Computers in Scouting

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Computers in Scouting
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Session Facilitator
Terry Tanner
2049 Keenland Pkwy. Owensboro, KY 42303
[phone] Home
ttanner_at_bellsouth.net
[phone] Work
terry.tanner_at_smna.com
Visit the Troop 611 Website at
personal.bellsouth.net/lig/t/t/ttanner/Troop611/de
fault.htm
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Introduction

• How many people own a computer at home?

• How many people use their computer for Scouting
• purposes?

• How many people have used computers in a
• program with their Cub Scouts

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Learning Objectives
1. Explain the impact computers have had on the
Scouting Program.
2. Demonstrate ways to use a computer to manage
your Pack and Den records.
3. Demonstrate ways to incorporate graphics and
pictures to enhance communications.
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Learning Objectives
4. Explain the fundamental aspects involved in
designing a newsletter or flyer.
5. Discuss ways in which the Internet may be
incorporated into your Scouting program.
6. Discuss ways in which a Pack Website could
improve the operation of the unit.
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Learning Objectives
7. Explain ways to incorporate computers in your
Scouting program within the Pack and Den.
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Pack Den Administration
Computers often help to maintain records and
plans for a Pack or Den, including
Advancement Records
Resource Surveys
Unit Roster
Activity Plans and Records
Phone Directory
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Pack Den Administration
What I really Need is a Computer Program that
Does it All!
PMW
CSRK
Lets Take A Moment and Look at A Couple
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Communicating with Computer
Do you have problems getting people to read
information you put out for them about important
events and activities?
As a Scout leader, you can use computers to
enhance your communications to the Scouts and
parents.
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Designing Newsletters and Flyers
1. Capture the attention of the reader!
4 Use Clipart or graphics to pull in the reader.
4 Make important information standout from
details.
4 Use large headings to separate content.
2. Handout publications on a regular basis.
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Designing Newsletters and Flyers
3. Make sure that both Parents and Scouts will
want to read the information.
4 Include puzzles, games, and fun articles
4 Have articles that focus on Scouts
advancements or good deeds.
4. Give a complete calendar of events for
parents to have available.
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Using Clipart and Graphics
Most modern word processors will allow for
clipart or graphics to be embedded into the
documents.
A clipart file will have a distinct file type,
designated by a three letter extension on the
name. Here are some common clipart file
extensions
.pcx
.bmp
.jpg
.gif
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Using Clipart and Graphics
Ready Lets Go!
How to Insert Clipart
Please remember that not all programs will insert
clipart in the same manner, but the process
should be similar.
CONSULT THE USERS MANUEL OF THE PROGRAM YOU ARE
USING FOR DETAILS ON INSERTING CLIPART.
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Where to Find Scouting Clipart
Here are some resources for Scouting Clipart
? ClipMaster CD
Available through the Council Service Centers
? U.S. Scouting Project - Clipart Collection
? Internet Sites
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Scouting the Internet
Entering the World Wide Web of Scouting
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Using the Internet with Scouting
What exactly is the Internet?
The Internet is a network of computers from
around the world where information may be
transferred and viewed through the worlds
communications system.
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Using the Internet with Scouting
How can I use the Internet to help me in Scouting?
Scouting related Websites
Electronic Mail
List Servers
Files Programs
Non-Scouting Resources
Newsgroups
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Scouting Related Websites
Several Scouting based websites offer useful
tools for Scout leaders
Clipart
Outdoor Activity Ideas
Program Guides
Indoor/ Outdoor Games
Songbooks/ Skits
BSA Forms and Publications
Project Plans
Campfires and Ceremonies Ideas
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List Servers / Newsgroups
An important role of the Internet with Scouting
is the ability to communicate with other leaders
from across the Nation and World.
List Server
A List Server serves as a bulletin board that
allows for questions or comments to be posted
then sent to all members of the List on a regular
basis.
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List Servers / Newsgroups
News Group
A Newsgroup is similar to a List Server in that
comments are posted but are left available for
review. In addition to the message, a newsgroup
may host files and other programs..
Here are a few List Servers / Newsgroups that
deal with Scouting
Scouts-L
OA-L
Patches-L
STCList
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E-Mail, Files, and Programs
Electronic Mail (E-Mail)
E-mail is a great way to communicate to parents
and other leaders
The Internet is a great place to download files
such as BSA forms, maps, clipart, etc..
Files
Programs
The Internet has many free programs or demos
available, including PackMaster.
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Non-Scouting Websites
In addition to the many Scouting websites, there
are numerous sites that have resources including
nature study, crafts, sports, and outdoor
activities. Also many local areas have
information available on the Internet as well.
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Pack Websites
Does Your Pack Have a Website?
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Advantages of Pack Websites
What are some of the reasons why a Pack Website
is useful?
Promote Unit
Display Photos
Recognize Scouts
Share Information
Offer Resources
Offer Links
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Creating a Pack Website
How to Create an Award Winning Website without
spending Big Bucks!
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Creating a Pack Website
What do I Need?
1. Computer
2. Modem
3. Internet Service Provider (ISP)
4. HTML Compiling Program
5. Internet Server to host Web Page
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Creating a Pack Website
Lets Take A Closer Look
anansi
arach
Front Page
Word
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Creating a Pack Website
Helpful Hints
Start off small, dont try to develop an
intensive Website in the beginning it takes time.
Access the resources in the unit, many parents,
assistant leaders, family members, or even scouts
may be willing to help.
Have fun creating your Website, its not brain
surgery!
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Managing Your Pack Website
Now that you have it created, you must manage it!
Keep your Website updated, it isnt any good if
all the information is old!
Try to keep improving the site, if it never
changes looks, no one will come back to your site.
Experiment, there is a vast range of improvements
that can be made, any improvements will only make
your site that much more impressive and
successful.
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Lets Not Forget the Kids
They can Benefit from Computers Too!
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Computers in the Program
How can Incorporating Computers in the program be
beneficial to Scouts?
Introduces them to new resources
Occupational benefits
May be used as a learning tool
Sparks new interests
FUN EXCITING
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Computers in the Program
Discussion Time
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Computers in the Program
WARNING
We should always remember that when working with
young children we must do everything possibly to
protect them. When working with the Internet and
other computer programs, to prevent exposure to
improper material, adult participation should
accompany childrens use of computers.
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Summary

• Computers can help manage Pack and Den records
  and help with the administrative process of
  Scouting.

• By using computers and the proper methods of
  designing publications you can enhance
  communications within the Pack or Den.

• The Internet serves as a valuable resource for
  Cub Scout Leaders and should be utilized as
  best as possible.

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Summary

• A Pack may better its communications,
  promotion, and operations by implementing a
  Pack Website to host information and resources
  for parents, scouts, and leaders.

• As Scout Leaders, we should try to incorporate
  properly the world of computers into our
  programs as an effective teaching tool for
  scouts .

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Questions?
Are there any questions?
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Contact Information
Terry Tanner
2049 Keenland Pkwy. Owensboro, KY 42303
[phone] Home
ttanner_at_bellsouth.net
[phone] Work
terry.tanner_at_smna.com
Visit the Troop 611 Website at
personal.bellsouth.net/lig/t/t/ttanner/Troop611/de
fault.htm
38
Thank You
For Your Participation!
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