Here is the Late Summer 2020 issue of Abilities Digest.
Abilities Digest Late Summer 2020 Issue
Philmont Events in 2021
Philmont offers two events next summer highlighting special needs and disabilities in Scouting: the Zia Experience and the training conference.
The Woods Services Award
This is a brief history of the Woods Services Award and includes a complete list of its recipients.
Advancement Considerations with Physical Disabilities
An edited version of this article also appears in the May/June 2020 issue of Advancement News. Physical disabilities can be accommodated in most cases by an open-minded reading of the requirement, keeping in mind the intent and learning objective of the requirement. Demonstrate/Show – There are many requirements that use the word demonstrate or show. ... Continue Reading →
Being Prepared for Physical Disabilities
An edited version of this article also appear in the May/June 2020 issue of Advancement News. Physical disabilities require thorough advance preparation. Every kind of mobility equipment has limitations and, even with mobility equipment, there are places a Scout cannot go unless access provisions are made in advance. There are many activities that a Scout... Continue Reading →
New Scout Orientation and Beyond
New Scout Orientations are meetings held by Scoutmasters or Cubmasters with their groups of new Scouts. The meetings let Scouts and parents know what the ins and outs of their new Scouting unit entail. During the orientation, the leadership may discuss the frequency of meetings, the intent of activities, the rank requirement sequences, the outing... Continue Reading →
Mental Health First Aid
Within the Scouting program, we have all heard about the First Aid merit badge, First Aid CPR classes, and First Aid competitive meets. Our kids learn about it beginning at a young age and then as they grow they are exposed to opportunities to practice it. Some of them like it so much they become... Continue Reading →
Rich Gambrill Receives the 2020 Woods Services Award
Richard W. Gambrill, Jr., of White Marsh, Maryland is the 2020 recipient of the Woods Services Award for 2020. The Woods Services Award is given annually by the Woods Services and Residential Treatment Center, to one BSA volunteer for exceptional service and leadership in the field of Special Needs Scouting. Scouting Magazine has also reported... Continue Reading →
Abilities Digest, Spring 2020
Here is the Spring 2020 edition of Abilities Digest (volume 7, no. 2). Contents include: • Enhancing Awareness: Q&A on COVID-19 and special needs Scouting; mental health first aid.• Awareness Events: Adaptive Special Needs conference still open for registration this summer; Zia Experience delayed until summer 2021.• Adapting Activities: New Scout Orientations and beyond.• Recognizing... Continue Reading →
Arranging a “Joining Conference” with New Scout Parents
This article is reprinted from Abilities Digest, Summer 2016. A good pack, troop, or other unit strives to include everyone wishing to join. The joining conference is an opportunity to talk with the parents of every new Scout, though it is especially valuable when a new scout has special needs. The tone should be relaxed... Continue Reading →
