SCOUTERS AND SCOUT FAMILIES
FOR ASSISTANCE ON ALL THINGS SPECIAL NEEDS, GO TO:
Mission and Purpose
Scouting America seeks to fully include Scouts of all abilities – diverse learning styles, neuro-divergent thinkers and many physical, intellectual, and developmental abilities.
Golden Gate Area Council’s Special Needs Committee promotes inclusion by helping unit and district leaders create meaningful experiences for all Scouts. We provide training for adapting the environment, guidance on advancement and program variation, and direct support so that the challenges embedded in Scouting are accessible to Scouts of all abilities.
Serving Scouts with Special Needs
General References:
- Guide to Advancement, Section 10 "Advancement for Members With Special Needs"
- Scouts BSA Tenderfoot - 1st Class Alternative Rank Requirements
Advancement Modifications:
When a Scout is unable to access advancement through approaches referenced above, or if more time is needed due to long-term challenges, Scouts may apply for alternative advancement planning.
The Scout, parents, Scout leaders, and qualified professionals provide information in the following application forms, which are submitted to the Council Advancement Committee for approval.
Forms:
For more information:
ABLESCOUTS
Ablescouts is a practical online guide for adult leaders and parents.
Abilities Digest
Quarterly publication of the National Special Needs Committee of Scouting America.
Inclusion Toolbox
Inclusion Toolbox for Special Needs and Disabilities is a series of practical information modules that keeps special needs and disability information accessible 24/7/365 to the Scouting community.
Presentations and Learning Modules
WORKSHOPS
PRESENTATIONS
TRAINING MODULES
Special Needs Scouting Awards
Special Needs Scouting Service Award
This award is earned by direct action on behalf of members with special needs and by spreading the ideals of inclusiveness, diversity, and disability awareness in Scouting.
Torch of Gold Award
The Torch of Gold is a council award given annually to an adult Scouter for dedicated work for Scouting youth with disabilities.
The nominee should show a level of dedication and service comparable to a Scouter receiving the Silver Beaver Award, but for service specifically in the area of working with Scouts with disabilities.
Woods Service Award
Each year, a volunteer may receive the national Woods Services Award for exceptional service and leadership in the field of Special Needs Scouting.
Use the official nomination form, which must be signed by the council’s Scout Executive.
Send the signed form to [email protected].
Woods Services nominations must arrive by January 31.
GGAC Special Needs Team
Questions and Support
GGAC SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES
CONTACTS |
||
|---|---|---|
| Ann Bruner-Welch | Chair | General Inquiries, Council and National Information |
| Linda Owczarz | Outreach Vice Chair | District / Unit Advancement & Registration Guidance & General Inclusion Support |
| Anthony Mei | Program Support Vice Chair | District / Council Programs - Outdoor, Camping, Activities SND development. Council Advisory |
| Linda Ransom | Training Vice Chair | SND Training Development & Coordination |
COMMITTEES
GGAC SND OUTREACH
DISTRICT / UNIT - INFORMATION & SUPPORT |
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|---|---|---|
| Council and District Coordinators | ||
| Vice Chair | Linda Owczarz | Outreach District & Unit Support Coordination & Advisor |
| Liz Chaffee | ||
| Cathryn Edelmen | ||
| Melissa MacDonald | ||
| Shanna Pyka | ||
| District & Unit Outreach Representatives | ||
| Alameda Area | Cathryn Edelmen | |
| Melissa McDonald | ||
| Linda Owczarz | ||
| Briones | Liz Chaffee | |
| Chief Solano | TBD | |
| Diablo Sunrise | TBD | |
| Golden Gate | Tony Mei | |
| Herms | Mirna Bymaster | |
| Lake | TBD | |
| Meridian | TBD | |
| Mission Peak | Heather Zeng | |
| Muir | TBD | |
| Miwok | Jennifer Masterson | |
| Pacific Rivers | TBD | |
| Pomo | Kandi Andrade | |
| Silverado | Shanna Pyka | |
| Twin Valley | Linda Ransom | |
| Yokayo-Logger | Randy Huffman | |
| Lori Yanez | ||
GGAC SND PROGRAM SUPPORT
COUNCIL & DISTRICT PROGRAMS |
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|---|---|---|
| Vice Chair | Tony Mei | Chief Advisor, Development Coordinator |
| Sara Johnson | ||
| Jennifer Masterson | Asst. Chief Advisor, Coordinator | |
| Wes Truex | ||
GGAC SND TRAINING
SND TRAINING & PRESENTATIONS |
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|---|---|---|
| Vice Chair | Linda Ransom | Chief training development & presentation coordinator |
| Ed Barnes | ||
| Gary Baysmore | ||
| Kyle Bruner-Welch | Technical Support | |
| Heather Zeng | ||
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