After reviewing current conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Capitol Area Council has decided to replace the in-person Hornaday Award Weekend with an on-line experience. All classes will be taught via the Zoom video conference application, and the classes will still be taught by the same expert instructors as in the past. The classes will be taught over two weekends--April 17-19 and April 24-26, 2020. The Hornaday Committee will transfer all registrations from the in-person registrations to the new class dates and times. You will be able to adjust your classes based on availability starting 8 am, Monday, March 30th.
Updated FAQs (4/10/20)
Q1: How will the classes be taught?
All classes will be taught over the Zoom videoconference platform. The Scout will receive a secure login link and password immediately prior to each classs. Due to security concerns, these credentials will not be broadcast over social media or public webpages.
When are my classes?
The class schedule can be found at http://www.hornadaybsa.org/online-class-schedule.html
How do I get the Zoom application?
The following link describes how to attend a Zoom meeting https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
Will instructional materials be provided?
Some classes may utilize Google Forms, which will be provided by the instructor. Other classes may simply use the appropriate merit badge workbook. It is strongly recommended that each Scout download the appropriate merit badge information at https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/and and familiarize him or herself with the requirements prior to class.
Will each class be completed and a merit badge awarded after the class is over?
Some classes may complete all requirements, while others may not. This is no different from the in-camp experience in past Hornaday weekends. Each instructor will do their best to convey as much information as possible to allow the Scout the opportunity for success in completing merit badges after class. In general, if a requirement uses words such as “do,”, “demonstrate”, visit”, grow”, “collect” or other verbs, it is likely that the requirement will need to be completed after class. Again, each instructor will be available to the Scout following the weekend to sign off on requirements completed outside of class.
Can a Scout complete requirements prior to class?
Yes, working ahead is encouraged.
If I can’t make class at the last minute, can I get a refund?
The deadline for cancellations and refunds was April 6, 2020. However, the committee has extended cancellations until 5:00 pm CDT Friday April 10, 2020. After Friday, the normal refund policy applies. These can be found at https://www.bsacac.org/refund-policy/
What if I am late or absent? Can I still get credit?
All classes will be locked 10 minutes following the start of class. No credit will be given for those not attending the entirety of the class.
Can I change my classes?
Yes, you can still change classes.
Will I receive a Blue Card?
A completion report will be generated via Doubleknot and sent to each Scout individually. As Hornaday Weekend is an individual registration event, Troop reports will not be sent to each unit. It is the Scout’s responsibility to forward completion reports to the troop advancement committee or Scoutmaster.
Will I be able to stay in the classes I am already registered?
We are going to do everything we can to help keep you in your original classes. Some classes, like forestry and pulp and paper are larger than the size limit we have picked for the Zoom classes. If you are not in a class you originally registered for and need to be in that class, please email jessica.snider@scouting.org and we will do our best to help.
Why are the classes limited?
We are putting a limit of 30 youth per online class to ensure that each youth has the ability to answer a few questions and possibly have discussions. Although this is online, we do not want the classes to be just the instructor talking; we want interaction.
If I am not currently registered but want to come, can I?
We are sure that this is not for everyone and will allow for registrations starting Monday, March 30th.
So what if my youth is in a class that requires some outside work? How will they turn that in?
We will have forms. An example can found at https://forms.gle/bpGMPQNykJWKZvyi9
Will a certified merit badge instructor teach the class?
Yes
How will I see my youth's results?
The results will be included in your Doubleknot registration.
May I as a parent sit in on the classes?
Yes, you may sit in with while your youth takes the class. Please do not sign up as an adult.
Do I as a parent need to sit in on the class?
Not necessarily. We have two adults in each class for YPT. You should check in on your youth just to make sure they are paying attention.
All classes will be taught over the Zoom videoconference platform. The Scout will receive a secure login link and password immediately prior to each classs. Due to security concerns, these credentials will not be broadcast over social media or public webpages.
When are my classes?
The class schedule can be found at http://www.hornadaybsa.org/online-class-schedule.html
How do I get the Zoom application?
The following link describes how to attend a Zoom meeting https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
Will instructional materials be provided?
Some classes may utilize Google Forms, which will be provided by the instructor. Other classes may simply use the appropriate merit badge workbook. It is strongly recommended that each Scout download the appropriate merit badge information at https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/merit-badges/and and familiarize him or herself with the requirements prior to class.
Will each class be completed and a merit badge awarded after the class is over?
Some classes may complete all requirements, while others may not. This is no different from the in-camp experience in past Hornaday weekends. Each instructor will do their best to convey as much information as possible to allow the Scout the opportunity for success in completing merit badges after class. In general, if a requirement uses words such as “do,”, “demonstrate”, visit”, grow”, “collect” or other verbs, it is likely that the requirement will need to be completed after class. Again, each instructor will be available to the Scout following the weekend to sign off on requirements completed outside of class.
Can a Scout complete requirements prior to class?
Yes, working ahead is encouraged.
If I can’t make class at the last minute, can I get a refund?
The deadline for cancellations and refunds was April 6, 2020. However, the committee has extended cancellations until 5:00 pm CDT Friday April 10, 2020. After Friday, the normal refund policy applies. These can be found at https://www.bsacac.org/refund-policy/
What if I am late or absent? Can I still get credit?
All classes will be locked 10 minutes following the start of class. No credit will be given for those not attending the entirety of the class.
Can I change my classes?
Yes, you can still change classes.
Will I receive a Blue Card?
A completion report will be generated via Doubleknot and sent to each Scout individually. As Hornaday Weekend is an individual registration event, Troop reports will not be sent to each unit. It is the Scout’s responsibility to forward completion reports to the troop advancement committee or Scoutmaster.
Will I be able to stay in the classes I am already registered?
We are going to do everything we can to help keep you in your original classes. Some classes, like forestry and pulp and paper are larger than the size limit we have picked for the Zoom classes. If you are not in a class you originally registered for and need to be in that class, please email jessica.snider@scouting.org and we will do our best to help.
Why are the classes limited?
We are putting a limit of 30 youth per online class to ensure that each youth has the ability to answer a few questions and possibly have discussions. Although this is online, we do not want the classes to be just the instructor talking; we want interaction.
If I am not currently registered but want to come, can I?
We are sure that this is not for everyone and will allow for registrations starting Monday, March 30th.
So what if my youth is in a class that requires some outside work? How will they turn that in?
We will have forms. An example can found at https://forms.gle/bpGMPQNykJWKZvyi9
Will a certified merit badge instructor teach the class?
Yes
How will I see my youth's results?
The results will be included in your Doubleknot registration.
May I as a parent sit in on the classes?
Yes, you may sit in with while your youth takes the class. Please do not sign up as an adult.
Do I as a parent need to sit in on the class?
Not necessarily. We have two adults in each class for YPT. You should check in on your youth just to make sure they are paying attention.