The Garden State Council is committed to making Scouting accessible and enjoyable to all Scouts, regardless of their abilities. Scouting America’s policy is to treat all members as equals. It has been traditional, however, to make some accommodations in advancement if absolutely necessary. By adapting the environment and/or our instruction methods, all Scouts, with many different abilities, can find success in Scouting.
How to register Scouts with Special Needs
There is no special registration process for Scouts with a disability or special need or procedure to collect such information. If the disability has the potential to cause a scout to not complete ranks before they turn 18, then please see “Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility” below.
Parents need to discuss with leaders about any accommodations needed. A good unit can and does make simple accommodations for individual members whenever possible. If the youth has mobility or health restrictions that will affect activities, these are generally collected on the Annual Health and Medical Record and kept in case of a medical emergency by the unit leadership or health and safety officer. Leaders and camp staff and event staff don’t share this information with the entire staff, so parents may find it helpful to talk directly to leaders and staff working directly with their children about any accommodation needed or strategies that would be helpful. A parent or Scout leader can contact members of the Special Needs Scouting Committee for suggestions, resources and valuable perspectives if needed.
Advancement for Members with Special Needs
Youth members and adults who are developmentally disabled or cognitively impaired, or youth members with severe physical challenges, may be considered for registration beyond the ages of eligibility: age 11 or older for a Cub Scout, 18 or older for a Scouts BSA member, or 21 or older as a Venturer or Sea Scout. Requests to extend registration beyond the age of eligibility for youth members and adults based on developmental disability or cognitive impairment may be submitted to Garden State Council’s Advancement Committee. Requests for youth members based on severe physical challenges must be received before they reach the end of age eligibility for the program. For example, a request for a youth member to extend participation in the Scouts BSA program must be received before the youth reaches their 18th birthday.
How We Support Our Scouts
- Empower unit leaders with the knowledge of individuals with disabilities and promote all aspects of disability awareness.
- Welcome any special needs youth and their families and promote their inclusion into Scouting units.
- Assist with disability specific advancement including alternative registration and advancement alternatives.
- Provide training and consultations to families, units, and council on Special Needs Scouting.
Special Needs and Disabilities Volunteer Support
The Special Needs and Disabilities Committee has volunteers that are available to provide personal support, talk through complex situations, and generally offer assistance for any parents and/or unit leaders. Commissioners are available to present at district roundtables, provide information when working on the disabilities awareness merit badge, and assist with units with specific issues. For more information, reach out using the contact information below.
Contact us
Preston Irving
Program Director
Preston.irving@scouting.org | 609-261-5850 x210
