BSA Chief Scout Executive is Retiring

On Friday, January 14, 2000, the National Office, Boy Scouts of America, reported that Chief Scout Executive Jere Radcliffe will retire effective 5/31/00. The selection committee for a replacement will be headed by Edward Whitacre, the current President of the BSA.

A fax stating this was sent to all field staff, to Regional Directors and staff, and to all professional and professional-technical members of all local Councils.

Changes Made to Quality Awards Standards for the Year 2000

New Tenure Requirement for the Webelos Leader Award

Effective September 1st, 1999 the "Cub Scout Leader Recognition Plan" has been modified to reduce the tenure requirement for the "Webelos Den Leader Award." A Webelos Den Leader who completes one year of registered service after that date meets the tenure requirement for the award. All other leader award requirements remain the same at this time, however, ALL aspects of the Leader Recognition Plan are currently being reviewed by a volunteer task force. The BSA welcomes input on this subject. Send your comments to the Cub Scout Division at the BSA National Office. 

A New Academics and Sports Award Program

"The "Sports and Academics" program for the new millennium is now referred to as the "Academics and Sports" program. With four new Academics loop/pin awards, and a bottom to top re-design, the new incarnation of the "Sports and Academics" program includes MANY sweeping changes. See our "Academics and Sports" pages to get the scoop!

The Guide to Safe Scouting is Now On-Line!

The purpose of the Guide to Safe Scouting 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 eighty-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. There are two versions of the BSA's on-line Guide to Safe Scouting. One for reading on-line - this version is divided into chapters and includes a search engine. The other is for reading off-line - the entire publication is presented in a single interface to facilitate print-out.

Wood Badge Program Re-Design