SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY

Map and Compass Belt Loop and Pin
www.usscouts.org

Belt Loop

Complete these three requirements:

1. Show how to orient a map.  Find three landmarks on the map
2. Explain how a compass works.
3. Draw a map of your neighborhood.  Label the streets and plot the route you take to get to a place that you often visit.

Academics Pin

Earn the Map and Compass belt loop, and complete five of the following requirements:

1. Define cartography.
2. Make a poster showing 10 map symbols and their meaning.
3. Read a book or story about a famous explorer or navigator. Tell your den or family what you learned.
4. Make a simple compass with a magnet and pin.
5. Explain the difference between latitude and longitude and show them on a map or globe.
6. Draw a compass rose for a map. Label north, south, east, and west.
7. Study a blank map of the United States of America. Label your state, and the states that share its boundary lines.
8. In the field, show how to take a compass bearing and how to follow it.
9. Show how to measure distances, using a scale on a map legend.
10. Measure your pace.  Then layout a simple compass course for your den to try.
11. Using a road map, determine how many miles it is between two major cities or familiar destinations.
12. Explain what the different map colors can mean on a map.

Veterans Recognition

The Veteran Award is an adult recognition. However, tenure earned as a youth may be included in the total number of years registered.

After 5 years of registered service in the Boy Scouts of America, an adult may, upon application, receive the designation of “Veteran,” provided the person agrees to live up to the Scouting obligations; to keep local Scouting authorities in the community in which residing informed as to availability for service; and further, to be as active in the promotion of the cause of Scouting as circumstances and conditions permit. Service in Scouting organizations other than the Boy Scouts of America does not count toward veteran recognition.

An individual must currently be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America in order to receive an award.

An adult designated veteran shall pay the regular registration fee if desiring to continue to retain active connection with the movement.

Scouters desiring recognition as 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35-, 40-, 45-, 50-, 55-, 60-, 65-, 70-, 75-, or 80-year veterans must have maintained an active registered relationship for the required number of years, paying the annual registration fee.  The pin is for civilian wear only. 

The records of the national office and local councils shall determine eligibility.  The periods of service claimed for veteran recognition need not be continuous.

Application forms are available from your local council either in person or on their website (or Google – “Boy Scouts,” “Veterans Award” and you can see .pdf’s posted on several council websites. This is a great way to recognize long serving members of your unit or district.  Most people do not know this Award is available.  Surprise your experienced leaders at your Blue and Gold !!!