Council News- May 2014
Newsletter Format Change NEW
Beginning in June, we will be changing the format of our Newsletter. This blog will no longer be used as we will go to a newspaper type format. It will keep you better informed of upcoming activities and programs and will offer a wide variety of information that we think you will enjoy. We will include a Scout Page that will offer then a little fun reading and activity so you can see, something for everyone!
This paper will be in PDF Format on our website and when it’s published, you will receive an email letting you know of the newest edition. If you haven’t been getting emails from us through Constant Contact, you will need to call the Office to give us your email so you get updates and other important Scouting information.
Personell Changes NEW
Congratulations to Pat Caddell, Administrative Assistant, who will be retiring on May 30, 2014. A come and go reception in her honor will take place on May 30 from 1:00pm to 5:30pm.
We say goodbye to Shannon Scott, Venturing District Executive who has moved to Juneau, Alaska to be with her husband who recently was promoted in his job. Shannon did a great job in her District, was a Team Player, and will be missed.
Donna Hailey, Scout Store Manager will move up to the Administrative Assistant position—–Congratulations to Donna!!
We are currently requesting applications for both Scout Shop Manager and Venturing District Executive. For more information on these positions, give us a call at 806-358-6500.
Programs and Training NEW
If you haven’t visited the Council Home Page lately, you are missing out on tons of information! We have many trainings and activities listed for 2014 and here they are:
May NEW
Fun in the Sun- May 31
June NEW
Fun in the Sun Camps
Cub Scout Resident Camps
Boy Scout Summer Camps
NYLT
Summer Blast-Camp Commander
Service Hours
Has your unit done any service hours lately? Helping your Chartered Partner with a cleanup, picking up trash around a school or church, helping serve meals at your local food pantry, Eagle Scout projects and the list goes on and on are all things that can be entered in https://servicehours.scouting.org website. Get credit for all the great things you do and it will also help propel your Journey to Excellence Score!
New, Simplified Annual Health and Medical Record
Some of the key updates are:
- The primary version will be in English. The existing bilingual version will remain available.
- Part A (Informed Consent, Release Agreement, and Authorization) will contain no medical information and will be shorter by one page.
- Part B (General Information/Health History) will include only the most important information needed.
- Part C (Pre-Participation Physical) will be reduced to one page with expanded sections for explanations of allergies.
- Supplemental Risk Advisory (former Part D) will be shortened and be location specific. This is designed to take to physicians so they will better understand what activities their patients will participate in.
- A redesign of the landing page for the annual health and medical record website so participants and parents will be able to download only what they need.
Go to the Forms page on the Council Web Page and click on Medical Form to see all the changes or go direct to:
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/ahmr.aspx
Fun in the Sun Camp NEW
Cub Scouts want to have FUN and that’s what they have when they attend a “Fun in the Sun” Day Camp. This year we have added two locations to our menu of camps. All of them are fun -filled with BB Gun shooting, Archery, Crafts, Hikes, and some have swimming and other cool things that Scouts like to do. For all the information and to register, click on the links below. Don’t wait because the “Earlybird Discount Fee” ends soon.
Cub Scout Resident Camp NEW
If your Cub Scouts is a Wolf, Bear, or Webelos, he and an adult partner cam experience Cub Scout Resident Camp. We feed you and provide an awesome programs filled with shooting sports, crafts, hikes, games, flag ceremonies, swimming, and good quality time with the Scout and his parent/guardian. Many lifelong memories are made at these camps. All the information you need is at the links below. Don’t wait because the “Earlybird Discount Fee” ends soon.
Boy Scout Summer Camp NEW
Boy Scout Summer Camp is where it’s happening! Camp MK Brown located near Wheeler, Texas is the place to be. We offer all the basic Merit Badges including Aquatics, Shooting Sports (including Pistols), Ecology, and our First Year Camper program called “Polaris“. This Camp also offers and older Scout program names “Western Heritage“, This offers older Scouts the opportunity to take part in western themed activities such as Tanning, Action Archery, Blackpowder Shooting, Leatherwork, Chuckwagon Cooking, Indian burial Ground and Feedyards Tours and the list goes on. This program has become very popular with Scouts who have most of the Merit Badges offered but still want to go to camp. All the information is below!
Pack & Troop Fund Raising – What can a Unit do to Earn Money? NEW
Recently several issues have arisen related to unit-level fund-raising. To help unit leaders and parents better understand the role of finance at the unit level, BSA has several “FAQs” and documents available.
In a nutshell, units CAN participate in money earning projects through which the Scouts provide a good or service to the community. Projects like a pancake breakfast, car wash, and popcorn sale fall under this category.
Units CANNOT solicit donations under any circumstances. At no time can Scouts, leaders, or parents ask a business or individual for a donation of money or goods. Also, units cannot conduct raffles (games of chance) or certain other types of fund raisers.
Packs and troops must submit a “Unit Money Earning Application” any time they intend to conduct a money earning project that is not popcorn or camp cards. This form is available on the council website. The form should be turned in for approval at least 2 weeks before any candy bars are bought, promotions are conducted, or contracts are signed by the unit.
More information is available on the Golden Spread Council website.
Need more information? Please contact your District Executive or Bob Altman.
Order of the Arrow News NEW
Dues
Dues for all OA members are currently due. They are $11. Please remit these to the Scout Office as soon as possible to continue receiving information about upcoming events and opportunities.
2015 NOAC
NOAC stands for National Order of the Arrow Conference. NOAC is the biggest event held by the OA and occurs every 3 years. The next NOAC is scheduled for August 3-8, 2015 at Michigan State University. The conference is full of trainings, competitions and fantastic shows and concerts. There is always patch trading and fellowship as well. Nischa Achowalogen Lodge has set a goal for 25 members to attend this exciting event to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. The cost for the NOAC is $480 plus transportation. The scout office is currently taking deposits of $100 for those who want to go. We are already meeting to decide on key issues such as fundraising, transportation and patch designs. The sooner you get your name on the list the more input you will have on these matters. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to celebrate the 100th Anniversary at the 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference!!
Order of the Arrow High Adventure
The Order of the Arrow sponsors high adventure programs at Philmont, Northern Tier, Sea Base and The Summit. OA high adventure consists of service time and a trek. Each of these programs are considerably less than the traditional Base treks and a great way for Arrowmen to gain friendships, give back to the base and have an outstanding trip they will remember for their lifetime. Arrowmen must be at least 16 years old, but not yet 21. Further information can be found at www.adventure.oa-bsa.org. Only a limited number of spots are available each year so to guarantee the trip of your life you need to get the application turned in as soon as possible. Our lodge has scholarship money available and can be applied for through the Lodge LEC,
Important Dates
August 15-17, 2014 Summer Ordeal
November 1, 2014 Fall Fellowship & Lodge Banquet
August 3-8, 2015 100th Anniversary NOAC
Eagle Scout Directory NEW
It is standard practice by universities and other alumni associations to conduct a directory project for alumni about every four years. The last Eagle Scout Directory project was conducted in 2008. Therefore, the National Eagle Scout Association has entered into an agreement with Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI) to publish a 2015 Eagle Scout Directory. PCI is a well-established publisher of alumni directories whose clients include SMU, the University of Colorado, Harvard, and the U.S. Naval Academy. In conjunction with this project, PCI will invite Eagle Scouts to update their information as well as purchase an Eagle Scout directory and/or a NESA membership if they are not already a member.
Updated information collected from Eagle Scouts will be shared with local councils to help you stay in contact with Eagle Scouts who have moved into your council’s borders. Information provided from the 2008 directory proved very helpful to councils in re-establishing contact with Eagle Scouts and led to additional support and volunteers.
PCI will conduct its outreach to Eagle Scouts from April through November 2014. Also, you may refer any questions or inquiries to the Eagle Scout Directory FAQ page found at www.nesa.org.
Three Steps to Healthier Scouting Units NEW
Scouting not only teaches skills that last a lifetime but also teaches skills that can make those lifetimes even longer. Through the SCOUTStrong initiative, Scout leaders can make a lasting difference in their Scouts’ diet and exercise habits—habits that will improve their health now and into the future.
The Boy Scouts of America has partnered with Healthy Kids Out of School to offer an incentive to units to follow the BSA’s SCOUTStrong recommendations at meetings, events, and excursions. It’s called the Healthy Unit Patch, and units can earn it by completing the 3–6–9 challenge to ensure Scouts are drinking right, moving more, and snacking smart.
The 3–6–9 challenge
Units can earn the Healthy Unit Patch by implementing three positive changes:
3: Serve a fruit or vegetable at three meetings
6: Make water the main beverage at six meetings
9: Include 15 minutes of physical activity at nine meetings
A scorecard is available to track progress. Once the unit has completed all of the Healthy Unit Patch activities, leaders can submit the tracking form to HealthyKidsOutofSchool@tufts.edu or call Healthy Kids Out of School at 617-636-0833 to receive free patches for Scouts and a certificate for the unit.
Those who complete the Healthy Unit Patch by June 30 will be entered into a random drawing to win a case of 50 Drink Right water bottles.
Register Now for 2014 Philmont Training Center Conferences
Getting the 411 on the NEW Cub Scout Adventure Program Big changes are coming to Cub Scouting in 2015! Be one of the first to hear about all the exciting developments by attending “Getting the 411 on the NEW Cub Scout Adventure Program.” Discover the adventures Cub Scouts will experience (from the team that wrote them) as the BSA’s new Cub Scout program rolls out for 2015! You’ll learn about adventures like Tigers “On the Prowl,” Wolves “Running With the Pack,” Bears with “Bear Necessities,” Webelos Scouts being “Cast Iron Chefs” and “Building a Better World,” and more! Be one of the first to walk this dynamic new trail as traditional Scouting values combine with relevant new Scouting skills to map the new Cub Scout adventure. If you are involved in Cub Scouting at a unit, district, or council level, join us and be one of the first to experience the new adventure-based Cub Scout program.
Venturing: the New Vision The changes to the Venturing program are set to roll out next year! The new Venturing program model builds on success from the past and provides a framework for a dynamic program of adventure, leadership, service, and personal growth that is grounded in a flexible program of continuous, youth-led adventure. If you are involved in Venturing at a unit district, or council level, come learn firsthand how you can take on the challenge and fun of the new Venturing program.
Programs That Rock Aimed at Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders, this new conference introduces participants to engaging program topics like geocaching, search and rescue, special cooking, and advanced pioneering. Try out the activities in a special round-robin format at sites around Philmont and learn how to take activities back to your troop, team, or crew. This conference combines many conferences from previous summers into one!
STEM Outdoor Expeditions – Down and Dirty, Nitty-Gritty, and Sky High! (youth age 14-20 only) Spend a week exploring the natural science world using Rocky Mountain Scout Camp as your daily base of operation. Daily you will travel to and from Rocky Mountain Scout Camp at the base of the Tooth of Time to explore and experiment in the New Mexico wild. Come out and discover the mechanics of COPE adventures, the chemistry of the prairie flora and fauna, and the habitat of the Philmont waterways and ecosystems, and climb to new heights as you challenge your skills by climbing, rappelling, and identifying the composition of the landscape. Sign up now for this intense five-day adventure.
Check it out at: http://www.philmontscoutranch.org/filestore/philmont/pdf/PTC8PGE.pdf
Training Information
Cub Scout Camping Information::::::::
- Overnight camping by Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear Cub Scout dens as dens is not approved, and certificates of liability insurance will not be provided by the Boy Scouts of America.
- Tiger Cubs may participate in boy-parent excursions, day camps, pack overnighters, or council-organized family camping.
- Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts may participate in a resident overnight camping program operating under BSA National Camping School– trained leadership and managed by the council.
- A Webelos Scout may participate in overnight den camping when supervised by an adult. In most cases, the Webelos Scout will be under the supervision of his parent or guardian. It is essential that each Webelos Scout be under the supervision of a parent-approved adult. Joint Webelos den/troop campouts including the parents of the Webelos Scouts are encouraged to strengthen ties between the pack and troop. Den leaders, pack leaders, and parents are expected to accompany the boys on approved trips.
New Fieldbook Now Available! NEW
Often described as “the best all-around guide to outdoor adventure on the market today,” the Fieldbook is the go-to manual for everyone interested in backcountry challenges—from hiking, camping, and canoeing to mountain travel, ultralight backpacking, wilderness navigation, and whitewater kayaking.
Fieldbook, the fifth edition, is in the Scout Shop NOW.
Scouting brings more than a century of outdoor experience and stewardship of nature to this new edition. Its pages are enriched by the input of nationally recognized experts in mountaineering, backpacking, Leave No Trace, and environmental protection.
2014 Eagle Scouts (Revised)
| First | Middle | Last | Troop | District |
| Samuel | David | Diaz | 108 | GE |
| Richard | Dawson | Jones | 633 | GE |
| Kevin | Thomas | Kmetz | 633 | GE |
| Andrew | Ferrari | Villa | 88 | GE |
| Joseph | Jordan | Ynojosa | 88 | GE |
| Joshua | Paul | May | 108 | GE |
| Orlando | Nelson | Berryman | 1221 | QP |
| Jacob | Matthew | Nolan | 1221 | QP |
| Matthew | A | Young | 104 | LW |
| Jonathan | David | Bast | 87 | GE |
| Tandn | Jay | Taylor | 199 | QP |
| Garrettt | Lynn | Payne | 94 | GE |
| Edward | Christopher | Garvin | 404 | AW |
| Austin | Nathaniel | Gipson | 86 | GE |
Memorials and Tributes
In Memory Of: From:
Pat Buchanan Bob & Chris Altman
Venturing District Highlights- May 2014
District Chairman: Jay Barrett: 806-326-2800 or jay.barrett@amaisd.org
District Commissioner: DeLynn McGehee: 806-681-1623 or drkkmcgehee@yahoo.com
District Executive: Vacant. Call 806-358-6500 for information or questions.
No events are currently scheduled.
C.O.P.E Do you know what COPE is all about? Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience or C.O.P.E. is the challenge course (ropes course) program of the Boy Scouts of America. COPE is a series of physical, mental and emotional challenges facilitated by trained staff directed at enhancing personal growth. If you think you would like to know more, please contact the Scout Office at 806-358-6500.
Comments Off on Venturing District Highlights- May 2014
Santa Fe District Highlights- May 2014
District Chairperson– George Hall – ghall68@hotmail.com
District Commissioner– Fred Leighton Sr. – scouter1230@yahoo.com
District Executive– Gaylyne Manns- gmannsbsa@gmail.com
May
15 – Adult Leader Round Table Childress Texas
31 – Fish Fest MKB
Fish Fest
Our Annual Fish Fest is the District’s Cub Scout Event of the year. Cubs and Adults can enjoy a day of fishing, fellowship, fun, good food and
lots of prizes. May 31st MKB.
Link to Flyer: http://www.goldenspread.org/Districts/SantaFe/Forms/SF%20Fish%20Fest%202014.pdf
Link to register online: https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Register/ECReg.asp?ievent=1109973&en=6eKKLQNjG6KIJNNjEaIHLIPjGeJMKVNvE6LCJSNCIkKLLWNvE5IELQMqGfJSI0OvHbJQL7L
Fun in the Sun Day Camp
Save the date June 7th for 2014 Fun in the Sun Day Camp in Memphis. We have changed the date so maybe it will not be so hot. Here is the link to the flyer. http://www.goldenspread.org/Programs/Forms/2014%20Fun%20in%20the%20Sun%20Flyer.pdf See you there.
Service Hours
Has your unit done any Community Service? This includes but not limited to, Scout Sunday at your Church, Scouting for Food, Putting Flags out, Park Clean up, Eagle Projects. Don’t for forget to report you Service Hours at Scouting.Org. If you need help doing this please call me. The more hours you report the higher your JTE Score will be. Here is the link to record your hours. https://servicehours.scouting.org/UI/Security/Login.aspx if you need help you can call me or our Council.
Boy Scout Summer Camp
Now is the time to reserve your spot: http://www.goldenspread.org/Programs/Camps/Camps.htm
Comments Off on Santa Fe District Highlights- May 2014
Quahah Parker District Highlights- May 2014
District Chairperson– Steve Walthour- swalthour@northplainsgcd.org (806)935-6401 (work)
District Commissioner– Gemma Mitchell- gmitch2011@yahoo.com (806)282-8296(cell)
District Executive– Chase Roach- chase.roach@scouting.org (806) 341-4491 (cell)
No District input this month.
Comments Off on Quahah Parker District Highlights- May 2014
Lone Wolf District Highlights- May 2014
District Chairperson-James Hayes-bear4747@AOL.com
District Commissioner-Jim Lear-n5lnr@ptsi.net
District Executive-Lindsay Waugh-lindsay.waugh@scouting.org
May Calendar:
8-Lone Wolf District Committee Meeting, Perryton First Christian Church-7:00 p.m.
10-Lone Wolf District Pinewood Derby, Perryton Expo Center-sign in at 9:00 a.m.
12-13-Council Growth Conference-I will be gone
24-Scouting Activity in Perryton, TX-1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
31-Guymon area Fun in the Sun-sign in at 8:30 a.m.
District News
District Committee Meetings
The next District Committee Meeting will happen on Thursday, May 8th, 2014 at the Perryton First Christian Church at 7:00 p.m. They happen every second Thursday of the month, unless extenuating circumstances causes the District Committee to reschedule. All Chartering Organization Representatives, Unit Committee Chairpersons, and Executive Officers are invited to attend these meetings. It gives you a chance to come hear what’s going on in the Lone Wolf District, and, we would love to have you! Email James Hayes, Jim Lear, or myself to find out more information.
District Pinewood Derby
The Lone Wolf District will be offering a district level pinewood derby on May 10th, 2014 in Perryton, TX, at the Ochiltree County Expo Center. It is located just across the railroad tracks from Texas State Highway 15. This is not a championship derby and is open to everyone. We hope to see you there! For more information, contact Eric Newcomb at 806-202-3976, or, ericbnewcomb@gmail.com.
Lake Palo Duro Cleanup
The Lake Palo Duro Cleanup happened on Saturday, April 12th, 2014. We had 38 Scouts and 20 adults representing five different units from across the Lone Wolf District. Thank you for all you do to help make some of our camping and recreational areas cleaner and better, guys! After the cleanup, we had hotdogs for lunch, and, then some camped out for the night.
Comments Off on Lone Wolf District Highlights- May 2014
Golden Eagle District Highlights- May 2014
District Chairman: Steven Denny skilawyer@aol.com
District Commissioner Joy Kilian joykilian@hotmail.com
District Executive: Brian Lamirande brian.lamirande@scouting.org
Save the Dates!! – Flyers on Golden Eagle District Webpage on goldenspread.org
District Fishing Derby – Saturday May 3rd, 2014
District Pinewood Derby – Saturday May 17th, 2014
Boy Scout Archery Tournament – Saturday September 20th, 2014
Golden Eagle District wide Cub Scout Fishing Derby
Are you ready to unpack those fishing poles after a long winter?
Ready to get out in the sun and take advantage of some Family/Scout bonding time?
Your chance for a family day of fun is rapidly approaching! Each year Scouts, their siblings and parents from across the Texas panhandle meet at the Southeast Park in Canyon, TX for a morning of family Fishing Fun!! Check out the informational flyer found on the Golden Eagle District webpage on http://www.goldenspread .org.
Golden Eagle District Pinewood Derby
Ready to race?? Did you spend hours on your pinewood derby car only to race in ONE event??
Golden Eagle is proud to announce its annual District wide Pinewood Derby is now only 6 short weeks away. So if you build a car to race in the 2014 year, or are just getting started in Scouting, this is your chance to get to race other Scouts and Parents (olde tymer division) in our area wide competition. More information can be found on the Golden Eagle District webpage on http://www.goldenspread .org.
Service Hours
Does your pack/troop or Crew help the community through Service Projects, Cleanups, or just help in general? We want to ensure that you are receiving credit for it in our database. If its not recorded, it doesn’t count. Even if hours have been completed in the past, ITS NOT TOO LATE to log them in.
Visit…. Servicehours.Scouting.org
To record your units hard work…Its fast and easy! If you have questions, contact Brian Lamirande at Brian.Lamirande@scouting.org or 806-220-9158.
Journey to Excellence
Want to know how your unit (pack, troop, team, crew, post or ship) compares to the Gold Standard?
Download this year’s Unit Scorecard found at…and find out.
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/JourneyToExcellence.aspx
We strive to provide our youth with the best possible Scouting experience, and the Journey to Excellence, or JTE program helps us to achieve that goal. The Journey to Excellence program outlined by the Boys Scouts of America, (replacing the “Quality Unit” program in 2010), helps to guide unit leaders by providing “roadmap” to a successful, quality Scouting program. Check out the scorecard that best represents your Scouting unit and keep track of your progress throughout the 2013 year.
Scorecards are submitted during the annual re-chartering process which will be discussed in detail at each monthly Roundtable!
REACH FOR THE GOLD!!
Golden Eagle District Committee – Positions Available
The Golden Eagle District is growing and need your help! We currently have the following positions available:
1) Marketing Chair (Newsletter, Facebook, Etc) – aids in promoting Scouting in the area.
2) Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner – aids in the monthly roundtable program.
3) District Training Chairman – helps identify areas of training needed for those in the district.
If you would like to be considered for any of the above positions, have a recommendation, or would just like to get involved in a fun new way,
Please contact District Executive, Brian Lamirande at 806-220-9158 or Brian.Lamirande@Scouting.org.
We welcome ALL suggestions and recommendations!
Roundtable – District Wide Meeting- Come one, Come ALL!
Adult Leader Roundtable is an excellent opportunity to ensure that YOUR unit is represented and YOUR thoughts, ideas, comments and concerns are heard. This monthly meeting provides a platform for discussion, event planning, training, networking and idea sharing that EVERYONE will surely benefit from. We feature monthly Boy Scout cub Cub Scout -related topics & fun-filled activities in a warm & welcoming environment!
So bring all of your Pack and Troop adult leaders out to the Golden Eagle Monthly Roundtable & join in on the fun!The meeting is at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of the month, located in the St. Thomas the Apostle Church Fellowship Hall. See the Golden Eagle District Webpage for more details. Look forward to seeing you there!
**District Meetings**
Cub Scout/Boy Scout Roundtable1st Thursday of the Month – 7:00pm @ St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 4100 South Coulter District Key-3 Meeting 2nd Thursday of the Month – 6:00pm @ Scout Service Center District Committee Meeting 2nd Thursday of the Month – 6:45pm @ Scout Service Center
District Commissioner’s Meeting2nd Thursday of the Month – 6:45pm@ United Market Street Café-Bell & 45th
Eagle Boards of Review Service Project Review – 4th Thur. of the Month – 6:30 pm @ St. Paul United Methodist Church, 4317 I-40 West. Eagle Rank Review – 4th Thur. of the Month Month – 6:30 @ St. Paul United Methodist Church, 4317 I-40 West.
Comments Off on Golden Eagle District Highlights- May 2014
Adobe Walls District Highlights- May 2014
District Chairperson– Richard Carter- slrjcarter@cableone.net
District Commissioner– David Myers – dmyers6020@gmail.com
District Executive– Eric Byrne- eric.byrne@scouting.org
May Calendar:
May 17 – District Pinewood Derby at the 1st Christian Church in Pampa
May 20 – District Meeting Pampa
Planning for the summer
As the end of the school year is not a month away, we need to start looking at what we are doing to keep the boys active during the summer. I want to remind everyone that the boys tend to vote with their feet and inactivity will likely have a young man quit scouting. Please think about having at least two activities a month between June and August. Don’t forget that we are having an Adobe Walls merit badge / belt loop ranch in August so we help you with at least one activity. Please stay in contact with your youth and try and help them with advancement activities they can do at home during the summer.
Monthly district meeting
The monthly Adobe Walls District meeting will be in Pampa this month on May 20 at 700pm. I continue to ask each unit to send at least one adult to the meeting so we can further plan our district activities and training.
Monthly Newsletter Submissions
As you may know, each month we put out a newsletter to help keep everyone informed of the happening around the Adobe Walls District. If anyone wishes to have something put in this newsletter please email me. The entry needs to be a paragraph and the content needs to be scouting related and info you want to get to Adobe Walls readers. I must have your submission 10 days prior to the beginning of the month.
Comments Off on Adobe Walls District Highlights- May 2014
Golden Spread Council, Boy Scouts of America 
Comments Off on Council News- May 2014