Adobe Walls District Highlights- December 2009
District Chairperson– Dr. Joe Hillhouse- jhillhouse@clearwire.net
District Commissioner– Darian Reeves- darianreeves@sbcglobal.net
District Executive– George Etier- george.etier@scouting.org
December Calendar:
No District Event scheduled
January Calendar:
13 District Key 3
21 District Committee Meeting – First United Methodist Church- Pampa
23 Merit Badge University
23 BS Leader Specific Training
30 Adobe Walls District Recognition Dinner
We would like to congratulate David Myers, Scoutmaster of Troop 507 in Borger on completing his Wood Badge ticket. David received his beads at a special ceremony held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Borger on November 21st.
Merit Badge University
Be sure and check out the information on the Council webpage regarding the upcoming Merit Badge University. This year’s event is going to be the best ever. Don’t miss the special opportunities for adults to receive training and increase their ability to deliver a top notch program to the youth they serve.
District Recognition Dinner
Unit leaders will be receiving information about this year’s dinner. Please put it on your calendar and make plans to attend a fun evening of fellowship with your fellow Scouters.
Re-Charter Reminder
All Re-Charters are due to the Council Service Center by December 15th, 2009. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call Darian Reeves, District Commissioner at 806-662-8106 or George Etier, District Executive at 806-679-9703.
District Award of Merit and Council Silver Beaver Award Nominations
Now is the time to be thinking about which of our fellow volunteer Scouters to honor with this year’s District Award of Merit, and the Council Silver Beaver Award. These two honors are the highest awards that our District and our Council can bestow upon on our fellow Scouters, for service to youth. Please take a moment and go here: http://www.goldenspread.org/Forms/District%20Award%20of%20Merit.pdf
and here: http://www.goldenspread.org/Forms/silver%20beaver.pdf to review the qualifications for, and to download the appropriate nomination forms. Nominations for the District Award of Merit are due to George no later than Monday, November 2, 2009. Nominations for the Council Silver Beaver Award are due no later than December 15, 2009.
Golden Eagle District Highlights- December 2009
District Chairman: Greg Wynne, wynnerscircle@clearwire.net
Amarillo/Canyon District Commissioner: Scott Hollabaugh, cscott.hollabaugh@gmail.com
Hereford Area District Commissioner: HS Fuller, hsfuller42@yahoo.com
Hereford Area Program Aide: Monica Vanzee, tmvanzee@wtrt.net
District Executive: Doug Bergman, bergman@bsamail.org
December Calendar:
3 Roundtable, 7:00 PM, St. Thomas Catholic Church
Eagle Project Reviews, 6:30 PM, St. Thomas Catholic Church
5 Cub Scout Leader Specific Training, 9:00 A.M., Council Service Center
11 District Committee & Commissioners Meeting, 5:30 PM, Council
Service Center
17 Eagle Scout Boards of Review, Council Service Center, 6:30 pm
January Calendar:
7 Roundtable, 7:00 PM, St. Thomas Catholic Church
Eagle Project Reviews, 6:30 PM, St. Thomas Catholic Church
14 District Committee & Commissioners Meeting, 5:30 PM, Council
Service Center
21 Eagle Scout Boards of Review, Council Service Center, 6:30 pm
Amarillo-Area Roundtable
All scouting adult leaders need to come to Roundtable. We meet the 1st Thursday of each month at 7 pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church at 4100 S Coulter. The church is located on the west side of Coulter between 34th and 45th. Come and get to know your fellow Tiger Cub Den Leaders, Cub Scout Den Leaders, Webelos Den Leaders, Cubmasters, Assistant Cubmasters, Pack Committee members, Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Troop Committee members, etc. Come to not only learn about what’s going on in Scouting in Amarillo – but to share your ideas (and maybe win a neat door prize)!
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Adult Leader!
To complete Cub Scout Adult Basic Training, Cub Scout adult leaders (all positions) must attend a Cub Scout Leader Specific Training session. The next training session is scheduled for Saturday, December 5 (9:00 am) at the Council Service Center in Amarillo. In addition, if the adult leaders in your pack can get together for 2-2.5 hours at a time convenient for them, we will come to you! Just contact Doug Bergman.
Recharters, Recharters, Recharters!
Recharter packets are distributed! The most important piece of information in that packet is your unit’s ID number and password to get on-line. This year we’re aiming to get everything finished up by December 15! If your pack has everything turned in (including all applications and recharter papers with proper signatures, fees and Centennial Quality Award forms) by December 15, the Council will pay for your insurance ($1 for each youth and adult member in your unit). Remember, it’s a lot easier to let Stephen do your data entry, so be sure you have all your scouts and adult leaders registered before you start the on-line process.
Centennial Quality Unit Awards
Remember-units do not have to wait to submit Centennial Quality Unit Award forms with their recharters! Information about the Centennial Quality Unit Award program, and a link to the form, can be found at http://www.goldenspread.org/QualityUnit/QualityUnit.htm. The application for the award must be received in the Scout Office by December 31st for consideration.
Eagle Project Reviews & Eagle Boards of Review
Adult troop leaders of Boy Scouts needing either Eagle Project Reviews or Eagle Boards of Review should contact Golden Eagle Advancement Chairman Gary Ries at 358-0552 to schedule them. Eagle Project Reviews are conducted on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm in conjunction with Roundtable at St. Thomas Catholic Church. Eagle Boards of Review are conducted on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Scout Office.
District Award of Merit
Nominations for the 2010 Golden Eagle District Award of Merit will be accepted now through the January Roundtable (Thursday, January 7th). Award applications can be obtained from the Council Office or downloaded from http://www.goldenspread.org/Forms/District%20Award%20of%20Merit.pdf . Recipients will be honored at the February 2010 Roundtable (Thursday, February 4th) and the Council Reception (Sunday, February 7th).
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Lone Wolf District Highlights- December 2009
District Chairman- Duwane Skipper- duwaneskipper@yahoo.com
District Commissioner- Bob Post- postbob@allegiance.tv
District Executive- Steve Knollenberg- stevek.bsa@gmail.com
December Calendar:
1- Adult Leader meeting, Perryton, 7:00 p.m., FUMC, Perryton, TX.
3- Adult Leader meeting, Dalhart, 7:00 p.m., Central UMC, Dalhart, TX.
4- Popcorn Money due at Council Service Center, Amarillo, TX.
8- Adult Leader meeting, Guymon, 7:00 p.m., Victory Memorial UMC, Guymon, OK.
10- District Committee & Commissioners meeting, 7:00 p.m., FUMC, Spearman, TX.
15- Completed unit recharters due at Council Service Center
24- Council Service Center closes at Noon
25-27- Council Service Center Closed
30-31- Scout Shop closed for inventory
31- Council Service Center closes at Noon
January Calendar:
1- Council Service Center closed
2- Scout Shop closed
14- District Committee & Commissioners meeting, 7:00 p.m., FUMC, Spearman, TX.
23- Merit Badge University, Canyon, TX.
District Banquet Recap and 2009 District Award of Merit
The annual Lone Wolf District Banquet was held on Saturday, November 21, 2009. Two of our district’s four 2009 Eagle Scouts, Lee T. and Chase V., were able to attend, and were recognized for their Scouting achievements.
Congratulations to Thomas House, who is the recipient of the Lone Wolf 2009 District Award of Merit! Tom has served our youth in Scouting and other organizations, in various capacities around the country, for over 20 years!
A big ‘Thank you!’ to Carol and Richard Nowlin, Bob and Dottie Post, Vic and Joyce Shrock, Penny Knollenberg, Eva Mussman, and Elaine and Robert Hardman for doing a fantastic job of preparing our banquet dinner! As always, the food was delicious!
Unit Recharters
Unit recharter time is upon us. All of our unit charters expire on December 31, 2009. We need to have the rechartering process completed by December 15, 2009. This allows our Council staff adequate time to correct any errors, or help you with online procedural questions. We are utilizing online rechartering again this year. This is our fifth year to do a portion of the recharter via the Internet. Remember, if your recharter paperwork is complete and has been received at the Council Service Center by December 15th, the Council will pay your $1 per person insurance fee! Please see your recharter packet for details on this offer; some exclusions may apply, and your mileage may vary, based on your driving habits.
What does your unit need to be doing to get ready?
- Complete any applications for any new Scouts, or leaders, and submit them, along with the required registration and Boy’s Life fees, to the Council Office, now. This will save you from having to manually enter new members and leaders during online rechartering.
- All applications for membership need to be complete: all birthdays, Social Security numbers and drivers license numbers filled in, all signature blocks signed (this includes unit Committee Chair and Chartered Organization Head or Representative’s approval signatures for all adults, and Authorization for Background Check) and application dates.
- Recruit/designate one adult leader from your unit to complete the online recharter portion of the process.
- Remember, rechartering is not complete until all paperwork and fees have been received by the Council Office!
Please note that the National Council has raised the membership fee to $15, from the current $10, effective January 1, 2010. January 1st is the date our new charters become effective, so you will need to pay the new $15 per person fee when you recharter. Recharter packets for your Unit will be distributed during the month of November.
2009 Centennial Quality Unit Awards
emember, your unit does not have to wait to submit your 2009 Centennial Quality Unit Award forms with your recharters! Information about the Centennial Quality Unit Award program, and a link to the form, can be found at http://www.goldenspread.org/QualityUnit/QualityUnit.htm. The application for the 2009 award can be forwarded to the Council Service Center anytime after October 31st, but must be received by December 31st, for consideration.
Popcorn Money Due
Unit Popcorn sales money is due at the Council Office before the close of business on Friday, December 4, 2009. Please send one check, drawn on your unit’s account, to pay for the popcorn.
Council Silver Beaver Award Nominations
Now is the time to be thinking about which of our fellow volunteer Scouters to honor with this year’s Council Silver Beaver Award. This honor is the highest award that our Council can bestow upon on our fellow Scouters, for service to youth. Please take a moment and go here:
http://www.goldenspread.org/Forms/silver%20beaver.pdf to review the qualifications for, and to download the appropriate nomination form. Nominations for the Council Silver Beaver Award are due no later than December 15, 2009.
December Adult Leader Meetings
The upcoming December Adult Leader meetings are extremely important to you as leaders and critical to the health and success of your units. Plan on turning in your completed Unit Recharters and your 2009 Centennial Quality Unit forms, or receive help in getting them completed. Plan to attend; not only to learn about what’s going on in Scouting in our District, but to share your ideas and experiences so we can provide the best of the Scouting program to our kids! Be the first person to call Steve at 580-651-2615 and say “Star Trek” and receive a prize! The dates, times and locations of our meetings are listed in the calendar section, above. Choose the location and date that is most convenient for you!
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Quanah Parker District Highlights- December 2009
District Chairperson – KC Hamill- Kc.hamill@goHastings.com (806) 570-3744 (cell)
District Commissioner – Jim Paslay- pazztone@yahoo.com (806) 640-4537 (cell)
District Executive – Hector Baldiviezo- hector.baldiviezo@scouting.org(806) 341-2838 (cell) or (806) 358-6500 (office)
December Calendar:
3 – Adult Leader Roundtable
5 – CS Leader Specific Training
10 – District Committee Meeting
10 – Commissioner Meeting
17 – Eagle Board of Review
Amarillo-Area Roundtable
Roundtable is this Thursday, December 3rd (1st Thursday of every month) at 7 pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church at 4100 S Coulter. Roundtable is for all adult leaders! If you are a new adult leader, we really encourage you to come. Come and get to know your fellow Tiger Cub Den Leaders, Cub Scout Den Leaders, Webelos Den Leaders, Cubmasters, Assistant Cubmasters, Pack Committee members, Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Troop Committee members, etc. Come not only to learn about what’s going on in Scouting in Amarillo, Dumas, Cactus and Sunray – but to share your Ideas and Positive Experiences in Scouting! Every month the Roundtable Staff have an exciting meeting planned.
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Adult Leader!
To complete Cub Scout Adult Basic Training, Cub Scout adult leaders (all positions) must attend a Cub Scout Leader Specific Training session. The upcoming training session is scheduled on Saturday, December 5th at 9:00 AM and it will be held at the Scout Office in Amarillo. In addition, if the adult leaders in your pack can get together for 2-2.5 hours at a time convenient for them, we will come to you! Just contact Doug Bergman or Hector Baldiviezo, and let us know!!
District Committee & Commissioner Meeting
Both meetings are on Thursday, December 10th at 6:00 pm at the Scout Office, and the Commissioner meeting is right after. This will be our last meeting for 2009. Let’s start 2010 (our Centennial) on a good note.
Recharters! Recharters! Recharters!
As mentioned before our goal for the end of the year, for all the Quanah Parker Units, is to rechart on time and earn as many Quality Unit Awards as we can.
Every unit leader should have their unit’s recharter package. The most important piece of information in that packet is your unit’s ID number and password to get on-line. This year we’re aiming to get everything finished up by December 15th! If your pack has everything turned in (including all applications and recharter papers with proper signatures, fees and Centennial Quality Award forms) by December 15, the Council will pay for your insurance ($1 for each youth and adult member in your unit). Remember, it’s a lot easier to let Stephen do your data entry, so be sure you have all your scouts and adult leaders registered before you start the on-line process. If you don’t have your packages yet, please call your commissioner or Hector Baldiviezo, and we will make sure you get it as soon as possible.
Centennial Quality Unit Awards
Remember, units do not have to wait to submit Centennial Quality Unit Award forms with their recharters! Information about the Centennial Quality Unit Award program, and a link to the form, can be found at http://www.goldenspread.org/QualityUnit/QualityUnit.htm. The application for the award can be forwarded to the Scout Office anytime after October 31st, but must be received by December 31st for consideration.
Eagle Project Reviews & Eagle Boards of Review
Adult troop leaders of Boy Scouts needing either Eagle Project Reviews or Eagle Boards of Review should contact Golden Eagle Advancement Chairman Gary Ries at 358-0552 to schedule them. Eagle Project Reviews are conducted on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm in conjunction with Roundtable at St. Thomas Catholic Church. Eagle Boards of Review are conducted on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Scout Office
Popcorn
Please don’t forget popcorn money is due on or before December 4th. The district sales went up 6% this year. Way to go Quanah Parker!!! Hopefully all the units have delivered their merchandise and everyone is enjoying their orders.
Personal Note
December is here!! I want to thank everybody for a wonderful year. Thank you for embracing me and welcoming me into your Scouting world. To all unit leaders and volunteers, thank you so much for everything you do for Scouting and the boys. I appreciate everything you do, especially all the time you spend away from your families so you can help Scouting be better in our community. The Quanah Parker District is in good shape, and that’s all because of you. Our goal for next year is to be BETTER than the year before.
To all District Committee members, thank you for your continuous support. Thank you for trusting and believing on what we are doing for Quanah Parker. Without you it couldn’t be done.
Finally, I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving. I hope you ate a lot and had a wonderful time with your families. Enjoy the holidays and spend some quality time with your loved ones. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I wish you the best, and God Bless!!
Hector Baldiviezo
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Santa Fe District Highlights- December 2009
District Chairperson– LH Webb- sevencross@hughes.net
District Commissioner– Michael Stavenhagen- mstavenhagen57@aol.com
District Executive– Gaylyne Manns- gmannsbsa@gmail.com
December
4 – Popcorn money due to the Council
January
12 – District Committee Meeting
23 – Merit Badge University
Popcorn
Your Popcorn money is due to the Council on December 4.
Recharters
Don’t forget your Recharters are due into the Council by December 15th. This includes all paperwork, applications, signatures, fees and Quality Unit form (qualified or not). It must all be submitted and processed by the Scout Service Center by December 15th.
The council will waive the $1.00 insurance fee for your Scouts and Leaders and Scouts if this is completed.
Happy Holidays
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Venturing District Highlights- December 2009
District Executive: Brad Drozell brad.drozell@scouting.org
December
No scheduled events/meetings
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 Brad Drozell at 358-6500 or brad.drozell@scouting.org
Scholarship Opportunities
If you have questions about such opportunities, please contact Brad Drozell (Venturing Division) at the Scout Service Center 358-6500.
Venture Crew Meetings
If you would like to be involved with more than one crew, attend one of these meetings to check out what all Venturing has to offer! Remember to bring a friend! Boys and girls are welcome, ages 14-20.
2009- Kwahadi Dancers- Contact Charles Ritchie for information, (806) 353-1505.
2012- Shooting Crew-Contact Bob Altman for more information, (806) 358-6500.
2072- Comanche Trail Church of Christ Youth Group-Contact Derek Chance for more information, (806) 457-8054.
2510- City Church Climbing Crew-Contact Chad Clement for more information, (806) 517-1379.
***If you would like more information about your crew in the Venturing section of the newsletter: success stories, advancement progress, etc., contact Brad Drozell (806) 358-6500.
Ladies Pistol Shooting Venture Crew
When: December 12, 2009
Where: Camp Don Harrington Administration Building
What time: 2pm-4pm
Age: 14-20
If you want to learn to shoot a pistol, come and shoot with us! For more information call Bob Altman at (806) 358-6500.
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Council Highlights- December 2009
Happy Holidays
The Staff would like to wish all of our Scouting families a happy and healthy holiday season. We appreciate everything you do for the organization and look forward to another great year in 2010 as we celebrate our 100th Anniversary!
Scout Shop Sale
Beginning December 1, the Scout Shop is having a sale on some items just in time for the holidays. They have crafts kits at a low low price, camp T-shirts at a low low price, and many other items for you to look at- all at a low low price! Come and take a look around- come early for the best deals! Consider Scouting items for Christmas presents!!!
2009 Popcorn Sale Key Dates
Nov. 7 – Dec 4 Supervise collection of money from Scouts and record on Unit Settlement Form.
Dec 4 Submit one check to the council along with a copy of the Unit Settlement Form by Friday, December 4th, 2009.
Dec – Jan Distribute prizes earned by Scouts.
Popcorn News
Congratulations to the 109 Packs, Troops, and Crews who just participated in one of the largest popcorn sale in the Golden Spread Council’s history. Participating units earned over $180,000 in commissions and $15,000 in prizes for this year’s sale. 137 Scouts sold over $750 worth of popcorn this year and will be invited to celebrate their accomplishments at the Council’s annual Swim and Pizza Party that will be held in the WTAMU Activity Center in late January 2010. 27 Scouts sold $1,500 or more and 16 Scouts sold enough popcorn this year to be qualified to participate in the Trail’s End College Scholarship program.
For 2009, the top 5 selling Scouts, their Units, and the Dollar amount they sold are:
Blake S Troop 257 $4120
Steven S Troop 73 $4111
Dylan H Pack 24 $3143
Ethan S Pack 3 $3119
Hunter W Pack 1 $3032
This year’s top 5 selling Units Council-wide and the amount they sold are:
Lone Wolf District Pack 46 $21,605
Golden Eagle District Troop 633 $20,884
Golden Eagle District Pack 24 $18,817
Adobe Walls District Pack 565 $14,934
Golden Eagle District Pack 3 $14,734
Please remember that the total amount of money due to the Council should be paid in full at the Scout Service Center no later then Friday, December 4, 2009. Payment from your unit should be in the form of one check payable to the: Golden Spread Council, BSA.
Payment from your unit should be in the form of one check payable to the: Golden Spread Council, BSA.
Join Our Nationwide 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally!
The year we celebrate our centennial and begin our next century of service. One of the most exciting moments in our history.
To jump start the celebration, we’re bringing together Scouting enthusiasts from coast-to-coast for a nationwide 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally. Hosted by AT&T CEO and Chairman and 100th Anniversary Chair Randall Stephenson, National President John Gottschalk, National Commissioner Tico Perez, and the the Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca, we’ll recognize your important role and the difference you make – everyday. Through this live audiocast, we’ll share important information about how you can be part of the 100th Anniversary. We’ll also answer some of your questions (submitted in advance through the link below). Our goal is to rally more than a quarter of a million Scouting enthusiasts – the largest single gathering of its kind in BSA history.
What: 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Audiocast Rally
Date: Thursday, December 10, 2009
Time:
8:00 – 8:30 p.m. Eastern
7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Central
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Mountain
5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Pacific
How: RSVP by clicking on “100th Anniversary Kick-Off Rally” at http://audiocast.scouting.org. That’s also where you’ll find the link to the audiocast on December 10th.
You are the reason this great movement works – the passionate supporters and boots on the ground serving youth across America. The 100th Anniversary celebration is meant to inspire, excite, and engage the entire Scouting family. Join us as we embark upon this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Rechartering Information
This is a reminder that charters are due to the Scout Office on or before December 15. The council will waive the $1 Insurance Fee for your Scouts and Leaders if your unit is rechartered by that date. Rechartered means all paperwork applications, signatures, fees, and Quality Unit Form (Qualified or not) are submitted and processed by the Scout Service Center. If you have any questions, please look at your District Highlights section for all District specific information or call your District Executive.
“A Perfect Day for Scouting”
The world will soon be coming to West Virginia!”
That was the pronouncement of National Executive Board member Jack Furst as the Boy Scouts of America formally unveiled The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. The new site will be home to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, future jamborees, a national high-adventure base, and other innovative programs.
Principal benefactor Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr. and his family were on hand to receive a heartfelt thank you from our Scouting family, along with West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, local officials, and hundreds of local citizens and members of the press.
Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca and National Commissioner Tico Perez formally presented the new site to West Virginia and the world.
West Virginia Metro News – Charleston, WV: http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=33669
The Associated Press: http://www.wctrib.com/event/apArticle/id/D9C26C6O0/
Dallas Morning News: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D9C23BC85.html
Houston Chronicle: http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_322212141.html
New Scout Shop Hours
The Scout Shop, located inside the Scout Office will be open one Saturday per moth effective in January 2010. For all the dates, please click on the link below.
New Belt Loops, Pins, Merit Badges are Coming
When the BSA was founded in 1910, boys weren’t into video games, scuba diving, or robotics. But as we enter our second century, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will be able to earn awards in these topics, thanks to a new focus on change and innovation.
New for Cub Scouts
Video Games is one of 13 new belt loops and pins in the Cub Scout Academics and Sports program. It’s been more than 10 years since the program expanded, so volunteers and Cub Scouts from around the country have been waiting for this change.
In late January, Scout shops across the country should begin selling a new edition of the Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program Guide (No. 34299), which will include these additions:
Academics Subjects:
Disabilities Awareness
Family Travel
Good Manners
Nutrition
Pet Care
Photography
Reading and Writing
Video Games
Sports:
Hiking
Hockey
Horseback Riding
Kickball
Skateboarding
New for Boy Scouts
Scuba Diving is the first new Boy Scout merit badge in three years; it will become available in December. Four other new merit badges will appear over the course of the coming year:
Inventing (First quarter 2010)
Geocaching (Second quarter 2010)
Scouting Heritage (Second quarter 2010)
Robotics (Fourth quarter 2010)
These badges are being introduced because they received positive feedback in a youth interest survey. If five new merit badges seems like a lot, it is. By comparison, the BSA introduced just six new merit badges between 1992 (Collections) and 2006 (Composite Materials).
But the new badges aren’t the only innovation. In the past it took three years to create a merit badge. Now, that time has been cut to just less than a year, helping to keep the badge topics and content fresher than ever.
Announcing the 2010 “Celebrate Scouting Stamp”
The U.S. Postal Service gave us “a stamp of approval” to honor 100 years of the U.S. Scouting movement. The Celebrate Scouting stamp will be issued in the summer of 2010.
The design, created by Craig Frazier of Mill Valley, California, depicts the spirit and outdoor adventure of Scouting through a backpacking Scout and a large silhouette of a Scout surveying the landscape.
In conjunction with the announcement, we are encouraging Scouts to send letters and packages to veterans and U.S. Armed Forces personnel serving overseas.
“Regardless of our age, we never outgrow the joy of receiving a personal letter in the mail,” said Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. “This is the least we can do for the service men and women to whom we owe the deepest gratitude for their service.”
Celebrate Scouting letterhead, guides for writing letters to deployed soldiers and veterans, and care package tips are available in an online toolkit to help Scouts get started.
The Celebrate Scouting stamp was championed by U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas and supported by a bipartisan group of more than 300 Congressional members.
Scouting Memories Request
We invite you to share your Scouting memories and stories with the National Scouting Museum. Please see the link below for more information.
Celebrating 100 Years – A Year of Celebration Patch Program
For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has created a strong foundation of leadership, service, and community for millions of America’s youth. Through A Year of Celebration, A Century of Making a Difference, we will demonstrate the incredible impact of a century of living the Scout Law.
Program participants will earn recognition for making a difference in their communities due to their dedication to five of Scouting’s core values: Leadership, Character, Community Service, Achievement, and the Outdoors. Participants will be able to earn our 100th Anniversary commemorative patch and ribbon.
A Year of Celebration will take place from September 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. The program is open to all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Scouting alumni. Additionally, the BSA has also teamed up with some great organizations to offer unique 100th Anniversary service projects that can apply towards your Year of Celebration Service award. These national opportunities will truly show what Scouts can do when they band together towards a shared goal.
For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has created a strong foundation of leadership, service, and community for America’s youth. Through A Year of Celebration, we celebrate this legacy and commit ourselves to inspire and prepare future generations.
Patches can be purchased by anyone but the ribbons must be earned.
For more information, click on the link below.
Leadership Patch information link
Scouting National Hall of Leadership
Our communities are better places to live, work, and play because of leadership – expressed in extraordinary acts of service – by Scouts, Scouters, and Scouting volunteers over generations.
We want to gather these powerful stories and share the significant positive impact Scouting leadership has on the quality of life in the communities we serve. As part of the 100th Anniversary Celebration, the Boy Scouts has created the National Hall of Leadership.
The BSA 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership is not a hall or building in the traditional sense, like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, but its purpose is just as significant. The National Hall of Leadership is an opportunity for anyone to recognize outstanding leadership by a Scout, registered leader or Scouting volunteer who made a significant difference in the life of another by the extraordinary service they have given and the Scouting virtues they have modeled.
To be nominated for the National Hall of Leadership, the nominee must be a living Scout or Scouting volunteer who may/may not be officially registered with the BSA.
They also must have served as an active Scout or Scouting volunteer within Scouting for at least one year. A nominee may be young or old-there is no age limit for nominees.
Nominations are submitted online in the form of a story that is 450 words or less, describing why the person is deserving of this one-time honor. The nomination period opens on February 8, 2009, and closes on February 8, 2010, the 100th Anniversary of Scouting. The final inductees to the National Hall of Leadership will total 303-one representing each BSA council and one selected by the National BSA Council-and will be announced at the BSA National Annual Meeting in Dallas in May 2010.
BSA Alumni Connect
We are looking for a few good BSA Alumni! With the 100th Anniversary coming up in 2010, we are looking for past BSA members (adults and youth) Alumni to help provide memories for upcoming celebrations and history. If you know of a Scouter who is no longer active or was a Scout as a youth, let them know that they can go to the link below and reconnect with Scouting.
Silver Beaver Nominations
The Silver Beaver is the highest recognition that the Council can bestow on an individual. This award is given to registered Scouters or civic leaders who have provided noteworthy service to youth. Nominations are due to the Council Office no later than December 16, 2009. For more information and the Nomination Form, please click on the link below.
New Merit Badge effective December 2009
The Boy Scouts of America is pleased to announce the release of the Scuba Diving merit badge. The official earn date of this merit badge is December 1, 2009. Pamphlets are in the NDC and available for local council service center and scoutstuff.org orders – just in time for Christmas!
The first new merit badge in over three years, Scuba Diving reflects the new direction of BSA to develop merit badges based on youth/Scout input to assure relevance and excitement around the merit badge offering. This merit badge, developed in association with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), leverages our spirit of outdoor adventure and expands our aquatics offering. More than 84 percent of Scouts surveyed were interested in the merit badge and recommended that BSA adopt it.
Key facts you need to know about the merit badge are as follows:
- Completing the Scuba Diving merit badge will result in the boy achieving an open water certification enabling him to dive around the world with the appropriate supervision, based on his age.
- There are two important roles for this merit badge – the merit badge counselor and a certified dive instructor.
- Sometimes this may be the same person.
- More likely, the counselor will be an existing BSA adult member.
- Always the instructor will be one certified by one of a number of instructional agencies.
- The instructor does NOT have to be a BSA member.
- Earning the Scuba Diving merit badge is open to all Boy Scout-age youth. There are, however, limitations based on age with respect to how deep and with whom a boy can dive. These limitations vary by certifying organization.
- Completion of the Swimming merit badge is a requirement of the merit badge and must be completed prior to entering into scuba training portion of the requirements.
- Boys with a current open water certification will NOT have to recertify in order to earn the merit badge. They will, however, have to have completed the Swimming merit badge, present their certification to the merit badge counselor and complete all the other requirements.
- There are three important pieces of information which must be fully reviewed by the merit badge counselor prior to approving any Scout for the merit badge: the merit badge requirements, the notes to counselor and the scuba policy of the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Camp School Attendees Wanted
The Council is looking to increase its pool of Scouters who are trained in various areas that require National Camp School certification. Specifically, we are looking for Shooting Sports Directors, Aquatics Directors, Aquatics Supervisors, Cub and Boy Scout Program Directors, Camp Commissioners, COPE Directors, and Climbing Directors. You must be a registered adult over the age of 21 years, be willing to attend school for 5 days (Feb 20-26 at Philmont with selected courses or March 13-19 at Camp Strake with selected courses) and possibly be able to work at Camp MK Brown for Summer Camp and/or Camp Don Harrington for Cub Scout Resident Camp. We are looking now for a Camp MK Brown Program Director to attend the Philmont Course. If this is something you may be interested in, please contact Scott as soon as possible to discuss this great opportunity.
Health and Safety Support Committee Confirms BSA Policy on Physical Exams
Last month, the BSA’s Health and Safety Support Committee, which is composed of volunteers in the health and safety field across the country, thoroughly reviewed the BSA’s policies requiring physical examinations to be completed and signed by a certified and licensed health-care provider-a physician (MD, DO), nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. This included a review of material provided by various individuals and organizations representing the chiropractic community.
The committee determined the current requirements remain the best policy for the BSA, based on the fact that chiropractors are not certified to treat all of the identified high-risk factors included in the BSA’s activities (available at www.scouting.org, under “Scouting Safely“) and are not regulated universally across the United States.
Simply stated, physicians (MD, DO), nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants will be the only health-care providers to perform physicals for the Boy Scouts of America.
Centennial Quality Unit
The Centennial Quality Award program is designed to recognize units in achieving excellence in providing a quality program to the youth in their units. The award can only be received after October 31 and before December 31 of each year.
Click on the link below to view the criteria and download the application.
Centennial Quality Unit Information
The Centennial Quality Award is named in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. This new award began in 2007 and will continue until 2010.
Recognition items for members is a patch worn on the uniform with the colors for that year. Colors indicate:
2007 – Red
2008 – White
2009 – Blue
2010 – Red, White and Blue
Recognition for units is a ribbon/streamer for each year with the color for that year. Lapel pins and plaques are also available.
Campmaster Training Now On-Line
Are you interested in spending a weekend at Camp Don and staying in the new Campmaster Building? If so, why not join the Campmaster Corps. Duties including checking in units, making sure they are settled in their campsites, giving advice on how to properly use our equipment and facilities and checking them out upon departure. This is a great opportunity to help units grow in the camping program and enjoy a weekend at camp. The Campmaster building is ready for you to enjoy. Central air and heat, full kitchen and bath plus two bedrooms and a living room await you! Training is now on-line!. Go to the link below, take the training and then call the Ranger to set up a date and time so he can show you where the utilities connections are at Camp and all the other things you need to know. Once that is completed, we will add you to the list of Campmaster!
New Pistol Shooting Venture Crew Forming
The Venturing District of the Golden Spread Council is forming a new Pistol Shooting Venturing Crew “The Pistol Chics”-Crew 2245
We will meet on Sunday, December 12, 2009 2:00PM to 4PM at the Camp Don Harrington Administration Building.
Young Ladies ages 14-20, that are interested in learning to shoot pistols, come join us for an organizational meeting and shoot. For more information please call Bob Altman-358-6500, or email, raltman@bsamail.org
Merit Badge Counselor Registration
If you are a current registered Merit Badge Counselor, you must recertify every year. It’s a simple process but must be done by December 31, 2009. Please click on the link below, complete and print the forms and send it to the office. If you wish to be a Merit Badge Counselor, you must complete an Adult Registration Form and the form linked below. There is no charge to be a Counselor.
2010 Merit Badge University
Are you ready? The 2010 Merit Badge University is coming to a town near you! Really, it’s going to be in Canyon, Texas at West Texas A &M University on January 23, 2010.
We will be offering many Eagle required Merit Badges plus some others. We are also having multiple classes to alleviate the over crowding that we have experienced in the past. In addition, we have some great training opportunities for all adults that you won’t want to miss.
For more information and to register, please click the link below
2010 Merit Badge University info and registration forms
Scout Office Holiday Closing
To celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday, the Scout Office and Scout Shop will be closed at Noon on November 25th and will reopen on Monday, November 30th. For the Christmas Holiday, the Scout Office and Scout Shop will be closed at Noon on Dec 24th through the 27th. The Scout Shop will be closed for inventory on Dec 30 to 31st and the Scout Office and Scout Shop will be closed at Noon on Dec 31st and reopen on Jan 4, 2010. Shop early for your Scouting Christmas Gifts!
Council Camps Closed Dates
Camp Don will be closed from November 20 through Nov ember 29, 2009 and December 24th through Jan 3, 2010. In addition, CDH will be closed on Jan 15-18, 2010.
Camp MK Brown will be closed November 25th through November 29, 2009 and December 24 through Jan 3, 2010. In addition, MKB will be closed on Jan 15-18, 2010.
Boy Scout Service Project Opportunity
Are your Boy Scouts looking for a really cool service project to work on? If so, the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission has a great project for your unit to take on or Scouts within your unit. Please take a look at the information flyer linked below for all the details.
Report to the State Opportunity
The Council has been invited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America by participating in the 61st annual Report to the State of Texas.
This event is scheduled for February 6, 2010 and begins at 7am with a delegate’s breakfast, followed by a parade of thousands of Scouts up Congress Ave to the State Capital. After the parade and report to the State, our delegation can tour local points of interest.
If your Scout unit is interested in representing our Council at this event, please contact Scott at the office (806-358-6500) for more information and fees. We must submit our registration form NLT January 5, 2010 so please don’t wait!
2011 Philmont Council Trek Contingent
We have been notified that the Council was awarded at least one council contingent to go to Philmont Scout Ranch on July 21, 2011 to August 2, 2011. The cost per person is $725.00. We have a committment from one unit so far but we expect to have two treks become available. If you are interested in a trek, please call Scott at 806-358-6500 for more information.
Scrap Lumber Available
If any unit is in need of scrap lumber (firewood, projects etc.) we have been contacted by Terry Price who would like to give it away for free. If you are interested, please contact her at 806-679-7527 to arrange to look at it and maybe take some off her hands.
Memorials and Tributes
Mr and Mrs Pat Phelps Memory of Robin Schultz
2009 Eagle Scouts
| First | Last | Unit | District |
| J | Blashall | Team 79 | GE |
| J | Chance | T-501 | AW |
| K | Coffey | T-80 | GE |
| J | Diaz | T-108 | GE |
| B | Freas | T-94 | GE |
| A | Gaines | T-472 | AW |
| D | Gaines | T-472 | AW |
| N | Grant | C 2087 | GE |
| T | Holloway | C-2087 | GE |
| D | Holmes | T-98 | GE |
| J | Hunt | Team 79 | GE |
| R | Imel-Vise | T-472 | AW |
| B | James | T-501 | AW |
| S | Johnson | T-86 | GE |
| B | Lacey | C-2087 | GE |
| J | May | T-108 | GE |
| M | Mitchell | T-98 | GE |
| R | Morris | T-116 | GE |
| R | Munger | T-31 | GE |
| J | Naud | T-87 | GE |
| M | Niegos | C 2087 | GE |
| W | O’Hara | T-142 | LW |
| J | Owens | T-47 | QP |
| R | Ragsdale | T-31 | GE |
| D | Ripperger | T-94 | GE |
| A | Sasser | C-2087 | GE |
| M | Schley | T-86 | GE |
| R | Skelton | T-86 | GE |
| T | Stephens | T-86 | GE |
| G | Thetford | T-101 | LW |
| R | Todd | T-94 | GE |
| S | Tucker | T- 472 | AW |
| T | Ufford | T-10 | GE |
| C | Vernon | T-256 | LW |
| R | Welch | T-124 | GE |
| M | Wilborn | C-2094 | GE |
| T | Wingo | C-2087 | GE |
| C | Work | T-127 | GE |
| L | Wright | T-256 | LW |
| S | Wylie | T-633 | GE |
| D | Paschel | T-501 | GE |
| N | Daniels | T-1776 | GE |
| D | Courkamp | T-94 | GE |
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