Purpose and Mission Statement
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.
SND Questions & Support
Serving Scouts with Special Needs
Scouting America
Nationally approved resources can be found on Scouting America's Disability Awareness service page for scouting of all abilities.
Advancement Considerations
Units can approach advancement with flexibility as well as provide accommodations for Scouts with different learning styles, which can benefit the whole unit.
These national guidelines have been updated to clarify how.
Guides:
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Guide to Advancement, Section 10: Advancement for Members With Special Needs
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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 contact: SND Questions & Support
Able Scouts is a practical guide for adult leaders, Scouters 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
PRESENTATIONS
- Tools for the Unit Leader-New Roundtable presentation
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 SND Champions by District
| District |
SND Committee Representative (Champion) |
Role |
|---|---|---|
| Alameda Area | Ed Barnes | Founding Member |
| Gary Baysmore | Founding Member | |
| Cathryn Edelmen | Member | |
| Melissa MacDonald | Member | |
| Linda Owczarz | Founding Member, Vice Chair | |
| Wes Truex | Member | |
| Briones | Liz Chaffee | Member |
| Mary Markey | Founding Member | |
| Chief Solano | Sara Johnson | Member |
| Diablo Sunrise | TBD | |
| Golden Gate | Tony Mei (chair) | Founder, Chair |
| Herms | Mirna Bymaster | Founding Member |
| Lake | TBD | |
| Meridian | TBD | |
| Mission Peak | Heather Zeng | Founding Member |
| Muir | TBD | |
| Pacific Rivers | TBD | |
| Silverado | Shanna Pyka | Member |
| Twin Valley | Linda Ransom | Founding Member |