415 North 2nd Street (Route 31) St Charles, IL 60174
Special Needs Awareness
Mission Statement
The Three Fires Council Special Needs Committee aspires to offer the nation’s foremost Scouting Program for individuals with special needs by:
Raising awareness to our Scouting Units of the need for inclusiveness of individuals with special needs
Creating an opportunity for Scout Leaders to be continuously educated and trained
Setting the stage for success by providing support and resources to Unit Leaders, Parents & Units to deliver a quality Scouting experience
Our Mission is to provide individuals with special needs opportunities to participate to the best of their abilities in an all-inclusive Scouting Program offered by the Boy Scouts of America.
Roles and Responsibilities of the TFC Special Needs Committee:
- Promotes awareness to Scouts and unit leaders
- Assists with Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge
- Provides training to adult leaders and youth
- Distributes available publications by the BSA
- Supports the growth of new units and provide service to existing special needs units and leaders
- Works with and assist other Council committees to deliver a quality Scouting program to all youth
- Has the full endorsement, support, and resources of Three Fires Council.
TFC Special Needs Committee Members
If you have any questions please contact: Patrick Kronenwetter, Three Fires Council Abilities Awareness Chair
For additional support, you may contact TFC Professional Advisor, Kelly Quinn, at Kelly.Quinn@scouting.org or at 847-638-5355
Unit Abilities Awareness Coordinator
A Unit Abilities Awareness Coordinator is a leader, parent, or adult mentor who helps coordinate with unit leaders, scouts with special needs, and their parents to provide a positive experience for youth with special needs.
Requirements of the Unit-Level Abilities Awareness Coordinator
Roles and Responsibilities at the Unit Level
- Act as a liaison between the parents and leadership.
- Act as a liaison between the unit and the Council & District Special Needs Committee
- Encourage Parent Involvement.
- Provide support for scouts with special needs & their parents during the webelos to scout transition.
- Make unit leaders & parents aware of special needs resources.
- Attend Special Needs training opportunities, and bring back the information to the unit.
- Facilitate opportunities for learning about special needs & scouting for leaders, parents, & scouts
- Promote Awareness, Inclusion, and Opportunities for Youth with Special Needs
District Abilities Awareness Coordinator
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 Coordinators serve a liaison role between the Council Special Needs Committee and the units in their local district.
Roles and Responsibilities of the District Abilities Awareness Coordinator
- Provides guidance and training opportunities for the Unit Abilities Awareness Coordinator & their unit.
- Supplies support materials and resources.
- Provides a network of Scouters with experience & common interests to support the coordinator & unit.
- Promotes Disabilities Awareness events and outdoor activities inside & outside the District & Council.
