Redwood Empire Scouting Units serve Special Needs youth too!

In Redwood Empire Council has several young men in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and/or Venturing at any given time who are youth members beyond the age of eligibility.  We also have others in Scouting who sometimes apply for, and receive, approved substitute requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class, and occasionally substitute merit badges in the quest for Star, Life, and Eagle Ranks.

We want to continue bringing awareness to Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing leaders that the BSA serves youth with special needs, and there are provisions in Section 10 of the BSA Guide to Advancement (GTA). See the specific provisions in the GTA but as an overview:

• Cubmasters and Committees may jointly determine appropriate substitutions that are consistent with the Cub Scout showing he can "do his best".
• The Council Advancement Committee can approve a substitution requirement for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks for disabled Scouts (see GTA 10.2.2.2 for documentation requirements), and may qualifying substitute required merit badges for Eagle Rank based on a Scout's documented disability.
• The Council Advancement Committee can approve a registration beyond age of eligibility for youth members documented as having disabilities of a cognitive or mental nature such that they essentially function at a lower age level.  Applications of this type must be submitted to the REC service center, and will be handled in a confidential fashion.

Our Disabilities Awareness Committee, as well as our Advancement and Recognition Committee, encourage all unit Scouters to continue extending the hands of welcome and support to all youth, including those with special needs.