Welcome to Scout Wire!
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Scout Wire, a biweekly, informal e-newsletter that gathers news, videos, and social media links all in one place, and makes them accessible via a range of mobile tools (iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, you name it). Every two weeks, Scout Wire will give you a glimpse at the latest BSA projects and programs, whether they are just getting underway or are being updated with new information. If we have access to additional details, then we will include a link for more information.
As this new tool evolves, we also plan to bundle some of the demand-based communications into Scout Wire to reduce the amount of Inbox clutter. Of course, anything that is considered urgent or highly confidential will still be e-mailed to you separately.
This communication addresses one of the key findings from our recent employee survey—61 percent of you feel you do not receive enough information on how the BSA is performing. So, this tool is for you. If you would like to submit items or suggest ways we can improve, please e-mail us at internal.communications@scouting.org or weigh in using the “Leave a Comment” feature at the end of each issue’s list of articles. Enjoy!
Latest Episode of The Buzz Released: Robotics Merit Badge
To see past episodes of The Buzz, simply choose one from the “BSA Videos” menu at right. Or, visit the Internal Communications YouTube channel.
2011 Council Performance Recognition Being Developed
The new program, called “A Journey to Excellence,” will be based on key council performance indicators and is aligned with the new National Strategic Plan. Its purpose will be to encourage and reward success, measure performance versus process, and help achieve our mission. Contact Chuck Keathley for more information.
Progress Tracking Tool Created for National Strategic Plan
This new tool will give us the ability to report status by goal, objective, pillar, and the entire plan. It will also be able to sort by group, name of primary owner, date goal should be accomplished, etc. Contact Jim Gilbert for more information.
2010 Jamboree Deemed a Success
With 43,434 youth, adult leaders, and staff at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, it was the best, most exciting, fun-filled, safest jamboree ever! To read more about everything that happened, visit the 2010 National Scout Jamboree site.
Sign Up for Fall Conferences at Philmont
There is still room in many of the conferences, including Philmont Leadership Challenge, Implementing Leave No Trace in the Council, Trek Leader Planning and Advanced Outdoor Skills, the Properties Course, COPE/Climbing Manager, Connecting Children with Nature, and Conservation USA. To register, go to the Philmont Training Center on Philmont’s new, redesigned website!
Cluster Marketing Pilot Launched
Three councils in Baltimore, Detroit, and Washington, D.C., are participating in a new way of recruiting kids—using a mixture of traditional and digital approaches with an emphasis on targeting moms. For more information on this project, please contact Michael Ramsey.
BSA Receives UPS Foundation Grant
The National Resources Conservation Local Council Grants are designed to educate youth on the positive impact they can have on our environment through our conservation efforts. Councils can apply for one of nine $10,000 grants in support of project development and implementation of new conservation programs. Click here for the application and instructions.
‘Scouting for Adventure’ Show Continues
Watch the Outdoor Channel on Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m., and Sundays at 5:30 a.m. Central Time for season three of the Boys’ Life “Scouting for Adventure” television program. This season will follow the journeys of four troops as they experience high adventure trips to the Florida Sea Base, Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier, and the 2010 National Jamboree. Get more details and watch a preview online!
BSA Supports Proposed White House Council on ‘Boys to Men’
The Government & Community Relations Department is working with a group of 30 national-class scholars and practitioners on presenting this proposal to President Obama this fall. The group has identified five components: education, jobs, fatherlessness, physical health, and emotional health. For more information, read the White House Boys to Men proposal.
Calling All Frustrated Graphic Designers!
Thanks to Doris Olson of the Marketing Group for naming this communication, but now we need your help in creating a catchy look. To participate, design a new masthead for this e-newsletter using the title “Scout Wire.” The image should measure 750 x 140 pixels (if you get it close enough, we can make it work) to fit into the space at the top of the screen. A panel of “experts” will review all of the submissions and choose one winner that mostly clearly and concisely represents our brand image. The results will be announced in an upcoming issue! Please send all submissions to Internal Communications.
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