People in the northeast still suffer without power and shelter after last week’s devastating storm. The emotional and financial toll of superstorm Sandy grows each day.

What we do know is this: Thousands of Scouts and Scouters are among the millions of people affected, as well as local councils that serve them.

Many of you who weren’t affected have asked how you can help. I’ve got a couple of ideas:

• Give to the Boy Scouts of America Disaster Relief Fund. This fund helps rebuild Scouting in those areas of that have been affected by ongoing, weather-related damages, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires. You can give to the general fund, contribute to a specific local council, or select combination of both. The funds will go toward helping councils and their members rebuild.
• Give to the Red Cross. You’ve no doubt heard this plea on TV and elsewhere, but a donation to the Red Cross goes a long way in crises like this. Whenever Scouting gets involved in and supports relief efforts, the organization typically does so in conjunction with the Red Cross or Salvation Army.

Willing to Help? Need Help?

If you have a Scout unit that’s willing to offer its services, please post below. Alternatively, if you’re a Scout unit in need, please share details below.

Together we’ll get through this and come out stronger on the other side.

Help make “A Scout is Reverent” more than just words recited at a troop meeting.

Find someone in your pack or troop to fill the new Unit Religious Emblems Coordinator (UREC) position.

The UREC, now recognized as a position on the unit committee, will educate, motivate, evaluate, and facilitate the religious emblems program at the unit level.

And, of course, he or she will wear a position patch showing everyone his or her importance in helping Scouts do their Duty to God.

Additional information regarding the position, including a complete position description, can be found on the Membership Resources page on scouting.org.

(H/T Scout Wire)

Bob Mazzuca gives one final wave as he departs from the BSA office after Thursday’s farewell celebration.

Today marks the end of an era.

Chief Scout Executive Robert J. Mazzuca — known to us all as Bob — turns over the reins of the Boy Scouts of America to Wayne Brock at the end of the day.

Bob, BSA Chief since 2007, steered our movement through several important milestones, including the healthy living initiative, the centennial celebration in 2010, the acquisition and development of the Summit Bechtel Reserve, and much more.

On a personal note, Bob has been the only Chief I’ve known in my four years as a BSA professional.

Here’s a memory that sticks in my mind: A couple of years ago, I was asked to attend a meeting with the Chief and a half-dozen other professionals. I can still remember sitting down at the conference table across from Bob’s empty chair. It was my first small-group meeting with the Chief, and I could feel my heart pounding. It’s not every day you’re asked to meet with the CEO.

Bob was coming from another meeting, and everyone else had arrived early. We all chatted as we waited for him to enter.

When he did, a respectful silence fell across the room. Everyone turned to Bob.

He looked around the room, smiled, cracked a joke, and said, “Let’s go!” He then sat down and started the meeting. The tension melted away, and the meeting was productive and efficient.

That’s the kind of leader Bob is, in my experience. He owns any room, but not through force. Instead, he brings a warm, welcoming presence that inspires others to do their best.

I’m not the only one who thinks so.

Yesterday, I asked Scouting magazine’s Facebook friends to share their warm wishes for Bob. Here are a few of my favorite responses:  Continue reading →