NATIONAL SCOUT JAMBOREE

As of now there is a wait list for the National Jamboree. Only 108 lucky Scouts will make that trip. An even smaller number (only 12) of adult leaders will be traveling with the contingent. For Scouts on the wait list, be aware that things change in two years. Many on the wait list will be moved up onto the trip. For adults, the possibility for a position on the trip is much slimmer. It does happen but not as often.

There are, however, many other opportunities for adults in staff positions at the Jamboree. Be aware that with the staff positions, the time commitment may be increased to as much as 21 days for some positions. Still, is a great opportunity to be a part of the 100th Anniversary Celebration Jamboree.

2010 Rank Requirement Changes

The Centennial edition of the Boy Scout Handbook will soon be available, and with the new handbook there are several rank requirement changes that will be in effect as of January 1, 2010.

Tenderfoot

A Scout must teach another person how to tie a square knot using the EDGE model (explain, demonstrate, guide, and enable). He must also be able to discuss four specific examples of how he lived the points of the Scout Law in his daily life.

Second Class

• A Scout must discuss the principles of Leave No Trace and explain the factors to consider when choosing a patrol site and where to pitch a tent.
• He must explain what respect is due the flag of the United States.
• He must again discuss four examples of how he lived four different points of the Scout Law in his daily life.
• He must earn an amount of money agreed upon by the Scout and his parents and save at least 50 percent of it.

First Class

• An additional requirement to the 10 separate troop/patrol activities states he must demonstrate the principles of Leave No Trace on these outings.
• He must discuss four more examples of how he lived the remaining four points of the Scout Law in his daily life.

Life

• A Scout must use the EDGE model to teach a younger Scout a specified skill.

Star, Life, and Eagle

• Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace trainer are two new leadership positions

New Scout health form raises questions.

The Boy Scouts introduced a new “comprehensive” health form in January that the Calumet Council has adopted for the 2009 year. This form is a much inproved version of three forms the Scouts have used in the past. A significant addition to the form is dealing with Scout activities that will take place thirty minutes or more from emergency medical assistance. Think for a minute when you were 30 minutes away from a hospital, ambulance or medical station like a first aid lodge. Very few campouts and trips apply. Scout troops and Venture crews who take High Adventure trips are the main focus of this new section as they find themselves backpacking, rafting, sailing or canoeing in remote areas that are far away from professional help. You might be aware that the Council has been promoting Wilderness First Aid Courses for this same reason.

The form includes a new height/weight chart to give Scouts and Scouters a range they must fit into when participating in these remote activities. To quote the new form:
“Individuals desiring to participate in any high-adventure activity or events in which emergency evacuation would take longer than 30 minutes by ground transportation will not be permitted to do so if they exceed the weight limit as documented at the bottom of this page. Enforcing the height/weight limit is strongly encouraged for all other events, but it is not mandatory. (For healthy height/weight guidelines, visit www.cdc.gov.)”

Does this mean that if I don’t fit the height/weight chart I can’t be in Scouts? NO, the Scouts do recommend physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle but these are guidelines for specific types of trips.