This site contains articles written for Abilities Digest, the quarterly publication of the National Special Needs and Disabilities Committee of the Boy Scouts of America.
About Able Scouts
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 →
Youth Protection Training Exemption for Mental Disabilities
So, you have adult Scouts 18 years old or older who are registered beyond the age of eligibility (RBAE). Their registrations are based on severely limited mental abilities. Their adult applications have been filled out and now they must take Youth Protection Training (YPT). “Really??” you ask. “No way!” Scouts who cognitively function below their... Continue Reading →
New Rules to Register Beyond Age 18
There have been national changes to the policy for everyone age 18 or older who participate as members of a Scouting or Venturing unit. All participants age 18 or older must fill out the adult application and agree to a criminal background check. They must also take Youth Protection Training unless they receive a special... Continue Reading →
Supporting Adult Leaders with Cognitive Limitations
A scoutmaster recently asked the National Special Needs and Disabilities Committee about training for “Bob,” an assistant scoutmaster with cognitive limitations. “Bob” assists with simple tasks during daytime events and camp activities, but does not participate in overnights. “Bob” has completed Youth Protection Training (YPT), but not Outdoor Leadership Skills (OLS), which traditionally involves an... Continue Reading →
Presenting the Torch of Gold Award
The Torch of Gold Award is a council award recognizing adult volunteers for service to Scouting with special needs and abilities. Each council may present one Torch of Gold Award every year. Nomination: Publicize the award in council newsletters and online venues. Volunteers in the council’s special needs and disabilities programs should also nominate people... Continue Reading →
Tranquility Base: A Safe Space
“Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” said Neil Armstrong as he landed on the moon, July 20, 1969. Tranquility Base, named by Armstrong, became a very famous area in the Sea of Tranquility during those exciting space travel years. You can just imagine it: how peaceful, quiet, and beautiful in its desolation. Fast... Continue Reading →
Dori Hammer: 2019 Woods Services Award Recipient
Doris (“Dori”) Sue Hammer of the Denver Area Council, Western Region, received the 2019 Woods Services Award at the BSA National Annual Meeting last May. As Assistant Council Commissioner since 2011, Dori has provided leadership to the Council Committee on Special Needs. Prior to that she served in several Commissioner and Unit positions providing opportunities... Continue Reading →
