IMPORTANT CHANGE TO BSA YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING POLICIES:

Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the BSA.

To increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is implementing several important changes to further enhance its Youth Protection policies.

Effective June 1, 2010:

• Youth Protection training is required for all registered volunteers.
• New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before they submit an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
• Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer's Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.

Nashua Valley Council is proud to recognize several outstanding volunteers who have contributed to the success of the Scouting program within Nashua Valley Council. Awards were presented at the Council annual awards reception on May 13.

The Silver Beaver award is the highest recognition that a council can bestow upon a volunteer. It is awarded for distinguished service to youth, both within and out of Scouting. This year's recipients of the Silver Beaver award are Branden Morris of Chelmsford, MA and Gary Shepard of Lancaster, MA.

At the Board of Directors meeting on March 24, Nashua Valley Council was recognized as a Centennial Quality Council by the Boy Scouts of America. This is the first time in more than ten years that Nashua Valley Council has received this recognition. The award was presented to Council President, Mike Dembowski by Area 1 Director, Richard Trier and Area 1 President, Bill Downey.

The Centennial Quality Council is an annual award recognizing councils that demonstrate effective delivery of the Scouting program through membership growth, financial stability, high quality programs and summer camps, and active volunteer involvement. Nashua Valley Council was one of only five councils in Area 1 to receive this recognition.

Mr. Dembowski praised the efforts of the volunteers and staff in the council in achieving this award. "We all participate in making sure our boys receive the best Scouting opportunities they can." He said. "We all roll up our sleeves and make sure it happens. For this I thank you."

Mr. Trier and Mr. Downey both praised the council for its very effective efforts, to bring more boys into the Scouting program, and for successfully weathering the financial downturn.

Webelos Woods is looking for Boy Scouts to help out on the weekend of Sept 24th through Sept 26th. We need individual Scouts to act as Troop Guides. We also troops to assist with displays, exhibits and demonstrations on Saturday morning.