Keeping the Scouting Spirit Strong

Black Swamp Area Council Scout Executive Marc Kogan (above) shares a special message March 17 for all Scouters as our efforts to help you navigate your Scouting trail during these times. Click on the above image to view his message.

The BSA's Cyber Chip program for all ages helps young people end potentially harmful situations before they can begin.

We understand social distancing is difficult, especially for children. With schools closed, no play dates, no sports, and worst of all no in-person Scout meetings, what are we to do? As such, we want to provide you with resources to keep your Scouts active and engaged. We want to provide advancement and learning opportunities you can utilize in your home or yard.

Please know we are not experts at distance learning. We have spent a century developing the best in-person character and leadership development program for youth, but like you we are figuring out what to do in this different situation. Please be understanding as we continue to grow and get better.

We are collaborating with other councils and leaders from around the country to provide resources and will be posting them as they come available. Keep your eyes here on our webpage or on our Facebook pages for information as we will do our best to share great information and helps with you.

We are also looking for leaders and parents who are willing and able to be content creators. You don't have to be Superman. You may not be an expert at being on camera or teaching in digital media. That's OK as we will make this work as we learn together.

If you are willing to be a part of the solution, if you are willing to be a content creator, please reach out to our Assistant Scout Executive Colin Earl at colin.earl@scouting.org. We are putting the team together now. If you’d like to help our Scouts continue down the Scouting trail and continue their adventure, please let us know.

Here's a look at some helpful resources: 

Online Communication Resources from Bryan on Scouting

This is the official blog for BSA’s Adult Leaders and where you can find many important topics discussed and resources to help you navigate your Scouting Adventures! Click here to be sure to check-out this out.

Another post this week "Scouting Show & Tell: Scouting remotely" shares how to keep Scouting at this time with social distancing. Click here to learn more!

Youth Protection Guidelines for online communication

One-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is prohibited both inside and outside of Scouting. (Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs)

• In situations requiring a personal conference, the meeting is to be conducted with the knowledge and in view of other adults and/or youth.

• Private online communications (texting, phone calls, chat, IM, etc.) must include another registered leader or parent.

• Communication by way of social media (Facebook, Snapchat, etc.) must include another registered leader or parent

This is also a great time to re-new your Youth Protection Training if it is about to expire!

Cyber Chip Program

With the current focus of moving online for learning opportunities, make sure you and your Scout are familiar with online safety. Cyber Chip is a must-do Scouting tool for all. Topics include cyber bullying, cell phone use, texting, blogging, gaming, and identity theft. Learn more by Clicking here!

Black Swamp Area Council wishes to recognize those in our community who take this opportunity to learn more about cyber safety. You can participate in the Cyber Chip Honor Role with a Submission here!

Unit Resources Survey 

Help us grow this effort stronger for Scouting and complete brief 1-page survey. Click here to go to the survey.