Three Fires Council

Scouting Resources for youth with Special Needs in Three Fires Council

    What does the Three Fires Council Special Needs Committee Do?

• Promote awareness to Scouts and unit leaders
• Assist with Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge
• Provide training to adult leaders and youth
• Distribute available publications by the BSA
• Support the growth of new units and provide service to existing special needs units and leaders
• Work with and assist other Council committees to deliver a quality Scouting program to all youth
• We have the full endorsement and support of the TFC and have the full resources of the council available

   Mission Statement 

The mission of the Three Fires Council Special Needs Committee is to provide youth the opportunity to participate fully in the inclusive Scouting program offered to all youth by the Boy Scouts of America. To offer a welcoming haven for special needs youth where every boy can succeed and fit in, in a non-judgmental atmosphere for both the Scouts and their families.  To educate the Council’s Scouting Units, organizations and individuals of the opportunities available to our special needs Scouts, to promote Scouting to all youth and support special needs units in a way consistent with Scouting policies.

Vision Statement

The Three Fires Council Special Needs Committee aspires to offer the nation's foremost Scouting program for local Scouts with special needs.  We will strive to get beyond the challenges that impede our efforts in delivering our Special Needs Scouting program by creating awareness to and educating our Scouting Units, families and the public to look beyond the label of “special needs”.  To overcome the stigma that is sometimes felt by families of special needs Scouts and the adult Scout volunteers we depend on to deliver the program.  Many believe that individuals with special needs are seamlessly integrated into society, but that is just not the social reality.  We seek to open minds, change attitudes and show everyone the true benefits of Scouting.

HOW CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED AND HELP?

     Become a Champions Buddy Unit (Info Flier) - A Champions Buddy unit is the cooperation between your unit and a Special Needs unit to offer support and guidance to ensure that the needs of the Champion Unit are met and are receiving the benefits offered by membership in the BSA.

Benefits of the Champions Buddy Unit Program

• Teaches Scouts caring, patience and understanding
• Special Needs Scouts receive the same opportunities that all our youth receive
• Provides Scouts with special needs or disabilities what they want most…..the opportunity to participate like other Scouts….
• Your Scouts help give them that opportunity
• Wonderful learning experience for all involved through a broader understanding of Scouts with special Needs.
• Enrichment of the lives of more youth in our community
• Unlimited service hours and unit service projects
• Eagle projects are available
• Increase in membership

For more information contact: Joe Harrington - TFC Special Needs Committee Chair (630) 707-0200