1 / 11

The American Legion and the Scouts of America

Learn how The American Legion supports Scouts of America, with over 2,500 units sponsored across the United States. Discover three ways to get involved: hosting a unit, sponsoring an Eagle Scout project, and working as a Unit Commissioner. Find out about the responsibilities, benefits, and rewards of each opportunity.

ruthi
Download Presentation

The American Legion and the Scouts of America

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. The American Legion and the Scouts of America By Joseph Thomas

  2. The two organizations • Support for Scouting began in 1919 at the first national convention. • Today more that 2,500 units are sponsored across the United States. • Legionnaires bring skills and experience and help build character and positive traits. • Excellent way to interact with the community. • We will focus on three ways to get involved • Hosting a unit • Sponsoring an Eagle Scout project • Working as a Unit Commissioner • Each presents it’s own challenges, rewards and memories!

  3. Deciding to start a unit • Several questions will be asked • Can the Post financially support a unit and how much? • Chartering fee • Operating cost • Unit responsibility • Fundraising – done by unit and funds applied per their decision • Facilities to host meetings • If you have a “home”, just reserve room away from clubroom • 1-2 hours per week, some activities are outside • Free from vehicle traffic and non-Scout related activities • Liabilities in hosting unit • Scouts of America provides primary general liability insurance to cover Post, Officers, COR, employees and scouting members and volunteers for AUTHORIZED Scouting activities. • Make sure Judge Advocate ensures that there is proper insurance coverage for any incidents. • All other questions can be covered with the assistance of the Scout District Executive. • Once everyone is comfortable with starting a unit, a motion to approve starting a unit will need to be made by the Executive Board and their minutes approved at the General Membership meeting.

  4. Recruiting Leadership & Youth • Always look within the Post • Look toward the Parents • Fill out the “Adult Application” • Make sure all boxes are filled or checked • Commander signs as the Executive Officer • Scouting Chair should be the Chartered Organization Representative (COR) • All other positions will be filled by either Post members or parents. • Once applications are done, then training can begin, with most done online • Organizational chart • Pack Committee – consists of at least three people • Finance • Secretary • Advancement • Training • Membership • Re-registration • Cub Master • Assistant Cub Master • Den Leaders • Assistant Den Leaders • Scout Master (Troops) • Advisor (Crew)

  5. Recruiting children for the unit • Utilize the schools where you are doing other programs • Boy’s State • Oratorical • Flag Etiquette • Rally • Local churches • Youth Application • Signatures • Dues (if not paid by Post)

  6. Responsibilities of the Post • Instill the values of the American Legion • Patriotism • Military and Veteran recognition • Faith-based youth ministry • Conduct program consistent with Scouting rules, regulations and policies (Scouting.org)

  7. Assistance from the local council • Local council will respect our aims and objectives • Provide resources • Training • Program resources • Support services • Criminal background checks (still perform your own) • Camping opportunites • Scout owned camping sites • Events such as “Fun with Family”, “Webelos Coyote Extreme” and “Resident Camp”

  8. Finalizing the paperwork • All adults and youth have signed up • New Unit application (time to request unit number) • American Legion Post #### • Type - Veteran Service Organization • Fees are paid • Unit Charter • Unit Commissioner

  9. Sponsoring an Eagle Scout Project • What type of project do you want / need? • Can benefit the Post, local community, school or ecological area • Post MUST be the beneficiary as listed on all paperwork • If outside the Post, make sure to get approval from all involved • Can you pay all or part of cost? • Funds can be donated to or raised by Scout. • Type letter for Scout’s project to assist in fundraising or donations of materials • Working with the Scout • Advertise your project to Unit / District Commissioners • Meet with Scout and explain project with great detail as to what you expect • Follow up meeting with email • Schedule additional meetings to track progress (sign paperwork as needed) • Court of Honor • Attend in uniform • Present Certificate / small gift

  10. The Unit Commissioner • Individual volunteer opportunity • Keep regular contact with units and notify District of any areas needing improvement, provide possible remedies and resources • Goal oriented • Membership • Training • Awards earned • Online and Classroom training

  11. Conclusion • 3 ways to contribute • Amount of time is dependent on YOUR desire to make the program a success. • Have fun and enjoy the memories

More Related