Varsity Play Book(A quick look at the BSA Varsity Guide Book)

Table of Contents

Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page

Special Addendum available upon request with information specific to Unit Sponsor

1. Welcome........................................................22. VarsityScoutProgramFeatures—5FieldsofEmphasis..................23. ProgramPlanning................................................34. TeamOrganization...............................................65. AdvancementFieldofEmphasis.....................................96. HighAdventure/SportsFieldofEmphasis............................107. PersonalDevelopmentFieldofEmphasis............................118. ServiceFieldofEmphasis.........................................129. SpecialProgramsandEventsFieldofEmphasis.......................1210. TeamMeetings..................................................1311. OtherMeetings..................................................1412. AwardsandRecognition..........................................1513. OtherAwards..................................................1614. TheUniformandInsignia..........................................1715. Conclusion....................................................1716. Glossary.......................................................1817. Appendix......................................................19

Page 1

Scout OathOn my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;To help other people at all times;To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Varsity Scout PledgeAs a Varsity Scout I will:Live by the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan;Honor the dignity and worth of all persons;Promote the cause of freedom; and Do my best to be a good team member.

1. Welcome to Varsity ScoutingWelcome!WelcometoVarsityScouting,aprogramoftheBoyScoutsofAmericaforyoungmenages14through16.Packedwithopportunitiesforadventure,leader-ship,personalgrowth,andservice,theVarsityScoutprogramholdsspecialappealforolderScouts.Itisalso flexible enough to allow chartered organizations todesigntheprogramtoeffectivelymeshScouting’sprinciples and values with the objectives of chartered organizations.

TheVarsityScoutPlayBookisdesignedtogiveVarsityScoutsandadultAdvisorsthetoolstode-sign,organize,andconductsuccessfulVarsityScoutprograms. In this Play Book, you will find sections devotedtothestructureofaVarsityScoutteam,the responsibilities and training of youth and adult leaders, and the awards and recognition available to

VarsityScouts.Thereisplentyofinformationabout the high-adven-tureandsportspossi-bilities that can energize VarsityScoutteams,and about the five fields ofemphasisthaten-hancetheactivitiesofaVarsityScoutteam.

The Values of Varsity ScoutingVarsity Scouting is a values-based program. Its ide-als,foundinthescoutoath,thescoutlaw,thescoutmotto,andthescoutslogan,arethesameasthoseevery Boy Scout troop observes. With prior experi-ence as Boy Scouts, most young men who become Varsity Scouts already understand and believe in theseideals.YouthwhoarenewtoVarsityScoutingwill find that the values of Varsity Scouting serve as valuable guidelines for their team and for life.

NoonefallsunderamagnifyingglassmorethanaScout leader. Young people carefully observe adults, especiallythosewhoprovidetheirguidance.Nooneexpects a Scout leader to be perfect. Few adults ac-ceptingpositionswithVarsityScoutteamsstartoutasmastersoforganization,outdoorskills,oreffec-tiveunderstandingofyouth.

However,everyadultcansetanexampleinhisorher own life by observing the scout oath and scout law.AdultscantakeadvantageofopportunitiestoteachScouting’svaluesduringhigh-adventureactivitiesandathleticcompetitions,andwithafewthoughtfulwordsattheendofeachteammeeting.By being honest, consistent, and eager to do the best for members of their team, they can earn the respect oftheVarsityScoutsthattheyserve.

2. Varsity Scout Program Fea-tures and the Five Fields of EmphasisYoung men become interested in Scouting for many reasons, but few outweigh the promise of high adventureandthechancetoparticipateinsportsactivities. Varsity Scouting answers that interest by offering a yearly calendar filled with great program features.

Fields of EmphasisThereismuchmoretoVarsityScoutingthanad-venturesandgames.Byinfusingprogramfeatureswith activities from each field of emphasis, the VarsityScoutteamenrichesitsactivi-tiestoprovideitsmembers with the widestopportuni-tiesforgrowth,learning,andlead-ership.

EveryVarsityScoutteamcon-sistently uses five fields of emphasis. Theyareequaltooneanotherinimportance.Theyshould be balanced in the team’s program offerings. The five fields of emphasis are:

1. AdvancementVarsityScoutsutilizethesameadvancementpro-gramasBoyScoutsandmaycontinuetoworkonthe requirements for rank and merit badges as they progresstowardstheEagleScoutrank.Theymayalsoreceiverecognitionofferedthroughthe50-Mil-erAward,MileSwim,andotherBSArecognitions.Awards available only for Varsity Scouts include the VarsityScoutLetterandtheDenaliAward.

Page 2

2. High Adventure/SportsVarsityScoutteamsplanandtakepartinchalleng-ingphysicalandmentalactivities.Theseendeavorsareaswiderangingassnowcamping,whitewaterrafting, backpacking, swimming, and roller hockey. Inadditiontolearningandpracticingtheskillsneeded to enjoy the activities they choose, many VarsityScoutteamsalsosettheirsightsonextendedexperiences at BSA high-adventure bases or at other locationsthattheteamselects.

3. Personal DevelopmentVarsityScoutingstressespersonaldevelopmentthroughspiritualgrowth,leadership,citizenship,so-cial, cultural, and physical fitness activities. Varsity Scoutsmayalsotakepartinopportunitiesemphasiz-ingconservation,academics,andscholarship.

4. ServiceTeam members carry out service projects that benefit their chartered organization,theircom-munity,theenvironment,andneedyindividuals.5.Special Programs and EventsVarsityScoutscantakepartinspecialprogramsandeventsonthedistrict,council,regional,and

national levels. They are eligible to attend national and world jamborees.

3. Program PlanningTeam members discuss and select program features thattheywanttoaccomplishduringthefollowingyearatanannualprogramplanningclinic.VarsityScoutteamsplanprogramfeaturesandthendevotetheirenergiestothemforathree-monthperiod.Eachhigh-adventurefeatureleadstoanultimateadventure, such as an extended backpacking trek. IntrateamgamesandcompetitionwithotherVarsityScoutteamsmayhighlightsportsfeatures.Uponcompletingafeature,VarsityScoutsshouldhavegained proficiency in the high-adventure activity orsportandmayreceiveVarsityScoutlettersandactivitypinstoacknowledgetheirachievements.

Page 3

Thesnowcampingprogramfeature,forexample,encouragesteammem-bers to learn the basics oflivingoutdoorsinwinterconditions.Thentheyputtheirnewskillstousewithoutdooradventures.Weeklymeetingsoverthecourseofthreemonthsmayincludementallyandphysicallychallenginginitiativegamestogettheteamworkingtogether.

Dependingonthearea,VarsityScoutsmayalsolearn how to snowshoe, cross-country ski, and build igloos,snowcaves,andotherwintershelters.Theclimax of the three-month program can be an ulti-mateadventure,perhapsawintercampingtripthatwillsucceedonlywiththecooperationandskillofall team members.

Itissuggestedthat(youth)leadershaveregularplanningmeetingswithadult(shadow)leadersat-tendingthemeetings.Thesearecalledchalktalks.Youth leaders will assign specific tasks in the five fields of emphasis regarding areas of interest for the programs that have been selected.

There are no requirements for specific Varsity programs.Teamleaderswillselectrequirementsspecific to the needs of their team members.

Thefollowingtwopagesshowexamplesofeightofthe27programsthatarediscussedintheBoyScoutsofAmericaVarsityGuideBook(ItemNo.34827,pages30-37).

Teamsmayalsodesignandcarryouttheirownprograms based on the needs of the members of their team using the 5 fields of emphasis. There is no time limit for a specific program. Different pro-grams may be run simultaneously.

Program Features at a Glance—The program examples on this and the following page can be run for less than one month or as long as 3+ months. They can also be run individually or concurrently. Use this chart as a guide to help your Varsity team plan your program. For example, Backpacking is followed by suggestions that your team might use to fulfill the 5 areas of emphasis and earn the backpacking activity pin. Program Features do not have specific requirements. Your team can create your own set or requirements specific to your interests and needs.

Page 4

Program Features Advancement High Adventure/Sports Service Personal

DevelopmentSpecial

ProgramsBackpacking.Yourteammayhaveexpe-rienced backpacking whentheywerescouts.Preparationtimecouldinvolvesharpeningpackingskills,makingequipment,condition-ing,andpreplanning.

Backpackingmerit badge. Reviewadvance-mentneedsforeachteammember.

Covermaterialinthebackpacking pro-gramfeature.Planabackpacking trip. The ultimateadventurecould be a backpack-ingtripatPhilmontoronatrailsuchastheAppalachianTrail.

Whileonthebackpacking trip,carryoutaconservationproject.

Planaworshipserviceduringthetrip.

Visitanagencyresponsible for awildernessarea.Haveanexpertconductasessiononnotracecamping.

Basketball.VarsityScout basketball is fun andeasytoplay.Allyouneedaretwoteams,a ball, and a basketball court.

Sportsmeritbadge. Review advancementneedsofeachteam member.

CovermaterialintheBasketball program feature.JoinaleagueorplayotherVarsityScoutteamsinyourcommunity.

Conductacoachingses-sionforyouth.

Learnhowtopreventandcareforsportsinjuries.

Attendacol-legeorprofes-sional basket-ball game.

Cycling. It can be fun andchallengingtocycleandcamponthesameactivity.Preparationforacyclingtripwouldinvolve biking mainte-nance,routeplanningandconditioning.

Cyclingmeritbadge. Review advancementneedsforeachteam member.

Covermaterialinthecyclingprogramfea-ture. Plan a bike trip. Therearemanyexpertcyclists available toassistintrainingandplanningcyclingactivities.

Planaserviceproject as part of the bike trip.

Invitealawenforcementofficer to explainlawsabout cycling.

Invite a bike shopownertotell about his profession.

Fishing.Anultimateadventure could be a trip to a BSA canoe base. Youwon’thavetomakemany phone calls to find an avid fisherman who would be delighted to sharetheirexpertiseonthe sport of fishing.

Fishingmeritbadge. Review advancementneedsforeachteam member.

CoverthematerialintheFishingprogramfeature.Aftersomebasic instruction, plan andconductsomefishing activities. Youcouldincludeacampingtriptoatroutstreamoronalake.

Contactaconservationagencyandvolunteertoworkonaproject

Inviteanaquaticsin-structortocer-tifytheteaminthesnorkelingBSAprogram

Inviteamem-ber of Trout UnlimitedtotalktoyourVarsityteamabout their organization.

Page 5

Program Features Advancement High Adventure/Sports Service Personal

DevelopmentSpecial

ProgramsRock Climbing and Rappelling. Justimag-ineyourselfleaningoutovera50-footdropwiththeopenskyaroundyou.Orperhapsyou’reclimbing the sheer face ofacliffthatextends100feetstraightup.Rappellingandrockclimbing can be chal-lengingadventures.

Revieweachteam member’s advancementstatus.

Coverthematerialin the Rock Climb-ingandRappellingprogramfeature.Work with a qualified instructorandpaycarefulattentiontofollowing the Climb OnSafelyprocedures.All members of the team can safely enjoy thisactivity.

Conductaservice project atyourcouncilcamp.

Haveanexpertteachasessionon Climb On Safely.

Visitamu-seumwithageologydisplay.

Shooting Sports. Ifyourteamisseekingachangeofpace,thismay be your sport. A National Rifle Associate qualified instructor is neccessary.

Rifle shooting or Shotgunshoot-ing merit badge. Reviewadvance-mentneedsforeachteammember.

CoverthematerialintheShootingSportsprogramfeature.Planahigh-adventureout-ing.

Workwithasheriff’sdepartmentorpolicedepart-mentonaser-vice project.

Conductahunter’ssafetycourseforteammembers.

Visitashoot-ingrange.

Soccer. Soccerdoesn’trequirealotofequip-ment,andmostyouthalready know the basic rules.

Revieweachteam member’s advancementstatus.

CoverthematerialintheSoccerprogramfeature.Joinasoccerleague.Mostparksandrecreationdepart-mentsoffersoccerleagues.

Considercoachingakidssoccerteamforoneseason.

Invitetheman-agerofasport-inggoodsstoretodemonstratethedifferenttypesofsoccerequipmentanduniforms.

Haveacoedsoccergame.

Waterskiing.Thisisanexciting,challengingsportwhetheryou’reskiingforfunorforcompetition.Improveandlearnnewwaterski-ingtechniques.

Waterskiingmerit badge. Reviewadvance-mentneedsforeachteammember.

CoverthematerialintheWaterskiingprogramfeature.Planawaterskiingactiv-ity. Find a qualified instructortocoachtheteamforthisactivity.

Conductawater-skiingsafetyses-sionforaBoyScoutTroop.

Visitalawenforcementagencythatmonitorswater-ways.

Haveaparentteach about the careandmain-tenanceofamotor boat.

4. Team OrganizationWhiletheterminologydiffers,aVarsityScoutteamisorganizedalongsimilarlinesasaBoyScouttroop. Many Varsity Scouts have been members of ScouttroopsandknowthestructureofBSAunits.TheVarsityScoutingemphasisonteamterminol-ogy reflects the enthusiasm young people have for sports,outdooradventure,andothergroup-orientedactivities.Thepositiondescriptionsfoundinthissectionareeasytounderstand,andtheteamstruc-tureissimpletoexplainandtoputintopractice.

Structure Teams TheteamisanentireVarsityScoutunitwithyouthmembers and adult leaders. Like a troop, a team may consist of as few as three boys and as many as 40ormore.Theteamcaptainconductsmeetingsandworkswithadultleaders(theteamCoach,assistantCoach and Committee members) to develop and carryoutaneffectiveprogram.

SquadsLarger teams may be divided into squads, or groups similartoBoyScoutpatrols.Squadsfunctionmostefficiently when they have five to seven members, a goodsizetotakemaximumadvantageofavarietyofactivitiesandhaveplentyofopportunitiesformembers to serve as leaders. Youth Leadership PositionsAnimportantfeatureofVarsityScoutingisthatitoffersleadershipopportunitiestovirtuallyeveryteam member. A Varsity Scout should never receive leadership responsibilities without the training he needstosucceed.Eachyouthleadershippositionshouldhaveanadultcounterpartontheteamcom-mitteewhoworkswiththeyouthleaderinapartner-ship similar to what an athlete and a coach enjoy. Withtrainingandcoaching,everyVarsityScoutwill do his best in succeeding as a leader. TheprimaryleadershippositionsinaVarsityScoutteam are: • Teamcaptain • Teamcocaptain(optional) • Squadleaders • Programmanagers

Team Captain TheyouthleaderofaVarsityScoutteamisthecaptain.Dependingonthetraditionsoftheteam,the

captain may either be appointed by adult leaders or elected by team members. A team captain typicallyservesatermofsixto12months.ThisindividualmusthaveanunderstandingofVarsityScoutingandshouldtakeadvantageoftrainingopportunitiesfromtheCoach,teamcommittee,district,andcouncil.

ThecaptainseeksoutandreliesupontheguidanceoftheTeamCoach.Heservesasanexampleforother team members by adhering to the ideals of the scoutoath,law,mottoandslogan.Hemustmaintaina positive attitude and encourage others to fulfill their commitments to the team. He strives to be a team builder and recognizes the strengths and weak-nesses of each team member.

Position Description: Team Captain • Conductteammeetingsunderthe guidanceoftheCoach • Presideatteamleadershipmeetings • Selectandappointprogrammanagers withtheapprovaloftheCoach.The captainmayalsoserveasaprogram manageronasmallteam. • Coordinateactivitieswithprogram managers • Maintainthespiritoftheteaminall activities • Setagoodexampleoftheidealsof Scouting • Encourage team members to advance alongtheEagletrail • WeartheScoutuniformcorrectly • Live by the Scout Oath and Law • ShowScoutspirit

Team CocaptainThe Cocaptain of a team may be appointed by the team Coach or elected by team members. He should have the same qualifications as the team captain, and be ready to fill in for the captain whenever the captain is not able to fulfill his responsibilities. To ensure the smooth operation of the team and the best experienceforallVarsityScouts,theteamcaptainand Coach may assign certain responsibilities to the Cocaptain.

Position Description: Team Cocaptain • Presideatmeetingswhentheteam

Page 6

captain is absent • Assume special assignments made by thecoachandcaptain • Setagoodexampleoftheidealsof Scouting • WeartheScoutuniformcorrectly • Live by the scout oath and law • ShowScoutspirit

Squad LeaderWhenaVarsityScoutteamisdividedintosquads,each squad elects one of its members to serve as its leader.AVarsityScoutsquadleaderconductssquadmeetingssimilartoapatrolleaderinascouttroop.Thisindividualensuresparticipationofthesquadatallteamactivities,andrepresentsthesquadatteamleadershipmeetings.

Position Description: Squad Leader • Conductsquadmeetings • Representthesquadatteamleader meetings • Leadthesquadduringteamactivities • Maintainthespiritoftheteaminall activities • Setagoodexampleoftheidealsof Scouting • Encourage squad members to advance alongtheEagletrail • WeartheScoutuniformcorrectly. • Live by the Scout Oath and Law. • ShowScoutspirit.

Program ManagersEvery Varsity Scout team has five program manag-ers – one Varsity Scout in charge of each field of emphasis.Eachprogrammanagerworkscloselywithanadultprogramadviserwhoisalsoamem-ber of the team committee. With the adviser’s help, theprogrammanagerplans,organizes,andleadsthe activities of his field of emphasis. He reports to theteamcaptainregardinghisactivities,plans,andconcerns.

Theprogrammanager’sgreatestchallengeistoseethateveryVarsityScoutisinvolvedinhisparticularfield of emphasis.

Other Youth PositionsThefollowingVarsityScoutleadershippositionscan be filled as needed. The team captain makes theseappointmentswiththeCoach’sapproval. • Scribe

• Librarian • Historian • Quartermaster • OrderoftheArrowteamrepresentative • Bugler • Chaplainaide • Instructor • DenChief

Adult Leadership PositionsAVarsityScoutteamisdesignedtoputyouthmem-bers in leadership roles. An adult counterpart then supportseachofthoseroles.Forinstance,theCoachsupportsthecaptain,andtheadultprogramadviserforadvancementsupportstheyoungmanservingasprogramadvancementmanager.

Theidealadultsforteamleadershippositionsareparents or guardians of team members and/or mem-bers of the chartered organization. A strong team will involve as many adults as possible in its leader-ship.Ifateamissmall,adultsmayholdmorethanoneadultteamleadershipposition.

Varsity Scout Coach ThekeyadultleaderofaVarsityScoutteamistheCoach. Sometimes in the middle of activities but moreoftenfromthesidelines,theCoachtriesveryhard to make it possible for Varsity Scouts to work togetheraseffectiveteamplayerswholiveaccord-ingtotheprinciplesofScouting.Thecharteredorganizationmustgivecarefulthoughttothere-sponsibilities of a Varsity Scout Coach and select a candidate who will do his or her best to fulfill these obligations.

Position Description: Varsity Scout Coach

• Becometrainedforyourposition • TrainandguideVarsityScoutyouth leaderstoruntheirteams • Involve the parents of team members to maximizetheeffectivenessofVarsity Scouting • Attendallteammeetingsandactivities • Guideteamleadersinplanningthe program • ConductCoachesconferencesforrank advancementwitheachVarsityScout

• Meetandworkwiththeteam committee • HelprecruitassistantteamCoaches • Take advantage of available training opportunities

Page 7

• Attend roundtables to share ideas with otherCoachesinthedistrictandcouncil • Maintaintheprinciplesandrulesofthe BoyScoutsofAmerica • WeartheScoutuniformcorrectly

Assistant Varsity Scout CoachesAteammayhaveasmanyassistantCoachesasitdeemsnecessary.AssistantCoachesoftenpossessspecialskillsthatenhancetheteam’sactivities,andtheycanserveas valuable resources in carrying out the Varsity Scout program.ThecharteredorganizationmustgivethesamecaretochoosingassistantCoachesasitdoestoselectingaVarsityScoutCoach.

Position Description: Assistant Varsity Scout Coach • Becometrainedforyourposition • Assume duties assigned by the Coach • Take advantage of available training opportunities • Attend roundtables to share ideas with

CoachesandassistantCoachesofother teamsinthedistrictandcouncil • Trainsquadleaders • Meetandworkwiththeteamcommittee • FillinfortheCoachwhentheCoachis absent • Maintaintheprinciplesandrulesofthe BoyScoutsofAmerica • WeartheScoutuniformcorrectly • Becometrainedforyourposition

Position Description: Program Adviser • Serveontheteamcommittee • Guideandmentorayouthprogram manager of a specific field of emphasis • Complete all training that is available fortheadultVarsityScoutleader • Set an example for youth members by maintainingtheprinciplesandrulesof theBoyScoutsofAmerica

Page 8

Squad Leader5-7 Boys

Special Programs/Events Manager

ServiceManager

Personal Develop-ment Manager

High-Adventure/Sports Manager

Captain Assistant Coach Coach

AdvancementManager

Large Team (More than 20 Members)

AdultManager

AdultManager

AdultManager

AdultManager

AdultManager

Squad Leader5-7 Boys

Squad Leader5-7 Boys

Squad Leader5-7 Boys

Cocaptain

Medium Team (5-20 Members)

Cocaptain

Squad Leader5-7 Boys

Special Programs/Events Manager

ServiceManager

Personal Develop-ment Manager

High-Adventure/Sports Manager

AdvancementManager

AdultManager

AdultManager

AdultManager

AdultManager

AdultManager

Squad Leader5-7 Boys

Captain Assistant Coach Coach

Varsity Scout Team OrganizationYouth Leadership is built upon a foundation of Adult Support

Squad Leader1- 5 Boys

AdultManager

Small Team (Less than 5 Members)

High-Adventure/ Sports ManagerAdvancement Manager Service Manager

Special Programs/Events Manager

AdultManager

Captain Assistant Coach Coach

Number of squads determined by number of boys in team.

Adults

YoungMen

Cocaptain

Cocaptain

Cocaptain Cocaptain

Varsity Team Committee MemberA team may have as many committee members as itdeemsnecessary.Agoodfunctioningcommitteeof qualified adults takes the burden of running the VarsityteamoffoftheVarsityCoachandAssistantCoaches. Committee members should be trained and willing to attend district round tables and team functionsandactivities.

5. Advancement Field of Em-phasisTheVarsityScoutadvancementprogramencour-ages young men to meet significant challenges that leadtopersonalgrowth.AmongthestrengthsoftheVarsity Scout advancement program are:

FunVarsity Scout team members having a good time maynotrealizethattheyarealsoinvolvedinaneducationalprocess.Thefunofadvancementmotivatesthemtochallengethemselvestotrynewactivitiesandmasternewskills.

Progress Measurement BadgesofrankandrecognitionawardsallowVarsityScoutstoclearlyseehowmuchtheyhave

achievedandwhatchallengeslieahead.Theycanestablish goals for themselvesand,onestepatatime,completewhattheyhavesetouttodo.Agoalasloftyasbecoming an Eagle Scoutmaysome-timesseemoutofreach, but the ad-vancementprogrambreaks down the processintoaseriesofsmallsteps.

RecognitionThemostimportantrecognitionVar-sityScoutsreceivefromcompletingrequirementsisthe

confidence and feeling of self-worth they build by masteringnewskillsastheytakepartinchallengingadventures.

Varsity Scouting also motivates young men by pub-liclyacknowledgingtheirachievements.Anewlyearned activity pin, merit badge, or badge of rank presentedtoaScoutinfrontofpeersandfamilyof-fers tangible proof of the Scout’s accomplishments andapositiveincentiveforcontinuedsuccess.ImmediaterecognitionisapowerfulincentiveoftheBoyScoutsadvancementprogram.Asimpleceremonyattheconclusionofateammeet-ingorduringacampoutisideal,withtheCoachpresentingthebadge. A team holdsacourtofhonor about ev-erythreemonths.Theteam’sadvancementprogrammanager,withtheassistanceofanadultprogramadviserandtheteamcommittee,organizescourtsofhonor.

Position Description: Advancement Program MangerTheVarsityScoutteamcaptainappointsthead-vancementprogrammanagerwiththeapprovaloftheCoach.Workingcloselywithanadult(thead-vancementprogramadviser),theprogrammanagertakes responsibility for doing the following: • Keeping track of member progress • Communicating with team members • Coordinatingadvancementactivities • Motivating team members to advance • Conducting boards of review for team members who have completed requirements • Planningandassistingwith coordinationofrecognitionceremonies andcourtsofhonor • Settingagoodexample

Page 9

6. High-Adventure/Sports Field of EmphasisThe high-adventure/sports field of emphasis pro-videseveryVarsityScoutteamwithinterestingandchallengingphysicalactivities.Throughtheeffortsoftheprogrammanagerandadultadvisers,teammembers can become skilled in activities ranging fromsnowcampingtosoccer.Oncetheteamcom-pletesitstraining,itcanplanandtakepartinhigh-adventureopportunitiesand/orsportsactivities.

The High-Adventure/Sports Program ManagerThehigh-adventure/sportsprogrammanagerwho,whileworkingcloselywithanadult(theHighAd-venture/SportsProgramAdvisor),willtakerespon-sibility for overseeing the high-adventure/sports activitiesofaVarsityScoutteam.

TheVarsityScoutteamcaptain,withtheapprovaloftheCoach,appointsthehigh-adventure/sportsprogram manager who will take responsibility for doing the following: • Helpingchoosethehigh-adventure/

sportsactivitiesinwhichtheteamwillparticipate

• Planningandconductingactivities • Maintainingaschedule • Developandupdatealistofexperts

whocanserveasconsultants • Coordinatinganyevents • Informing team members

The Varsity Scout Outdoor Program TheplacewhereVarsityScoutingworks best is also wheremostyoungmen want to be – in theoutdoors.Theoutdoorprogramisthenameofthegame.Withoutoutdoor

activities,manyVarsityScoutteamswillstruggle,andsomemayfail.VarsityScoutingwithoutoutingis like swimming without water – it is difficult to be successful.Here are just a few of the reasons a strong outdoor programisimportanttothehealthofaVarsityScoutteam:

• TheoutdoorsisaclassroomthatisidealforteachingandlearningScout-ingskills.

• WhenVarsityScoutshike,cookandeattogether,whilesharingthechal-lengesofoutdoorliving,theywilllearntopracticepatience,respectthepointsofviewofothers,anddeveloplastingfriendships.

• Leadershipcomestolifeintheout-doors.

• Theoutdoorsiswhereadventureawaits. Activites such as backpacking, cycling, fishing, orienteering, and rock climbing are some of Varsity Scout-ing’s best adventures. At a minimum, VarsityScoutsshouldspendatleast10daysandnightsoutdoorseachyear.Amongtheopportunitiesformakingthat happen are:

• Squadandteamhikes • Short-termcamping • Residentcamping • Camporees and jamborees • Nationalandcouncilhigh- adventure bases • Additionalsuggestionsare

foundintheVarsityGuideBook

Resources for a High-Adventure ProgramThemanagerandotherteamleadersofaVarsityScouthigh-adventure/sportsprogramcandrawontheoutdoorknowledgeandprogramsupportofmanypeople.Beginwiththosealreadyassociatedwiththeteamincludingparents,teamcommitteemembers, assistant Coaches, members of the char-tered organization, and registered merit badge coun-selors.Ateam’sScoutingdistrictisagoodsource.Coacheswillencountermanyofthesepeopleatroundtable meetings, where they can share ideas for runningeffectiveoutdoorprograms.

VarsityScoutTeamsuccessinanyVarsityScoutingactivityrequiresadequate,well-trainedleadership.Itis especially important to take all reasonable precau-tionstopreventaccidentsandupholdBoyScoutsofAmericastandards.

The best available adult leadership should be re-cruitedtoaccompanyeachteamduringhigh-ad-ventureactivities.InaccordancewithBSAYouthProtectionguidelines,ateammusthaveaminimum

Page 10

oftwoadultleaders,eachonephysicallyfit and regis-teredasadultmembers of the BoyScoutsofAmerica.Oneleader must be at least21yearsofage.Thesecondleader must be

at least 18 years old. If Scouts are being transported to another location, tour permit provisions must be followed.Leave No Trace Principles• PlanAheadandPrepare • Knowtheregulations • Scheduleyourtriptoavoidtimesof highuse• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces • Durable surfaces include established trailsandcampsites,rock,gravel,dry grasses,andsnow • Protect riparian areas by camping at

least200feetfromlakesandstreams• DisposeofWasteProperly(PackItIn,Pack ItOut) • Inspectyourcampsiteandrestareas

fortrashorspilledfoods.Packoutalltrash,leftoverfood,andlitter

• Depositsolidhumanwasteincatholesdug6to8inchesdeepatleast200feetfrom water, camp, and trails. When fin-ished,coveranddisguiseasacathole

• Disposeoftoiletpaperappropriatelyorpackitout

• LeaveWhatYouFind • Preserve the past. Examine, but do not-

touch,culturalorhistoricstructuresandartifacts

• Minimize Campfire Impacts • Avoid campfires. They can cause last-

ing impacts on the backcountry • Where fires are permitted, use estab-

lished fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires

• RespectWildlife • Observe wildlife from a distance • Neverfeedwildanimals • Protect wildlife and your food by stor-

ingrationsandtrashsecurely

7. Personal Development Field of EmphasisVarsityScoutingusesteamandindividualactivitiestoencourageworthwhilepersonaldevelopment.Forthat reason, personal development is one of the five fields of emphasis of every Varsity Scout team.

The Personal Development ManagerThepersonaldevelopmentmanagerhasapositionevery bit as important as those of the managers of

the other fields of empha-sis. He is responsible for helping team members makethemostofoppor-tunitiestofurthertheirpersonaldevelopment.Todothat,themanagermustclearlyunderstandtheareasofpersonaldevel-

opment and the ways in which team members can addresseachone.

Position Description: Personal Development ManagerThe personal development manager is appointed by theVarsityScoutteamcaptain,withtheapprovaloftheteamCoach.Workingcloselywithanadult(thepersonaldevelopmentprogramadviser),theman-ager takes responsibility for doing the following: • Planningandcoordinatingteam activties in all five areas of personal development • Communicating with team members to determinespecialneeds • Locatingspeakersorconsultants • Workingwiththeotherfourprogram managerstocoordinateactivities • Keepinginformedoncommunity activitiesofinteresttotheteam • Settingagoodexampleforfellowteam members

Five areas of Personal Development The five areas of personal development recognized and encouraged by Varsity Scouting are: • SpiritualDevelopment • Leadership • Citizenship • Social and Cultural Attributes • PhysicalFitness

Page 11

8. Service Field of EmphasisServiceisattheheartofeveryVarsityScoutteam.Through service, team members can experience the satisfactionofmakingadifferenceintheworld.WhetheritisanindividualScoutassistingameals-on-wheelsprogramoranentireteamplantingtreesalongacommunitystreet,theopportunitiestheVarsityScoutprogramaccomplishprepareScoutstomakeserviceaguidingprincipleintheirlives.The Service Program Manger EachVarsityScoutteamhasaserviceprogrammanager who is responsible for encouraging and co-ordinatingtheteam’sserviceactivities.Theserviceprogram manager keeps track of projects undertaken by the team as a whole and by various squads, and also charts the efforts of individual team members. TheindividualhelpseveryVarsityScoutdevelopaservice-orientedwayoflifeandencouragesallthoseinvolved with the team to practice the habit of doing aGoodTurndaily.

The service program manager is appointed by the VarsityScoutteamcaptain,withtheapprovaloftheCoach.Workingcloselywithanadult(theserviceprogram adviser), the manager takes responsibility for doing the following: • Coordinatingteamand individualserviceactivities • EncouragingVarsityScoutstodevelop andmaintainaservice-orientedwayof life • Communicating with team members • Workingwithotherprogrammanagers tomaximizetheeffectivenessof serviceopportunities • Planningandconductingservice projects and activities

Community Service Throughout its history, Boy Scout members have providedservicetoothers.Serviceoftenoccursinsmall,unassumingways.Ithappensonalargerscale,too,whenasquadoranentireteamseesaneedandstepsforwardwithasolution.Teamservice projects encourage Varsity Scouts to realize that they have the ability to make positive changes in their communities. Varsity Scout service proj-ects benefit others and build character and good citizenship in team members. In many ways, service projects are Varsity Scouting at its best.

9. Special Programs and Events Field of EmphasisVarsity Scouting offers team members excellent teamorientedactivitiesforadvancement,adven-ture,andachievementasVarsityScoutstakepartineventsandspecialprogramsatthedistrict,council,andnationallevels.Aspecialprogramoreventcaninvolve more than one team. From backcountry highadventuretocollegescholarships,theeventsandprogramsofScoutingcanenrichtheVarsityexperienceforeveryoneontheteam.

Thespecialprogramsandeventsprogrammanageris responsible for helping team members take full advantageofopportunitiesoutsideofateam’slocalactivities. The manager seeks out information about what is available in the district, the council, and at Scouting’snationallevel,andencouragesteamlead-ers and members to make the most of them.

Position Description: Special Programs and Events Program Manager Thespecialprogramsandeventsprogrammanageris appointed by the Varsity Scout team captain with theapprovalofthecoach.Workingcloselywithanadult(theserviceprogramadviser),themanagertakes responsibility for doing the following: • Coordinatingspecialprogramsand eventsfortheteam • Communicating with team members to determinetheirneeds • Cooperatingwithotherprogram managerstomaximizetheeffectiveness ofprogramsandevents • Gatheringandsharinginformation about district, council, and national specialevents • Settingagoodexampleforfellowteam members

District and Council Programs and Events MostspecialeventsandprogramsinvolvingaVarsi-ty Scout team will be those conducted by the team’s districtandcouncil.TheVarsityScoutCoachwillreceive information about most of these through the mail and at district roundtables attended by the coachesofotherVarsityScoutteams.

Council CamporeesInformation about these events can be found at local councilservicecenters.

Page 12

Rendezvous Inthe1800s,arendezvouswasagatheringofmoun-tainmenwhocampedinoneplaceandpassedthetimewithcontests,talltales,andsharingofinforma-tion.Today,somedistrictsandcouncilsorganizearendezvousforVarsityScoutteams.Activitiesmay include traditional skills such as flint knapping, tracking, and firing black powder rifles.

Varsity Scout Sports WhenVarsityScoutteamsselectasportastheir

high-adventure/sports field of em-phasis(anythingfrom basketball or volleyball to bowling orgolf),theymayfind that their coun-cilordistrictisinapositiontoorganizesportingeventsandtournamentsinvolv-ingteamsformthroughoutthedis-trictorcouncil.

Operation On-TargetOperationOn-Targetisanannualeventwhichhelpsteams, districts, and councils find ways that they canworktogether.Thiseventwhichisusuallyheldduringthesummerallowsteamstophysicallysignaleachotherfrommountainpeakswithmirrors.Theevent was originally designed by Varsity leaders in thewesternUnitedStatestosharetheirlight(phi-losophies and beliefs) with each other regardless of time,distance,andspace.Additionalinformationregarding this even can be found on the internet, www.ontargetbsa.org.

Council Summer Camp StaffHundredsofBSAcampsthroughoutAmericaof-ferexcitingsummerprograms.VarsityScoutswillfind that serving on a summer camp staff provides tremendousopportunitiestoenhancetheirleader-ship skills, learn the art of teaching, and to be in an outdoorenvironmentforweeksatatime.Councilswithhigh-adventureprogramsmayalsohavestaffopportunities.Informationandapplicationsareavailable at local council service centers.

10. Team Meetings WeeklymeetingsarethegluethatholdsaVarsityScout team together. Planned by the captain, the programmanagers,squadleaders,andtheteam’scoach, well-planned meetings run by the youth themselves can be full of excitement and satisfac-tion. Team meetings are usually built around team activities such as rock climbing, camping, and cross-countryskiing.AnexcitingportionofeachmeetingistheskillsinstructionthatpreparesVarsityScoutsfor challenging team activities based on a program feature.

Teammeetingsservemanypurposes,includingthefollowing: • Motivating Members • StrengtheningSquads • ExchangingInformation • PromotingTeamSpirit • LearningandPracticingScoutingSkills • ExercisingLeadership

Implementing Leadership through Team Meet-ingsThe Varsity Scouts themselves take major roles in planning,conducting,andassessingthesuccessofteammeetings.LeadershipisaskillthatScoutscanlearn only by leading and team meetings serve as regularoccasionsforthattohappen.

VarsityScoutteamsshouldgettogethereveryweekfor a meeting, an activity, or a combination of the two.Meetingsshouldoccuratthesametimeeveryweek so that boys and their families can schedule ef-ficiently, However, if a team has a campout or other weekendactivity,theteamleadersmaysometimesdecidetocancelameetingthefollowingweek.

ExceptfortheCoach’sCornerduringtheclosing,each section of a team meeting is the responsibility oftheVarsityScoutsthemselves.Withtheguid-anceoftheCoach,teammeetingsareplannedwellin advance by the captain, the program managers, andsquadleaders.Thecaptainmayassignsquadsorindividualstotakecareofvarioussectionsofa meeting, giving as many Scouts as possible the opportunity to contribute. The Varsity Scout Team MeetingPlanWorksheetprovidestheframeworkfor efficient, well-run meetings. A copy of the meetingplanandtheVarsityScoutTeamActivityPlanning Worksheet can be found in the appendix of this play book.

Page 13

The Varsity Scout Team Meeting Plan in Action • Warm-Up The preopening activity should be ready to start about 15 minutes before the scheduled beginning of the meeting. • Opening Thecaptaincallsthemeetingtoorderatthe appointedtime. • Team Business This is the time for the entire team to be brought up-to-date on plans for upcoming activities. • Team Activity/Skills Instruction The majority of the time during a Varsity Scout team meeting will be devoted to team activities. • Closing (Coach’s Corner) This is a good time to praise team members forGoodTurnsandothertaskswelldone. TheheartoftheclosingistheCoach’s Corner,anopportunityfortheCoachtoshare a story based on Scouting’s values. • Wrap-Up

Evaluating Varsity Scout Team MeetingsWasateammeetingsuccessful?Afterthemeeting,theCoachandcaptaincangatherwiththeprogrammanagersandsquadleaderstoevaluatethesuccessofthemeeting.

Tips for Conducting Effective Team Meetings TeamMeetingMustHaveVariety,Action,andPurpose: • Meetingscanandshouldtakeplace

outdoors • Arrive early to be prepared • Thecaptaintakesthelead • Startontime,endontime • Usethescoutsignwhenevernecessary • Usehands-onlearning • Followthemeetingplan • Praisegoesalongway

11. Other MeetingsInadditiontoweeklyteammeetings,theVarsityScoutprogramincludesthefollowinggatherings.

Team Leaders’ Training Seminar Onceayeartheleadershipoftheteamshouldcon-ductatrainingconferencetotrainnewteamleaders.TheCoachandtheteamcaptainarekeyplayersinthiseffort,drawingonotherresourcesasneeded.(Seechapter14oftheVarsityGuideBookforadetailedoutlineontrainingnewleaders).

Program Planning ClinicOnceayeartheVarsityScoutteam’sleadershipmeetstoreviewtheprogramactivitiesofthepre-vious12monthsandputintoplacepreliminaryprogramplansfortheupcomingyear.Manyteamscombine their program planning clinic with the team leaders’trainingseminarintoaweekendevent.

Parents’ NightFamily members will also want to be kept up-to-date onteamplans,andtheymayhavemanyquestionsregardingexpenses,safetyfactors,andscheduling.

Courts of HonorA court of honor pays tribute to those who have made significant progress in Varsity Scouting, and itcanhelpfamilyandfriendsofVarsityScoutsbetter understand the team and feel more involved withtheScoutingmovement.Withthehelpoftheteam’sadultadvancementadviser,theadvancementprogram manager is responsible for maintaining advancement records, scheduling boards of review, andoverseeingtheplanningofawardnights.

Page 14

12. Awards and Recognitions

BSAawardsandrecognitionsprovideVarsityScouts and adult team leaders with visible emblems oftheiraccomplishments.VarsityScoutscancon-tinue to progress towards Boy Scout merit badges andrankadvancementsastheyearntheVarsityletter, bars, activity pins, and the Denali award, re-served only for members of Varsity Scout Teams.

Varsity Scout Letter ToearntheVarsityScoutLetter,aVarsityScoutand an adult leader must do the following: 1. Be a registered Varsity Scout team member. 2. While a team member, actively participate in or

accomplishatleastonehigh-adventure/sportsprogramtothesatisfactionoftheVarsityScoutCoach.

3. Haveanattendancerecordatteammeetingsandactivitiesofatleast75percentforthreeconsecutivemonths.

4. Know and live by the Scout Oath and Law.

The Varsity Scout letter may be awarded at the com-pletionofthehigh-adventureprogramorataCourtof Honor when all of the requirements have been ac-complished. The letter can be attached to a Varsity Scout jacket or on the bottom of a merit badge sash.

Gold Letter BarRecipients may wear a gold bar on the letter to rep-resenteachadditionalletterthattheyearn.AyoungmancanearnasmanyasthreeLetterBarsduringhisVarsityexperience.

Activity PinsActivity pins can also be awarded at Varsity Scout meetings,atthecompletionofeachultimateadven-ture, or at a Court of Honor. Activity pins can be purchasedataCouncilServiceCenterororderedonline (www.scoutstuff.org). There may not be an activitypinforauniqueactivitythatyourteamhascreated. In this case, a special pin may be designed by your local unit, district, or council.

Denali Award The Denali Award is available to Varsity Scouts whohaveearnedtheVarsityScoutletter.There-quirements for the award are:1. Be a registered Varsity Scout Team member.2. AdvanceoneranktowardEagle.Ifyouare

alreadyanEagleScout,earnaPalmaward.3. HoldleadershippositionsonaVarsityScout

Teamforatleastsixmonths.4. (a)WhileservingasTeamCaptainoraPro-

gramManager,actasprimaryleaderonatleasttwoactivities.ProgramManagersshouldchoose activities in their field of emphasis. Team Captains may be primary leaders of ac-tivities in any of the fields of emphasis.

(b) While serving as a Program Manager or TeamCaptain,demonstratesharedleadershipskills by participating in supportive roles in each of the three remaining three fields of em-phasis.

5. ShowtheTeamCaptainthatyouknowandliveby the Varsity Scout Pledge.

6. Complete a board of review by the team com-mitteewithadistrict/councilrepresentative.

Page 15

13. Other Awards for Varsity Scouts and LeadersTemporary PatchesTherightpocketofthescoutshirtisreservedforembroidered emblems earned by taking part in district,council,andnationalBSAactivities,includ-ingcamporees,summercamps,andtreksathigh-adventure bases. Only one temporary patch may be worn at a time. One exception is the patch earned by attending a national or world jamboree. It is worn on the uniform shirt above the right pocket, and may be worninadditiontoacorrectlypositionedtemporarypatch.

Trained LeaderThis emblem is available to all adult leaders who have completed the Fast Start and basic training programs appropriate to their positions. The embroi-dered emblem is worn on the left sleeve immedi-ately below and touching the emblem of the office forwhichitwasearned.

VarsityScoutyouthleaderswhohavecompletedVarsity junior leader training and den chiefs who havecompletedthedenchieftrainingconferencemay wear the Trained Leader emblem beneath their badge of office. The Trained Leader emblem may be worn only in connection with the emblem of office for which training has been completed.

Awards for AdultsAwardsandrecognitionsintendedforadultBSAmembers fall into two categories, those that can be earned and those that are bestowed.

Bestowedawardsandrecognitionsaregrantedtoadult leaders on the basis of their service, activities,

andothereffortsinkeepingwiththespiritofScout-ing. Among the many bestowed honors are the Sil-verBeaver,SilverAntelope,SilverBuffalo,DistrictAwardofMerit,GeorgeMeanyandWhitneyM.YoungJr.Serviceawards.

Requirements for badges that an adult Varsity Scout team leader may earn can be found in BSA litera-tureassociatedwitheachaward.Theserecognitionsincludethefollowing.

Service Stars, Attendance Pins, and Veterans Scouter PinsThesearerecognitionsforlengthoftenurewiththeBoyScoutsofAmerica.

National President’s Varsity Scout Coach Award of Merit This award can be earned by all Varsity Scout Coaches.SeeapplicationatCouncilServiceCenter.

Varsity Scout Leader’s Training Award /Coaches KeyThisawardrecognizestraining,tenure,andperfor-mance.SeeapplicationatCouncilServiceCenters.(Varsity Guidebook Appendix A-20)Wood Badge Neckerchief, Beads, and WoggleLeaders who have completed a council certified WoodBadgecoursemayweartheneckerchief,beads, and woggle. The Wood Badge course, con-sistingofapproximately6daysofcourseworkandthe fulfillment of 5 Scout related goals or “tickets”, isanexcellentwaytounderstandallofthefamiliesofscoutingandhowscoutingfunctions.AdultVar-sityscoutleadersshouldattendthiscourseduringtheir first year of service.

Page 16

14. The Uniform and Insignia TheVarsityScoutuniformhaslongservedasanexpressionofteamspiritandunity.Wearingtheuniformpromotescomradeship,loyaltytoone’steam, and public recognition of membership in the BoyScoutsofAmerica.

AVarsityScoutisnotrequiredtohaveauniformin order to be a member of a team. VarsityScoutteamleadersshouldsetagoodexampleby wearing the completeuniformthemselvesandby encouraging

eachScouttoacquireandweartheiruniform.Newuniforms may be purchased from official Scouting distributors located in selected retail stores, local councilservicecenters,Scoutshops,andfromtheBSASupplyDivisioncatalogue.

The Varsity Scout Uniform • Longsleevedorshortsleevedscout shirt • ShortsleevedgolfshirtwiththeVarsity

emblem • Scoutpantsorshorts • Scoutsocks • BSA twill or mesh baseball cap • Scout belt and buckle • Scoutneckerchief(teamoption)

TwoadditionstotheVarsityScoutuniformmakeitdifferent from the Boy Scout uniform: • VarsityScoutShoulderloop.Every

VarsityScoutandscoutleadershouldwear the blaze orange shoulder loops onthelongorshortsleevedscoutshirt.

• Varsitystrip.Thered-on-tancloth Varsity strip may be worn above the rightpocketofthescoutshirt.Position it above the BSA strip.

Varsityteamsareencouragedtodesignanactivityshirt which identifies their team members which can be worn in the field and at certain functions. This shirt may be a t-shirt or golf shirt. It may be com-bined with scout pants, shorts or long pants to give theteamaconsistentlook.

15. ConclusionTimeinvestedinplanningaVarsityScoutprogramwill be repaid many times over by providing Scouts withmeaningfulandexcitingactivities.Goodplan-ningallowsVarsityScoutstoleadtheteamastheydrafttheirownannualplanandthenseetoitthattheplansucceeds.

Coaches and team leaders will find that by follow-ing the planning steps that have been discussed, youth members will understand the Varsity Scout program. All five program fields of emphasis should be included in a program every quarter. To help ensureastrongprogram,theteamcommitteeshoulddevoteaportionofitsmonthlymeetingstosecur-ing the support of committee members for the team programmanagers.

Don’tforgettoreviewseveralimportantdocumentswhich follow as an appendix to this Playbook. They can also be found in the Varsity Scout Guide Book andwillhelptoensurethesuccessofyourteam.Pleasereviewpage19ioften.Itdetailstherequire-mentswhichyourVarsityTeamwouldneedtofulfill to receive the National Quality Unit Award. Theserequirementswillhelpyourteam’sleadersdeterminethethingsthattheyneedtodotorunasuccessfulVarsityProgram.

This Play Book has been designed to give newly appointed Varsity Scout leaders (both youth and adults) a quick look and basic training into the Var-sity program. Additional information may be gained frommanysourcesincludingtheBSAVarsityScoutGuideBook.Nowitistimetogetstarted!

Page 17

Assistant Coach: Helps the Coach and fills in when the Coach is absent

Captain: theyouthleaderofaVarsityScoutteam

Chartered organization: Areligious,civic,fraternal,educational, or other community-based organization thathasappliedforandreceivedachartertooperateaBSAScoutingunit

Coach: TheadultleaderofaVarsityScoutteam

Coaches Corner:Ashortthoughttypicallygivenatthe close of an activity by the coach

Co captain: assistanttotheteamcaptain

Commissioner: AvolunteerScouterwhoworkswithpacks,troops,teams,andcrewstohelpthemsucceed

Council: An administrative body chartered to be responsible for Scouting in a a designated georgraphic territory

District:Ageographicareawithinalocalcouncil

District executive:AprofessionalScouterwhoisemployed by a council

Fields of emphasis: TheVarsityScoutingprogram’sfields of emphasis encourage team members to explore manyfacetsoftheScoutingexperience.Fullyinclud-ing each field in a team’s program is the responsibility oftheyouthleaders,knownasaprogrammanagers.The five fields of emphasis, each of equal importance, areadvancement,highadventure/sports,personalde-velopment,service,andspecialprogramsandevents

Huddle: A meeting where team Coaches learn about programsandshareideas.Theseareusuallyheldonadistrictorcouncillevel

Program: An activity chosen by Varsity Team lead-ershiptolearnnewskillsandexperiencehigh-adven-tureactivities.Afullycompletedprogramwillincludeparticipation in the five fields of emphasis.

Program adviser:Anadultwhoworkswiththepro-gram manager of one of the five fields of emphasis

Program manager: AVarsityScoutwhosupervisesone of the five fields of emphasis

Roundtable: Ameeting,usuallyheldonthedistrictorcouncillevel,whereCoachesofseveralVarsityScout teams can share ideas and learn more about BSA programs

Squad:AnorganizedgroupofvarsityScoutswithinateam,similarinstructuretoapatrolinaBoyScouttroop

Squad leader:AVarsityScoutwhoisappointedorelectedtoheadupasquad

Team:TheunitofVarsityScoutsandadultleaders

Team committee: AgroupofadultswhoprovidesupporttotheCoachandmayserveasprogramadvis-ers.Atrained(strong)committeecangreatlyreducethe work required by the team’s adult leadership.

Varsity Awards:

Varsity Letter: This award can be earned by youth andadultswitha75%activitylevelforthreeconsecutivemonthsofaVarsityexperi-ence. The “V” shaped award is placed on an

orange-colored windbreaker which can be purchased atacouncilstore.

Gold Letter Bar: This award, earned by youth and adultswhocompletetherequirementsforaVarsityLetter,ispinnedtothe

“V” shaped Varsity Letter on the Varsity Scout jacket. Multiple bars can be earned during the varsity experi-ence.

Activities Pins: Activity pins, earned by youth and adults, are pinned to the “V” shaped VarsityLetteratthecompletionofaprogram. Multiple pins can be placed ontheletter.

Denali Award: This award is earned by Varsity ScoutsaftertheyhavecompletedseveralprogramswiththeirVarsityTeam.ItisthehighestawardthataVarsityScoutcanearn.

Glossary of Varsity Scouting Terms

Page 18

hiking activity pin

APPENDIX

Varsity Letter Scorecard

Name____________________________________ Team No. ________________________

1. Be a registered Varsity Scout.

Date registered___________________ Signed by____________________________________ Coach

2. While a Varsity Scout, actively participate in or accomplish at least one high-adventure/sports pro-gram to the satisfaction of the Varsity Scout Coach.

Activity______________________________ Date_________ Signed by__________________________ Coach

3. Attendance–75 percent or more attendance at Varsity Scout meetings for 3 consecutive months.

From _______________ to ___________________ Signed by __________________________________ date date Coach

4. Know and live by the Scout Oath and Law.

Signed by _________________________________ Coach

Note: Appendix A-18 in the Varsity Guide Book is not accurate. The current re-quirements can also be found on the Varsity Scouting webpage.

ALL REQUIREMENTS COMPLETEDDate _____________________

Signed by___________________________________ Coach Coach

Page 19 f

Varsity Denali Scorecard

National Quality Unit Award

One measure of a Varsity Scout team’s success is fulfilling the requirements for a National Quality Unit Award. Six out of 10 objectives must be achieved during a calendar year, includ-ing four that are required:

• Training.*TheVarsityScoutteamCoachwillcompleteVarsityScoutleaderFastStarttrainingandVarsityScoutLeaderFundamentals.

• Two-deep leadership.* TheteamwillhaveoneormoreassistantCoachesregistered,trained, and active. One registered adult is assigned responsibility for Youth Protection training.

• Program plan. The team will conduct an annual program planning conference, publish anannualprogramcalendar,andpresentittoparentsatafamilyactivity.

• Service Project. The Varsity Scout team will conduct a service project annually, prefer-ably for the chartered organization or the community.

• Boys’ Life. Subscriptions to Boys’ Life will go into the homes of all Varsity Scout mem-bers, or subscriptions for the team will increase 10 percent over the previous year.

• Varsity Scout letter.FiftypercentormoreoftheteamwillhaveearnedaVarsityScoutletter.

• Outdoor activities.*TheVarsityScoutteamwillparticipateinatleastoneorganizedleaguesportorparticipateinatleastoneultimateadventure.

• Membership. The team will renew its charter with an equal or greater number of youth registeredoverthepreviousyear.

• Youth leadership.Theteamcaptainandsquadleaderswillparticipateinyourleadershiptrainingatleastonceduringtheyear.

• On-time charter renewal.* The team will complete its charter renewal before its current charterexpires.

*One of four mandatory requirements

For additional information regarding Quality Unit qualifications, refer to District and Council leadership.

Page 19 i