Leaders’ Resources
[child-pages]
Advancement
Review the Guide to Advancement Resources page of the National Council’s website. Information is included for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers, as well as updated information on changes to ranks, activity pins, merit badges and other awards.
Age Appropriate Guidelines
Age and rank appropriate guidelines have been developed based on the mental, physical, emotional and social maturity of Boy Scouts of America’s youth members. These guidelines apply to Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venturing Crews. More information is available here.
Anti-bullying: Prevention and Intervention
Unfortunately, the prevalence of bullying among children and teenagers is shocking. Researchers report that 70 percent of students have experienced bullying at some point, and 14 percent of those students believe that bullying has had an extreme impact on their lives. The values of Scouting make it clear that bullying cannot be tolerated. Scouting leaders have a unique opportunity to teach respect and acceptance of others.
BSA Physical Fitness Award
Two important challenges in preparing youth for the 21st century—particularly in today’s increasingly automated and sedentary culture—are physical fitness and good health. The SCOUTStrong Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge will help you add activity to your life, and reward you when you do! More information is available here.
Emergency Preparedness
The Boy Scouts of America in conjunction with the United States Department of Homeland Security has developed a program to allow Scouts to help citizens across the country prepare for emergencies. Find out how your Scouts can be better prepared by visiting the National Council’s Emergency Preparedness web page.
Fieldbook
The newly published fourth edition of the Fieldbook is a comprehensive resource for older Boy Scouts, Venturers, unit leaders, trainers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, a compendium of intermediate and advanced outdoor skills.
Along with insightful and inspiring quotations from well-known outdoorsmen, the book includes sections on leadership and trek preparation, Leave No Trace principles, trek adventures, and appreciating the environment. The companion website will add to your enjoyment of this resource.
Forms
Guide to Safe Scouting
The Guide to Safe Scouting covers rules and regulations and its purpose is to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. The policies and guidelines have been established because of the real need to protect members from known hazards that have been identified through 90-plus years of experience. Limitations on certain activities should not be viewed as stumbling blocks; rather, policies and guidelines are best described as stepping-stones toward safe and enjoyable adventures. The National Council’s website includes an online version of Guide to Safe Scouting. In addition, a .pdf version of the guide is available.
Internet Advancement
File your advancement reports online and track the progress of your Scouts. All directions and support will support the unit Advancement Chair in helping to provide the best program possible for your Scouts. More information is on the Internet Advancement page.
Internet Recharter
Rechartering your unit can be done from the comfort of your own home. Convenient for the very busy unit volunteer! Use the Online Rechartering tool, print the required reports, have your unit leader and chartered organization representative sign the form and turn them into the Council Service Center. To get started, visit our Internet Recharter page.
Journey to Excellence
Service has been a stronghold of the Scouting program since its inception. Find out how your unit and Scouts can be recognized for the serviced you give back to your community.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace provides guidelines for camping and protecting the environment for Boy Scouts and Venturers. Cub Scouts have a Leave No Trace program written specifically for them.
Licensing of BSA Images
Many of the images used in Scouting are registered trademarks of the Boy Scouts of America. As such, they are protected under Federal law by virtue of the organization’s Congressional charter. This means that permission is required to use them for most purposes.
As an example, if a unit wishes to purchase a cake to celebrate a Scouting event, such as a Blue and Gold Banquet or an Eagle Court of Honor, permission must be requested prior to use. In fact, many vendors will not begin the work without this approval. The process for receiving this permission is straight forward. Simply send an email to licensing@scouting.org with information regarding the type of event involved. Include the name of the unit and the Scout, where appropriate, as well as the name and address of the bakery producing the cake. A permission letter will be emailed back for use at the bakery.
The National Council also maintains relationships with companies who are approved to use BSA images with their products. To review this list, just click on the link for Current Licensees.
Merit Badge Counselors
Information on how to register and job responsibilities is found on the Merit Badge Counselors page of the National Council’s website.
New Cub Scout Leader
So, you are a new Cub Scout Leader and need information? The basics of the program are explained here.
Public Relations
How can you get your unit noticed? Public Relations will help with your unit’s growth and community awareness. The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America produced a Unit Public Relations brochure for local units to use. In addition, a PowerPoint presentation explaining the basic concepts of Unit Public Relations is also available.
Ready and Prepared
This award was developed to encourage and reward Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews that incorporate safe practices while enjoying challenging activities.
Training Awards
Adult leaders can earn awards for training and other Scouting activities.
Uniforming
The uniform gives a Scout pride in his accomplishments and engenders respect from many.
- Cub Scouts/Webelos inspection guide
- Boy Scouts/Varsity Scouts inspection guide
- Scout leaders uniform guide
Webelos to Scout Transition
One of Scouting’s greatest challenges is to make the next level of Scouting readily available for a young man once he meets the joining requirements. This BSA-produced video discusses the transition process in detail.