Adobe Walls District Highlights- April 2011
District Chairperson – Richard Carter – slrjcarter@cableone.net
District Commissioner – Rick Jones – icsinstructor57@yahoo.com
District Executive – Jim Anderson – jim.anderson@scouting.org
Spring Camporee
This is one of the highlights of the year for many Troops and Packs. The Boy Scouts will compete and display their scouting skills and the Cub Scouts will participate in games and activities of their own. This is a great opportunity to interact with scouts from all over the council and the boys will leave with a realization that scouting is much bigger than just their Pack or Troop.
Camp Cards
Remember Camp Card accounts must be settled by April 30th in order to get your 50% commission!!! YOU DON’T WANT TO BE LATE WITH THIS.
District Pinewood Derby
A district-wide pinewood derby will be hosted by Pack 565 in Borger at Frank Phillips College. This is a Sunday Afternoon with check-in at 2 PM and racing starting at 3PM. There will be a small entry fee, but all boys will receive a participation medal as well as a trophy for the top 3 finishers in each division.
Golden Eagle District Highlights- April 2011
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
Senior District Executive: George Etier, getier@bsamail.org
April Calendar
2 BALOO Training
7 District Leaders Roundtable
14 District Committee Meeting
14 District Commissioners Meeting
21 Eagle Scout Board of Review
29- May 1 Council Camporee – Camp Don Harrington
May Calendar
5 District Leaders Roundtable
8 Mother’s Day
12 District Committee Meeting
12 District Commissioners Meeting
19 Eagle Scout Board of Review
30 Memorial Day
Roundtable
Be sure you and your unit are represented at the Roundtable each month.
This month the Boy Scout Leader Roundtable will focus on the Life Scout to Eagle Scout journey. Roundtable Commissioner, Chuck Freas and Advancement Chairman, Gary Ries will present a program on how the process works and how best the unit leaders can help their Scouts prepare for success.
The Cub Scout Roundtable will focus on spring recruiting. How to do it, how not to do it, come prepared with the dates of your spring recruitment so that we can be prepared to help you succeed.
Summer Program
Now is the time to start finalizing those summer plans, whether it be Boy Scout Summer Camp, Cub Scout Resident Camp, Fun in the Sun……make sure you are keeping the OUTING
In ScOUTING for the youth in your unit.
Camporee
If you have not signed up for this exciting event…..it not too late. Info and sign-up sheets are available at goldenspread.org.
Camp Cards
For those units that signed up for Camp Cards, remember, the last day to turn in the money and get your 50% Commission is Saturday, April 30th, at the Camporee.
Location, Location, Location
Roundtable – St. Thomas Church on Coulter 7:00 pm
District Committee – St. Stephens United Methodist Church on Western 7:00 pm
District Commissioners – St. Stephens United Methodist Church on Western 7:00 pm
Eagle Board of Review – St. Stephens United Methodist Church on Western 6:30 pm
Be sure to check out all of the Council-wide events, programs, and trainings shown throughout this newsletter.
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Lone Wolf District Highlights- April 2011
District Chairman- Duwane Skipper- duwaneskipper@yahoo.com
District Commissioner- Bob Post- postbob@allegiance.tv
Senior District Executive- Steve Knollenberg- stevek.bsa@gmail.com
April Calendar:
8-10- Palo Duro Lake Cleanup service project, Palo Duro Lake, Spearman, TX.
14- District Committee & Commissioners meeting, 7:00 p.m., FUMC, Spearman, TX.
30- Camp Card sale money & unsold card turn in deadline
30-Council Camporee, Camp Don Harrington
30- District/Council Key 3 combined meeting at Camp Don Harrington, 3 p.m.
May Calendar:
3- Perryton Adult Leaders meeting, 7:00 p.m., FUMC, Perryton, TX.
5- Dalhart Adult Leaders meeting, 7:00 p.m., CUMC, Dalhart, TX.
10- Guymon Adult Leaders meeting, 7:00 p.m., VMUMC, Guymon, OK.
12- District Committee & Commissioners meeting, 7:00 p.m., FUMC, Spearman, TX.
28- Order of the Arrow unit elections end.
Family Friends of Scouting
It’s time to schedule your unit’s Family Friends of Scouting presentation. Without this financial support from our leaders and our scouting families, the Golden Spread Council would not be able to provide the quality programs, training and facilities you expect, for our scouts. Plan on having a Family Friends of Scouting presentation at your next pack meeting, Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold Banquet, or troop court of honor. Call Steve Knollenberg at 580-651-2615, or Audrey House at 580-652-2085, to schedule a presentation that is convenient for your unit.
Camp Card Money & Unsold Card Turn In Deadline
You must turn in your unit’s Camp Card sales money and unsold cards no later than Saturday, April 30, 2011 to receive the full 50 percent commission, from the card sales. May 1, 2010, the commission drops to 35 percent, May 6, 2011, the commission drops to 15 percent.
You may turn in your money and unsold cards at the Council Service Center, at the Spring Camporee, or directly to Steve. This is an important deadline! I want all of our scouts to get the full benefit of the 50 percent commission. I will be at the Council Spring Camporee, at Camp Don, on April 30.
Palo Duro Lake Cleanup
The annual Lone Wolf District Palo Duro Lake cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 9, 2011, near Spearman, Texas. This event is a great time for our district’s units to get together, complete a worthwhile service project and enjoy the fellowship of Scouting.
In addition, the Palo Duro River Authority will be providing lunch to all those who sign up and participate! It’s their way of saying, “thank you” for making the lake a more enjoyable destination for all. Please follow this link, for more information and to sign up: 2011 Palo Duro clean up information
Normally, troops camp out for the weekend and packs attend for the day. Packs are welcome to camp out, as long as BSA Family Camping guidelines are followed. This is a great way for our Cubs to get to see what the “big boys” do, in Boy Scouts. Start planning now, to attend! Please contact Richard Nowlin at rcnowlin@valornet.com, (806-658-4839) or Steve Knollenberg, stevek.bsa@gmail.com (580-651-2615) for more information.
Order of the Arrow Unit Elections
All Scoutmasters should be reviewing their Troop records to identify which youth members are eligible for election into the Order of the Arrow, this spring. To be eligible, the youth needs to be at least a First Class Scout and have completed fifteen days and nights of camping in the last two calendar years, including one, but not more than one, long-term camp of 5, or 6 nights. The remaining 9 or 10 nights must consist of overnight, weekend, or other short-term camping. “Cabin camping”, does not count. Chapter Unit election coordinators will be contacting each Scoutmaster, to schedule an election for Troops that have eligible candidates. Remember, a Troop may not conduct its own election! Troop elections must be completed by May 28, 2011.
Scouting for Food Update
Congratulations to the Lone Wolf units participating in the 2011 Scouting for Food council-wide service project! Your efforts have resulted in 4862 pounds of food being collected, for people in need, in the Lone Wolf District. This food will help our neighbors, who need assistance in feeding their families. This year’s collection was an increase of 1243 pounds, over last year’s collection. A special well done to Pack 578 and Troop 551, from Spearman, who collected over 1900 pounds of food! They also collected 60 cases of drinking water for the American Red Cross, in Borger, to replace drinking water distributed during last month’s grass fires.
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Quanah Parker District Highlights- April 2011
District Chairperson– Joni Mickna- sjmickna@sbcglobal.net (806)674-7040 (cell)
District Commissioner– Vacant
District Executive– Pablo Rueda- pablo.rueda@scouting.org (806) 679-6073 (cell)
April Calendar:
12- Key Three Meeting
14- District Committee Meeting
Adult Leader Roundtable
When? Thursday, April 7 @ 7:00 pm
Where? Saint Mary’s Catholic Fellowship Hall (Read Constant Contact)
1200 South Washington
Amarillo, TX 79102
Roundtable training is an important asset to any leader or parent!
Come learn and share ideas with your peers in the district. This is a monthly get-together of all leaders, Assistants, Committee Members, and involved parents. This training will help leaders who want to help their Unit Committee get the best resources, activities, and up to date information on upcoming events in the district and council. Roundtable also enables and motivates leaders to deliver an outstanding program to their units. The district believes strongly that all of Quanah Parker’s leaders should be participating in roundtable in order to deliver a stronger program for our scouts. We had a great turnout at our March’s Roundtable meeting.
Special thanks to Barbara Lafferty, Mickey Dunham and Doris Williams for organizing our program.
GET TRAINED!
Every Scout Deserves a Trained Adult Leader!
When you are trained it makes it a lot easier for you to get involved and do things right; and the boys get a better program and a better experience. The Golden Spread Council’s goal is to have 100% leaders trained in all districts. If your unit has changed Cubmaster or Scoutmaster, or has new parents involved in it; they should get training right away! All the necessary training is online at https://myscouting.scouting.org/. If you need your Scouting ID in order to log in, please feel free to contact the Scout Office at (806) 358-6500 and ask any of the staff. Also, there will be additional training during the year like so pay attention for dates and sign up. If for some reason you and your leaders cannot come to training, call Pablo Rueda at 806-655-5800 and let him know.
Important notice: Please make sure you log on your Scouting ID after taking the on-line training otherwise your training progress might not get registered in the system Logging on your Scouting ID allows the system to track your training progress.
District Pinewood Derby
We had around 110 people attend our District Pinewood Derby. We had 51 boys race and have a blast. This event was a success for our District thanks to the committee that made it happen. It is exciting to see different leaders coming together and working as a team.
Special thanks to Joni Mickna for taking care of many details such as; Venue, Trophies, cash change and keeping everyone entertained during the event on the microphone. Jason Dunham (District Activities Chairman) for putting together the committee and coordinating efforts to making the whole event a smooth sailing for parents and boys who participated. Diane Edmondson and Doris Williams for taking care of the cars and working hard to keep track of the races.
Jarec Pace, Lyndon Holland and Pete Shugar did a great job as Pit Crew. Helping many boys to make adjustments on their cars and weighing each one of them.
Greg Anderson and Pack 3082 for providing the Pinewood Derby Committee with a concession stand as well as helping during the event.
Mickey Dunham for running the concession stand.
Jesse Walton helped with placing the boys in position to race.
Everyone who participated, those boys appreciate your efforts and you provided a great experience for them!
District Executive
It is a fun time of the year for our Scouts!
I encourage our leaders to finalize their plans for Summer Camps, Fun in the Sun (Cub Scout Day Camp), and plan your unit campouts before the boys go on summer vacation. This is a big part of scouting, and most of our units have their plans made.
I encourage you to start your camp experiences by attending Camporee!
Many units are very active in our district, but we encourage units that aren’t quite as active to think about why our boys join our movement. They want to have fun! We want them to have fun while they are being taught our organization values and skills. This values and skills will make a difference in these boys life.
I would like to recognize our Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in Dumas who keep active and represent our movement in Moore County with pride!
Many Thanks.
Pablo Rueda
Quanah Parker- District Executive
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Santa Fe District Highlights- April 2011
District Chairperson– Vacant
District Commissioner– Michael Stavenhagen- mstavenhagen57@aol.com
District Executive– Gaylyne Manns- gmannsbsa@gmail.com
April
12 – District Roundtable/District Meeting
Friends of Scouting
Santa Fe District is at 106% of our goal for FOS. Thank you to George Hall and other Community Chairs and all doners for your help in supporting the Golden Spread Council.
Fish Fest
Mark you calendar for May 7 2011 at MKB will be Santa Fe District Fish Fest. It will be bigger and bigger then previous years. Sign up now, here is the link:
Click to access 2011sfFishFestFlyer.pdf
Day Camp
These years day camp is 2011 “Fun in the Sun” the date will be July 16th in Memphis. Its just one day this year so plan to attend. We are looking for adult Volunteers to help staff the camp.
http://www.goldenspread.org/Programs/Forms/2011FunInTheSunFlyer.pdf
Keep me updated on you camp card sales, I am interested in how they are selling.
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Venturing District Highlights- April 2011
District Executive: Brad Drozell brad.drozell@scouting.org
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.
2245- Pistol Shooting Crew-Contact Verna Popp 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
***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.
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Golden Spread Council Highlights- April 2011
Youth Protection Training BSA Policy Change
To increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exists today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is implementing several important changes to further enhance its Youth Protection policies.
Effective June 1, 2010, the following YPT policy took affect:
1. YPT is required for all registered leaders.
2. New Leaders are required to take YPT before they submit their application for registration. The certificate of completion must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
3. YPT must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s YPT record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteers will not be registered.
To ensure these policies are fully implemented, please take the following steps:
* If you have not taken YPT within the last two years, log on to www.myscouting.org and take the training. You will need your membership number located on your BSA Membership Card. Call the Scout office if you don’t have it.
*If you have taken YPT on-line but did not input your membership number, log back on to the Training section of www.myscouting.org and input your member ID so the training will be linked with your records.
* If you have taken YPT within the past two years but did not take it online, log in to www.myscouting.org to ensure your records are up to date, or contact the Scout Office and have us verify that your YPT records are accurate.
* Finally, please share this information with all of your registered adults.
Youth Protection Training is available online at http://scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx
Alumni Award
The national Alumni Relations Committee is pleased to announce a newly created award: the Alumni Award. The requirements are available at www.BSAalumni.org for registered alumni. If you or someone you know is not registered, it only takes a few minutes.
The BSA’s definition of alumni is, “everyone positively and personally impacted by the Boy Scouts of America-former Scouts, family members of Scouts past and present, volunteers past and present, community leaders, and the millions of Americans who benefit from Scouting in their communities every day.”
The recognition items for the Alumni Award include a very nice-looking square knot AND lapel pin, which will be sold by Supply Group as restricted inventory items. Recipients of the award must show an approved application by both their council alumni committee AND the national Alumni Relations office before they purchase their square knot and/or lapel pin.
News from the Order of the Arrow NEW
Beaver Day Weeknd 2011
All Boy Scout Troops may attend.
http://www.na-oa.net/events/BeaverDayWeekend
What:
Please join the Nischa Achowalogen Lodge #486 at the Camp Don, Saturday May 14, 2011 for a day of service. There will be several camp projects set up for your scout unit. Projects are expected to be completed by 5 pm.
Registration:
Pre-registration is required. Please register by calling or emailing Trent Stephens at 806-316-6251 or going to http://www.na-oa.net/events/BeaverDayWeekend/troop by Monday May 9, 2010. Please leave a message and a contact number. Lunch will be provided by the Nischa Achowalogen Lodge #486 to all scout units that participate in the Beaver Day event. Lunch will be served between 12:00 pm – 12:45pm in the Dining Hall. Day only check-in: Saturday May 14, 2011 between 8:00 am – 8:30am in the Dining Hall.
What to bring:
Old clothes and shoes, gloves, hat, (you will get dirty) and a canteen or water bottle to keep hydrated. Other helpful items: battery operated drills (& bits), trailer to help haul tree limbs, chain saws, bow saws, axe, anything else you can think of to make the work easier. Projects may include painting, wading in water, or mud. Clothes may get dirty or torn.
Camping:
Your troop may camp during the weekend however please note that the OA Lodge will only provide lunch on Saturday. You unit will be responsible for all other meals. The dining hall is reserved for OA activities. Units must follow the two leader deep rule. Sign-in for weekend camping will be at the dining hall on Friday May 13, 2011 between 7pm – 9pm .
We will have Cub Area and Mesa Flats open for the weekend camping during the Beaver Day Weekend.
Medical form:
Please bring a copy of your BSA Annual Health and Medical Record. All participants must have a current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record [http://goldenspread.org/Forms/Health%20%20Medical%20Record.pdf] on file for the weekend. If your Annual Health and Medical Record form is not on file with your registration you must bring it with you or you will be sent home, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Cost:
There is no cost for your unit. Lunch will be provided Saturday. Each troop is responsible for all other meals. The Trading Post / Snack Bar will be open!
News Alert
To: All Nicsha Achowalogen Lodge members
From: Andy Price, Scout Executive & Supreme Chief of Fire
Date: 3/18/11
Re: Change in Lodge Leadership
have asked Tim Beecher to take on the role of Lodge Advisor for Nicsha Achowalogen Lodge #486. Upon discussion he has accepted this importantleadership role. I am pleased with his commitment and continuing interest in the Order of the Arrow and our lodge. Please join me in recognizing Tim in this new role and join around him to help make the lodge even stronger.
We are all appreciative of Jared Read’s leadership, and I know that he will still be involved in the lodge. Please join me in expressing our appreciation to Jared next time you see him.
Thank you for all that you do for our council and our lodge. I look forward to seeing you at Beaver Days.
In Service.
2011 Conclave
http://www.na-oa.net/events/2011conclave
Conclave is an opportunity for arrowmen from across our section to gather for a weekend of fun, fellowship, and competitions. This year’s conclave will be held at Camp Tonkawa, outside of Abilene TX, April 15-17 2011.
Our section encompasses 10 lodges, spanning the distance from Amarillo, TX all the way to Shreveport, LA. At conclave, arrowmen have the opportunity to compete in ceremonies, dancing, drumming, singing and many other games and competitions. There are also competitions for lodge publications and websites.
In addition to all the fun and competition, there are also a broad variety of training classes, ranging from running a meeting, to successful event planning.
In short, Conclave has something for everyone. From the newest arrowman, to the most experienced, a good time is guaranteed!
$50 – Late Registration [April 3, 2011 to Conclave Walk-On]
Registering for Conclave is very simple and it all begins on our registration web site, http://sr23n.oaevent.com. Just create an account, fill out the online form, and mail or bring to your payment for conclave attendance to your council.
Journey To Excellance Service Hours
You can now enter your service hours at www.scouting.org/awards/journeytoexcellence . Look for the “Service Project” area of the screen. There you can find the link to log your hours, information for first time users, ideas and tips for a successful service project, and sample reports that can be pulled by your council administrator. To enter your service hours click on “service hours website.” Choose “New User Click Here” or enter in your existing username and password. Users can still use www.goodturnforamerica and they will be redirected to the new data collection site. If you have any questions, please contact the national service desk at 1-972-580-2267.
Volunteers with a MyScouting account can also reach the Journey to Excellence service hour website by clicking on the Journey to Excellence Information link on the left side of the screen in the “Council Tools” section. Once they click the link they will be directed to www.scouting.org/awards/journeytoexcellence and can follow the same procedures as listed above.
Did you know that the Golden Spread Council is now on Facebook? If you enjoy using Facebook, we periodically post important items to keep you up to date on the activities taking place. Look us up and FRIEND us!!!
Venom Football NEW
If you are interested in watching a Venom Football Game, please check out the link below for tickets and a special Patch for this game only!
NESA NEW
The national NESA Committee at its February 7 meeting approved increasing NESA membership fees effective July 1, 2011. This is the first increase in NESA membership fees in almost 20 years.
The new fees include the following:
$20 This is for new Eagle Scouts and is valid until their 23rd birthday if purchased within six months of their board of review date. Some councils pay this fee for all of their Eagle Scouts. In other cases, troops do. It’s also a great thing for parents or grandparents to buy for their loved ones.
$35 Regular five-year membership
$250 Life membership
A permanent half-price life membership fee for all professional Scouters was also approved. They can purchase a life membership until July 1, 2011, for only $90. After that, it will be $125.
Philmont 2011
Troop 73 has made arrangements for a Trek at Philmont in 2011 and they have additional openings for Boy Scouts and adult leaders. If you are interested in going on a trek in 2011, please call Joni Mickna at 806-674-7040 to get all the information regarding dates, fees etc.
OA Elections
The Order of the Arrow Unit Elections began on February 5 and if you have not taken care of this, now is the time to start the procedures. For information on eligibility, procedures and who to contact, please see the link below.
2011 Camp Card Program Update NEW
Most of you have been selling the 2011 Camp Card and from what we hear, it’s been a huge success. Thank you so much to all the units who are participating. Many of you have called about getting more cards. We ask that you call other Scouts in the unit and see if they might have cards they haven’t sold yet and move them around within the unit. If that is not successful, we will take your unit number and add you to our waiting list as we have no more cards left to give out!. Since this is a new program, we ordered what units asked for plus an additional amount and they too are gone. On April 30th (the date units must turn-in all money and extra cards to receive their 50 percent commission), we will then re-issue cards to those units wishing to sell more. Please call your District Executive to get on the list! Again, we appreciate your willingness to sell these cards and we know your Scouts are earning their way to Camp! Please remember, money and cards must be turned in no later than April 30th for 50 percent commission. If you are attending the Camporee at Camp Don on April 30th, we will take your money at that time or you can turn it in to the Scout Office or to your DE prior to that date. The DE’s will be at the Camporee and not available in their home Districts that weekend so plan ahead!!!
Interactive BSA Uniforms Site Launched
The new, official uniforms website is now active. It includes a number of features that make it a valuable resource not only for Scouts and parents, but for leaders, Scout Shops, councils, distributors, and customer service. The interactive format takes visitors through Scouting’s ranks and programs, with 360-degree views of what the official uniform should look like when complete. Other features include drag-and-drop insignia, full descriptions of each uniform piece, and a “Shop Now” link that takes you directly to the Scoutstuff.org site.
Merit Badge Counselors NEW
If you need to locate Merit Badge Counselors to come to your unit meeting or to another location to teach a badge, look no further. Call the Scout Office at 806-358-6500 for a list of authorised counselors.
Campmaster Training 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. 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! We are desperate for more Campmasters- please contact Scott ASAP to discuss this great opportunity!!
Scouting for Food Update NEW
Scouting for Food was a huge success. Over 15,ooo pounds of food was collected across the Golden Spread Council by our Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. We are thrilled that we had such a great turnout this year. We would like to thank Troop 62 and the Order of the Arrow for helping the High Plains Food Bank in Amarillo this year.
American Indian Scholarship
The council has been notified that there is a Campership available for Boy Scouts who are if American Indian heritage to help attend an approved council long-term camp program. Funds will be awarded for up to 50 percent of the cost of one week of camp. To be eligible, a youth must be recognized as being of American Indian heritage and in need of financial assistance. If you are interested in hearing more about this, please contact Scott at 806-358-6500.
Professional CPR/First Aid Training and BSA Lifeguard Course NEW
We will have a CPR/First Aid Course and BSA Lifeguard Course on May 21 and 22 at Camp Don. For all the information, please click on the link below.
Scouting Museum NEW
In 2011 the National Scouting Museum is expanding its efforts to reach people whose lives have been positively influenced by their involvement in the Scouting program. Whether you are a lifetime scouter or have only been in the program for a short while, we believe you have scouting stories to share! Please contact Gail Mayfield at 972.580.2426 for information on how to submit your story!
Florida Sea Base 2011 Opening
We will be visiting the Florida Everglades via airboats and then visiting several beaches around Miami before we spend 5 nights on a sailboat sailing along the Florida Keys. The days will be filled with blue skies and water so blue and clear you would believe it. If you would be interested in joining our crew please contact Darryl Dixon at 356-6245 or famdixon@msn.com for more information.
Required age for a youth to attend the High Adventure Camp is 14 year old by trip date.
Collections Merit Badge NEW
If your Troop is working on or considering starting the Collections Merit Badge, we have made contact with a store that is willing to donate cases of different types of Pens! Call 806-883-2042 for information.
Tour Permits Changing
Effective March 1, 2011, what are currently known as local and national tour permits will be superseded by what will be called the tour plan. *The online tour permit system will be suspended. This update is the accumulation of work by a cross-functional team of volunteers and staff including the Health and Safety Support Committee, Council Solutions, Outdoor Program Group, and Risk Management Advisory Panels.
Here is the definition of the tour plan in the Language of Scouting: “Units complete this form when planning for local, national, or international adventure. The plan helps ensure the unit is properly prepared, that qualified and trained leadership is in place, and that the right equipment is available for the adventure.”
The form will become active on our website beginning March 1, 2011.
What’s different?
1) The council is the reviewer of all tour plans; there is no regional review required.
2) The tour plan consists of a tour planning worksheet to be completed by the unit/contingent. It is retained by the council and a tour plan is returned to the unit after processing.
3) It’s on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper!
4) There is a 21-day advance notice requested for units to submit the plan for your review.
5) A single point of contact (not on the tour) for council use is included.
6) Defined reasons/times when a tour plan must be submitted for council review:
a. Trips of 500 miles or more
b. Trips outside of council borders not to a council-owned property
c. Trips to any national high-adventure base, national Scout jamboree, National Order of the Arrow Conference, or regionally sponsored event
d. When conducting the following activities outside of council or district events:
- Aquatics activities (swimming, boating, floating, scuba, etc.)
- Climbing and rappelling
- Orientation flights (process flying plan)
- Shooting sports
- Any activities involving motorized vehicles as part of the program (snowmobiles, boating, etc.)
e. At a council’s request (allows council to add review times based on local needs)
7) There is an updated Pledge of Performance.
What is not changed?
1) A council can define “local” tour plan review needs in addition to the above.
2) The Scout executive still needs to have in place a policy/procedure for tour plans.
3) Requirements for qualified supervision, training, insurance, etc., remain unchanged-for example, CPR and Wilderness First Aid requirements for high-adventure camps.
Robotics Merit Badge NEW
The Robotics Merit Badge will become available on or after April 12. As information becomes available, we will send it our via email.
Council Refund Policy
The Council as published the Council Refund Policy. Everyone is encouraged to read and understand the policy so there is no confusion in regards to our refund policy. Please visit the link below to view the policy.
Cub Scout Resident Camp Staff
The Cub Scout Resident Camp at Camp Don Harrington is in need of Camp Leadership which includes Camp Director. This is a certified positions (must be over 21 years of age) that need to be filled for the camp to operate. National Camp School date is May 21-27. We are looking for someone who has Scouting background, is good with organizing and is available to attend Camp School (at our expense) and is available the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weekends of June to operate the Cub Scout Resident Camp. For more information, please contact Scott ASAP at 806-358-6500. We are also looking for older Boy Scouts to help at the Ranges, Kitchen, and other areas of camp. Please have them call Scott as well.
Spring Camporee Update NEW
The Spring Camporee is scheduled for April 29- May 1 at Camp Don Harrington. Registration deadline is April 14. This event is for Boy Scouts AND Cub Scouts! Please take a look at the informational flyer and then register on-line at the link below.
2011 “Fun in the Sun” (previously known as “Day Camp”)
This year we will be offering a one day Saturday “Fun in the Sun” activity for Cub Scouts. There will be 5 different locations and you can choose the one that is closest or best for you. We will also offer one Monday/Tuesday Twilight Camp at Camp Don. Check-in will be from 12:15 to 12:45pm and activities will begin at 1pm. Dinner is available for a small fee and a campfire will end the day. The cost is only $20 per Cub Scout and includes a T-shirt, patch, and all supplies. Please check out the link below. All registrations are completed online this year!
2011 Wood Badge
Are you a registered adult leader in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and/or Venturing and think you have attended all training there is? Well if you have not attended Wood Badge, then you have one more to attend! This two weekend course on September 9-11 and October 7-9 is advanced adult training. All the information you need is below- please click on the link!
2011 NYLT
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) 6-day program integrates the best of modern leadership theory with the traditional strengths of the Scouting experience to train young men to better serve their troops when placed in leadership positions. Boy Scouts who are at least 13 years of age (and have completed the seventh grade) and have earned the rank of First Class are eligible to participate. This course will be held at Camp Don Harrington on June 5-10. Check out the link below for more information.
2011 Boy Scout Summer Camp
The 2011 Boy Scout Summer Camping season is just a short 3 months away and we are ready for you! If you have not decided on where to go this summer with your Troop then we would ask that you consider Camp MK Brown. We have some great new programs, some new staff, great food, lots of fun and fellowship and a NEW T-shirt design that you and your Scouts will love! For all the information you need, please visit the link below.
2011 Shooting Sports Camp
The Shooting Sports Camp is scheduled for July 8-10 at Camp Don. This is open to Boy Scouts and Venturing Scouts and their leaders. This is a great opportunity to be exposed to many different shooting sports in a safe and fun location. For more information, please click on the link below.
Memorials and Tributes
From In Memory of
Mr and Mrs Harry Sims T J Cole Jr
Mr and Mrs Phillip NIegos Dr Harold Eck
Eagle Scouts
| First name initial | Last Name | Unit | District |
| S | Dismuke | T-633 | GE |
| T | Heymer | T-74 | GE |
| A | Huebner | T-633 | GE |
| Z | Metzger | T-633 | GE |
| J | Stonecipher | T-160 | LW |
| T | Watson | T-104 | LW |
| C | Blashill | T-79 | GE |
| J | Carlisle | T-86 | GE |
| J | Gettles | T-80 | GE |
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Golden Spread Council, Boy Scouts of America 
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