It may not be a part of the program on which adult leaders place high importance.
But it is an aspect that requires significant emphasis.
I'm talking about recognizing adult volunteers in Scouts.
Creek River District this week released its nomination form for its annual recognition banquet scheduled for Feb. 3, 2018, at Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church. The nomination form is available here.
At its annual banquet, Creek River District presents individual and group awards in both the Cub and Boy Scout divisions. Top honors include Cub Scout pack and Boy Scout troop of the year, and the District Award of Merit. Started in 1971, the District Award of Merit is the highest honor that is given to a Scouter at the district level for distinguished service to young people.
At the 2017 banquet, Hephzibah United Methodist Church brought home a dozen district awards, including pack and troop of the year (pictured above).
That also included Ellen Howell, who serves as Troop 413’s committee chair. She was one of two Scouters to receive the 2016 District Award of Merit.
“Though not expected, this means a great deal to the church and its Scouting volunteers,” said Howell, who is a member of Hephzibah United Methodist Church. “We are very honored to be recognized with some of the best Scouters in the district.”
The surprise of being recognized is what makes honoring volunteers special.
All humans need to be recognized in a meaningful way for their efforts. This helps to build self-esteem and confidence.
Recognition is also an important component of volunteer retention. When volunteers feel appreciated and important, they are more likely to feel connected to the program and continue their involvement.
What better way to recognize our volunteers than in front of their peers on the district level.
Let's recognize our volunteers! Please email me or submit at Roundtable your nomination form.
Over the past few weeks, I have had a number of leaders approach me asking for innovative techniques to support their units through re-charter, particularly with the membership fee increasing to $40.
During most of these conversations, I am not alone. There have been leaders of other units present with me to share ideas.
The following are a couple of suggestions offered to offset costs for families.
First, I am happy to report that the district sold more than $55,000 in popcorn this year. That's about a six percent increase in sales from 2016.
Popcorn profits are an incredible way to support families in units. Just as Jami Jacobs, Cubmaster of Pack 414 in Waynesboro, Ga.
Pack 414 implements a three-tiered incentive system for its Scouts who sell popcorn.
Tier 1: Re-charter fees covered for boys who sell $250 of popcorn
Tier 2: Cub Fun Day registration covered for boys who sell $350 of popcorn
Tier 3: Boy's Life subscription covered for boys who sell $450 of popcorn
The model can be adapted for each pack. I know Pack 413 in Hephzibah and 309 in Augusta use similar models.
Another way to reduce cost is to reference page 66 in the Unit Planning Guide distributed this year.
On that page, it states:
"Free rank advancement will be awarded to units that turn in their completed re-charter on time, conduct a family (Friends of Scouting) presentation, participate in either popcorn or camp card sales, and earn at least Bronze level Journey to Excellence."
Free rank advancement includes free rank badges, not belt loops.
If you have not done a family Friends of Scouting presentation, it is not too late to get one scheduled before re-charter is due Jan. 31, 2018.
The last way to offset costs is to participate in the council's 2018 Camp Card sale.
The sale consists of a $5 Camp Card containing reusable and one-time discounts from local businesses and organizations. Unlike popcorn, each Scout unit keeps $2.50 for every card sold.
There is no cost for businesses and organizations to participate in the sale. The council covers all printing costs. All vendors need to do is honor the discount it elects to promote on the Camp Card.
If you know of any organizations that would like to be included on the camp card, please email me at wesley.brown@scouting.org.
On that page, it states:
"Free rank advancement will be awarded to units that turn in their completed re-charter on time, conduct a family (Friends of Scouting) presentation, participate in either popcorn or camp card sales, and earn at least Bronze level Journey to Excellence."
Free rank advancement includes free rank badges, not belt loops.
If you have not done a family Friends of Scouting presentation, it is not too late to get one scheduled before re-charter is due Jan. 31, 2018.
The last way to offset costs is to participate in the council's 2018 Camp Card sale.
The sale consists of a $5 Camp Card containing reusable and one-time discounts from local businesses and organizations. Unlike popcorn, each Scout unit keeps $2.50 for every card sold.
There is no cost for businesses and organizations to participate in the sale. The council covers all printing costs. All vendors need to do is honor the discount it elects to promote on the Camp Card.
If you know of any organizations that would like to be included on the camp card, please email me at wesley.brown@scouting.org.
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