Want to work on Merit Badges over the summer, you may want to try a virtual summer camp. With so many typical summer activities on hold or canceled, families are looking for ways to keep their Scouts engaged in fun, rewarding and even educational experiences all summer long.

For more information about virtual Merit Badge opportunities click on this link to see what Mr. Etheridge was able to find.  

Summer Camp has been Cancelled due to program limitations implemented by San Isabel Scout Ranch. 

To all Scouts,

The safety and security of our Scouting Families has always been a top priority of our troop.  With guidance from local health officials, our charter organization and Scouting BSA, we are canceling all May meetings and activities.  Our first opportunity for a normal scout meeting at White's Chapel will be after summer. Patrols may have meetings at someones house as long as CDC guidelines are met for social distancing. 

Scouts working on Merit Badges can pickup and drop off Blue Cards at Mr. Stages house using the exchange box by his front door.

Yours in Scouting,

Michael Sidener

March 18, 2020

Dear Longhorn Council Scouting Family,

The Longhorn Council cares deeply about the health and safety of all our Scouts and every member of their families. Based on guidance from our public health leaders, the Council is updating our calendars and recommendations to units.

Through the end of April all district and council events and camporees, trainings, meetings and weekend camping are cancelled or postponed, with the exception of meetings that can be conducted electronically by conference call or online meeting or other means following accepted public health guidelines.

Also, through April 30, units should postpone or cancel all in-person meetings that will not follow the CDC guidelines for social distancing or cannot be held remotely using technology. While this public health measure presents challenges, Scouting can continue. Advancement can still happen. Small den or patrol meetings might be possible (in person or via remote communication). We all have to be creative.

Please know that Scouting does not need to stop during this time. Encourage your Scouts to work on their advancements at home or virtually with their merit badge counselor. Leaders may go online and take a training course. Find a way to conduct a virtual Roundtable.

Did you know that your Scouting accomplishments are detailed in a personal progress report? Your report provides a list of completed merit badges, your current rank, plus a list of the requirements you've completed toward your next rank. Check out your progress now: 

• Click on Troop Roster in the Menu down the lefthand side of the page.
• Then click on Scouts.
• Find your name and click on it.
• Click on the rank next to your name. (Your rank will be in parenthesis.)

We made a large number of Merit Badge counselor updates. I encourage all Scouts to click on the Merit Badge Resources link to review the current Merit Badge Counselor list in order to determine the current counselor for your area of interest.

Parents we are always looking for volunteers. We would love to add you to the list of Merit Badge Counselors if your vocation or hobby matches a Merit Badge. Our biggest needs are Camping, Hiking, Environmental Science, Orienteering, and then any Merit Badge for which we have either one or no counselors.

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the Merit Badge counselor updates. (click on "read more" to see name and email FF )