Annual Recharter is Approaching!

It will soon be time for every unit in the Great Sauk Trail Council to renew its membership with the Boy Scouts of America via the Online Annual Recharter system. Your unit’s membership roster will be available Online for reviewing and updating on January 4, 2010. All Recharter materials, including payment and signatures should be turned in at your District's roundtable in February.

The BSA Internet Recharter system is easy to use and can be accessed from your home or office anytime that’s convenient for you.

To get started, each unit must identify a Renewal Processor – the person who will be using the Internet Recharter system to identify returning members, add new members, and update information for an individual or the chartered organization. The Renewal Processor should be familiar with the members and leaders of your unit to ensure all information provided is correct.

Your unit’s Renewal Processor will need to have access to Microsoft Internet Explorer browser in order for this application to work. AOL can be used to access the internet, but you must open Internet Explorer to view the Recharter application correctly.

Each District offers Internet Recharter training. Some will incorporate it in their Roundtables, while others offer special sessions as needed. The Renewal Processor should attend training if this is their first time as Renewal Processor. Those who have served as Renewal Processors in previous years would also be good resources to tap into.

What can you do now to ensure that your Recharter goes smoothly? This is an ideal time to make sure your membership list is up to date, that you have correct spelling of names and contact information for youth and adults, and that you know who is staying and who is dropping. It would also be a good idea to contact your Charter Organization Executive and set a date for them to sign the completed paperwork. This gives your Renewal Processor a deadline for getting the Internet Recharter completed, which will result in a hardcopy roster that requires the signatures of your unit leader (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Coach, Crew Advisor), and your Charter Organization Executive. If you are submitting adult applications, they also require a signature from your Charter Organization.

Recharter packets have been distributed or made available in Huron Trails, Running Waters and Three Fires districts. Chief Lenape Trails District is a “paperless” system, relying on Internet-available systems and documents. Leaders from CLT District can contact Val Herr -mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Ken Lake ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for assistance through the process.

Recharter packets contain a complete instruction booklet (also available at the link below) outlining the Recharter process, relevant forms, and a payment sheet that includes your unit’s unique access code for the Internet Recharter system.

Here is the suggested timeline for completion of your Recharter:

Now-January:

· Confirm youth and adult member renewal intention, Boy’s Life subscriptions, contact information, youth ranks and adult leader positions. Collect fees.

· Renewal Processor – Run through the Internet Recharter Tutorial by using the button below

January, 2010: (Renewal Processor)

· Log on to Internet Recharter system; download your unit roster and print out a copy to use as a worksheet. Compare the information to your most recent membership, leadership and advancement information.

· Complete the Online portion of the Recharter.

· Obtain required signatures on the hardcopy printout (at end of process) and on any membership applications noted as necessary to submit. Don’t forget to have your Chartered Organization sign the Annual Charter Agreement (gold, carboned).

· Complete the payment sheet and attach payment (if not paying via Scoutshop Account). Insurance is $1.00 per registered (paid) member.

· Submit all required paperwork at your District's roundtable in February 2010.
Do yourself a favor -- turn this in as soon as you can. You don’t have wait until February!

If you have not already set and submitted your 2010 Quality Unit Award goals, please do so and submit two copies with your Recharter documents. Your Unit Commissioner can help you with this program.

Charter Turn-in date is also the “great divide” date for who registers 5^th grade Webelos. If they cross over (join) a troop on or before February Turn-in date, they must register with that troop. If they transition after that, the Pack must renew their registration for 2010.

It is vitally important to get this annual task done and turned in on time. You are renewing your membership in the Boy Scouts of America. Don’t leave your leaders without liability insurance (you’re not insured if you’re not registered) or your youth ineligible for advancement or participation in Boy Scout events.

Thank you for all the time and care you bring to our youth in Scouting, and for completing this task on time.

Your Commissioners.