YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING AND SUMMER CAMPS:  Every leader and adult in camp must show proof of course completion in Youth Protection training, either prior to or upon arrival in camp.  Every unit must adhere to two-deep leadership while in camp.  Please note that Youth Protection training must be taken every two years.  When did you last take the course?

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2013 NATIONAL SCOUT JAMBOREE: Bruce Lanier has been chosen as the Scout Master for the 2013 National Jamboree Troop, also selected as leaders for the Troop are Pat O’Neal and Chip Dixon. All other applications will be considered for the Venture patrol leadership positions. These positions will be selected once the determination is made that we as a Council can fill the patrol.   Youth may now visit the Summit website and begin applying for a spot in the Troop. There will be 36 spots available and they will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Troop leadership is already aware of 23 youth who intend on submitting an application to be part of the Black Warrior Council Jamboree Troop. The Summit will require the online application be completed and then the BWC will require a $250 non-refundable deposit. Personal interviews will be done with youth applicants in October, November, December and January. The anticipated cost of this trip is $1,400 but the final price will be published the first of November after the Jamboree committee meets. For more information please contact Brice Lanier or Chris Mehaffey.

JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE:  The new Journey to Excellence program has some significant changes over past quality unit programs used by the BSA. Each unit should designate a leader to participate in a pre-recorded webinar to receive training on this new program. You can find forms and information about this program along with recognition items for achievers at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/JourneyToExcellence.aspx. If you have questions about the program or have problems accessing the site please contact the Black Warrior Council Field Director at 205-554-1680 ext. 231.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE HOURS FROM SERVICE PROJECTS:  With the new Journey to Excellence Award it is especially important to enter the number of service hours your unit has completed. It is requirement number 7 for Cub Scout Packs and requirement number 8 for Boy Scout Troops to enter these service hours on the Journey to Excellence Website. Follow these simple instructions: 

            1. Go to www.Scouting.org

            2. Click on "Volunteer"

            3. On Quicklinks click on "Scouting’s Journey to Excellence"

            4. On Service Projects click on "Enter Service Hours Through Good Turn for America Here"

OTHER TRAINING: Please take advantage of the following training courses that are available online at “http://olc.scouting.org”:

This is Scouting (your introduction to the Scouting organization)

Fast Start Training for Cub Scout Leaders, Boy Scout Leaders, Venturing Advisor, Scout Parents Unit Coordinator, and Unit Commissioners.

Troop Committee Challenge (fast start for Troop Committee Members)

      Youth Protection Training, (1) Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless             of their position.  (2) New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.  (3) Youth Protection training must be taken every two years.

Safety Afloat (at least one adult must have completed this course before your unit goes on the water)

Safe Swim Defense (at least one adult must have completed this course before your unit goes swimming)

Climb On Safely, Trek Safely, and Hazardous Weather (at least one adult must have completed the Hazardous        Weather course before your unit goes camping!)