2014
NASHVILLE, TN MAY 21-23
N AT I O N A L A N N U A L M E E T I N G
May 21–23 at the Gaylord
Opryland Resort & Convention
Center, Nashville, Tennessee
This year’s National Annual Meeting will be unlike any other. That’s because we’re changing just about everything.
Ever watched a Scout create a spark, then a fire, with a flint and steel? That one spark—one life-changing
experience—can start a blaze that really gets things moving.
That’s our main focus: the Scouting experience. The experience that youth, families, volunteers, donors, and
chartered organizations have with our movement is what makes Scouting so special. So how do we continue
to deliver an outstanding, world-class experience for everyone who comes in contact with Scouting? Those
experiences change lives, recruit and retain youth and families, build support, and make Scouting the amazing
program it is today. Our entire meeting is geared to focusing on the promises we make—and the experiences we
deliver that change lives.
The BSA Welcomes
a New President
Former Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates will be introduced as the
new BSA national president during the National Annual Meeting. There will be
a couple of great opportunities to meet him or hear him speak.
Exhibit Hall Book Signing. Dr. Gates will be signing his new book, Duty: Memoirs
of a Secretary at War, on Friday, May 23, from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.
Spark Sessions
Like sitting through dull electives? Neither do we. So we got rid
of them.
Spark Sessions are interactive discussions designed to focus on
the key issues important to Scouting—like serving more youth,
recruitment and retention, building financially sustainable councils,
delivering a safe program, creating unforgettable outdoor programs,
and more.
No fire hose of information. No data dump. Just discussions about
things that matter. And maybe … a spark that gets things going.
Page 2.
Duty to God and Americanism Breakfasts:
Some Things Just Get Better
What do a reverend, a storm-chasing television host, and National
Geographic have in common? You’ll have to attend the Duty to God
and Americanism breakfasts to find out. These must-see events
National Council Recognition Dinner. Hear Dr. Gates’ first remarks as the BSA’s
national president during dinner on Friday, May 23, from 7 to 9 p.m.
are renowned for terrific programs and engaging speakers, and this
year is no exception. Page 4.
Exhibits: Idea Central
We’ve changed the exhibit experience, too. More exhibits, more
interaction, more entertainment, and of course, just plain fun and
fellowship. Don’t miss the welcome reception on Wednesday or the
mix-and-mingle event on Thursday. Page 6.
Of course there is work to be done. But we’ll also take time to visit,
discuss, and celebrate in the warmth and hospitality of
one of America’s greatest cities. It’s going to be a great meeting.
Come to Nashville. Let’s heat things up.
Let’s Light a Fire
for Scouting!
Spark Sessions
2015 OA Centennial Programs: Centuries of Service
Enterprise Risk Management
Thursday, 5–6 p.m.
Friday, 2–3:15 p.m.
The Scouting adventure includes risks. Those risks have a real
effect on the bottom line of every part of the movement: reputation,
membership, financial stability, and even the ability to carry on
the business of Scouting. This session will discuss how to have
the conversation about risk and will also highlight tools available
to help proactively manage and measure the effectiveness of risk
management efforts. In addition, we’ll discuss the impact of risk and
how to take steps to manage the impact of risk on people and the
organization. The session will feature some examples of successful
efforts—and the results of not having the conversation.
Learn what the Order of the Arrow has planned for its 2015
centennial, with a focus on the following three programs:
ArrowTour, National OA Conference, and the OA/BSA Year of
Service. Special emphasis will be placed on the Year of Service,
which will involve councils and lodges throughout the BSA.
A New Way to Provide Commissioner Service:
Commissioner Tools and the Unit Service Plan
Thursday, 3:30–4:45 p.m. & Friday, 9:30–10:45 a.m.; 2–3:15 p.m.
Commissioners foster the highest level of member experience.
Join us for a presentation on the latest information regarding
commissioner service. This will include an overview of the newly
designed Commissioner’s Tools and how commissioners will use
this data in support of the newly designed Unit Service Plan.
This is where tools and technology will be on full display to enhance
the support, service, and efficiency of all commissioners.
BSA Asset Management and Your Endowment
Friday, 9:30–10:45 a.m.
It is the responsibility of BSA’s local councils to invest their
endowment assets in a manner that will provide competitive returns,
yet satisfy the requirement that investment decisions be made
in accordance with applicable fiduciary standards. The BSA has
created an investment vehicle designed to allow local councils to
take advantage of the “purchasing power” provided by the National
Council’s $2 billion in investment assets. During this elective,
councils that have joined the partnership will receive an update on
BSAAM including recent performance, and councils considering
participation will receive an overview of the program.
BSA Youth Protection Champions Program
Thursday, 3:30–4:45 p.m.
Increased knowledge of all aspects of the BSA’s Youth Protection
programs is a necessity. The initiation of the BSA Youth Protection
Champions program supports the culture of youth protection
awareness and safety within all units and councils. Learn about this
important initiative, obtain the latest program information, hear
from successful “Champions,” and understand youth protection
engagement opportunities.
Chartered Organizations Panel Discussion
Thursday, 3:30–4:45 p.m. & Friday, 9:30–10:45 a.m.; 2–3:15 p.m.
Chartered organizations share our goal of delivering life-changing
experiences to youth and families. This session will help you prepare
to collaborate with chartered organizations in your communities to
grow Scouting.
James C. Justice National Scout Camp
Friday, 2–3:15 p.m.
Scouting’s outdoor programs let youth members develop their
leadership skills, put Scouting’s lessons into action, and help
increase retention of youth in the program. Come learn about
the opening of the next component of the Summit Bechtel
Family National Scout Reserve: the James C. Justice National
Scout Camp. Of particular interest to councils within a five-hour
driving radius of the Summit, this session will introduce the new
programs to be delivered in 2015, provide marketing materials,
and outline procedures for registering as either a participant or
staff member.
National Growth Plan
Thursday, 3:30–4:45 p.m. & Friday, 9:30–10:45 a.m.; 2–3:15 p.m.
To position the organization for the future, the BSA has launched
a new approach to growth—tying a Scout’s program experience
and a council’s strength, recruitment strategies, and retention
practices together with our passion for attracting and retaining as
many youth as possible to Scouting. This session will introduce
the National Growth Initiative and serve as a comprehensive
“listening” opportunity as we position our movement to return to
strong, sustainable growth. Growth is everyone’s
responsibility, so come and learn how you can
get involved, and add your thoughts to the plans
being developed.
The Cub Scouting Experience: New Updates
Thursday, 3:30–4:45 p.m. & Friday, 2–3:15 p.m.
More fun and activities for boys! Simplified for
leaders! Come hear the latest on the new Cub Scout adventure
program beginning with the 2015–2016 program year. The
authors and program developers will guide you on your first new
Cub Scout adventure, introduce you to the new handbooks and
adult materials, and pretty much Baloo your mind!
2
The Donor Experience: Fundraising/Development
Thursday, 3:30–4:45 p.m. & Friday, 9:30–10:45 a.m.; 2–3:15 p.m.
A well-funded council is the foundation of a strong customer
experience and helps sustain that experience for years to come.
Join us for interactive discussions that will include corporate
engagement and its benefits to all BSA youth and families, alumni
outreach and engagement, sustainability and how to leverage
the concept in local councils, local sponsorship and partnership
activation, and new ideas to generate revenue in a volatile
fundraising environment. Additionally, the BSA Foundation will
conduct an interactive session on premium service offerings and
investment management of local funds.
Why attend the
2014 National
Annual Meeting?
thousANds oF
AtteNdees!
With one goal—
Light a Fire!
Local and National Leaders
2,000+
The Member Experience—Light a Fire!
Thursday, 3:30–4:45 p.m. & Friday, 9:30–10:45 a.m.; 2–3:15 p.m.
It’s critical that we reach out to potential Scouts and parents to
communicate the value and relevance of Scouting to today’s families
and invite them to join. This session will include an emphasis on new
Cub Scout recruiting materials and foster strategic discussions on
more effectively reaching families who are not being asked to join
Scouting. That’s just the start of the member experience! We’ll also
journey “back to the future” to find out how the BSA’s innovative
STEM/Nova programs are sparking and igniting the curiosity of our
youth, parents, and community organizations.
The Outdoor Experience
Thursday, 3:30–4:45 p.m. & Friday, 9:30–10:45 a.m.
Along with learning about outstanding council summer camps for
your Scouts and leaders, this interactive session will explore how
to leverage life-changing experiences at Scouting’s most iconic
properties: Philmont, Sea Base, Northern Tier, and the Summit.
Come learn and discuss the future plans for these high-adventure
bases including 2015 programming and the opening of the James
C. Justice National Scout Camp at the Summit, and get a glimpse of
plans for the 2017 National Scout Jamboree.
The Venturing Experience: New Updates
Friday, 9:30–10:45 a.m.
Get the scoop on the next generation of Venturing,
which begins its rollout this fall. Find out how the
new Venturing program will provide young adults
a fun, peer-based platform of adventure to help
them build skills and experiences valuable for their
futures. Join us to find out more about the new
Venturing experience.
28
attendees from across
the nation and the world
Invaluable opportunities
Spark Sessions
to learn and shape the Scouting experience
exhibits
70+ 45,000
sq.ft.
Exhibit Hall
Exhibitors
Networking and engagement
250+
Meetings
and Events
Come to Nashville.
Let’s light a fire for scouting!
Join us May 21–23, 2014, at
the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
Registration starting Feb. 10.
www.scouting.org/nationalannualmeeting
2014
NASHVILLE, TN MAY 21-23
N AT I O N A L A N N U A L M E E T I N G
Voice of the Scout/Journey to Excellence/MyScouting Tools
Thursday, 3:30–4:45 p.m. & Friday, 9:30–10:45 a.m.; 2–3:15 p.m.
Three vital areas of performance and satisfaction are Voice of the Scout, Journey to Excellence, and MyScouting Tools. Using these
resources effectively is the key to delivering a positive member experience. Have you ever asked, “How can I use the Voice of the Scout
data to improve member loyalty?” “What can we do to move our Journey to Excellence needles in the right direction and improve our
performance?” “What is ‘MyScouting Tools’ and can someone show me how to use it?” If you want to answer these questions and learn
what you and your council can do to increase performance and satisfaction, you won’t want to miss this session.
3
Events
Breakfasts
Luncheon
Duty to God Breakfast
Regional Luncheons With Silver Antelope Awards
Thursday, 7:30–9 a.m.
The Duty to God Breakfast is a longstanding tradition at the National
Annual Meeting and has served as
one of its outstanding highlights
year after year. We expect this year’s
breakfast to be no different. The
theme will be “A Scout is loyal.”
Friday, 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
Join us for fun and fellowship as we bestow the region’s highest
honor, the Silver Antelope, upon our well-deserving peers.
We look forward to seeing you, so remember to purchase your
regional luncheon tickets when you register for the meeting!
We have separated these four regional luncheons from the
business meetings in order to appropriately celebrate with our
distinguished peers. Tickets are $55 and are available for purchase
as space allows.
This year, we are looking forward to
celebrating one of the cornerstones
Bishop James E.
of Scouting, “Our Duty to God.” As
Scouting founder Lord Robert BadenSwanson Sr.
Powell said, “No man can be really
good if he doesn’t believe in God and follow His laws. This is why all
Scouts must have a religion.”
The keynote speaker will be Bishop James E. Swanson Sr., resident
bishop, Mississippi area, of the United Methodist Church. The breakfast
will include a full program featuring presentations of youth awards
representing various faiths and a musical guest. Don’t miss this
opportunity to embrace the 12th point of the Scout law, “A Scout
is reverent.”
Please join us for this exceptional event. Tickets to the Duty to God
Breakfast are $45 and are available for purchase as space allows.
Americanism Breakfast
Friday, 7:30–9 a.m.
Sponsored by the National Eagle
Scout Association, the Americanism
Breakfast has long been one of the
National Annual Meeting’s most
popular events. You will hear of the
accomplishments of some of our
most outstanding Scouts, including
the recipients of the three largest BSA
scholarships, and the national winner
of the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams
National Eagle Scout Service Project
Boyd Matson
of the Year Award. The “warm-up”
speaker and emcee will be Eagle Scout
Reed Timmer, a storm chaser and meteorologist, and the keynote
speaker will be Eagle Scout Boyd Matson, former anchor of National
Geographic Explorer and the current host of National Geographic’s
Wild Chronicles. Tickets are $45 and are available for purchase as
space allows.
Dinners
National Executive Board and Advisory Council Dinner
Wednesday, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxed, social evening in the Magnolia Room of the Gaylord
Opryland Resort and Convention Center for National Executive
Board members, spouses, and guests. Registration for this dinner
is open only to National Executive Board and Advisory Council
members. Recommended attire is business casual. Tickets for this
dinner are $85 per person.
National Foundation Recognition Dinner
Thursday, 6–9:30 p.m.
Join us as we highlight and celebrate outstanding donors and their
investment toward Scouting’s second century. Our special guest
speaker is Dr. Robert M. Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense
and director of the Central Intelligence Agency. This event will be
held at the Parthenon in Nashville. Capacity is limited, with priority
seating and access given to Presidents Leadership Council, Second
Century Society, and National Executive Board members. Cost is
$195 for individuals.
National Council Recognition Dinner
Friday, 7–9 p.m.
Join us for the National Council Recognition Dinner to honor this
year’s recipients of the Silver Buffalo Award for their outstanding
service to youth, and also to hear the first remarks from incoming
BSA National President Dr. Robert M. Gates. As always, this evening
of food, fellowship, recognition, and entertainment promises to
be a highlight of the meeting. Tickets are $85 and are available for
purchase as space allows. Appropriate attire is business dress or
BSA dress uniform.
Reception
Silver Antelope and Silver Buffalo Reception
Friday, 6–6:45 p.m.
Join us for fun and fellowship as we celebrate with our friends
who have been newly recognized with the Silver Antelope or Silver
Buffalo award.
4
Meetings
National Annual Business Meeting
Regional Business Meetings
Thursday, 9:30–10:45 a.m.
The Annual Business Meeting is a core
event of the National Annual Meeting.
BSA National President Wayne Perry will
preside as the nominating, resolutions,
and treasurer reports are presented
and updates on key initiatives are
shared. This will be a full, action-packed
general session with inspiring and useful
information equipping you as a key
Scouter to provide leadership in 2014
and beyond.
Thursday, 2–3 p.m.
The regional business meetings will include recognition of councils
for their successes in Journey to Excellence and other categories.
The business meeting will include the election of the regional
president, appointment of the regional commissioner, election of
the regional executive committee, regional executive board, and
regional advisory board. We have separated this meeting from the
luncheon to allow sufficient time for regional business.
Wayne Perry
The Scouting Experience:
A Conversation With the National Key 3 (for Key 3’s only)
Thursday, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Council, area, and region Key 3’s are invited to join the national
Key 3 for an interactive discussion on delivering an outstanding
Scouting experience for youth and families. This session will include
brief remarks from the national Key 3 and give participants the
opportunity to engage with them in asking questions and sharing
thoughts and ideas on national plans and initiatives.
Special Event
Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
This year, the BSA is partnering with the American Red Cross and
holding a blood drive during the National Annual Meeting. Please
join us in the Ryman Exhibit Hall. Did you know you can save up
to three lives with one donation? You can help answer the need.
Please call 1-800-RedCross (1-800-733-2767) to schedule your
blood donation appointment or ask questions about your eligibility.
Remember, the need for blood is constant and only volunteers can
fill that need.
Note: For the benefit of all meeting participants, the national Key 3 will
also speak at the Annual Business Meeting and at meals.
5
The Exhibit Hall Is Your
Idea Central
More Information. More Interactive!
More exhibits, more interaction, more entertainment, and of course,
just plain fun and fellowship.
We’re happy to announce a new, more interactive, and more
entertaining exhibit hall. While the basic booths will be on display to
help you get your questions answered and present new information,
we will also have other enticements to make your visit worthwhile.
You must be registered to attend the meeting to visit the exhibit hall.
Badges will be checked at the door.
Exhibitors will be competing for one of three prizes: most
entertaining and/or interactive, most innovative, and most
sustainable or “green.” One of these winners will be awarded Best
in Show and receive a very nice prize. Judges will be selected from
among the volunteers attending the meeting.
There will also be a contest for exhibit hall attendees. A “bingo” card
will be given to each attendee when entering the hall. Those who get
their card completely filled out and turned in will be entered into a
drawing for another nice prize.
Remember: You must be registered to attend the meeting to visit the
exhibit hall. Badges will be checked at the door.
Register Today
Don’t Miss These Great Events!
Welcome Reception. A welcome reception will be held in the hall on
Wednesday, May 21, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Mix and Mingle. Stop by and enjoy food, fun, and fellowship on
Thursday, May 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Participants. The conference registration fee for the 2014 National
Annual Meeting is $300. If you register prior to midnight (Pacific
time) Saturday, April 26, you will receive the early-bird fee of $250.
Spouses and Guests. Spouses and guests (age 13 and older) also must
be registered and have a name badge to participate in conference
activities. The registration fee is $150 and includes a name badge,
continental breakfast on Thursday and Friday, entry into exhibits,
and a conference memento.
Youth Fee. A youth fee of $80 is required for children ages 6 through
12 who plan to participate in conference activities. This fee includes
a name badge, continental breakfast on Thursday and Friday, and
entry into exhibits. Children under 6 years of age are not required to
pay a registration fee. However, if a child requires a seat at a meal, a
ticket to the event must be purchased.
Go to www.scouting.org/NationalAnnualMeeting/register.aspx
to register today!
For questions, write to officeof.meetingmanagement@scouting.org.
Need more help planning your trip? Visit www.scouting.org/
NationalAnnualMeeting/planning.aspx.
Gates Book Signing. In response to interest by National Annual
Meeting participants, incoming BSA National President Dr. Robert
M. Gates (left) has agreed to sign copies of his new book, Duty:
Memoirs of a Secretary at War, in the exhibit hall on Friday, May 23,
from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. If you own a copy of Duty: Memoirs of a
Secretary at War and would like Dr. Gates to sign it, please bring it
with you. If you do not own a copy and would like to purchase one,
the BSA Supply Group will have copies in the Scout shop. You may
pre-order a copy on your registration form.
2014
NASHVILLE, TN MAY 21-23
N AT I O N A L A N N U A L M E E T I N G
310-576
2014 Printing