Denver Area Council Special Needs Scouting Vision Statement

MAKE AWARE aspects of special needs that impact youth, as well as leadership through specialized training seminars held by experts in related fields, and interactive web sites.

DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS with youth, parents, leaders , units, and other personnel to be available to answer questions, seek advice and provide resources that provide the best relationship possible.

HELP RESOLVE Special Needs issues by having the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively mediate solutions with a leader, parent and/or youth.

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES to Special Needs youth in the Denver Area to participate in Scouting programs while exposing Scouts in the Denver Area to Learning for Life program and activity.

Chairman's Message 

Welcome to the Special Needs website of Denver Area Council!  I am very excited about this great new tool that will assist you in serving the special needs youth of our community.  I have recognized, for some time, the tremendous work that our Traditional Scouters have been doing with special needs youth and the great challenges that they have faced.  Special Needs Scouting is dedicated to helping you serve your youth more effectively and this website is a vehicle to accessing resources to do just that.

I applaud your efforts to include special needs youth in your traditional units and I know the effort and commitment it takes to make your Scouting Program work.  I also know the rewards for being successful.  Many of you have shared with us at the District Board level the impact a special needs youth can have on everyone in the unit.  Overcoming the challenges brings outcomes not originally foreseen such as: understanding, empathy and a willingness to serve those less fortunate.

I am a firm believer in the “servant leader” model of leadership and that the special needs youth in our community will benefit tremendously from Scouting.  Serving special needs youth in our community will instill upon our mainstream youth that they can greatly improve the lives of those with additional challenges while at the same time enhance their own lives in the process!

Thank you for visiting our website and happy Scouting!

Dan Hartmann
Denver Special Needs Chairman
Special Needs Scouting