The Cyber Chip is Retiring for Cub Scouts in 2022
In the 2022 – 2023 program Year in Scouting, the Cyber Chip is retiring and will no longer be required for Cub Scout rank advancement. Cub Scouts will, instead, watch the Protect Yourself Rules videos, which can be found on the official Cub Scout Advancement website.
Reprints of Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos handbooks will no longer include the Cyber Chip as a required part of rank advancement, instead referencing the Protect Yourself Rules adventures. When those updated handbooks will be available is still uncertain, but the Heart of Virginia Council Scout Shop will keep you updated as information is made available. Cub Scout leaders and parents will see these changes in Scoutbook in the coming months.
Lions may also complete the Protect Yourself Rules adventure, but it is not required for rank advancement.
Cub Scouts can continue to earn their Cyber Chip as an extra award; however, the Scout Shop will not order new patches or cards, so these items will only be available while supplies last.
What are the Protect Yourself Rules Adventures?
The Boy Scouts of America is committed to creating safe environments for Scouts and leaders. Child abuse is an uncomfortable topic but an important one for us to cover to ensure the safety and well-being of our Scouts.
The Boy Scouts of America has partnered with subject-matter experts from the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation to present the “Protect Yourself Rules” that help children recognize, respond to, and report abuse.
Details and access to the Protect Yourself Rules rank-specific videos can be found at Scouting.org Protect Yourself Rules Website.