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 #. ***
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*** 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) JANUARY ROUNDTABLE: This monthly meeting will be Thursday January 3 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 January 3rd Boy Scout Roundtable will have two main topics - Troop Websites and Scouting on the Internet, and the Hornaday Conservation Award - what it is and how to use it in your troop’s program.
2) RECHARTER ADVICE: The BSA deadline for recharters is the 15th of the month in which the charter expires (e.g. January 15th for January 31 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? Jan 25-26, hiking, nature, service project; 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 2007-2008 Troop program?
4) FRIENDS OF SCOUTING FAMILY CAMPAIGN 2008: Every Troop will be hosting a brief 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 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. Campaign materials will be distributed to your own Unit Coordinator on January 13. For more information email claudia.hackbarth@shell.com
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy
5) DISTRICT AWARD OF MERIT: The Golden Arrow District can give 5-6 of these distinguished service awards each year. Nominations are due by January 3; read about it and download a form at www.goldenarrow.org/news/district-merit-2008.html Candidates for this award must be nominated by others (self-nomination disqualifies the candidate).
6) UNIT SERVICE AWARDS: Every Unit should recognize its own valuable volunteers, and this program allows you to honor up to one adult for each five registered adult leaders. Read about it here- submission deadline is January 3 Roundtable: http://www.goldenarrow.org/news/GAD-adult-recognition-pgm.html
7) ANNUAL DISTRICT DINNER: The awards described above will be presented at the annual District Dinner on Thursday February 21. Watch this space for details and for the form to purchase tickets for yourself and your honorees: http://www.goldenarrow.org/events/dinner.html
8) SCOUT SUNDAY AND SCOUT SHABBAT: At least once a year, Scout units are urged to participate in the religious service of their chartering organization: attend en masse in uniform, do a flag ceremony, speak about Scouting, pass out your earned religious awards, and/or formally thank them for their support throughout the year. Why not also have a recruiting information table in the foyer or hospitality area for afterwards? This year Scout Sunday is February 3; information on Scout Shabbat is forthcoming. Note that Boy Scouts is non-sectarian and awards can be earned for nearly any organized religion - "a Boy Scout is reverent". http://www.scouting.org/awards/religious/awards/index.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) 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 (35% if ordered and paid by December 15). Thus, a $700 full page black and white ad would return at least $175 to your unit or Scout. 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!
11a) SCOUT FAIR TICKET DISTRIBUTION: The informational kick-off and ticket distribution to your Pack Ticket Chair is scheduled for mid-February, details <TBA>. If you haven't already, please email the name and contact information for your SF Ticket Chairman to jeff.hutchinson@shac.org Remember, the quicker you distribute your tickets and collect back sales proceeds, the more prize stamps and raffle chances your boys earn!
11b) SCOUT FAIR BOOTH SIGN UP: It is not too early to decide what game, skill, or craft your Troop will sponsor at the Scout Fair. Hosting a booth is a good experience for your boys, plus it significantly increases your commission on Scout Fair ticket sales proceeds. Click here to register online: https://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Forms/ScoutFair2008OnlineUni/
12) CHANGED RANK REQUIREMENTS: As of January 1, some early rank requirements have changed. Click here to read: https://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/AboutBSA/AdvancementProgram/AdvancementChangesin20/
13) CONGRATULATIONS: Hooray for us, we earned the "Quality District" award! Attend the "Key Leaders Conference" (see below) to help us accept the award.
********** ADULT TRAINING ********
14) KEY LEADERS CONFERENCE: If you hold a volunteer position at the District level, or would like to, you are invited to this lunch-included event at the Scout Office, TC Jester at the 610 Loop. The Key Leaders Conference on Saturday January 26 starts at 8 a.m. and provides training for: Your District Chairman, District Commissioner, Vice-Chairman of Program, Vice-Chairman of Administration, Membership Chair, Training Chair, Camping Chair, Advancement Chair, Activities Chair, Public Relations Chair, Cub Day Camp Chair, Health & Safety Chair, Exploring Chair, Venturing Chair, Roundtable Commissioners, OA Chapter Advisors, & Cub Scout Outdoor Program Chairs. RSVP online and pay $10 (covers lunch): website <TBA>
15) UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING: This year's University of Scouting will be held on Saturday February 2 at MacArthur High School. Choose 5 courses from 100+ offered, to fill your schedule; pre-register before January 25 to receive a discount and have the highest chance of getting all your first-choice selections. Historically, the classes are really top-quality and people are very happy they took time to attend- http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Training/UniversityofScouting6/
16) 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/
17) 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/
18) 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.
19) 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/
20) ONLINE WATER SAFETY TRAINING: Click here to take Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat: http://olc.scouting.org/
21) 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
22) 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 event in our District starts January 22 at location St John the Divine, corner of Westheimer and River Oaks Blvd. 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)
23) 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.
24) 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 location <TBA>. See www.goldenarrow.org/training/adult-troop.html for details.
25) 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.
26) VENTURE LEADER SPECIFIC TRAINING: Adults who wish to be Associate Advisers or Advisors should sign up for Venturing Leader Specific Training. The next opportunity for this in Golden Arrow is scheduled for 9 am, Saturday, January 12, 2008 in the Drummet Building behind West University United Methodist Church (3611 University Blvd; inside Loop 610 between Weslayan and Buffalo Speedway). A minimum of 5 folks pre-registered by January 4, 2007 is needed for the training to take place. All adults who are involved with a Venturing crew, or who are interested in Venturing, should take this training.
Requested donation for the training is $7 (due at the training), which covers training materials and lunch. For those trainees who have not taken the New Leader Essentials training, an NLE will be offered immediately before the VLST (i.e., at 7:30 am). NLE is required along with VLST for one to be considered a trained Venturing adult.
To complete your registration please arrive at least 15 minutes before the training (7:15 am or 8:45 am) that you will be taking. To pre-register or for more information please contact Kelia Ballou (713-661-1309 or keliascout@ballou.cx).
27) 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)28) CANOE TRAINING: Prepare for adventure safely by training all your adult volunteers with these classes: http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Camping/Activities/CanoeProgram/
29) BASIC ARCHERY INSTRUCTOR: Get certified as a Basic Archery Instructor - National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) (similar to Level I training - National Archery Assoc.) on Thursday, January 17, 2007 8 AM to 5 PM at 2701 Kingwood Dr, Kingwood, TX 77339. Wear comfortable clothing, tennis shoes (no hard-sole shoes allowed in gym). All equipment is supplied. Do RSVP as space is limited: Joe Lemmons, Agriculture Science and Technology, Kingwood High School, 281-641-7059 map <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=2701+Kingwood+Dr,+Kingwood,+TX+77339&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=62.186014,105.820313&ie=UTF8&ll=30.04729,-95.208592&spn=0.008451,0.012918&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1&pw=2>
************ EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES **********
30) BECHTEL ENGINEERING DAY: This high-quality merit badge fair will be held on Saturday February 23 at the Bechtel Engineering offices, in the Galleria area. Sign up for one or two (max) badges by following exact email registration requirements, on Thursday January 3. Click here: <http://www.bechtelengineeringday.org/default.htm> Free advice: These classes are academically challenging and the requirements are taken very seriously. Only boys with high interest and motivation to complete and send in the required pre-work IN ADVANCE should bother to sign up in the first place.
31) FIRST AID MEET: Our Golden Arrow District First Aid Meet will be bigger and better than ever! On Saturday January 19, teams will compete in real-life scenarios to show what they can do, and sharpen their skills for real emergencies of the future. The location is St. Thomas Episcopal School, 4900 Jackwood near Meyerland Plaza Shopping Center. Click here: <http://www.goldenarrow.org/events/firstaid-meet-2008.html> Registration closes January 5, and the top two finishers will advance to the SHAC First Aid Meet, in February. For more information, contact David Barnes Work (713) 470-4115; Home (713) 432-0487 Fax (713) 470-4116; e-mail dbarnes@alliantinsurance.com
32) O-MEET: The Ninth Annual Scout Orienteering Challenge is going to take place at Bastrop State Park on Saturday, January 19, 2008. Over 1,000 competitors aged 9 through adults are expected to attend from Austin, San Antonio, Houston, McAllen and throughout central Texas. For information about the Scout Orienteering Challenge, contact Steve or Carolyn Nelson at snelson33@austin.rr.com or 512-303-1812. The registration form can be downloaded from Troop 1998’s website www.troop1998.com or Pioneer District’s website at www.agmsystem.com/pd.html . There have been a few changes to the meet so check out the registration form for more information.
33) 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
34) DISTRICT CAMPOREE: The annual District Camporee will be March 7-9, watch this space for news: http://www.goldenarrow.org/events/camporee2008.html
35) 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 **********
36) ONLINE LEARNING: "MyScouting" is now available from the main toolbar of the National web site as a portal for members to access E-Learning, Internet Recharter, and Internet Advancement. Coming soon.... ability to apply for tour permits online. You must set up a new account, even if you already have one for the Online Learning Center. http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=ms
37) SCOUTING SAFELY: New link for finding resources on BSA safety issues
http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=promoi&c=http://www.scouting.org/healthandsafety/index.html********** IN CLOSING **********
38) 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 7729239) Thanks to our dedicated webmaster James Cauble, the Golden Arrow District website has a wealth of information: www.goldenarrow.org
Happy New Year,
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."