The Midnight Sun Council has DVD videos to check out for Youth Protection Training.
Please call the BSA office and we will be glad to reserve a DVD for you and your unit.
Remember that the Unit can HOST a Youth Protection Training on any night and many members can view the DVD Youth Protection Video as a group.
Send the BSA a list of those BSA volunteers and adults who have taken the course and we will credit your account.
Youth Protection Training Will Be Updated on June 1
Remember, every volunteer in the Midnight Sun Council must complete the BSA’s Youth Protection annually.
We appreciate your service to Scouting and want you to stay involved! Please help protect our Scouts by completing this training at the link below.
https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/
If you are currently registered with the Midnight Sun Council, please contact Tammy to get your Member number before creating an account on my.scouting.org.
Once completed, print the certificate and forward to the office.
The BSA takes youth protection seriously. In addition to requiring adults to complete Youth Protection Training, we also educate our youth on how to protect themselves. In partnership with the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation the BSA offers the Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventure to our Cub Scouts. This adventure may be completed in lieu of the cyber chip.
For more information on the adventure, head to the Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventure page. This adventure is available online only.
After you complete the adventure, please take a few minutes to complete the attached survey.
The BSA would really like to hear from you.
1. Is the BSA doing credit checks on volunteers?
No. The BSA will only use these signed authorization forms for approval to obtain a criminal background check. State and federal laws regulating background checks and consumer credit checks require that both items be mentioned on the form since a full background check includes both parts. Again, the BSA is only using this form for authorization to obtain a criminal background check.
2. Why is this being done now?
Starting in 2020, rechecks will be performed every five years, but it will take several years to recheck all leaders. Unfortunately, technical limitations and changes in the law over the last five years prevent us from using existing authorizations from older applications. As such, new disclosure had to be sent and new signed authorization forms obtained. Rechartering provides the best window to collect and verify they have been received before the council processes the recharter application.
3. What about volunteers that are not registered with units?
All currently registered adults and employees who have not had a criminal background check in the last five years will be rechecked. Council registrars will individually track district and council registered employees and leaders. (That should also include merit badge counselors). Those registered only at the National Council level will receive instructions on where to submit their authorization forms.
4. What about those who did not get the forms by e-mail?
Scout executives were provided with advance instructions on how to ensure every volunteer receives this information. They have the forms, which should be printed and passed out at roundtables or other meetings. It is important that each volunteer receives both the disclosure form as well as the authorization form. However, only the authorization must be turned in with the charter renewal form for units. District and council volunteers should submit the authorization to the council service center unless the council issues other instructions.
5. What about those with multiple registrations?
Only one authorization form per person needs to be collected and retained by the council.
6. What happens if a unit leader does not provide an authorization?
Leaders who do not provide new authorization will not be able to renew their registration. Council registrars should be instructed not to renew any adult without first confirming that a new signed authorization form is on file at the council service center.
7. Why can’t the volunteer just reply to the original e-mail and attach their signed authorization form?
The best way for us to ensure compliance is to require that the council registrar verify that a signed authorization form is physically in hand before processing a unit’s recharter. This removes much of the potential error and associated penalties that could result from other methods. We recommend that the registrar retains background check authorizations forms in a separate straight alphabetical file separate from your current background authorization file. This will facilitate the process of ensuring that a current form is on file at the council service center before posting their registration.
8. Are there different forms for different states?
Federal and state laws prescribe what must be in the disclosures and how they are to be provided. A form compliant with federal and various state laws was sent to all volunteer leaders except those in California. Leaders with a California home address or whose council territory includes California received California-specific forms due to the specific requirements of California law.
9. Can the council accept a faxed copy or scanned copy sent via email of the signed authorization?
Yes, so long as it is legible and is sent by the individual who signed it. It must be printed and saved the same as an original.
10. Can the council accept an electronic signature?
Digital signatures from third-party providers are acceptable. They must be printed and stored the same as the original. E-mail confirmations, permissions or typed names on the form are not acceptable substitutes for wet signatures.
11. What about unit renewals that have already been processed or will not recharter until after January 1?
For unit renewals that have already been posted because the unit renewal date was prior to the email notification or the unit renewal date is after January 1, authorization forms still need to be collected as soon as possible. All new authorization forms should be received by December 31, 2019.
12. Can the council require the forms be collected at the unit level and not sent to the council service center?
Yes. The council can require the forms be collected at the unit level or by a designated unit representative.
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is committed first and foremost to keeping youth safe. Part of that commitment includes continually updating our youth protection policies to help ensure we are always on the forefront of youth safety.
As you know, one of the BSA’s many barriers to abuse is a mandatory criminal background check during the adult volunteer application process. The BSA will now also perform periodic rechecks of criminal backgrounds to support the continued safety of youth in our programs.
Please complete the process listed below at your earliest availability to help us continue to provide the safest environment possible for our Scouts and leaders. Please note that these steps must be completed before your 2020 annual registration can be processed.
1. Review the separate disclosure document linked below that is being provided to you separately for your review. It is titled “Background Check Disclosure.”
2. Once you have reviewed that, print the separate document titled “Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization.” Review the additional disclosures on that form, then complete and sign the Authorization using an ink/wet signature. Note: A print signature is required for this document. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
3. Turn in the signed “Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization” form promptly to your unit leader or local council service center.
If you choose to decline the background check, or if you do not complete the Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization form and return it to your unit leader or local council service center, your 2020 annual registration will not be processed. We are truly grateful for your continued commitment to keeping youth safe and for helping them learn, grow, and thrive through Scouting programs.
Forms:
Additional_Disclosures__Background_Check_Authorization_NOT_CALIFORNIA_1.pdf
Background_Check_Disclosure__1_1.pdf
FAQs:
NATIONAL RESOURCES:
BSA’s national cub scout staff have put together some fun activity videos that can be useful Cub Scout recruiting tools. The YouTube videos are short, 2 to 5 minutes, with a purpose and an activity. Activities are all requirements found in our program. They are not branded as BSA or Cub Scouts. click here to find links and more information
An awesome array of resources for Cub Scout leaders is designed to help you welcome new families to your pack, learn more about the Cub Scout program and recruit new leaders.
Regularly refreshing resources is just one way the BSA has your back as you deliver an amazing program to your Cub Scouts.
Shouldn’t researching Cub Scouting be as easy as shopping for a new pair of shoes?
Now it is. When prospective Cub Scouting families are ready to take a deeper dive into this transformative program, send them to scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts.
There, in plain language, families can explore how the program works and why it works that way.
More experienced leaders will find plenty to interest them, as well. Look for information on the new Cub Scout Preview Adventures, as well as resources for den leaders, Cubmasters and members of the pack committee.
Don’t try to tackle everything yourself. By recruiting more adults to serve as leaders in your pack or den, you’ll ease the burden on yourself while also broadening the experience for your Cub Scouts.
At this site of resources, look for the PDF titled “Selecting Cub Scout Leadership.” Inside this free document, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to finding the best person for each position in your pack.
The process focuses on matching the skills of adults in your pack with the skills needed for each vacant position. Before you know it, your pack will have all the help it needs to continue delivering an exceptional program.
And that’s truly something to celebrate. With s’mores, of course.
Not every community, church, school, or organization has a Scouting pack, troop, or crew associated with it. Sometimes, starting a new group is the best way to bring Scouting to your community. With a willing group of volunteers and interested youth, it’s easy to get Scouting started near you.
Every Scouting unit requires adult leaders, youth, and a chartering organization. First the chartering organization agrees to adopt the Scouting program. Then you must recruit and train the leaders. Once you have trained leaders ready to start, recruit the youth. From there you can plan your program year, complete the paperwork, and hold your first meeting.
A chartering organization, such as a church, school, concerned citizen’s group, agrees to work with the specific pack, troop, or crew. They’ll provide meeting space, help find and approve adult leaders, and appoint an individual as the Chartered Organization Representative. This representative works as a liaison between the organization and the Scout group.
Any organization can be a chartering organization and there are no special qualifications. The chartering organization falls under the insurance of the Boy Scouts of America.
A minimum of 5 youth is required to start a new unit. the most successful units start with at least 10 youth.
There are different leader requirements for different types of Scouting units. All units must have a Chartered Organization Representative. If a single organization sponsors more than one unit (like a Pack and a Troop), that representative must be the same person for both units.
For a Pack you need:
Not required but recommended: Assistant Cubmaster(s), Assistant Den Leader(s), additional committee members
For a Troop you need:
Not required but recommended: Assistant Scoutmaster(s), additional committee members
For a Crew you need:
Not required but recommended: Assistant Scoutmaster(s), additional committee members
For more than a century, Boy Scouts of America and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have worked together to instill character, citizenship and fitness in young people. Through the Church of Jesus Christ, millions of young people have been part of the Scouting adventure. For those families, Scouting is more than an activity – it’s a legacy. As of December 31, 2019, the formal partnership with the Church will come to an end, but your Scouting journey can continue!
This page will provide the latest tools and updates as you and your family transition to other Scouting units so they can continue the Scouting journey!
Dear Scouting Friends,
On January 1, 2020, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concluded its 106 year partnership with the Boy Scouts of America. However, throughout the country there are thousands of Latter-day Saint Scouts, adults leaders and Scouting families who have expressed a desire to continue their Scouting Adventure.
We would like to extend an invitation to you and others within your council to join us this summer at Philmont for Vision 2020. It will be held Saturday, June 13th – Saturday, June 20th, 2020. It is designed to help Council and District Key 3s, officers, Board members and other Scouting leaders:
Effectively identify Latter-day Saint youth, leaders and Scouting families who desire to continue their Scouting Adventure;
Find new charter organizations within their council boundaries;
Start a Scouting unit to meet the needs of Latter-day Saint youth and families desiring to have a Scouting experience;
Strengthen new units, including organizing unit committees, recruiting more youth, training adult and youth leaders, holding effective fund raisers, developing an annual plan, and learning other skills necessary to continue in Scouting
Understand how Scouting supports and positively impacts a Latter-day Saint youth’s participation in the Church’s new program for children and youth
Understand the impact an effective Commissioner Service Team can have in strengthening new units serving Latter-day Saint youth, including having a strong cadre of New Unit Commissioners;
Understand the new and exciting Vanguard International Scouting Association, an independent organization approved by the Boy Scouts of America to serve the needs of Latter-day Saints in Scouting worldwide – including learning how to become a part of Vanguard International;
Understand how to help youth and adults earn the new and exciting religious awards for Latter-day Saint Scouters;
Learn how Latter-day Saint youth are now involved in packs and troops much larger and much more active in teaching Scouting skills and leadership than ever before;
Understand how to identify and effectively utilize social media and other community and internet resources to effectively market Scouting in your area and identify those Latter-day Saint families interested in giving their youth a Scouting experience; and
Much, much, more!
Attached is a flyer and here is a promotional video:
In addition, spend a wonderful week in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo mountains enjoy the company of other Latter-day Saint families learning about Scouting, sharing spiritual experiences, spending wonderful family time, enjoying the spectacular sunsets and meeting new acquaintances that will last a lifetime – all in the beautiful setting of the Philmont Training Center. For those who have experienced the Philmont Training Center in the past, it has become one of their most memorable family vacations – as Scouters learn about Scouting, spouses have a wonderful “Silverado” activity program including some much-needed quiet time (always an option at the PTC) and all enjoy being together as a family. Plus, you can learn to carve Bolos with the skilled Gary and Laura Dollar, see the beautiful new Scouting Museum located right next to the Philmont Training Center, participate in the Family Parade at Family Home Evening – and a hundred other wonderful activities at Philmont Scout Ranch.
Charles Dahlquist discusses changes to the relationship between the BSA and the Church of Jesus Christ and how Scouting families will be continuing with Scouting.
Still Scouting: 2020 and Beyond
Will your troop or pack close at the end of this year? Does your family plan to still be Scouting in 2020? Join Charles Dahlquist and Mark and Nettie Francis..
With the introduction of the new Children and Youth Initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 29, 2019, we are excited to share with families how participation in Scouting can be a part of the goals set by children and youth. The images below demonstrate how a youth or child participating in the new Church initiative can select Scouting activities in the areas of Personal Development as well as Service and Activities. As always, the values of Scouting combined with the structure of the Church can help our children and youth stay focused on the Savior and “become men and women of integrity.”
Please visit this link to see the Children and Youth Introductory Video:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/youth/childrenandyouth/children-and-youth-introductory-video-broadcast?lang=eng
Stories and experiences from test stakes are shared. Parents and leaders are encouraged to read An Introductory Guide for Parents and Leaders, to counsel with their children and youth to discover the areas of growth and learning they are interested in, and to look forward to the November 17 Face to Face event with Elder Gerrit W. Gong.
In the September 2019 issue of the Ensign, there are several articles related “Raising Resilient Children”. In an article titled “Resilience – Spiritual Armor for Today’s Youth”, Elder Robbins describes the need to strengthen our youth so they are more likely to finish a tough first year of college, or complete a full term of missionary service.
Resiliency can come through doing hard things, such as meeting a demanding work schedule while attending High School, or trying new things, such as mastering a musical instrument or team sport. Inherent in the Scouting process are many opportunities to develop resiliency, such as completing a week-long backpacking trip, or navigating the process to become an Eagle Scout. Completing four years of seminary will help our youth develop resilient testimonies of Jesus Christ and His restored Church.
Charity (giving someone a fish) and self-reliance (teaching someone the art of fishing) also apply to parenting. We could make every decision for our children, but it would be wiser to teach them the art of decision-making and thus help them become intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally self-reliant.
Can my child continue in Scouting?
Yes! There are Cub Scout packs, Scout troops, Venturing crews and Sea Scout ships chartered by community and religious organizations in your area. Contact the Midnight Sun Council at 907-452-1976 to find out where you can join or start a unit of your own!
Can we be involved in both Church and Scouting activities?
Of course! In fact, the Tufts study found that sports and Scouting are a powerful driver of character development in young people. Additionally, the Baylor study “Merit Beyond the Badge” showed that Eagle Scouts had a greater connection to religious community.
Is Family Scouting available to us?
Yes! Scouting has always been a family activity. In fact, Cub Scouting now offers separate dens for girls and boys, and Scouting-age youth will have opportunities in single-gender troops beginning February 1, 2019.
Why should I continue?
Since the Scouting values, character and leadership training you have come to know are now available for your entire family, Scouting can continue to prepare your child to do hard things, set goals, earn the Eagle rank, prepare for a mission and serve our nation.
How can I help? Can I still serve?
There are many ways that you can help Scouting in your area. Whether you are volunteering directly with Scouts or helping out behind the scenes, you can make an impact on the lives of Scouts by volunteering your time.
Assisting directly with the Scouts on an ongoing basis
Helping directly with the Scouts in specific events or activities
Support: Administrative Role
Support: Other
Call (907) 452-1976 or contact a local unit directly:
Chat with us:
E-mail robert.stewart@scouting.org .
Call (907) 452-1976.
W** BSA ParentsWe all know how truly amazing our Scouting parents are. They go above and beyond, and they constantly ask what they can do and how they can help.
In many ways, they are our best asset to help demonstrate the value of the Boy Scouts of America and to talk about what this great organization means to American communities.
So, we want to make you all aware of a newly-formed group called “BSA Parents” that is forming and will launch on digital and social media this week.
The group was formed by and is run by parents of Scouts. The group came together so parents can use the Internet and social media to talk about what Scouting means to them. As I’m sure you can imagine, this is powerful stuff – I’m excited to share their launch video and site here https://www.bsaparents.com and on social media (please see bottom of this email).
I also want to let you know that while BSA helped with some seed funding to get them off the ground, this is an independent organization. They are not affiliated with BSA and they formed to help parents tell their stories. It has no dues, it offers no programs, and is not competitive in any way with our Councils. Their mission and stories are ones we want to support!
We are excited to see so many people taking up the message of Scouting. I am writing today with the hope that you will share this site and these videos with parents in your area. More people need to see and hear from the parents who are so involved with – and so passionate about – Scouting. The BSA’s character building programs are essential for our youth and we are excited for parents to help propel that message forward.
BSA Parents on social media:
Twitter: @BSAparents
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BSAparents
youtube: www.youtube.com/BSAParents
Instagram: @bsaparents
The BSA is committed to streamlining basic operations by putting tools in the hands of volunteers. For several years now, individuals and unit key 3 have had access to print membership cards through my.Scouting. In addition, functionality will be added to my.Scouting by January 1, 2019, to enable members of the unit key 3 to print their unit Charter Certificate.
This “self-service” functionality allows volunteers to print membership cards and the unit charter certificate in a timely manner and enhances the onboarding experience for new youth and adults.
Effective January 1, 2019, councils will no longer be required to print and mail membership cards to council and district volunteers and traditional Scouting units. This is a change to the council membership validation requirement. In addition, councils will no longer print and deliver unit charter certificates.
For Learning for Life groups, Exploring Posts and Clubs, as of January 1, 2019, this will no longer be a membership validation requirement.
Units should be prepared to print their unit membership cards and charter certificate for the current renewal period.
For those who have difficulty in printing membership cards and charter certificates, please contact the Midnight Sun Council Office at 907-452-1976 and we will assist you.
Get the latest news
