ScoutingSeptember 2001



News Briefs News Briefs

Edited by Scott Daniels

Last Chance to Enter Scouting magazine's "Capture the Spirit of Scouting" Photo Contest

There's still time to enter Scouting magazine's latest photo contest. The theme is "Capture the Spirit of Scouting" and it applies to all BSA programs: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing.

Entries must be received by Oct. 1, 2001. Winners receive BSA Supply Division gift certificates and have their photographs published in Scouting's March-April 2002 issue and on the magazine's Web site.

Rules for entering

  • Open to all registered BSA members (adult and youth). Deadline for entering is Oct. 1, 2001.
  • Only unmounted color prints will be accepted, to a maximum size of 8 by 10 inches. Mounted prints or transparencies (slides), or other media, will not be accepted. No more than three entries per person.
  • All photographs must have the following information taped on the back: name, address, day time and evening phone numbers, unit number (if applicable), and council name.
  • For the purpose of the contest, all prints submitted become the property of Scouting magazine. Winners must certify that photographs are their own original work.
  • No photographs will be returned. The BSA, Scouting magazine, and its agents are not responsible for loss of photographs. The decisions of the judges are final.
  • Mail entries to Scouting Magazine Photo Contest, S304, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.

Winners will receive BSA Supply Division gift certificates as follows: Grand Prize—$400; 1st Place—$300; 2nd Place—$200; 3rd Place— $100; Honorable Mention—$25. In addition, all winners will receive a Juice S2 compact multipurpose tool, courtesy of Leatherman Tool Group Inc.


Research shows public support of the BSA and its values

In June 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the BSA has the right to set its own standards and values.

Some opposition groups have challenged these values, asking if they are really what is best for America's youth. In some cases, those critical of the BSA have created the impression that American parents are not supportive of our policy.

However, studies conducted since the Supreme Court decision—by the BSA and other independent national research organizations—provide a perspective of Americans' attitudes toward BSA volunteer leadership policy.

In January 2001, the Boy Scouts of America conducted a national survey among 2,400 parents of boys to gauge their opinions on the BSA's leadership standards. Two key findings from the survey:

  • More than seven of 10 American parents (72 percent) agree with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling.
  • Two out of three American parents (65.4 percent) agree that homosexuals are not appropriate role models for Scouts. Among parents of Scouts, 70.3 percent agree that homosexuals are not appropriate role models for Scouts. Among fathers of Scouts, 73.5 percent agree.

Other studies produced similar findings. For example, a June 2000, study by the Gallup Organization found that 64 percent of more than 1,000 adult Americans sampled agreed that the BSA should not be required to allow openly gay adults to serve as Boy Scout leaders. And in January 2001, 70 percent of 869 adult Americans surveyed by Rasmussen Research said their opinion of the Boy Scouts of America had either not changed or had improved since learning that the group does not allow homosexual members.

More information and resources that communicate the values of Scouting—including letters, articles, speeches, quick references, and a bimonthly "In Support of Values" newsletter—are available on the official BSA Web site.


Get Your Scouting Magazine Index

The 2000 Index for Scouting magazine and indexes for each year back to 1970 are available. For each index, send a self-addressed, stamped 8-by-10-inch envelope; for more than three, add additional postage.

Order the indexes from Scouting Magazine Index, S304, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.

Scouting magazine indexes for recent years are also available on the magazine's Web site.


Venturer sets standard in advancement program


Derek G. Groneman (Photo courtesy of Derek G. Groneman)

Derek G. Groneman, an 18-year-old Venturer from Layton, Utah, recently set a rare, if not unique, mark for outstanding accomplishment in Venturing's advancement awards program.

Derek, a member of Trapper Trails Council's Venturing Crew 721, which is chartered to Chelsea Park First Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, earned seven Venturing advancement awards simultaneously. They included four Bronze Awards (in youth ministries, sports, arts and hobbies, and outdoor), a Gold Award, a Silver Award, and a Ranger Award.

"Derek is the first Venturer I've heard of who has earned this many awards at one time," said Charles J. Holmes, national director of the BSA's Venturing Division.

In a congratulatory letter to Derek, Holmes added: "This accomplishment shows a dedication to yourself, the community, and the Venturing movement. The challenges you have faced ... will serve you throughout your life. To achieve these awards, you have set the standard, challenged your peers, and given them a vision of what can be accomplished."

A former Boy Scout and Varsity Scout, Derek learned about the awards program shortly after joining Crew 721 in 1999.

"It sounded like a cool thing to do, so I decided to try it," he says. "The hardest part was getting organized and budgeting enough time to get through the materials. My mom was a big help in keeping me focused."

—Bill Sloan


Cub Scout Leader Training news

Pack trainer is a new Cub Scout leadership position

Less than half of the registered leaders in Cub Scout packs have completed basic training for their positions. To improve this record, the Cub Scout position of pack trainer is being introduced.

The pack trainer:

  • must meet BSA membership requirements, be at least 21 years of age, and register with the Boy Scouts of America as a pack trainer. (It is recommended that the pack trainer have at least one year of experience in a leadership position in Cub Scouting, preferably as a Cub Scout or Webelos den leader.)
  • is selected by the pack committee, with the approval of the chartered organization.
  • should be trained in a Trainer Development Conference and, of course, have completed a training session before teaching one.

The pack trainer is responsible for:

  • conducting orientation of new families and new pack leaders.
  • training each new leader and pack committee member for his or her specific position, using material in the training manuals New Leader Essentials (BSA No. 34870) and Cub Scout Leader Specific Training (No. 34875).
  • encouraging pack leaders to attend ongoing training, such as roundtable; pow wow or University of Scouting; outdoor training; Youth Protection training; and Wood Badge.
  • staying current with training materials and program updates.
  • keeping track of pack training records.

No changes in Webelos Leader Outdoor Training

Release of new Basic Leader Training materials has resulted in some confusion regarding the status of Webelos Leader Outdoor Training.

There are no changes in Webelos Leader Outdoor Training. The course outline is in the publication Cub Scout Leader Training (BSA No. 34700).

Webelos Leader Outdoor Training is supplemental training and is not required for a Webelos leader to be considered "trained." It is, however, a requirement for earning the Webelos Den Leader Award.


Banquets honoring public figures are successful council fund-raising events


Rep. J. Dennis Hastert (Photograph courtesy of the Three Fires Council)

Hosting an annual luncheon or dinner to honor local, regional, or national public figures can provide a financial and public relations bonanza for local Scout councils.

A prime example of how successful this type of fundraiser can be took place last December, when the Three Fires Council's annual Distinguished Citizen Awards dinner had U.S. House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert as its special guest and featured speaker.

The Illinois council honored Rep. Hastert as much for his service to Scouting as for his national political leadership. In many respects, it was a homecoming for the Republican congressman and Illinois native. He served as a BSA volunteer for 17 years with Explorer Post 540 of Yorkville, Ill., before his election to Congress in 1986.

"This is one of the greatest rewards I could have," he told the 800 Scouting supporters in attendance. Among them was BSA Chief Scout Executive Roy L. Williams, who praised the House speaker as a "living example" of Scouting's core values.

"Sometimes words like trustworthiness, obedience, loyalty, bravery, and reverence have to be more than just words in books," Rep. Hastert said after accepting his award. "There have to be people who provide the opportunity for our children to learn what those words mean. The Boy Scouts have been doing that for years."

Citing Scouting's more than 90 years of instilling values in youth, he added: "It's tough to teach bravery. Yet this country needs to provide the opportu nities to young people. It's people like you that make this happen." The awards presentation

coincided with the introduction of a new BSA national ad campaign, which features the House speaker and the slogan, "Strong Values. Strong Leaders."

In addition to honoring Speaker Hastert, the council also presented its Corporate Distinguished Citizen Award to the Andersen Worldwide Center for Professional Education, the fifth area company to receive this tribute.

The dinner raised $210,000 for the council, which serves 33,000 families in Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, Cook, and Will counties.

Governors are luncheon regulars

Meanwhile, in March of this year, the Lincoln Heritage Council of Louisville, Ky., whose service area extends across the Ohio River into Indiana, hosted Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton and Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon. The pair served as co-keynote speakers for the council's 20th consecutive annual Governors' Luncheon. Also on hand was Kentucky Lieutenant Gov. Steve Henry.

The 2001 event was chaired by Dr. John Shumaker, president of the University of Louisville, which actively supports Scouting through a unique scholarship program. "The university gives 10 full scholarships each year to Eagle Scouts—the most of any major institution of higher learning in the country," said council Scout Executive Marc Reynerson.

"The only thing God gives us equally is time," Gov. Patton reminded the luncheon audience in his keynote address. "And the time volunteers give to this worthwhile organization is priceless."

Gov. O'Bannon, a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, emphasized how Scouting strengthens the basic fabric of society. "The values of Scouting are the bedrock values of America," he said. "They make all families who participate stronger."

(In Indianapolis three months earlier, Gov. O'Bannon delivered a similar message to more than 600 attendees at the Crossroads of America Council's fifth annual Governor's Luncheon.

(The December event, chaired by Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, traditionally kicks off that council's annual fundraising campaign.)

The appearance of the two governors at the Louisville annual fund-raising event certainly helps strengthen the programs of the Lincoln Heritage Council, said Eric Tarbox, finance and communications director.

"We raised $175,000 from this year's luncheon," he said. "That will have a big impact on the 41,000 youth we serve."

—B.S.


Program Resources by the Day, Week, and Month

SEPTEMBER

Yes, please. Help kids learn the importance of good manners during Children's Good Manners Month. Information is available on this national program, including monthly manner objectives for kids, by calling Dr. Manners (Fleming Allaire Ph.D.) at (860) 643-0051, or writing to her at 35 Eastfield St., Manchester, CT 06040.

SEPT. 22

Celebrate pachyderms. Elephants are the earth's largest endangered land animals, and these unique and entertaining creatures should be valued, says Wayne Hepburn, creator of Elephant Appreciation Day. Everything from elephant puzzles and quizzes to information on creating elephant cookies, masks, and badges can be printed or downloaded from the related Web site, www.elephanteria.com, or e-mail Hepburn at elefunt@gte.net.

SEPT. 23-29

Learn sign language. During Deaf Awareness Week, a national event, five-minute sign language lessons, signed story hours, and historical exhibits are available to help people have a better understanding of deaf culture. Learn relevant tips for communicating with deaf individuals and more. For a Deaf Awareness Kit ($10 plus shipping), call Donna Morris at the National Association of the Deaf, (301) 587-1788, e-mail sales@nad.org, or see www.nad.org.

—Melanie Radzicki McManus


Army, Navy, and Air Force offer special recognitions for new Eagle Scouts

Scout leaders can nominate new Eagle Scouts for personalized recognition awards from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The U.S. Army Youth Certificate of Recognition, signed by the Army's Chief of Staff, is available for presentation at an Eagle Scout's court of honor. Nominations must be sent to a local U.S. Army recruiting battalion or applied for online at www.goarmy.com/ycr/. (A national directory of recruiting battalions is available on the USAREC map in the BSA Web site.) Note: Applications will no longer be accepted or forwarded by the Department of the Army in Washington, D.C.

Requests for a U.S. Navy Eagle Scout Recognition Certificate should be sent to the Commanding Officer of the local Navy Recruiting District. District locations are available at www.cnrc.navy.mil/CNRC/command.htm or by phoning the nearest Navy recruiter. Requests should include the new Eagle Scout's name (as it will appear on the certificate), date of the award ceremony, mailing address to send the certificate, and information for contacting the troop leader.

Requests for an Eagle Scout congratulatory letter from the U.S. Air Force should be sent to AFRS/PA, Attn: Scout Letters, 550 D. Street West, Suite 1, Randolph AFB, TX 781504527.


Eagle Scout Wins Eastern Orthodox National Scholarship

George N. Boulukos, national chairman of the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting (EOCS), presents a check to Eagle Scout George M. Tsiatis, winner of the eighth annual EOCS national scholarship, as parish priest Father Jim Tonias (left) and Scoutmaster George Vlahakis share the moment. Tsiatis, who attends Harvard University, is a member of Troop 268, chartered to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Flushing, N.Y., and serves as a junior assistant Scoutmaster when home from college. The scholarship program is available to high school seniors of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church who have earned the Eagle Scout Award or Girl Scout Gold Award. For information, contact EOCS Scholarship Chairman, 862 Guy Lombardo Ave., Freeport, NY 11520


NUMBERS

17.8—percent increase in new Tiger Cubs in the Crossroads of America Council in 2000. New Tiger Cubs totaled 3,005, while total registered youth in the Indianapolis, Ind., council for 2000 was 32,715, a 3 percent increase over 1999.

20—percent increase over the previous year represented by the $361,000 in popcorn sales by 92 units in the Three Rivers Council, Beaumont, Tex. The number of Scouts exceeding $1,000 in sales doubled, with 58 boys qualifying for that achievement level.

24—years Scouts from the Cherokee Area Council have placed U.S. flags on veterans' graves during the annual flag ceremony at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. More than 38,000 military veterans and family members from the Revolutionary War through the Persian Gulf War are buried in the cemetery.

40—years Scout troops that are chartered to a Lutheran parish in the Simon Kenton Council, Columbus, Ohio, have attended the annual Ohio Invitational Lutheran Camporee. The 2001 event at the council's Camp Lazarus in May drew 156 campers from 13 troops.

42.5 and -9—range of outdoor temperatures required to qualify for a special winter camping award in the Sam Houston Area Council, Houston, Tex., and the Twin Valley Council, Mankato, Minn., respec tively. Texas Scouts must camp three days and two nights at 42.5 degrees or lower. The Minnesota award (developed by the council OA lodge) has three levels—Icicle: one night at 32 degrees; Blue Foot: two nights and days at 15 degrees (nighttime); and Polar Bear: two nights and days (twice) or three consecutive nights at 9 degrees below zero (nighttime).

47—years Scouts have attended the annual U.S. Grant Pilgrimage in Galena, Ill. Co-sponsored by the Blackhawk Area Council, Rockford, Ill., and the Galena Chamber of Commerce, the April weekend features a parade, patrol competitions, historical trail hike, museum visits, an essay contest, and craft demonstrations and workshops. For information, see www.usgrantpilgrimage.com.

49—Cub Scouts in Pack 3831 whose popcorn sales of more than $20,000 broke the Ventura County (Calif.) Council's unit record. The pack used the council's Ideal Year of Scouting format to set a unit budget and launched the campaign with a "Got Pop!" motivational kickoff at their September meeting. Cub Scouts averaged $420 for their sales effort, which included a two-hour "show-n-sell" at a storefront. The pack received a commission of $9,028, about $180 for each boy selling.

50—years of stamp collecting enthusiasm by the Scouts on Stamps Society International Inc. More than 7,200 collectors of stamps and other philatelic material related to Scouting have joined SOSSI since the group was founded in 1951 by the late Harry D. Thorsen, Jr. Six original charter members were still on the SOSSI roster at the start of this year. (For more information on joining, see www.sossi.org or write Kenneth A. Shuker, 22 Cedar Lane, Cornwall, NY 12518.)

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Copyright © 2001 by the Boy Scouts of America. All rights thereunder reserved; anything appearing in Scouting magazine or on its Web site may not be reprinted either wholly or in part without written permission. Because of freedom given authors, opinions may not reflect official concurrence.


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