Welcome to Season 3 of Commissioner Weekly. Season 2 finished filming at the beginning of February. So this is the first time we have been able to address the pandemic. Most of Scouting survived with some needed changes. “BE PREPARED” went into action. The meeting became virtual and campout was held in our own living rooms and back yards. World Scouting had its own World Jamboree online. Scouting handled it all pretty well. All parents learned how to REALLY wash their hands from their Cub Scouts. Parents also got a real hart-to-hart talk about “When your sick, stay home” from their teens.

Things that have changed for the better. We are more aware of how viruses can spread. Today we know to cough and sneeze into our elbows. We should only touch our face when washing it. When you’re feeling ill, stay home. If you get worse, contact a doctor by phone or the internet. Even when you feel well again, you may still need to stay home for some time. What do we do with the old fashion handshake? The “elbow bump” is awkward and strange. Is that part of the “Chicken Dance”? Should this be replaced with a bow? A traditional Indian form of greeting is the Añjali Mudrā gesture or namaste. Currently, we are left with a weird “mime” type of wave or worse. I’m in favor of a scout salute when in uniform. This might be perceived as militaristic in nature as we normally only salute the flag. But we all know how to give a scout salute and it can be done at a distance. B-P saluted scouts and scouts saluted him in return. It’s respectful and meaningful.

🌎 Old Fashion Handshake? http://www.scouterstan.com/?p=291

🎬 BSA Scouting At Home: https://youtu.be/chnOUp2QzLY

🎬 Scouts get creative during pandemic: https://youtu.be/I4wWXrZ3EIM

🎬 Boy Scout troops stay connected amid pandemic: https://youtu.be/p_DVxN5qkFE