Did you hear the 100th Anniversary Audiocast kickoff on Thursday December 10th? There were interesting discussions among Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca, National President John Gottschalk, and National Commissioner Tico Perez. The audiocast was hosted by AT&T CEO and Chairman and 100th Anniversary Chair Randall Stephenson.

I recorded the audiocast as an mp3 file, but it seems to be too large to upload to this Web site. Perhaps I can find a way to break it into several smaller pieces. Meanwhile, the BSA Web site has some interesting content about the presentation, including a fun video of Scouting activities and information about the new site for coming National Jamborees in West Virginia. http://audiocast.scouting.org/

There are a number of new belt loops and pins available for our Cubs to earn in the Academics and Sports awards program. Get all the details at the BSA Web site.

In the Academics section, new belt loops and pins are available in:

• Disabilities Awareness
• Family Travel
• Good Manners
• Nutrition
• Pet Care
• Photography
• Reading and Writing
• Video Games

In the Sports section, the new belt loops and pins are:

• Hiking
• Hockey
• Horseback Riding
• Kickball
• Skateboarding

Starting in December, 2009, there is a new merit badge that our Scouts will be interested in learning about. SCUBA is the first new merit badge in 3 years. SCUBA certification must be taught by an instructor registered with and certified by one of the BSA recognized organizations, such as the professional association of diving instructors (PADI). My understanding at this point is that a SCUBA merit badge counselor does not have to be a certified instructor, but must be able to work with the Scouts to meet the requirements and have the Scouts taught by a registered instructor to obtain their deep water dive certification.

Several other new merit badges will be introduced throughout 2010:

• Inventing (First quarter 2010)
• Geocaching (Second quarter 2010)
• Scouting Heritage (Second quarter 2010)
• Robotics (Fourth quarter 2010)

This is really something to look forward to. You can find more information at the BSA Web site.

To all Scout Leaders: Have you seen the new requirements for all rank advancements beginning January 1, 2010? If not, check out your Scouting Magazine for the specifics, or find them listed on the BSA Web site. Scouts may finish their current rank using only the old requirements (as long as they complete that rank in a reasonable time).
There are also two new Troop Leadership positions that can be used as the position of responsibility for Star, Life and Eagle Advancement: Troop Webmaster and Leave No Trace Trainer.

All Mohegan District Cub Packs, Scout Troops and Venture Crews/Sea Scout Ships should be using Internet Advancement to report all advancement within their Units at this time. If yours is not, contact the Advancement Committee now to learn how. All units must use Internet Advancement reporting by March 1, 2010!

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