Leader Resources
Scouting America and the Great Smoky Mountain Council offer numerous resources to simplify the important work of volunteer leaders:
Membership Renewal Process
Scouting America has launched a new membership renewal process separate from the Unit Charter renewal, so it will look a little different. Although individual members receive direct communication from Scouting America on when and how to renew their individual membership the unit leadership can handle renewals for all members.
Unit Key 3 members can follow this simple 3-step process to renew their unit’s members if you prefer. Renewals are encouraged to be completed prior to the expiration so there is no lapse in insurance coverage and access to Scoutbook+ is not interrupted.
There is also a 3-step process for a unit to renew its annual charter. See below.
Here are the Simple STEPS for a Unit to Renew Members: CLICK HERE
Internet Advancement
Reporting advancement is a requirement of Scouting America. Tracking the progress of unit members is made simple with Scoutbook Plus. Scoutbook Plus subscriptions are free to all Scouting America units. This unit management tool, helps Scouts, parents, and leaders track advancement and milestone achievements along the Scouting trail. The login credentials you use to access my.scouting.org are the same login credentials you will use to access Scoutbook Plus.
Access Internet Advancement in Scoutbook Plus
Scoutbook Plus sign in : https://advancements.scouting.org/login
Scoutbook Plus Help (Knowledge Base): https://help.scoutbook.scouting.org/
Introduction to Scoutbook Plus for Scout BSA Troops: https://help.scoutbook.scouting.org/knowledge-base/introduction-to-scoutbook-plus-for-troops/
Introduction to Scoutbook Plus for Cub Scout Packs: https://help.scoutbook.scouting.org/knowledge-base/introduction-to-scoutbook-plus-for-cub-scout-packs/
Unit Fundraising
Cub Scout Packs, Scout BSA Troops, Venturing Crews, and Sea Scout Ships participate in fundraising activities to help offset the cost of Summer Camp and other adventures.
Popcorn
The Fall Fundraiser in the Great Smoky Mountain Council, Scouts sell Popcorn by taking orders from family, friends, and neighbors and selling directly (“show and sell”) at pre-approved locations, like neighborhood grocery stores. Top sellers can earn exciting prizes, and exciting incentives help keep Scouts engaged.
As the parent of a Scout, chances are you’ll end up eating a lot of Popcorn over the winter as well as helping your Scout with transportation, record keeping, and setting up to show and sell.
Adventure Cards
The Spring Fundraiser in the Great Smoky Mountain Council, Scouts sell Adventure Cards. These are “snap apart” discount cards containing various valuable discount offers at local businesses. They are also risk-free for units, which may return unused cards to the council.
Units receive a commission on all sales, and Scouts can earn exciting prizes. Your commitment level will be similar to the popcorn sale.
Cub Approved Camping Locations
Pack camping is a family-centric program. Cub Scout youth should attend the camping event with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Cub Scout youth may tent with a parent or legal guardian as outlined in Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse.
Only Webelos and Arrow of Light dens may conduct den campouts, and those campouts can only include the Webelos or Arrow of Light youth. As with pack-coordinated campouts, the den must have a BALOO trained adult leader in attendance and all Youth Protection policies apply.
Webelos and Arrow of Light dens may participate and camp at a Scouts BSA troop unit campout; however, all Cub Scout camping and SYT requirements still apply, including having a BALOO-trained adult leader in attendance.
Council approval is required when units from different chartered organizations camp together, including when a den camps with a Scouts BSA troop.
Units are not allowed to do their own site appraisals. However, if you have a site in mind that is not on our council’s list of Approved Sites, you can reach out to us and request an appraisal using the Pack Overnight Site Appraisal Form. Key requirements include a campsite free from natural hazards, clean and accessible facilities for toilets and drinking water, and adequate fire safety measures. Your den or pack should also have a well-stocked first aid kit and a clear emergency action plan including communication procedures and the location of the nearest medical facility.
Camping with your Scouts
Effective September 1, 2023, Scouting America began enforcing an updated Adult Supervision policy. If you are 18 years of age or older and plan to spend one or more nights with a troop, crew, or ship, you must be currently registered in an adult position as listed in this FAQ or as an adult program participant. Limited exception below for Cub Scout overnight Programs.
Cub Scout Programs – Overnight Exception:
Cub Scout parents or legal guardians taking part in an overnight Cub Scout program with their own child or legal ward are not required to register as leaders. All adults must review the “How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” that can be found in the front of each Cub Scout Handbook. In addition, the parent or legal guardian must be accompanied by a registered leader at any time they are with youth members other than their own child/ward. All other overnight adults must be currently registered in an adult position (see FAQ above for approved positions). As a reminder, unit Cub Scout camping can be up to two nights.
Unit Money-earning Application
If your unit is planning a money-earning project that is not coordinated by the Great Smoky Mountain Council, you must complete an Money-earning Application at least two weeks in advance of the proposed date of the project for approval.
Download the form and guidelines >
Incident Reporting Tool
For incidents, please complete the form below and send to your District Executive or April.McMillan@scouting.org