Five Scouting-related New Year’s resolutions that you can definitely keep

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It’s good to think big when it comes to New Year’s resolutions: save money, lose weight, read more books. But thinking too big — “become the fittest person in the world,” “earn a million dollars” — is only going to leave you disappointed.

With the help of feedback from readers of Scouting magazine and Bryan on Scouting, here are five Scouting-related New Year’s resolutions that you can most definitely keep in 2021.

(For more challenging Scouting-related New Year’s resolution ideas, check this out.)

5. Make sure your Youth Protection training is up to date. YPT must be taken every two years, but why not set a reminder on your calendar to check your status every year? YPT is a good idea even if you aren’t a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America. To take Youth Protection training, go to My.Scouting.org and create an account.

4. Make sure your Scout unit gets outdoors. Outdoor adventure is the promise made to young people when they join Scouting. Boys and girls want for outdoor programs that stir their imagination and interest. You don’t have to go on a 14-day backpacking trek. Just meeting at a local park every once in a while will go a long way in helping you meet the aims of Scouting: character development, citizenship, personal fitness and leadership. Check here for a list of activities appropriate to your Scouts’ age range.

3. Check out the BSA’s Awards Central website, and give one of the awards listed there a shot. There’s something on this list for everyone. Does your unit love long outdoor treks? Try the 50-Miler Award. Enjoy aquatic activities? Consider the boardsailing, snorkeling and kayaking awards. Enjoy service projects? Is your den super active? Do you like STEM-related activities? There are awards for all of that.

2. Follow the Restart Scouting Checklist. As always, the safety of our Scouts, volunteers and communities should be your top priority. The Restart Scouting Checklist outlines several protocols that volunteers must consider while working with local and state health departments, local councils, chartered organizations and Scouting families on resuming meetings, service projects, camping and all other Scouting activities.

And, finally, this is our favorite, submitted by a reader:

1. If you’re a parent, say “thank you” to a Scouting volunteer. If you’re a Scouting volunteer, say “thank you” to a supportive parent. “We all need to find more ways to be kind in 2021,” the reader told us. We agree.

Happy New Year, everybody!