Dear Scoutmasters and Troop Committee Chairs:
This is your monthly e-bulletin to all top Scout leaders in the Golden Arrow District. Please delete or edit items not relevant to your Troop, then forward to all your volunteers.
*** To add a new recipient, please send me full contact information, volunteer position, and Troop #. ***
*** To delete yourself, tell me your Troop # too because that is how I have you filed ***
*** Please check that we have your Troop leadership info correctly listed at http://www.goldenarrow.org/troops.html ****** Please pick up your Troop mail each month at Roundtable ***
********** ROUNDTABLE, DISTRICT, AND COUNCIL MESSAGES **********
1) FEBRUARY ROUNDTABLE: This monthly meeting will be Thursday February 7 at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Roundtable is the "continuing education" vehicle for Scout leaders and a place to learn new materials, receive mentoring, and get event information for the benefit of your Troop. Roundtable is held every month EXCEPT JULY in the basement level of the St. John the Divine Parish Life Center, 2450 River Oaks Blvd. at Westheimer. All leaders are warmly invited. Your Troop mailbox is available in the foyer and contains hard copies of important information. What is Roundtable, and why should you attend? Click here: http://www.goldenarrow.org/training/roundtable-bs.html
The February Roundtable topic will be "Favorite (non-obvious) places we camp or hike", and the information is coming from you! You are invited to share your experiences, hopefully with places more obscure than Enchanted Rock ;-) Please take a moment to open the attached response form and add your contribution, SAVE the file, and then email back to Roundtable Commissioner Jim Russell jgrusse@earthlink.net. Each unit will be asked to verbally share its favorites at the February 7 Roundtable, and completed surveys will be posted on the www.goldenarrow.org website.
<<GAD Roundtable Survey - Favorite Places to Camp and Hike.doc>>
2) RECHARTER ADVICE: The BSA deadline for recharters is the 15th of the month in which the charter expires (e.g. February 15th for February expirations). While a recharter will not be considered late until the close of the last business day before expiration, delaying until the last minute will not leave time to correct any errors found by Council registration personnel.
The District staff will accept recharters at Roundtable in each month that we have charters expiring, and will help find errors before it is turned in to the Council. For more information or to request assistance with recharter, contact Farrell Gerbode fgerbode@swbell.net (713) 661-2790 or your Unit Commissioner.If you become the Committee Chair or Scoutmaster, you MUST turn in a properly filled out and signed NEW adult leader application to the Scout Office. Until this happens, the old volunteer remains as the leader of record. No form = no official change.
3) URBAN SCOUTING: About twice a month, the Urban Scouting program transports city youth who participate in school-based programs up to Camp Strake for New Scout orientation, advancement activities, and a general exposure to the outdoors. Each time, a group of more senior Scouts and associated adults from a traditional Unit are needed to teach those skills. The "Service Troop" arrives Friday night (or early Saturday morning), teaches during the day, and heads home by dinner. You are responsible primarily for the program - the logistics are already handled. These dates are on the calendar, can you take one? Feb 8-9 and 15-16, orienteering; March 14-15 and 28-29, tools and lashing, monkey bridge; April 4-5 and 18-19, riflery, archery, field sports. Email David Grizzle for more information at dgrizz@coair.com Can you build one of these into your Troop program?
4) FRIENDS OF SCOUTING FAMILY CAMPAIGN: Guess what! In 2007, our Golden Arrow District was the first ever to top $200,000 in pledges (Family and District components together). Wow!
Every Troop will be hosting a brief 2008 Friends of Scouting (FOS) presentation during a meeting when you expect a high number of parents to be present, for example at a Court of Honor, parent planning meeting, or other high-attendance event. This is the kick-off of a six-week internal campaign whose goal is 100% participation by every family, in a donation amount that is personally reasonable for them. For your information, the Council budget is $135/Scout, and that is the amount we seek to raise on average. For more information email claudia.hackbarth@shell.com
5) SCOUT FAIR TICKET DISTRIBUTION: The informational kick-off and ticket distribution to your Troop Ticket Chair is scheduled for February 13, 7 p.m. at St. Paul Presbyterian, Bellaire Blvd just inside US59 at Sharpstown. If you haven't already, please email the name and contact information for your SF Ticket Chairman to phyllismr@aol.com or 281-501-9945
Remember, the quicker you distribute your tickets and collect back sales proceeds, the more prize stamps and raffle chances your boys earn! The $10 family ticket includes over $250 of very usable coupons plus a raffle ticket for a new Chevy Malibu.
6) SCOUT FAIR BOOTH SIGN UP: Hosting a booth with a game, craft, skill, or demonstration is a good experience for your youth, plus it significantly increases your commission on Scout Fair ticket sales proceeds. Click here to register online: https://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Forms/ScoutFair2008OnlineUni/
7) SCOUT FAIR AD SALES: Purchasing an ad for the 2008 Scout Fair yearbook is a great and easy way to earn money for your unit. Many businesses want to participate in this opportunity since the yearbook honors SHAC's newest Eagle Scouts is viewed and collected by the 70,000 Scout Fair attendees. At least 25% of ad sales is returned to your unit, thus a $700 full page black and white ad would return at least $175 to you. And it's easy to participate - simply download the form seen at this link and return it at Roundtable or drop it off at the Scout Shop. The link is
<https://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Forms/ScoutFairAdSalesContra/Scout%20Fair%20Ad%20Sales%20Contract%202008.PDF>. The form will show how to submit your own artwork or the staff at SHAC will do it for you!
8) ANNUAL DISTRICT DINNER: Come celebrate our success as a 2007 Centennial Quality District and yourselves as Quality Units, plus the distribution of Unit and District Service awards. Our District Dinner will be Thursday February 21 at Houston Baptist University. The cost is 12.00 per person before February 18th and 20.00 per person after February 18th. All reservations go to Shannon Harlan at Shannon.Harlan@shac.org or 713-756-3338
http://www.goldenarrow.org/events/dinner.html
9) WOOD BADGE RECOGNITION DINNER: This annual city-wide event for Wood Badge alumni/alumnae is held in honor of Baden-Powell's birthday. This year's event is February 25 and costs $15 for dinner. Details and registration information: https://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Training/WoodBadgeDinner/
10) SPRING RALLIES: Every Troop is encouraged to hold a spring recruiting event. This should allow your new Scouts to attend Scout Fair and summer camp with you, potentially great enticements. Go for it!
11) NEW RANK REQUIREMENTS: These changes will be published in the 2008 Boy Scout Requirements book and the 11th edition of The Boy Scout Handbook:
Tenderfoot Rank: Revised requirement 9: Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Describe what a bully is and how you should respond to one.
Second Class Rank New requirement 8b: Explain the three R's of personal safety and protection.
First Class Rank New requirement 12: Describe the three things you should avoid doing related to use of the Internet. Describe a cyber-bully and how you should respond to one.12) REVISED MERIT BADGE REQUIREMENTS AND NEW INTRO: The Boy Scout National website <http://www.scouting.org/boyscouts/resources/32215/mb/index.html> now includes an Introduction to Merit Badges. The page is a good primer for young boys on how to earn Merit Badges and a good reminder to older boys. The page also includes a Merit Badge Primer movie (MOV format) and an Introductory Guide to Merit Badge Counselors. Finally, the page includes a link to all merit badges. It's one stop shopping for boys to figure out how to earn MBs and then figure out the ones they want to earn.
Revisions:
Backpacking <http://usscouts.org/advance/changes/>
Metalwork <http://usscouts.org/advance/changes/>
Sculpture <http://usscouts.org/advance/changes/>
Water Sports (REPLACES Water-skiing) <http://usscouts.org/advance/changes/>
Wilderness Survival <http://usscouts.org/advance/changes/>13) EAGLE APPLICATION CHANGE: Effective May 1, requirement #5 has changed. After this date be sure you are using the updated form. Contact for questions: geno.aguilar@shac.org
14) SUMMER CAMP STAFF JOBS: The 2008 Sam Houston Area Council Camp Directors are looking for the best possible staffers to provide instructional, administrative and service support in our camps for the "Camp Customers." Camp Staff interviews take place at the Cockrell Scout Center in February and March. Applications are in "Forms" section of the council website. Please call Camping Services at 713-756-3303 to set up interview. For additional information about working at summer camp, you can contact Camp Directors: Shane Burks, CRC @713-756-3391; Brett Lee, HB @713-756-3376 and Steve Stolzer, Hamman Scout Camp @713-756-3323.
Also: Camp Hamman has high-adventure jobs for youth ages 18 and up, earning $225+/week. Contact Steve Stolzer at
hamman@hctc.net15) CENTENNIAL QUALITY AWARD 2008: Each Unit is asked to log into this site and fill out their goals for the coming year. (Typically the Committee Chair would do this.) If you can keep it up for four years total, you will achieve Centennial Quality Unit status for the 100th anniversary of Scouting, which will be an extremely Big Deal. Please give it a whirl by February 15: https://www.samhoustonbsa.org/HOME/FORMS/CENTENNIALQUALITYACHIE2/
16) UNIT FINANCIAL HELP: An updated page of money-earning FAQs and links to helpful forms is posted on the SHAC website. Click here: http://samhoustonbsa.org/Home/DistrictSites/UnitResources/FAQ1/
********** ADULT TRAINING ********
17) EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING AWARD: In our drive towards 100% trained leaders, a ribbon streamer will be awarded once during the calendar year to units achieving the goal of 75% direct contact leaders trained in their registered position. At the 100% level, you will further be awarded a plaque. Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters are considered trained when they have completed Fast Start Training, New Leader Essentials, Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills. Troop committee members are considered trained when they have completed Fast Start Training, New Leader Essentials, and the Troop Committee Challenge as their Leader Specific training. Read about it and download an application: http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Training/ExcellenceinTrainingAw/
18) BRAND NEW LEADERS: Our goal is 100% trained leaders. This consists of a "Fast Start" online training, then online Youth Protection Training. Access both by clicking http://olc.scouting.org/ The computer being used should be hooked up to a printer so that a certificate of completion can be printed. New users will be asked to set up a user name and password, and you need your membership ID number from your annual membership card. Lost the card? The ID may also be obtained from the troop roster available via Internet by your authorized Advancement person.Then take live training "New Leader Essentials" and "Scoutmaster Specific Parts 1, 2, 3 " lectures. Finally, outdoor skills are taught at "IOLS ". See below for the specific date opportunities for each, and visit this webpage for an overview: www.goldenarrow.org/training/adult-troop.html
To read the Grand Unified List of Scout Training, click here: http://www.goldenarrow.org/training/training-overview.html
Other Districts also offer these trainings; a list around the Council is available on the SHAC website at http://shac.org/Home/Training/TrainingSchedule/
19) HOW DO I GET MY PERSONAL ID NUMBER? When registering for online training classes, if you put in your leader ID#, the system should automatically record your achievement. This number is found on the annual ID cards you are issued at recharter time. (Hint: The Committee Chair should photocopy the sheet of cards before tearing them apart and distributing them, then you have a back-up paper record.) However your Advancement Chair can look up your Unit's list of personal ID numbers anytime, if your Unit is registered for Internet Advancement.
20) TROOP COMMITTEE CHALLENGE ONLINE: Troop Committee Challenge (Leader Specific Training for troop committee members) may now be completed online via the BSA Online Learning Center. Completion of the course will take about a half-hour. Click here to start: http://olc.scouting.org/
21) ONLINE WATER SAFETY TRAINING: Click here to take Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat: http://olc.scouting.org/
22) NEW LEADER ESSENTIALS: This first module, which is for all volunteers in any role, will next be offered on Saturday May 3, during the first two hours of Cub leader training starting at 8 a.m. The location is on the campus of Houston Baptist University, 7502 Fondren immediately south of US 59, in Atwood II room 214. Contact Mary Farley 281-649-3349 or mfarley@hbu.edu Click here: http://www.goldenarrow.org/training/adult-pack.html
23) SCOUTMASTER SPECIFIC MODULES 1, 2, 3: Adults who wish to be Assistant Scoutmasters or Scoutmasters should take Scoutmaster Specific training, modules I, II, and III . The next scheduled series in our District starts March 1 at location Bellaire Methodist Church, Scout House. There is no charge and no pre-registration requirement, but an email to the instructor would be appreciated to ensure sufficient materials. For information, email or call Fritz Maxwell: fritz.maxwell@sbcglobal.net and 281-238-4438 (H) http://www.goldenarrow.org/training/adult-troop.html
24) IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills): IOLS is the hands-on module leading to full training in the Boy Scout Leader sequence. Learn what you need to successfully teach your boys their various rank advancements, and practice the Patrol Method yourself. This class consists of a weeknight orientation followed by a weekend campout. No advance registration is required and cost is usually about $35 including food costs. www.goldenarrow.org/training/outdoorskills.html For questions, email or call Fritz Maxwell: fritzmaxwell@msn.com and 281-238-4438 (H) The next upcoming dates are an orientation on April 2 2008 at location St. Paul Presbyterian, 7200 Bellaire Blvd just inside US 59. The weekend campout will be on April 12-13.
25) MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR: A simple evening class will equip you to be successful as a Merit Badge Counselor. This covers the official paperwork, philosophy, tips and tricks, and registration requirements of BSA, but not the specific requirements of any given badge. Please send anyone and everyone who might volunteer later at one of our District Merit Badge Fairs! The next upcoming class is April 15 at 7:30 p.m., at St. Paul Presbyterian, Bellaire Blvd just inside US59 at Sharpstown.. See www.goldenarrow.org/training/adult-troop.html for details.
26) POWDER HORN: This activity training for Scout and Venturing leaders is like "day camp for big people" where you get to sample a bit of many exciting physical sports and challenges. The next SHAC Powder Horn planned will be in autumn 2008. More information will follow when it is known. The location is usually Camp Strake, just outside of Conroe Texas.
27) VENTURE LEADER SPECIFIC TRAINING: Adults who wish to be Associate Advisers or Advisors should sign up for Venturing Leader Specific Training. The next opportunity in the Golden Arrow District is not yet scheduled. All adults who are involved with a Venturing crew, or who are interested in Venturing, should take this training. For more information please contact Kelia Ballou (713-661-1309 or keliascout@ballou.cx).
28) WOOD BADGE: Wood Badge is a mentally-intense 6-day leadership course designed for all adult Scouters. It is hoped that every Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leader, as well as Council and District leaders and professionals, will take it to help you focus on your responsibilities, identify a goal, help you work toward that goal -- and give you the personal tools to reach it. For more information and applications go to: http://www.shac.org/Home/Training/WoodBadge/
SR-919 February 21-23 & March 27-29, 2008 (begins Thursday at 7:30 AM, end Saturday at 5:00 PM)
SR-920 April 4-6 & April 25-27, 2008 (begins Friday at 7:30 AM, ends Sunday at 5:00 PM)
SR-921 September 26-28 & October 10-12, 2008 (begins Friday at 7:30 AM, ends Sunday at 5:00 PM)
SR-922 October 9-11 & November 13-15, 2008 (begins Thursday at 7:30 AM, ends Saturday at 5:00 PM)29) CANOE TRAINING: Prepare for adventure safely by training all your adult volunteers with these classes: http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Camping/Activities/CanoeProgram/
************ EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES **********
30) TEN COMMANDMENTS HIKE: On Saturday February 9 rain or shine, you are invited to follow one of three different, five-mile hikes to view a variety of church, synagogue, and other religious sites with a brief architectural and religious lecture at each stop. The purpose is to support the Scout Law element "A Scout is Reverent", and promote inter-faith understanding. This walk is appropriate for entire families, Cub, Boy, and Girl Scouts, Sunday School classes, youth groups, etc. etc. However, participants must be physically able to navigate good and not-so-good sidewalks, roadways, gravel paths, grassy stretches, etc. at a moderate pace. For the Museum District hike, gather at First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, 1601 Sunset Blvd., across from Rice University. Check-in begins at 8:15a with coffee, juice, and donuts. Sign-up forms and details: http://www.goldenarrow.org/events/ten-commandments-hike.html
31) COIN MERIT BADGE: A coin Merit Badge workshop will be held at the “Texas Numismatic Association Winter Coin & Currency Show” on February 9 at @ 2:00 pm. The coin show and the workshop will be held at the Marriott Hotel, 9100 I-45 South near Hobby Airport. There are (2) BSA Merit Badge Counselors who will be teaching the class, both of whom are registered through the Rising Star District. The show will also feature (2) Youth Auctions, with the Merit Badge session following the Saturday auction. Additional information about the show can be found at www.TNA.org
32) AGGIE EAGLE WEEKEND: The next recruiting/ tour weekend for Eagle Scouts in their Junior or Senior years in high school is February 22-23, 2008 at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Click here: http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/AboutBSA/AdvancementProgram/AggieEagleProgram/
33) DISTRICT CAMPOREE: Sign up now for the fabulous District Camporee, March 7-9 at the Webb Ranch, near Chappell Hill, TX. The cost is 9.00 per person, if registration is received at Scout Office by Feb 29 or 15.00 per person, if registration is received at Scout Office after Feb 29. http://www.goldenarrow.org/events/camporee2008.html
34) MARSH MADNESS: Have a learning fun day Saturday, March 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, near Port Arthur. This free event showcases natural resources of southeast Texas with hands-on activities and demonstrations, including the live Birds of Prey program by Last Chance Forever. Other activities include bird banding, seining in the Gulf, crabbing, additional live animals, and more! For more info, contact Michele Whitbeck @ 409-252-4311 ext. 27 See: http://www.fws.gov/Refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=21525
35) TRASH BASH CLEANUP: On Saturday March 29, earn service hours with participation in this annual event. See http://www.trashbash.org/
36) SCOUT FAIR: This family fun fest is Saturday April 19 at Reliant Arena, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Games, puzzles, skills, crafts, and demonstrations, with one $10 ticket giving entrance to the whole family. See: https://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Events/ScoutFair/
37) INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING OPPORTUNITIES:
Germany - Bavarian Jamboree 2008 - August 1-10, 2008 - Take a troop, patrol or crew (coed allowed) for a Jamboree near Schwangau, Germany (It will be in a valley below the famous castle of Neuschwanstein - Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland) - Age limit 11+, 800 German Scouts and Guides from Bavaria and the rest of the world. Participation Fee - $200.00 (includes meals, program) flight to Munich, Germany >$1,000.00…. Total Cost - $1500.00.š www.spuren2008.de If you would like more information contact Dan Ownby at 713-256-3019Iraq Help Scouting get back on track in Iraq. Click here to read a very interesting news brief about recent Scouting activities that are a glimmer of hope in the region: http://www.spiritofamerica.net/cgi-bin/soa/project.pl?rm=view_project&request_id=119
********** COOL WEBSITES **********
38) ScoutingTexas.com provides an interactive map view of conservation related activities and projects for the entire state of Texas. Go to www.ScoutingTexas.com. ConservationBSA.com has an extensive list of material related to conservation service and program opportunities. Go to www.ConservationBSA.com.
********** IN CLOSING **********
39) You can contact your Golden Arrow District staff by email:
Jeff Hutchinson, District Director jeff.hutchinson@shac.org or 713-756-3337
Shannon Harlan, District Executive shannon.harlan@shac.org or 713-756-3338
The mailing address for the Scout Office is P.O. Box 924528, zip 7729240) Thanks to our dedicated webmaster James Cauble, the Golden Arrow District website has a wealth of information: www.goldenarrow.org
Don't forget February 14 because if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy,
Claudia Hackbarth - Golden Arrow District Troop e-bulletin Editor - SR-446
"The information presented here is not an official document of the Boy Scouts of America, but is solely my volunteer work and responsibility."