COURIERThe Blackhawk

A Publication of Blackhawk Area Council

Boy Scouts of America Serving Chartered Organizations in Northern Illinois and Southwest Wisconsin Page 1

ContentsWhat’s New ......................................4-8Eagle Scouts and Youth ................11-12Advancement .................................... 13Program Opportunities .......... 14, 19-21Training ....................................... 22-23Finance...............................................24Health & Safety ................................ 25Camp News ...................................... 26

Rockford Scout Shop

815-637-61802820 McFarland Road

Rockford IL 61107

Monday, Wednesday, Friday8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Crystal LakeScout Shop

815-479-0615600 N. Rt. 31

Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Monday - Friday9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

September 2015

Featured ArticlesRevised Courier Schedule . . . . . . . . . 2CubCast and ScoutCast . . . . . . . . . . 4Klehm Arboretum Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 5New Cub Scout Program & Resources . . . 72017 National Scout Jamboree . . . . . 8-9Rockford Ice Hogs . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Religious Emblems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12STEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21Next STEP Training . . . . . . . . . 3, 15-18Memorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24NIU Football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Sporting Clays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

On September 17th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., we will be holding a council-wide sign up night for Scouting! Along with all of our regular fall sign-up efforts, we are also holding one huge sign-up night.

Media outlets as well as social media will be letting new families know to go to their elementary school on September 17 at 7:00 p.m. to sign up for Cub Scouts! So we need your help making sure we have volunteers at every school in Blackhawk Area Council that evening to help get families signed up.

Along with the one night effort, each new boy who signs up for Cub Scouts receives a rocket to launch at a district launch or pack launch event. Also included in the registration is their Cub Scout handbook. Each district will be looking for help on the evening of September 17th and for some launch events.

Please help us grow our future, Scouts, and leaders by helping to sign them up on September 17th.

“Blast into Scouting!”Cub Scouts Needs Your Help

Welcome to the Blackhawk Area Council Popcorn Program! www.BlackhawkScouting.org/Popcorn

Your Scouts can earn enough to pay for a year of Scouting, uniforms and adventure. This is tremendously important to the Scouts and the council. We expect every unit to participate.

Buying Boy Scout Popcorn is more than just handing over money for some delicious popcorn. It’s about the skills and learning a Scout gains from interacting directly with customers, adult leaders, and family. It’s about the experience of running his own popcorn company and working with others.

Purchasing Scouting Popcorn means you receive a tasty snack-- and a boy learns a lifetime of skills.Today every unit should register for the sale. Go to www.BlackhawkScouting.org/Popcorn for documents and a short movie on how to use the

new website ordering dashboard. When you first go to register your unit, your council keyword is 660Hawk. Find more details online.The sale begins with a Blitz Weekend on September 19th. Get your order forms at the district kick-offs or roundtables. Those who plan to do a

“Show & sell” at storefronts and other friendly locations, need to place your orders by September 10.Good Luck! Be sure to spend all the money you raise on those Scouts! Thanks.

Popcorn Calendar Aug/Sept -- Kernels, watch the video at www.BlackhawkScouting.org/Popcorn first, then register online at www.popcorn.com Aug/Sept -- Set individual goals with your Scouts for their success!September 13 -- Store-front Sales Orders Due OnlineSeptember 18 -- Store-front Sales Delivery/Pick UpSeptember 19 -- Popcorn Sales Start!October 31 -- Popcorn Orders Due OnlineNovember 11/12/13 -- Popcorn delivery/pick-up date - Varies by districtDecember 7 -- Unit checks deposited

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Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015

Blackhawk AreaCouncil

Hours, Phone, Address

Office hours:8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Phone numbers:Council office 815-397-0210 FAX 815-397-7306

Web Site: www.blackhawkscouting.org

National Scout Shop -- Rockford: 815-637-6180National Scout Shop -- Crystal Lake: 815-479-0615

Address: Blackhawk Area Council, 2820 McFarland

Road, Rockford IL 61107

Program Updates –2015 and Beyond

Stay on top of the latest changes to Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing by visiting www.scouting.org/scoutsource/programupdates.aspx• Venturing award requirements and

program overview• Updated Venturing Frequently

Asked Questions• New Boy Scout Rank Requirements• Cub Scout youth handbook sampler• Den leader meeting plans for youth

handbook sampler adventures• Plus meet Ethan, the new Cub

Scout guide.• FAQs -- 30 pages of questions and

answers

Council News

Thank YouThe Blackhawk Area Council wishes

to thank Ed Rounds, Bill Peterson, Cecilia Dandrea, Paul Dandrea, Eric Schmidt, Cecilia Dandrea, Paul Dandrea, Andrew Dandrea, Edmund Lopez, and Terry Nichols for labeling and preparing the mailing of the April-May issue of The Blackhawk Courier.

If you would like to help label the next issue of the Courier (about 3,400 copies!), we will begin about 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday morning, October 20, at the council service center., 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford.

Come and enjoy coffee, refreshments, and fellowship.

Writing Your NominationNow is the time to begin to work on

your nomination form. It takes time – and some sleuthing – to gather all the information needed. Nominees should not be informed that a nomination is being prepared for him or her.

The form has five sections to complete in addition to basic identification (name, current position(s), and the like):1. Positions held in unit (most recent to

earliest)2. Positions held in district (most recent to

earliest)3. Positions held in council (most recent to

earliest)4. List participation on other community

organizations which benefit youth: church, civic, fraternal service clubs, business, school, etc.

5. List any and all noteworthy service of an exceptional nature to youth within the territory under the jurisdiction of the Blackhawk Area Council.

Each of these sections asks for positions held and their dates. More importantly, each section asks for “Instances of Outstanding Leadership.” Just a listing of committees he or she served on is not sufficient; it must also have statements indicating the impact the Scouter had during that tenure.

The selection committee sees only “blind” copy – names and other specific identifying information (such as a unit number) are blacked-out. But this information is still needed to create the final write-up for the Recognition Dinner and press releases.

Silver Beaver AwardNominations DueNovember 2, 2015

The Silver Beaver Award is the highest award that the Blackhawk Area Council can bestow upon a volunteer. The purpose of this prestigious award is to give recognition to those special volunteers who, by the test of time, have shown dedication to the high ideals of Scouting through outstanding service to youth and to their community.

If you know of such a person, please complete the Silver Beaver Nomination Form. A person cannot be selected unless he or she is nominated. The nominee must be an active, registered Scouter in the Blackhawk Area Council, and active in both his/her church and community. A lot of information is required about the nominee’s Scouting and community involvement, so start the process early.

Nomination forms are available at the council service center in Rockford, phone 815-397-0210; at roundtable, and on the council Web site - www.blackhawkscouting.org.

Nominations must be in the council service center by the close of business on Monday, November 2, 2015. Only the 2015 Council Nomination Form will be accepted.

The 2014 recipients will be recognized at the Council’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner held on Sunday, March 6, 2016.

Venturing Leadership Award

Nominations DueNovember 2, 2015

The Venturing Leadership Award is presented by councils, areas, regions, and the BSA National Council to Venturers who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law. Qualifications for this Award at the council level are as follows:• Be registered and involved as a Venturer

for at least one year.• Be a youth member when nominated for

the award.• Hold a leadership position or an office at

the unit, district, or council level• Show exceptional dedication and give

outstanding leadership and service to Venturing and to Venturers.

Additional information required for this award include• List other involvement in Venturing• List involvement with other organizations,

such as church, clubs, etc.• List all awards and recognitions received

in Venturing, Scouting, etc.• Provide an additional page with 200

words or less explaining why this candidate should receive the Venturing Leadership Award.

• Enclose letters of recommendation from school, church, clubs, etc.

• Any additional pertinent information is welcome.

A nomination form can be found at www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Venturing/Awards/leadership.aspx. Forms should be submitted to Blackhawk Area Council, 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107.

A Scout Is FriendlyA Scout is friendly. A Scout is a

friend to all. He is a brother to all Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.

Lifelong Benefitsof Scouting

The values and skills boys learn in Scouting last a lifetime. More than eight of 10 men (83 percent) who were Scouts agree that “the values I learned in Scouting continue to be very important to me.”

A Scouter Has Gone Home:Scout Reach Director Everette SherrodWell Done, Good And Faithful Servant

Long-time Blackhawk Area Council staff member Everette Sherrod has passed away. Everette served our council as the Director of the ScoutReach program. Everette and his team of para professionals served over 3,200 disadvantaged youth in the Rockford area since his arrival in 2007.

Curt Palmer, former Director of Support Services for the council, and now a National BSA staff member writes: Scouting has lost one of our best professionals and our friend. I am sad today because I lost a good friend.

I met Everette when he moved back to East St. Louis and was one of our para-pros. He interviewed with us for a DE position. His answer to my first question sums up Everette’s character and class. I joked with people saying when I grow up I want to be like Everette. More truth than a joke I have to admit, but it made Everette smile.

Why did you move back to East St. Louis after successful career in Chicago? “I grew up in East St. Louis and nobody cared about me as a poor black kid and I wanted to come back and care about poor black kids who need it.”

Everette Sherrod did amazing things in East St. Louis and in the Rockford area caring for young people who needed it.

Everette fielded a team of about ten ParaProfessionals to deliver the Scouting program in the Winnebago County area. He was assisted in that effort by Terry Nichols in the recruiting, training and scheduling for the team. Everette had additional assignments throughout the council, serving as staff advisor to the advancement committee, and the committees that reviewed Diehl Scholarships, campership requests, the council Pinewood Derby. In addition, Everette has been helping to train long-time volunteer, and new staff member Cannie Ware to succeed him in the ScoutReach District, as Everette had announced his plans to retire at the end of July.

Everette excelled at building community relationships and partnerships to benefit kids. During his tenure, the ScoutReach program continued to grow and deliver Scouting’s promise to boys who would otherwise never have had the opportunity to participate. In addition to his Scouting involvement, Everette was quite active in his church, Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, serving as a member and President of the church choir.

Don Kinney, Scout Executive for Blackhawk Area Council wrote: As you know, Everette has been ill for some time now, and has soldiered on through some very difficult circumstances and pain. The last two weeks, he has been surrounded by his family and friends, Scouters and church members who have kept a vigil at his bedside at the hospital.

This is not the news any of us has hoped for, and the loss of our friend is, and will be very difficult for us as we go forward without him. But... As a man of faith, Everette would view today as his Eternal Birthday, and his departure from us marks his arrival for the first day in his eternal home with his Savior. There is great celebration in heaven today as Everette Lavaniel Sherrod, a good Scout has come home .

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Boy Scouts of America

September 2015 Council News

Service RecognitionsService Stars

The veteran award is an adult recognition. However, tenure earned as a youth may be included in the total number of years registered.

After five years of registered service in the Boy Scouts of America, an adult may, upon application, receive the designation of “Veteran,” provided the person agrees to live up to the Scouting obligations; to keep local Scouting authorities in the community in which residing informed as to availability for service; and further, to be as active in the promotion of the cause of Scouting as circumstances and conditions permit. Service in Scouting organizations other than the Boy Scouts of America does not count toward veteran recognition. An individual must currently be a paid registered member of the Boy Scouts of America in order to receive an award.

An adult designated veteran shall pay the regular registration fee if desiring to continue to retain active connection with the movement.

Scouters desiring recognition as 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35-, 40-, 45-, 50-, 55-, 60-, 65-, 70-, 75-, or 80-year veterans must have maintained an active registered relationship for the required number of years, paying the annual registration fee.

The records of the national office and local council shall determine eligibility. The periods of service claimed for veteran recognition need not be continuous.

Veteran Recognition5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year

awards are awarded by the local council, while awards for 25 years and more are awarded by the national office; submit application to receive a certificate and option to purchase pin from Scout shop

You need to have proof of your years in Scouting when you apply for the pin. Application forms are available at the council service center or online at scouting.org/Veteran Award.

National SummertimePack Award

Did your pack conduct an activity each month this past summer? Did you go to day camp? What about a picnic, hike, or sporting event?

If your pack held an activity each month during June, July, and August, the pack qualifies for the National Summer Time Pack Award. In order to receive the award, however, you must apply for it.

Applications are available from the council service center and are on the CD in the program planning kit your pack received at the district’s program planning kickoff.

If your pack qualified for the award, there are two other recognitions available. A den ribbon is available for each den that had 50% of its members at each event. In addition, any Cub Scout who attended all three events may purchase the National Summertime Pack Award pin. There are pins available for each program – Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, Webelos.

Your pack must apply by the end of this calendar year, so don’t delay.

If your pack did not qualify this year, be sure to include summer activities in your pack’s calendar next year. This is one of the things your pack can do to help earn the Journey to Excellence Award. It’s also fun.

Myscouting.org and my.Scouting.orgRead those two URLs quickly and you

might not notice a difference – which may be why a lot of volunteers have questions about the differences between Myscouting.org and my.Scouting.org.

If you’re confused about which site houses which resources, never fear. We hear you!

The gist: my.Scouting.org is transitioning to become one easy-to-use spot for volunteer resources. While you may be heading to Myscouting.org regularly right now, expect the site’s tools to be migrated to my.Scouting.org in the near future.

Updates Coming to my.Scouting Tools

To reduce some of the uncertainty regarding where to go to access tools you need, significant changes will be made to both the Myscouting.org and my.Scouting Tools sites over the next coming weeks.

Starting Thursday, July 16, the following program links were removed from Myscouting.org’s column list and become accessible in my.Scouting Tools under Legacy Web Tools in the Home menu list:• Internet Advancement • National Safety Council Defensive

Driving Course• Service Hours Reporting

Additionally, we’re removing outdated links and resources. More changes are coming, so check back often as we work to make my.Scouting Tools the one place to go for all your needs!

2015 Veteran AwardsJohn Messley, Rockford, Ill. – 30 yearsIda Bolen, Pecatonica, Ill. – 20 yearsMorty Eskew, Belvidere, Ill. – 20 yearsGregory Davis, Huntley, Ill. – 5 yearsMelissa Davis, Huntley, Ill. – 5 yearsHarry Fletcher, Oregon, Ill. – 65 yearsEverett Worrell, Belvidere, Ill. – 65 years

Council Disabilities Awareness Committee

(CDAC)

It is our privilege to introduce ourselves. We are the Council Disability Awareness Committee – CDAC – that was formed in April 2015.

We are all aware that there are Scouts who might have a disability and, with the training that we have from National, we were taught that we don’t look at a Scout or a Scouter on what they can’t do – we look at their abilities.

Our committee is here to welcome any Scouting family into the family of Blackhawk Area Council. People may have had many questions about how handle Scouts and Scouters with disabilities. That is why we are here to help fill in those gaps and to answer those questions.

We are planning to get out and about to present disability awareness to the roundtables and other council events.

We thank you very much for taking the time to read about our committee.

What Can Councils Do to Help Scouting for Those

With Disabilities?Councils are a key resource for

providing local understanding, experience, and knowledge to Scouters who serve youth with disabilities.• How is this possible? Councils can

provide information to volunteers, leaders, and parents about how Scouting can benefit youth with disabilities and how the leaders and volunteers can address the challenges encountered.

• Why is providing this information an important function for a council? Most, if not all, units have at least one member who has some sort of disability. In fact, recent surveys suggest the percentage of Scouting youth who have disabilities may be close to 15 percent! The requirement for information and resources is thus greater than most think. Consequently, youth with disabilities may not be getting the most out of Scouting.

The newly formed Blackhawk Area Council CDAC is here to help in these matters. The Scouting for Youth with Disabilities Manual, No. 34059, is available at www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34059.pdf. This is one resource a unit could use on their own or contact the Blackhawk Area Council CDAC.

Council and district committees and units are not alone! The National Disabilities Awareness Committee stands ready to provide guidance and support to any volunteer who e-mails inquiries to disabilities.awareness@scouting.org. A network of volunteers from across the country are eager to help.

The CDAC committee was formed on April 23, 2015, and is currently be made up of the following persons:Roland Barnes – At-large member Council

Advancement CommitteeRay Gruber – White Eagle District

Advancement ChairmanElizabeth Hollis – Wetassa District

Advancement ChairmanMary Anne Rounds – At-large member

Council Advancement CommitteeCannie Ware – BSA All Markets ExecutiveThe Blackhawk Area Council CDAC contact –

Daniel Persinger – danielpersinger901@gmail.com or phone 815-226-1415

John Messley – CDAC Chairperson, john@messley.com or phone 815-282-5197.

For further information, go to the BSA’s Disabilities Awareness website: www.scouting.org/disabilitiesawareness.aspx. There are many resources available at this site.

Abilities Digest Is AvailableSubscribe Now!

A newsletter called Abilities Digest is published quarterly by the National Disabilities Awareness Committee. The committee’s purpose is to spread the word about Scouting for youth who have disabilities.

This newsletter will provide advice, program updates, resources for parents and leaders, success stories, training pointers, and from time to time, surveys to find best practices, and to determine gaps in information its readers are seeking.

Anyone wishing to subscribe to Abilities Digest should send a message to disabilities.awareness@scouting.org. Place “Subscribe” in the subject line, and include your name and council in the body of the message.

Scouting’s Training & Enhanced Program

The Next STEP is a single day training event designed to help you improve your knowledge about many areas of the Boy Scouts of America and its programs. This event is packed with fun, ideas, and fellowship. We hope that you take this opportunity to meet and share ideas with other Scouters from all over our council and beyond. This is a once a year chance to meet up with old friends, make new friends, and get energized about Scouting!

Registration for The Next STEP:Pre-registration is highly encouraged for all

participants since many classes fill up quickly and class sizes are limited.

Those who choose to “walk in” on the day of the event will receive course assignments based on availability of space in each course. Due to time limitations, walk-in registrants may not complete registration in time to attend the first period courses. We highly encourage pre-registration to have the best choice of classes.

We will do our very best to keep our schedule as printed, however, class limitations and circumstances beyond our control, may make it necessary to reschedule or cancel a class.

Schedule for Saturday, November 7, 2015:

Registration Opens: 7:15 a.m.Opening Ceremony: 8:00 a.m.First Class Begins: 8:45 a.m.Last Session Ends: 5:00 p.m.

Logistics:Please plan to arrivenwell in advance of the

opening ceremony. All participants and staff will need to check in at the registration area to pick up their class schedule, map, and other necessary information. Please note that you will not receive confirmation of your registration prior to the day of the event.

Scout Shop:A BSA Scout Shop will be available for

your shopping pleasure during the lunch period. Be sure to stop by to see what they have to offer.

What to Wear:All adults and youth should wear their

official field uniform.

Code of Conduct:All participants, staff, and guests are

expected to conduct themselves according to the Scout Oath and Law. Remember that Scouts and Scouters always leave their environment better than we found it. Please clean up after yourself and others. Keep in mind that we are borrowing these classrooms, hallways, and equipment just this one day, and we want to be invited back again.

What to Bring:• Bring a pen and paper for notes and a folder

or bag to hold handouts. • Lunch is provided. If you have unique

dietary needs, you may need to provide your own lunch (we will do our best to serve you, but be aware that we may not be able to accommodate every dietary need – sorry!).

• Money for your Scout Shop purchases.• A positive attitude open to learning new

things and having fun!

Location:See next month’s Internet Courier for

detailed information.

Welcome to“The Next STEP”

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Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015

Do you have a Scouting story to tell? If so, please contact Jef Heckinger at jfheckinger@yahoo.com.

What’s NewScout PodCasts

for AugustEach month CubCasts and ScoutCasts

address important issues faced by Scouters in packs and troops. You can listen to these PodCasts by going to www.scouting.org/scoutcast.aspx.

The CubCast and ScoutCast for August 2015 are now available. Archived previous PodCasts are also available at the same site.

CubCast TranscriptIs Also Available

For the first time, CubCast is making available its transcript. That’s great news for Scouters who are deaf or have partial hearing loss — plus for those who are at work where they can’t listen to a podcast.

Boy Scouts

Cub Scouts

CubCast and ScoutCast

Have you listened to the award-winning CubCast lately? How about ScoutCast? These are monthly audio podcasts featuring a variety of how-to and information topics for leaders and parents. They are designed to supplement your training and roundtable programs. You can listen to them on-line, download them to share, and/or subscribe to them via RSS feed. Archives of past editions are available too!

Here are some of the 24 topics on CubCast and ScoutCast in 2014: Fun Activities for Your Dens and PacksThe How and Why of the Patrol MethodEmergency PreparednessHow to Incorporate STEM in Your Den and

Pack MeetingsThe Importance of Adult RecognitionNew Program FeaturesMyScouting ToolsWorking With Problem Parents

Check out www.scouting.org/Scoutcast. Choose CubCast or ScoutCast, and give them a listen! New episodes are available the first of every month.

Recognition in the New Cub Scout

Adventure ProgramRecognition is an important feature

of Scouting programs. The new Cub Scout Adventure Program offers two types of recognition.

The Cub Scout belt loops and Webelos Scout pins are intended to be presented to those Scouts who earn them as soon after earning them as reasonable. At the next pack meeting, these Scouts can also be recognized publicly by being presented with the appropriate pocket card or certificate.

It is the policity of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America that an Advancement Report is not required in order for a Cub Scout leader to purchase adventure loops and adventure pin at the national Scout Shop or via scoutstuff.org. Howeve, the Advancement Report is required to purchase badges of rank.

Get Connected with “Bryan On Scouting”Bryan on Scouting is a great source of the good news in Scouting! An off-shoot of Scouting magazine, you will find the stories and videos

very hip, often inspirational, and full of great tips. Plus there are often prizes and contests – Bryan has it all!It is well worth the read!Join the “Tuesday Talkback” where Bryan asks an interesting Scouting question and Scouters around the country respond. The responses are

worth the time to read. Follow this link – Bryan on Scouting – and you can sign up for email alerts on what he has posted about that day. It’s good stuff!

New Boy Scout RequirementsSeveral new files have been posted in

the Boy Scout section of www.scouting.org/programupdates/2015andbeyond.

Some of the files are• Notes on Transitioning to the New

Requirements in 2016• 2016 Boy Scout requirements--

parallel comparison (all of the new requirements are here)

• Program Features for Troops, Teams, and Crews

• Troop Leader Guidebook, Volume 1 (replacement for the Scoutmaster Handbook)

• Guide to Advancement--New Edition Now Available

• Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook

• New! Interactive Digital Merit Badge Pamphlets

• Plus several other resources

Rollout of Interactive Digital Merit Badge Pamphlets BeginsThe Boy Scouts of America just released

its first wave of interactive digital merit badge pamphlets.

Starting now, Boy Scouts (and troop leaders and merit badge counselors) can download digital versions of the pamphlets for Cooking, First Aid, Animation, and Robotics merit badges. More are coming soon (see the list below).

These digital pamphlets are the same price as their print siblings ($4.99), but you get so much more for your money. In addition to everything in the paper versions, Scouts who use the digital versions get• Videos, including “how-to” clips, career

bios, virtual tours and multimedia experiences

• Search, so you can find what you need quickly

• Simulations, animations, photo slideshows and graphics

• Interactive Q&A’s

Which merit badges are becoming digital?

These are the first four, out now:• Animation • Cooking • First Aid • Robotics

The next wave of four should be out in July:• Communications • Digital Technology • Family Life • Personal Fitness

Then the next wave should debut in September: • Camping • Cycling • Hiking • Swimming

And another wave is expected in December.

New Online TrainingSo, you’re a new den leader. Thanks for

joining us!You’re probably wondering about now

what you got yourself into. But relax – just click the Download button as Steve Yackel, Instructional Design team leader for Scouting U, explains how the new online training modules, will enable you to know exactly what to do when that group of 8-year olds comes to the house on Thursday.

Boy Scout ProgramUpdates

Not being one to rest on its laurels, the Boy Scouts of America is constantly looking at ways to improve the Boy Scouting experience for both youth and adults. We invited 411 Task Force member Diane Cannon from the Sam Houston Area Council in Houston, Texas, to ScoutCast to share the process of how updates to the current program are decided. Join us for this surprisingly fun discussion.

New Cub Scouting Web Site

CubScouts.orgNew CubScouts.org is live

and full of helpful resourcesThere’s big news for Cub Scouts — and

future Cub Scouts — and everyone who works to ensure these children have a memorable and meaningful Scouting experience. That’s because this week we launched CubScouts.org, a new website that houses all of the resources needed to deliver a quality Scouting program that Cub Scouts and their parents will enjoy.

The introduction of this site helps us achieve an important part of our growth strategy for the Boy Scouts of America – building more adventures into our Cub Scouts program. We have been refocusing on our unit leaders to ensure they have the tools, training, and support needed to deliver the kind of life-changing experiences Scouting is capable of providing. We want to give younger kids what they want for their first Scouting adventures. Overall, we want them to have fun!

Resources on CubScouts.org are organ-ized by leadership role. Whether you are a parent, committee chair, charter organization representative, Cubmaster, or den leader, you can easily find the materials you need for planning and organizing strong den meetings and outings.

That’s integral to our ability to recruit strong leaders and sustain a healthy, growing organization. Having a one-stop shop for questions about kids with special needs, advancement requirements, fun activities and other topics gives new leaders a fast start and helps keep them confident and organized. Armed with important knowledge on these and other topics, leaders will be equipped to deliver fun meetings and new adventures that keep our Cub Scouts coming back for more and energized to join Boy Scouts someday.

Right now, you can tap into the “Learning Library” at CubScouts.org to learn the basics of Cub Scouting, including guides for positive youth development and strengthening membership. Our official Cub Scout blog, “Cub Hub,” is home to many stories on how Cub Scouts make a difference for young boys and their communities.

I encourage you to check out CubScouts.org and look for opportunities to apply the resources housed there to your Cub Scouting program. If you have any questions or comments, send them to info@cubscouts.org. Stay tuned for more tools and resources coming soon.

Thanks,Wayne Brock

Chief Scout ExecutiveScoutingWire.org

July 31, 2015

“Do not let what you cannot dointerfere with what you can do.”

Page 5

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015

Watch your thoughts,they become words.Watch your words,

they become actions.Watch your actions,they become habits.Watch your habits,

they become your character.Watch your character,

it is your destiny.

MyScouting ToolsHere’s What’s Coming Next!

• Online Adult and Youth Registration with Payment

• Advancement Manager• Targeting Communication• Rechartering• And much more to come

What can you do now:

Members:• Update personal profile information• View and print completed training

certificates• Print membership cards for each

registered position

Key 3 Leaders• Update member’s training and print

training certificates• View dashboard status of leader-trained

positions and YPT• View and print roundtable training

reports• Assign members to functional roles• View and print certain unit roster

information• Update certain member’s profile

information• View unit’s organization details• Create sub-organization

Commissioner Tools Coming Soon• Replaces UVTS• View unit information

What’s New

Scouting Teaches Life Skills

Scouting also provides youth with skills that help them cope with any situation. Youth say Scouting has taught them to:• Always give their best effort,• Always be honest,• Treat others with respect,• Set goals,• Stay physically fit, and• Take care of the environment

Notice!Updated RequirementsUpdated requirements for several special

Cub Scout awards have been updated. Go to scouting.org/programupdates to download the new requirements.• National Summertimie Pack Award• National Den Award• World Conservation Award• Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award

Cub ScoutAdventure PacksKlehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

will offer Cub Scouts the opportunity to complete several “adventures” as they are working on their badge of rank. Cub Scouts can complete these self-guided adventures with a parent or as part of a den.

Each adventure is based on the new Cub Scout program and focuses on learning by doing and exposing Cub Scouts to new places!

The following adventures will be available at Klehm:• Tiger: Tigers in the Wild*, Backyard

Jungle• Wolf: Paws on the Path*, Finding Your

Way, Grow Something• Bear: Fur, Feathers, and Ferns*• Webelos: Webelos Walkabout*, Into the

Wild, Into the Woods* Required adventures

Here’s how your den can complete an adventure at Klehm:• Decide which fun adventure to complete.• Visit www.klehm.org and download the

PDF file of the requirements to prepare for your adventure.

• Contact Klehm to reserve your Cub Scout Adventure Pack** for the day of your visit.

• Visit Klehm and take a self-guided tour of the Arboretum, which has over 155 acres and over 300 tree specimens. Cost is $6/adult, $3/Scout. Free for members of Klehm.

** Cub Scout Adventure PackKlehm’s Cub Scout Adventure Pack is a

backpack that contains all the materials that you will need to complete your adventure. Each adventure has its own special backpack that includes a notebook, writing utensils, required supplies, and the printed requirements. Backpacks can be reserved at the Visitor Center and are free for Cub Scouts.

For more information about Klehm’s new Cub Scout Adventure Program or to request membership information, visit klehm.org or contact Carrie Schommer at Cschommer@klehm.org

ComingOctober 31Cub Scout

Extravaganza Klehm Arboretum,

RockfordEveryone is invited to the free Family Scouting & Exploring Extravaganza!The Scouting Extravaganza at Klehm

Arboretum is back! After taking a year off for Air Camp,

we will be back at Klehmfor our fall program.

Put the date on your calendar nowand plan to attend!

Stateline William T. Hornaday Award

Collaboration“The Olympic Medal Bestowed by

the Earth.” This is how the Boy Scouts of America describes the William T. Hornaday Awards. Dr. William T. Hornaday, an outspoken advocate of natural resource conservation, created an award to recognize wildlife conservation and habitat protection. After his death in 1937, BSA created the Hornaday Awards to encourage and recognize truly outstanding efforts by Scouting units, Scouts, and Venturers who have contributed significantly to natural resource conservation and environmental protection.

The Hornaday Award is one of the most coveted awards in Boy Scouting with only approximately 1,100 medals earned in the past 80 years. The Award may take several months to complete and generally requires the support of a conservation expert as an advisor, cooperation of a land management advisor, and the completion of several merit badges among other requirements. If a Scout chooses an environmental project for their Eagle project, that same project may be submitted for the Hornaday Award.

To assist with earning the merit badges, three local nonprofit organizations are collaborating to offer several of the required merit badges: Boone County Conservation District (BCCD), Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, and Burpee Museum of Natural History.

The following badges will be offered by at least one of the organizations:Required badges (Scout must earn three):Energy, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Management, Forestry, Soil and Water ConservationElective badges (Scouts must earn any two): Bird Study, Fly-Fishing, Gardening, Geology, Insect Study, Landscape Architecture, Mam-mal Study, Nature, Plant Science, Reptile and Amphibian Study, and Weather (Other alternate badges may be eligible

for the Award, but those are not currently being offered by the local organizations. A list of all of the specific badges for earning the William T. Hornaday Award can be found on the BSA website. For more information on merit badges offered by each organization, visit their web site.)

For The Hornaday Badge- three required merit badges, two elective merit badges, and lead one natural resource project.

For The Hornaday Bronze Medal- Environmental Science merit badge, three additional required merit, two elective merit badges, and lead three projects from three separate categories.

For The Hornaday Silver Medal- Six required merit badges, three elective merit badges, and four projects in four separate natural resource categories.

For more information on the William T. Hornaday Awards program visit: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Awards/HornadayAwards.aspx

For more information on merit badges offered by the local nonprofit organizations contact Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, www.Klehm.org, Arrie Schommer, 815-965-8146; the Boone County Conservation District, www.bccdi.org, Tina Dawson, 815-547-7935; or Burpee Museum, www.burpee.org, Lisa Johnson, 815-965-3433.

Have Some Fun!A Comic Strip About Scouting That Only

ScoutersWill Understand

(From Bryan on Scouting blog, June 26, 2015)

An article on the “Bryan on Scouting” blog was posted June 26 that only Scouts will really understand.

These comic strips show those funny, heartwarming, only-in-Scouting moments that make this program unlike any other.

Arwen Spor, a Scouter from Nevada, has been inspired to create a Scouting-themed comic strip she calls Covey Logic.

She posts a comic or two each week about a range of Scouting subjects: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, camping, advancement, Wood Badge, and more.

Go to www.facebook.com/CoveyLogic and check out the cartoons. Some are laugh-out-loud funny. Others will make you nod in agreement because you’ve been there, done that. Still others remind you why you spend “an hour a week” volunteering.

The common thread: You need to be a Scouter to understand them. And that is the highest praise.

Klehm Arboretum andBotanic Garden

Boy Scout Merit Badge Programs

2015- 2016Saturday, September 19 – Landscape ArchitectureSaturday, October 9 – NatureSaturday, November 7– GeocachingSaturday, January 23 – WeatherSaturday, February 27 – Environmental ScienceSaturday, April 2 – Plant ScienceSaturday, April 30 – ForestrySaturday, May 14 – Fly Fishing

• Parents are welcome to stay, but will need to pay Arboretum admission.

• Programs vary in price ($10 to $15)• Advance registration and payment is

required. Payment is due at the time of registration. Your registrathon is not confirmed until payment is received.

• Register online at klehm.org or at Klehm Arboretum

• Badges, pins, and blue cards are not provided.

Call 815-965-8146Email: Carrie Schommer -- CSchommer@

klehm.org For more information, visit our website:

klehm.org

Page 6

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015What’s New

Advancement AuditMembers of the district and council

advancement committees will be conducting an “advancement audit” in the next few weeks. We have discovered that quite a few Scouts have no record of having received a rank advancement.

Every pack and troop is asked to send copies of the current registered Scouts and their current advancement records to the council service center as soon as possible. If your unit uses digital record keeping systems like Troop Tracker or CubMaster, you can send a digital copy or can call Melinda at the council service center, 815-397-0210 ext 7530 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to have her walk you through getting these systems to talk to each other to do the audit update.

In some units, Advancement Reports are taken to another council to purchase the appropriate awards. Unfortunately, these reports are not always forwarded to Blackhawk Area Council to update each individual Scout’s record. Some ranks require a specific tenure – and when there is no record of the last rank advancement, it creates a problem to track down the exact date of the last rank advancement. This is especially important to potential Eagle Scouts.

Your list of current ranks of all registered Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts can also be turned in at the November roundtable. The council goal is to have every Scout’s advancement record up-to-date before mid-November. In our effort to deliver our Scouting program, it is important that each Scouts is recognized in a timely manner.

Program Features for Troop, Teams, and

CrewsVolume 1 Is Available

Volumes 2 and 3on the Horizon

If you have been in Scouting for a while, you have probably used either Troop Program Features (perhaps even Woods Wisdom), Team Program Features, or the meeting plans from the old Venturing Handbook. But did you know that BSA has recently combined all these resources into one product: Program Features for Troops, Teams and Crews: A Guide to Program Planning?

Volume 1 of this guide was released in 2014, and Volumes 2 and 3 are slated to be published later this year. When complete, rather than having three different publications by program, volunteers will have a set of guides that focuses on progressing skills regardless of age.

Whether your unit consists of 11-year-old Boy Scouts or 20-year-old Venturers, you will be able to find program features that will help each youth advance to the next level. Each of the three volumes contains modules covering a 16 month-long series of topics. Each module will list which Scout, Varsity, and Venturing advancement and awards are related to the topic. For example, the First Aid module will list Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements, the First Aid merit badge, along with the adventure requirement for Venturing’s Discovery Award.

Volume 1 of this combined guide is available now at the Scout shop or online through www.ScoutStuff.org – www.scoutstuff.org/pamp-bs-trp-prg-featrs-v1.html#.VY8MRaMo4dU

Hello fromCanyon Camp!2016 Canyon Camp

ReunionThe Canyon Camp Staff Alumni and

Friends will gather July 6-7, 2016, for our next reunion, so save the date! I invite you and your family to join us at this reunion as we celebrate the 80th year of great summer camp programming at Canyon Camp!

This reunion is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, July 6-7, so you can see camp in operation with Scouts, sing songs in the Dining Hall with the current staff, and partake once again in the Wednesday Visitor’s Night and Indian Dance pageant.

While we will have plenty of time to reminisce with alumni and friends at camp once more, we are also inviting former Scoutmasters to come and re-union with us at Canyon Camp! Scoutmasters Rod Simenson (Freeport), Dave Griffin and Art Whipple (Monroe), John Eversoll and Glenn Shaw (Elizabeth), Red Tyler (Savanna), Leon Bauer (Kieler), and Robert Fetty (Chicago) are just a few of the folks we expect to join us at this reunion.

We are intent on getting as many alumni, friends, and past Scoutmasters to join us at the reunion on July 6-7, 2016 - so please feel free to forward this message to anyone you know who brought Scouts to Canyon Camp or helped in other ways.

The reunion will start with a welcome and Scoutmaster’s coffee at 9 a.m. on July 6 and conclude after lunch on July 7. In addition to reminiscing, we will provide updates on camp issues and you will have the opportunity to visit program areas, tour the (not so new) Wiley property or just wander the grounds. Throughout the reunion there will be an auction of items related to Canyon Camp – including benches made by John Weber and a bench made and signed by the late Dr. Harold Held, and we will experience the barbecue dinner and the Indian Dance pageant along the banks of Coon Creek.

You can camp overnight at the unimproved Wiley property. Portable toilets and water will be provided – bring a camper or tent if you like. A block of rooms has also been reserved at the Country Inn and Suites in Stockton with a special rate for those who would like to sleep in a real bed! When making your reservation mention you are with the Canyon Camp Staff Reunion – 815-947-6060.

Experiencing Canyon Camp vibrant and filled with Scouts engaged in learning outdoor skills is sure to bring back fond memories of our days working together as a staff and our interactions with so many of those who are the friends of Canyon Camp!

A registration form for the 2016 reunion will be sent at a later date. For now, be sure to mark your calendars for the July 6-7, 2016 Reunion of Canyon Camp Staff, Alumni, and Friends!

Mike Beeth920-573-6248

A Scout is kind. A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.

Myscouting.org and my.Scouting.org

Read those two URLs quickly and you might not notice a difference – which may be why a lot of volunteers have questions about the differences between Myscouting.org and my.Scouting.org.

If you’re confused about which site houses which resources, never fear. We hear you!

The gist: my.Scouting.org is transitioning to become one easy-to-use spot for volunteer resources. While you may be heading to Myscouting.org regularly right now, expect the site’s tools to be migrated to my.Scouting.org in the near future.

Updates Coming to my.Scouting ToolsTo reduce some of the uncertainty

regarding where to go to access tools you need, significant changes will be made to both the Myscouting.org and my.Scouting Tools sites over the next coming weeks.

Starting Thursday, July 16, the following program links were removed from Myscouting.org’s column list and become accessible in my.Scouting Tools under Legacy Web Tools in the Home menu list:• Internet Advancement • National Safety Council Defensive

Driving Course• Service Hours Reporting

Additionally, we’re removing outdated links and resources. More changes are coming, so check back often as we work to make my.Scouting Tools the one place to go for all your needs!

“Maybe there’s no such thing as a fruitless search. You may not always find what you’re looking for , but you always find something worth finding.”

Revised Schedule for Printedand Internet Couriers

Beginning with this issue of the Blackhawk Courier, there will be four printed editions each year. instead of six. A revised schedule is shown below. The printed editions will continue to be available at www. BlackhawkScouting.org/courier. Note that recipients of the Eagle Scout Award and religious emblems will only be carried in printed editions -- and will not show up on the Internet versions of the printed edition.

Clip and Save

Deadline + Type Months Covered Mail Date or Web Target Date

September 8 -- Internet October through December September 16October 6 -- Printed November through January October 20November 10 -- Internet December through February November 18December 8 -- Printed January through April December 22January 5, 2016 -- Internet February. through April January 13February 9 -- Internet March through May February 17March 8 -- Printed April through July March 22April 5 -- Internet May through July April 13May 10 -- Internet June through August May 18June 7 -- Internet July through September June 15July 5 -- Internet August through October July 13August 9 -- Printed September through December August 23

Moved? Changed Your Phone Number?

Have you moved recently? Have you changed your phone number?

If you have made these or any other updates to your registration, please let the council service center, registration department, know. Call Jackie at 815-397-0210 to let her know of these changes. Each month we have several Couriers returned because of incorrect addresses. These returned copies cost the council more than $1.60 each.

Please check with your unit membership chairman to verify that your address is correct on your charter.

Courier Copy and Photos

Please follow the guidelines below for photos and copy:• Do not include photos as part of a text

document. Send the photo as a separate file.

• Photos should be .jpg format.• Send text copy in a text file, not a spread-

sheet file (Excel, for example)

Remember, too, that photos are always “space available.” They will be included if there is space.

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Anne Rounds at 815-877-2968.

Enthusiasm

You can do anything if you have en-thusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. En-thusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes. It is the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of your will and your energy to execute your ideas. Enthusiasts are fighters. They have for-titude. They have staying qualities. En-thusiasm is at the bottom of all progress. With it there is accomplishment. Without it there are only alibis.

Page 7

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015 What’s New

What story do you have to tell? We would like to hear

from you!Send your story and a photo or two to

Mary Anne Rounds atBACCourier@juno.com

Education vs.Instruction

“Self education, that is what a boy learns for himself, is what is going to stick by him and guide him later on in life far more than anything that is imposed upon him through instruction by a teacher.”

Lord Baden-Powell

New Cub Scout Adventure ProgramBe Prepared for Success

The new Cub Scout advancement program was launched on June 1, and boys and families have already started using the materials at day camp, resident camp, and during summertime den and pack events.

If your pack starts its annual program at the beginning of the traditional school year in August or September, you can be ready by using the time remaining this summer to build a plan featuring the new program materials that will lay the groundwork for a well-organized program launch starting in the fall.

Annual program planning is nothing new, it has always been a common attribute of all successful Cub Scout packs. Cub Scouting’s new program materials provide every pack with a great opportunity to recalibrate— and rededicate—its program to the values of Scouting at an annual program planning meeting.

Program GuidanceNew den leader guide books now are available to support

den-level programs at each level: Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos/Arrow of Light. Each of these guides maps out in great detail what materials are needed to run a high interest program for the boys in your den. After using your den level’s guide in consonance with the Cub Scout handbook to lay out a basic plan for your den-level adventures, use the range of additional support materials available, such as the Cub Scout Leader How-to Book, Den and Pack Ceremonies, and more, to add richness and depth, otherwise known as fun!

TrainingNew training guides for Cubmaster/Assistant Cubmaster,

Den Leader, and Pack Committee (i.e., Pack Committee Challenge) were released early this year and are available through the Program Updates – 2015 and Beyond page.

Online training courses for Cubmasters, den leaders, committee chairs and members, and chartered organization representatives have been totally revised with help from volunteers from around the country.

Each course has been divided into shorter, more targeted modules so leaders can get the training they need, in the order they want, any time they need it. With that in mind, each new training was organized around what the person taking it would need to know prior to the first meeting, within the first 30 days, and to be considered position-specific trained.

All of this training was developed to be implemented in conjunction with the BSA’s new learning management system. For more information, visit MyScouting Tools (logging in through MyScouting.org).

Planning TipsAs always, pack-level planning centers on major pack

activities, such as pack family campouts, day camp and resident camp opportunities, and monthly pack meetings. Under the new Adventure Program, each month’s meeting should correspond to a point of the Scout Law. In addition, each plan should follow a theme to help make the pack meeting even more fun.

Help for creating your pack meeting plans can be found by visiting www.scouting.org/programupdates. The plans you will find do not have to be used in a specific order, but some do have reminders to include activities from the required adventures to help the Scouts advance in rank.

Planning is meant to be easy and straightforward. Using the calendar in the den leader guide book, map out the required adventures for your rank. Be sure to look at any local issues that may impact the adventures you select, such as weather and school holidays. After you map out the required adventures, map out the elective adventures that your boys would like to complete. Bring these with you to the pack’s annual planning meeting.

Several of the required adventures have a requirement that suggests or requires completion at a pack meeting, but den-level planning should be a part of pack program planning as well. With an expanded set of elective adventures for boys to explore, den leaders may wish to consult with the boys in the den to see what they would like to accomplish. Pack leaders should work with the den leaders to plan when these activities will take place.

Program ImpactCompleting these tasks – planning, preparation, and

training – will help your pack with recruitment this fall. New parents will see a well-planned program in place, trained leaders to help deliver the program, and will want their boys to be a part of that program. A well-planned pack and den-level program also will encourage new parents to lend a hand during their first year, helping to develop them into future den or pack leaders.

Resources for Packs and Den LeadersOn June 1, 2015, the new Cub Scouting program went into effect. This was the most significant

change in the Cub Scout program since the introduction of the current Webelos rank in 1967. All of the council’s districts have had a presentation on the new advancement program at spring roundtables. Here are resources for den and pack leaders to help plan their meetings.

Youth handbooks:• Completely revised and rewritten• Serves as the youth’s guide through the program• Outlines advancement system• Outlines additional available recognition• Written with youth interests in mind; feedback from adults

and youth.

Key Den Leader ResourcesNew leader guidebooks• Designed as a “one stop” reference to lead the new Cub

Scouting adventures• Preserves historic den meeting structure• Full set of resources to organize and lead den meetings• Materials may be “passed down” to leaders using the

program the following year• Pilot testing affirmed that leaders were able to use the

program materials to efficiently plan and deliver the den meetings as designed

Cubmaster ResourcesPack Meeting Plans• Pack meeting plans for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 Cub

Scouting years are now available at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/Leaders/DenLeaderResources/DenandPackMeetingResourceGuide/PackMeetingPlans.aspx

• From the Cubmaster’s Minute to resource lists, you’ll find everything you need to lead fun and engaging pack meetings.

Den and Pack Leader ResourcesSubstantial Revisions• Leader Book Key resource to operate a Cub Scouting pack• Ceremonies Book Additional ceremonies for den and pack meetings

Terminology Revisions• Leader How-to Book Additional program resources to supplement den and pack

program• The How-to Book now reflects the terminology used

with the new Cub Scout adventures• BALOO BALOO continues to serve as the required training to lead

pack camping; The new training syllabus now reflects the terminology used with the new Cub Scout adventures

Training ResourcesIn person leader-specific training has been updated to

support the new program materials; Each course is available at http://www.scouting.org/Training/Adult.aspx

Den Leader Position-Specific TrainingThis course is intended to provide Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and

Webelos den leaders with the information and tools they need to conduct successful den meetings. Den leaders who complete the Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos training, along with Youth Protection Training, are considered “trained” for their position.

Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster Position-Specific Training

This course is intended to provide Cubmasters with the information and tools they need to successfully lead a pack. Cubmasters and assistants who complete this training and Youth Protection Training are considered “trained” for both positions.

Pack Committee Challenge - Pack Committee Position-Specific Training

The Pack Committee Challenge is designed for pack committees ,and is the course (along with Youth Protection Training) pack committee members need to complete to be considered “trained.”

Online training• New training materials are being readied for release to

provide a completely new training program. Content is structured in smaller pieces to allow leaders to take the training when time is available. It will make training accessible when they want it, and how they want it.

• Training is also organized based on the leader’s needs – in categories such as “Before Your First Meeting,” “First 30 Days,” “First 90 Days,” and “Trained.”

• The training will be available this Fall through my.scouting.org.

Learning LibraryIn addition to formalized training, a new on-demand

learning resource will launch this Fall to assist leaders in delivering fun and engaging meetings.

From den meeting plans, to ideas on executing the new adventure requirements, the “Learning Library” will be a resource that leaders and parents alike can access to find information about the Cub Scouting program. Launching this Fall at www.cubscouts.org

Using the New ProgramFocus on fidelity. Use the materials to support and deliver

the program as designed.All materials were designed to help leaders deliver a

program that is more fun for boys and simpler for leaders to implement.

Use the materials as designed to support a great program to see enhanced retention for both boys and leaders.

For ongoing updates, visit http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/programupdates.aspx for regular program updates and links to program materials and training opportunities.

On ServiceThe key to success, in any line or

endeavor, lies in service. Those who seek fame or fortune by any other route are always disappointed.

Waite PhillipsDonor of Philmont Scout Ranch

Page 8

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015What’s New

Troop Leader Guidebook

Now AvailableYou wouldn’t lead a hike without

consulting a map. So don’t lead a Boy Scout troop without consulting the Troop Leader Guidebook.

Volume 1 of the BSA’s top resource for Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, committee members, and involved parents is now available for $13 at ScoutStuff.org and local Scout Shops.

The Troop Leader Guidebook replaces the Scoutmaster Handbook. The latter contained great content, but its title was always a little misleading. We changed the name because surveys indicated that many assistant Scoutmasters thought the Scoutmaster Handbook wasn’t for them.

That’s good news for those who don’t know an ASPL from a JASM. The Troop Leader Guidebook offers a plain-English guide to better Boy Scout troops (and a glossary!).

What’s inside theTroop Leader Guidebook,

Volume 1?It is recommended that Sections 1 to 6

should be read in their entirety. The Appendix includes reference material that you can access on an as-needed basis.

Section 1: Boy Scout Basics. An introduction to Boy Scouting, including aims, methods, ideals, troop structure, and membership and leadership requirements.

Section 2: The Boy Scout Program. An introduction to the elements of the troop program and program planning, including camping and other outings.

Section 3: All About Youth Working with every Scout from the new recruit to the senior patrol leader.

Section 4: All About Adults. Working with every adult from the new parent to the troop committee chairperson.

Section 5: Advancement and Awards. An introduction to the youth advancement program and the array of awards Scouts, adults, and units can earn.

Section 6: Troop Administration. An introduction to troop administration from a Scoutmaster corps perspective, including financing the troop, chartered organization relationships, and communications.

Section 7: Health and Safety. A comprehensive overview of the BSA’s safety and risk-management policies.

Appendix: Resources, Scouting websites, and glossary.

What about Volume 2?Volume 2, expected this winter, is

targeted more at the experienced leader.It includes concepts like visioning,

assessing where you are, high adventure, problem solving and other “stuff that you don’t have time to worry about when you’re just starting out.”

New Online Training for the New Cub

Scouting ProgramThe online training for den leaders,

Cubmasters, committee chairs/members and charter organization representatives has been updated with the help of volunteers from around the country. The new training will be divided into shorter, more targeted modules so leaders can get the training they need, in the order they want, any time they need it. The new training is organized into time-based sections: the learning needed prior to the first meeting, within the first 30 days, and training needed to be considered position-specific “trained.”

The new training will be implemented in conjunction with BSA’s new Learning Management System. The anticipated timing for launching this new tool is ealy Fall 2015.

Listen to (or download) the CubCast for August at www.scouting.org/scoutcast.aspx for more information.

2017 National Scout Jamboree

The Boy Scouts of America announced the official theme and logo for the 2017 National Scout Jamboree, a celebration of Scouting held every four years for Scouts, Venturers, volunteers, and staff from across the nation.

The 2017 theme, “Live Scouting’s Adventure,” speaks both to Scouting’s century-old tradition of creating adventures that develop young people into the leaders of tomorrow and to the developing adventures of the next century of Scouting.

The “Live Scouting’s Adventure” theme and logo symbolize the adventurous spirit and exciting high-adventure and outdoor opportunities available to youth and adult members in the Scouting program.

The jamboree is open to active youth members and adult volunteer leaders in BSA programs and will be held July 19-28, 2017. Staff members will be able to register for the jamboree in April 2015, while registration for youth and adult participants will open in May 2015. To learn more about the 2017 National Scout Jamboree and the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, please visit www.bsajamboree.org or https://summit.scouting.org.

Blackhawk Area Council is now taking applications to be part of the contingent for this Unforgettable Breathtaking Adventure!

Blackhawk Area Council is taking applications from any Boy Scout who will be 12 years of age or officially registered Venturing Crew member by the opening day of the Jamboree.

A Scout usually has only one chance to go to the National Jamboree, so don’t miss your chance! Send in your information below to “Live Scouting’s Adventure”!

Limited spots are available!Selection is based on receipt date of

application and reservation fee!If you have any questions, please contact

the Jamboree Committee Chairman Blair Piotrowski at blair©panatek.com

The price is only $1695 for this 12-day once-in-a-life adventure!

2017 National Jamboree

July 19 - 28, 2017

2017 National ScoutJamboree

Registration Form

Name ___________________________ Unit ____________________________Phone __________________________ Email __________________________

To reserve your spot, mail check with registration form for $100 to Blackhawk Area Council/Jamboree, 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107

Page 9

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015 Council News

Mary Anne Rounds BACcourier@Juno.com

815-877-2968

4223 Westfield Dr. Rockford. IL 61101

Blackhawk Area Council, BSA

Don’t be shy - Tell Mary Anne EVERYTHING!

Send in your event notices, photos from Campouts & Adventures

News of your Troop, Packs,Crews and Posts.www.BlackhawkScouting.org

www.Scouting.org/Alumni

What story do you have to tell? We would like to hear

from you!Send your story and a photo or two to

Mary Anne Rounds atBACCourier@juno.com

Scouting Experience Goes

Mobile with Acquisition of

ScoutbookThere’s no question that we live in

a mobile world -- and not just us adults. More than 75 percent of U.S. children today have access to a smartphone or tablet. Because mobile platforms represent a significant opportunity for BSA to engage with our members and improve their Scouting experience,I am pleased to announce that we are extending our presence in the digital space with the acquisition of Scoutbook a web application designed for mobile devices.

Scoutbook delivers a suite of easy-to-use unit-experience and unit-management tools that are helpful to both Scouts and unit leaders. Scoutbook’s current suite of Web-based tools enables units to better communicate, update records, track advancement and manage activities. What’s more, it can easily be integrated with our membership system, simplifying the way our members can track their advancement throughout Scouting -- when, where, and how they prefer to do it.

Created independently by an entrepreneurial parent who is an active member of the Scouting community, Scoutbook was introduced in 2013 and currently has nearly 200,000 users who already are benefiting from its helpful tools.

The National Council is working hand in hand with Scoutbook creator and Scouter Shawn Jackson to integrate and enhance its features to make its already-great user experience even better.

Visit Scouting Wire for more information, including an FAQ, and additional details about the many ways our investment in Scoutbook will help enhance the Scouting experience for units.

Wayne BrockChief Scout

2017 National Scout Jamboree

Scouting Teaches Life Skills

Scouting also provides youth with skills that help them cope with any situation. Youth say Scouting has taught them to:• Always give their best effort,• Always be honest,• Treat others with respect,• Set goals,• Stay physically fit, and• Take care of the environment

Why Should We Recruit Kids?We believe that the Cub Scout packs in the Blackhawk Area Council provide some of the best Scouting in America, and we need to show off that

program to more young people and their families. Please find a responsible volunteer in your pack to lead your spring and fall recruitment efforts. Why should every pack want to recruit new kids?

• Every boy deserves the opportunity to enjoy a quality Scouting program.• Your pack does provide quality program and you should want to show it off .• Scouting programs are proven to be a positive influence in their lives.• New boys in the pack help keep the pack going.• Along with new boys come new parents who will become leaders.• New boys and parents strengthen the pack and ensure its longevity.• Scouting is a legacy that each of us can leave in our community, our chance to make a real difference!

Page 10

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015

Get Your Unit Ready With This

BasicEmergency

Preparedness Kit• Water — typically one gallon of water

per person in your group per day. Richard says you really want to think about this as a 72-hour kit, so have three days of supplies. That means if you have 20 Scouts and Scouters in your unit, you’ll want 60 gallons.

• Food — Nonperishable and enough for three days

• Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio

• Flashlight with extra batteries • First-aid kit • Signaling device, such as a whistle • Dust mask for everybody in your group • Plastic sheeting • Moist towelettes • Garbage bags • Wrench or other tools • Can-opener (if your nonperishable

food is in cans) • Solar charger to power your cell phone

in an emergency

Emergency Preparedness

AwardUnits and individuals in Scouting who

demonstrate their emergency preparedness are eligible for an award.

The award was just updated this month to make units eligible to earn the award as a unit — previously only individuals could earn the award.

How to Talk to Your Kids and Scouts

Richard Richard Bourlon, team lead of the Health and Safety Service Team for the BSA National Council offers this sound advice:

I want everybody to know that they need to have the conversation with their kids, and it doesn’t have to be real hard, but, make sure their kids know who to call in an emergency, where to meet up. It’s September, your child may be at a school. Do they know where to meet you if something is happening in the community?

I’m a big fan of the Go Kit, having a backpack ready that you can just pick up and evacuate with. I always say: what do you have packed, where are we going to meet, and who are you going to call?

Council News

Here are just some of the awards and recognitions a Cub Scout can earn beyond the requirements for rank advancement.:

• Electives (Arrow Points andTiger Track beads)• Academics and Sports Program (belt loops and pins)• Religious Emblems• Outdoor Activity Award• STEM/NOVA Awards• World Conservation Award• Conservation Good Turn Award• CyberChip Award• Emergency Preparedness Award• Fun for the Family Awards• Interpreter Strip• Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award• National Summertime Pack Award• Recruiter Strip• SCOUTStrong PALA Challenge• Messengers of Peace

Awards Cub Scouts Can Earn

Council Group Name Contact Address City/State/Zip Phone Email CC# Exp CC2

_____Lower Level Tickets @ $20 = _______ _____Upper Level Tickets @ $15 = _______ _____Hot Dog/Soda Vouchers @ $6 = _______ Handling Fee $3 Total Amount Enclosed = ______ # of Scout Night Patches ______

A portion from each Scout ticket sold will go back to support your local council

Order by phone: (815) 847-6383

Order by mail: Rockford IceHogs Attn: Ryan Woodrow 300 Elm St. Rockford, IL 61101 MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO ROCKFORD ICEHOGS

Order by fax: (815) 380-6432 Please submit one order per group to ensure grouped seating. The best available seats will be assigned within your requested price level. Orders received more than 10 days before the day of game will be mailed. Orders received within 10 days of the day of game will be held at will call for pick up. All promotions and giveaways are subject to change. This order form cannot be combined with any other discount, promotion or offer. Scout night offer not available through the BMO Harris Bank Center box office. *Units attending both Scout Nights will receive t-shirts equal to the lesser number of tickets purchased for those two games. Only orders received from the same individual for the same scout unit will qualify to receive free t-shirts.

Choose your game:

_____October 17th, 2015 _____March 19th, 2016

Can’t make Scout Night? Ask about other group opportunities!

Attend both games and receive free Rockford

IceHogs t-shirts!!*

Proud Affiliates

Questions? Call Ryan at (815)847-6383

or email at woodrowr@icehogs.com

Patches are exclusive to Scout Night

Page 11

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015

Invest in Youth“If you want to have a better world,

we have to invest in its future—and the future of the world is children.”

- Pele, Brazilian soccer star

Eagle Scouts The Blackhawk Area Coun cil takes pride in welcoming the following Boy Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout.

Eagle Scout andYouth News

David A. Aamodt, Troop 707, LDS Ward 1, Rockford Stake, Rockford, Ill.

Alan J. Anderson, Troop 40, St. Edward Booster Club, Rockford, Ill.

Nathaniel C. Anderson, Troop 52, First Presbyterian Church, Oregon, Ill.

Kyle E. Aude, Troop 55, Milledgeville United Methodist Church, Milledgeville, Ill.

Johan Barnet, Troop 83, United Methodist Church, Platteville, Wis.

Robert Black, Troop 151, Congregational Church of Algonquin, Algonquin, Ill.

William A. Black, Troop 167, First Congregational Church, Huntley, Ill

Rhett M. Bomher, Troop 77, Candlewick Lake Association, Poplar Grove, Ill.

Colin R. Boysen, Troop 368, Light of Christ Lutheran Church, Algonquin, Ill.

Robert L. Bracken, Troop 40, St. Edward Booster Club, Rockford, Ill.

Zachary A. Broadfield, Troop 152, Knights of Columbus Council 11091, Algonquin, Ill.

Vincent J. Buholzer, Troop 180, United Methodist Church, Monroe, Wis.

Timothy R. Burchfield, Troop 151, Congregational Church of Algonquin, Algonquin, Ill.

Tucker R. Burnham. Troop 555, LDS Crystal Lake 2, Buffalo Grove Stake, Crystal Lake, Ill.

Christian D. Carlson, Troop 57, Alpine Lutheran Church and Alpine Scouters Association, Rockford, Ill.

Collin E. Ceisel, Troop 368, Light of Christ Lutheran Church, Algonquin, Ill.

Jack D. Daugherty, Troop 123, Spring Creek Congregational Church, Rockford, Ill.

Ian B. Donohoe, Troop 158, First United Methodist Church, Crystal Lake, Ill.

Jonathan W. Elliot, Troop 153, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Woodstock, Ill.

Adam P. Evertsen, Troop 168, First Congregational Church - Board of Christian Education, Crystal Lake, Ill.

Jack C. Fischbach, Troop 329, Loyal Order of the Moose #1329, Woodstock, Ill.

Brenan Flynn, Troop 152, Knights of Columbus Council 11091, Algonquin, Ill.

Marcus X. Frank, Troop 40. St. Edward Booster Club, Rockford, Ill.

Ryler C. Fritz, Troop 88, Lancaster Christ Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Wis.

Liam P. Gries, Troop 329, Loyal Order of the Moose, Woodstock, Ill.

Brian J. Guarnierl, Troop 927, The Lehde Agency, Barrington, Ill.

Brian R. Hallet, Troop 425, Christ United Methodist Church, Rockford, Ill.

Jacob R. Hamachek, Troop 181, Cherry Valley Fire Department, Cherry Valley, Ill.

Jakob R. Harper, Troop 29, Durand Lions Club, Durand, Ill.

Patrick J. Hastings, Troop 340, State Bank of the Lakes, Spring Grove, Ill.

Daniel J. Hauck, Troop 101, Kiwanis Club of Monroe, Monroe, Wis.

Trevor A. Hayes, Troop 64, United Methodist Church, Stuard, Ill.

Ross B. Hearne, Troop 23, Third Presbyterian Church, Rockford, Ill.

Timothy Hellyer, Troop 151, Congregational Church of Algonquin, Algonquin, Ill.

Brodie C. Hensen, Troop 902, Rock Falls American Legion #902, Rock Falls, Ill

William R. Holland, Troop 347, Bethany Lutheran Church and Crystal Lake Jaycees, Crystal Lake, Ill.

Alan M. Hopp, Troop 85, Church of the Brethren, Dixon, Ill.

Christopher Johannsen, Troop 160, American Legion Post 276 and Cary-Grove Jaycees, Cary, Ill.

Daniel S. Johnson, Troop 425, Christ United Methodist Church, Rockford, Ill.

Ethan T. Johnson, Troop 140, Byron Lions Club, Byron, Ill.

Matthew G. Johnson, Troop 305, First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, Ill.

Kevin Jung, Troop 168, First Congregational Church board of Christian Education. Crystal Lake, Ill.

Joseph J. Keippel, Troop 152, Knights of Columbus Council 11091, Algonquin, Ill.

Richard Kelly, Troop 657, Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Cary, Ill.

Patrick K. Kempster, Troop 456, Wonder Lake Fire Fighters Association, Wonder Lake, Ill.

Brian D. Koch, Troop 168, First Congregational Church Bboard of Christian Education. Crystal Lake, Ill.

Scott B. Larson, Troop 4, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Freeport, Ill.

Tucker Lehman, Troop 368, Light of Christ Lutheran Church, Algonquin, Ill.

Daniel B. Leitzinger, Troop 1, Pecatonica United Methodist Church, Pecatonica, Ill.

Daniel J. Lima, Troop 580, LDS Crystal Lake 1, Buffalo Grove Stake, Crystal Lake, Ill.

Trevor S. Leonard, Troop 31, Liberty Memorial Post 1306 VFW, Stockton, Ill.

Nathaniel Logan, Troop 160, American Legion Post 276 and Cary-Grove Jaycees, Cary, Ill.

Payton A. Lolwing, Troop 88, Lancaster Christ Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Wis.

Matthew C. Lunde, Troop 41, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rockford, Ill.

Daniel P. Lytle, Troop 455, Johnsburg Community Club, Johnsburg, Ill.

Drew J. Markham, Troop 40, St. Edward Booster Club, Rockford, Ill.

Joel W. Marquardt, Troop 52, First Presbyterian Church, Oregon, Ill.

Kyle Marx, Troop 32, Loves Park Police Association & St. Bridget Catholic Church, Loves, Park, Ill.

Samuel Maxey, Troop 126, United Methodist Church, Poplar Grove, Ill.

Erik A. Merdinger, Troop 151, Congregational Church of Algonquin, Algonquin, Ill.

Zachery Mershon, Troop 705, Winnebago Presbyterian Church, Winnebago, Ill.

Zachery Mirza, Troop 705, Winnebago Presbyterian Church, Winnebago, Ill.

Grant A. Montgomery, Troop 14, Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Rockford, Ill.

Lucas A. Newenschwander, Troop 101, Kiwanis Club of Monroe, Monroe, Wis.

Andrew J. Newberry, Troop 106, Monticello Lions and VFW, Monticello, Wis.

Loren Newberry, Troop 72, First Christian Church, Sterling, Ill.

Adam M. Oelrichs, Troop 72, First Christian Church, Sterling, Ill.

Ryan J. O’Sullivan, Troop 152, Knights of Columbus Council 11091, Algonquin, Ill.

Aaron D. Pacheco, Troop 27, Pearl City Fire Protection District, Pearl City, Ill.

Mason C. Patten, Troop 580, LDS Crystal Lake 1, Buffalo Grove Stake, Crystal Lake, Ill.

Nicholas R. Patzer, Troop 255, St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church and Algonquin Lions Club, Algonquin, Ill.

James P. Peplos, Troop 57, Alpine Lutheran Church and Alpine Scouters Association, Rockford, Ill.

Eric B. Persinger, Troop 14, Our Saviors Lutheran Church,Rockford, Ill.

Nicholas R. Raffalo, Troop 160, American Legion Post 276 and Cary-Grove Jaycees, Cary, Ill.

Ryan Ramage, Troop 19, Faith United Methodist Church, Freeport, Ill.

Shane A. Redman, Troop 127, Knights of Columbus - Father McCormic Council. Crystal Lake, Ill.

Dale W. Sachs-Loomis, Troop 37, St. Peters Cathedral, Rockford, Ill.

Ryan J. Schmitt, Troop 105, Juda Fire Department, Juda, Wis.

James T. Schuman, Troop 206, Harlem United Methodist Church, Machesney Park, Ill.

Andrew Screnock, Troop 96, United Methodist Church, Morrison, Ill.

Orion P. Sedivy, Troop 45, United Methodist Men’s Club, Savanna, Ill.

Taurino U. Segretto, Troop 72, First Christian Church, Sterling, Ill.

Jesse J. Shambo, Troop 141, St. James Home & School Association, Belvidere, Ill

Dustin J. Spence, Troop 349, Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus, Richmond, Ill.

Benjamin P. Spengel, Troop 131, First United Methodist Church, McHenry, Ill.

Robert D. Stockwell, Troop 167, First Congregational Church, Huntley, Ill.

Joshua M. Stromberg, Troop 99, Mount Morris Methodist Men’s Club, Mt. Morris, Ill.

Zachary A. Stromberg, Troop 52, First Presbyterian Church, Oregon, Ill.

Bryce A. Struttman, Troop 152, Knights of Columbus Council #11091, Algonquin, Ill.

PeterI. Stuart, Troop 580, LDS Crystal Lake, Buffalo Grove Stake, Crystal Lake, Ill.

Danton Studer, Troop 101, Kiwanis Club of Monroe, Monroe, Wis.

Matt R. Sweeney, Troop 368, Light of Christ Lutheran Church, Algonquin, Ill.

Evan H. Tsubaki, Troop 717, LDS - Belvidere Ward, Rockford, Ill.

Andrew M. Vermies, Troop 224, John Hugo Kaiser Post 1461, Belvidere, Ill.

Joseph Walsh, Troop 160, American Legion Post 276 and Cary-Grove Jaycees, Cary, Ill.

John M. Werkheiser, Troop 7. First English Lutheran Church, Freeport, Ill.

Kyle L. Winebrenner, Troop 72, First Christian Church, Sterling, Ill.

Aleksander R. Zajchowski, Troop 139, Holy Family Catholic Church

The Eagle Scout service project proposal is a major step toward completing Eagle Scout requirement 5. How approval is handled is critical to ensuring that the candidate has a positive experience while planning, developing, and leading his project. It sets the overall tone for the Scout about what he should expect. It is essential that this be a positive experience rather than a discouraging one. We want the Scout to remember and appreciate the value of community service, not unnecessary administrative delays. No one should hold back an enthusiastic Scout by demanding more information than is actually necessary to meet the requirement. Section 9 in the Guide to Advancement outlines the procedures and policies in detail.

The proposal is the beginnings of planning, and as such does not require extensive detail, scale drawings, an extensive materials list, etc. It only needs to include sufficient information to show reviewers that it meets the five tests found in the Guide to Advancement in topic 9.0.2.7. It is much more important at this stage, to be encouraging and inspiring rather than worrying about details that are unnecessary for proposal approval.

While it is important that a Scout uses the workbook to help with his planning, reviewers must not let “technicalities” get in the way of approving the proposal. The proposal is about what the Scout is thinking about doing. It is not the plan of what he is going to do. That comes later after the proposal is reviewed and approved. Requiring more detail than necessary inhibits the whole process and may ultimately discourage a Scout from going forward with an otherwise worthy project. Sending a Scout back multiple times for rewrites of the proposal, especially for changes that are only editorial in nature, such as spelling, punctuation, etc., is unproductive. This is not only discouraging and demoralizing, but is contrary to the Guide to Advancement.

Therefore, reviewers at all levels should strive to approve proposals in one meeting if at all possible. If there is something truly important the Scout has considered but failed to write down, let him add the information right then and there. Give him a couple of minutes to handwrite the necessary information onto the proposal form, and then give him the approval. This way the Scout can get on with more detailed planning, and then execute his project. In the event there is a valid reason the proposal cannot be approved in one meeting, and it is necessary for the Scout to go back and put more effort into it, then the reviewer should provide a clear explanation, preferably in writing, of what needs to be done to gain approval.

Eagle Project Proposal Approval:

Keep It Simple, Make It Fast

Now you don’t have to be an Eagle Scout to read about the cool things Eagle Scouts are doing.

For the first time ever, Eagles’ Call, the quarterly magazine from the National Eagle Scout Association, is available to anyone, not just those who have earned Scouting’s highest honor.

All active NESA members automatically receive Eagles’ Call maga-

zine as a perk of membership. That’s not changing. What’s new is that non-Eagles can subscribe. The price: $10 a year (four issues).

Go to “Bryan on Scouting” on the Internet for a special discount code to receive the magazine at half price.

Eagles’ Call, the Official Magazine for Eagle Scouts

Page 12

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015

Protestant Religious EmblemsGod and Me

Immanual Lutheran Church, Freeport, Ill. Chancelor Clay, Pack 839 Evan Hollister, Pack 832

Faith Lutheran Church, Rochelle, Ill. Kameron Case, Pack 553

First Church of the Nazerene, Freeport, Ill. Wyatt Patridge, Pack 839

First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, Ill. Benjamin Boze, Pack 321 Henry Oberg, Pack 321

First United Methodist Church, Crystal Lake, Ill. George Dimopoulos, Pack 168

Grace Lutheran Church, Loves Park, Ill Benjamin Leese, Pack 207

Holy Family Catholic Church, Rockford, Ill David Pyun, Pack 139

God and FamilyFaith Lutheran Church, Rochelle, Ill. Julian Case, Pack 553

First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, Ill. William Boze, Troop 305

First Presbyterian Church, Belvidere, Ill. Tyler Ferdon, Pack 121 Joshua Miner, Pack 141

Christ United Methodist Church, Rockford, Ill.

Jack Erickson, 206

God’s People Faith Community, Machesney Park, Ill.

Kristian Nicholson, Pack 206

Link to P.R.A.Y. Web Site

You can get more information on religious emblems and other religious recognitions by linking to the P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth). The site is www.praypub.org.

Religious Emblems

P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities for Youth) notifies the council of religious emblems earned by Protestant, Jewish, and other faiths, but not those earned by Roman Catholic youth. If you have a son who has earned any religious emblem, please complete the form below and send to Blackhawk Area Council, 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107 or email to BACCourier@juno.com. Thank you.

Name ___________________________

Name of Emblem __________________

Church Name _____________________ ______________________________

Church Location __________________ ______________________________

Pack Troop Crew # ______________

Religious Emblem Programs

Attention all Scouts, leaders, and parents!

How many of you have started to work on your religious emblems? We want to take this moment to encourage you to work on and complete these religious emblems.

Throughout our Scouting program, we have stressed that a Scout is reverent and we have a duty to God.

There is an award for all faiths -- just ask us and we can help find yours. Did you know that if you earn your award, you can wear the knot on your field uniform as a Scout and an adult?

If you have questions regarding where to find information on your religious emmblems, please contact your district religious emblem coordinator:Arrowhead: Dan Frommelt at danielmfrommelt@gmail.comSycamore: Dick Wantuch at 815-385-0759Wanchanagi: MaryAnn Bushaw at bushville181@comcast.netWhite Eagle: Myles Newberry at mylesnewberry@sbcglobal.netWetassa: Kathy Tobin at 815-297-3843OrContact us, your council religious

coordinators: Mr. B at markbroman@notmail.com Cindy Chiodini at chiokinix5@comcast.

net

New Unit-level Position --

“Unit Religious Emblems

Coordinator”Help make “A Scout is reverent”

more than just words recited at a unit meeting. Find someone in your pack or troop to fill the new Unit Religious Emblems Coordinator (UREC) position.

The UREC, now recognized as a position on the unit committee, will educate, motivate, evaluate, and facilitate the religious emblems program at the unit level. A position patch is being created for this position.

Additional information regarding the position, including a complete position description, can be found on the Membership Resources page on www.scouting.org. – or PRAYpub.org.

Duty to God Becoming Larger

Part of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts

Cub ScoutingBy the beginning of the 2015-2016

Scouting year, each Cub Scout rank will include a new family-based Duty to God adventure.

These requirements will NOT include a requirement that a Cub Scout earn his respective religious award.

Boy ScoutingBeginning in 2016 in Boy Scouts, Duty to

God will be incorporated in the requirement to show Scout Spirit.

During the unit leader conference, the Scout will be asked what Duty to God means to him and how he demonstrates that duty.

Again, there will be no requirement for the Scout to earn his respective religious award.

God and MeGrades 1-3

First United Methodist Church, Crystal Lake, Ill. Aaron Abendroth, Pack 153 Connor Frey, Pack 194 Trevor Frey, Pack 194 Preston Helm, Pack 168 Noah Ingraham, Pack 657 Robert Jordan, Pack 158 Sarah Frey, Pack 194 – Mentor Heather Ingraham, Pack 657 – Mentor Larry French, Troop 158 – Counselor Jim McGregor, Troop 158 – Counselor

Shephard of the Hills Lutheran, McHenry, Ill. Luke Henke, Pack 131 Tara Henke, Pack 131 – Mentor

First United Methodist Church, Ingleside, Ill. Riley Zander, Pack 131 Karla Jean Zander, Pack 131 – Mentor

God and ChurchGrades 6-8

First United Methodist Church, Crystal Lake, Ill. Justin Campoli, Troop 168 Barbara Sanborn, Troop 168 – Mentor Ronald Meyer, Troop 158 – Counselor

St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, Cary, Ill. Brian Haglund, Troop 657

Congregational Church, Crystal Lake, Ill. Hunter Knickerbocker, Troop 168 Lesli Johnson, Troop 168 – Mentor

Harvest Bible Church, Crystal Lake, Ill. David Cablk, Troop 158 – Counselor

St. Thomas Church, Crystal Lake, Ill. John Moffat, Troop 158 – Counselor

God and LifeGrades 9-12

St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, Cary, Ill. Alec Haglund, Troop 657

Emmanuel Lutheran Church,, Crystal Lake, Ill. Henry Kmiec, Troop 161

Living Waters Church, Crystal Lake, Ill. Joseph Stanger, Troop 161

First United Methodist Church,, Crystal Lake, Ill. Mick Maifield – UMMC Counselor Carl Moon – UMMC Counselor

Scouts Earn Religious EmblemsOn Sunday, May 31, Scouts who completed the God and Country religious emblems program

sponsored by the Methodist Men’s Club of the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake were presented their respective awards.

The religious emblems program is used by the Boy Scouts of America to encourage youth to learn about their faith and to recognize adults who provide significant service to youth in a religious environment.

2015

GOD AND COUNTRY PARTICIPANTS

Back Row: Left to Right: John Moffat, Jim McGregor, Larry French, Sarah Frey, Heather Ingraham, Barbara Sanborn, Mick Maifield, Carl Moon, Jim Nelson Front Row: Left to Right: Trevor Frey, Robert Jordan, Connor Frey, Aaron Abendroth, Noah Ingraham, Brian Haglund, Justin Campoli, Henry Kmiec, Alec Haglund. Not pictured: Riley Zander, Karla Jean Zander, Luke Henke, Tara Henke, Preston Helm, Hunter Knickerbocker, Lesli Johnson, David Cablk, Ron Meyer, Joseph Stanger and Ben Walneck.

2015 Religious Retreat

September 18-20Camp Lowden

The Blackhawk Area Council Religious Retreat is set for September 18-20, 2015 at Camp Lowden. It is organized by the Catholic Committee on Scouting, the Lutheran Association of Scouters, and the Methodist Men's Association and is open to all faiths. Due to logistical issues the Duty to God and Country Council Encampment was canceled, so many of the activities that were planned for that event will take place at the retreat.

This is a great campout to attend. The committees do all the meals and activities while the Scouts have a great time, and leaders can enjoy Camp Lowden. More information and a registration form will be available on the council website in two weeks.

Plan to attend and have a fun and relaxing campout at Lowden. The price of $17 per person will include all activities and meals. Please bring your troops or crews, your camping items, and a cracker barrel for Friday and Saturday nights. We will provide your meals and daytime snack and all the activities. We have a special speaker planned for this year also.

For more information or if you would like to help make this years retreat bigger and better, contact Cindy Chiodini (Catholic Committee) at chiodinix5@comcast.net or Mark Broman (Lutheran Association) at markbroman@hotmail.com.

Page 13

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015

It’s so easy and yet so beneficialto us when we say

“I thank you.”Waite Phillips

Merit Badge Counselor Resource

Page AvailableA new BSA Web page is available

for merit badge counselors searching for just the right resources. Recently posted, it contains informational fliers on all the newest merit badges—including Sustainability, Programming, Cycling, and Game Design. You will find information on upcoming merit badges, a section on how to propose new merit badges, plus the latest news about competitions and scholarships. In addition, there are links to specific sites supporting merit badge requirements.

The “Introduction to Merit Badges” link takes the Scouter on an informative walk through the merit badge process and then displays all the merit badges with links to requirements. For access, visit www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Home/BoyScouts/ GuideforMeritBadgeCounselors.aspx

The Values of Scouting

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Study results indicate that Scouts with at least five years’ tenure are more likely than boys who have never been Scouts to:• Assume leadership roles in clubs or

school organizations.,• Put the needs of others before their own,• Have higher self-confidence,• Be active in a variety of after-school

activities, and • Resist peer pressure to take part in

delinquent or dishonest activities.

Achievement consists of doing useful things that most people say cannot be done.

Waite PhillipsDonor of Philmont Scout Ranch

Advancement

Advancement Training

The BSA's advancement committee has recently introduced some new or updated advancement-related training courses.

Getting the Most FromInternet Advancement –

A PowerPoint slide show with speaker notes and an FAQ sheet. Designed to be a 60- to 90-minute, instructor-led presentation, it guides participants through methods to make effective use of the Internet Advancement software. The presentation is available on the Blackhawk Area Council Web site -- www.blackhawkscouting.org/Training.

The Essentials of Merit Badge Counseling A PowerPoint presentation with speaker

notes covers the required procedures for merit badge counseling, clarifies the role of counselors in the BSA advancement program, and discusses the appropriate approaches to use in working with Scouts. It is intended as an instructor-led presentation to counselors of any experience level and takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete.

Guide to Advancement and Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook Overview

Converted to video format from PowerPoint presentations with voice-over, these presentations provide further insight into the two most critical publications produced by the BSA National Advancement Team. The files may be opened and viewed on your computer or downloaded for later viewing or for presentation at a roundtable, university of Scouting, or other gathering. The intent is to provide a better understanding of how BSA advancement policies and procedures should be interpreted and implemented.

Judgment Calls (24 min.)Covers the “active,” position of

responsibility, and Scout spirit requirements, and also “reasonable expectations”

Additional Training Sessions:Introduction to the Guide to Advancement

(10 min.)The Merit Badge Program (17 min.)Boards of Review (15 min.)Boards of Review Under Disputed

Circumstances (6 min.)Board of Review Appeals (4 min.)The Eagle Scout Service Project (17 min.)The Eagle Scout Application Process (8

min.)Eagle Scout Boards of Review (4 min.)

You can find these courses at www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts in the Advancement and Awards section.

The Boy Scouts of America uses eight methods to deliver the program that moves young people toward three basic aims: character development, citizenship training, and mental, emotional, and physical fitness.

This is important because, from time to time, we as leaders find ourselves focused so heavily on the methods that we forget they are merely tools used to achieve the aims. For this reason, the BSA has instituted the Journey to Excellence to measure performance—that is, to see how we are doing at achieving those aims. One of the most meaningful JTE measurements is the rate of advancement. History has shown the higher this rate, the more Scouts we retain in our programs.

The newly designed 60- to 90-minute presentation “Getting the Most From Internet Advancement” will help participants understand the importance of reporting advancement. It provides guidance to unit advancement processors, unit committee members, and other leaders through their responsibilities in support of the BSA advancement process. It will also show participants how to access and successfully use the Internet Advancement portal to report unit advancement progress.

The advantages of using the online Internet Advancement system versus the paper process are numerous. Among the advantages are reducing or eliminating gaps in Scout record, providing convenience through Web access, and access to a wide variety of useful reports.

To take training on how to use Internet Advancement, go to www.BlackhawkScouting.org and click on “Getting the Most From Internet Advancement”

You may penalize your Scouts by delaying reporting their rank advancement and merit badges in a timely manner.

Even if you purchase badges or rank in another council, using Internet Advancement updates each Scout’s record in Blackhawk Area Council.

Getting the Most From Internet Advancement

Eagle Scout Service Project Coaches

Over the years, units, districts, and councils have had various volunteers fulfill the role of an Eagle Scout service project coach; though they may have used other titles such as advisor, mentor, tutor, counselor, advocate, and so forth. The Guide to Advancement “institutionalizes” the project coach’s role to provide encouragement and support, while helping the Scout understand the requirements and expectations for successfully completing his project. The coach, however, is not the project manager, and he or she uses the Boy Scouting program method of positive adult association, not authority, to help the candidate make wise decisions.

It is highly recommended that every Eagle Scout candidate have a coach. More than likely this is the first time that a Scout has attempted a project as involved as the Eagle Scout service project. Some may be fully capable of proceeding on their own without the benefit of a coach, but most will find the advice and counsel useful and educational.

The optimal time for providing the coach is when the proposal is approved. At that point a Scout can be advised that in a few days he will receive a telephone call from an adult who has agreed to assist him. Since the Eagle Scout candidate has promised that he read the entire Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, we may assume he understands he isn’t required to work with the coach if he doesn’t want to. Once a Scout receives approval for his project proposal he is certainly allowed to strike out on his own without coaching, but it behooves us to do what we can to help him make the right decision in this regard.

The Intent Behind Signatures, and What

They SignifyThe term “signature” is generally

understood to mean the signing of a document with one’s own hand. The purpose of a signature is to signify knowledge, approval, acceptance, or obligation. For example, a signature could be an acknowledgement that the signer has read a document, completed a task, or granted approval to move on to a next step.

In matters of advancement, personal signatures are always preferred, and this is often an issue with the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook. Part of the intent behind asking for signatures is to promote dis-cussions between Eagle candidates and various adults. For example, it is intended that a Scout meet per-sonally with those responsible for approving his project so he can offer explanations, answer questions, and get advice. Emailing documents back and forth does not provide a very high level of adult associa-tion. The opportunity to have an impact on a Scout’s life is greater with personal meetings.

But what if a Scout submits a workbook without all the signatures? Must the workbook then be reject-ed? The answer is, not necessarily. The service project requirement calls for “approval;” and of course, the best way to show approval is with a signature. But the Guide to Advancement states under topic 9.0.2.8 (“Use the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook.”): “If it will be a hardship, or a poor use of time to fill in missing information or obtain a signature of a party who is unavailable or by some other means known to have approved [the project], then it is appropriate to accept it.” In other words, if it can be as-certained that a project was somehow approved—through email, fax, a letter, a phone call, or discussion with another responsible adult, for example—then the Scout should be allowed to move forward. It is important to restate, however, that signatures are preferred. If it is unclear that approval was granted, and it will be a simple matter for a Scout to obtain missing signatures, and doing so will not cause a trou-blesome delay, then he should get the signatures.

Another important issue is the timing of signatures. Since signatures are merely supportive of the pro-cess, and not actually part of our requirements; the date of a signature is less important than the date work on a requirement is completed. For example, an Eagle Scout service project is considered complet-ed at the time work is finished to the satisfaction of the beneficiary—not at the time when the benefi-ciary’s representative signs the document. Similarly, signatures on the Eagle Scout rank application need not be provided before the 18th birthday.

Counselor’s CompassNew Newsletter for

Merit Badge CounselorsThe Boy Scouts of America announces

a new informational resource entitled “Counselor’s Compass.” This publication, to be issued as an e-newsletter, will support merit badge counselors in four ways: • Things to do. What new counselors

should do prior to counseling a merit badge, such as become familiar with Guide to Advancement and the educational presentation, Essentials of Merit Badge Counseling, available under “Advancement Educational Presentations” at www.scouting.org/ advancement.

• Steps for Success. Helpful tips for both new and experienced counselors as they work with Scouts, such as the importance of using the latest pamphlet and requirements.

• Glad You Asked. Articles that address commonly asked questions sent to merit.badge@ scouting. org.

• News You Can Use. Merit badge fun facts and information on new badges.

Subscribing to Counselor’s Compass is similar to subscribing to Advancement News: Send a message to merit.badge@scouting.org, with “SUBSCRIBE” in the subject line. Indicate your name, email address, and council in the message text. The Compass may also be accessed online at www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-937_Dec2014.pdf .

AboutCounselor’s Compass

Counselor’s Compass is the official e-letter of the Boy Scouts of America’s Merit Badge Maintenance Task Force. Its intent is to provide volunteers with practical counseling advice through a concise, informative approach in order to communicate advancement procedures more efficiently. Therefore, districts and councils may reprint articles from this publication. Our plan is to distribute Counselor’s Compass quarterly, but special editions may go out whenever there is important information to share. Feedback, suggestions, and letters to the editor are welcome at merit.badge@scouting.org.

Page 14

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015

Scouting Teaches Life Skills

Scouting also provides youth with skills that help them cope with any situation. Youth say Scouting has taught them to:• Always give their best effort,• Always be honest,• Treat others with respect,• Set goals,• Stay physically fit, and• Take care of the environment

The Driver’s Pledge• I will not drive when I feel fatigued.

I realize that when I am fatigued, I process information more slowly and less accurately and this impairs my ability to react in time to avoid accidents.

• I will arrange my schedule so that several days before a Boy Scout “driving trip,” I will get a good night’s sleep every night to avoid the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep.

• I will make trip preparations far enough in advance so that last-minute preparations don’t interfere with my rest.

• I will make travel plans that take into account my personal biological clock and only drive during the part of the day when I know I will be alert.

• I will be smart about engaging in physical activities during Scouting outings and will make sure that I will be ready to drive alertly.

Program Opportunities

Free health, safety, and disaster preparedness classes provided by the American Red Cross are listed below. Depending on Boy Scout requirements any of the following programs may be taught by your American Red Cross Instructor.

Basic Aid Training (BAT) (Grades 3-6)

BAT teaches students decision making skills, basic First Aid, and emergency response. The following are the lessons included in BAT, however, not all lessons may be appropriate or necessary for your organizational needs. Therefore, you may choose any lesson in BAT that you would like to schedule.

Lessons include:• First things first – This lesson covers

the main rule, “Stay Calm”, the three emergency action steps (check, call, care,) and when and how to call for help.

• All choked up – This lesson will teach students ways to help prevent choking and the first aid procedure for choking.

• OUCH – This lesson will teach students ways to prevent wounds, know the correct first aid for small wounds with little bleeding, wounds with severe bleeding, specific injuries (nosebleeds, animal bites, bruises, and fractures), know the correct response for electrical shock and the principles of kite safety.

• Famous fire facts – This lesson will teach students some ways to prevent fires, understand the importance of controlling air flow to fire, how to develop a fire escape plan that includes a family meeting place and two escape routes. Students will also learn what to do if there is a fire in their home, ways to prevent burns, and how to classify and give care for burns.

• Safety wheels – In this lesson, students will learn ways to prevent motor vehicle injuries, know the importance of using safety belts, helmets, and knee pads, rules for the school bus including safety zones, ways to prevent bicycle injuries and bicycle safety rules.

• Cautious kids – This lesson will teach students how to stay safe, how to identify strangers, the appropriate defense tactics for the common tricks used by strangers, how to yell as a safety procedure, good touch from bad touch, and what to do if abuse occurs.

• Poison control – In this lesson, students will learn how to prevent poisoning, how to identify common household products that could be considered poisons, and what the first aid is for poisoning. This lesson also includes a fun activity of distinguishing between a poison and a similar looking object.

• Water whiz – This lesson teaches students how to prevent drowning, and will also teach appropriate safety precautions and rescue procedures for swimming boating, and ice skating or ice fishing.

• Lost and found – This lesson teaches students ways to prevent getting lost, how to make a preparation plan for the wilderness, and safety and rescue measures if lost.

Citizens CPR(7th grade and up)• Train students how to do hands only CPR

Disaster Preparedness (Grades K-8)• While students strengthen core academic

skills, they gain knowledge needed to prepare for, recognize, and recover from a disaster in their home, school, or community. Interactive activities and exciting videos teach how and why disasters occur.

Lessons include:• Floods• Tornadoes• Fires• Home Safety

If you would like to learn more, or schedule a free health safety or disaster preparedness class my contact information is below. If you have any questions or concerns, I am happy to address them!

Trisha VittorioAmeriCorps Member, Safe Families IL

AmeriCorps Program

American Red Cross727 N Church Street, Rockford, IL 61103

Office: 815-963-8471Fax: 815-963-0407

E-mail: trisha.vittorio2@redcross.org

Free Health, Safety, and Disaster Preparedness Classes

Lake Geneva Canopy Tours offers quality programmatic experiences centered on the Boy Scout Leadership Experience. Our Eco-Adventures offer a multitude of opportunities to build character and develop personal fitness in keeping with the goals of the Boy Scout organization.

Scouts can complete some of the requirements for specific awards through hiking and mountain biking on our almost 9 miles of Arbor Trails.

Team Building programs provide a combination of educational and recreational initiatives which challenge participants to work together toward a common goal. The 2-hour High Ropes Excursion offers 16 different obstacles of various difficulties to allow participants to push their limits, conquer fears & build self-confidence.

As a Certified Travel Green Wisconsin destination, our Eco Adventures teach environmental protection and sustainability.

Guides discuss specific ways in which we work hard to protect all aspects of the land, trees, water & wildlife throughout the Canopy Tour. The 2.5 hour Canopy Tour is our most thrilling Eco Adventure as participants soar through the trees on eight different zip lines, five sky bridges, three spiral stairways, and a one-of-a-kind “floating” double helix stairway which wraps around a breathtaking ash tree. The 1,200 foot Dual Racing Zip Line is the grand finale, weather permitting.

Additional amenities include a picnic area, grill, bag game, horseshoes and lunch options, upon request.

For additional information on Lake Geneva Canopy Tours Eco Adventures, visit our website at www.LakeGenevaCanopyTours.com. To book your next Scout troop adventure contact Kathryn Denbow at 312-461-1088 or email Kathrynd@LakeGenevaCanopyTours.net.

Lake Geneva Canopy Tours

Journey toExcellence

Service Hours Reporting

You can now enter your unit’s service hours at www.scouting.org/awards/journeyto excellence. Look for the “Service Project” area of the screen. There you will find the link to log your unit’s service hours, information for first time users, ideas and tips for a successful service project. To enter your unit’s service hours, click on “service hours Web site.” Choose “New User Click Here” or enter in your unit’s existing username and password. Users can still use www.goodturnforamerica.org and they will be redirected to the new data collection site. If you have any questions, please contact the council service center at 815-397-0210. Volunteers with a MyScouting account can also reach the Journey to Excellence service hours Web site by clicking on the Journey to Excellence Information link on the left side of the screen in the “Council Tools” section. Once you click the link, you will be directed to www.scouting.org/awards/journeytoexcellence and can follow the same procedures as listed above.

Northern IllinoisFire Museum

The Northern Illinois Fire Museum, four miles south of Marengo on Rt. 23, is a great place to view many fascinating antique fire engines – all in working order. The tour lasts about one hour and may include a ride on one of the fire engines!

The oldest fire “truck” is a pumper from 1856 and was used in the Great Chicago Fire. It was hand pulled and had a 40-gallon water tank.

The goals of the Northern Illinois Fire Museum are to • To supply a location for a permanent

display of fire related equipment of historic value, and to facilitate the temporary or permanent exchange of fire apparatus

• To serve as an education center on all aspects of the fire service for the communities in Northern Illinois.

• To furnish a facility for restoring and preserving fire apparatus.

The Board of Directors voted earlier this year to begin a fee schedule for admittance to the museum. As announced, and sent earlier, age 12 and up will be $5.00 each. Age 11 and under will be free. Pre-arranged group tours may be accommodated with special fee arrangements. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the museum at mail@nifm.net.

To arrange for a tour, contact the museum at NIFM.net, e-mail at mail@nifm.net, or phone 815-568-8950.

A Scout Is CheerfulA Scout is cheerful. A Scout looks

for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

Page 15

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015T

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Page 16

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015

101 Tiger, Wolf, Bear Den Leader Training (Part 1 of 2)

Get the latest training for the new Cub Scout program for Tiger, Wolf, and Bear. Youth Protection and this training is required to be fully trained and wear the trained patch. You must attend parts 1 and 2 of this training.

CS Leaders

102 Webelos/AOL Den Leader Training (Part 1 of 2)

Get the latest training for the new Cub Scout program for Webelos/AOL leaders. Youth Protection and this training is required to be fully trained and wear the trained patch. You must attend parts 1 and 2 of this training.

CS Leaders

103 Cub Scout Crafts Crafts are a big part of the program. Learn ways to make craft meaningfull and fun! CS Leaders104 Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster

Position-Specific Training (Part 1 of 2)

This course is intended to provide Cubmasters and assistant Cubmasters with the basic information they need to conduct successful pack meetings. (To earn the "Trained" patch, you must have also completed Youth Protection training.) This is a two-part course. You must also attend session 204.

Cubmasters & Assistant Cubmasters

105 Pack Committee Challenge (Part 1 of 2)

This course is intended to provide pack committee members with the basic information they need to support a pack and conduct a successful pack program. (To earn the "Trained" patch, you must have also completed Youth Protection training.) This is a two-part course. You must also attend session 205.

CS Committee & Leaders

106 Cub Scout Camping Essentials Start off your new hobby right!! What you need to know for camping basics. We're here to help your new Scouts and leaders gear up. CS Leaders107 BALOO Training (Basic Adult

Leader Outdoor Orientation)(Part 1 of 6)

This is a required course for Cub Scout leaders wanting to take their units camping. It will be an entire day (six sessions) of classes geared to teach you how to have a safe and fun experience with your Cub Scout packs. Must attend all six sessions to complete training.

CS Leaders

108 Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training (Part 1 of 6)

This leader-specific training is for Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, and anyone wanting to learn about Boy Scout troop operations. Learn how a "boy-led" troop operates. Have confidence managing the Scoutmaster role and learn the resources available to you to ensure success. (To earn the "Trained" patch, you must have also completed Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills and Youth Protection training.) This is a two-part course. You must also attend session 208.

BS Leaders

109 Troop Committee Challenge (Part 1 of 2)

This leader-specific training is for everyone on the troop committee. It provides an overview of the positions of the committee and how they contribute to the success of a troop. (To earn your "Trained" patch you must have also completed Youth Protection training.) This is a two-part course. You must also attend session 209.

BS Leaders

110 Keeping Community in Service Hours

Focus on how to keep the cummunity in mind when doing service projects with your unit. All Scout Leaders

111 Lashing and Camp Gadgets Basic lashing instruction and ideas for useful camp gadgets. BS or Ven. Crew Leaders112 Dutch Oven Basics Are you new to using a Dutch oven? Learn the basics you need for successful Dutch oven cooking. A Dutch oven can last forever if you treat it right. Of course,

we'll also make a tasty treat or two!BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

113 Venturing Advisor Training(Part 1 of 2)

This course is intended to provide Venturing crew Advisors with the basic information they need to help youth leaders manage a crew. The course includes the 2014 updates to Venturing and aligns with the new Venturing leader materials. (To earn the "Trained" patch, you must have also completed the Venturing version of Youth Protection training.) This is a two-part course. You must also attend session 213.

Ven. Advisors

114 Backpacking Basics If you're new to backpacking, this session will help you with the basics: what to pack, how to pack it, correct backpack fit, etc. BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

115 Introduction to Leadership Skills Course (Part 1 of 6)

This is a six-part course. You must also attend sessions 215, 315, 415, 515, and 615. An interactive orientation crew officer training. It is designed to teach leadership skills to all Ventures in the crew and to teach you how to plan your annual program. This course uses a series of leadership modules divided into four categories: vision, communication, organization, and synergism.

Ven. Crew Youth Leaders

116 Den Chief Training (Part 1 of 6) This is a six-part course. You must also attend sessions 216, 316, 416, 516, and 616. This course is for Boys Scout or Venturing crew youth who are current or future den chiefs. You will learn your duties in the Cub Scout program while learning the leadership, organization, and problem solving skills needed for success. The Scouts will receive the "Trained" patch for the den chief position at the completion of all 6 sessions.

Scouts (Youths) Serving as Den Chiefs

117 Trainer's EDGE (Part 1 of 6) This is a six-part course. This is required to be on staff as a trainer and is valid for 3 years. You must also attend sessions 217, 317, 417, 517, and 617. The purpose of the Trainer’s EDGE course is to provide and help develop the platform skills of a trainer with a focus on the participant, while raising the level of skill a trainer brings to a staff experience. Only practice can polish these skills, but this course is intended to “train the trainer” on behaviors and resources while

All Leaders

118 STEM Start / NOVA Learn how to incorporate STEM in your program and train to become a NOVA Counselor. Counselor training, information & fun project ideas you can take back to your units is planned. Ease the fear of NOVA, STEM and take the class....your boys will thank you.

All Leaders

119 CPR/First Aid for Adult Leaders Certification Course (Part 1 of 6)

Wherever we go, there is a possibility of injuries. As leaders, we need to be prepared to treat them. This class is a certification course. You must complete all six sessions to be fully trained.

All Leaders

120 BALOO Training (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)(Part 1 of 6)

This is a required course for Cub Scout leaders wanting to take their units camping. It will be an entire day (six sessions) of classes geared to teach you how to have a safe and fun experience with your Cub Scout packs. Must also attend sessions 220, 320, 420, 520, and 620.

CS Leaders

201 Tiger, Wolf, Bear Den Leader Training (Part 2 of 2)

Get the latest training for the new Cub Scout program for Tiger, Wolf, and Bear. Youth Protection and this training is required to be fully trained and wear the trained patch. You must attend parts 1 and 2 of this training.

CS Leaders

202 Webelos/AOL Den Leader Training (Part 2 of 2)

Get the latest training for the new Cub Scout program for Webelos/AOL leaders. Youth Protection and This training is required to be fully trained and wear the trained patch. You must attend parts 1 and 2 of this training.

CS Leaders

203 Games Galore Everyone loves a game. Find out how to conduct fun games, puzzles, and other activities. After all, Scouting is "a game with a purpose." CS Leaders204 Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster

Position-Specific Training(Part 2 of 2)

Part two of session 104. Cubmasters & Assistant Cubmasters

205 Pack Committee Challenge (Part 2 of 2)

Part two of session 105. CS committee or Leaders

206 Get Outdoors, Summertime Adventures for Cub Scouts

Keep your pack doing adventures all summer long. Take advantage of summer, stay active and keep earning awards. CS Leaders

207 BALOO Training (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)(Part 1 of 6)

This is a required course for Cub Scout leaders wanting to take their units camping. It will be an entire day (six sessions) of classes geared to teach you how to have a safe and fun experience with your Cub Scout packs. Must attend all six sessions to complete training.

CS Leaders

208 Scoutmaster & Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training (Part 2 of 2)

Part two of session 108. BS Leaders

209 Troop Committee Challenge (Part 2 of 2)

Part two of session 109. BS Leaders

210 How to Promote Leave No Trace in Your Unit

Leave No Trace whenever you are outdoors. Discuss ways to use the principles of Leave No Trace with your unit so that these concepts become second nature BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

Opening Ceremony 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Registration 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM

Break / Travel Time 10:15 AM – 10:30 AMSecond Period 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM (90 Minutes)

Break / Travel Time 8:30 AM – 8:45 AM First Period 8:45 AM – 10:15 AM (90 Minutes)

211 Troop Camping Trailer to Trail Learn about what gear you need and what gear you don't know you need. How to pack your trailer for what your unit does. BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

212 Dutch Oven Cooking (Beyond the Basics)

You've had a Dutch oven for a while now but want to learn to make new things. Learn to make meals, snacks, and desserts in this wonderful cast iron vessel! BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

213 Venturing Advisor Training(Part 2 of 2)

Part two of session 113. Ven. Advisors

214 Backpacking Food What to bring on a trip with no coolers? Backpacking food. There really is good tasting options that are simple!! All Leaders

215 Introduction to Leadership Skills Course (Part 2 of 6)

Part two of session 115. Ven. Crew Youth Leaders

216 Den Chief Training (Part 2 of 6)

Part two of session 116. Scouts (Youths) Serving as Den Chiefs

217 Trainer's EDGE(Part 2 of 6)

Part two of session 117. All Leaders

218 Internet Advancement Reporting advancement is a requirement of the BSA. All advancement must be reported to local councils. This is important in keeping member records up to date, and it assures an accurate count in the Journey to Excellence performance recognition program. When Internet Advancement is used to comply with reporting responsibilities, it alleviates issues in documenting progress as Scouts submit Eagle applications or transfer from one unit to another within a council. Consistent and constant reporting also assures accurate records for use by commissioners, other district and council volunteers, and National.

All Leaders

219 CPR/First Aid for Adult Leaders Certification Course (Part 2 of 6)

Wherever we go, there is a possibility of injuries. As leaders, we need to be prepared to treat them. This class is a certification course. You must complete all six sessions to be fully trained.

All Leaders

220 Commissioner Basic Training(Part 2 of 2)

Commissioner service is unique in that commissioners do not direct, but can only offer to help. In this course the roles of a successful commissioner are discussed, including: friend, coach, mentor, resource, and knowing where to get help when it is needed. This course is required for all commissioners. This is a two-part course - you must also attend session 107.

CS Leaders

Lunch 12:15 PM – 1:00 PMBreak / Travel Time 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM

Third Period 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM (45 Minutes)301 New Cub Scout Program Tiger,

Wolf, Bear Open ForumWe will go over in depth how the new program should be working specifically for Tiger, Wolf, and Bear ranks. CS Leaders

302 New Cub Scout Program Webelos and Arrow of Light Ranks Open Forum

We will go over in depth how the new program should be working specifically for Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks . CS Leaders

303 Songs and Skits Learn some new songs and skits to help your boys put on a fun program. CS Leaders

304 Webelos/Arrow of Light Transition to Boy Scouts

There is a plan. Find out what steps you should be taking to help your Cub Scout move smoothly into Boy Scouts. All Leaders

305 Recruiting for Cub Scouts Learn fun and effective ways to get new boys involved in your unit. CS Leaders306 Leatherwork (Part 1 of 2) Learn the basic techniques of leather working and take home a project you make. An additional cost of $5.00 will be charged for this session. The cost will

cover the materials that you will work on and then bring home. This is a two-part course. The time is spread out in order to allow your project to dry before tooling. Must also complete session 507.

CS Leaders

307 BALOO Training (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)(Part 3 of 6)

This is a required course for Cub Scout leaders wanting to take their units camping. It will be an entire day (six sessions) of classes geared to teach you how to have a safe and fun experience with your Cub Scout packs. Must attend all six sessions to complete training.

CS Leaders

308 What Is Generational Diversity and How Does It Affect Your Unit

Are you an old timer or a young wipper snapper. There may be an age gap in the adults that run your unit. Join us to see how you can build up your team and find out how to veiw things from a different perspective to help your unit get stronger. Open minds required.

All Leaders

309 Suporting Your PLC in a Boy-Led Troop

This session will discuss how to support your SPL, ASPL, PL and other roles of responsibility in order to achieve the ultimate goal, the "Boy Led Troop". BS Leaders

310 Merit Badge Counselor Training (Part 1 of 2)

Do you want to be a merit badge counselor, find out about merit badge changes, or just learn where to find and recruit merit badge counselors? As a counselor, discover how to make the merit badge earning process a valuable experience for the Scout. This is a two-part course - you must also complete session 410.

BS Leaders

311 Using Map and Compass in Your Unit

Learn the basics of setting up and using a map and compass course. All Leaders

312 Box Ovens and More There are many ways to cook outdoors without a camp stove or a Dutch oven. Learn about box ovens and other "non-traditional" ways to cook while in camp. BS or Ven. Crew Leaders313 Venturing Crew Adult - Open

ForumDo you have a question you need an answer to? Speak with your peers to share trials, tribulations, and successes. Ven. Crew Leaders

314 Building Your Troop with Team Activities

Fun team games for older Scouts. Sometimes you need a time filler, sometimes you need to braek the ice. Find out fun games to play to keep your event or meeting on the possitive fun side.

BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

315 Introduction to Leadership Skills Course (Part 3 of 6)

Part three of session 115. Ven. Crew Youth Leaders

316 Den Chief Training (Part 3 of 6) Part three of session 116. Scouts (Youths) Serving as Den Chiefs

317 Trainer's EDGE (Part 3 of 6) Part three of session 117. All Leaders318 Bullying in Scouts Bullying is a nation-wide problem. How a unit deals with it is critical to make every Scout and Scouter feel safe and be safe. This session will discuss how to

identify the problem, what consequences need to be taken, and how to implement them for Scouts and Scouters.All Leaders

319 CPR/First Aid for Adult Leaders Certification Course (part 3 of 6)

Wherever we go, there is a possibility of injuries. As leaders, we need to be prepared to treat them. This class is a certification course. You must complete all six sessions to be fully trained.

All Leaders

320 Commissioner Tools TBA Commissioners

Break / Travel Time 12:00 PM – 12:15 PM

Page 17

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015

Break / Travel Time 2:00 PM – 2:15 PMFourth Period 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM (45 Minutes)

401 New Cub Scout Program --Tiger, Wolf, Bear Open Forum

We will go over in depth how the new program should be working specifically for Tiger, Wolf, and Bear ranks . CS Leaders

402 New Cub Scout Program Webelos and Arrow of Light Ranks Open Forum

We will go over in depth how the new program should be working specifically for Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks . CS Leaders

403 Patches and Pictures Making Memories Last

Get an closer look and what you can do to preserve those cherished memories. CS Leaders

404 Rewarding Pack Meetings Come join us to find out what you can do to ensure the boys are getting the most out of every pack meeting. Cubmasters and CS Leaders

405 Knots for Webelos Scouts Learn how to tie the knots without tying yourself up. Webelos Den Leaders406 Cub Scout Hiking Get tips, ideas, and techniques for planning and executing a fun and successful hike with Cub Scouts. CS Leaders

407 BALOO Training part 4 of 6 This is a required course for Cub Scout leaders wanting to take their units camping. It will be an entire day (six sessions) of classes geared to teach you how to have a safe and fun experience with your Cub Scout packs. Must attend all six sessions to complete training.

CS Leaders

408 Conducting and Effective Scoutmaster Confrence

Learn Why to, When to, Where to, and How to conduct an effective Scoutmaster confrence to help Scouts advance and become strong leaders. Also disscus how to handle difficult counseling situations.

BS Leaders

409 Life to Eagle & Eagle Court of Honor (Part 1 of 3)

Come get the nuts and bolts of Eagle Scout projects and different ceremony possibilities. The course will cover suggestions on where to look for projects, details of planning the project, project write up and approval, etc. Helpful tips to help find the funds to complete the project, press releases, and dignitaries to send letters to your Eagle Scout will also be discussed. This is a three part course - you must also attend sessions 509 and 609.

BS Leaders

410 Merit Badge Counselor Training (Part 2 of 2)

Part two of session 310. BS Leaders

411 Geocaching Basics and Your Outdoor Program

Learn how to use a GPS unit and million dollar satellites to find plasticware containers in the woods and make it part of your outdoor program BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

412 Usings Woods Tools and Mastering Forgotten Outdoor Skills

Learn about how to properly use and maintain traditional woods tools including various types of knives,axes,and saws. Also, discover what type of stove is best suited to use during each of the four seasons we experience here in the midwest. Additionally, we'll talk about skills that many of us "old-timers" take for granted, but young Scouts must learn. Consider, for example, that many young people today are unaware of how to properly light a match....makes it kind of difficult to

BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

413 Crew Committee Challenge(Part 1 of 3)

This course is intended to provide Venturing crew committee members with the basic information they need to help manage a crew. The course includes the 2014 updates to Venturing and aligns with the new Venturing leader materials. (To earn the "Trained" patch, you must have also completed the Venturing version of Youth Protection training.) This is a three-part course. You must also attend sessions 513 and 613.

Ven. Crew Leaders

414 Gear up for High Adventure Join us for a hands-on adventure through the woods. See backpack, boots, poles, and lots of gear specifically for long term hiking. BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

415 Introduction to Leadership Skills Course (Part 4 of 6)

Part four of session 115 Ven. Crew Youth Leaders

416 Den Chief Training (Part 4 of 6)

Part four of session 116. Scouts (Youths) Serving as Den Chiefs

417 Trainer's EDGE (Part 4 of 6)

Part four of session 117. All Leaders

418 Camping in Wet Weather The sun doesn’t always shine when you’re out in the woods, but a Scout is always prepared! Learn how to make the best of the situation when the raindrops fall. You can still stay dry and be comfortable if you follow a few simple steps.

All Leaders

419 CPR/First Aid for Adult Leaders Certification Course (part 3 of 6)

Wherever we go, there is a possibility of injuries. As leaders, we need to be prepared to treat them. This class is a certification course. You must complete all six sessions to be fully trained.

All Leaders

420 Commissioners Tools CommissionersBreak / Travel Time 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Fifth Period 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM (45 Minutes)501 Pack Communications and

NewslettersKeep your Scout families up-to-date with good communication. We will cover e-mails, newsletters, and some discussion of social media. How much is enough and when does it become information overload?

CS Leaders

502 Make Your Blue and Gold Banquet Great

Find out how to make your event one to remember. CS Leaders

503 Cooking with Cub Scouts (Part 1) Learn some fun ways to teach Cub Scouts to cook CS Leaders

504 Comminity Service for Cub Scouts Comminity service isn't just for older kids. Learn how to instill the value of community from Tigers to Webelos. CS Leaders

505 Internet Advancement Basics for Cub Scouts

Why is it important to keep good recoeds of advancement? Come find out about new updates with advancement and why we need to keep up. Learn about new awards too

CS Leaders/Committee

506 Leatherwork (Part 2 of 2) Part two of session 306. CS Leaders

507 BALOO Training (Part 5 of 6) This is a required course for Cub Scout leaders wanting to take their packs camping. It will be an entire day (six sessions) of classes geared to teach you how to have a safe and fun experience with your Cub Scout packs. Must attend all six sessions to complete training.

CS Leaders

508 Put the FUN back in Boy Scout FUNdraising

Come hear new ideas about how to FUNdraise in your troop. BS Leaders

509 Life to Eagle & Eagle Court of Honor (Part 2 of 3)

Part two of session 409. BS Leaders

510 Knots Beyond Basics Learn more than the basics. Knots for older Scouts. BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

511 Volunteering in the Community Teach your Scouts the importance of service, while also fulfilling advancement requirements. Join this open discussion for ideas of helping others. BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

512 SWEEPS -- Severe Weather Emergency Evacuation Protocol

Learn how to put an emergency plan into action with this system. We will cover practice drills to the real thing.

513 Crew Committee Challenge(Part 2 of 3)

Part two of session 413. Ven. Crew Leaders

514 HowYour Youth Should Run and Effective Crew Meeting

Get your crew leading by teaching the skills first then sit back and watch the magic happen. BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

515 Introduction to Leadership Skills Course (Part 5 of 6)

Part five of session 115. Ven. Crew Youth Leaders

516 Den Chief Training (Part 5 of 6) Part five of session 116. Scouts (Youths) Serving as Den Chiefs

517 Trainer's EDGE (Part 5 of 6) Part five of session 117. All Leaders518 Cold Weather Camping Basics

Introduction to OkpikWhen the weather turns cold, the outdoors is transformed. Mosquitoes and pesky flies vanish, the woods are almost absent of humans, and trails in the snow provide great insight to where animals can be found and how they live and survive in the bush. Among other things, this course will teach you how to be comfortable in a winter camp, what tent to use, what sleeping bag to spend the night in, and how to cook good meals quickly with a minimum of effort.

All Leaders

519 CPR/First Aid for Adult Leaders Certification Course (Part 5 of 6)

Wherever we go, there is a possibility of injuries. As leaders, we need to be prepared to treat them. This class is a certification course. You must complete all six sessions to be fully trained.

All Leaders

520 Commissioers Tools CommissionersBreak / Travel Time 4:00 PM – 4:15 PM

Sixth Period 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM (45 Minutes)601602 STEM for Cub Scouts Part of session 402.Learn some basics to get your Cubs started with STEM CS Leaders

603 Cooking with Cub Scouts (Part 2) Learn some fun ways to teach Cub Scouts to cook CS Leaders

604605606 Beginning Map & Compass A GPS is awesome, but a compass always works. This course is for those who have never used a compass before. We'll also discuss how to use it with a trail

map so that you won't get lost in the woods.CS Leaders

607 BALOO Training (Part 6 of 6) This is a required course for Cub Scout leaders wanting to take their units camping. It will be an entire day (six sessions) of classes geared to teach you how to have a safe and fun experience with your Cub Scout packs. Must attend all six sessions to complete training.

CS Leaders

608 Getting Parents Involved How to gently give parents that nudge to help out. Sometime you just need to ask for help! All Leaders

609 Life to Eagle & Eagle Court of Honor (Part 3 of 3)

Part three of session 409. BS Leaders

610 Teaching First Aid to Boy Scouts When it come time to teach your boys about first aid where do we begin? At the beginning. Take a walk through the ranks and learn how to teach your troop first aid.

BS Leaders

611 Which High Adventure Is Right for Your Group

Explore different ideas for places you can go. How to get there. What to do along the way. BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

612 Primitive Fire Making - A History and Demonstration of the Skills

Boy Scouts have always been known as young men who could start fires without matches. This course will demonstrate how to do this using a bow drill, flint and steel, and the fire-piston. It will also explain how, and why, each method works, the history of its use, and tell how you can learn more and obtain materials so you can teach your Scouts.

BS or Ven. Crew Leaders

613 Crew Committee Challenge(Part 3 of 3)

Part three of session 413. Ven. Crew Leaders

614 Female Camping/Hiking Dealing with a woman's unique concerns (clothing, comfort, toilet etiquette, etc.) while camping and hiking with the "boys." This session is for women only, please.

BS or Ven. Crew Leaders (Women Only, Please)

615 Introduction to Leadership Skills Course (Part 6 of 6)

Part six of session 115. Ven. Crew Youth Leaders

616 Den Chief Training (Part 6 of 6) Part six of session 116. Scouts (Youths) Serving as Den Chiefs

617 Trainer's EDGE (Part 6 of 6)

Part six of session 117. All Leaders

618 Cold Weather Camping Beyond Basics intro to Okpik

When the weather turns cold, the outdoors is transformed. Take this opprotunity to get out. Find out what you can do outdoors in cold weather. All Leaders

619 CPR/First Aid for Adult Leaders Certification Course (Part 6 of 6)

Wherever we go, there is a possibility of injuries. As leaders, we need to be prepared to treat them. This class is a certification course. You must complete all six sessions to be fully trained.

All Leaders

620 Commissioners Tools Commissioners

Registration: Kitchen:Gail Krec Nancy Johnson

Page 18

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015R

egistration 7:15 - 8:00

Opening C

eremony 8:00 - 8:30 A

M

Break / T

ravel Tim

e 8:30 - 8:45

Session Suggested

for (A

dults may

attend any session)

Cub Scout L

eadersC

ub Scout L

eaders

Cub Scout

Leaders and/or

parents

Cub Scout

Cubm

aster and/or L

eaders

Cub Scout

Com

mittee

and/or Leaders

Cub Scout L

eadersC

ub Scout Leaders

Boy Scout L

eadersB

oy Scout L

eaders

Boy Scout or V

enturing C

rew L

eaders

Boy Scout or V

enturing C

rew L

eaders

Boy Scout or

Venturing C

rew

Leaders

Venturing

Crew

Adult

Leaders

Boy Scout or

Venturing C

rew

Leaders

Venturing

Crew

Youth

Leaders

Boy Scouts

(Youth) Serving

as Den C

hiefsA

ll Leaders

All L

eadersA

ll Leaders

Cub Scout L

eaders

Session N

umber

101102

103104

105106

107108

109110

111112

113114

115116

117118

119120

First Period8:45 -10:15

Tiger Wolf B

ear Den

LeaderTraining (part 1 of 2)

Webelos/A

OL D

en Leader Training

(part 1 of 2)C

ub Crafts

Cubm

aster and A

ssistant Cubm

aster Position-Specific

Training (Part 1 of 2)

Pack Com

mittee

Challenge (part

1-2)

Cub Scout

Cam

ping Essentials

BA

LOO

Training (B

asic Adult Leader

Outdoor O

rientation) (Part 1 of 6)

Scoutmaster &

A

ssitant Scoutm

aster Specific

Training (Part 1-2)

Troop C

omm

ittee C

hallenge (Part 1 of 2)

Keeping the

comm

unity in service hours

Lashing and C

amp G

adgetsD

utch Oven

Basics

Venturing

Advisor Training(Part 1 of 2)

Backpacking B

asics

Introduction to Leadership

Skills Course

(Part 1 of 6)

Den C

hief Training (Part 1

of 6)

Trainer's EDG

E (Part 1 of 6)

STEM Start /

NO

VA

CPR

/First Aid

(Part 1 of 6)

Com

missioner

Basic Training (Part 1 of 2)

Break / T

ravel Tim

e 10:15 - 10:30 AM

Session N

umber

201202

203204

205206

207208

209210

211212

213214

215216

217218

219220

Second Period10:30 -12:00

Tiger Wolf B

ear Den

LeaderTraining (part 2 of 2)

Webelos/A

OL D

en Leader Training

(part 2 of 2)G

ames G

alore

Cubm

aster and A

ssistant Cubm

aster Position-Specific

Training(Part 2 of 2)

Pack Com

mittee

Challenge (part

2-2)

Get O

utdoors Sum

mertim

e A

dventures for C

ubscouts

BaLO

O Training

(Basic A

dult Leader O

utdoor Orientation)

(Part 2 of 6)

Scoutmaster &

A

ssistant Scoutm

aster Specific

Training (Part 2-2)

Troop C

omm

ittee C

hallenge (Part 2 of 2)

How

to Promote

Leave No Trace

in Your U

nit

Troop camping

Trailer to Trail

Dutch O

ven C

ooking (Beyond

the Basics)

Venturing

Advisor Training(Part 2 of 2)

Backpacking Food

Introduction to Leadership

Skills Course

(Part 2 of 6)

Den C

hief Training

(Part 2 of 6)

Trainer's EDG

E(Part 2 of 6)

Internet A

dvancement

CPR

/First Aid

(Part 2 of 6)

Com

missioner

Basic Training (Part 2of 2)

Break / T

ravel Tim

e 12:00 - 12:15L

unch 12:15 - 1:00B

reak / Travel T

ime 1:00 - 1:15

Session N

umber

301302

303304

305306

307308

309310

311312

313314

315316

317318

319320

Third Period1:15 -2:00

New

Cub Scout

Adventures for Tiger,

Wolf, B

ear

New

Cub Scout

Adventures for

Webelos, A

rrow of

Light

Songs and SkitsW

ebelos/AO

L transition to B

oy Scouts

Recruiting for C

ub ScoutsLeatherw

ork (Part 1 of 2)

BA

LOO

Training (Part 3 of 6)

Generational

Diversity how

it effects your unit

Supporting your PLC

in a boy led troop

Merit B

adge C

ounselor Training

(Part 1 of 2)

Using M

ap and C

ompass w

ith your unit

Box O

vens and M

ore

Venturing C

rew

Adult - O

pen Forum

Building your Troop

with Team

A

ctivities

Introduction to Leadership

Skills Course

(Part 3 of 6)

Den C

hief Training (Part 3

of 6)

Trainer's EDG

E (Part 3 of 6)

Bullying in Scouts

CPR

/First Aid

(Part 3 of 6)C

omm

issioners

Break / T

ravel Tim

e 2:00 - 2:15Session N

umber

401402

403404

405406

407408

409410

411412

413414

415416

417418

419420

Fourth Period2:15 - 3:00

New

Cub Scout

Adventures for Tiger, W

olf, Bear O

pen Forum

New

Cub Scout

Adventures for

Webelos, A

rrow of

Light Open Forum

Patches and Pictures M

aking M

emeories last

Rew

arding Pack M

eetingsK

nots for W

ebelo ScoutsH

iking with your

Cub Scouts

BA

LOO

Training (Part 4 of 6)

Conducting an

effective Scoutm

aster C

onference

Life to Eagle &

Eagle Court of

Honor

(Part 1 of 3)

Merit B

adge C

ounselor Training

(Part 2 of 2)

Geocaching basics

"Woods Tools and H

ow to U

se Them

"

Crew

Com

mittee

Challenge

(Part 1 of 3)

Gear up for H

igh A

dventure Hiking

Introduction to Leadership

Skills Course

(Part 4 of 6)

Den C

hief Training

(Part 4 of 6)

Trainer's EDG

E (Part 4 of 6)

Cam

ping in Wet

Weather

CPR

/First Aid

(part 4 of 6)C

omm

issioners

Break / T

ravel Tim

e 3:00 - 3:15Session N

umber

501502

503504

505506

507508

509510

511512

513514

515516

517518

519520

Fifth Period3:15 - 4:00

Pack C

omm

unications and N

ewsletters

Make your B

lue and G

old banquet great

Cooking w

ith Cub

Scouts part 1C

omm

unity Service for C

ub Scouts

Internet A

dvancement

for Cub Scouts

Leatherwork

(Part 2 of 2)B

ALO

O Training (Part 5 of 6)

Put the fun back in B

oy Scout Fundraising

Life to Eagle &

Eagle Court of

Honor

(Part 2 of 3)

Knots beyond

basics V

olunteering in the C

omm

unity

SWEEPS Severe W

eather Em

ergency Evacuation

Protocal

Crew

Com

mittee

Challenge

(Part 2 of 3)

How

your youth should run an effective C

rew

Meeting

Introduction to Leadership

Skills Course

(Part 5 of 6)

Den C

hief Training (Part 5

of 6)

Trainer's EDG

E (Part 5 of 6)

Cold W

eather C

amping basics

Intro to OK

PIK

CPR

/First Aid

(part 5 of 6)C

omm

issioners

Break / T

ravel Tim

e 4:00 - 4:15Session N

umber

601602

603604

605606

607608

609610

611612

613614

615616

617618

619620

Sixth Period4:15 - 5:00

STEM for C

ub Scouts

Cooking w

ith Cub

Scouts part 2B

eginning Map

& C

ompass

BA

LOO

Training (Part 6 of 6)

Getting Parents

involved

Life to Eagle &

Eagle Court of

Honor

(Part 3 of 3)

Teaching First A

id to Boy

Scouts

Which H

igh A

dventure is right for your

unit

Primitive Fire

Making - A

H

istory and D

emonstration of

the Skills

Crew

Com

mittee

Challenge

(Part 3 of 3)

Female

Cam

ping/Hiking

Introduction to Leadership

Skills Course

(Part 6 of 6)

Den C

hief Training (Part 6

of 6)

Trainer's EDG

E (Part 6 of 6)

Cold W

eather C

amping beyond

basics Intro to O

KPIK

CPR

/First Aid

(part 6 of 6)C

omm

issioners

The colored backgrounds indicate that a course is a multi-period course. Participants need to attend all periods of the course.

The N

ext STE

P 2015 - Course O

verview

Page 19

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015

Plan Your Service Projects

“To Help Other People at All Times”

These phrases are part of our Cub Scout Promise and Scout Oath and Scout slogan. They should be part of your program planning, too.

Journey to Excellence provides a super framework for service projects.

How a community service project is carried out is far more important than the nature of the project itself in determining whether young people learn citizenship.

The following six criteria will help ensure that a project actually teaches qualities of good citizenship. The project mustBe real. It must deal with situations that youth

can see, that they understand, or in which they can easily become interested

Be clearly defined. Youth and their leaders must know what they are going to do. A project must have a clear beginning and ending with logical steps in between.

Know your purpose. Youth must know why they are doing the project. Leaders should have in mind how they will relate the purpose and how the project will be carried out so their Scouts will grow from the experience.

Be democratic. Youth members must be directly involved in selecting, planning, and carrying out the project.

Be informed. Youth should be involved in gathering first-hand information related to the project. Leaders help Scouts discover where to get information: key people to talk with, organizations to contact, things to read, places to visit, and observations to make.

Be action-oriented. Youth must take some meaningful action as a result of the project and be able to understand the results.

If citizenship training is to take place, Scouts must be able to see, hear, or feel how their personal involvement results in some positive results. Thus they will gradually learn to know that in our society, individuals and groups can and do make a difference.

Leaders must set aside short periods of positive reflection to assess the project experience, what the project accomplished, and how the Scouting ideals served as guidelines as they planned and carried out the project.

A Scout is trustworthy. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.

Program Opportunities

Stay SafePAUSE for a Cause

JTE, NYLT, NESA, KISMIF. As Scouters know, acronyms pack valuable information into an easily remembered word. Now a new acronym has joined the list: PAUSE. Aimed at helping leaders and Scouts analyze safety risks, PAUSE stands for• PAUSE before you start• ASSESS possible hazards• UNDERSTAND how to proceed safely• SHARE your plan with others• EXECUTE the activity safely

When you are getting ready for an activity, remember PAUSE. Have you thought about things that could go wrong? Are there haz-ards that can be avoided? This is a tool to help you know and manage the risks before you do something and to remember that safety is ev-eryone’s job.

To print your own PAUSE card, go to bit.ly/pausecard.

Visit Veterans Memorial Hall

Limited edition Boy Scout patch is available

Scouts will begin their quest by exploring Veteran’s Memorial Hall, discovering the secrets hidden within.

Veterans Memorial Hall was constructed in the Greek revival and classical building style at the request of the citizens of Winnebago County to honor area Veterans.

Today, just as when it was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt on June 3, 1903, Veterans Memorial Hall stands to honor all Veterans.Cost: $5.00

For more information or to arrange a tour, contact Veterans Memorial Hall at 815-969-1999 or info@veteransmemorialhall.com.

Service Projectsfor Cub Scouts

Doing service projects together is one way that Cub Scouts keep their promise “to help other people.” While a Scout should do his best to help other people every day, a group service project is a bigger way to help people. While you’re giving service, you’re learning to work together with others to do something that’s good for your community.

Service projects may help the natural world, the community, or the chartered organization. Here are some service activities Cub Scouts can do.

1. Helping the natural world • Pick up litter around your neighborhood. • Clean up trash by a stream. • Plant seedlings or flowers. • Recycle glass, paper, aluminum, or plas-

tic. • Make bird feeders. 2. Helping the community • Give a flag ceremony for a school. • Collect food for food banks. • Make cards for a care center. • Clean up a church parking lot. • Shovel snow or rake leaves for seniors. • Hand out voting reminders. • Hand out emergency procedure bro-

chures. • Recycle family newspapers.

These are only a few ideas for service projects. Can you think of others? Share your ideas with the members and leaders of your den.

Service Project Guidelines

Highlighting SafetyThere are two BSA publications to help

a unit or Eagle Scout candidate plan a safe service project:• Service Project Planning Guidelines• Age Guidelines for Tool Use and Work at

Elevations or Excavations

Both documents can be found on the “Scouting Safety” site on the national website – www.scouting.org.

The Service Project Planning Guidelines can be used for all Scouting service projects. The guidelines cover• Service Project Safety Planning Process• Hazard Analysis and Recognition• Tools and Equipment• Weather Conditions• Health & Sanitation Considerations• Assessment and Monitoring

Age Guidelines for Tool Use and Work at Elevations or Excavations cover• Training and Supervision• Personal Protection Equipment• Hand Tools Use • Working at Heights and Elevations

Cyber Chip UpdateIn response to the many questions

presented to the national office: “If parents do not allow their youth to ‘like’ the BSA Facebook page, can they still earn the Cyber Chip without meeting the Facebook requirement?”

Answer: Yes. If parents do not permit their children to access Facebook, a Scout can still earn the Cyber Chip without “liking” the BSA Facebook page. This is completely understandable, and is the reason the requirement states “With your parent’s permission.”

The Cyber Chip promotes knowledge to help families and volunteers keep youth safe while online. Age-appropriate material is available covering cyberbullying, cellphone use, texting, blogging, gaming, and identity theft.

Resources are available at www.scouting.org/cyberchip.

Lifelong Benefits of ScoutingThe values and skills boys learn in Scouting last a lifetime. More

than eight of 10 men (83 percent) who were Scouts agree that “the values I learned in Scouting continue to be very important to me.”

The Scout News Reporter program recognizes those individuals who contact a news media or send them a news release, which in turn gets a positive Scouting story or photo published in an approved publication (see list on application form) Do you have Scouts who like to write? If so, they might want to learn about the Reporters Patch which is now available. All Scouts – Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Explorers, Learning for Life participants – may earn this award. Complete requirements and details are available on the council Web site,www.blackhawkscouting.org/Courier The application form is Reporter Patch Form 2012.pdf. There is also a Reporters Patch Guide.pdf to help you plan and organize your story. Earn A Reporters Patch! For further information, go online to blackhawkscouting.org.

Reporter PatchUnits Can Earn“Healthy Unit”

Patch“Drink Right, Move More,

Snack Smart”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.

Ask yourself: How active are your meetings? What snacks do you serve? What do Scouts drink?

The Boy Scouts of America has partnered with Healthy Kids Out of School to offer an incentive to reconsider your answers to those three questions.

The Healthy Unit Patch encourages units to follow the BSA’s SCOUTStrong recommendations at meetings, events, and excursions.

Adopt the three healthy principles below by completing the 3–6–9 challenge, and every Scout in your unit will earn this patch.

Complete the 3–6–9Challenge

Make these three positive changes — and track them using the score sheet found in the “Resources” listed below — and you’ll earn the Healthy Unit Patch.• 3 – Serve a fruit or vegetable at 3

meetings• 6 – Make water the main beverage at 6

meetings• 9 – Include 15 minutes of physical

activity at 9 meetings

Once your unit has completed all of the Healthy Unit Patch activities, please send the completed tracker form to HealthyKidsOutofSchool@tufts.edu or call Healthy Kids Out of School at 617-636-0833,for free patches for your Scouts and a certificate for your unit.

“By emphasizing smart snacks and more movement, we are setting positive examples for our young Scouts by encouraging them to earn the Healthy Unit Patch, ultimately creating a healthier Scouting experience.”

Resources to get youstarted

Go to HealthyKidsOutOfSchool@Tufts.edu. Look for the “Boy Scout Leader training packet under “What’s New” section. You will find the following helps:• Healthy Unit Patch overview (PDF)• Healthy Unit Patch tracker/scoresheet

(PDF)• Healthy Unit Patch parent letter (PDF)• Healthy Kids Hub with great resources

and tips

Page 20

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015

STEMOver the past few months the national

training team has been working with the STEM task force to create training modules for STEM Nova counselors and STEM SuperNova mentors. These courses are in final review by the STEM task force and will soon be uploaded to www.scouting.org/training

An overview orientation of the STEM program in Scouting will also be found there. This orientation is suitable for use at roundtables and other training events to introduce Scouters in your service area to the STEM program.

What Are theNova Awards?

The Boy Scouts of America developed the Nova Awards program to excite and expand a sense of wonder in our Scouts. By working with an adult counselor or mentor, the various modules allow them to explore the basic principles of STEM and discover how fun and fascinating STEM can be.

The Supernova awards are offered for those who enjoy a super challenge.

For more information about STEM and the Nova Awards program, visit www.scouting.org/stem. Discover how the Nova Awards program helps youth be “Prepared. For Life.”

Be a Nova Counselor

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to be a Nova counselor. That said, rocket scientists are certainly welcome.

By becoming a Nova counselor, you’ll introduce Scouts to the basic principles of STEM and help them discover how fun and fascinating science, technology, engineering and math can be.

You’ll help guide them as they earn the Nova awards as Cub Scouts, Webelos, Boy Scouts, or Venturers.

How Do You Get Started?You can be a Nova counselor, introducing

Scouts to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through helping them earn Nova awards. You can help them realize that successful achievement in STEM is possible and maybe leads to rewarding hobbies or professions.

As a Nova counselor, you will help Scouts work with STEM concepts and complete the activities required for the awards. It’s much like being a merit badge counselor or helping Cub Scouts earn activity badges or belt loops. You do a bit of teaching and helping them discover the answers. You keep track of progress and help the Scout reach the next step. And of course you ensure safety and Youth Protection.

If you can visit an amusement park or playground and discuss the simple machines that make the rides work, you can help a Boy Scout earn the “Whoosh!” engineering Nova Award.

If you can help a Cub Scout weigh himself and calculate how much he would weigh on the moon, you have helped him earn the “1-2-3 Go!” math Nova award.

If you are a shooting sports director, robotics merit badge counselor, or baseball coach, you can extend those activities through the “Shoot!” Nova Award for Boy Scouts.

If you are comfortable with high school-level science and math, you can be a counselor. If you have baked a cake, done construction, run a race, or filled out a tax form, you have what it takes.

Counselor Qualifications(And How Many Your Unit Needs)

Each pack and troop should have at least one counselor, possibly several for more active units. And each counselor needs help from other adults in the unit. Every unit has qualified adults who can help with activities. Ask them!

You can be a counselor if you are• At least 21 years of age • Of good character • Able and willing to work with Scout-age

youth • Comfortable with high school math and

science • Willing to research STEM topics if you

are not familiar or comfortable enough. And willing to partner with a subject-matter expert if required.

• A registered BSA adult (completed the registration form, position code 58, no charge)

• Current in Youth Protection Training

Will you be the Nova counselor who plants the seeds of a Scout’s future? You are needed, and you can do it.

Remember STEM as You Craft Your

Unit’s Annual Program Plan

Richard Stone won’t rest until every Scout unit includes STEM elements in its regular monthly program.

But he doesn’t think you should have to wedge STEM in with a crowbar.

Instead, the education and training leader of the BSA’s National STEM/Nova Committee says, it’s easy to integrate STEM activities into the fun you’ve already got planned for your Scouts and Venturers.

And if you happen to earn some Nova awards along the way, even better!

Dr. Stone, who has two degrees in physics and earned his Ph.D. in materials science, shares more.

Integrate STEM Activities Into

Your Unit’s Annual Program Plan

A wise trainer once explained to me that an active troop doesn’t have to plan to work on Camping, Cooking and Hiking merit badges — earning those are a side effect of an active program.

What a great idea!This is the time of year that most units

develop their Annual Program Plan. Include activities that are fun, challenging and exciting. Support advancement, and maybe help Scouts earn awards.

Look for opportunities to integrate STEM and Nova activities into your Annual Program Plan.

In Cub ScoutsLast year at a blue and gold banquet,

I watched a group of Webelos Scouts cross over to Boy Scouts. They all earned several activity badges such as Scientist, Engineer and Geologist—and also the Science Everywhere! Nova award. The Webelos den leader explained that after the boys earned their Arrow of Light advancements and some activity badges, the natural follow-up was to work on a related Nova award.

They had the time, and the Scouts were interested.

A counselor who is also very active in her pack extended the idea further. Many of the activities for belt loops or activity badges naturally extend into Nova award activities.

Why not group them together: do the belt loop activity and the Nova activity as a set?

When working on the Forester activity badge, take a field trip to look at local trees. Measure the height of a tree, and the Cub Scout has earned part of the 1-2-3 Go! Nova award. You could easily work several related activities together in a month or two of meetings with the same theme.

In Boy ScoutsIntegrating program activities works for

Boy Scouts, too. Many Scouts earn Canoeing, Motorboating, or Small-Boat Sailing merit badges at summer camp.

Why not expand on those to work on the Start Your Engines! technology Nova award?

If the troop participates in a STEM camporee and finds some of the activities fun, find a merit badge or Nova award that explores those topics.

The lesson I learned long ago for Camping, Cooking, and Hiking also applies to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Great program is built with activities that lead to fun and advancement. Integrate STEM-related activities to enhance your program.

The Boy Scouts of America NOVA Awards program incorporates learning about cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers.

The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulates interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging contemporary and fun program to life for youth members.

There are four NOVA Awards for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. Each award covers one component of STEM – science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.• Cub Scout Awards – Science

Everywhere, Tech Talk, Swing!, and 1-2-3 Go!

• Boy Scout Awards – Shoot!, Start Your Engines, Whoosh!, and Designed to Crunch

• Venturer Awards – Launch! Power Up, Hang On!, and Numbers Don’t Lie

For their first NOVA award, Scouts earn the distinctive NOVA Award patch. After that a Scout can earn three more NOVA awards, each one recognized with a separate pi (π) pin-on device that attaches to the patch. The patch and three devices represent each of the four STEM topics.

The SUPERNOVA AwardsThe Supernova awards have more

rigorous requirements than the Nova awards. The requirements and activities were designed to motivate youth and recognize more in-depth, advanced achievement in STEM-related activities.

For Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts: Dr. Louis Alvarez Supernova Award

For Webelos Scouts: Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award

For Boy Scouts: D r. B e r n a r d H a r r i s Supernova Bronze Award

Thomas Edison Supernova Silver AwardFor Venturers: Dr. Sally Ride Supernova

Bronze Award Wright Brothers Supernova Silver Award Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Gold

Award

For earning the Supernova award, Scouts receive a medal and certificate.

All requirements may be found in the NOVA awards guidebooks, which are available through the Scout Shop – one for Cub Scouts, one for Boy Scouts, and one for Venturers. The requirements can be completed with a parent or an adult leader as the counselor (for the NOVA awards) or mentor (for the Supernova awards). Each guidebook includes a section for the counselor and mentor.

For details, go to www.scouting.org/STEM/NOVA.

NOVA Awards Program

STEM

NASA Activitieshttp://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.

gov/cubscoutsCub Scout leaders, take a few moments to

visit NASA’s Space Place Web site. You will find a large list of achievements and electives for all Cub Scouting ranks that can be fulfilled by doing the corresponding activities on the Space Place Web site. Links on the list take you directly from the Cub Scouting requirements to the corresponding activities.

Besides the achievements and electives, you will also find activities on the list that will help in earning many of the Cub Scout Academics belt loops and pins.

New STEM and NovaAwards RequirementsChanges to the Cub Scout program,

meant changes to the requirements for the Nova and Super Nova awards.

To view the updates, go to www.scouting.org/STEMAwards/CubScouts.

How will Cub Scouts earn Nova Awards once the Academics and Sports belt loops go away?

Effective June 1, 2015, the rank requirements for Cub Scouts were changed. Cub Scouts who are currently working on any of the Nova awards or one of the Supernova awards have two options:• Complete the award not later

than December 31, 2015, using the requirements as published in the current Cub Scout Nova Awards Guidebook (No. 34032). These “old” requirements include the earning of the soon-to-be retired activity pins and belt loops. Cub Scouts may still earn those awards after their retirement from the advancement requirements on June 1 and may receive the pin or belt loop while they are still in stock at your local Scout Shop. The retired awards may not be applied to the new Cub Scout advancement requirements, of course.

• OR complete the award using the new requirements published in the new Cub Scout Nova Awards Guidebook. Look for the updated Cub Scout Nova award and Supernova Award requirements at scouting.org/STEMawards and in the updated guidebooks available at your Scout Shop this summer.

Page 21

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015 Program Opportunities

Every Pack, Troop, and CrewNeeds a STEM Coordinator

Serious about STEM? Then you need a unit STEM coordinator.This adult position is the point of contact for all Scouts in the pack, troop, or crew to help

promote and deliver STEM programs in the unit.STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. And it’s important. The U.S.

Department of Commerce says STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, compared to 9.8 percent growth for non-STEM occupations.

Empowering an adult volunteer to serve as unit STEM coordinator will help your Scouts develop skills that could one day land them high-paying, exciting jobs in fields that are actually hiring.

So a STEM coordinator is important, but are you the man or woman for the job? If not you, then who?

Job DescriptionThe specific job responsibilities can be flexible depending on unit needs but typically involve:

• Be knowledgeable of the Nova Awards program • Promote the Nova Awards program at unit meetings to the Scouts and parents/leaders • Help Scouts with ideas on how they can earn the Nova and Supernova Awards • Work with leaders (youth and adults) to add fun STEM activities to meetings and outings or

STEM moments• Be aware of all STEM and Nova activities offered by local, regional, and national Scouting

organizations • Be aware of STEM programs offered by local non-Scouting partner organizations • Connect youth with a Nova Counselor or Supernova Mentor

This may require:• Contacting the local council to see who is registered as Nova Counselors and Supernova

Mentors • Recruiting Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors as needed• Ensuring Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors are properly registered and trained • Serving as the unit contact person for all things STEM related

QualificationsThe Unit STEM Coordinator must be registered as a member of the unit committee and must

be current in Youth Protection training. The coordinator need not be a STEM expert, although comfort with STEM material would be helpful.

How to Get Started

The unit committee should select a qualified, available and interested adult. Remember that every family should have a role in the unit committee, so there are many candidates to chose from. Have a friend, colleague or fellow unit adult describe the job and approach the candidate.

Once on board, the STEM coordinator should learn as much as he or she can about the Nova program. Attending a Nova training course held at a Pow Wow, Scouting U, or other training event would be a great way to learn about the Nova Awards program and to find some local STEM program resources.

Or take BSA’s online training if no training is available locally. Learn about what it’s like to be a Nova counselor. You will need to recruit some, and you might want to become one.

For more information on how to become a Nova counselor, go to “How you can be a Nova counselor” on the Internet.

Next StepsThe STEM Coordinator will work with the youth and adult leadership of the unit to integrate

STEM and Nova activities into the program. Here’s how:• Represent STEM when building the Annual Program Plan.• Offer ways to integrate Nova award activities into the program.• Offer the STEM programs of local partner organizations.• Learn about the STEM activities offered in the district and council.• Consider whether Novas are available at day camp or summer camp. Is there a STEM

camporee coming? • Learn about STEM activities offered by local partner organizations. Many schools, museums,

government organizations, professional societies and business groups offer STEM activities, and we have the participants. For example, the American Chemical Society offers a Kids ‘n’ Chemistry program and will supply trained professionals to lead hands-on experiments at a meeting.

• Learn about STEM programs offered by BSA, such as STEM treks at the national high-adventure bases. Share these opportunities with the Scouts and leaders and encourage participation. For example: There are training courses for adult leaders at Philmont Training Center and Sea Base.

A ChallengeTo sum it up, the STEM coordinator is an extremely valuable position for delivering STEM

program in your unit. It’s a fun position that allows someone to be creative in getting STEM activities to the youth.

More importantly it will give the Scouts the opportunity to have fun with STEM, earn awards and potentially develop an interest that could lead to a successful science career.

Go recruit a Unit STEM Coordinator and have fun with STEM!For more information, check out scouting.org/STEM

Plan Your Service Projects

“To Help Other People at All Times”

These phrases are part of our Cub Scout Promise and Scout Oath and Scout slogan. They should be part of your program planning, too.

Journey to Excellence provides a super framework for service projects.

How a community service project is carried out is far more important than the nature of the project itself in determining whether young people learn citizenship.

The following six criteria will help ensure that a project actually teaches qualities of good citizenship. The project mustBe real. It must deal with situations that youth

can see, that they understand, or in which they can easily become interested

Be clearly defined. Youth and their leaders must know what they are going to do. A project must have a clear beginning and ending with logical steps in between.

Know your purpose. Youth must know why they are doing the project. Leaders should have in mind how they will relate the purpose and how the project will be carried out so their Scouts will grow from the experience.

Be democratic. Youth members must be directly involved in selecting, planning, and carrying out the project.

Be informed. Youth should be involved in gathering first-hand information related to the project. Leaders help Scouts discover where to get information: key people to talk with, organizations to contact, things to read, places to visit, and observations to make.

Be action-oriented. Youth must take some meaningful action as a result of the project and be able to understand the results.

If citizenship training is to take place, Scouts must be able to see, hear, or feel how their personal involvement results in some positive results. Thus they will gradually learn to know that in our society, individuals and groups can and do make a difference.

Leaders must set aside short periods of positive reflection to assess the project experience, what the project accomplished, and how the Scouting ideals served as guidelines as they planned and carried out the project.

International Spirit Award

The International Spirit Award is a temporary emblem awarded to registered Scouts and Scouters who have completed the necessary requirements, gained a greater knowledge of international Scouting, and developed a greater appreciation and awareness of different cultures and countries. This award serves as a replacement for (and therefore eliminates) the International Activity emblem and the Youth Exchange emblem.

For more details and application form, go to www.scouting.org/filestore/international/pdf/130-044_WB.pdf

All requirements must be met within five years from the start of the award. Please mail completed, signed application, and a check to BSA, International Department, S221, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving TX 75015-2079.

RequirementsCub Scouts1. Earn the Cub Scout World Conservation

Award.2. Earn the Language and Culture Belt

Loop.3. Participate in Jamboree-on-the-Air or

Jamboree-on-the-Internet.4. Complete two of the 10 Experience

Requirements.

Boy Scouts/Varsity Scouts/Venturers1. Earn the Boy Scout or Venturing World

Conservation Award.2. Earn the Citizenship in the World merit

badge. (Alternative for Venturers: Complete the “Understanding Other Cultures” requirement of the TRUST Award.)

3. Participate in Jamboree-on-the-Air or Jamboree-on-the-Internet.

4. Complete three of the 10 Experience Requirements.

Scouters1. Learn about the World Organization of

the Scout Movement (www.scout.org). Explain what it is to your unit or at a district roundtable, and describe at least three ways the website can be used to help promote or increase participation in international Scouting.

2. Check out the most current International Department newsletter (www.scouting.org/international/newsletter) and promote at least two items from the newsletter within your unit or at a district roundtable.

3. Help organize or participate in two Jamboree-on-the-Air or Jamboree-on-the-Internet events.

4. Complete four of the 10 Experience Requirements.

To download the “Experience Require-ments,” go to “International Spirit Award” or to Scouting.org/International and click on International Recognitions in the left hand column.

On My HonorYou hear this phrase spoken by

Scouts frequently, but what does “on my honor” mean?

Honor is honesty, dignity, morality, having scruples or integrity in one’s actions. Being honorable is not about doing the popular thing, it is not about being “correct.” It is about standing for something. It means that you believe in what you are doing, saying, or living.

For more than 100 years the Boy Scouts of America has been successfully teaching young people that being “honorable” is an appropriate lifestyle.

We believe in the values we teach our young people and won’t apologize for teaching those values. If we teach children to live with honor, to live by his word, to stand for what he or she believes, then we will have done our best to prepare them to make their way into this world. There is dignity and integrity in teaching a youngster to say “On my honor.”

Page 22

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015

It Can Wait:How to keep your Scouts

(and yourself) from texting and driving

That little dopamine hit you feel when your phone buzzes or dings with a new text or tweet or notification?

I get it. I’ve felt it.The message could be from a family

member or friend; the notification could be breaking news about your favorite sports team.

But if it comes in while driving, we have to fight that addiction. No text (or call or notification) is worth our lives.

Make the promise to never text and drive, and do everything you can to convince your driving-age Scouts to do the same.

That’s the challenge from AT&T, official communications sponsor of the BSA, which started the campaign against texting and driving. AT&T showed Scouts and Venturers the dangers of texting and driving at the 2013 National Jamboree, but it’s your job to model good behavior and spread the message further.

More than 4.7 million people have taken the pledge not to text and drive, but putting that promise into action isn’t always easy.

Here are a few ideas for fighting the urge.

Solutions to prevent textingand driving• Store your phone in the glove box or

trunk. As they say, “out of sight, out of mind.”

• Use “X” or #X as a signal that you’re driving. By ending a text conversation with the letter “X” or tweeting with #X, you’ve just told your friends and family that it’s time to stop messaging and start driving. Train them to know that signal.

• Give your phone to someone else. If you’re driving with others, let them keep you focused on the road.

• Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and face down in the passenger seat. This is what I like to do. I’ll silence my iPhone and put it face down so I won’t see the screen. Then I turn on some good music and just drive.

• Draw X’s on your thumbs. This might be a little extreme, but it’s a visual reminder to stop typing and start driving.

• Let technology help keep you honest. AT&T Drive Mode and other apps block texting while driving and let others know you’re on the road. Yahoo has a rundown of other good ones

Steps to stop texting and drivingAT&T has created a PDF with four

simple steps to stop texting and driving. Share these with your Scouts:

• Awareness: Texting while driving is involved in at least 200,000 vehicle crashes each year.

• Commitment: Make a lifelong commitment. Go with a loved one to take the pledge

• Ritual: Make a routine that you remember every time you drive — just like buckling your seat belt.

• Influence: 90 percent of drivers say they’d stop texting and driving if a friend asked them to. Don’t be silent.

Training Talk

Youth Protection Champions

Youth ProtectionBegins with You!

A recent survey of councils revealed there is a need for a youth protection-specific volunteer. Volunteers and council staff want someone as their go-to person for youth protection. To answer the call, the national Youth Protection Committee has developed a new program to assist everyone in the BSA with youth protection.

This important volunteer will be known as the Youth Protection Champion. Not only will there be Champions at the unit level, but also at the district, council, area, and region levels. Their role is to be the key drivers of youth protection at their assigned levels within the BSA. One important goal is provide and encourage Youth Protection training for all members and parents to insure everyone is aware of their responsibility to keep Scouting youth and all youth safe. Other tasks will include disseminating initiatives, programs, and communications at all levels.

These positions are appointed for a one-year term, or longer if needed, based on qualifications and work-related fields. This program and more information will be coming soon. Readers should remember that protecting our youth and providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone is The Main Thing!

Training AwardsPlease note the following

• Training awards can be earned only in your current registered position.

• Keep in mind the knots are not the awards. They are representatives of the award Scouts and Scouters can wear on their field uniform. The real awards are the medal or rib-bons.

Unit Leader Award of Merit

Quality unit leadership is the key to a quality unit program – and it leads to better Scout retention. Statistics show that if young people stay engaged in the program for at least five years, the BSA’s influence likely will say with them for the rest of their life. A quality Scouting experience will help keep Scouts in the program, and the BSA created the Unit Award of Merit to recognize the quality leaders who make that happen.

Who can earn this award?Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Varsity Team Coaches, and Venturing Crew Advisors

How to get the award?Return the completed nomination form to the council service center.

Note: The Unit Award of Merit replaces the Scoutmaster Award of Merit.

RequirementsThe nominee must:

• Be a currently registered Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Coach, or Advisor who has served in that position at least 18 continuous months.

• Meet the training requirements for the registered position.

• Distribute a printed or electronic unit program plan and calendar to each family in the unit.

• Have a leader succession plan in place.• Effectively use the advancement method

so that at least 60 percent of the unit’s youth have advanced at least once during the last 12 months.

• Cultivate a positive relationship with the chartered organization.

• Project a positive image of Scouting in the community.

Nomination forms can be found on the national BSA website – www.scouting.org – (type in “Unit Leader Award of Merit” in the search box) or at the council service center.

Bullying PreventionTraining

Check out the "Supplemental Training" page on www.Scouting.org/training for two bullying prevention courses (each with self-study and instructor-led versions) you can use in your unit or service area - Stop Bullying Now: Tips for Scouting Leaders and Stop Bullying Now: Tips for Scouts.

BALOO TrainingAttention Cub Scout Leaders: Now your

pack can plan outdoor camping activities -- if one or more of your leaders are BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) trained! Yes, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos will be able to participate in pack outdoor camping activities with a BALOO trained leader!

BALOO offers pack leaders instruction in health and safety, planning guidelines, outdoor activities, outdoor cooking, and campfire programs. Follow the BALOO “plan” and the Cub Scouts in your pack should have a memorable outdoor camping experience!

BALOO is the first step in outdoor training for pack leaders, teaching skills and techniques to share with boys in the Cub Scout program. The second step for pack leaders is the Webelos Leader Outdoor Training (OWL) which teaches skills for the Webelos program. Webelos den leaders moving with their boys to a Boy Scout troop should be looking at the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training.Who: Cub Scout pack committee members or

pack leaders When and Where: Saturday, August 29,

2015, at Nunda Township Meeting Hall – Lower Building,. 2510 Bay Road. Crystal Lake, Illinois Tine: 8:00 a.m 4:00 p.m. (Check-in time is 7:30-7:50 a.m. — Please be prompt!)

Fee: $10.00. (Registrations accepted at door the day of event!) Includes continental breakfast and lunch and program materials.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather, paper and pencil, uniforms encouraged.

Registration: Online or use the form below.

Important Note: Cub Scout packs are not authorized to conduct outdoor camping activities-- EXCEPTION – one or more adult pack campout participants must have completed BALOO training for a pack campout.

Special diet/ Food Allergies? Contact Frank for special dietary needs.

Questions? Contact Frank Colomer at 815-276-5214 or email frankcolomer@comcast.net

BALOORegistration Form

Name: (Please rint) ________________ _____________________________Address: ________________________City, State Zip ____________________Phone #: ________________________BSA ID#: (For Proper Credit) _____________________________Pack #: ____Council Name:____________________Food Allergies:___________________Fee incolsed ($10.00 per person) _____

Detach and return with fees payable to Blackhawk Area Council. Mail to Blackhawk Area Council, 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107.

Youth Protection Training

Have you checked your Youth Protection Training (YPT) status lately? It is easier now that MyScouting Tools is up and running, but it still depends on you linking your membership ID number(s) to your MyScouting account.

The two biggest issues we find preventing a unit, district, or council from getting all active direct-contact leaders YPT trained are not linking the ID number and unrenewed YPT. Remember, YPT must be taken every two years.

It is very important we do all we can to protect our youth and we stay up to date on how we can all do Scouting Safely. Be sure to bookmark, share, and visit the Youth Protection web site:

www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection

In addition to adults completing Youth Protection Training, these youth protection videos should be viewed by leaders, parents, and boys in packs (It Happened to Me) or troops (A Time to Tell) every year.

“Adult” Page on the Training Web Page

If you have looked at www.scouting.org/training/adult lately, you have seen that we re-organized the page to help make things a little easier to find.

Items are categorized in the following way:• Joining Courses• Orientation Courses• Position-Specific (Role-Based) Courses• Supplemental Training Courses• Outdoor Skills Traiing Courses• Train-the-Trainer Courses• Administration of Training• National Training Conferences• Training Awards• E-Learning

Page 23

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015

Training Awards

Training Talk

Unit Leader Award of Merit – CubmasterKirt Grochowski, Pack 550Don Heelein, Pack 350Kevin Carlson, pack 457Jeffrey Summers, Pack 139

Cubmaster KeyKirt Grochowski, Pack 550Brian Abendroth, Pack 153Ken Osberg, Pack 467

Den Leader Training AwardIan Yehling, Pack 299Robert M Bowden Jr

Tiger Cub Den Leader AwardRoger Steder, Pack 549Ian Yehling, Pack 299Clifford Andrews, Pack 306

Wolf Den Leader AwardIan Yehling, Pack 299Roger Steder, Pack 549Clifford Andrews, Pack 208

Bear Den Leader AwardYolanda Saucedo, Pack 429

Webelos Den Leader AwardJeff Nacpil, Pack 550Michael Pigliacelli, Pack 367Clifford Andrews, Pack 278Roger Steder, Packs 401, 402, 406, and 446

Cub Scouter AwardAmy Moritz, Pack 127Brian Moritz, Pack 127Debbie Carlson, Pack 457

Unit Leader Award of Merit – ScoutmasterDavid W Flenner, Troop 85Kevin Carlson, Pack 457

Boy Scout Leader Training Award Tom Lotito, Troop 165Robert Bucey, Troop 705

Commissioner’s KeyDonahue Franklin, Wanchanagi

New Unit Organizer AwardRoger Steder, Troop 615Timothy Marx, Crew 32

OkpikCold Weather camping

Session 1 – November 21, 2015Session 2 – December 12, 2015Session 3 – January 16, 2016

Practical Weekend – January 30-31, 2016

There will be patrol meetings scheduled during this time. Dates and locations will be determined by your patrol members.

Course ObjectivesThe objective of this course is to help

Scouting units extend their camping season to all 12 months of the year. It is expected that the participants of this course will go back to their units and share the knowledge and skills learned in this course.

"Non Semper Erit Aestas""It Will Not Always Be Summer"

Our Train the Trainer program will provide you with the knowledge and materials to conduct winter camping training within your units. This program covers the skills and techniques needed to ensure a successful, fun, and safe cold weather camping experience. These include physical preparation, clothing, food and water, sanitation, first aid and emergency procedures, shelter building, traveling in snow, and making equipment.

Cold weather camping mistakes can be deadly. The skills learned in the Okpik program will make cold weather camping an enjoyable, safe Scouting experience. Because of this the course is limited to adults and experienced youth only, at least 14 years old, approved by their unit leader and the course director.

Attendance at all three classroom sessions and the practical weekend campout are required to complete the course.

Questions? Please contact Phil Reece with any questions at pjreece@comcast.net or my cell phone 815-742-5870.

Course FeesApplications are accepted on a first come-

first serve basis determined by when the deposit is received at council service center.

• Deposit of $20 is due by Friday, October 16, 2015, to guarantee your position.

• Payment in full of $100 is due by Friday, November 13, 2015.

The deposit and payment are non-refundable. However it may be used another year or transferred to another participant with your approval.

Limited scholarships are available. Contact the course director for more information.

Each participant may incur additional cost for personal gear. Money will be given to each patrol for food during the practical weekend.

You will be instructed according to the program syllabus and provided the Okpik Cold

Weather Camping book. This will give you all the material needed to “Bring It Back” to your unit.

Upon course completion you will receive an Okpik neckerchief, Okpik woggle, Okpik participant cubes, and an Okpik participant patch.

More importantly you will receive the knowledge and understanding of how to thrive in the fourth season of camping, and the passion to pay it forward.

Participant Requirements• Must be able tp operate in a patrol

environment.• Must be a registered member of the Boy

Scouts of America. This includes Youth Protection training that is current through the end of the course.

• Must have completed the basic training courses for your unit position.

• Must meet the physical requirements contained in the Annual Health & Medical Record form physical in a backcountry environment. Parts A, B, and C must be handed in when the full payment is due.

• Youth, 14 – 18, must have their unit leader’s permission. The unit leader must take into account the Scouts’ physical capabilities for high adventure activities as well as their maturity. Having attended National Youth Leadership Training is encouraged for all youth.

• Must have fun.

Okpik RegistrationName: __________________________District: _________________________Unit Type: (Circle one) Pack / Troop / CrewUnit Number: _______Address: _________________________City ____________________________State, Zip ________________________E-mail: __________________________

(This will be the primary form of contact)Home Phone: _____________________Cell Phone: ______________________Unit Leader Signature: ______________________________

Youth (14-18) must have their unit leader’s permission to participate and be confirmed by the course director.

Every Boy Deservesa Trained LeaderTraining is a journey, not a destination.

The journey begins with Fast Start training and continues through a seamless progression that includes Youth Protection Training, Leader-Specific Training, This Is Scouting, and Wood Badge. Trained leaders provide an active, quality program to their youth members which in-turn keeps them in the program longer. The longer a youth member stays in the program, the more he will benefit from what Scouting has to offer. Plus it makes your job as a leader easier.

A leader is considered trained when he or she completes Youth Protection Training and the Leader-Specific Training for his or her position. After completing training, you are entitled to wear the “Trained Leader” emblem.

Fast Start training can be taken online through the council’s Web site: www.blackhawkscouting.org. Click on “What Training Do I Need?’ and then click on the appropriate program under Fast Start.

Additional supplemental training modules for Boy Scout leaders are available at www.scouting.org in the Boy Scout adult leaders’ section, under the Training heading.

Troop Committee Challenge can also be taken online at www.scouting.org in the Boy Scout adult leaders’ section. Click on “Training” and then on “Online Learning Center.”

Several other supplemental training sessions can be found on the “Online Learning Center.”

“Every eligible youth has an opportunity to be involved in a quality Scouting experience.” This is part of the National Strategic Plan. The Journey to Excellence incorporates this important measurement. To qualify for the award, units must have a “trained and engaged committee.”

All committee members and direct contact leaders “have completed Leader Specific Training or, if new, complete within three months of joining.”

The unit’s annual training plan should strive to increase the percentage of direct-contact leaders trained.

Check the Courier and your district’s Web page for scheduled training courses. You can attend a training course in another district. If these don’t work for you, then contact your district’s training chair to schedule training for your unit.

Every boy deserves a trained leader.

Every fall, the success of any recruiting effort is linked to our ability to recruit enough leaders.

True, we must complete several important steps before we hold an open house for Tiger Cubs or Cub Scouts. We must secure the location, order and distribute flyers (make sure they get distributed), plan a program, and double-check our details, just to name a few.

In the end, our success is based on adult leader recruitment. “We can’t find enough leaders” is heard all too often at this time of year. Yet the “successful” packs, troops, and crews manage, year after year, to get not only adequate but quality leaders.

How do they make it look so simple? They don’t shortcut a proven system. They select leaders before they recruit them. And they follow these six simple steps. Your leaders should meet now and:• Identify need. What positions are vacant? What are the tasks that need to be done? How

much time is involved? What support material is at hand?• List prospects. Which new parents have a history of leadership on other projects or in other

organizations? Which potential leaders have skills to meet the task? Evaluate each prospect. Assign a contact person and a time line.

• Make the appointment. (It is best to have two leaders at the meeting.) Outline the task, time commitment, importance, support, and reward. “Close the sale,” said one leader. “You have to ask them to do the job!” Complete leader applications at that meeting.

• Do not recruit in a group setting and expect to get the most qualified leader. The personal touch is important and necessary. Don’t take shortcuts.

• Install the new leaders. Make them feel welcome right away. Give them a unit program and a meeting calendar. Provide them with support information. Name them in newsletters and news releases. Present their badge of office at the next meeting.

• Training. Schedule Fast Start training right away and be sure they attend Youth Protection training, Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training, and “This Is Scouting” training. Fast Start, Youth Protection, and This Is Scouting are all available online at the council Web site – www.blackhawkscouting.org.

• Recognize them. Too often we forget to say “thanks.” There are lots of ways to recognize effort. “Thank you’s” retain good leaders, build spirit, and make new parents more willing to join where they are appreciated.

The results of this systematic approach to recruiting new leaders are quality program great youth and adult retention, and a lot more fun in Scouting.

Where’s Akela?The Search for Leaders

Page 24

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015Finance News

Including Blackhawk Area Councilin Your Estate Planning

One of the easiest ways to help Scouting is to include Scouting into your estate planning. When you are making a will/trust for the first time, or updating an existing will/trust, consider including Blackhawk Area Council in your plans.

Over the years, the Blackhawk Area Council has been the recipient of generous gifts donated by friends who have included the council in their will/trust. Small and large, they all help. The impact of many of these gifts are still being felt today, and will continue to benefit Scouting for years to come. An opportunity to give a wonderful gift to your local Scouting organization.

Bequests in wills have helped fund projects small and large. This included small things like repairs to the camps to large projects like designing and building new buildings. All are important, and benefit our local Scouts.

To include Blackhawk Area Council in your will/trust takes planning, and is best done with your estate planning team. With that in mind, we have national and local endowment information as a tool to use with your planning team. During the planning process, we’d like to know of your intentions so we can advise you on where your gift will have the best impact.

If you or someone you know has an interest in including Blackhawk Area Council in to your or their wills, contact us today for more information.

Contact Don Kinney or Tom Brooks at 815-397-0210.

Friends of Scouting Unit “10%” Incentive Program

The Blackhawk Area Council will be offering units who hold Friends of Scouting presentations an opportunity to better reach goals for Free Rank Advancements for gifts collected during and

after the unit presentation and also give a chance to earn credit to the Scouting store.

5 Steps to Complete for the Unit1. The unit must provide a Friends of Scouting speaker for their own unit. It can be a

parent, leader, or outside person like a unit commissioner that the pack has recruited.2. The person identified should attend the Friends of Scouting Presenter Training and attend

the Friends of Scouting Speaker training during the breakout session (45min-hr) If you cannot make training, we will schedule a one-on-one training at your convenience.

3. Upon completion of training and the district receiving the date of the presentation, the district staff will drop off materials to the speaker including a roster of all families in the unit. Send presentation information to your district executive.

4. The unit will then have the presentation day and as much time as needed for follow up. Keep in mind the free rank schedule runs from May 1 – April 30 every year. If you reach your goal after May 1st, we will give free ranks from the date of achievement – April 30, 2016.

5. The unit must contact a district representative to turn in their packet with the collected Friends of Scouting monies before the end of the month. (This will be the month the presentation was given) You may still collect donations but we like to make sure checks/cash are turned in the same month they are written.

Upon completion of these 5 steps, the council will consider the goal met if the unit finishes within 10% of their goal.

Examples: Unit 123 Goal = $3,000/ Actual received = $2,700. Since Unit is within 10% threshold, District will recognize $300 for Unit to achieve free rank advancements.

**If the unit provides speaker and reaches goal without District 10% being added, Unit will receive a $10 gift card to the council store for every $100 over goal.

The Forever Funds of the Blackhawk Area Council

Trustworthy FundThe Trustworthy Fund insures the long term delivery of the Scouting experience and values to thousands of council youth today and to-morrow by supporting all needs of the council

Adventure FundThe Adventure Fund provides support for maintenance and improvements of all council camps, properties, and programming.

Be Prepared FundThe Be Prepared Fund protects the council against the uninsured portion of financial emergencies, and provides the council with the means to take advantage of unexpected opportunities.

Promise FundThe Promise Fund provides camperships and other assistance to needy council youth, as well as helping to keep council fees affordable for all.

MemorialsThe council would like to thank the follow individuals who have contributed

to the Tributes and Memorial Fund.

In Memory of

Leo Barney, Jr.James & Cheryl CampbellJohn & Carolyn CochranCarol DanielsNels & Lou Ann HorneijEvert & Jean KumpRandall & Laura PriceLee & Jessica RydenHope VierckMargaret Wolf

Charles BradleyRita & Richard Hall

Carl DunningJoe & Jeanne AquiliaLarry & Rhoda BaldwinIda BolenMary Ann & David BushawMichael & Mary ConklinLoala & Paul EvansAlex SarverMissie Sarver-WestConnie & Ken SnyderAlan & Doreen SpieglerMark West

Viola HeldMike BeethMorrion & Volly BergDelores BickerLee BinkleyKay BoschulteDeb BrownRon CapionPaul & Dolores CarpenterDave & Deb ChandlerTara Gallagher & Chris ClancyMike & Diane CoatesBev CooperTom & Sherry CrownhartDenny & Pat DietmeierMarjorie DietmierKyle & Julie FingersonSylvia & LaVerne FlackLen & Mary FrenchTom & Nancy GarrettHazel & Gerry GelbachAllan GravensteinSteve & Gail HakesBrenda HassJeff & Diane HaugenSteve & Kathy HeldGreg HeldDan & Marlys HittesdorfPaul HolzDuane & Mary JanssenKim KlahsenDr Robert & Barb MelcherGreg & Sheila MillerGene & Linda NottShirley OppholdJohn & Joanne Readle

Viiola Held (Continued)Jan Burgener Reid & David ReidRichard ReynoldsDave & Marilyn RiceJeff & Cindy SchaveKaren SeniorRon & Jennifer SpielmanHelen & LaVerne StammDouglas ToepferBob Marilyn WillisFrances WolfeThomas WrightJohn & Jeannie Wurtzel

Richard (Dick) KahlerScott & Carol Harris

Francis (Frank) LofyDaniel & Sandra Bestul

Monsignor Charles McNamee The Covey at Quailknoll Condo Association

Dr. William & Brenda BaileyDaniel & Sandra BestulPatrick BushawMary Ann & David BushawKevin BushawAnnMarie CalgaroJohn DevitaJoseph GulottaVirginia & C. R. KleinfelterGrace & Ken KostrzewskiPaul & Jodean LogliWilliam (Bill) McMenaminJoe MonarskiJohn & Linda NashMichael RandlesRichard ReynoldsEdward & Jeanne RudnickiTom and& Vira RudnickiMaryEllen Baker SankasanRick & Val SeivertMartha & Michael Smith & FamilySally SpencerRonald SpielmanRay & Nola WoodJean Wurtzel

Joyce SimensonClarence & Ina MayerRoderick SimensonRonald SpielmanJohn & Jeannie Wurtzel

Chope PhillipsCharles & Judith Walneck

Don Van NattaFleet Feet Family

Victor YoungCharles & Judith Walneck

Page 25

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015 Health and Safety

Are You Preparedfor the Weather?Planning an outdoor activity? Would

you know the safest place to huddle if caught outside during a tornado? Or what is meant by the term flash flood? Or the size of the largest hailstone recorded in the United States?

You’ll learn all that and more from the training course offered by the BSA’s E-Leaning Management System. The Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather section offers in-depth information on topics such as how to prepare for and, if necessary, react to lightning, windstorms, and hurricanes, as well as tips on reading the traditional signs for weather-related situations. You’ll also discover tips and tricks for beating the heat, or the cold, and for properly preparing yourself or your Scouts for all outdoor excursions. Also, the site will help you look ahead.

All Tour Plans must include at least one adult that has completed Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather training.

Find the Weather Hazards button in the E-Learning portion of the MyScouting Web site at www.scouting.org.

Are You Weather Smart?

The Health and Safety and Risk Management teams, who bring you “Scouting Safely,” have heard your request. Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather is now available for you to do training in your unit, district, and council when an Internet connection is not available. The training is required for at least one leader before taking your unit on a tour, but more importantly, it is knowledge that we all can use to manage risks to our Scouting family in the outdoor classroom. If you would like your own copy, the CD is available through your Scout shop or online at www.scoutstuff.org. Search for item 610642, Please note that the format of the training is set up for you to facilitate; just pop in the CD and play it for the audience. It is suggested that units work with their district training chairs to make sure that Scouters have the completion of the training entered into their records. The training takes about 40 minutes to complete and is both age-appropriate and recommended for all adult leaders and for youth in Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews.

Are Your Scouts Prepared to Provide

Lifesaving Care in an Emergency?

The BSA has teamed up with the Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) as another option to help teach emergency care — CPR, first aid, and wilderness first aid — to Scouts and Scouters in your council, district, troop, or pack.

ECSI is an internationally recognized training organization that is associated with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American College of Emergency Physicians. Their engaging programs meet BSA training requirements for emergency care and are available at a reduced fee due to the recent training agreement for students and instructors.

Easy transitions for current CPR instructors are offered as are programs for those individuals who are providers and would like to become instructors. By increasing the number of instructors in your unit, you will be able to offer more courses, reach more students, and help everyone be prepared for emergencies.

Learn more about ECSI and how the organization can help you train your Scouts at http://boyscouts.ecsinstitute.org or the BSA/ECSI website at www.scouting.org/ HealthandSafety/Training/ECSI.aspx.

If you have any questions, please review the FAQ page at: www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/Training/ECSIFAQ.aspx or contact Bev Singel, occupational health nurse, at health.safety@scouting.org.

The Sweet Sixteen of BSA SafetyFew youth organizations encompass the

breadth, volume, and diversity of physical activity common to Scouting, and none enjoy a better safety record. The key to maintaining and improving this exemplary record is the conscientious and trained adult leader who is attentive to safety concerns.

As an aid in the continuing effort to protect participants in a Scout activity, the BSA National Health and Safety Committee and the Council Services Division of the BSA National Council have developed the "Sweet Sixteen" of BSA safety procedures for physical activity. These 16 points, which embody good judgement and common sense, are applicable to all activities.

1. Qualified Supervision: Every BSA activity should be supervised by a conscientious adult who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of the children and youth in his or her care. The supervisor should be sufficiently trained, experienced, and skilled in the activity to be confident of his/her ability to lead and to teach the necessary skills and to respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Field knowledge of all applicable BSA standards and a commitment to implement and follow BSA policies and procedures are essential parts of the supervisor's qualifications.

2. Physical Fitness: For youth participants in any potentially strenuous activity, the supervisor should receive a complete health history from a health-care professional, parent, or guardian. Adult participants and youth involved in higher-risk activity (e.g., scuba) may require professional evaluation in addition to the health history. The supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate potential risks associated with individual health conditions. Neither youth nor adults should participate in activities for which they are unfit. To do so would place both the individual and others at risk.

3. Buddy System: The long history of the buddy system in Scouting has shown that it is always best to have at least one other person with you and aware at all times as to your circumstances and what you are doing in any outdoor or strenuous activity.

4. Safe Area or Course: A key part of the supervisor's responsibility is to know the area or course for the activity and to determine that it is well-suited and free of hazards.

5. Equipment Selection and Maintenance: Most activity requires some specialized equipment. The equipment should be selected to suit the participant and the activity and to include appropriate safety and program features. The supervisor should also check equipment to determine that it is in good condition for the activity and is properly maintained while in use.

6. Personal Safety Equipment: The supervisor must ensure that every participant has and uses the appropriate personal safety equipment. For example, activity afloat requires a life jacket properly worn by each participant; bikers, horseback riders, and whitewater kayakers need helmets for certain activities; skaters may need protective gear; and all need to be dressed for warmth and utility depending on the circumstances.

7. Safety Procedures and Policies: For most activities, there are common-sense

procedures and standards that can greatly reduce the risk. These should be known and appreciated by all participants, and the supervisor must ensure compliance.

8. Skill Level Limits: There is a minimum skill level requirement for every activity, and the supervisor must identify and recognize this minimum skill level and be sure that no participants are put at risk by attempting an activity beyond their ability. A good example of skill levels in Scouting is the venerable swim test, which defines conditions for safe swimming based on individual ability.

9. Weather Check: The risk factors in many outdoor activities vary substantially with weather conditions. These variables and the appropriate response should be understood and anticipated.

10. Planning: Safe activity follows a plan that has been conscientiously developed by the experienced supervisor or other competent source. Good planning minimizes risks and also anticipates contingencies that may require emergency response or a change of plan.

11. Communications: The supervisor needs to be able to communicate effectively with participants as needed during the activity. Emergency communications also need to be considered in advance for any foreseeable contingencies.

12. Plans and Notices: BSA tour and activity plans, council office registration, government or landowner authorization, and any similar formalities are the supervisor’s responsibility when such are required. Appropriate notification should be directed to parents, enforcement authorities, landowners, and others as needed, before and after the activity.

13. First-aid Resources: The supervisor should determine what first-aid supplies to include among the activity equipment. The level of first-aid training and skill appropriate for the activity should also be considered. An extended trek over remote terrain obviously may require more first-aid resources and capabilities than an afternoon activity in the local community. Whatever is determined to be needed should be available.

14. Applicable Laws: BSA safety policies generally run parallel or go beyond legal mandates, but the supervisor should confirm and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations or statutes.

15. CPR Resource: Any strenuous activity or remote trek could present a cardiac emergency. Aquatics programs may involve cardiopulmonary emergencies. The BSA strongly recommends that a CPR-trained person (preferably an adult) be part of the leadership for any BSA program. Such a resource should be available for strenuous outdoor activity.

16. Discipline: No supervisor is effective if he or she cannot control the activity and the individual participants. Youth must respect their leader and follow his or her direction.

In addition to these general rules, safety concerns in certain BSA activities, including most of the aquatics programs, have been specifically addressed in more detailed guidelines. All leaders should review and comply with such guidelines in the respective activities. Examples can be found in publications such as the Guide to Safe Scouting, Chemical Fuel and Equipment Policies, Safe Swim Defense, etc.

Annual Health and Medical Record

The Annual Health and Medical Record serves many purposes. Completing a health history promotes health awareness, collects necessary data, and provides medical professionals critical information needed to treat a patient in the event of an illness or injury. It is also provides emergency contact information.

The BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) can be found at www.scouting.org//HealthandSafety/ahmr.aspx. There are different forms needed depending on what activity you are doing. If you are taking your Cub Scouts on a local tour or your Boy Scouts on a two-day night camping trip, the forms you’ll need are different from those required on a camping trip lasting more than 72 hours. In addition, each High Adventure base has it’s own form.

For Scouting activities under 72 hours, all participants complete Part A and Part B. This includes tours, Cub Scout day camp, Cub Scout summer camp, and weekend campouts.

For Boy Scout summer camp, week long trips, High Adventure trips, Wood Badge, and NYLT, Parts A, B, and C are required.

What is meant by “Annual”?An Annual Health and Medical Record is

valid through the end of the 12th month from the date it was administered by your medical provider. For example, a physical administered March 3, 2014, would be valid until March 31, 2015. The AHMR in use before March 1, 2014, will be valid only until April 1, 2015, and only if it was completed before April 1, 2014.

Denise Howard of the Emergency Care and Safety Institute, which coordinated and sponsored the 2010 National Scout Jamboree CPR and AED mass training event (more than 3,500 Scouts and Scouters were trained in a single day), reminds us that since 2008 Congress has designated the first week of June as National CPR and AED Awareness Week. It highlights the importance of learning how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and increasing public access to AEDs. All Scouts and Scouters are encouraged to learn the basics of how to administer CPR and operate an AED if they have not done so already. It is never too late to take this important training Each year hundreds of thousands of Americans suffer from sudden cardiac arrest, yet very few of these victims receive CPR from bystanders. However, those who do receive CPR can see their chances of survival double or triple. For this reason, it is important that each Scout learns these important life-saving skills and can put them to use in their own communities if ever called upon.

CPR and AED Awareness

If you want your children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.

Abigail VanBuren

Page 26

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015

CommitmentCommitment is what transforms a promise into

reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions and the actions which speak louder than words. It is making the time when there is none—coming through time after time, year after year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism.

Camping News

Summer Camp 2016That’s right – 2015 Boy Scout summer camp is over.

And 2016 camp – here we come!Is your troop on the chart?

If your troop is not on the 2016 Summer Camp chart, contact Emily Rinaldi to get signed up!Emily.Rinaldi@scouting.org or 815-397-0210 ext. 7539

June 19-25 June 26-July 2 July 3-9 July 10-18 July 17-23OOC Troop 83 OOC Troop 19 Troop 4 Troop 7 Troop 101Troop 5 Troop 55 Troop 72 Troops 26/31 Troop 206Troop 27 Troop 84 Troop 91 Troop 45Troop 61 Troop 105 Troop 108 Troop 106Troop 76 Troop 115 OOC Troop 2810 OOC Troop 128

Troop 88 Troop 125Troop 95 Troop 775

Camp LowdenJune 19-25 June 26-July 2 July 3-9 July 10-16 July 17-23

OOC Troop 2 Troop 96 Troop 64 Troop 52 Troop 601Troop 140 Troop 180 Troop 132 OOC Troop 199 OOC Troop 33Troop 305 Troop 369Troop 902Troop 168OOC Troop 4

Staff Alumni and Friends

of Canyon Camp Website

Be sure to checkout the information, photos and historic documents on the Canyon Camp Staff Alumni and Friends website: http://updates.canyoncampalumni.org.

This site contains sections about reunions of Canyon Camp Staff Alumni and Friends, the Spirit Scholarship program, historic documents like the 1936 property deed to Canyon Camp, the “Beginnings” of Canyon Camp written by Dr. Eugene Vickery, tributes to former staff members and friends of Canyon Camp, a history of Wetassa Lodge #227, and many photographs of the people and natural beauty that have made Canyon Camp such a special place to thousands of Scouts and Scouters over the years!

Friends of Canyon Camp include anyone who has been positively impacted by the Spirit of Scouting that is prevalent year round – whether you were employed on the Summer Camp Staff or not. You can become a “friend” of Canyon Camp and receive periodic email updates as new information is posted to this website simply by sending your email address to Mike Beeth at beeth2@gmail.com.

Canyon Camp Facebook

Dan Dick has created a Facebook page for Canyon Camp. Lots of pictures, lots of memories, lots of interactions with people who like Canyon Camp. Check it out and “like” it too!

www.facebook.com/CanyonCampBSA

Spirit Scholarships Awarded

The Canyon Camp Spirit Scholarship program began in 1992 with staff alumni contributing funds for the first scholarships. In recent years an endowment has been accumulated to generate a majority of the scholarship funding distributed each year.

There are now four named scholarships awarded each year: Troy Larson Spirit Scholarship first awarded in 2005, Dennis Pratt Spirit Scholarship first awarded in 2006, Lee Binkley Spirit Scholarship first awarded in 2007, and Ronald Spielman Spirit Scholarship first awarded at the 2012 Staff Dinner.

At the 2015 Staff Dinner Camp Directors Lee Binkley and Dick Reynolds presented five new scholarships:Troy Larson to Tristan Fox – Illinois WesleyanDennis Pratt to Mark Schaer – University of

IllinoisLee Binkley to Alexander Semenchuk – Univ.

of MinnesotaRon Spielman to Aaron Pacheco – Arizona

State UniversitySpirit to David Drefcinski – UW Platteville

Through 2015, scholarships totaling $41,550 have been awarded to 128 recipients. The Spirit Scholarship Endowment Fund has grown to more than $70,000 with an ultimate goal to exceed $125,000 in the endowment.

Scholarship funding comes from staff alumni, Scouters, and Friends of Canyon Camp. Individuals making tax deductible contributions may select prints of pen and ink drawings of Canyon Camp scenes. To date, artist Elaine Bethke of Monroe has generated ten different prints:

Canyon Camp BellsHeld Nature Center

Stagecoach Trail SignJamboree Cabin

The ChapelVickery Health Lodge

Rawleigh Headquarters BuildingHess Farmstead Barn

Founder’s LodgeDining Hall Historical Signs

If you are interested in supporting the Spirit Scholarship Fund, contact Ron Spielman at 608-325-6490 or spiel335@tds.net.

The thirty-seventh annual Woodcutter’s Ball will be held at Canyon Camp on Saturday, October 10, 2015. The Monroe Kiwanis Club is again sponsoring this event and is inviting Scouters and friends of Canyon Camp to participate.

This annual workday has the primary focus of cutting, splitting, and delivering the winter supply of firewood to the cabins used by Scouts throughout the winter months. Scouters are asked to bring chainsaws, splitters, and appropriate work clothes to work in the woods. (Note: Only trained operators may use chain saws).

For those who cannot work in the woods, attendance is still encouraged as this workday is used as a time to do routine maintenance to buildings and to ready the camp for the winter camping season. Hammers, saws, and paintbrushes are all tools to be put to use this workday.

Fall is a great time to visit Canyon Camp. You will enjoy the clean fall air and enjoy the fellowship of others interested in perpetuating the Spirit of Canyon Camp.

Breakfast and lunch for all volunteers will again be provided by the Monroe Kiwanis Club. A continental breakfast will be available from 8:00–9:00 a.m. with work projects starting at 9:00. Lunch will be served at 1:00 p.m. Projects will continue through late afternoon.

Kiwanians, troops, and individual scouters are invited to participate! Please send an email or leave a phone message to confirm your attendance as this will help in meal planning.

Contact Lee Binkley or Dick Reynolds with questions or reservations:

Lee BinkleyHome phone number 608/325-5540 or

email leebinkley@hotmail.com

Dick ReynoldsEmail at ichardjreynolds@juno.com

Canyon CampKiwanis

Woodcutter’s BallCanyon Camp

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Camp LowdenWood Cut DayOctober 17, 2015

8:00 am to 5:00 pmBring your troop for service hours.

Bring gloves and safety glasses.Lunch will be provided.

R.S.V.P. to Ranger Coots so that we have plenty of food

Phone: 815-732-6674

Email: pilotmedic1@yahoo.com

Page 27

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015

Youth Protection Training

Have you checked your Youth Protection Training (YPT) status lately? It is easier now that MyScouting Tools is up and running, but it still depends on you linking your membership ID number(s) to your MyScouting account.

The two biggest issues we find preventing a unit, district, or council from getting all active direct-contact leaders YPT trained are not linking the ID number and unrenewed YPT. Remember, YPT must be taken every two years.

It is very important we do all we can to protect our youth and we stay up to date on how we can all do Scouting Safely. Be sure to bookmark, share, and visit the Youth Protection web site:

www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection

In addition to adults completing Youth Protection Training, these youth protection videos should be viewed by leaders, parents, and boys in packs (It Happened to Me) or troops (A Time to Tell) every year.

A Scout is kind. A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.

Sycamore DistrictServing McHenry County in Illinois

Web Site: www.blackhawkscouting.org/sycamore

Sycamore DistrictDirectory

Chairman: Mike Roe, mroe34@gmail.comVice-Chairman – Administration Lance Snider, bsa.snider@gmail.com 630-525--518 Nominating Committee: Mike Walsh, swals00@yahoo.com Public Relations/Marketing (open)Vice-Chair – Finance Mike Pigliacelli mike.pigliacelli@united.com Popcorn (Open) Special Events: Mike Salzman sportingclaysforscouts@gmail.comVice-Chair – Membership Jen Broadfield-Colomer, jenbroadfield@comcast.net Boy Scout Open House: (open) Venturing Recruiting: (open) Fall Round-Up (open) Recruitment: Paula Baumgarten paulabaumgarten76@gmail.com Explorering – Don Novak, fourdnovak@aol.com Webelos to Scout Transition: Joe Kobler pkobler@comcastVice-Chair – Program: Isaac Covert, bsa.covert@gmail.com Activities and Civic Service: Mike Roe, mroe34@gmail.com Advancement and Recognition: Grace Esche, 815-206-6161 gesche_scouts@sbcglobal.net Online Advancement Promotor: Debbie Carlson, 847-354-0727 Camp Promotion: Chuck Natoli Dan Banko, dabscout@comcast.net Day Camp Coordinator: Leigh Anne Spears inkitupanotch@sbcglobal.net Cub Scout Summer Camp Leigh Anne Spears inkitupanotch@sbcglobal.net OA Chief: Dan Munao OA Advisor: Frank J. Munao kishadvisor@wulapeju140.org Scouting for Food: Susan Clancy-Kelly, 847-516-3782 Training: Brian Lumpp, 815-546-9263 blumppy2002@yahoo.com Cub Scout Training, Frank colomer frankcolomer@comcast.net Boy Scout Training, Wayne Kemp, 847-224-3664 wayne@ourkempfamily.com Venturing Training: Rob Zerkel robzerkel@gamil.com Hornaday Award Advisor: John Fioina, 815-321-9080 Youth Protection Training (open) Commissioner: Tom Lotito, bsa.lotito@gmail.com Roundtables: Cub Scouts: Gail Krec, 815-675-6578 Boy Scouts: Mike McCleary, MJMcCleary@co.mchenry.il.usDistrict Director Dane Boudreau, 815-397-0210 dane.boudreau@scouting.orgDistrict Executive: Nakisha Wilson, 815-397-0210 nakisha.wilson@scouting.org

Sycamore DistrictCalendar

September

3 District Committee and Commissioners meeting

7 Labor Day, council service center closed8 Courier deadline – for October Internet

edition10 Roundtable11-12 Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills:

Part B, Location to be determined11-13 Religious Retreat, Camp Lowden12 McHenry Sporting Clays17 Blast Into Scouting Recruiting Event24 Council Coordinated Committee

Meetings -- New Date!

October

1 District Committee and Commissioners meeting

6 Courier deadline – November printed edition

8 Roundtable10 Woodcutter’s Ball, Canyon Camp17 Camp Lowden Wood Cut Day31 Scouting Extravaganza, Klehm

Arboretum

November

1 Daylight Saving Time ends2 Silver Beaver nominations due6 District Committee and Commissioners

meeting7 Next STEP Training10 Courier deadline – December Internet

edition12 Roundtable26 Thanksgiving Day, council service center

closed27 Council service center closed

December

3 District Committee and Commissioners meeting

8 Courier deadline – January printed edition

10 Roundtable24 Christmas Eve, council service center

closed25 Christmas Day, council service center

closed31 New Year’s Eve, council service center

closed

The spirit is there in every boy;it has to be discovered and brought

to light.Robert Baden-Powell

On ServiceThe key to success, in any line or

endeavor, lies in service. Those who seek fame or fortune by any other route are always disappointed.

Waite PhillipsDonor of Philmont Scout Ranch

Upcoming DatesPlease add to your district calendar.

January 22-24 – Klondike Derby, Mary Ann Beebe Girl Scout Camp

February 27 – Scouting for Food door hanger distribution

March 5 – Scouting for Food item pickupMarch 3 – District DinnerFebruary 13, 20, March 12 – Eagle

CollegeMarch 19 – Tiger TimeMay 7 – Just We TwoMay 13-15 – Woods of Webelos, Camp

Lowden

Membership Notes!What to Do in August and September

Recruit! Recruit! Recruit!

1. Start conducting boy talks and flier distribution in schools and placing literature in alternate locations:

• Libraries• Churches• Community Bulletin boards• Banners• Yard Signs

Start early and for as long as possible!

2. Conduct school rallies or sign-up programs as scheduled:

• Post summer camp videos• Highlight popcorn campaign• Highlight sign-up night location• Promote “Join Scouting Night” –

September 17

3. Ensure that all new leaders receive:• Leader Specific Training for their position• Fast Start• Youth Protection• This Is Scouting training

Be sure that the training is recorded at the council.

Continue encouraging units to populate their unit pins on BeAScout.org and update pin contact information to current contact.

Jennifer Broadfield-ColomerVice Chair Membership

The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.

~Robert Baden-Powell

BALOO TrainingWhen and Where: Saturday, August 29,

2015, at Nunda Township Meeting Hall – Lower Building,. 2510 Bay Road. Crystal Lake, Illinois Tine: 8:00 a.m 4:00 p.m. (Check-in time is 7:30-7:50 a.m. — Please be prompt!)

For complete information, see the full article on page 22.

On September 17th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., we will be holding a council-wide sign up night for Scouting! Along with all of our regular fall sign-up efforts, we are also holding one huge sign-up night.

Media outlets as well as social media will be letting new families know to go to their elementary school on September 17 at 7:00 p.m. to sign up for Cub Scouts! So we need your help making sure we have volunteers at every school in Blackhawk Area Council that evening to help get families signed up.

Along with the one night effort, each new boy who signs up for Cub Scouts receives a rocket to launch at a district launch or pack launch event. Also included in the registration is their Cub Scout handbook. Each district will be looking for help on the evening of September 17th and for some launch events.

Please help us grow our future, Scouts, and leaders by helping to sign them up on September 17th.

Blast Into ScoutingSeptember 17

Page 28

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015

Upcoming TrainingAll Times: 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

(unless otherwise noted)As a courtesy to the trainer,please R.S.V.P for training

Contact/TrainerGene Barney – Boy Scout, 815-262-7919Alice Roby – Cub Scout, 773-368-5724,

or alice@oextreme.com

Fall 2015/Spring 2016 ClassesLocations for all training to be annunced

September 23 and 30 -- Scoutmaster Specific Training (2-part couse)

September 28 – Den Leader Training (emphasis on the new program changes!),

October 16-27 -- Boy Scouts-- Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills

March 19, 2016 – BALOO - Cub Scout Basic Adult Leadership Outdoor Leadership

Available on request – Troop Committee Challenge

For more information, go to www.blackhawkscouting.org/Wanchanagi/

News/WanchanagiTraining

Wanchanagi DistrictServing Winnebago & Boone Counties in Illinois

Web Site: www.wanchanagi.org

Chairman: Mark Broman: 815-218-5514 markbroman@hotmail.comVice-Chairman – Administration Belinda Zezniewski, 654-1449 Chaplain: Religious Emblems Coordinator: MaryAnn Bushaw, 904-4287 Webmaster:Belinda Zezniewski, 654-1449 Webmaster@wanchanagi.org Parades: Mark Broman, 218-5514 Flag Retirement: John Sutherland, 988-1055Vice-Chairman – Finance Paul Zeien Jr., 298-5866 FOS Family Campaign Popcorn: Nicole Lilly, 222-5604Vice-Chairman – Membership: Fran Waller, 248-2291 Cub Scout Recruiting: Boy Scout Recruiting: Webelos-to-Scout Transition: Mark Broman, 218-5514 New Unit Organizer:Vice-Chair – Activities Bill Spivey, 243-0671 Klondike Derby: Jeff Hamaker, 975-0794 Continuous Fire: Don Reis, 633-4565 District Dinner: Nicole Lilly, 222-0617 Scouting for Food: Don Burrow, 877-0658 Chuck Pelman, 282-9833 Patch Designer: Dale Broman, 218-8735Vice-Chair – Advancement Connie Snyder, 234-5417 Cub Scouting: (open) Boy Scouting: Melinda Johnson, (Day) 397-0210, (Home) 633-6335 Eagle Chair: Ida Bolen, 239-2634 Merit Badges: Ken Mosny, wanchanagi.mb@comcast.net Merit Badge Sampler: Connie Snyder, 234-5417 Adult Recognitions: Sue Morris, 289-1777Vice-Chair – Camping: Ed Colson, 871-5464 Cub Scout Day Camp Program District Coordinator: Boone County: Lori Reisetter, 988-4263 Deb Massman, 809-5067 W. Winnebago: Rob Bucey, 985-3221 Ida Bolen, 239-2634 Harlem: Shane Whitehead, 621-5463 Rotary Forest Preserve (formerly Alpine) Alice Roby, 986-8398 Order of the Arrow Advisor Andy Murray, 871-3092 gruntmur@yahoo.com Chapter Chief:Vice-Chair – Training: Gene Barney, 262-7919 Cub Scouting: Alice robey, 712-368-5724 Larry Swanson, 877-8164 Boy Scouting: Gene Barney, 262-7919 Youth Protection: Ed Rounds, 877-2968Vice-Chair – Venturing: Eric Schmidt, 505-1507 Activities: (open) Membership: (open) Training: Gene Barney, 262-7919 Sea Scout (open)District Commissioner: Ron Scott, soccerref1@charter.net 815-601-7754 Boy Scout Roundtable (open) Cub Scout Roundtable Linda Bowers, 988-1396Senior District Executive: Jared Carlin, 815-397-0210 jared.carlin@scouting.org

Wanchanagi DistrictDirectory

All numbers are 815 area code unless otherwise indicated

Wanchanagi DistrictCalendar

September

3 District Commisser and District Committee meetings

7 Labor Day, council service center closed8 Courier deadline – for October Internet

edition10 Rounddtable10 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting11-13 Religious Retreat, Camp Lowden17 Blast Into Scouting Recruiting Event19 Rockford Sporting Clays24 Council Coordinated Committee

Meetings -- New Date!

October

1 District Commisser and District Committee meetings

6 Courier deadline – November printed edition

8 Rounddtable8 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting9-11 Fall Camporee, Camp Lowden10 Woodcutter’s Ball, Canyon Camp17 Camp Lowden Wood Cut Day31 Scouting Extravaganza, Klehm

Arboretum

November

1 Daylight Saving Time ends2 Silver Beaver nominations due5 District Commisser and District

Committee meetings7 Next STEP Training10 Courier deadline – December Internet

edition12 Rounddtable12 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting26 Thanksgiving Day, council service center

closed27 Council service center closed

December

3 District Commisser and District Committee meetings

8 Courier deadline – January printed edition

10 Rounddtable10 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting24 Christmas Eve, council service center

closed25 Christmas Day, council service center

closed31 New Year’s Eve, council service center

closed

Blast Into ScoutingSeptember 17

In Every School in the District

On September 17th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., we will be holding a council-wide sign up night for Scouting! Along with all of our regular fall sign-up efforts, we are also holding one huge sign-up night.

Along with the one night effort, each new boy who signs up for Cub Scouts receives a rocket to launch at a district launch or pack launch event. Also included in the registration is their Cub Scout handbook.

On one night we’ll sign up kids at every elementary school! The cost is $33 and the new Scouts will also get a rocket and their den handbook. There is also an online registration portal – www.blastintoscouting.org.

Turn-In PartyThe application turn-in party will

be held at the new Program Center immediately following the recruitments. We’ll have snacks and music. I will be available along with several commissioners to collect application, verify that they filled out completely, and we will then release den books (every boy gets a handbook; it’s rolled into the joining cost) for every new application turned in.

It’ll be a big undertaking but we have been ramping up for this for months. It’s going to be awesome!

Save the Date!BALOO

Basic Adult LeaderOutdoor Orientation

March 19. 2016

BALOO is designed the coordinator of pack overnight camping. At least one BALOO-trained leader is required to attend all pack overnights.

Day Camp Thank YouI want to express my sincere gratitude

to everyone who helped with day camp this summer!

The camp directors are required to take Camp School training to get certified for running these camps and the training is not often in our backyard so travel is necessary. Their commitment and enthusiasm for day camp has been awesome!

Our Directors areHarlem Day Camp Director: Carolyn WolfeSwanson Hill (Program Center) Camp

Director: Alice RobyWestern Winnebago Camp Director: Rob Bucey Program Director: Ida BolenBoone County Day Camp Director: Christine Wooten Program Director: Roger Wooten

Also, thank you to all the den walkers, staff, and Boy Scouts who step up to help .They are invaluable! So, thank you to everyone for your help in ensuring a wonderful day camp program for the hundreds of Cub Scouts who came out this summer.

Yours in Scouting,Jared Carlin

Wanchanagi Senior District Executive

RoundtablesThe Wanchanagi District Roundtable

schedule started up again on the second Thursday of each month at 6:45 p.m. Roundtable meets at Christ United Methodist Church. Some of the items of discussion and fliers available in September are:• 2015 Camporee• 2016 Klondike• Popcorn Sale• Blast Into Scouting Cub Scout recruitment

campaign• Upcoming training opportunities• And more!

There is a lot going on this fall in Scouting!

Unit EventsYour unit can be featured in the

Courier. Send us photos and news of special events.

BACCourier@juno.comNote – Please do not insert photos

into the body of the e-mail – send as a .jpg attachment.

Fall CamporeeCamp Lowden

October 9-11“Emergency Preparedness”Limited to 150 youth only

District _______________ Troop _____Leader __________________________Phone ___________________________Address _________________________City ____________________________State ________ ZIP ________________Email _________________________________ Scouts @ $15.00 = $ ______________ Adults @ $15.00 = $ ________ ______ Totals = $ ________

NOTE -- After September 30, the fee will be $20 per personMail registration form and check

to Blackhawk Area Council, 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford 61107

Contact Bill Spivey at 815-243-0671 or npfdrdiver@yahoo.com

Page 29

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015

Eagle Scout TrainingAll Wanchanagi troops please provide

the following to the district Eagle chair, Ida Bolen. Send by email to i.bolen@hotmail.com or by phone at 815-239-2634. Thank you.

We are planning training to assist our Scouts to succeed in their quest to earn the Eagle rank.

Eagle Project Review Dates

September 16 October 21November 18 December 16

Email Mrs. Bolen at i.bolen@hotmail.com to register to have your project reviewed.

Are you interested in attended the Eagle Process Workshop? The next one has been scheduled. Email the address above to get registered. Bring your parents, Eagle Coordinator for your unit, pen, paper, and your questions.

A return email will be sent as a confirmation of your request for either event.

Confused on theEagle Process?

Are you a Star or Life Scout and wish to work on the Eagle rank?

There is an Eagle Process Workshop being offered. You will learn where to go and the process to make your journey more successful. Bring your parents, your unit Eagle Advisor, your Scoutmaster, paper, pen and any questions you have.

All you need to do is contact Mrs. Bolen at i.bolen@Hotmail.com to make a reservation for the next workshop. Your reservation will be confirmed and the date, time, and location will provided. If you are not quite ready, don’t worry. The workshop will be offered quarterly so can get the up-to-date information later.

Wanchanagi DistrictMerit Badge

Counselor ListTo obtain a copy of the lisst,

Scoutmasters or advancancement chair should email a request to wanchanagi.mb@comcast.net.

Troop EagleAdvisor/Contact

Troop #_______________________Advisor’s Name: ____________________________________________ Email _______________________ Phone: _______________________

Send by email to i.bolen@hotmail.com or by phone at 815-239-2634.

White Eagle DistrictServing Whiteside, Lee, and Ogle Counties in Illinois

Web Site: www.blackhawkscouting.org/whiteeaglebsa.

White Eagle District Calendar

RoundtablesRoundtables are held at 7:00 p.m. on the

second Thursday of each month at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dixon.

September

2 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting3 District Committee meeting7 Labor Day, council service center closed8 Courier deadline – for October Internet

edition10 District Commissioners meeting10 Roundtable11-13 Religious Retreat, Camp Lowden12 Rockford Sporting Clays17 Blast Into Scout Recruiting Event18-20 Fall Camporee24 Council Coordinated Committee

Meetings -- New date

October

1 District Committee meeting6 Courier deadline – November printed

edition7 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting8 District Commissioners meeting8 Roundtable10 Woodcutter’s Ball, Canyon Camp17 Camp Lowden Wood Cut Day17 Trivia Night31 Scouting Extravaganza, Klehm

Arboretum

November

1 Daylight Saving Time ends2 Silver Beaver nominations due4 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting5 District Committee meeting7 Next STEP Training10 Courier deadline – December Internet

edition12 District Commissioners meeting12 Roundtable26 Thanksgiving Day, council service center

closed27 Council service center closed

December

2 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting3 District Committee meeting8 Courier deadline – January printed

edition10 District Commissioners meeting10 Roundtable24 Christmas Eve, council service center

closed25 Christmas Day, council service center

closed31 New Year’s Eve, council service center

closed

Chair: Dave Twining, 815-499-6711 dtwining@comcast.netVice Chair – Administration (open): Nominating Committee Chair: Harry Fletcher, 742-0069 PR Chair: Sally Oelrichs, 815-625-5567 smoelrichs@gmail.comVice Chair – Membership: Bruce Colmark, 441-1992 Webelos-to-Scout Transition (open) Spring Roundup Chair: Ginger and Darrien Albano, 631-0457Vice-Chair – Finance: FOS Community Chair: Mark Zeigler, 713-1390 FOS Family Chair: Chip Donahue, 626-5905 Fall Popcorn Kernel (Whiteside): Margie Baker, 718-2289 kernelbaker@yahoo.com Hans Kruger, 732-6892 hkberlin@inwave1.com Pat O’Brien, 732-4186 Spring Popcorn Kernel (Lee & Ogle): Margie Baker, 772-7123 kernelbaker@yahoo.com Vice Chair – Program: Don Rastede, 625-3542 Boy Scout Activities: Cub Scout Activities: Special Events Chair Advancement Chair: Ray Gruber, 732-6807 rggruber@yahoo.comReligious Programs: Myles Newberry, 209-7327 mylesnewberry@sbcglobal.net Scouting for Food: Kate Lehrke Camping Chair: Thomas Halla, 284-3308 Cub Scout Day Camp – Lowden Brian Broers, 815-973-2551 West Day Camp Shane Adams, 815-564-8594 OA Advisor: Rick Rhoads, 562-4369 rrhoads63@aol.com. OA Chapter Chief: Brandon Colmark Boy Scout Leader Training Chair: Gregg Ripley, 631-6399 gwripley61071@yahoo.com Cub Scout Leader Training: Gregg Ripley, 631-6399 gwripley61071@yahoo.com Youth Protection Training:Vice Chair – Venturing: Program: Advancement: Deb Slager, 946-2255 Training:District Commissioner: Myles Newberry, 815-209-7327 mylesnewberry@sbcglobal.net Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner Angie Hawkins, 815-761-1551 mrshawkeye95@yahoo.comDistrict Executive: Cheyann Thunberg 8150397-0210 cheyann.thunberg@scouting.org

White Eagle DistrictDirectory

All numbers are 815 area codeunless otherwise indicated

White Eagle Trivia Night Is Fun for All

The White Eagle District will present a Trivia Night on Saturday, October 17,at the Rock Falls American Legion, 712 4th Avenue, Rock Falls. Doors open at 6 p.m., dessert auction at 6:30, then Trivia!

The questions are professionally prepared and easy enough so every team can have fun while winning will be a challenge. Video and audio questions will keep things interesting. The plan is to attract teams from every community involved with Scouting and trivia players from the area. Teams of four to eight may compete.

A quick auction for desserts will precede the game. Desserts will help teams reward successes and forget mistakes. Teams may bring their own snacks. Beverages must be purchased from the Legion bar.

This is White Eagle District’s fundraiser for the Blackhawk Area Council, but it’s only $10 per person to play. All together, it’s a lot of fun and fellowship for a reasonable donation. There will be cash prizes. How much cash depends on how many play.

Each year Scouting needs to raise more money to support it’s programs. When Scouts sell popcorn, they earn to support their participation, and the council earns money for programs. Adults and businesses give to the Friends of Scouting program. The districts of the Blackhawk Council sponsor one fundraising event each year to do their part. White Eagle District consists of Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties. The Trivia Night is a cheap night out where people can have fun and help youth in their communities.

Pictured is a team of Scout leaders anxiously awaiting their score for a late round. They won in the end, but everyone had fun playing Trivia!

On September 17th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., we will be holding a council-wide sign up night for Scouting! Along with all of our regular fall sign-up efforts, we are also holding one huge sign-up night.

Media outlets as well as social media will be letting new families know to go to their elementary school on September 17 at 7:00 p.m. to sign up for Cub Scouts! So we need your help making sure we have volunteers at every school in Blackhawk Area Council that evening to help get families signed up.

Along with the one night effort, each new boy who signs up for Cub Scouts receives a rocket to launch at a district launch or pack launch event. Also included in the registration is their Cub Scout handbook. Each district will be looking for help on the evening of September 17th and for some launch events.

Please help us grow our future, Scouts, and leaders by helping to sign them up on September 17th.

Blast Into ScoutingSeptember 17

Wanchanagi District(Continued)

2016 WanchanagiKlondike Derby

The 2016 Wanchanagi District Klondike Derby will be held at Camp Lowden on Saturday, January 23, 2016. Program details will be advertised very soon.

Page 30

Blackhawk Area Council

September 2015

Training OpportunitiesTraining is an important part of learning

to become an effective leader. The Scouting position you hold will be easier once you know the skills necessary to provide a quality program to today’s youth. Scouts and leaders are all strongly encouraged to take advantage of every training opportunity.

The national BSA Online Learning Center provides a wide variety of training opportunities. A log-in is required; registered members of the BSA may provide their member numbers (as part of their user profile) to receive credit. There are also many other supplemental training opportunities that provide orientation beyond the basic trainings offered.

Arrowhead DistrictServing Grant, Lafayette, and Green Counties

in WisconsonWeb Site: www.blackhawkscouting.org/Arrowhead

Arrowhead DistrictCalendar

September

2 District Committee meeting7 Labor Day, council service center closed8 Courier deadline for October Internet

edition9 District Commissioners meeting9 Roundtable11-13 Council Religious Retreat, Camp

Lowden17 Blast Into Scouting Recruiting Event18-20 Fall Camporee20 Order of the Arrow meeting -- Platteville24 Council Coordinated Committee

Meetings -- New Date!25-27 Wood Badge, part 2

October

6 Courier deadline – November printed edition

10 Woodcutter’s Ball, Canyon Camp17 Camp Lowden Wood Cut Day31 Scouting Extravaganza, Klehm

Arboretum

November

1 Daylight Saving Time ends2 Silver Beaver nominations due7 Next STEP Training10 Courier deadline – December Internet

edition26 Thanksgiving Day, council service center

closed27 Council service center closed

December8 Courier deadline – January printed

edition24 Christmas Eve, council service center

closed25 Christmas Day, council service center

closed31 New Year’s Eve, council service center

closed

RoundtableRoundtable meets on the second Wednesday

of every month atDarlington United Methodist Church

7:00 p.m.

Unit Commissioners Meeting

Second Wednesday of every month atDarlington United Methodist church

6:30 p.m.

Aviation Explorer Post atBrodhead Airport

Chapter 431 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has partnered with the Blackhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts of America to create Aviation Explorer Post #108 at the Brodhead Airport.

Open to boys and girls ages 14-20, the post meets monthly at the airport and also tours area aviation facilities. Explorers might take orientation flights in aircraft, visit aviation businesses, museums, air shows or FAA facilities, learn to preflight an aircraft, or take pilot training ground school classes. Guest speakers from the industry are also scheduled to bring perspective on various aviation careers.

Aviation Exploring is a youth development program that exposes young people to flying and aviation experiences as a career, or simply for the fun of being around airplanes. EAA Chapter 431 at the Brodhead Airport exists to “Promote Aviation in the Brodhead Area” and hosts several Fly-In and Young Eagle events every year.

For more information and a schedule of upcoming meetings and events, visit www.eaa431.org and click on the Aviation Explorer Post link. Or, e-mail explorer@eaa431.org.

EAA Chapter 431P.O. Box 304, Brodhead WI 53520

explorer@eaa431.org

2015 Schedule

September 10-13Work at MAAC Grassroots Fly-In -

Brodhead Airport. Details to be determined.

Arrowhead DistrictDirectory

District Chairman: Daniel Frommelt, 608-732-8536, danielmfrommelt@gmail.comVice-Chair Administration: Dan Bestul, 608-328-8055 Risk Management Representative James Bussan, 608-568-3177Vice-Chair Finance: Open Family FOS: Dee Woolf, 608-348-7403 Popcorn Kernel: Valerie Saalsaa, 608-543-9448Vice-Chair Membership: James Gerhards, 563-581-2502 Boy Scout Membership: (Open) Cub Scout Membership: Heather Lisser, 608-214-0970 Life-to-Eagle Transition: Chris Brunette, 608-348-4552 Webelos-to-Scout Transition: Bert Leach, 608-558-3924Vice-Chair Program: David Wisnefske, 608-325-4606 Activities: Kevin Olson, 608-778-1950 Advancement: (Open) Eagle Board: James Bussan, 608-568-3177 Mike Johansen, 608-723-7077 Art Whipple, 608-325-5734 Neil Spurr, 815-777-2166 Don Vannatta, 608-962-1390 Camping: Chris Brunette, 608-348-4552 OA Chapter Advisor: James Connors, 608-325-6495 Platteville Merit Badge Midway: James Bussan, 608-568-3177, bussanja@chorus.net Service Hours: Sheri Baird, 608-527-5068 Training: (Open)Vice-Chair Venturing: Kevin Olson, 608-723-6250Uniform Closet: Jeff Everson, 608-328-4269District Commissioner: Nichole Wiest, 608-778-9124, ahscouting@tds.net Roundtable Commissioners: Cub Scout: Tara Bauer, Peggy Miles, Boy Scout: Andy Elkins, 608-527-2962District Executive: Matt Ohms, 920-723-5999 matt.ohms@scouting.org

Arrowhead DistrictFall Camporee:“Keep Calm and

Prepare for Zombies”When: September 18-20, 2015

Who: Scout Troops and Venturing CrewsWhere: Savanna Springs Farm

Rat Hollow Road, Argyle, Wisconsin

Why: “Be Prepared” is the Boy Scout motto, and at this fun weekend event, you’ll learn what it takes to be prepared for any emergency: fires, floods, tornadoes, even a zombie outbreak! With a little advance preparation at their home units, Scouts will be able to earn the Emergency Preparedness merit badge, an important step on the trail to Eagle Scout. The main activities will take place during the day on Saturday, but units are encouraged to camp out the entire weekend.

Keep an eye on the council website and the Courier, and come to the Arrowhead District roundtables for more information.

On September 17th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., we will be holding a council-wide sign up night for Scouting! Along with all of our regular fall sign-up efforts, we are also holding one huge sign-up night.

Media outlets as well as social media will be letting new families know to go to their elementary school on September 17 at 7:00 p.m. to sign up for Cub Scouts! So we need your help making sure we have volunteers at every school in Blackhawk Area Council that evening to help get families signed up.

Along with the one night effort, each new boy who signs up for Cub Scouts receives a rocket to launch at a district launch or pack launch event. Also included in the registration is their Cub Scout handbook. Each district will be looking for help on the evening of September 17th and for some launch events.

Please help us grow our future, Scouts, and leaders by helping to sign them up on September 17th.

Blast Into ScoutingSeptember 17

Unit EventsYour unit can be featured in the

Courier. Send us photos and news of special events.

BACCourier@juno.comNote – Please do not insert photos

into the body of the e-mail – send as a .jpg attachment.

Page 31

Boy Scouts of America

September 2015

Unit EventsYour unit can be featured in the

Courier. Send us photos and news of special events.

BACCourier@juno.comNote – Please do not insert photos

into the body of the e-mail – send as a .jpg attachment.

Scoutreach DistrictCalendar

September

7 Labor Day, council service center closed8 Courier deadline – for October Internet

edition11-13 Religious Retreat, Camp Lowden17 Blast Into Scouting Recruiting Night24 Council Coordinated Committee

Meetings -- New date

October

6 Courier deadline – November printed edition

31 Scouting Extravaganza, Klehm Arboretum

November

1 Daylight Saving Time ends2 Silver Beaver nominations due7 Next STEP Training10 Courier deadline – December Internet

edition26 Thanksgiving Day, council service center

closed27 Council service center closed

December

8 Courier deadline – January printed edition

24 Christmas Eve, council service center closed

25 Christmas Day, council service center closed

31 New Year’s Eve, council service center closed

Scoutreach DistrictServing Youth in Inner-City Rockford

Web Site: www.BlackhawkScouting.org/Scoutreach

Scoutreach District Directory

District Chairman: (open)District Commissioner: (open)Finance Chairman: (Open)Committee Members: Bill Allen Victory Bell Roberto Cardenas David Gill Lloyd Hawks Terry Hahlen Rep. Charles Jefferson Officer Steve Jones Leslie Medrano Juan Muñiz Terry Nichols Roger Steder Calvin W. Squire Dr. Rudy Valdez Vicky ZamoraScoutreach Coordinator Terry Nichols, 397-0210 Program Aides:

Clifford AndrewsBobby BowdenErica CollinsLanekahm PhetmyxayRichard NovleCollina RosalesTerry SerranoRoger Steder

District Executive Cannie Ware, 815-397-0210 Cannie.Ware@scouting.org

Scoutreach Summer Day Camp Staff Members

Education must be positive, not negative – active, not passive!

For example, the Scout Law in each of its details says: “A Scout does” – this, that or the other..

To preach “don’t” is to invite the doing of wrong. Rather infuse the right spirit, as powder is to the shot, so is spirit is to action.

– Lord Baden-Powell

A Scout is obedient. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.

Wetassa DistrictDirectory

All numbers are 815 area codeunless otherwise indicated

District Chairman, Rick Cass, 815-757-7424

Linrik2004@gmail.comVice-Chair – Administration Lee Kraut, 815-297-8247 LKraut@comcast.net District Communications/PR Chair (open) Newsletter, Liz Hollis, 233-4870 District Nominating Committee: Lee Kraut, 815-297-8247 Gary Erickson Dana Ewers, 541-5322 Kathy Tobin, 297-3843 District Dinner and Awards Laura WeltiVice-Chair – Finance – Gene Nott, 235-4575 FOS, Gene Nott, 235-4575 Community Campaign (Open)Vice-Chair – Membership: Jim Clay, 291-0716, jclayjr@att.netVice-Chair – Program: Josh Ehlers, 815-297-6748 Joshua_ehlers@hotmail.com): Activities: (Open) Boy Scout: Klondike Derby: Spring Camporee Fall Camporee Cub Scout: Fun Day (open) Day Camp: Advancement, Liz Hollis, 233-4870 Life-to-Eagle Seminars: Liz Hollis, 233-4870 Eagle Project/Boards of Review: Liz Hollis, 233-4870 Tom Gillespie, 233-3284 Merit Badge Counselors: Liz Hollis, 233-4870 Camping, Bob Boyer, 369-2834 OA Advisor, David Hanson, 273-2436 Scouting for Food, Kathy Tobin, 297-3843 Training : Dana Ewers, 541-5322 Boy Scout – Cub Scout – Tom Nord, 232-3760 Venturing – Tina Disch, 291-8104 Religious Emphasis, Kathy Tobin, 297-3843Vice-Chair – Venturing and Exploring Joe Shippy, 266-0649District Commissioner Kathy Tobin, 297-3843 Roundtable Commissioners Boy Scout – Rick Cass, 757-7424 Cub Scout – Jim Clay, 291-0716District Executive: Matt Ohms, 815-397-0210

Wetassa DistrictCalendar

September

2 District Commissioners and Committee meetings

7 Labor Day, council service center closed8 Courier deadline – for October Internet

edition9 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting9 Roundtable 11-13 Religious Retreat, Camp Lowden12 Rockford Sporting Clays17 Blast Into Scouting Recruiting Night24 Council Coordinated Committee

Meetings New date26 Cub Scout Fun Day

October

6 Courier deadline – November printed edition

7 District Commissioners and Committee meetings

10 Woodcutter’s Ball, Canyon Camp14 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting14 Roundtable17 Camp Lowden Wood Cut Day31 Scouting Extravaganza, Klehm

Arboretum

November

1 Daylight Saving Time ends2 Silver Beaver nominations due4 District Commissioners and Committee

meetings7 Next STEP Training10 Courier deadline – December Internet

edition11 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting11 Roundtable26 Thanksgiving Day, council service center

closed27 Council service center closed

December

2 District Commissioners and Committee meetings

8 Courier deadline – January printed edition

9 Order of the Arrow chapter meeting9 Roundtable24 Christmas Eve, council service center

closed25 Christmas Day, council service center

closed31 New Year’s Eve, council service center

closed

Wetassa DistrictServing Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll in Illinois

Web site -- www.BlackhawkScouting.org/Wetassa

RoundtableCome join us at the White Eagle

Roundtable every second Thursday of the month starting at 7:00 p.m. We meet at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 421 South Peoria Ave., Dixon, in the lower level.

On September 17th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., we will be holding a council-wide sign up night for Scouting! Along with all of our regular fall sign-up efforts, we are also holding one huge sign-up night.

Media outlets as well as social media will be letting new families know to go to their elementary school on September 17 at 7:00 p.m. to sign up for Cub Scouts! So we need your help making sure we have volunteers at every school in Blackhawk Area Council that evening to help get families signed up.

Along with the one night effort, each new boy who signs up for Cub Scouts receives a rocket to launch at a district launch or pack launch event. Also included in the registration is their Cub Scout handbook. Each district will be looking for help on the evening of September 17th and for some launch events.

Please help us grow our future, Scouts, and leaders by helping to sign them up on September 17th.

Blast Into ScoutingSeptember 17

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as

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ld h

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feel

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s to

me

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ports

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parti

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ram

spo

rtsm

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re e

nsur

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ng g

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Bla

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fall

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re S

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even

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lleng

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all

shoo

ters

will

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able

to h

it bi

rds

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have

a g

ood

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e st

atio

ns a

re

toug

her t

han

othe

rs, a

nd th

ere

is a

wid

e va

riety

of

cre

ativ

ely-

plan

ned

shot

s.Sh

oote

rs

at

the

even

t co

me

from

al

l w

alks

of

life,

inc

ludi

ng l

ocal

bus

ines

s ow

ners

, pr

ofes

sion

als

from

var

ious

fiel

ds, a

nd re

gist

ered

to

cas

ual s

hoot

ers.

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yone

is w

elco

me

as lo

ng

as th

ey a

re sa

fe.

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eve

nt h

as b

ecom

e th

e la

rges

t Spo

rting

C

lays

shoo

t in

the

stat

e of

Illin

ois!

Thi

s yea

r we

expe

ct o

ver 2

40 sh

oote

rs.

Spon

sors

hips

for t

he ev

ent r

ange

from

$62

5 fo

r a te

am to

$5,

000

to s

pons

or th

e ev

ent (

thre

e te

ams

with

car

ts, p

rem

ier

sign

age,

and

mor

e!).

Thos

e no

t w

antin

g to

fiel

d a

team

may

als

o sp

onso

r po

rtion

s of

the

even

t, in

clud

ing

lunc

h,

stat

ions

, por

ta-jo

hns,

etc.

We

will

hav

e at

leas

t se

vent

y sp

onso

rs th

is y

ear!

Lar

ger s

pons

orsh

ips

($25

0 or

mor

e) a

re r

ecog

nize

d w

ith s

igna

ge a

t th

e ev

ent a

nd m

entio

n in

the

prog

ram

.Th

e ev

ent t

his y

ear w

ill h

ave

two

shift

s, th

e fir

st b

egin

ning

in th

e m

orni

ng a

nd th

e se

cond

in

the

afte

rnoo

n. A

t thi

s tim

e th

ere

are

spot

s op

en

in b

oth

shift

s. Th

ere i

s als

o a n

ice l

unch

pro

vide

d by

the

Pork

Pro

duce

rs e

ither

bef

ore

or a

fter y

ou

shoo

t. Ea

ch sh

ift ta

kes a

ppro

xim

atel

y fo

ur h

ours

to

com

plet

e.Th

ere

will

be

plen

ty o

f ot

her

fun

too!

D

raw

ings

, si

lent

au

ctio

ns,

shoo

ting

gam

es,

and

othe

r fu

n aw

ait y

ou. D

on't

mis

s it!

Onl

ine

regi

stra

tion

is n

ow o

pen!

Spor

ting

Cla

ys F

acts

: