A Year of Celebration, A Century of Making a Difference

Program Concept:

BSA wants every Scout, adult leader, and Scouting alum to have the chance to be part of our biggest milestone yet—our 100th Anniversary Celebration. We want to fire up the passion for Scouting while giving everyone an opportunity to make a difference—and earn recognition. Through A Year of Celebration, A Century of Making a Difference, we will do just that. Individuals can earn awards by demonstrating dedication to five of Scouting’s core values—Leadership, Achievement, Community Service, Character, and the Outdoors.

Participants can earn one award in each category. The program will be both fun and engaging and, most important, will show America the impact of Scouting through its commitment to these values.

A Year of Celebration will be in effect from Sept. 1, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2010.

Program Objectives

Provide every Scout, leader, and alumnus a fun and meaningful way to participate in the 1OOth Anniversary and earn recognition!
Increase awareness of Scouting’s value to the nation by promoting A Year of Celebration activities and by sharing the participation outcomes.
Engage individuals in fun activities and reward their contributions to Scouting—helping improve both Scout and volunteer retention.
Spark conversations about Scouting’s values, history, and programs—for both positive public awareness and Scout and volunteer recruitment. The more people talk about Scouting, the more they will want to join in!
Increase overall participation in our 100th Anniversary Celebration by working closely with other national engagement programs.
Help build stronger local council and unit ties through an exciting and easy-to-use celebration program.

Earn one of the ribbons, (i.e. complete three of the five requirements for one category) to earn the patch and that ribbon. Then complete three of the five requirements in each of the other categories to earn each of the other ribbons. There are separate requirements for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts, Venturers (and Sea Scouts), Adult Leaders, and Scouting Alumni.

LEADERSHIP

Scouting has a proud tradition of producing great leaders. Self-determination, teamwork, and preparedness are synonymous with Scouts everywhere. For Scouting’s 100th Anniversary, let’s celebrate this tradition of developing youth leaders.

The Year of Celebration Leadership Award encourages Scouts to explore and reflect upon the qualities of a good leader. The award recipients will work on leadership skills. The Leadership Award rewards participants for reflecting upon and sharing leadership lessons and skills. Scouts earning this award will look to role models, lead groups, and participate in leadership-building activities. Adults and alumni will build their unit leadership skills by emphasizing membership growth, volunteering, and providing role models.

ACHIEVEMENT

Achievement in Scouting builds self-esteem and fosters collaboration with others. With every rank advanced and award earned, Scouts develop pride in themselves and their units. More than just getting a patch, Scouting’s myriad of awards challenge Scouts to excel, have fun, and grow into healthy, prepared adults. In addition to advancement, the award recipient makes an active effort to reflect on personal achievements and those of other Scouts.

The Year of Celebration Achievement Award highlights the possibilities for personal achievement. Scouts will pursue rank advancements, religious emblems, as well as engage adults and alumni in conversation about their own achievements in Scouting.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Scouting’s contribution to society is most visible in the movement’s commitment to community service. Service is interwoven into many of Scouting’s honors and is mandatory for earning the higher rank advancements. Through service, Scouts demonstrate that they provide an essential function to their communities.

The Year of Celebration Community Service Award rewards recipients for providing time and resources at no charge for the good of their local community. More than just engage in service, the award recipient must also share their thoughts about why service is crucial to our society and how Scouts today fulfill a 100-year-old legacy of serving communities.

Over the years, the Boys Scouts of America has partnered with several national organizations to accomplish some great service projects. If you are looking for service project ideas, consider the following options:

* Make sure that all service hours are recorded online for ―Good Turn For America.

CHARACTER

Scouting is a character-building enterprise. Youth learn that personal responsibility and integrity are essential to accomplishing one’s goals. They learn to do good turns without expectation of reward. They learn to be brave when challenged to do the right thing.

The Year of Celebration Character Award rewards recipients for engaging in an active conversation about living by the Scout Law. The award involves elements of citizenship, family life, and personal fitness. Scouts will reflect on their own character and values. Adults and alumni will rediscover the impact Scouting makes on their own character.

OUTDOORS

From campouts to High Adventure, Scouting happens outdoors. Since its inception, Scouting has centered on teaching values through working and playing outside, and fostering respect and understanding of one’s natural surroundings.

The Year of Celebration Outdoors Award is geared toward getting individuals active in nature. The recipients must participate in outdoor activities and show growth in personal outdoor skills. They must also demonstrate increased knowledge of nature. Scouts must show understanding of the impact humans can have on ecosystems and why one must Leave No Trace when experiencing the outdoors. Adults and alumni are encouraged to share their outdoor Scouting experiences with Scouts, as well as non-Scouts of all ages. The Award centers on principles of stewardship, discovery, and personal fitness.

A Year of Celebration,

A Century of Making a Difference