The Summit is partnering with the U.S. Navy to offer Scouts and Venturers who attend the 2013 National Jamboree the opportunity to earn the Summit SEAL Challenge Award. To earn this elite award at the jamboree, you must successfully pass the Navy SEAL Physical Screening Test (PST) while at the Summit. You must also complete other requirements at or before the jamboree.

Do you think you have what it takes to pass the test?

PST scores are used as a preliminary physical screening of people who may be interested in becoming Navy SEALs. The PST consists of completing the following five components in order within a specified time period. Take a look at the minimum scores required to pass:

Swim 500-yard breaststroke 

or sidestroke 

12:30 

9:00 

Push-ups 

50 

90 

Curl-ups 

50 

85 

Pull-ups 

10 

18 

Run 1.5 miles 

10:30 

9:30 

Myth No. 1: The Scoutmaster (unit leader) conference is the last step before a board of review.

Myth No. 2: A Scout can “fail” a Scoutmaster conference and be held back from a board of review.

Topic 4.2.3.5 in the Guide to Advancement breaks both these myths. “While it makes sense to hold [a Scoutmaster or unit leader conference] after other requirements for a rank are met, it is not required that it be the last step before the board of review.” Some leaders hold more than one conference long the way, and any of them can count toward the requirement.

Requirements for each rank state, “Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.” This is not a pass or fail requirement. Topic 4.2.3.5 states, “[The conference] is not a ‘test.’ Requirements do not say he must ‘pass’ a conference.” If an Eagle Scout candidate’s conference is denied or the unit leader refuses to sign a candidate’s Eagle application, a board of review under disputed circumstances may be held (see the Guide to Advancement, topic 8.0.3.2).

A Scoutmaster conference should not become just another requirement for rank advancement. It should be a rewarding opportunity for a unit leader to form a bond with each member, whether advancing or not. It is more about using the Scouting method of positive adult association than it is about using the method of advancement.

Location is important to a good conference. While virtually any place that supports BSA Youth Protection guidelines is acceptable, some settings provide for more relaxed conversation. A unit leader may find, for example, that conferences held during outings are less subject to interruption than those held during regular meetings.

When we examine the four steps to advancement, the unit leader conference is the first part of the “Scout Is Reviewed” step. The second part is the board of review. However, neither is a retest of skills or knowledge. A unit leader should plan conferences carefully. Trust is a vital element. Listening is another. Hearing about the Scout’s life outside troop activities is just as important as his experiences in the unit. Emphasizing the Scout Oath and Scout Law, setting goals, promoting additional responsibility, sharing ideas, and providing positive reinforcement will go a long way in producing growth through personal reflection. This all leads to retention.

Probably the biggest change I found was in the Age Appropriate Activities chart where the use of pocketknives for Tiger and Wolf Cub Scouts has been removed. I don’t think it has a great impact on the program – we used to do our Whittling Chip activities near the end of Wolf year in the past – but I’m also not sure if the BSA saw a rash of severed fingers coming back in from younger Cubs inappropriately using their pocketknives either.

Reasons aside, pocketknives are now prohibited until the boys turn Bear.

Please check them out on the handouts page: http://foxriverbsa.org/handouts/

• Please join us for the National Youth Leadership Training Kick-off and Information Session on April 6th at 9:00AM, at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital, 10101 S. 27th Street, Franklin, WI.
• We will be taking registrations for the single course being offered this year running form June 15-21 at Camp OhDaKoTa in Burlington, WI.

NYLT is an intense week-long, youth-oriented leadership training experience. Highly qualified youth staff, under the supervision of adult advisers, will teach participants the concepts of what a leader must BE, what a leader must KNOW, and what a leader must DO. Participants will learn and practice valuable leadership skills they can use in Scouting and beyond.

Detailed information concerning this year’s course can be found in these documents:

• http://foxriverbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013-NYLT-Fact-Sheet.pdf
• http://foxriverbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013-NYLT-Unit-Leader-Letter.pdf
• http://foxriverbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Course-Registration-Form.pdf

If you have questions, please contact Jim Reeder at james.reeder@scouting.org

Please join me in congratulating fellow Scouter, and soon to be Silver Beaver recipient Ken Penge! Ken is one of a very select few honored with this award for the tons of selfless dedication he has put in not at the unit or district level, but his contributions to making our Council a better program for all kids.

It would be a great show of support for those in Fox River District to join Ken at the Council Recognition Dinner celebrating his contributions on Tuesday March 26^th.

Additionally there are awards for all of the young men in the 2012 Eagle Scout Class (the 100^th anniversary!), the Venturing Leader Award, and the Life Saving & Meritorious Action Awards. Truly outstanding company to be honored with!

Get special BEHIND THE SCENES access for all Scouts to see the Visiting Team Locker Room, the Press Box, a Gameday Suite, run up the Players’ Tunnel and tour the Green Bay Packer’s Hall of Fame! Heck, my buddy Casey Ausloos will even throw a couple of brats on the grill for you if you’d like! Oh yeah! ‘Cause he’s really cool like that!

Make plans now to head North my friends – April 14^th is the date. You’re not going to want to miss this!

Want an even more private and intimate tour? Your Pack, Troop or Crew can sleep overnight in the Hall of Fame. Just ask Casey for details!

Built on the long legacy of past Junior Leader Training success, the National Youth Leadership Training course integrates the best of modern leadership theory with the traditional strengths of the Scouting experience.

Through a wide range of activities, games, and adventures, NYLT participants will work and play together as they put into action the best that Scouting and Venturing have to offer. The course is set up to represent an activity cycle in the life of a typical Scouting unit.

Participants will be guided through the planning stages—learning to conduct lively, relevant unit meetings—as they prepare for an actual camping trip at the end of the week. Their planning culminates with the NYLT Outpost Camp, where participants put their leadership skills to the test.

Using the team method, participants will undergo a “Quest for the Meaning of Leadership,” utilizing a “Toolbox of Skills” given to them throughout the week. Participants will learn—through both class-like presentations and hands-on activities—about various leadership topics, such as the Leading EDGE, Conflict Resolution, Valuing People, and Communicating Well.

First Stage Theater will be presenting a special workshop for Webelos and Boy Scouts that may meet some of the Theater Merit Badge requirements. (This is not a merit badge workshop.) After the workshop, stay for the First Stage production of Jackie and Me.

Space is limited, so please check out the flyer and make your reservations right away!

Come learn about America’s Great Outdoor Heritage in a fun camp setting! It’s just like a day at Cub Scout Camp, and an excellent way to get outside and enjoy a beautiful Spring Day! This is a load of fun, and a tremendous value thanks to support from the US Sportsman’s Alliance!

Saturday April 27, 2013 – but you must preregister by April 19^th!