Resources for Council Webmasters

HOT NEWS

  • Important - Please Read The national web site http://www.scouting.org will move into a new publishing platform the week of February 4th. As a result some direct links to content within Scouting.org have changed. Please refer to the linked file map for the new locations of these files. Site Map
  • SPAM Alert: - It has been reported that a number of our members have received unsolicited e-mails that appear to have been sent from the organization. Please be aware that the BSA does not send e-mails of this nature, nor is there any agreement in place to allow third parties to send messages using our domains. Please disregard any such messages you may receive and inform your members to do the same.
  • New Leader Essentials - There appears to have been at least one official communication (a memo) that suggested that New Leader Essentials will be added to the Online Learning Center this year. Regrettably, this is incorrect. NLE was one of several courses considered for addition to the OLC, but a project to develop this training has not been initiated (or even approved). It is very unlikely the course will be added this year. Should this project be initiated, a notice will be posted in the Maintenance Logs.
  • Online Learning Center Bug - People who attempt to create an account at the Online Learning Center (olc.scouting.org) using the new version (7) of Internet Explorer are unable to complete the form because a graphic is blocking text entry fields. It may be possible for them to complete the form by using the tab key (rather than the mouse) to navigate the form fields ... otherwise, they may need to try a different Web browser (firefox, netscape, etc., or an older version of IE). We are currently working on a new login system that will replace the current one and hope this problem will be solved when the new "MyScouting" portal is rolled out.

KEY RESOURCES

  • Maintenance Logs - indicates past and upcoming changes to the BSA Web sites. Check these logs periodically (at least once per month) to learn what's new and keep your links up to date.
  • Frequently Asked Questions - Provides answers to some of the more common issues facing council Webmasters, including details that may be lacking in other resources.
  • News and Updates - Add (or remove) your address to the mailing list for news and updates pertaining to national Web sites and council resources.

The resources in this directory are provided for those who are involved in creating and maintaining Web sites for local Scout councils.

BSA Policy and Guidelines

Guidelines for Local Council Web Sites: Short Version and Detailed Version
Councils that operate Web sites are expected to comply with these guidelines.
Also see the FAQ about these guidelines
Advice for personal and unit Web sites
To assist local councils in providing guidance to individuals who wish to operate Web sites on behalf of their Scouting units, the National Council is providing this information below to address a few key issues.
The Language of Scouting
The Language of Scouting provides information about the terms and style associated specifically with Scouting and grammar, spelling, and style norms. Use this as a reference to ensure correct and consistent use of terms on your council Web site.
Use of Organization Identity and Program Symbols
Review this guidebook to ensure you are using BSA logos and artwork properly and consistently. This guide also contains digital files of logos and other signature/trademark art.
Also see the FAQ about this item

Resources to Include in Your Site

"What's Hot" Feed
The stories that appear on the BSA Home page under the header of "What's Hot" are also delivered in a format that can be read by various software and included in other sites.
Training Modules
Instructions for offering online training modules (Fast Start, Youth Protection) via your council site.
Also see the FAQ about this item
Forms
A number of applications and forms (such as tour permits, medical, etc.) have been exempted from the ban on publishing supply items online, and are available in PDF format.
Other Resources
These items are "invisible" on the BSA Web server, but you may link to them from your council site.

"How-To" Articles

How to Include Material in Council Web Sites
Instructions for including information from the National Council Web site within the context of your council sites. This technique enables you to present information that we maintain while keeping site visitors in your own site.

Other Information

Official Web Sites
A list of Web sites that are operated by the National Council.
Presentations
Presentations made at the National Annual Meeting regarding the Internet and Web sites.