Youth Protection Reporting Procedures for Volunteers BSA Youth Protection Policies
There are two types of Youth Protection–related reporting procedures all volunteers must follow:
When you witness or suspect any child has been abused or neglected—See "Mandatory Report of Child Abuse" below.
When you witness a violation of the BSA's Youth Protection policies—See "Reporting Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies" below.
Mandatory Report of Child Abuse
All persons involved in Scouting shall report to local authorities any good-faith suspicion or belief that any child is or has been physically or sexually abused, physically or emotionally neglected, exposed to any form of violence or threat, exposed to any form of sexual exploitation, including the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child pornography, online solicitation, enticement, or showing of obscene material. You may not abdicate this reporting responsibility to any other person.
Steps to Reporting Child Abuse
Ensure the child is in a safe environment.
In cases of child abuse or medical emergencies, call 911 immediately. In addition, if the suspected abuse is in the Scout's home or family, you are required to contact the NYS Office of Children and Family Services at 800-342-3720.
Notify the Scout executive or his designee. (See contact names/numbers below.)
Reporting Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies
If you think any of the BSA's Youth Protection policies, including those described within Scouting's Barriers to Abuse have been violated, you must notify your local council Scout executive or his designee so appropriate action can be taken for the safety of our Scouts.
Youth Protection can be achieved only through the shared involvement of everyone in Scouting. Remember—Youth Protection Begins With YOU.®
For more information about the BSA's Youth Protection policies, visit http://www.scouting.org/YouthProtection.aspx.
Annual Eagle Scout Gathering Westchester-Putnam Area Eagle Scouts Annual Gathering, April 19. Reconnecting with Scouting, Celebrating Eagle Scouts, Supporting Today's Scouts! If you would like to be invited to future Eagle Scout events, contact wkelly
2012 Emblem Sunday at St. Patrick's Cathedral Celebrating Scouts who earned Religious Emblems. To learn about earning Catholic Religious Awards visit: www.nycatholicscouts.org
Scout Shabbat at Temple Beth Elohim More than 20 Scouts and leaders attended a combined Boy Scout Shabbat / Family Service at Temple Beth Elohim on Friday February 3rd. One Cub Scout was recognized for earning his Aleph Award and Scouts from at least two different Councils and States, and from several different units participated. The Scouts also read a portion of our own Westchester Putnam Scout Shabbat service that we use each summer at Camp Read.
Scout Leader – Proud to be an
American Westchester-Putnam Council, Boy Scouts of America are proud of
our Scouts and Volunteer Leaders who helped make this piece that airs on
Fox News Channel. Celeste Hughes and the Scouts of Pack 6 and Troop 1 Crestwood were selected to appear on Fox News Channel's new Proud American campaign.
Clarifying Unit Tax Exempt
Status In response to questions we often receive, the following
information is provided to clarify the tax exempt status of BSA packs,
troops, and crews.
Log Your Service Hours for
Journey to Excellence In order to earn Journey to Excellence, your unit must log the
hours of each service project you do. It is simple to do and crucial to
your unit earning Journey to Excellence. This program has replaced Good
Turn for America. See flyer for details, and start logging your hours
now!
Courses include:
1. “Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training”
2. “Youth Protection,”
3. “Fast Start,” and
4. “This Is Scouting”
The courses have been updated to support the new
Cub Scout Delivery Method rolled out earlier this year. Now, den leaders
and assistants, Cubmasters and assistants, pack trainers, and pack
committee chairs and members can now learn the how-to’s for
suc-cessfully conducting an engaging den and pack program and can become
confident in the role each plays.
Online training is also available by
clicking the link: www.scouting.org.
When entering www.MyScouting.org,
click on the E-Learning link under the Training header located on the
left-side menu. Then click on the Cub Scouts tab and voila!... all
leader training is at your convenience.
If you do not have a MyScouting account, there are simple instructions
on the landing page that will help you create one.
In addition to the
opportunity for online training, all four Cub Scout leader courses are
supported by a printed syllabus, some with a DVD, to assist council and
district training teams in conducting instructor-led experiences. The
catalog number for this resource is 34875.
For questions or concerns regarding MyScouting accounts, send an email
to the National Service Desk at: MyScouting@scouting.org. All issues
will be addressed as soon as possible in order to get users online and
fully trained!
Religious Awards A
key point of the Scout Law is that a Scout is reverent. The Boy Scouts of
America and PRAY have an extensive program for our Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to
earn religious recognitions in every faith. Please
click here to visit PRAY
and have access to all of the most current information or contact Maryellen at
914-773-1135 ext 234 or mgalinski
to learn how to earn the religious award of your faith.
Read All About Camp Read “For
Joys We’ll Ne’er Forget”, relates the story of the Curtis S. Read Scout
Reservation from its opening day in 1920 to the present. For most part, “For
Joys….” was written by staff who were in camp. Chapters features two legendary
Camp Rangers, the launching of Camp Waubeeka, the impact of Read on professional
Scouting, profiles of outstanding camp leaders, the story of the Oder of the
Arrow in camp, history of the Camp Read Association, and much more.
Travel through time as this nearly one hundred year old camp grew from its
beginnings on 33 acres and 20 campers on Long Pond, in Mahopac, New York to a
1000 acre scout reservation in the Adirondack Mountains. Today the Curtis S.
Read Scout Reservation is made up of three camps, one traditional scout camp,
one patrol cooking camp, and a High Adventure Base.
“For Joys We’ll Ne’er Forget” was commissioned by the Camp Read Association to
preserve the history of this very special place. If you were ever a camper or
staff member at a Scout camp, you’ll find yourself right at home in the pages of
this book. It is a story worth telling and one worth reading…………..!
Also available in the Read Scout Reservation trading posts.
All proceeds from “For Joys We’ll Ne’er Forget” will go to the betterment of the
Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation, Westchester-Putnam Council, Boy Scout of
America.
Webelos to Boy Scouts Transition Progress
The passage by 5th grade Webelos from the Cub Scout Pack to the Boy Scout Troop
should be smooth, with no time lost in between. By the time Webelos Scouts are
ready to crossover, they and their families should be familiar and comfortable
with the youth and adult leaders of the Troop, their role in the Troop, and
upcoming activities, bringing a feeling of excitement about beginning this new
adventure. The Webelos Scout’s graduation ceremony should clearly signify his
transition to a new level of Scouting, and could include the presentation of his
Arrow of Light Award, a Boy Scout Handbook, and a Troop neckerchief.
A Webelos Scout who has earned the Arrow of Light Award has now completed all
the requirements for the Scout badge and may join a Boy Scout Troop. The key
factor to improved Webelos transition is the ongoing working relationship of the
leaders of a Cub Scout Pack and a Boy Scout troop.
Responsibilities for the transition process: Responsibilities of the Pack
Develop a working relationship with the leadership of one or more Boy
Scout Troops in the area to work on some combined activities and events
in the fall and early winter. These can include a fall camping trip, a
community event, or possibly an early winter Boy Scout summer camp
information night attended by both the Webelos Scout and his parent.
Work with Troop leaders to secure Den Chiefs.
Work with Troop leaders to plan visits to troop meetings.
Invite the Scoutmaster and Troop youth leaders to special Pack
activities.
Plan a meaningful crossover ceremony at the Pack’s Blue and Gold
Banquet. Include Troop leaders to be present to accept Webelos Scout as
they graduate to Boy Scouting.
Webelos leaders should be strongly encouraged to move into the Troop
with the boys, either as assistant Scoutmasters or troop committee
members.
Responsibilities of the Troop
Select Scouts to serve as Den Chiefs for each Webelos Scout den and
Cub Scout den.
Serve as a resource for overnight activities. The troop can be of
service to provide equipment, leadership and logistics for Webelos
parent-son campouts.
Conduct an orientation in the Bear Cub Scout dens to explain the
changing role as boys become Webelos Scouts and then again as they
become Boy Scouts. Explain how being a Webelos Scout will help prepare
them for Boy Scouting.
Webelos den/Scout troop campouts should show Webelos Scouts and
their parents what to expect when they move into the troop. The troop
should cook and camp by patrol, and use skills that the Webelos Scouts
can participate in.
Arrange for Webelos dens to visit a troop meeting. This should be
planned several weeks in advance.
Provide each Webelos Scout a copy of the troop’s activities for the
upcoming year.
Work with Webelos den leaders to encourage them to plan to move
into the troop with their Webelos Scouts and to serve either as
committee members or assistant Scoutmasters.
Conduct a Scoutmaster conference under the guidance of the
Scoutmaster or the assistant designated by the Scoutmaster.
Work with the Cubmaster in planning a meaningful crossover ceremony
at the pack’s Blue and Gold Banquet. Arrange for each Webelos Scout to
receive a troop neckerchief and/or Scout Handbook along with his Arrow
of light Award.
Responsibilities of the Webelos Parent
Be engaged in your Webelos Scout’s progress on earning the Arrow of
Light. Realize that some of the requirements involved becoming oriented
and prepared to join a Scout troop.
Become familiar with the objectives and the methods of the Boy
Scouting program.
Learn how Scouting builds values and how the 12 traits that make up
the Scout Law read like every parent’s wish list for their children.
Learn how Scouting sets expectations of cooperation, respect and
goodwill, all success factors in helping build lifelong personal and
family values by reinforcing ethical standards.
Attend a visit with your son to a Boy Scout troop meeting and meet
the leadership of the troop.
Attend the Webelos Scout parents’ orientation and camp promotion
night with your Webelos Scout to learn about the Boy Scout troop, 2008
spring plans, activities, and its summer camp plans so your son will be
able to participate.
Be willing to participate as a Scout parent on the troop committee
or to support its programs and activities as needed.
Weekend Camping At The Durland Scout Reservation & Read Scout Reservation
Reservations are being accepted for short term (weekend) camping at both the Durland and Read Scout Reservations. Cabins and a variety of tent sites are
available at Durland, as are the Farmhouse and Handicraft Lodge at Read.
Tent site fees are $40 for a weekend. The weekend cabin fees at Durland are $225 for a building with a capacity of 40 people, and $190 for a
structure with a capacity of 30 people. The cabins all have electricity,
running hot and cold water at the kitchen sink, refrigerator and electric
stoves. A $75 damage deposit is required to rent a building. Due to the
popularity of the cabins and tent sites, no phone reservations can be
accepted. All fees and paperwork must be received at the Council Service
Center to complete your reservation. Forms are available below.
Weekend programs available for all units at Durland include
orienteering, hiking our 16 miles of marked trails and, conditions
permitting, snow shoeing and ice fishing. During warmer weather, Scout units
with adults currently trained in Safety Afloat can use the canoes and
kayaks. Both lakes on the reservation have excellent populations of
largemouth bass.
Important Information About Planning A Unit Event!
When a unit needs to use the facilities or property of another entity there is
usually a written contract that spells out the duties and responsibilities of
each party, along with a request for an insurance certificate. When the unit is
planning an event, they should ask the other party for a copy of their contract
or facility use agreement before negotiations begin. This should be forwarded to
the Council office for review and signature. Unit representatives should not
sign the contract. Upon approval, the signed contract will be sent back to the
unit with the appropriate insurance certificate, if applicable. This is not
something we are able to provide on a walk-in basis; your unit should plan ahead
by at least two weeks time to have this process completed. Thank you for your
understanding.
Make Sure Your Volunteers Are Registered! When training entries are being made in the Westchester-Putnam Council’s
records and in Scoutnet, the BSA national database, it is being discovered that
there are many persons who are not registered in Scouting. While the training
provides excellent preparation for adult leaders, the training cannot be
recorded or acknowledged if you are not registered.
Additionally, when a volunteer is not registered they are not receiving the
full benefits of service from the Westchester-Putnam Council. These benefits
include, the Pathfinder and important communications on upcoming
Council/District activities as well as notice for training opportunities. It is
important that each adult who is working with young people be registered in
Scouting and that their appropriate registration be the role that they primarily
serve.
Please help us insure that all adults are registered. The quality delivery of
Scouting is enhanced when this step is taken.
God and Country Awards for Protestant Youth Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (PRAY) is a not-for-profit
organization whose national board of directors includes representatives from
Protestant and independent Christian churches and the national youth agencies
including the Boy Scouts of America. PRAY is best known for the God and Country
religious awards program. This program helps young people to develop a deeper
relationship with God and to understand how God is active in their lives and in
the world around them. It is a Christian education resource that uses Bible
lessons paired with service projects to help young people not only to grow in
Christian faith but to also express their faith by reaching out in love and in
service to others. PRAY encourages families, youth agencies, and protestant
congregations to use the God and Country series to foster spiritual growth in
children, youth and families.
The God and Country series of programs and awards are available to youth
whether or not they are involved in a Scouting program.
The series is comprised of:
God and Me (grades 1-3) God and Family (grades 4-5) God and Church (grades 6-8)
and God and Life (Grades 9-12) The God and Country program is recognized by over
20 different Protestant denominations and independent Christian churches.
Starting the Program is Easy!
• Order the appropriate program booklet based on your grade.
• Meet with the pastor of a church and show the pastor the God and Country
booklet and then together choose a counselor.
• Present your work to the pastor for final approval. Order the recognition
items by sending the application form to PRAY
• Plan a special ceremony in church to receive your award.
There are resources for promotion at the Unit level including brochures and a
power point presentation. For further information about the God and Country
program and additional resources please contact PRAY by calling 1-800-933-PRAY
or by email at praypraypub.org.
Conservation Resource Guide Conservation is a basic part of the BSA mission. Scouting embraces
Leave No Trace, requires conservation-related activities for rank
advancement, and encourages conservation service projects to the community.
The new Conservation Resource Guide
identifies Westchester-Putnam agencies engaged in nature and conservation
activities. Organized by District, the Guide is intended to enable ‘one-stop’
access for any Westchester-Putnam Scouts and Scouters seeking sites for
troop conservation projects, nature-related advancements, or outdoor
activities (including William Hornaday Award, Leave No Trace Award, Boy
Scout Rank Advancement Nature Requirements, and Eagle Service Projects).
Rockefeller State Park Preserve Westchester-Putnam Council Webelos and Cub Scout dens are encouraged
to contact Mike Rogers, Environmental Educator at the Rockefeller State Park
Preserve, on Routes 117 and 9 in Tarrytown, to arrange visits to fulfill various Cub and Webelos rank requirements. He can
be contacted at 914-631-1470, x14, or mark.rogersoprhp.state.ny.us.
Mr. Rogers suggests that Boy Scouts who need to
participate in approved Second Class, Star, Life and Eagle service projects
should also contact him.
Unit Rechartering
Now Available Online Your unit can recharter on-line now. Please contact the council
service center for your
password.
National Jewish Committee on Scouting Scholarship Awards
Chester M. Vernon Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship Program. The
recipient of the Chester M. Vernon Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship will
receive a $1,000 scholarship per year for four years. Applicants must
demonstrate financial need.
Florence and Marvin Arkans Eagle Scout Scholarship Program. The
recipient of this scholarship will receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Frank L. Weil Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship Program. The
recipient of the Frank L. Weil Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship will
receive a $1,000 scholarship. Two second-place scholarship awards will be
given in the amount of $500 each.
Gideon Elad Scholarship Program. The recipient of this scholarship
will receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
Vernon, Arkans, and Weil Scholarships
The eligible applicant must:
Be a registered, active member of a Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout
team or Venturing crew.
Have received the Eagle Scout Award.
Be an active member of a synagogue and must have received the Ner
Tamid or Etz Chaim religious emblem.
Have demonstrated practical citizenship in his synagogue, school,
Scouting unit, and community.
Be enrolled in an accredited high school and in his final year at
the time of selection.
Submit at least four letters of recommendation with the nomination
application. One letter is required from leaders of each of the
following groups: religious institution, school, community, and Scouting
unit.
Gideon Elad Scholarship
The eligible applicant must:
Be an active member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team.
Have received the Eagle Scout Award.
Be an active member of a synagogue and have received the Ner Tamid
or Etz Chaim religious emblem.
Have demonstrated practical citizenship in his synagogue, school,
Scouting unit, and community.
Be enrolled in an accredited public high school and in his final
year at the time of selection.
Submit at least four letters of recommendation with the nomination
application. One letter is required from leaders of each of the
following groups: religious institution, school, community, and Scouting
unit.
The National Jewish Committee on Scouting (NJCS) will award a national
scholarship to the Eagle Scout who best meets the qualifications outlined
in the nomination application. Applications are available at the Council
Service Center.
Attention All Eagle Scout Candidates Members of the Westchester-Putnam Council Executive Board would
like to have representatives at as many Eagle ceremonies as possible.
Therefore, please send an appropriate invitation to members of the
Westchester-Putnam Council Executive Board to the attention of Marian Post
@ Westchester-Putnam Council, B.S.A., 41 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne,
NY 10532. Invitations/information received will be communicated to
Executive Board members, and RSVP’s will be made if they plan to attend.
Congratulations on the achievement of Scouting’s highest rank and best
wishes for a wonderful ceremony and Eagle Scout presentation.
praypub.org.