National Capital Area Council > Seneca > Latest News > Best Practices During COVID-19 Restrictions – CUBS ONLY EDITION

Best Practices During COVID-19 Restrictions – CUBS ONLY EDITION

I’ve had numerous requests to put out a Cub Scout specific release with what we’ve received to date.

How does this work?  You share with us, and we will quickly review your idea to ensure it meets current guidelines, then send it out to your fellow commissioners as an option they can share with others.  Please forward your contributions to bfoverbey76@gmail.com 

See you on the high ground!   Ben Overbey, ACC for Montgomery Service Area

CUBS ONLY EDITION

 How to do Scouting in the Time of COVID-19

  1. Dan Beard Council Video Series:  Scouting at Home   https://www.danbeard.org/scouting-at-home/ (submitted by Rick Rogers, Council Commissioner)
    More than half of these ideas are directed at Cub Scout units.
  1. BSA just released a year’s worth of Boys Life issues for free through the app store  (for a limited time): https://boyslife.org/subscribe-now/free-access/?fbclid=IwAR0dINKjHZuDNCOSYkevE8T61CIeV8c9RvPHG_f9XjPD_mC74LQnOUpTneA (From Pack 250)
  1. Resources Recommended by Jim Lehman:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/cubscoutvolunteers/ 

  1. A Compilation of what is going on in other councils throughout the country, forwarded by Michael McKinney, ACC: https://247scouting.com/web/BSA218/attachment/document_15850890260_2763.pdf
    1. 30-Day Challenge Hawkeye Area Council, Cedar Rapids, Iowa As communities are practicing caution and social distancing, the Hawkeye Area Council developed a 30-Day Challenge for each Cub Scout rank. Use this at home to help keep Scout’s skills sharp. https://hawkeyebsa.org/30-day-challenge/
    2. Advancement Academy: Virtual Resources for Keeping Scouts Advancing, Connected & Having Fun Cascade Pacific Council, Portland, Oregon:  Can’t get together as a group? Visit the Advancement Academy for a digital den meeting or merit badge class. Digital den meetings are offered through Zoom and promoted through Facebook. Participants are asked to sign up in advance. There is also great content for Scouts BSA, including sessions on How to Run Successful Digital Scout Meetings as well as online Merit badge sessions on Coin Collecting, Personal Fitness and more. The site also includes Facebook groups that anyone in the country can join: Cub Scout and Scouts BSA. https://www.cpcbsa.org/advancement-academy
    3. Scouting at Home Atlanta Area Council, Atlanta, Georgia:   If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of things that Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA can do to Scout at home, this is it. The page features content directly from Scoutbook and includes ideas of other activities Scouts can do. Plus, suggestions for video platforms – and of course, reminders about the importance of following youth protection standards. https://www.atlantabsa.org/scoutingathome
  1. John Wiltenmuth recommends:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/boyscoutvolunteers/?ref=group_header
  1. Leader Training from the NCAC Training Committee:
  1. Cub Scout Leader Basic Training

Cub Scout leaders are considered trained and eligible to wear the official Trained emblem once they have completed:

  1. Youth Protection Training Online at my.scouting.org, and
    2. Leader Specific Training for their position:
  • Den Leader Position-Specific Training
  • Pack Committee Challenge – Pack Committee Position-Specific Training
  • Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster Position-Specific Training
  1. Hazardous Weather Training Online at my.scouting.org
  1. From Robert Owen (AKA Scouter Bob):

Cub Adventures that can be done at home, with links to the handbook requirements. Might be worthy of including in your next compilation.

https://www.southfultonscouting.com/node/4302?fbclid=IwAR2kB97SmudzCjE-_sWGaEADerIoKeaECfLsSxJ4N0WotUtasw4s7SlGSiw

  1. Pack 457 is Continuing to Meet! (forwarded by Mike Holder, DC for White Oak District)

25 Apr (time TBD) – Webelos II Crossover Ceremony: Pack leadership will host a ZOOM video conference for the Pack to participate in, and observe, a virtual Crossover Ceremony for the Webelos II Den that is transitioning to Boy Scouts. This is a very important event for them and it is important for us to celebrate their achievement. Once it is safe to do so, we will absolutely have an in-person ceremony for the boys. Zoom links will be distributed as we get closer.

 

24-26 April Spring Campout…is now a Pack 457 BACKYARD campout from 25-26 Apr! Pitch your tents in your backyard, set up chairs, light up the grill, and start whittling, playing games, practicing knots…having fun! We will do this in conjunction with the Webelos II Crossover Ceremony above. Following the ceremony, I will give everyone a chance to say hello and share campsites virtually! The ceremony/discussion afterwards is the only formal part of the weekend. No other requirements other than for you and your families to get outside and have some fun! Zoom links will be distributed as we get closer.

 

  1. Youth Protection Training for Adults and for Youth (Dr. Rick Manteuffel, ACC NCAC):

Take this time at home to review youth protection!

  1. The Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventure

For Cub Scouts at all levels: https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/preview-adventures/protect-yourself-rules/

The Protect Yourself Rules Preview Adventures may be used as an elective adventure OR they may be earned in place of the Cyber Chip requirement for the Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light badges of rank.  If used in place of the Cyber Chip requirement for a rank, it may not be used as an elective adventure for that rank.

  1. How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide

These booklets are a basic resource to help parents understand how child abuse happens and keep their children safe. Exercises for parents and children are included. Several versions of the booklets are available:

For Cub Scouts and their parents

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/100-014_WEB.pdf

For Cub Scouts and their parents (in Spanish)

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/100-073.pdf

For Scouts BSA members and their parents PDF icon

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/100-015(18).pdf

For Scouts BSA members and their parents (in Spanish) PDF icon

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/100-016_web.pdf

For STEM Scouts and their parents PDF icon

https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/STEM_Guide.pdf

  1. Cyber Chip

To help families and volunteers keep youth safe while online, the BSA introduces the Cyber Chip The Scouting portal showcasing Cyber Chip resources includes grade-specific videos for each level.  https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/cyber-chip/

  1. Bullying Awareness

These fact sheets will help with bullying awareness and direct you to resources provided by the BSA and other entities we work with to protect children.

https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/bullying/

 

  1. Updates to COVID-19 FAQS as of April 13 (changes only, find the complete FAQS at):

https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/covid-19-faq/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer4152020&utm_medium=email&utm_content=A

  1. Advancement — Cub Scouts

Q: Can the Arrow of Light (fifth-grade dens) requirements fulfill the requirement to visit a troop or attend a troop outing to function as a patrol?

A:  Yes Two things to keep in mind, the standard of completion for Cub Scout advancement is “Do Your Best,” so given the circumstances, we want to look at the purpose behind the requirements. Remember that doing nothing is never doing your best.

Dens can visit a virtual troop meeting to see the patrol method and youth leadership in action Since the den cannot attend a troop campout or outing, the idea is for the den to function as a patrol while attending the virtual troop meeting. During this time, a virtual den meeting where the den functions as a patrol can be done. Elect a patrol leader, pick a patrol name, play a virtual game together as a patrol. Plenty of opportunities to Do Your Best to meet the intention of the requirement. Remember to maintain all youth protection standards online.

 

Opportunities to Serve

 

  1. Organizations seek volunteers    https://wtop.com/coronavirus/2020/03/as-coronavirus-spreads-virginia-organizations-seek-volunteers/   (submitted by Rick Rogers, Council Commissioner)
  2. Scouting Service from Home  https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2020/03/18/good-turns-during-the-coronavirus-acts-of-scouting-service-you-can-do-from-home/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer3202020&utm_medium=email&utm_content=
    1. Send a ‘thinking of you’ video or email to a local nursing home — or give them a call
  1. The first step would be to contact the facility to figure out the logistics of sending these messages.
  2. “Those folks can no longer receive visitors and would feel forgotten,” says Maceo Felton, a volunteer from the Coastal Georgia Council. “Wouldn’t this be a great way to let these elderly people know that Scouts are thinking about them?”

                                                           iii.      You could make a handmade card and take a photo of it, share a video greeting or simply pick up the phone and give them a call.

  1. To ensure you’re following Youth Protection guidelines, have your Scouts copy an adult on all email communications. For phone calls, make sure you’re in the room with the Scout.
    1. Help with grocery pick-up/delivery
  1. As long as it’s safe to do so, and a parent or guardian is present, Scouts could offer to pick up and deliver groceries for those who are unable to leave their homes.
  2. They should practice social distancing — remaining 6 feet away from others — and thoroughly wash their hands before and after performing this act of service.
    1. Send a thank-you message to a local hospital
  1. ER doctors, nurses and other critical care professionals can’t work remotely.
  2. Let’s make sure they’re thanked for their hard work. Scouts can send electronic messages to these hard-working heroes. Again, be sure to find a nonemergency contact at the hospital before sending a message. We don’t want to overwhelm these facilities with calls.

                                                           iii.      While officials say the coronavirus doesn’t survive long on objects, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So electronic messages are best at this time.

    1. Contact your local food bank
  1. With schools closed, many families that relied on schools to provide food for their children are left missing out.
  2. Find your local food bank and see what help they might need. If you can assist in a way that’s safe, please do.
    1. Call your loved ones
  1. Call, FaceTime or Skype your loved ones — especially those who are older and may not be leaving their houses. Ask about their childhood, their first car, where they grew up.
  2. Did they have electricity? Running water?
  1. Troop 33 Virtual Food Drive (recommended by Dr. Rick Manteuffel, ACC):

Troop 33 has set a goal of donating 5,000 food items to the Capital Area Food Bank to help provide meals to vulnerable community members during the COVID-19 emergency.   Scouts are encouraged to share the message with family and friends, who can participate.  The beneficiary is the Capital Area Food Bank.  The event page is https://yougivegoods.com/troop33-cafb

 

Interesting Stuff

 

  1. Bear Grylls teams up with Scouts for indoor survival activities  https://news.google.com/s/CBIwxomVnEU?r=12&oc=em
    1. Dear Future Me – write a postcard to yourself

The game leader should give everyone a postcard and ideas for how far in the future they’d like to send their postcard. The players write or draw a note to their future self. Grownups can help with scribing or spelling.

    1. Storm in a teacup

Make a tornado in a jar using water, sand and a drop of washing-up liquid. “Watch your storm brew, swirl and dissipate,” advise the Scouts.

    1. Fabulous fancy frames

Create a frame for a photograph that makes you smile then make a gallery for everyone to admire. Decorate the border of the frame with pens, stamps, stickers and other photos you have taken.

    1. Mark my words – make a bookmark

“This activity is a chance to get creative, but it also reminds everyone how to look after books,” the Scouts say. “Bookmarks help people remember where they’ve got to without damaging the book. What other materials could bookmarks be made from?”

    1. Weekly wins – make diaries to record weekly achievements

“Every time the diary owner does something nice or something good happens, they should make a note of it,” say the Scouts. “Each week the group should gather and each person should say as much or as little as they like about how many or how few wins they had that week.”

    1. Changing your coat – make a heraldic coat of arms

Look at an existing coat of arms and choose different colours and animals to design your own shield. Decide what you want the shield to say about you.

 

 

  1. Dear Scouting Families:

I know we are all overwhelmed with the news surrounding COVID-19, the daily changes to our lives, and keeping our families healthy. Without a doubt, many of us are feeling anxious as we navigate the uncertainty of the weeks ahead; I want you to know, NCAC is feeling it too. What we do know is that Scouting can play a vital role in helping Scouts and their families feel less impact from social distancing.

We have been working to identify and encourage opportunities for Scouts to continue meeting with their units virtually, learn new skills, earn merit badges and advancements, and – most importantly – to do their part in giving back to their communities. I wanted to share with you some resources we’ve gathered that you might find helpful while planning activities at home for your families and staying up-to-date with Scouting during this pandemic. 

Resources:

We are also planning a council-wide service project, and reviewing options to find one that keeps our Scouts safe while doing their Duty to Others.

I have been amazed at the positive attitude of our Scouts and volunteers and how proactive our community has been about helping each other and their neighbors through these turbulent circumstances. In difficult times, kindness and acts of service matter more than ever. If you know a Scout that is making a difference supporting or comforting other people, please reach out to scoutstories@ncacbsa.org and tell us about them. At a time when much of our news is discomforting, my hope is to share stories of these inspirational acts of kindness facilitated by local Scouts. 

The strength and support of NCAC’s Scouting families, alumni, volunteers, and supporters encourages us to keep pursuing and focusing on our essential mission. Scouts are our future leaders and change-makers. They will undoubtedly face challenges in their future. We promise to do our part to make sure they are Prepared. For Life.

Thanks for all you do to ensure Scouting continues!

Yours in Scouting,

Craig Poland

 

  1. Check out NCAC’s Scouting at Home web page!
    https://weownadventure.com/category/scouting-at-home/

 

You will find updated NCAC guidance as well as examples of what units are doing around the Council.

 

  1. Story Tapestries, (recommended by Stephen Donnelly, White Oak DE):

Starting Monday, April 6 and continuing through the Spring, children, and adults in our region can enjoy a variety of arts-integrated classes from the Story Tapestries network of Teaching Artists and Master Educators. Programs weave the power of creative writing, spoken word, hip-hop, parody, dance, theatre, visual arts, and storytelling together with various school subjects to inspire learning and keep you and your family engaged.  To see our Virtual Course offerings, please visit our website https://storytapestries.org/resources/virtual-arts-integration-courses-by-story-tapestries/

  1. Take your kids on a #TrekAt2 without leaving your house (from Bryan on Scouting):

Every weekday at 2 p.m. Central, Boys’ Life editors are jumping on Facebook Live to share treks, jokes and mind-bending facts that will take your kids on a journey all over the world – and even to space!

    • Set a reminder on your phone. Every weekday a few minutes before 2 p.m. Central (that’s 3 p.m. Eastern, 12 p.m. Pacific), gather your kids or family unit around your phone, tablet or computer.
    • Head to go.boyslifeorg/fblive
    • Get ready for the Boys’ Life Facebook page to go live so you and the fam can enjoy an adventure from inside your home.
    • Comment along and share family-friendly jokes. Our hosts are reading your comments in real-time and would love to give you a shout out!

 

 

STEM Corner

  1. BSA just launched a new “Scouting at Home” page at https://www.scouting.org/scoutingathome/ 

    A one stop page of resources to help both parents and leaders support Scouting at home, with stay-at-home activities for any Scout rank, and tips for continuing to work on advancement.  Check out the STEM activities available through this page.

 

  1. Cub Scout Pack 493 Suggests:
  1. K5 Learning offers free Coronavirus worksheets for children to help them understand the virus.
    https://www.k5learning.com/free-worksheets-for-kids/coronavirus
  2. NASA Langley Research Center Virtual Tour – https://oh.larc.nasa.gov/oh/
  3. San Francisco’s De Young Museum – https://artsandculture.google.com/search/exhibit?p=de-young-museum
  4. National Women’s History Museum – https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/online-exhibits
  5. Detroit Institute of Arts – https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/detroit-institute-of-arts?hl=en
  6. National (Baltimore) Aquarium (In Baltimore) – https://aqua.org/media/virtualtours/baltimore/index.html
  7. San Diego Zoo – https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/videos
  8. Yosemite National Park – https://www.virtualyosemite.org/about-virtual-yosemite/
  9. Louvre – https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne#tabs
  10. London’s National Gallery – https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/virtual-tours
  11. Swiss Alps – http://panorama.myswitzerland.com/mt-rigi
  12. Great Wall of China – https://www.thechinaguidecom/destination/great-wall-of-china
  13. https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour
  14. https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/solomon-r-guggenheim-museum?hl=en
  15. https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/the-j-paul-getty-museum?hl=en
  16. https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm
  17. http://www.museivaticaniva/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei/tour-virtuali-elenco.html
  18. https://www.museothyssen.org/en/thyssenmultimedia
  19. https://artsandculture.google.com/streetview/rijksmuseum/iwH5aYGoPwSf7g?hl=en&sv_lng=4.885283712508563&sv_lat=52.35984312584405&sv_h=311.1699875145569&sv_p=-5.924133903625474&sv_pid=fOVcUXQW2wpRf33iUmxEfg&sv_z=1
  20. https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/national-museum-of-modern-and-contemporary-art-korea?hl=en
  21. https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Virtual-Tour/
  22. https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/parco-archeologico-e-paesaggistico-valle-dei-templi?hl=en
  23. https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/sophie-taeuber-arp/swKioHNhYqZoLw?hl=en
  24. https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-national-museum-of-anthropology-mexico-city-ziko-van-dijk-wikimedia-commons/bAGSHRdlzSRcdQ?hl=en
  1. The Nature Conservancy offers:
  1. Nature Lab Resources for all grade levels
    https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/who-we-are/how-we-work/youth-engagement/nature-lab/
  2. Virtual Field Trips
    https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/who-we-are/how-we-work/youth-engagement/nature-lab/virtual-field-trips/
  3. The Secret Life of Corals
  4. Borneo: The Symphony of the Rainforest

                    iii.      View from a Canoe: A Coastal Temperate Rainforest

  1. Wild Biomes: America’s Rainforests and Deserts
  2. The Coral Reefs of Palau
  3. China’s Great Forests

                   vii.      Powering the Planet: Renewable Energy

                 viii.      Journey of Water: Colombia’s Páramo

  1. Coastal Peru: A Coastal Ecosysystem
  2. The National Wildlife Federation offers Free Access to Ranger Rick Activities (Cub Scout Age)
    https://rangerrick.org/
  3. Tired of Learning?  Take a virtual spring break with Disney World.  Ride the rides and see the sights
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYyJUEtYv-ZW7BgjhP3UbTg
  4. Bring the Natural World Indoors with Audubon:

Audubon is sharing their Audubon for Kids! Program
https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/activities/audubon-for-kids?ms=digital-eng-email-ea-newsletter-engagement_20200404_wingspan_%5baudience%5d&utm_source=ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=engagement_20200404_wingspan&utm_content=%5baudience%5d&emci=9b070704-f375-ea11-a94c-00155d03b1e8&emdi=bbe885d6-6b76-ea11-a94c-00155d03b1e8&ceid=183636

  • Week One: Get to Know Birds
  • Week Two: Owl Prowl
  • More to come!

 

  1. From Robert Owen (AKA Scouter Bob):

Leave No Trace  has a list of nature projects that kids can do at home. You may want to check it out: https://lnt.org/indoor-nature-activities-for-kids/   Videos include:

  1. Know the Leave No Trace Seven Principles for Kids?
  2. Set up an indoor campsite with whatever supplies you have on hand.
  3. No campfire? No problem! Make some campfire alternatives.
  4. Make kits so you’ll be ready to go for your next adventure.
  5. Using stuffed animals to learn how to watch wildlife.
  6. Bandanas: the real multi-tool?
  1. National STEM in Scouting Committee
    The committee has developed an online Nova for remote Scouting. You can sign up at https://forms.gle/wnu6csPv4kmbGstx9
    This activity is for ages 7 thru 11 and you do not have to be a scout to participate! However, if you are a scout be sure to lead your Den Leader know when you finish this Nova so you are credited for the Nova Award.  This Nova applies to Wolf, Bear, and Webleos.

 

  1. ” src=”cid:image001.jpg@01D61750.C435C8D0″ alt=”0F94C1B2E2664BEDA7C541EC4A833499.jpg” border=”0″ class=”Apple-web-attachment Singleton” style=”width: 1.0833in; height: 0.7395in; opacity: 1;”>Pack 493 has developed a Coronavirus Awareness Patch awarded once cubs have completed the K5 Learning Coronavirus worksheets for children:
    https://www.k5learning.com/free-worksheets-for-kids/coronavirus

 

  1. Smithsonian Institute Museums Online Kids and Teens Programs:

Just because the buildings are closed doesn’t mean you can’t visit.  Wide range of activities available for all ages including how to create an art-making robot, American history stories and activities, watching zoo animals and much, much more.

https://www.si.edu/kids 

 

  1. Franklin Institute Museums Offers:
  2. What is Mixed Reality (MR)?

https://www.fi.edu/tech/what-is-mixed-reality

  1. What is Extended Reality (XR)?

https://www.fi.edu/tech/what-is-extended-reality

  1. Augmented Reality Pokemon on the Street

https://www.fi.edu/difference-between-ar-vr-and-mr

Augmented reality (AR) adds digital elements to a live view often by using the camera on a smartphone. Examples of augmented reality experiences include Snapchat lenses and the game Pokemon Go.

  1. Augmented Reality

https://www.fi.edu/augmented-reality

  1. Marine Debris on Pearl and Hermes Atoll

https://www.fi.edu/virtualreality/marine-debris-on-pearl-and-hermes-atoll

Step onto a beach where marine debris and wildlife life side by side. The Pacific trash gyre is a massive accumulation of marine debris that spirals in the North Pacific Ocean.

  1. Space Shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

https://www.fi.edu/virtualreality/space-shuttle-atlantis-at-the-kennedy-space-center-visitor-complex

 

BSA Resources Available Now!

Scouting.org/ScoutingAtHome – a webpage with an ever-growing list of resources to help Scouting families and friends safely continue their adventures. Also check out #ScoutingAtHome and your council’s website for even more activities, ideas and helpful tips. 

 

 

  Virus-free. www.avast.com

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