Ever wonder who signs off on major changes to the Scouting program?
Instead of wondering, why not be one of those people?
Yep, by joining the Research & Program Innovation team’s Scouting Research Panel, you’ll be one of the insiders who give their thumbs-up (or down) to new merit badges, updated rank requirements, or other major changes to the Boy Scouts of America.
As a member of the panel — which I first told you about in 2009 — you’ll get three or four surveys per year regarding new programs or proposed changes to existing BSA programs.
The panel is open to all current Cub Scout parents, Boy Scout parents, Boy Scout and Venturing youth members, and registered volunteers (Scouters in any BSA program).
One note on youth members who want to lend their thoughts: “By law we are not allowed to send surveys directly to youth ages 13 and under. However, if a younger Boy Scout would like to participate in our surveys, he can do so by having his parents register in the Boy Scout Parent Panel and indicate that their son is interested in participating.”
Visit the Scouting Research Panel page to get started.
Photo via Florida Center for Instructional Technology and ClipPix ETC
Hope this group sends surveys about proposed uniform changes. The last go round tried to fix something that wasn’t broke.
They should use velcro on the unform so it easly to put badges in correct location.
Our troop used velcro for years (back in the 1980′s) for the POR and Ranks. Most boys would advance quickly and it saved mom (or boys) the time for sewing a badge that would be replaced in a short period of time.
We also told the boys that if they screwed up or did a good job, the POR patch would be quickly removed with out tearing the uniform. At first it was mentioned as joke after elections, but the boys showed up at the next meeting with velcro. So we ran with it. Most boys got bumped up in POR with only one having a field demotion on a campout. He was restored to his POR at a later date.
Royal Rangers uses velcro for their rank, so why not for the BSA? They are also using it for event badges on the right side pocket. Just make the velcro footprint tan so it matches the shirt color. I am sure that National could work out a deal with YKK to purchase the velcro.
My concern is we open a badge like search and rescue without requirements, or anything instead of finding some units, councils or events where it could be vetted before released so when it is released everyone can get on board quick. Our San Francisco Bay Area Councils have no counselors because no one knows what the badge entails. Just my suggestion.
Steve Hoagland
Eagle Scout 1974
AdvanceCamp Founder
Crew 48 CoR
Troop 49 CC
It seems to me that I signed up for this when it first was announced, but I can only recollect one, if that, actual survey that has been sent to me. Certainly I was not included in anything to do with the “tools” decision that caused such an uproar. Nor have I been vetted about the “tour plan”, or the decision regarding the Oath. One might think as a SM and NESA member they might use me more than once in 2 to 3 years. So, I have resubmitted my email based on this notification. We will see.
I just signed up as a volunteer on the panel. But I am also a parent of a Boy Scout under 13 and a Boy Scout over 14. Do I signup for all 3?
I suppose I am just STUPID because this blog site is the only one I have found which allows me to partially communicate with Scouting magazine. Could, and would, someone provide me with an address, or even a phone number, to contact a human (live preferred) at the magazine.
Try this link: http://scoutingmagazine.org/contact/
You’ll find direct email addresses for the editors here at Scouting, as well as a form that allows you to submit a Letter to the Editor.
Thanks,
Gretchen
Try 411@scouting.org for these sorts of Scouting changes and proposals. I got an email passed on from my Regional Venturing President about the Venturing proposals with information on how to contact the 411 team with thoughts.