Gifted And Physically disabled Scouts
MISSION STATEMENT
GAPS, Occoneechee Council, aims to improve the quality of scouting experiences for all scouts with disAbilities while utilizing the guiding principles of the Scout Oath and Law.
VISION STATEMENT
The vision of GAPS, Occoneechee Council, is to be a committed resource for scouts, scouting families, volunteers and staff to support reaching maximum potential.
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
The mission of Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. GAPS committee’s purpose is to provide resources, guidance, and training as tools to help adult leaders support inclusion of all scouting families AND to offer support to Occoneechee Staff in identifying needs in order to prevent crisis. GAPS recognizes that trained volunteer leaders are enthusiastic about supporting scouts with disAbilities. They understand the demands put on their patience and time yet remain compassionate in accommodations for rank advancement. GAPS strives towards building self-esteem and feelings of accomplishment to enable successful outcomes for everyone in scouting.
Our PLAN
Link to 5 Year strategic plan
Email: OcconeecheeGAPS@gmail.com
District Representatives
| Awahili District | OPEN |
| Black River District | Timothy Gillespie |
| Crosswinds District | Greg McGrew |
| Dogwood District | Allison Fulcher |
| Highlander District | Mindy Jones-Secary |
| Impeesa District | Jeff Price |
| LaFayette District | Sean Brost |
| Mawat District | OPEN |
| Neuse River District | Jen Hiemenz |
| Shakori District | OPEN |
Find Us on Facebook: 
2018 End of Year Report
GAPS News bulletin
University of Scouting Flier
Roundtable Flier
General Resources
- BSA Policy on Disabled Scouts
- Guide to Advancement
- Serving Scouts with Disabilities
- Scouting for Youth with Disabilities Manual
- A Guide to Working with Boy Scouts with DisABILITIES
- Working with Scouts with DisAbilities website
- Abilities Digest
- Torch of Gold
Special Need Resource
- Individual Scout Achievement Plan (also called Individual Scout Advancement Plan)
- Alternate Eagle Scout Merit Badge Requirements
- Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility
- Request for alternative rank advancement
Autism Resources
- Boys With Autism Can Thrive in Scouting—With Help
- A Guide for Scout leaders of Scouts with ASD
- Helping a Scout With Autism Be Part of a Troop
- Autism and Scout Engagement Strategies
- Discipline and a Scout with Autism – How to do it Effectively
- Wandering and Elopement
- Autism Elopement Alert Form
- Autism and Boy Scouts Website
ADD/ADHD
- ADD ADHD Characteristics and Strategies
- Working with Scouts with disabilities website
- Coping With A Hyperactive Boy Scout At Summer Camp
- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Support Resources
How do I get involved?
GAPS is always in need of volunteers!
- District Representatives
- Disability Awareness Merit Badge Counselors
- Professional Advisors
GAPS DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE
At the District level, a leader, parent or adult mentor may volunteer to serve in a broader role as a coordinator of district-wide special needs activities. District Abilities Awareness Representatives serve a liaison role between the Council GAPS Committee and the units in their local district.
Roles and Responsibilities of the District Abilities Awareness Representative:
Key to supporting a network of Scouters with diverse experiences & common interests to support the Occoneechee GAPS (Gifred And Physically disabled Scouting) events and outdoor activities inside & outside the District & Council.
- Promote inclusion of Scouts within all units of your district
- Provides guidance and resources (to volunteers and professionals)
- Identifies, recruits & supports training of qualified volunteers
- Supports Unit/District/Council events
- Promotes attendance of volunteers and staff at training opportunities (with specific special needs/Disabilities awareness training separately or as part of a position-specific training)
- Provide support for program activities, advancement, camping, training and Roundtables
- Ensures that the needs of youth with special needs and disabilities are considered in all aspects of Council actions.
As a GAPS designated Accessible Unit, we recognize that trained volunteer leaders are enthusiastic about supporting scouts with disAbilities. We understand our Unit may face unique challenges and demands yet promise to remain compassionate in supporting both accommodations for rank advancement, and towards building self-esteem and feelings of accomplishment to enable successful outcomes for everyone involved in our program.
We welcome Scouts with all abilities and their families by:
- Providing an inclusive and understanding atmosphere together in Scouting.
- Helping and assisting each Scout family attain (reach) their goals in scouting.
- Providing an opportunity for the Scout to advance through the program.
- Raising abilities awareness in all youth, adults, and our community.
Roles and Responsibilities of Accessible Units:
- Committee Chair / Unit Leader (CM, SM, CA) make a commitment to welcome and work with Scouts of all abilities.
- Conduct an annual Facilities Checklist and discuss results at the unit leader meeting.
- Have a safe area for Scouts with sensory challenges to go to when they feel overwhelmed.
- Conduct an annual Abilities Awareness Night for youth in the unit.
- Fill out and update the annual special needs survey.
- Commitment to at least one abilities awareness presentation for leaders and parents per year.