lasting and impactful relationships through obligations to other people, society, and government. FITNESS The development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness through a healthy lifestyle, ability to think critically, and courage/self-respect. “Be considerate in the outdoors. Be conservation minded.” - Boy Scouts of America Outdoor Code

7 The Methods of Scouting Cub Scout Packs IDEALS DENS ACTIVITIES ADVANCEMENT FAMILY HOME/NEIGHBORHOOD UNIFORM Boy Scout Troops IDEALS PATROLS OUTDOOR PROGRAMS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION WITH ADULTS PERSONAL GROWTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT UNIFORM Venturing Crews IDEALS HIGH ADVENTURE GROUP ACTIVITIES RECOGNITION ASSOCIATION WITH ADULTS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TEACHING OTHERS

8 Key Elements of Planning Make sure a safe and secure location has been reserved for the unit’s activity. Location must comply with appropriate BSA standards. Make sure activity complies with unit’s budget. Have a written program plan for each outdoor activity or event and acquire all necessary materials well in advance. For Boy Scout troops, youth are heavily involved in the processes of planning and executing the events program. Make sure everyone involved is going to HAVE FUN!!!

9 What are the Best Outdoor Activities for Cub Scouts? Activities that engage ALL Cub Scouts. Sports such as soccer, ultimate frisbee, flag football, etc. Activities that meet advancement requirements. Community service activities, such as tree planting, brush clearing, garbage pick-up, etc. Activities that meet various advancement requirements. Scout skills such as orienteering, first-aid, nature, etc.

10 Who Should Be Involved in Planning Scout Outdoor Activities? Everyone! Unit Committee Plans and approves the program Secures site and tour permits where necessary Unit Leaders and Assistants Carry out and executes the program Parents, and Other Volunteers Assist and help execute program Youth Leaders and Unit Members

11 Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award Tiger Cubs, Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts have the opportunity to earn the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award. Boys may earn the award in each of the program years as long as the requirements are completed each year. The first time the award is earned, the boy will receive the pocket flap award, which is to be worn on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. Each successive time the award is earned, a wolf track pin may be added to the flap. Leaders should encourage boys to build on skills and experiences from previous years when working on the award for a successive year. Additional information can be found here: outdooractivityaward.aspx outdooractivityaward.aspx

12 Cub Scout Summertime Pack Award A pack can earn the National Summertime Pack Award by doing three pack activities when school is out for the summer—one activity each month during June, July, and August. Packs that qualify receive a colorful streamer for their pack flag. Dens that have at least half of their members at three events receive a den ribbon. Pack members who participate in all three events are eligible for the National Summertime Pack Award pin to wear on the right pocket flap of their uniform. Additional information can be found here:

13 Remember... A well-functioning troop, or crew, will involve the youth in planning each activity. Planning elements include: Selection of campout location(s) Menu planning, including budgeting and shopping responsibilities Activities and games for campout Youth leadership roles and assigned responsibilities for campout Determining what unit, and personal equipment is necessary Alternate plans in case of inclement weather

14 Words of Wisdom “This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in” - Theodore Roosevelt “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Ghandi “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill “A Scout is helpful.” - The Scout Law

15 Traditional Service Projects Service projects typically fall into three categories: Helping the Natural World Recycling drives for glass, paper, aluminum, or plastic Planting seedlings, trees, or flowers Cleaning up trash in a park or near a natural body of water Neighborhood litter pickup Helping the Community Community food drive Christmas caroling for senior citizens or sick children Repair of park benches and/or tables Handing out emergency procedure brochures Shoveling snow in the winter Helping the Chartered Organization Parking lot cleanup (church) Flag retirement ceremony (VFW or American Legion) Participate in after school tutoring (school) Help set up for a special event, or pass out bulletins during the event

16 But there is so much more! Those were just a fraction of the impact Scouting can have! Here are some more creative ways your unit can better the community: Helping the local police department ensure safe conditions for trick-or- treating on Halloween Serve as support staff for a 5K or larger race Organize an anti-bullying task force Take photos of a large community event and donate them to the organizers Organize a pen pal program in your community Adopt a “grandfriend” or other senior citizen A comprehensive (but still not all-inclusive) list of service project ideas can be found here:

17 Who should we get in touch with? Most communities have various service clubs looking for help with community projects. These can include: Rotary Clubs Kiwanis Clubs Lions Clubs Mayor’s Hall or Village Township Office Police or Sheriff Departments Local Schools Park Districts Your chartered organization

18 How can Units Promote Outdoor Activities and Service Projects? Promote them at Den, Pack, Troop, Crew and Unit Committee meetings. Have readily available information to distribute. and text reminders. Unit websites and newsletters. Invite guest speakers to get youth and adults excited about the event. Make sure every family has a copy of the unit calendar!

19 Entering Service Hours Visit this website to enter your unit’s service hours: Consult “How to Log Service Hours” resource Consult resources on Scouting’s National Journey to Excellence website at: Scroll down to “Service Projects”

20 Q: Where can service projects be conducted? A: ANYWHERE! Organizations throughout your community are always in need of help. Let us help you get in touch with them!

21 Q: Does every project require “cleaning” an area, such as a parking lot or field? A: NO! Service to the community extends well beyond the traditional cleanup at a church or park. Other examples include, but are not limited to, making bird feeders, flag retirement ceremony, Christmas caroling for senior citizens, handing out voting reminders.