Sometimes, those journeys we take off the beaten path can bring the most unexpected and inspiring rewards.

Recently, I had such an experience. Several months ago, I agreed to participate in the Chief Cornplanter Council's 95th anniversary celebration. Chief Cornplanter, in Warren, Pennsylvania, is the third smallest council in the country and never had a Chief Scout Executive visit them before. Their appeal was compelling, and the trip was way off into the future when I agreed to go. Little did I know what lay in store for my journey. A couple of months before the scheduled date, our travel folks began working on the arrangements for me, and guess what? Warren, Pennsylvania, is one of those few places that you can't get to from here. Well, you can get there, but it definitely off the beaten path. Ultimately, it involved two plane changes, arriving in the middle of the night at the nearest airport, 30 miles from Warren, and driving the rest of the way. But what the heck...I promised. Then we realized that the trip to Warren was just one day after my return from the World Scout Conference in Korea, and I knew that I was toast. But what the heck...I promised.

Needless to say, it was with very little energy for the adventure that I finally began my trek to Chief Cornplanter. And sure enough, the plane from Dulles Airport to Bradford, Pennsylvania, was delayed by an hour and a half, so I didn't arrive in Bradford until 1:30 a.m. (another story for another day).

All of my fatigue, however, melted away when I drove to Warren the following day and arrived in time to participate in a most remarkable celebration. The local Elks Lodge had prepared a huge barbeque lunch in a park right across the street from the Scout office and they invited the whole town. It was an event to honor all Eagle Scouts, including the most recent class of 22 boys, the largest in the council's history.

Among the many wonderful people I met was an incredible man, a doctor, who is 90 years young and who received his Eagle Scout Award in 1936. I also met a group of super young men who had received their Eagle Scout Awards in 2007. Between those bookends were 50-plus men represented all the years in between. One man even traveled from Kansas to be a part of this; he earned his Eagle in Warren in the '70s.

I also learned about the tremendous strength and dedication of the Chief Cornplanter legacy. It is the oldest continuously charted, non-merged council in America. They are fiercely proud of that fact and eager to maintain their independence and to serve their kids. So eager, in fact, that two years ago their board made a momentous decision. They had been operating their summer camp for three weeks each summer with an average of fewer than 50 boys per week, a very expensive proposition. They collectively decided that there must be a better way, so they opted to go to a one-week session staffed by all volunteers. Lo and behold, they have had two remarkable summers with one of the most talented staffs in the country, made up of volunteers who are more than willing to give a week of their time to share their wisdom and expertise with the young men of their community. When you tink about it, isn't that how we started? Isn't that how Baden-Powell staffed Gilwell Park?

My hat is off to Scout Executive Kevin Bonner, Council President Skip Marsh, Council Commissioner Dan Glotz, the board of the Chief Cornplanter Council, and the entire community of Warren, Pennsylvania, for their passion for and commitment to quality Scouting in its purest sense.

My return journey to Dallas the next morning was far different than the original trek to Chief Cornplanter. I am so glad I made the trip. I returned home thoroughly pumped up by the terrific community spirit revolving around Scouting that I witnessed in Warren. I was honored to be part of such a validation of the impact we can have on a community. It served to reinforced my commitment to secure the next century for Scouting. This trip should also serve as a reminder for all of us of how the 10th Anniversary of the BSA is a crucial time to stake that claim for the future.

Where and when has Scouting taken you off the beaten path? Share those stories here. I hope your experiences were as rewarding as mine.

Bob Mazucca
Chief Scout Executive
Boy Scouts of America

The Internet Rechartering tutorial is a step-by-step explanation of how to use the Internet Rechartering system. It includes screen captures and examples. We recommend that users take the tutorial before using Internet Rechartering.

Overview:

Internet Rechartering is a Web-based software application designed to make the unit charter renewal process more efficient and accurate.

 What are the benefits of Internet Rechartering?

There are two key benefits from using Internet Rechartering:

1. The unit eligible for Internet Rechartering designates an adult member as the RP.
2. The RP gathers all the information needed for a traditional charter renewal (e.g., new applications, fees, data of which adults are holding which paid positions, etc.).
3. With the charter renewal information at hand, the RP navigates to Internet Rechartering via the council website.
4. In Internet Rechartering, the RP registers/logs in to Internet Rechartering and follows the intuitive process. Fundamentally, the process requires the RP to:
       a. Load the Roster - use PAS or third-party unit-management software (UMS) to create the initial work-in-progress roster.
               --OR--
           Upload UMS File - upload the file created in unit-management software.
       b. Update the Roster - update charter information, select which current members to renew on next year's roster, add adult members, add youth members, update member data, update member positions.
       c. Check the Roster - validate that the data to be submitted conforms with BSA rules.
       d. Update Member Fees - update fees (e.g., assign "Multiple" status) and sign up unit members for Boys' Life.
5. After double-checking the information, the RP submits the file to the council and prints the Internet Rechartering Charter Renewal package.
6. The RP sends the paperwork and fees to the local council for processing.

Timeline for effective Unit Rechartering

At Least 90 Days Before Renewal Date  -  The unit commissioner visits the head of the chartered organization to renew the Scouting relationship and to discuss the current state of the unit.

60 Days Before Renewal Date  -  The unit commissioner and unit committee conduct a membership inventory of youth and adults. Visits are made to inactive members.  The charter review date is set, and all unit adults are urged to attend.

60-45 Days Before Renewal Date  -  Units choosing to renew their charters online will visit the local council's website, complete the steps through the submittal process, and print a revised charter renewal application.

45 Days Before Renewal Date  -  The commissioner and unit committee chairman conduct the charter renewal meeting with the unit per the standard charter renewal process. Additional changes may be made to the application. The renewal application with appropriate signatures, applications for new youth and adults, appropriate fees, Quality Unit recognition qualifications, and commitments for the coming year are all completed at this meeting.  All forms and fees are then delivered to the council office or to the district commissioner at the district roundtable meeting.

Following the Renewal Meeting  -  The council's registrar receives the charter renewal application, new youth and adult applications, and appropriate fees following the charter renewal meeting. If the unit has renewed its charter using the Internet, the registrar selects the unit's on-hold recharter batch from the PAS program. All changes that were made by the unit, including new members, dropped members, and editing of member data are reflected in the on-hold batch. The registrar reviews the recharter information and posts the batch to create the new charter for the unit.

30 Days After Renewal Date  -  The commissioner makes a formal presentation of the new charter and membership certificates at an appropriate gathering of the chartered organization.

More Details:

What the Unit Does:

The charter renewal processor (RP) for the unit will complete several stages during Internet Rechartering. The first stage is called "Load Roster".  In this stage: The processor accesses current unit data directly from ScoutNET at that point in time. The ScoutNET data is saved to another database for the unit. The two databases (ScoutNET and Internet Rechartering) are completely separate while the unit completes charter renewal.

The RP may choose to upload the unit's data from unitmanagement software and complete a reconciliation process between unit-management software data and the ScoutNET data.  During the Internet Rechartering process, the unit must validate its member information against the BSA's membership regulations. The system checks this automatically and provides either errors (which must be corrected) or warnings (which may be corrected) for any violations. When completed, the unit will submit its Internet Rechartering file. This submittal process creates the charter renewal batch for the unit within PAS and places it on hold. The unit prints the charter renewal application, acquires the appropriate approval signatures, and follows the council's regular rechartering plan.

New Members:

Members recently added to the unit in PAS are available during the Load Roster stage, eliminating the "stale" recharter roster.  However, any additional enrollments added to this unit, by council, after the Load Roster stage is completed will not be available to the unit.  The council will strive not to let this happen, all new applications filled out two months before the unit expires should be entered during the Internet Rechartering process.  Each unit will have access up to two months prior to the unit’s expiration and up to two months after the expiration date.  No access is granted to either the unit or council outside of this access window.

Annual Recharter Process:

Internet Rechartering is only a portion of the whole annual charter renewal process. Once the unit has completed Internet Rechartering and printed the charter renewal application, the application is taken to the unit charter renewal meeting. The commissioner and unit leaders review the charter application, new member applications, appropriate fees, dropped youth, and Quality Unit requirements. Then the paperwork and fees are delivered to the council office or to the district commissioner at the district roundtable meeting.

What the Registrar Does:

The registrar reviews the unit's charter renewal application for signatures, new applications, and appropriate fees. It is then ready to process in PAS. This is what the registrar will now do in PAS:
   Find the on-hold batch. From the List Batches menu, find all batches with the user ID: UCRS_USER and select the unit for processing.
   Verify chartered organization information, Quality Unit status, 100% Boys. Life, and on-time rechartering.
   Proceed to the posting screen and view the Show Errors report. If the Show Errors button is not available, then the unit is ready to be posted. If the button is displayed, then review the report.   There should be no errors because all BSA requirements have been checked already; however, there may be warnings that need special attention, including transfers. See section below for details.
   Once all errors are corrected and warnings appropriately handled, check fees and post the unit.  Process certificates and cards as usual.

Transfers:

The charter renewal application paperwork from Internet Rechartering will identify the council and unit where transferring members are currently registered. The Show Errors feature in PAS includes a warning message for transfers. For in-council transfers, the registrar should use the normal transfer process and then delete the original entry for this member in the recharter batch. This will expire the member in the previous unit and register the member in the new unit. After rechartering, complete the Merge Person routine to combine these person records so only one record remains.
 

Frequently asked questions:

Q Will the Internet Rechartering application work through any Internet connection?

A  Internet Rechartering is supported by Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher and no other browser provides full functionality. The system works with a minimum 56-KB dialup modem connection to the Internet. Faster connections such as DSL and cable will speed up data transmission from the Web site.

Q How does the unit get its access code for Internet Rechartering?

A  The council provides it. The council prints the access code from PAS, Membership Reports, Recharter and General Ledger. Select the report called UCRS Access Code Report. The council decides the best method to distribute access codes to the units.

Q Can the access code the council gives a unit be used to see another unit's data?

A  No. The access code is unique for each BSA unit and must be used in combination with the proper unit type (pack, troop, team, crew, or ship) and number.

Q Should the council prepare a charter renewal packet for each unit as it has in the past?

A  Yes, and the council may decide to include elements of the Internet Rechartering process in the packet. For example, the packet may include the council's Web site address, instructions for linking to Internet Rechartering, and the timeframe for completing electronic renewals. It may also include the Internet Rechartering access code. Distribution and control of the access code is part of the council's charter renewal campaign plan. Other materials in the packet may be general BSA guidelines for unit charter renewal, extra forms, and a current unit roster. Keep in mind that the "manual" charter renewal application includes the member inventory worksheets.

Q What is the local council's role as far as support and administration for Internet Rechartering?

A  The council serves as the "help desk" for its units using Internet Rechartering.  Council staff must know how Internet Rechartering works. They will answer questions from units, referring to a Help file designed especially for council support. The council will administer the process by providing units with their respective access codes, monitoring unit activity, changing passwords, resetting data, and creating reports requested by council management for staff and commissioner use.

Q What about questions concerning unit-management software (UMS)?

A  The council should be able to answer questions about uploading a UMS file to start the Internet Rechartering process. If there is a problem with a UMS file, however, it is the unit's responsibility to contact the vendor who sold and supports that product and request assistance.

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Good Turn For America

From barn raisings to soup kitchens, ordinary Americans have always made an extraordinary difference in the lives of their neighbors by lending a helping hand, and - as the Scout slogan states - doing a good turn daily. Today, America needs the service of its citizens more than ever to help overcome hunger, lack of adequate shelter, and poor health.

To learn more about this program go to http://www.goodturnforamerica.org
 

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95TH ANNIVERSARY SHOULDER STRIPS STILL AVAILABLE

 

To help celebrate the 95th Anniversary of the Chief Cornplanter Council in 2008, we have ordered a limited supply of 95th Anniversary Council shoulder strips (pictured).  These fully-embroidered shoulder strips are sure to become collector's items and will only be used throughout 2008, until supplies last, and then we'll return to our standard shoulder strip (featuring Chief Cornplanter) in 2009.

 

These limited-edition strips sell for just $5 each and may be purchased at our Scouting Distributor, Robin's Closet, 227 Liberty St. in Warren.

 

Make sure you and your Scouts get their special Anniversary shoulder strip before they're all sold out.

ANNIVERSARY SHIRT

 

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PURPLE FLAG

 

Visitors to the Betts Scout Service Center will start to see the purple flag, which represents International Scouting, on our porch near the parking area.

 

The flag was purchased, at no cost to our Council, for a couple of reasons. First, to show our pride in being members of the international Scouting Community as America's Oldest Council. Second, to let people know when the office is open.

 

If you pull into the parking area and the purple flag is not flying, that means that no one is available at the Service Center at that time.  If it is out waving in the breeze, that means we're open for business and you're welcome to walk right in.

 

Hopefully very soon the flag will be flying more than it's not!  We will be reestablishing regular business hours soon and will notify everyone once they're in place.

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ADVANCEMENT ITEMS ONLY

We no longer carry Scout-related items
in our Trading Post.
This is now an advancement-only store

If you need badges
or other advancement-related items, please come in.

If you need other Scout items, please visit

Robin's Closet, 227 Liberty St. in Warren,

or you can order online at the through the Council's website.

Thank you

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ATTENTION - SCOUTMASTERS, CUBMASTERS, and ADVANCEMENT CHAIRMEN

With today's emphasis on seeing our youth making advancements, it is imperative when they make those advancements that we recognize their accomplishment. Please, whenever any advancements and/or achievement is completed, make sure you fill out an advancement form (34403B) for your unit and turn it into the Betts Service Center. You should not hold up the accomplishments of your Scouts waiting for other Scouts to finish their advancements. Remember, each Scout advances at his own pace. Not every Scout in a den will receive their Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, etc. at the same time. The ranks should be awarded for accomplishments, not attendance at the meetings. When our Scouts have taken the time to earn an award, it is our responsibility to see that they receive them in a timely manner. Submitting an advancement report on a regular basis will assist the council in their process of reporting information to the National Office.

Please note a few guidelines:

• List all members exactly like their name appears on your unit roster, nicknames are not acceptable, the computer needs an exact name for a person march. When there are two brothers in a unit, the office does not necessarily know which boy is which.

• List all of the rank advancements and merit badges for each Scout before continuing on to the next Scout.

• Please insert correct dates for all advancements and merit badge requirements (Date completed that is listed on blue merit badge application). This plays a very important role when the boy is applying for the rank of Eagle.

• Make sure that the correct signatures are on the form for all Boards of Review.

 

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ADVANCEMENT PURCHASING GUIDELINES

 

We "do our best" to keep enough inventory on stock so that no boy is ever denied an advancement because we didn't have it in stock. That being said, when Packs and Troops come in a day or two before their ceremony and request a bunch of things, we can't always guarantee that we'll have them. We don't short stock the store, and we want to make sure that everyone gets what they need. There are some steps that all units should be following as well to help guarantee we have everything you need in stock (or can order it and have it in a timely fashion):

1) Each unit must have an advancement/awards chair. This is particularly important for Packs. All leaders contact that person who coordinates the order and places it in a timely fashion at the Service Center.

2) Do not hold awards! If boys earned an award, it is the leader's responsibility to see that they receive it at the Pack meeting immediately following. Anything earned at camp should be awarded at the first meeting after camp. We're doing a disservice to our boys if we aren't following this simple principle. When you hold awards, such as Arrow Points, and award them all in the spring, then there is a run on those. Most awards we will have no idea how many Scouts are working on so, when we have a run on a particular award, we are more likely to be out of them.

3) If you are working on any of the special awards such as Summertime Pack Award, Good Turn for America, etc., please give us a heads-up that you are working on them and give us an idea how many you may be needing. By the time your Scouts earn them, we can make sure we have plenty in stock.

4) Awards Chairs should place their order with us at least two weeks prior to their Pack Meeting or Court of Honor. This helps guarantee that we will have it in stock or can order and have it available by the time it needs to be awarded. If you come in a day or two in advance to place an order, we cannot guarantee that you will receive any of your awards.

We make every effort to keep our stock up so that we're able to get you your advancement items when you want them. These simple steps will help us provide better service for you and your Scouts.

 

Kevin J. Bonner
Scout Executive
Chief Cornplanter Council, BSA
Warren, PA
814-723-6700

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A NOTE FROM THE ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE...

Just a reminder about Boy Scout Advancements - Each Scout progresses at their own rate.  Advancement is not a competition among the unit. Scouts are encouraged to advance steadily and set their own goals with guidance from parents and leaders. A Scout should advance at his own pace, and while working a member of the unit not is held back so everyone advances at the same time.  Some Scouts will work to earn merit badges and rank advancements at different rates of speed. Recognition should be given as soon as a Scout earns a merit badge or completes the requirements of a rank. Don’t hold someone back because they earn and learn faster. Awards are not to be given as a group, but as an individual.  

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Training Made Easier

Recently, the Chief Cornplanter Council equipped itself with the technology to copy videos. What does this mean for your unit ? Well, it means that all of your new leaders, or currently untrained leaders can get the FAST START training they need, without having to come to the Service Center to borrow them. All you need to do is stop by the Service Center with a list of the videos you need copied, and some blank tapes. Give us about a week, and we can have them copied for you. This service will allow more units to have what is needed, right in the Pack, Troop, Team, Crew, or Post library. We also have self-study kits available for leader specific training. These kits are available to those leaders who are unable to attend training sessions, due to work schedules or other commitments.  

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Tour Permits

"Should I file a tour permit? We are only going across the street to the park." That is the question that I have heard most often when talking to our leaders. Let me put this question to rest. If you are meeting at any location other than your usual meeting place; FILE A TOUR PERMIT. An accident can happen just as fast across the street from your usual meeting place as it can when you are twenty miles away from that spot. Don't take a chance on BSA's insurance covering an accident when the proper paperwork hasn’t been filled out.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TOUR PERMITS

WHY A TOUR PERMIT?
The single highest number of injuries and fatalities in the United States and Scouting are caused by motor vehicle accidents.
A tour permit that has been filed with and approved by the local Scout Council prior to the activity registers the activity as an official Scouting activity. BSA’s insurance coverage only applies to official Scouting activities.
Reinforces driver requirements and insurance requirements and encourages routine maintenance checks on vehicles prior to the trip.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF TOUR PERMITS?
Provide the Scout executive with information regarding unit outings and trips - i.e. - a tour permit helps you know "what is going on".
Reinforces leader requirements, especially in regards to Youth Protection, transportation, and aquatic activities. Make sure current forms are used.
Can provide information necessary to locate a troop or post if an emergency arises and lets the council know point of contact when an emergency situation develops.
In summary tour permits re-enforce planning, safety, and two-deep leadership.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO FILE THE TOUR PERMITS TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE?
The two-week (in advance) filing requirement helps ensure that trips are well planned. Because of the large number of tour permits filed, late/rush filings cause delays for those who file promptly.
If there are concerns with a tour permit, the two-week filing requirement allows time for correction avoiding cancellation of the trip.

WHAT ACTIVITIES REQUIRE A NATIONAL TOUR PERMIT?
For tours or trips 500 miles or over, one-way, a National tour permit application is required.

WHAT ACTIVITIES REQUIRE A LOCAL COUNCIL TOUR?
Units are required to submit Local Tour Permits if any of the following conditions are met:

1. The event includes overnight camping.

2. Adults are providing transportation to non-family youth.

3. The event is being conducted at a location other than the traditional unit meeting site.

PLEASE NOTE: CHANGES IN FILLING OUT YOUR APPLICATION!!!!

Each unit will be responsible in maintaining a master list of vehicles, drivers, and insurance information. You may attach a copy of this list each time you apply for a local tour permit, circling the appropriate drivers for that particular event. Writing "On file" across the back of the application will no longer be accepted. Please remember to update your information periodically, cars and insurance companies do change throughout the year.

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LEADER APPROVAL PROCESS

The approval process for a new leader coming into Scouting is a simple process, but it must be followed to insure the safety of our Scouts. The process to follow is described on the Adult Application. The steps that must be followed are:

• The individual wanting to become a leader must complete, sign and give all copies of adult application to the Committee Chairman with the proper fees.

• The unit committee reviews the application, and if necessary, contacts the references, and decides whether or not to accept the application. Accepted applications are then approved by the Committee Chairman and submitted to either the Chartered Organization Representative or the Executive Officer for their approval.

• The Committee Chairman keeps the unit copy of the application, gives one copy to the chartered organization, and forwards the remaining copy to the local council service center for their approval and processing.

In the event the unit committee or the representatives of the chartered partner are uncomfortable with an applicant, they have the ability to decline membership in that unit. Membership in the Boy Scouts of America is not a right it is a privilege.

If you have questions about this process, please contact the Betts Service Center for further information.

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ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE

For the past few years, the Chief Cornplanter Council has been paying an insurance premium to provide all the registered Scouts and Scouters in our council with accident insurance.

This policy has changed providers this year. The new policy is through Health Special Risk, Inc. and became effective January 1, 2004. The policy number is PTPN00327402. This insurance policy is intended to provide excess coverage for our Scouts and Scouters on their way to, during, and until their return home from APPROVED Scouting activities. APPROVED Scouting activities are all those that are in the normal operation of a Scouting unit: Den, Pack, Troop and Leader meetings. Event requiring prior council approval such as fundraisers, trips or outings must have the proper paperwork submitted and approved.

The necessary information and claim forms can be acquired at the Council Service Center. For more information or if you have questions about this insurance policy, please contact the Betts Service Center at 723-6700.