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Planning Calendar and Program Guide

Friends of Scouting (FOS) GIVING THE DREAM Update:

Part of Scouting’s, and Chippewa District’s, great success has been our ability to adapt and respond to the changing needs of communities at every level. For the last couple of months, Scouting looks a lot different than what we’re used to. Now that summer camping is cancelled, our summer will also look a lot different. Our culture is one of perseverance, determination, adaptability, and an attitude of cheerful service to our community. Nothing can stop us. We’ve got this. We are Scouts. The changes that have taken place have also dramatically impacted our Friends of Scouting program, both at the Family and the Community levels. As with virtual meetings, merit badges, and even camping, FOS has gone virtual. If you belong to a unit and have not already made a pledge, please consider helping with the FOS Family campaign. If you already made a contribution and can help a little more, every little bit helps.

Please look at the attached video and share it with your extended family. Along with a soft ask, it does provide a great update on Scouting.  Video link: https://vimeo.com/400961128  

Donations can be made via Text: GIVINGTHEDREAM” TO 91999

Or by going to Michiganscouting.org/DONATE  

If you work for a company that provides community support for your volunteer hours, please consider scouting. For example, GM Dollars for Doers provides an individual award of $500 based on 50 hours and a team award based on 50 hours total from multiple people for $500. Considering all the people who work for GM that help in scouting, that could really help the Chippewa District if you submitted for the award. Think about all the time you spend working with scouting, including meetings, virtual sessions, travel, etc. and it doesn’t take too long to add up to the 50 hours. If you do submit for a company award, please let your District Executive know so the Chippewa District gets credit.

Earning the Michigan Badge is a great Stay-At-Home Project.

Please click on the link below to see the requirements and how to order the Michigan Badge

The Michigan Badge Requirements

Questions? Send email to: info@chiefpontiacprograms.org

Dear Families,

During this unprecedented time of Stay Home, Stay Safe – flatten the curve, we the district volunteer scout leaders are thinking of all of our scout families.  We are here to help any of you who are in need.  We live the Scout law and oath through our actions, thoughts, and words.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us or your immediate unit leaders for assistance.
You are finding new ways to interact with each other, carrying on the scouting mission of growing leaders.  We love reading the stories of how you are meeting, teaching skills, sharing scoutmaster minutes, caring for others and making plans for resuming activities when we are able to do so safely.  Scouting leads the way in outlining safety guidelines for our scouts and Scouters; others will look to us for best practices.  
To continue the preparations for when group activities resume, we are asking you to watch this 3-minute video on scouting within Michigan Crossroads Council.  As your family situation permits, we are asking you to join with us in financially supporting the scouting activities within our council.  Your contribution will support our camps, programs, and provide camp scholarships for those who may not otherwise be able to attend camp.
video https://vimeo.com/400961128  and remind everyone that Scouting continues! 
Yours in Scouting,

Elizabeth Witten – District Chair
Dave Putt – District Commissioner
Melissa Hardy – Vice-Chair

National 02/17/2020

The national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.

While the word “bankruptcy” can be intimidating, it is important to know that Scouting programs will continue. Your regular unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects will take place as usual throughout this process and for many years to come.

Studies prove and parents agree that Scouting helps young people become more kind, helpful and prepared for life, and as long as those values remain important to our society, Scouting will continue to be invaluable to our nation’s youth. Just last year, communities across the country benefited from more than 13 million Scouting service hours, and young men and women earned more than 1.7 million merit badges that represent skills that will help them succeed throughout their lives.

As you talk about the BSA’s Chapter 11 filing, this infographic outlines the three most important things to remember and convey. We encourage you to share this with your friends, families and Scouting community. There’s never been a better time to be involved in Scouting – and we should all share our pride in the movement! For more information about the BSA’s Chapter 11 filings, please visit www.bsarestructuring.org

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is committed first and foremost to keeping youth safe. Part of that commitment includes continually updating our youth protection policies to help ensure we are always on the forefront of youth safety.

As you know, one of the BSA’s many barriers to abuse is a mandatory criminal background check during the adult volunteer application process. The BSA will now also perform periodic rechecks of criminal backgrounds to support the continued safety of youth in our programs.

Please complete the process listed below at your earliest availability to help us continue to provide the safest environment possible for our Scouts and leaders. Please note that these steps must be completed before your 2020 annual registration can be processed.Review the separate disclosure document linked below that is being provided to you separately for your review. It is titled “Background Check Disclosure.”Once you have reviewed that, print the separate document titled “Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization.” Review the additional disclosures on that form, then complete and sign the Authorization using an ink/wet signature. Note: A print signature is required for this document. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.Turn in the signed “Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization” form promptly to your unit leader or local council service center.If you choose to decline the background check, or if you do not complete the Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization form and return it to your unit leader or local council service center, your 2020 annual registration will not be processed.

We are truly grateful for your continued commitment to keeping youth safe and for helping them learn, grow, and thrive through Scouting programs.