This document provides information on upcoming training opportunities and events for Scouts in the local district. It lists dates and locations for University of Scouting, Commissioner College, Wood Badge training courses, and Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. It also announces updates to Scouting.org, the Guide to Advancement, and the introduction of Girl Troops. Finally, it notes significant revisions to the requirements for several Merit Badges, including some that are Eagle-required.

1. Prepared. For Life.
This Months To-Do List
• Coordinate Friends of Scouting Visit
• Webelos recruiting/visits
• 2019 High Adventure Prep
– Shakedown Trips
– Scuba Ceritification for Sea Base
– Wilderness First Aid

2. Prepared. For Life.
More Things To Do
• Training
– University of Scouting (Hayfield Secondary School)
• Registration is open
• February 23, 2019
– Commissioner College
• March 9, 2019
– Wood Badge
• N6-82-19-1 May 3 – 5 & May 31 – June 2
• N6-82-19-2 September 5 - 7 and October 3 – 5 (Sunday
Friendly)
– BCOLS
• Classroom March 2 Port Rebublic MD
• Overnight April 27-28 Prince Frederick MD

3. Prepared. For Life.
District Training
• Scoutmaster Training
– Scoutmaster Position Specific Training
• March 16, 2018 Grace UMC, Gaithersburg
– IOLS/BALOO
• Wednesday May 8, 2018 Fairhaven UMC,
Darnestown
• Friday/Saturday May 17-18 Izaak Walton League
National Headquarters, Gaithersburg

4. Prepared. For Life.
Here’s Something New
• Scouting.org updated with new layout and
incorporation of Scouts BSA
• New Guide to Advancement
– https://www.scouting.org/resources/guide-to-
advancement/
• Girl Troops Are HERE!
– Welcome Troop 239 in Darnestown Area
– Welcome Troop 1920 in Mongtomery Village

5. Prepared. For Life.
Updated Merit Badge
Requirements
• American Business
– Completely rewritten
• American Labor (minor)
• Archery (Significant)
• Bird Study (Significant)
• Communication (Minor)**
• First Aid (Minor)**
• Fly Fishing (Minor + 1 new)
• Forestry (Minor)

6. Prepared. For Life.
Merit Badge Updates
(Cont’d)
• Geocaching (Minor)
• Golf (Minor)
• Law (Minor)
• Lifesaving (Minor Prereq changes)**
• Motor Boating (Significant)
• Personal Management (Significant)**
• Railroading (Minor)
• Reptile and Amphibian Study (Minor

7. Prepared. For Life.
• Scouting Heritage (Minor)
• Soil and Water Conservation (Minor)
• Woodworking (Minor)
• **EAGLE REQUIRED!!!
Merit Badge Updates
(Cont’d)