The Cub Scout Division has announced the requirements for the new computer belt loop and pin available now from the council service center.   The complete program material will be available in August 1999 .

Requirements:  Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts may complete requirements in a family, den, pack, school, or community environment.  Tiger Cubs should work with their parent or adult partner.

Belt Loop - complete at least  3 requirements:

1. Explain the parts of a personal computer; central processing unit (CPU), monitor, keyboard, mouse, modem, and printer.
    
2. Demonstrate how to start up and shut down a personal computer properly.
    
3. Use your computer to prepare and print a document.

Academics Pin  - Earn the Computers belt loop and complete five of the following requirements: 

1. Use a computer to prepare a report.
    
2. Make a list of 20 devices in the home that use a computer chip to function.
    
3. Use a computer to maintain a balance sheet for four weeks.
    
4. Use a spreadsheet program to organize some information
    
5. Use an illustration, etc to create a picture.
    
6. Use a computer to write a thank you letter.
    
7. Log on to the Internet.  Visit the BSA homepage: http://www.scouting.org/
    
8. Discuss with an adult personal safety rules while using the Internet.
    
9. Practice a new computer game for two weeks and improve your scores.
    
10. Correspond with a friend using e-mail.  Have at least 5 e-mail replies.
     
11. Visit a business or government agency that uses a large mainframe computer.  Explain how computers save time and money.

New Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide Released

Computers, Chess, & Wildlife Conservation have been added to the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program!

The new Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide (No. 34299) will replace the previous Cub Scout Sports and Academics Leader Guide (No. 34296) and all of the individual sports and academic booklets.

Chess and wildlife conservation also will be added to the Academics program. These new belt loops and pins are now available in Scout shops. For more information about the new Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide, contact the council service center.

 Boy Scout Merit Badges Updated to 
Incorporate Two of America’s Hottest Sports

Polly Vaughan, the vice president of program is proud to announce the expansion of two Boy Scout merit badges.  Both the Skating and Skiing merit badges have been updated to give Scouts new options.

In-line skating is now one of three options Scouts must complete to earn a Skating merit badge.  The new Skating merit badge pamphlet highlights tips for in-line skating beginners, safety tips, and methods of caring for in-line skates, while emphasizing in-line skating skills.

Also, the Skiing merit badge has become the Snow Sports merit badge, expanded to include snowboarding as an option for fulfillment of the requirements. The snowboarding option requires Scouts to know how to avoid accidents, as well as what action to take in the event of a snowboarding accident.  The snowboarding section of the merit badge pamphlet discusses snowboarding etiquette, warming-up, equipment, skills, and safety and emergency procedures.

For more information about these and other Boy Scout merit badges, contact the Council Service Center.

Guide To Safe Scouting Updated

An update to the Guide to Safe Scouting  has been released and is now available.

The purpose of this guide is to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner. The policies and guidelines should not be viewed as stumbling blocks; rather, as stepping stones toward safe and enjoyable adventures.

The Guide is a MUST for all unit activities, and includes local and National Tour Permits.

Updated copies of the guide are available at the Scout Service Center and will be distributed at upcoming Leader Training courses.

Explorer / Learning For Life Guidelines Changed

Guidelines for Exploring and Learning For Life Units have been updated and are available at the Scout Service Center.  These policies and procedures draw upon the B.S.A.’s nearly 90 years of experience in conducting safe, but fun activities for young people. The Guidebook will also be made available at the upcoming Explorer Officer and Leader Training to be held at the L.D.S. Church in Del Rio on Saturday, September 11th, 1pm-3pm. This Guide is necessary for conducting safe activities on all Explorer and Learning For Life outings.