Scouting Resources

Activities & Programs

The council hosts a variety of activities, programs, and community service projects for all levels within Scouting. From the annual Scout O Rama, to district camporees, there is something for everyone!

Visit our activities page for a listing of activities by program level. 

Activities & Programs

Council Calendar

You can also find all the upcoming events by visiting or subscribing to our council calendar. Filter by program or district to find programs for your family or Scouting unit. 

Council Calendar

Community Service

Service to others is a fundamental part of Scouting. In addition to local unit service projects and Eagle Scout projects, the council organizes two sponsored community service projects – Scouting for Food and Coastal Clean-up. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit the council calendar. 

Community Service Hours Reporting

Scouting Units can report their community service hours using the online advancement tool in my.scouting. By logging hours, units can qualify for Journey to Excellence and Commissioner Challenge Awards. Visit the Commissioners & Unit Service drop-down on this page to learn more about these recognition programs. 

Activities Committee Contact Information

For more information on council activities, please contact activities@svmbc.org. 

Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are recognized and rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others.

Below are some general resources for units for commonly requested awards and other advancement tools. A full list of awards can be found at Awards Central.

Awards Central

Scout Book & Online Advancement

Units and Scouts can now track their advancement completely online! Whether through the my.scouting.org online advancement tool or through Scoutbook, scouts and leaders can mark off requirements, find and approve merit badge counselors, and access advancement forms. To get started, navigate to either the Online Advancement tool in my.scouting or visit the Scoutbook site.

Scoutbook.com

Guide to Advancement

The current edition of the Guide to Advancement is the official and invaluable source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs: Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts. Now available both in .pdf format and as a website. The most current guide should always be used.

Guide to Advancement
Virtual Camping and Camping Merit Badge

Eagle Scouts

Go to Resources drop down menu, then select “Eagle Scouts”

Click Here

Religious Awards

To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed the following religious emblems programs. The Boy Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on the official uniform. The various religious groups administer the programs. Check with your religious organization or the Scout Shop directly to obtain the curriculum booklets.

Religious Awards

Distinguished Conservation Service Awards Program

(formally Hornaday Award)

Conservation and the Boy Scouts of America have been partners for a long time. Camping, hiking, and respect for the outdoors are a part of the Scouting heritage. Many of the requirements for advancement from Tenderfoot through the Eagle Scout rank call for an increasing awareness and understanding of the natural sciences. Many former Scouts have become leaders in conserving   our environment and protecting it from abuse.  Right now, Scouts are involved in learning about environmental problems and actively working to make a difference.

The fundamental purpose of the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Awards program is to encourage learning by the participants and to increase public awareness about natural resource conservation.  Understanding and practicing sound stewardship of natural resources and environmental protection strengthens Scouting’s emphasis on respecting the outdoors. The goal of this awards program is to encourage and recognize truly outstanding efforts undertaken by Scouting units, Scouts and Venturers, adult Scouters, and other individuals, corporations, and institutions that have contributed significantly to natural resource conservation and environmental protection.

BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award Individual awards are granted by the National Council through the local Council’s Conservation Committee to a member of a Scouts BSA, Sea Scout, or Venturing unit for exceptional and distinguished service to conservation and environmental improvement.

The BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Awards are presented for distinguished service in natural resource conservation. The award is given in one of three forms. The awards are:

Youth: BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award

Adult: BSA Distinguished Conservationist

Organizations and Individuals: BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award Certificate

Find out more on the National Website Distinguished Conservation Service Awards Program

Lifesaving/Heroism Meritorious Action Awards

Please contact our advancement committee with any additional award or recognition questions that you may have at advancement@svmbc.org

CampDoc is the Council’s secure online system for collecting and managing medical information for Scouts, Scouters, and adults. It replaces paper medical forms and is used for Council camps, events, and approved unit activities. CampDoc is nationally approved by Scouting America and is HIPAA compliant, meeting federal standards for protecting medical information.

Learn more here.

Summer Camp and Weekend Camping

Looking for a summer camp or just a weekend adventure for your unit? We have a variety of different programs and properties available to make your next Scouting adventure an amazing experience.  To make see available programs or to make reservations, please visit our council properties page. 

Council Properties

SVMBC Year-Round Camping Reservation Form

Where to Go Camping Guide

The Saklan Lodge of the Order of the Arrow provides and maintains a list of sites in the greater council area for units and families to go camping. 

Where to Go Camping Guide

Outdoor Program Committees

For more technical or higher risk activities, the council has several committees to provide support to ensure activities are done safely. 

Council Climbing Committee

Are you interested in looking at opportunities for your unit to experience the thrill of a natural rock climbing experience or use the climbing wall at Chesebrough?  The council can help provide qualified directors.  

Climbing Instructor Request Form
Chesebrough Climbing Request Form

If you have any questions about climbing opportunities or are interested in the climbing team, please contact us at climbing@svmbc.org

Range and Target Sports Committee

For Lion Scouts, Tiger Scouts, Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Arrow of Light, shooting sports is only approved at council or district events or properties. For Scouts BSA, and Venturers, there are many opportunities. All shooting sports must follow the Guide to Safe Scouting and the  Shooting Sports Manual. More information is at Scouting Shooting Sports.

Shooting sports trainings are offered several times throughout the year. Please visit the Council Calendar for upcoming trainings. 

For a list of commercial ranges approved by the Range and Target Activities committee, please see the SVMBC Approved Commercial Ranges.

If you have any questions about shooting sports or are interested in the joining the committee, please contact us at shootingsports@svmbc.org.

Firearms Permission Form

Cub Scout Firearms Permission Form

National High Adventure Bases

The National Council offers a variety of high adventure and training activities at four high adventure bases. Each base offers a different range of adventures, from hiking in the Rockies at Philmont, to sea voyages in the Florida Keys at Sea Base. Visit the outdoor programs site to learn more. 

National Outdoor Adventures

Camping Committee Contact Information

For more information on camping opportunities and information on council properties, please contact camping@svmbc.org

Camperships

We want all youth to have the opportunity to experience our programs, so we have an annual campership fund to help families in need to afford camp. Please fill out the form below and send to camping@svmbc.org for a campership.

Campership Application

Scouts can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business and future careers as they earn merit badges.  There are more than 100 merit badges which any Scouts BSA member can earn at any time.

Requirements and counselors are on all available merit badges can found on Scoutbook by Scouts and leaders. 

Merit Badge Counselor

The merit badge counselor is a key player in the Scouts BSA advancement program.

Do you have a hobby, skill, or career that you love? Do you enjoy working with youth?  Scouting is always looking for counselors to teach the over 130 merit badges offered by BSA.

To qualify as a merit badge counselor, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be proficient in the merit badge subject by vocation or avocation
• Be able to work with Scout age youth
• Be registered with Scouting America (as a Merit badge Counselor)

Merit Badge Counselor Annual Renewal

Each year at recharter time each merit badge counselor must renew for merit badges they wish to counsel for the upcoming calendar year.  That is done on formsite.

How to register as a Merit Badge Counselor

Merit Badge Counselor registration is independent from any other BSA registered position you may hold. It requires a separate Scouting America Adult Application, even if you are already registered for a different position.

In California, registration as a Merit Badge Counselor requires the following items: 

• Merit Badge Counselor Registration Checklist

1. Scouting America Adult Application – Completed and signed (see below).
2. Merit Badge Counselor Information form (with list of badges)
3. Proof of current Safeguarding Youth Training (Formally YPT)
4. Completion of Merit Badge Counselor training (classroom or online)
5. Completion of California AB-506 Volunteer Mandated Reporter training, and submittal of a Live Scan finger print for a Background Check. See: https://californiascouting.org/svmbc/

The Scouting America Adult Application is available at: http://www.scouting.org/forms.aspx

The following items on the Scouting America Adult Application must be completed:

• Merit Badge Counselor Registration Checklist

• Full name and address – Use the exact same name you use on your other BSA registrations. Otherwise, you may end up with multiple registration records.
• Primary phone number – Enter the phone number you want scouts to use to contact you for counseling appointments.
• Date of Birth, Gender, and Social Security Number
• Position code: 42 and Position description: Merit Badge Counselor
• Email address – IMPORTANT. We need your Email address to send you a confirmation once your registration is processed. We also use it to send MBC Renewal letters at recharter time.
• All questions on the right side of the form must be completed, including #6a-f.
• Read and initial the 2 items near the bottom left, sign and date the form – MBC is a District position and does not need Committee Chair or Charter Representative Signature.
• Fill in the Unit type, Unit No. and District – The unit should be the Troop that you are associated with. If you are not associated with a specific unit, please include at least your district.
• Complete, sign and date the Background Check Authorization on page 9. Return the following items to the Council office:
• The Scouting America Adult Application sheet
• The Background Check Authorization sheet
• A copy of your Safeguarding Youth Training/Youth Protection Training card showing it is current.
• A completed Merit Badge Counselor Information sheet.

Applications cannot be processed if they have incomplete information, are missing forms, are missing signatures, or your Youth Protection Training has expired. Incomplete applications will be returned to you, delaying your registration as a counselor. We now accept photocopies, Email copies or Faxes of the signed forms. Also e-signatures.

Scouting America requires that all registered adults take Safeguarding Youth Training every year. If your training has expired, please refresh it at My.Scouting.org before turning in your application.

Merit Badges: See the complete list of topics and requirements please click the merit badge list here and select those in which you have training and interest. There is no limit to the number of badges you may counsel.

Merit Badge Counselor Orientation

To become a merit badge counselor, adults should attend an orientation that explains the role and responsibilities.  The 90 minute orientation is offered at the Council Service Center and at district roundtables. It is also available online in the learning center at my.scouting.org

Items you will need to bring to orientation and/or submit to become a merit badge counselor include:

• Adult Application
• Youth Protection Training Card
• Merit Badge Counselor Information Form
• Complete California Assembly Bill 506 – Youth Protection Training and Life Scan

For upcoming Merit Badge Counselor Orientations please check the council calendar.

Council Calendar

Units may conduct advancement events, earning merit badges in groups.  Upon review and discussion with the National Office advancement department, the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council Advancement Committee implemented a policy to guide units on organizing Merit Badge Midways.  If your unit wishes to conduct an event of this type, please comply with the policy requirements.

National Merit Badge Midway Policy 

Planning a fun year of program activities may seem daunting at first, but with a few key resources, building a full year of fun engaging program can be done by any unit committee. The national council and our council have a few resources to help your unit make the upcoming program year the best year yet!

National Planning Resources by Program 

Cub Scout Program Planning

From sample budgets, to recruiting pack leadership, we have the best practices to help you succeed in building your pack’s program plan

Cub Scout Pack Committee Resources

Scoutbook for Den Leaders

Scoutbook for Den Leaders puts everything a den leader needs to manage their den right at their finger tips. With features like; den meeting scheduling, requirement tracking, meeting agendas, instructional videos, and den roster info, the app makes it a breeze for your den leaders to deliver an awesome program for their den. Now available on the web and as a web app for your phone!

Scoutbook for Den Leaders Login

Scouts BSA Program Planning

Making sure your unit is both Scout led and has an effective program plan can be tricky to navigate. To have a plan that considers Scout input and leader oversight takes a well executed Troop Annual Program Planning Conference. Visit the resource page to find resources and training to start developing yours today!

Troop Program Planning Tools

Venturing Program Planning 

Crew program planning can be a great way to teach vital life skills to Venturers in your crew. Here is a step by step process to guide you through building your program plan. 

Crew Program Planning Tools

Scout Life Planning Guides

Looking for a more visual way to plan? Scout Life provides calendars with suggested tips and best practices to help guide your program planning team. 

Scout Life Magazine Program Planning Materials

Council Calendar

The council plans numerous programs throughout the year to help you supplement your unit program with activities, service projects, camping, summer and day camps, and trainings. 

Visit the council calendar and activities pages to see which programs will help to supplement your program year. 

Council Calendar

Program Planning Guide

The council produces an annual program planning guide that is available each June. 

Due to the continued impact on in-person activities by the covid-19 pandemic, this program planning guide has been placed on hold. Please visit the council calendar and Scouting at Home section for the latest virtual programs opportunities.

Program Planning Training Webinars

Looking for a more visual training on program planning? We have prerecorded sessions on our youtube channel! Be sure to subscribe to see when new videos are posted. 

SVMBC Youtube Channel

When Scouting in person seems impractical or impossible, we have created and collected resources to help you still deliver an amazing program, even when done virtually. Visit our Scouting at Home page to start planning your next virtual Scouting activity. 

Scouting At Home

Den Leader Tips and Tricks Video Series

Scouts at Home

Looking for council led activities? Visit our Scouts at Home page to see what programs the council is offering for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. 

Scouts at Home

Guidance for Pinewood Derbies

Working With Scouts With Special Needs and Disabilities

Scouting is for everyone, but sometimes some Scouts may need access to a different approach to fully participate in the program.

Below are some resources that give leaders an introduction to working with Scouts who have different needs and their families. 

Awareness Toolbox– Special needs and disability information for Scouters

Able Scouts-Articles on Scouting with special needs and disabilities

An Introduction to Working With Scouts With Special Needs and Disabilities 

Guide To Advancement

Often Scouts may be able to more fully participate by adjusting requirements to better align with their abilities. The Guide to Advancement contains the process for requesting extensions and changes to requirements for Scouts. 

Guide to Advancement

Advancement Committee Contact

For additional questions regrading requirement adjustments or age extensions, please contact advancement@scouting.org

It is a proven fact that Scouts with well-trained leaders have more fun, stay in the program longer and advance further.  It is our council’s objective to develop great leaders through comprehensive leadership development and experience for youth and adults.

Please visit the training page to see a list of required and suggested training for your position. 

Adult Leader & Volunteer Training

Training Committee Contact Information

For questions regarding basic unit leader training, youth training opportunities, advanced or supplemental courses, or other inquires, please contact training@svmbc.org