Below is a collections of questions we have received about the new Journey To Excellence program that will be replacing the Quality Lodge program. If you have any more questions please contact the section leadership.

How do you confirm estimates on Lodge/Section/National event participation? Is low balling allowed?

The term “low balling” suggests gaming the system to make yourself look good. Each Lodge/section should be challenging themselves to continually improve in each area. Goals should be set on the basis of what is reasonable but challenging. That’s the only guidance we will give. We trust the Lodges/sections will act in accordance with the principles of the scout oath anjd law in setting goals.

What is considered “eligible” members for lld attendance? We consider all oa members eligible to attend.

The Lodge should make that termination based on their individual circumstances. At a minimum all existing Lodge leaders and any known incoming Lodge leaders should be included.

Do members that did not pay dues in a previous year, but pay current dues count as “new members” even though they were inducted years ago, or do they count towards retained members even though they were not included in previous years numbers?

Follow the direction in the amplifying guidance for #6. There is no need to distinguish returning members who have been inactive. You make the computation based on last year’s Lodge registered membership vs this year’s less new ordeal inductions.

Can the James E West Contribution for #15 add towards the total council contribution for #2?

Yes, Provided It is a Lodge contribution.

Is the annual report for the current year or can it be for the previous year? Most council reports are for the previous year.

It should be the report for the year you just completed. We recognize you may not be able to schedule your verbal report to the board until the first of the next year. If your scout executive agrees to schedule the report for presentation in the new year, you can count that as complete. Our expectation is that you will follow-up to ensure the report is indeed given.

Charter Renewals & JTE is due before the end of year. The requirement says “close”, but the books are closed until after the end of the year. Can we project what the closing numbers will be?

Yes. You should be able to project closely enough to complete the JTE reporting.