Vision
Mission
Values
Inclusivity
- Welcoming all Scouts and Scouters regardless of ability.
- Creating environments where everyone feels valued and respected.
Empowerment
- Recognizing and nurturing the inherent talents and abilities of every individual.
- Encouraging Scouts with special needs to reach their fullest potential.
Equity
- Ensuring fair access to Scouting programs, opportunities, and advancement.
- Removing barriers that limit participation or growth.
Collaboration
- Working hand-in-hand with families, leaders, units, district, and council functions.
- Promoting shared responsibility and mutual support across the Scouting community.
Advocacy
- Representing the interests of Scouts with special needs at all levels.
- Raising awareness and promoting understanding within Scouting America.
- Supporting personal development, leadership, and achievement.
- Fostering lifelong learning and resilience.
Compassion
- Leading with empathy, patience, and kindness.
- Understanding the unique journeys of every Scout and Scouter.
Education
- Providing training and resources to equip leaders and units.
- Promoting best practices for inclusive Scouting experiences.
Opportunity
- Creating pathways for participation, leadership, advancement, and recognition.
- Ensuring every Scout has the chance to thrive.
Service
- Upholding the Scouting tradition of helping others.
- Serving the needs of the community with dedication and heart.
Goals
- Work proactively and collaboratively with membership, training, advancement, program, and marketing functions to promote awareness and represent the interests of Scouts with special needs.
- Recommend the creation of a liason position to represent SNAG on the council advancement committee or vice versa.
- Recommend the creation of an Assistant Council Commissioner role for Special Needs Scouting.
- Recommend the creation of a “Unit Commissioner for Special Needs” position and program within the district Commissioner teams to provide direct unit service related to special needs.
- Conduct Special Needs Scouting training sessions regularly at appropriate district and council events (e.g., Roundtable, Scouting U, College of Commissioner Science, Merit Badge University) and when requested by units or other groups within the council.
- Create and promote easy and obvious methods to contact SNAG for assistance and for interested new members to join SNAG.
- Promote the “Special Needs Scouting Service Award” (SSNA) to provide additional awareness of Special Needs Scouting and to recognize those that have provided exempary service for special needs Scouts and Scouters. SNAG will also receive, approve, and process SSNA award applications and present the award to recipients at an appropriate council Scouting event.
Accomplishments
September 2025
- Held the first discussion meeting about Special Needs Scouting.
- Established the Special Needs Scouting Advisory Group (SNAG).
- Acquired initial set of College of Commissioner Science “Masters of Special Needs” training curriculum from the NorCal College of Commissioner Science.
October 2025
- Created the vision, mission, values, and goals statements for SNAG.
- Welcomed additional members to SNAG.
- Promoted Scouting U and other special needs opportunities to recent Wood Badge participants that included special needs- and/or disability-related goals as part of their tickets.
November 2025
- Published initial SNAG/Special Needs Scouting page on the council web site.
- Created SNAG buttons to distribute as part of the awareness campaign.
- Presented five special needs courses at DBC Scouting U on 12/05/2025.
Future Plans
- Update existing special needs training courses and develop new ones.
- Present SNAG at the CST-9 Program call on 12/09/2025.
- Present special needs courses at:
- DBC College of Commissioner Science on 3/14/2025
- DBC Scouting U on 3/21/2025
- Continue to promote Special Needs Scouting and SNAG within the council.
- Incorporate Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH) into the special needs curriculum.
Join Us!
We would love for you to be a SNAG member! We need you to help raise awareness, share your experiences and knowledge, and advocate for those who need support. SNAG typically meets on the third Wednesday of the month. Refer to the calendar below for the next meeting date, time, and location. We look forward to seeing you there!
Advancement for Members With Special Needs
Guide to Advancement
The Scouting America Guide to Advancement (Section 10) provides all official details related to advancement for members with special needs and disabilities. Please use the Contact button on the menu bar for this page to contact the Advancement Liason for any questions or concerns regarding advancement for special needs.
The following are the guidelines for membership and advancement in Scouting for persons having special needs.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) provides the following definition of an individual with a disability: “An individual is considered to have a ‘disability’ if s/he has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g. seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, learning, caring for oneself and working), has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.”
Membership
Scouts with special needs may register beyond the normal registration age. This requires the approval of the unit leader, chartered organization, and the local council. Proper documentation must be provided. Please contact your District Advancement Chair or SNAG if you have questions or need assistance.
Advancement for Cub Scouts with Special Needs
Scouts with special needs may register beyond the normal registration age. This requires the approval of the Unit Leader, chartered organization, and the local council. Proper documentation must be provided. Please contact your District Advancement Chair or SNAG if you have questions or need assistance.
Advancement for Scouts BSA with Special Needs
Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class Ranks
A Scout who is unable to complete any or all of the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class or First Class rank because they are physically or mentally disabled may complete alternate requirements if the following criteria are met:
- The physical or mental disability must be of a permanent rather than a temporary nature.
- A clear and concise medical statement concerning the Scout’s disabilities must be submitted by a physician licensed to practice medicine. In the alternative, an evaluation statement certified by an educational administrator may be submitted. The medical statement must state the doctor’s opinion that the Scout cannot complete the requirement(s) because of a permanent disability.
- The Scout, their parents, or leaders must submit to the Council Advancement Committee a written request that the Scout be allowed to complete alternative requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class rank. The request must explain the suggested alternate requirements in sufficient detail so as to allow the advancement committee to make a decision. The request must also include the medical statement required in paragraph two above. The written request for alternate requirements must be submitted to and approved by the local council prior to completing alternate requirements.
- The Scout must complete as many of the regular requirements as their ability permits before applying for alternate requirements.
- The alternate requirements must be of such a nature that they are as demanding of effort as the regular requirements.
- When alternate requirements involve physical activity, they must be approved by the physician.
- The unit leader and any board of review must explain that to attain Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class rank a candidate is expected to do their best in developing themself to the limit of their resources.
- The written request must be approved by the council advancement committee, utilizing the expertise of professional persons involved in Scouting for disabled youth. The decision of the council advancement committee should be recorded and delivered to the Scout and his leader.
NOTE: The substitution of “trip” for “hike” in the footnote to Second Class requirement 1b does NOT require the procedure listed above. That substitution may be permitted by the unit leaders based on their understanding of the Scout’s condition.
Alternate Merit Badges for the Eagle Scout Rank
- The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Scouts BSA Scout, qualified Venturer, or qualified Sea Scout who has special needs by qualifying for alternate merit badges. This does not apply to individual requirements for merit badges. Merit badges are awarded only when all requirements are met as stated.
- The special need must be of a permanent rather than a temporary nature.
A clear and concise medical statement concerning the Scout’s special needs must be submitted by a physician licensed to practice medicine, or an evaluation statement must be certified by an educational administrator. - The candidate must earn as many of the required merit badges as their ability permits before applying for an alternate Eagle Scout merit badge.
- The candidate must complete as many of the requirements of the required merit badges as their ability permits
- The Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Merit Badges must be completed prior to qualifying for alternate merit badges.
- The alternate merit badges chosen must be of such a nature that they are as demanding of effort as the required merit badges.
- When alternates chosen involve physical activity, they must be approved by the physician.
- The unit leader and the board of review must explain that to attain the Eagle Scout rank a candidate is expected to do his best in developing themself to the limit of their resources.
- The application must be approved by the council committee responsible for advancement, utilizing the expertise of professional persons involved in Scouting for special needs.
- The candidate’s application for Eagle must be made on the Eagle Scout Rank Application, with the Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges attached.
Time Extensions
- If a Scout foresees that they will be unable to complete the requirements for the Eagle rank prior to their 18th birthday, they may file a petition in writing with the National Scouting America Committee through the local council for special permission to continue to work toward the award after reaching age 18.
- The petition also may be filed by the unit leader or unit committee.
- The petition must show good and sufficient evidence and detail the extenuating circumstances that prevented the Scout from completing the requirements prior to their 18th birthday.
- Extenuating circumstances are defined as conditions or situations that are totally beyond the control of the Scout.
- If circumstances should also prevent a Scout from requesting the extension before they are 18, it is still permissible to ask for the extension, detailing the extenuating circumstances that prevented them from completing the requirements and from requesting the extension before age 18.
- Once again, if you have any questions or need advice, contact your Please contact your District Advancement Chair or SNAG.
Advancement for Venturing and Sea Scouts with Special Needs
Training
Training courses related to Special Needs are usually offered at Scouting U, College of Commissioner Science, and by demand.
- Scouting U is typically held in the Spring and Fall. Upcoming Scouting U opportunities in Dan Beard Council are shown below.
- Please use the Contact button on the menu bar for this page to request a training session for your unit.
Course Catalog
| Title | Creator | Description | DBC-CCS | National | Notes | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction + Special Needs Advisory Committee (SNAG) | DBC | Explore how the new Special Needs Advisory Group (SNAG) supports inclusive Scouting for all. This introductory course provides an overview of SNAG's vision, mission, and ongoing initiatives that help every Scout reach their full potential. Participants will gain practical insights into fostering accessibility and inclusion across their units. The session concludes with an interactive discussion panel about real-world strategies, success stories in special needs Scouting, and what is needed for units and families to be successful. | MSN 400 | N/A | Being revised by SNAG; will be combined with local MSN 450 (SND 100). | Coming Soon! |
| Neurodivergence in Scouting | NorCal CCS | Learn how to recognize and support neurodiverse scouts to create inclusive, positive troop experiences. This course explores how conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia influence learning and behavior, while offering practical strategies for communication, sensory awareness, and adapting activities to each Scout's needs. Course objectives include: Understand key traits and strengths of neurodivergent Scouts; Apply inclusive communication and leadership methods; Foster empathy, collaboration, and self-advocacy within Scouting groups. | MSN 401 | N/A | Being revised by SNAG. | Coming Soon! |
| The Joining Conference | NorCal CCS | There are many factors that can cause problems for a Scout with or without a special need. By knowing these factors in advance, you can prevent unnecessary problems, and enhance the scouting experience. "Forewarned is forearmed." With that in mind, it is highly recommended that the units hold a joining conference for every new Scout. The course objectives include: Discuss how to schedule a “joining Conference and who to invite; What to discuss at a joining conference; Define outcomes from the conference. | MSN 456 | N/A | Coming Soon! | |
| Essentials of Serving Scouts with Special Needs and Disabilities | SND / NorCal CCS | This course will provide participants with knowledge to share with unit leaders so they can design a program providing youth with the Scouting opportunities to succeed. The course objectives include: Become familiar with key factors to respond to the need of these special youth; Learn methods of Understanding – Patience – Common Sense; Explore available resources: Inclusivy Toolkit – Guide – Manual; Introduce the Individualized Scout Achievement Plan. | MSN 450 | SND 100 | Being revised by SNAG; will be incorporate with local MSN . | Coming Soon! |
| Advancement for Scouts with Special Needs and Disabilities | SND / NorCal CCS | Participants of this course will become familiar with the "Rules of Engagement" for advancement in each of the Scouting program areas to help them to respond to the needs of these special youth. The course objectives include: Become familiar with the "Rules of Engagement" for advancement; Discuss several common disabilities, and issues; Understand the Individual Scout Achievement Plan. | MSN 458 | SND 200 | Being reformatted by SNAG. | Coming Soon! |
| How to Use the Inclusion Toolbox | NorCal CCS | MSN 459 | N/A | Being reformatted by SNAG. | Coming Soon! | |
| Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH) | NorCal CCS | MSN 460 | N/A | Being reformatted by SNAG. | Coming Soon! | |
| Empowering Scouts with ADHD | DBC | MSN 402 | N/A | Being reformatted by SNAG. | Coming Soon! |
Definitions
- CCS = College of Commissioner Science
- DBC = Dan Beard Council
- MESH = Social, Emotional, and Social Health
- MSN = Master of Special Needs (unofficial CCS degree)
- SNAG = DBC Special Needs Advisory Group
- SND = National Special Needs and Disibilities Committee
Resources
Brochures
Forms
Inclusion Toolbox
The Scouting America Inclusion Toolbox for Special Needs and Disabilities is a website that keeps special needs and disability information accessible 24/7/365 to the Scouting America community. The contents are developed and maintained by Scouting America’s National Special Needs and Disabilities Committee.
Scouting America > Serving Scouts With Special Needs & Disabilities
The Scouting America Special Needs & Disabilities page includes the following information realted to serving Scouts with special needs and disabilities: Essentials, FAQ, Membership Support, Special Needs Prepared Camps, Resources, Awards, Training, Webinars, Avancement, Safeguarding, and more.
Abilities Digest
Abilities Digest is a more-or-less quarterly publication by Scouting America’s National Special Needs and Disabilities Committee.
DBC Get Help!
Submit help ticket and the SNAG Speical Needs Advocate will respond to your inquiry as quickly as possible. You can also click Contact on the menu toward the top of this page. We look forward to hearing from you and will do everything we can to help!
Recognition
Special Needs Scouting Service Award
The Scouting America Special Needs Scouting Service Award was established to provide clear and visible recognition to adults, volunteer and professional, who serve the community of members with disabilities/special needs of the Scouting movement. This award is earned by direct action on behalf of members with disabilities/special needs and by spreading the ideals of inclusiveness, diversity, and disability awareness in Scouting. The award is intended to create enhanced visibility of the resources available to serve these members and to ensure their success in Scouting.
To earn this award, a Scouting America volunteer or professional can download the application form, complete the requirements and provide the necessary information on the form, and then send the application to the SNAG Chairperson for review and approval (click Contact on the menu bar for this page). Applications for this award can be submitted at any time.
Award Requirements
- Be a registered adult or professional BSA staff, and maintain current Safeguarding Youth Training.
- Actively participate in activities with youth who have disabilities or special needs at the unit (pack,
troop, crew, or ship), district, council, area, regional, or national level for three years. - Complete six of the following twelve requirements:
- Attend a training seminar or conference on disabilities and special needs sponsored and conducted by Scouting America (e.g., Scouting U) or through an organization that serves youth or adults with disabilities and special needs (e.g., The Arc, blind associations, cerebral palsy agencies, independent living resource centers, autism societies, Special Olympics).
- Present one of the nationally approved disabilities and special needs classes (e.g., classes within the College of Commissioner Science curriculum or classes prepared by the National Disabilities Awareness Task Force) at any level (e.g., Scouting U).
- Serve as a staff member at a district, council, area, regional, or national event on the theme of youth with disabilities or special needs in Scouting.
- Create and organize a unit (pack, troop, crew, or ship) that primarily serves youth with disabilities or special needs but is open for membership by youth without disabilities or special needs.
- Serve as a mentor for a Scout who has a disability or special need for six months.
- Serve as a group discussion leader on Scouting for youth with disabilities or special needs.
Do this at a roundtable or district commissioner meeting or similar gathering of volunteer or
professional Scouters (e.g., Scouting U). - Promote and assist in organizing and conducting an outdoor event for youth with disabilities or
special needs, or an outdoor event that promotes disabilities awareness and acceptance among those who don’t have a disability. - Recruit and register two adults to volunteer in providing Scouting opportunities to youth with
disabilities or special needs, or recruit two youth with disabilities or special needs to join Scouting and remain members for one year. - Assist the district or council in forming a partnership with an organization that serves individuals with disabilities or special needs.
- For two years, actively serve on a district, council, area, regional, or national committee on Scouting with disabilities/special needs.
- Assist the local council in efforts to raise funds for Scouts with disabilities or special needs to
participate in activities within the Scouting program. - Assist the local council in a public awareness campaign to heighten knowledge of Scouting with disabilities and special needs.
Torch of Gold Award
The Scouting America Torch of Gold Award is a council-level distinguished award of the Boy Scouts of America to recognize adults for exceptional service and leadership working with Scouts who have disabilities.
A Scouting America volunteer must be nominated in order to earn this award. To nominate a Scouting, download the nomination form, provide the necessary information, and then return to the SNAG Chairperson (click Contact on the menu bar for this page). Nominations for this award must be submitted by April 15th.
Nominee Requirements
- Be currently registered with Scouting America.
- Have a least three years of service in any Scouting leadership capacity related to Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and/or Sea Scouts with disabilities, including educating other Scouters about disabilities and working with youth who have disabilities.
- Have completed all activities related to Scouts with disabilities on a strictly volunteer basis.
Woods Services Award
The Woods Services Award is a national-level recognition for volunteer adults who provide outstanding service to Scouts with special needs.
A Scouting America volunteer must be nominated in order to earn this award. To nominate a Scouting, download the nomination form, provide the necessary information, and then return to the SNAG Chairperson (click Contact on the menu bar for this page). Nominations for this award must be submitted to SNAG by by December 15th.
Nominee Requirements
- Be currently registered as a member of Scouting America and have three or more years of service in any Scouting capacity related to Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and/or Sea Scouts with disabilities.
- Have done all Scouting activities related to Scouts with disabilities on a strictly volunteer basis.
- The nomination form must be approved and signed by the nominee’s Scout Executive.
Contact
Send a message to the Special Needs Advisory Group (SNAG).
