News

New Religious Emblems Brochure Released By BSA

Did you know that the B.S.A. recognizes 42 different religious organizations that have developed Religious Emblems programs? These are programs owned by the faith organizations that are eligible to be worn on B.S.A. Uniforms.

The last update to the promotional flyer for all of these emblems was done by the B.S.A. around 2016. The National Religious Relationships Committee has spent the last several months gathering updated images, contact information, website links, and new emblems to create this new version of the flyer.

Changes Include:

  • A better four page format (8.5″ x 11″) that can be printed from home printers AND a two-sided (11″x17″) format for larger printers.
  • Hyperlinks throughout the document to websites for each faith group that take you directly to the Religious Emblems information. (Some links even directly download the PDF Nomination Forms.)
  • More specific age group explanations for each emblem. They now list either B.S.A. program levels, age levels, or grade levels, specific for each emblem. “Senior Scouts” means Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Explorers between 14-20.
  • All of the Protestant Faiths that utilize P.R.A.Y. Emblems are grouped together for their common emblem information. If the specific faith has an extra emblem for unit level youth or adults, those are listed in the Alphabetical Section.
  • The Venturing TRUST Award is included.

Click here to go to the site DUTY TO GOD BSA to download the newly updated Religious Emblem Brochures

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2022 Wildfire Awareness Month Coloring Contest

May is Wildfire Awareness Month!
Please join us in spreading the message about preventing wildland fires in South Dakota with a coloring contest. Our objective is to educate South Dakota’s youth on ways to reduce wildland fires. The contest theme is “Meet Lil Sparky”.

IMPORTANT
Participants must be residents of the State of South Dakota. Only one entry per individual is allowed. Each coloring sheet must be colored by the individual with no outside assistance. A large Smokey Bear plush toy will be awarded to the contest winners in each category on or before May 31, 2022.

Coloring sheets will not be returned. Paint, markers, crayons, or colored pencils are mediums that may be used.

Coloring Contest
Offered for Ages 3-6: Contestants submit the official “Lil Sparky” coloring sheet.
2022 Ages 3 to 6 coloring sheet
Offered for Ages 7-11: Contestants submit the official “Camping” coloring sheet.
2022 Ages 7 to 11 coloring sheet
Offered for Ages 12-15: Contestants submit the official “Collage of items” coloring sheet.
2022 Ages 12 to 15 coloring sheet 

Deadline: Entries must be postmarked by April 29th, 2022 (see entry form below).
WAM 2022 Coloring Contest Entry Form

 

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Scouting Safely Update: Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities

The Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities have received an update and now include Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Camping. That change will align with the upcoming update to the Guide to Safe Scouting—occurring Fall 2021.
Age-and rank-appropriate guidelines have been developed based on many factors. Anyone planning activities outside of program materials or handbooks should ask this question: Is the activity appropriate for the age and for Scouting?
Please download and review the Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities found by clicking the link below.
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S.A.F.E.

Scouts and their parents expect all Boy Scouts of America activities to be conducted safely. To ensure the safety of participants, the Boy Scouts of America expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program.

Despite the pandemic, Scouts continue to serve their communities. While we take a face covering with us when we head out now, it’s important to remind ourselves what else we need to do to keep safely serving.

Take a look at these two updated risk assessment tools: the SAFE Project Planning List and the SAFE Project Tool Use you can also find both in the appendix to the Guide to Safe ScoutingSAFE is an acronym for safety points Scouts and Scouters should abide by before any activity, including service projects. If you would like a resaource as a helpful remonder just download and print the BSA S.A.F.E. Poster.

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Did you know you can create a fundraiser on Facebook to benefit the Black Hills Area Council?

It is so easy to create an online Fundraiser through Facebook and have the money donated benefit the Scouting Program right here in the Black Hills Area Council. All you need is to use this link to get started making your Charitable Fundariser to benefit the Black Hills Area Council today.  Remember even if someone gives a little can mean a whole lot.

Start a Facebook Fundraiser for BHAC Today!

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Nominate Deserving Leaders Today for the BHAC Leader Awards and Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner on February 27th, 2021

Do you know of a Leader who deserves to be recognized for their service? Nominate them for an award today! Find out what award they are eligible for here on the 2021 BHAC Leader Award & Eagle Scout Dinner page!   All nominations must be turned into the council office by Friday January 15th, 2021.

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Silver Antelope Nominations Due November 30th, 2020

2021 Silver Antelope Nominations
It is time to nominate deserving volunteers for the 2021 Silver Antelope Award.
Nomination forms with no more than two recommendation letters must be submitted together electronically to the National Service Center at OfficeOfCentralRegion@scouting.org no later than November 30, 2020.  Reminder – The candidate should not be notified of this nomination.
When submitting the Silver Antelope nomination form electronically, please include as much correct and relevant information about the nominee as possible. Incomplete nominations will not be considered. Be sure the nominee’s name is spelled correctly and highlight all contributions to youth inside and outside of Scouting. Additional endorsement letters from specific areas may be included, provided they feature detailed explanations of the nominee’s contributions and are not just letters saying how great the nominee is.
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There are a LOT of well-deserving BSA volunteers who have given longtime service to youth…here’s one way you can assist the BSA with recognizing them!

The Silver Antelope Award recognizes BSA volunteers for service to youth within one of the four Regions – Northeast, Southern, Central or Western – of the BSA. This isn’t a “thank you” for service as a Regional or Regional Area leader or Commissioner but rather a “thank you” for service as a BSA volunteer in some sort or nature for a period of time.
Scoutmasters and Commissioners have been awarded the Silver Antelope Award in the past; so have many people who have served on various committees and task forces at the Region or Regional Area basis.
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Please nominate those you feel deserve this special honor…and on behalf of so many volunteers, professionals, and PARENTS — thank you for your participation, service, and leadership to Scouting!!!
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Product Recall on Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Pin

A recall has been issued for Cub Scout Outdoor Activity pins sold from 2016 through earlier this year. Please bring them in the Scout Shop to return and exchange your pin. Please see the official statement below at this link.

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Online Giving Platform Now LIVE!

Give online to support the Black Hills Area Council today via credit card or make a pledge! Click on the link below to support the Black Hills Area Council!

https://www.blackhillsbsa.org/give/

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