ATTACHED IS A DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE REQUIREMENT CHANGES THAT WENT INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 2010.


Attention Scouts,
Attached is a PDF of the 2010 Boy Scout advancement requirements changes. We have distributed these within my home district and at the recent University of Scouting and I can attest that the vast, v-a-s-t majority of scouters fall into one of two categories: either they are totally unaware of any changes, or they are partially aware and totally confused by the upcoming changes! Not very good options.

In addition to the information on the changes themselves, there are two other items that are crucial to pass along:
1) The changes affect all scouts. There is no such thing as being "grandfathered" once the scout purchases a handbook.
2) The scout is allowed to finish the rank he is currently working on under the old requirements for that rank if he chooses. A scout is only working on one rank at a time. In other words, if a scout were a Second Class scout who had completed all of the Eagle-required merit badges such that he had badges listed under Star, Life and Eagle requirements, that young man is not working on Star, Life and Eagle, he is working on First Class. Once he completes First Class on or after January 1, 2010, he is then required to earn Star and subsequent ranks under the new requirements.

If you have not already done so, please take steps to get this information to the scoutmasters and crew advisors in your district.

Opportunities like this are an excellent way for our committee to demonstrate value. Let's seize the opportunity! Thank you all.

Sincerely,
Ed Miller, Chairman
Occoneechee Council Advancement Committee

The second annual NC State School of Chemistry / College of Natural Resources Merit Badge College is scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 2010. The number of badges being offered is expected to increase to 14, and each badge will be taught by a faculty member or graduate student who is a true subject matter expert.
See attachment for details.

Occonneechee Council Aquatics Committee is sponsoring a River Kayaking Adventure.

Objectives are to teach the fundamental river kayaking skills, safety and group management. The schedule will be set depending on the number of participants and water levels in rivers between April and September 2010.

All participants must contact one of the directors on or before March 15, 2010.

Organizational meeting will be held on March 23, 2010 (location to be determined.)

See attached for details and sign up form.