The next Glacier's Edge Wood Badge Course will be held in 2014 over two weekends: Sept 12-14 for Session #1, Oct 10-12 for Session #2.   

Wood Badge is an advanced adult leadership training program for all leaders in Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs. Over six days, Scouters participate in intensive training and use the patrol model. Once this portion is complete, the practical portion begins: completing the Wood Badge ticket. Over a period up to eighteen months, participants complete various projects in service to others, service to the troop, and personal growth. Leaders desiring a deeper dedicated involvement in the Scouting program will find this advanced training highly rewarding.

For more information and to sign up for this years course click HERE 

Click HERE to see our ever growing list of in person trainings offered through out the 2013/2014 year!

The Unit Service Plan is a tool to strengthen a unit and enable it to offer the best possible program to the youth it serves. A collaborative effort between the unit's leaders, its chartered organization, the unit commissioner, and the district operating committee, it establishes a customized annual plan that is periodically reviewed and updated to provide continuing improvement.

In addition, the Unit Service Plan enables commissioners to focus on their four primary responsibilities:

1. Supporting unit growth in the Journey to Excellence
2. Linking district operating committee resources to the unit
3. Visiting units and logging visits in the Commissioner Tools
4. Supporting on-time charter renewal

Engagement of the unit Key 3 is essential to the development and execution of an effective Unit Service Plan. The unit Key 3 (unit leader, committee chair, and chartered organization representative) may be a new concept for many units. It was developed as a best practice for new units following the Unit Performance Guide  methodology. Its use has shown that all units employing the unit Key 3 concept are stronger and have an easier time making decisions. Examples of a unit leader include a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, or Crew Advisor. Note that the unit commissioner is not a member of the unit Key 3 but serves as an advisor to the Key 3.

A unit assessment can be a first step in supporting unit growth on the Journey to Excellence.

The Process

Units benefit from assessments at least twice each year at six-month intervals. Around charter renewal is a great option as that often occurs at about the same time units are reviewing JTE achievements for the current year. A third assessment may be valuable when there is a change in unit leadership.

It may be helpful for the unit commissioner to coordinate a unit assessment meeting with the unit Key 3 and other unit leaders who can add value to the planning process. Possible agenda items could include:

• Review of the unit's JTE performance for the current year
• Review of the unit's most recent Voice of the Scout feedback (if available)
• Completion of a unit assessment
• Identification of key opportunities to strengthen the unit and the program it offers during the coming year

The information developed during the unit assessment meeting is the foundation of the Unit Service Plan, which will be captured in the Commissioner Tools and available for ongoing reference by the unit commissioner.

 March 15, 2014

                  The Glacier's Edge Council, in cooperation with the CBM Credit Education Foundation, Inc., is offering a special clinic at Camp Indian Trails on March 15, 2014, for the Eagle-Required Personal Management Merit Badge, as well as providing all attending youth with important information on credit use and avoiding identity theft.  This course is open to all SCOUTS.  However, it is recommended that Scouts be at least 13 years old to get the most out of the badge requirements - Priority will be given to those who are least 13 years of age, and VENTURERS.

  Registration will be limited to the first 100 Scouts who register.  Please sign up by March 11 to assist in planning and material preparation.  Please use this link http://www.glaciersedge.org/wp-content/uploads/PM-MB-Announcement-2014.pdf to download a form and register for this course.

Check out the OA High Adventure programs at Philmont, Sea Base, and Northern Tier. These programs offer two full weeks of high intensity outdoor adventure, leadership development, and a way to build friendships that will last a lifetime, for as little as $250. Any Order of the Arrow member between the ages of 16 and 21 is eligible, and spots are available for the summer of 2013. Visit us at http://adventure.oa-bsa.org/

Visit www.ScoutStuff.org

Stop in and see the new items that are arriving weekly.  

Glacier's Edge Scout Shop located in the Madison Scout Service Center will be open on Presidents' Day, Monday, February 17th. Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm. Stop in and see us.

It's the beginning of recognition season! And we've got everything you need to honor youth and leaders.

Plan a brilliant Court of Honor with our help!

   

Please e-mail Nancy.Woolley@scouting.org if you would like a specific item brought to check out

 

Check the website to catch up on the six-episodes of  Are You Tougher than a Boy Scout? series on the National Geographic Channel. Find show recaps at blog.scouting.org/tougher, Toughscout.com, http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/are-you-tougher-than-a-boy-scout for more information.