Golden Gate Area Council 
Due to recent events requiring Shelter in Place, here are some updates regarding advancement and ideas on how to continue Scouting at home. https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/
National Updates:
The World Organization of the Scout Movement will hold a “special edition” Jamboree on the Air/Jamboree on the Internet on April 3-5
Bryan on Scouting article explaining how a Troop in Pennsylvania is meeting virtually, read here!
Sites for running a virtual meeting (from Bryan on Scouting):
- Google Hangouts: Easy to use, no time limit, allows up to 10 participants
- Zoom: Great features, 40-minute time limit, allows up to 100 participants
- Skype: Good stability, four-hour time limit, allows up to 50 participants
- UberConference: Excellent video quality, 45-minute time limit, allows up to 10 participants
________________________________________________________
Cub Scouts:
Bryan on Scouting Article for Age Appropriate Activities, here.
From National regarding Cub Scouts Rank Advancements:
“We have approved that all Cub Scouting requirements for all ranks, including Webelos and Arrow of Light may be approved by the parent, legal guardian, or other adult family member. In addition Cub Scouts may continue to work on their badge of rank and adventures for that rank through June and July. They are not required to, we just want to provide additional time for those who may need it.
Consider the following when putting together local resources.
Most Cub Scouts have already completed their required adventures so focus on electives.
Consider elective adventures that focus on home based skills. For example the Fix It elective Adventure in Webelos / AOL has several ideas and the handbook gives great guidance on things to do around the house. Bear Picnic Basket has Scouts learning about kitchen safety and preparing meals for their family.”
Preview Electives:
Test out trial programs for Cub Scouting and offer suggestions to National by clicking here!
________________________________________________________
Scouts, BSA:
Conducting a Board of Review via video conference, click here!
- See “Advancement” tab for information on Rank Advancements, Earning Merit Badges, and Eagle Projects.
- Bryan on Scouting Article for Merit Badges at home, here.
- P.R.A.Y. is extending grade-level eligibility for Scouts to earn certain religious awards; learn more about that and ways to complete religious award requirements at home during P.R.A.Y.’s Facebook live broadcast at 2:00pm on March 24
_____________________________________________________
Fun online activities for Youth and Families (from Capitol Area Council):
- ScoutWiki Ideas
- Khan Academy Especially good for math and computing for all ages but other subjects at Secondary level. Note this uses the U.S. grade system but it’s mostly common material.
- Futurelearn Free to access 100s of courses, only pay to upgrade if you need a certificate in your name (own account from age 14+ but younger learners can use a parent account).
- Openlearn Free taster courses aimed at those considering Open University but everyone can access it. Adult level, but some e.g. nature and environment courses could well be of interest to young people.
- Blockly Learn computer programming skills – fun and free.
- Scratch Creative computer programming
- Ted Ed All sorts of engaging educational videos
- National Geographic Kids Activities and quizzes for younger kids
- Duolingo Learn languages for free
- Mystery Science Free science lessons
- The Kids Should See This Wide range of cool educational videos
- Crash Course You Tube videos on many subjects
- Crash Course Kids As above for a younger audience
- Crest Awards Science awards you can complete from home
- Tinkercad All kinds of making
- Prodigy Math Good for elementary school ages
- Big History Project Aimed at Secondary age, multi disciplinary activities
- Geography Games
- STEM Simulators
- Learn Computer Science
- The Artful Parent Good, free art activities linked to from this Facebook page
- Red Ted Art Easy arts and crafts for little ones
- The Imagination Tree Creative art and craft activities for the very youngest
- Toy Theater Educational online games
Do your best and be prepared!
