Scouting America seeks to fully include Scouts of all abilities – from those who learn differently, who identify as neuro-divergent, and those with different physical, intellectual, or developmental abilities.
Scouting America’s policy is to treat all Scouts with respect. The premise of the Scouting program is full participation, providing opportunities to participate not simply by joining a unit, but for growth – offering accessible challenges, belonging, leadership.
Golden Gate Area Council’s Special Needs Committee promotes inclusion by helping unit and district leaders create meaningful experiences for all Scouts. We provide training for adapting the environment, guidance on advancement and program variation, and direct support so that the challenges embedded in Scouting are accessible to Scouts of all abilities.
Official BSA resources applying to scouting of all abilities.
When accommodations for different learning styles are not enough, or if more time is needed, there is a process for Scouts to apply to their Council for alternative advancement plan. The Scout and their parents, Scout leaders, and qualified professionals complete information in the forms listed below.
Each contributor should have a good understanding of the Scout’s strengths and challenges, and how their disability affects access to advancement. This information will help the Council make a proper assessment, so preparers need to be sure to include all pertinent information.
It is suggested that any Scout who may qualify should apply as soon as possible so that they have enough time to prepare. The advancement program is challenging, and many Scouts with disabilities have enjoyed success when they can access these challenges.
This is a new, practical guide for adult leaders, Scouters and parents. The information found in it’s modules are updated regularly for Scouting of all abilities. It is the home of the Abilities Digest publication and the Inclusion Toolbox, listed below, as well as other helpful resources.
A quarterly publication of the National Special Needs Committee of Scouting America. The articles are written by Scouting volunteers and are intended to share practices and procedures that seem to work.
The materials are offered as suggestions. They are not professionally-vetted, medical or psychological recommendations. However, many of these suggestions have been very helpful to Scouters.
Inclusion Toolbox for Special Needs and Disabilities is a series of printable webpages (divided by “modules”) that keeps special needs and disability information accessible 24/7/365 to the BSA community.
The Inclusion Toolbox is designed to allow you to go to topics of greatest interest. Use the Table of Contents and search feature to find the module that you need.
You can also download the entire toolbox as PDF document
This award was established to provide clear and visible recognition to adults, volunteer and professional, who serve the community of members with special needs of the Scouting movement.
It is earned by direct action on behalf of members with special needs and by spreading the ideals of inclusiveness, diversity, and disability awareness in Scouting. It is intended to create enhanced visibility of the resources available to serve these members and to ensure their success in Scouting.
Click for more information and nomination form
The Torch of Gold is a council award given annually to an adult Scouter for dedicated work for youth, particularly Scouts with disabilities. It is not an award that is earned by simply fulfilling specific requirements. It is given in recognition for service in multiple areas for many years.
The nominee should show a level of dedication and service comparable to a Scouter receiving the Silver Beaver Award, but for service specifically in the area of working with Scouts with disabilities.
A Scouter must be recommended to his or her council by another individual. Although there are specific criteria for this award, each council should have its own selection procedure. See nomination form.
Each year, the national Woods Services Award is given to one or two BSA volunteers for exceptional service and leadership in the field of Special Needs Scouting.
The Woods Services and Residential Treatment Center, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, presents the award every year. The Center is a leading advocacy and service organization that provides educational, residential, and vocational services to children and adults with special needs. The award was established in 1978 in memory of Luther Wellington Lord, a residential supervisor for more than 23 years at the Center. An active Scouter, the award was established in recognition of his service to youth through Scouting at the local and national levels.
Each council may nominate one Scouter for the award each year. Use the official nomination form, which must be signed by the council’s Scout Executive. Send the signed form to [email protected]. Woods Services nominations must arrive by January 31.
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First, try to connect the Scout and counselor in Scoutbook. If that is successful, the counselor is registered and qualified. If unsuccessful, go to the counselor’s home council and search for their Advancement Administrators. Most will have an email address for either the Council Advancement Committee or Professional Advisor. Send an email asking if the counselor has been registered and qualified for the merit badge(s) in question and the status of their Youth Protection Training. Ask California councils if the counselor has completed AB506 training and LiveScan. The unit leader’s “blue card” signature verifies their counselor credentials verification.
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