Criminal Background Checks
Recently the Boy Scouts of America began a process to obtain authorization for criminal background checks from volunteers who have continuously served in the same volunteer positions. Since 2003 background checks have been conducted on new volunteers when they registered. Background checks were not performed on those volunteers who did not change their position. The new volunteer authorization Web site opened on June 1 and will be available until August 1.
Letters were sent in early June to volunteers requesting that they visit the site, log in, and accept the background-check authorization. Volunteers who give authorization will receive the background check and need to do nothing more.
Volunteers who did not give their agreement, or who took no action to respond to the letter, are required to submit a new adult application when it is time to renew their registration. To protect our youth members, those volunteers who did not have the background check will have their registration expired. These adults will not be listed for selection at the time of charter renewal.
Units that use Internet Rechartering for online renewal will need to enter these adults, if they are to be registered, as new adults and submit the volunteer applications to the council along with their renewal.
Units that renew using the paper application must submit the volunteer application for these adults, if they are to be registered, with the charter renewal papers.
Background checks will be conducted on all new volunteers. This summer, the BSA will introduce an application to replace previous versions of the BSA Adult application. This form will include a new authorization and disclosure statement. Units should use this new BSA Adult application to ensure that new adult registrants use the proper authorization and disclosure statement. Units may obtain the new BSA Adult applications from the council service center.
2010 National Jamboree
July 25 - August 4, 2010
Ft. A.P. Hill, Virginia
The jamboree program reflects the skills of Scouting—physical fitness, environmental conservation, our national heritage, and the true spirit of Scouting.
See yourself rappelling, discovering scuba, kayaking, rafting, and sailing. Experience trap shooting, archery, bikeathlons, buckskin games, confidence courses, conservation trail, and more! There is not enough time in the day for all the exciting activities that are there waiting for you to try.
Daily activities include an incredible merit badge midway, arts and sciences, a re-creation of Baden-Powell’s original Scout camp on Brownsea Island, an American Indian village, regional entertainment stages, and many other activities. The arena shows are a highlight for all participants. The jamboree is Scouting at its very best!
For more information, visit the 2010 Boy Scout National Jamboree webpage by clicking here.
Yakima Bears Scout Night
Friday, July 25, 2008 T-Shirt Night
Join us on Friday, July 25, 2008 for Scout Night with the Yakima Bears. For only $9.00, you get general admission seating, a hot dog, a drink and chips. The first 1000 fans will also recieve a Yakima Bears T-Shirt, so be sure to show up early!
For more information and to download the reservation form, click here.
New Requirements
The National Youth Protection Committee recommended additions to Boy Scout rank requirements that were approved and will become effective January 1, 2008. These changes will help us advance the importance of Youth Protection training beyond the initial Boy Scout joining requirements, and keep youth informed and actively engaged in understanding the key elements of personal safety and protection.
Tenderfoot Rank
Revised Requirement 9
Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Describe what a bully is and how you should respond to one.
Second Class Rank
New Requirement 8b
Explain the three R’s of personal safety and protection.
First Class Rank
New Requirement 12
Describe the three things you should avoid doing related to use of the Internet. Describe a cyberbully and how you should respond to one.
The changes will be represented in the 2008 Boy Scout Requirements book and the revised ninth printing of the 11th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook.
Come Camp with Us
It's never too early to start thinking about where your troop is going to camp next summer. The Grand Columbia Council is now taking reservations for both Camp Fife and Camp Bonaparte. For more information on these camps, please click here.
The Scout Oath (or Promise)
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.