55th Cascadia Scouts

55th Cascadia Scouts BPSA welcomes everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion (or no-religion) or other differentiating factors. Aims to build character through: service health (outdoor) skills/craft What is Scouting? BPSA Program Sections SCOUT PROMISE & LAW INCLUSIVE SCOUTING An idea who's time has come BPSA Mission: To provide a positive learning environment within the context of democratic participation and social justice and to foster the development of scouts in an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. World Federation of Independent Scouts 82 affiliated Scout Organizations 41 countries 200,000 members 3562 Scout Groups "The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others." "An individual step in character training is to put responsibility on the individual." "Be Prepared... the meaning of the motto is that a scout must prepare her/himself by previous thinking out and practicing how to act on any accident or emergency so that he/she is never taken by surprise." “By the term ‘scouting’ is meant the work and attributes of backwoodsmen, explorers and frontiersmen”. Robert Baden-Powell Methods: system of progressive self-education a uniform, promise and law patrol system (small groups, youth led, ...) learning by doing A BPSA Scout Group contains one (or more) of each program section operating together as a cohesive organization. Scout Group Organization (ages 5-7) Raft and Dens Motto: "Busy and Bright" introduction to out-of-doors stimulate interest in scout activities social integration & cooperation, community Rovers Otter (ages 8-10) Pack and Sixes Motto: "Do Your Best "Based on "Wolf Cub Handbook" and "Jungle Book" Timberwolf (ages 11-17) Troop and Patrols Motto: "Be Prepared" Patrol Method Youth Led Learn by doing & progressive training Pathfinder (ages 18+) Crew and Patrols Motto: "Service" Organized around a service goal Rovers 55th will adopt the "Outlander" Promise (below). BPSA Scouts learn the original full phrase Law and not just 10, single words BPSA provides a Code of Ethics and Youth Protection Guidelines (required for ALL volunteers)BPSA follows two-deep leadership and uses the Safe Swim Defense in water activities. BPSA requires that all volunteer leaders attend and pass a Brownsea Training Course within their 1st year. BPSA requires that all Scout Groups submit background checks on ALL adult leaders registered with the group. BPSA recommends obtaining group insurance or using the Liability Waiver/Medical Release form for each member. Important Points The Scout Group will be unified by a singular Neckerchief worn by all Scouts in all groups. The 55th Cascadia Scouts will have a Neckerchief that is Blue, White and Green. These are the colors of the Cascadia bioregion flag. 55th Cascadia Scouts Become an adult leader! Otter Leader, Timberwolf Master, Scoutmaster, Den leader, etc. Become a special instructor on a proficiency badge or a particular skill Become an auxiliary member Help raise funds, build website, secure bank and insurance etc. How You Can Help Proficiency badges show a scout's "current" skill level. Re-testing is important to keep current - failing to re-pass means you don't get to wear the badge. Proficiency badges are not ranks - i.e. Patrol Leader, Troop Leader, Quartermaster General Proficiency Badges: Tenderfoot Second Class First Class There are approx. 50 Special Proficiency badges for scouts to earn. Two kinds, Scoutcraft and Public Service. Progressive Training in Scoutcraft Follow the 55th Cascadia Scouts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/55thCascadia Or on Twitter https://twitter.com/55thCascadia Learn more about Baden-Powell Scouting http://bpsa-us.org http://www.scoutingforall.org Co-ed, inclusive and "traditional" scouting program for all ages –Portland Oregon– Founder of Scouting Learn More