Programs of Importance

Drugs:  A Deadly Game

 

This is the substance abuse program of the Boy Scouts of America.  Material is designed to be used by packs, troops, crews, and posts or other youth groups such as Sunday School or regular school classes.

 

It includes:  Booklets for youth and family, Teacher’s Guide for Leader or Teachers, VCR tape

                     to introduce the subject.

 

Child Protection

 

Child abuse, physical and sexual, are discussed.  The best methods of protecting our children are explained.  The material is in several forms.

 

            Youth – A Time to Tell – VCR presentation aimed at 11 to 14 year old boys to be used

                          by troops, schools, or other like groups.

 

                          It Happened to Me – VCR presentation aimed at 7 to 10 year old boys to be used

                          in pack and den meetings with parent approval and participation.  It too may be

                          used by non scout groups.

 

Personal Safety Awareness – VCR presentation for 15 to 20 year old boys & girls.

 

            Adults – The child protection training program of the Boy Scouts is aimed at our own

                           adult leaders.  Material, including written and VCR, is age appropriate for the

                           age child the adults work with.  Training can be used by an adult group such as

                           PTA, employee group, church or parenting group.

 

            Parents – Child Abuse Let’s Talk About It – This booklet is aimed at parents.  It is a

                             simple beginning for a complicated problem.

 

Latch Key Children 

 

“Prepared for Today” – is a simple program to help parents teach their children how to cope with being left at home alone.  It includes a booklet and recognition for the child when the training is complete.  It is aimed at all early school age children.  It can be used by Cub Scout Packs, Schools, Churches or other groups.

 

Literacy

 

The Boy Scouts of America is committed to reading.  All of our literature is written at age appropriate levels.  “Boys’ Life” magazine is the finest youth magazine on the market.  Our members may purchase it at ½ price.  Please encourage its use by families and use the budget plan to insure its use.

 

Ethics Training

 

The BSA now has specific ethics training materials aimed at each age group.

 

            Ages and Stages – VCR training for adults and teenagers (youth leaders).

 

            Ethics in Action – Aimed at Cub members and is used as a part of den meeting activities.

            Material is part of Cub Scout How to Book.

 

            Youth Frontiers – Aimed at Boy Scout members and is used as a part of troop meetings.

            Material is a separate booklet.

 

            Ethical Controversies – Aimed at Venture and Exploring members and is used as a part

            of Crew and Post meeting activities.  Material is a separate booklet.

 

Crime Prevention

 

The BSA has declared war on crime with its Crime Prevention Program.  Studies show that most criminals are made, not in adulthood, but in youth.  This program will help to teach moral, spiritual, and civic values that will contribute significantly to a decrease in delinquent behavior.

 

The program is contained in a unit kit and has four components:  youth, family, community and unit – each with its own role and suggested activities.

 

Youth and adult members of Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Venture crews, Explorer posts and Learning for Life units can earn Crime Prevention Award recognition’s consisting of a patch, certificate, wallet-size card and a pin.  Boy Scouts can earn the Crime Prevention merit badge.

 

Conservation Awards

 

BSA conservation awards honor the accomplishments of those who make significant contributions to protecting and enhancing the environment, and who are sharing their knowledge with others.

 

Hornaday Award – recognizes outstanding efforts involving environmental enhancement, natural resource conservation, ecological protection, and pollution.  Projects for this medal usually take at least 18 months to complete.

 

Take Pride in America Award – presented by government agencies to Scouts who have completed significant conservation work on public lands.

 

World Conservation Award – patch is earned by Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts who complete conservation – related Scouting achievements or merit badges.

 

Historic Trails Award – Scouts hike, camp, and make improvements on historic trails to earn this patch.

Trail Boss – sort of a “train-the-trainer” course to instruct conservation project volunteers is required for this patch.