October 2001

Edited by Scott Daniels

Correction

In the March-April 2001 Scouting magazine Family Talk column, "Being a Father Who Makes a Difference," by Victor Parachin, a quotation on page 13 was incorrectly attributed to Jonathan P. Decker, author of Great Dads: A Celebration of Fatherhood. The quote, which begins, "My main object in life is to make sure I do the best possible job raising Tommy, now age 10," should have been attributed to Benjamin J. Stein, author of a sidebar which accompanied an article by Mr. Decker in the June 1998 issue of Reader's Digest. In addition, Mr. Decker's Reader's Digest article and book should have been cited as the source of the quotes by professional basketball player Rebecca Lobo that also appeared in the March-April Family Talk column. Scouting magazine regrets the error and omission.

Program resources by the day, week, and month

OCTOBER

Investigate your roots. Celebrate your family background during Family History Month by learning family stories, customs, and traditions. For a flier with ideas on everything from creating family journals and cooking family dishes to starting family newsletters, write to Nancy Heydt, Monmouth County Genealogy Society, P.O. Box 5, Lincroft, NJ 07738-0005, or e-mail her at nheydt@monmouth.com.

OCTOBER

Salute your computer. Try new technology products, or new ways of using technology, during Computer Learning Month. The Computer Learning Foundation hosts competitions and sweepstakes to encourage people to explore new ways of using technology and to share their knowledge with others. Kits for promoting and sponsoring community events are available from the Computer Learning Foundation at (408) 720-8898, or see www.computerlearning.org.

OCT. 8-12

What bugs you? During National Pet Peeve Week, share your biggest gripes so everyone can learn about behaviors or habits that annoy other people—and then work on changing them. For information on ways to celebrate the week, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Ad-America, Pine Tree Center Industrial Park, 2215 29th St. SE, Suite B-7, Grand Rapids, MI 49508, or call (616) 247-3797.

—Melanie Radzicki McManus

Jamboree-on-the-Air for 2001

The 44th annualJamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA), sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement, will take place Oct. 20-21.

Thousands of amateur radio stations and nearly a half million Scouts and Guides will participate around the world. If the conditions are right, it is common for Scouts to contact as many as 100 Scouting countries during the weekend.

Many BSA districts and councils hold events that coincide with JOTA, in which amateur radio operators set up stations, giving Scouts and leaders a chance to exchange greetings with Scouts from other areas.

JOTA frequencies are SSB (phone) 3.940, 7.290, 14.290, 18.140, 21.360, 24.960, and 28.390 MHz. CW (Morse code) frequencies are 3.590, 7.030, 14.070, 18.080, 21.140, 24.910, and 28.190 MHz.

Free postcard-size certificates are available from Jamboree-on-the-Air Certificate Cards, S221, 1325 W. Walnut Hill Ln., P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope large enough to hold the number of cards ordered. All orders must be received by Jan. 31 2002.

Also available from the same address are JOTA patches at $3.25 each, postpaid. Send check or money order, payable to Boy Scouts of America.

BSA debuts new corporate logo, theme

The release of the BSA's new 2002-2005 Strategic Plan at the national annual meeting in Boston in May included the introduction of a new corporate logo and theme: On My Honor, Timeless Values.

The new theme and logo replace the "Strong Values, Strong Leaders" logo and theme, which were introduced in 1998.

Coupon saves money on Cub Scout shirt-pants combination

From now until Nov. 30, 2001, the BSA Sup- ply Division is offering the blue Cub Scout uniform shirt and trousers or shorts at a package discount price of $38.

The package price represents a savings of up to $19.65 off the regular retail price. It includes a pair of blue Cub Scout uniform trousers or shorts and blue uniform shirt. Accessories such as hat, belt, socks, and insignia are not included.

Customers should present the special discount coupon that can be downloaded from the BSA Supply Division Web site: www.scoutstuff.org.

Wisconsin Scouter is recognized for service to youth with disabilities

Debra Delie, of Marshfield, Wis., is the 2001 recipient of the Woods Services Award. Presented by the BSA and the Woods Services and Residential Treatment Center,Langhorne, Pa., the award recognizes exceptional service and leadership to Scouts with disabilities.

A special education teacher, Delie has positively affected the lives of hundreds of youth with disabilities. Recognizing that youth were not able to participate in most Scout unit situations, she was instrumental in starting the first Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, Venturing crew, and Explorer post for youth with disabilities in the Marshfield area. Eleven of her Boy Scouts have attained the Eagle rank.

Her many years of service have also included providing a long-term summer camp program for Boy Scouts, serving as disabilities adviser for the council advancement and properties committees, and serving as assistant district commissioner, guiding unit leaders who have Scouts with disabilities.

Delie was nominated by the Samoset Council, which noted that she has made her exceptional contribution despite having been diagnosed with a degenerative bone disease. She currently serves as a Venturing crew Advisor and disability awareness camp director, and in July she took 12 Boy Scouts with disabilities to the national Scout jamboree.

American Legion names Eagle Scout of the Year

Michael Beckel (Photograph courtesy of the American Lefion)

Michael Beckel, 18, of Troop 15, Cold Spring, Minn., is the 2001 American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year. The award includes a $10,000 college scholarship, presented during the American Legion's board of directors meeting in May.

The award recognizes Michael's citizenship at school, in Scouting, and in his church, St. Boniface Catholic Church. He is an honors student and plans to study geology at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The American Legion has supported Scouting since its first national convention in 1919. Legion posts are chartered organizations for more than 2,500 Scouting units, serving more than 75,000 young people.

A cover story, "The Fight for Moral Rights" in the July 2001 issue of The American Legion Magazine, urged continued support of Scouting by Legion members and posts. "Defending the Scouts against unwarranted attacks, and insuring that they have continued financial and moral support," the article noted, "will not only preserve an invaluable character-building organization, but it will help preserve the constitutional rights and traditional values of all Americans."

National study shows why Scout summer camp is a quality experience

A comprehensive study conducted for the BSA by Harris Interactive shows that a week of Boy Scout summer camp is more than just six days of good, clean fun. In fact, a summer camp environment provides Scouts with significant opportunities for growth in six critical areas necessary for healthy youth development.

The study covered 106 camps across the country, analyzing input from 10,034 on-site daily journals completed by Boy Scouts and post-camp surveys of 4,491 volunteer camp leaders and 5,299 parents of Scouts who attended camp.

The camper journals specifically reveal how Scout camp addresses all six key elements for healthy youth development:

• Strong personal values and character. At camp, boys are encouraged to take a part in decisions that affect others, contemplate their relationship with God, reflect on personal values, and participate in patriotic activities.
• A positive sense of self-worth and usefulness. Boys help by cleaning up campsites and after meals and by serving food. A majority received praise and compliments from others, and 78 percent reported that they "accomplished something worthwhile" during camp.
• Caring and nurturing relationships with adults and peers. Most Scouts reported making a new friend or becoming better friends with someone at camp. Many also talked with an adult leader to seek advice.
• Learning. Camp is a fun and challenging outdoor classroom where 86 percent of boys tried something they had never tried before; 71 percent said they tested their mental/thinking abilities.
• Productive and creative use of time. Nearly 90 percent of boys said they worked with others on a task or badge, and 83 percent reported completing a merit badge at camp.
• Social adeptness. Team-building activities and situations resulted in 73 percent of campers collaborating with other youth on accomplishments, 64 percent participating in group decision making and activities, and 53 percent helping to resolve interpersonal conflicts.

Leaders and parents

The study found that adult leaders also grow and learn while at camp. Most felt they "played a role in helping young people succeed/grow" (96 percent), and 82 percent said they increased their understanding of today's youth while at camp. Most of them also reported building friendships with and learning from other adults, feeling close to nature, reducing stress, and having fun.

Parents reported that camp resulted in a positive change in their sons (81 percent), noting growth in self-esteem and skills learned, and increased levels of personal responsibility. And 96 percent said they would recommend to other parents that their sons attend Scout summer camp.

More details on the study's findings are available at local council service centers.

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Gateway stores provide counselors for Computers merit badge

Gateway Inc., through its Gateway Country retail outlets, is providing counselors for the Computers merit badge. Gateway employees have become registered merit badge counselors in local councils. Scouts will be able to attend a merit badge class at one of the 300 Gateway Country stores nationwide. Gateway trainers will offer this instruction at no charge and certify completion of the merit badge when a Scout has passed the requirements.

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Sea Base hosts Cub Scouting conferences

Four Cub Scouting conferences for district and council leaders will be offered Feb. 15-19, 2002, at the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base. The base is located on Lower Matacumbe Key, near Islamorada, Fla., midway between Miami and Key West. Participants arrive before supper on Friday and leave after breakfast on Tuesday (Monday is Presidents' Day, a national holiday).

The conferences are titled "Cub Scout Camping," "Marketing Cub Scouting," "New Directions in Training," and "Pow Wow Leadership." Faculty will include members of the national Cub Scout Committee. Content is the same as summer courses at the Philmont Training Center, but with a shorter schedule.

Unlike Philmont, however, the Sea Base will not provide programs or accommodations for family members not participating in conferences. Participants will be housed in dormitory-style rooms, and all meals are provided.

For more details, contact your local Scout council service center.

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Learning for Life cele- brates 10th anniversary

From September 2001 through the fall of 2002, Learning for Life, the BSA subsidiary that provides character-education and career-awareness programs to schools and other youth-serving organizations, will celebrate 10 years of service.

The subsidiary offers resources in two forms:

• Learning for Life, a classroom-based program with lesson plans for grades K-12, plus a complete supplement for special-needs students.
• Exploring, a worksite-based program in which youth can visit community organizations and explore the dynamics of various careers.

In 2000, participation in Learning for Life included 1,589,988 youth and 19,709 groups nationwide using the program.

During the yearlong celebration, local events will showcase Learning for Life groups, Explorer posts, and individual programs and volunteers.

More information and news of anniversary events can be found on the Learning for Life Web site, www.learning-for-life.org.

Two badges now available for Webelos Scouts

For years, Webelos Scouts have been able to wear either a blue uniform or a tan-and-olive uniform. However, regardless of the shirt's color, they could wear only a blue diamond-shaped Webelos badge (No. 00043).

Now, a new tan oval-shaped badge (No. 80375) has been introduced for the tan uniform shirt. Unlike the blue diamond badge, the new oval badge is not worn with arrow points or rank badges from the Tiger, Wolf, or Bear programs.

The blue diamond-shaped badge can still be worn on a tan shirt as well as on a blue shirt. In both cases, it is grouped with other badges of rank on the left pocket.

Council offers units free Web space

California's Orange County Council is making individual units an offer that is hard to refuse.

The council makes Web space available to packs, troops, teams, and crews within council boundaries— including a unit e-mail address for direct contact from the Web—at no charge.

"It's not just low-cost; it's free," says Bill Grennell, the council's information technology director. "We host our own Web server, which currently provides close to 300 units with their own Web pages. All our districts and special council committees also have their own sites— and we're still adding four to eight new sites a month."

The free council service eliminates the need for units to solicit funds to pay for their own Web sites, Grennell says. At the same time, it allows the council to monitor the content of unit sites and edit if necessary.

"We've been able to afford to do this through several means," he says. "We've actively solicited donations of computers and software for our council, and we've received some nice gifts as a result. Our executive board has also committed funds from our operating budget for supplementary hardware and software that we couldn't get donated.

"All of this has been made possible through our volunteer Information & Technology Committee, and the vision of John Fullerton, our director of support services, and Rob Lee, our council's computer consultant. John and Rob started this project nearly six years ago."

The council pays $80 per month for a DSL connection that provides enough bandwidth for all interested units, Grennell explains. He invites: "Come visit our main Web site at www.ocbsa.org or some of our unit sites, such as pack771.ocbsa.org, troop772.ocbsa.org, or losamigos.ocbsa.org to see how it works."

—Bill Sloan

Teaching Leave No Trace

The BSA is working with Leave No Trace Inc. to promote and teach responsible outdoor behavior.

The publication Teaching Leave No Trace (BSA No. 21-117) features a series of activities for demonstrating the seven principles of LNT to Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers. Teaching Leave No Trace can be accessed on the BSA Web site. A limited number of the printed manuals, as well as copies of the Principles of Leave No Trace flier (No. 21-105) are available through local Scout council service centers.

For more information about Leave No Trace, or for posters, plastic hang tags listing the LNT principles, or information on becoming a LNT sponsor, contact Leave No Trace Inc., P.O. Box 997, Boulder, CO 80306, (800) 332-4100. Information is also available on the organization's Web site, www.lnt.org.

Spread the word: Share extra copies of Scouting magazine

If your household receives more than one copy of Scouting and you don't need the additional copy, we suggest donating it to one of the following: a neighbor, friend, or co-worker; a school, church, or Scout unit library; a barbershop, doctor, or dentist office, hospital, or your workplace reception area.

Doing so will help to spread the Scouting word. However, if you do not wish to pass the extra copy on to others, the remaining issues of that subscription can be deleted by sending a request to Scouting Magazine, P.O. Box 152350, Irving, TX 75015.

New and helpful publications from the BSA book rack

Each new pack, troop, or crew helps bring Scouting's values-based program within reach of more youth in the community.

A valuable resource for anyone involved in starting a new unit is the BSA publication New Unit Organization Process (BSA No. 34196). It describes the responsibilities for and procedures involved in carrying out each of the 12 steps for success: (1) identify the prospect; (2) approach the prospect; (3) make the sales call (presentation); (4) the organization adopts the program; (5) organize committee meets; (6) select and recruit key leaders; (7) train the leaders; (8) plan and organize the program; (9) recruit youth members and orient parents; (10) complete the paperwork; (11) have first unit meeting; and (12) do follow up.

Individual Scouters can play a key role in organizing new units by identifying prospective new chartered organizations and recommending individuals who can help influence an organization to have a unit.

Each prospective new unit should have an assigned organizer. While organizing units is a function of the district membership committee and the district executive, individual Scouters can also participate by being designated by the committee to serve as a new-unit organizer.

All six district/council operating committee guidebooks have received major upgrades. The books help committee members learn policies and procedures and the fine points of their responsibilities.

• Camping Committee Guide (No. 33083C)—a great resource for camp promotion plans and ideas.
• Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures (No. 33088C). Includes a Venturing section, plus many other guidelines for district and council Scouters.
• Leadership Training Committee Guide (No. 34169E). This resource for volunteers and professionals in leadership training at all levels and for all programs now includes references to the new Basic Leader Training, with details on resources, award requirements, forms, record cards, and more.
• Activities and Civic Service Committee Guide (No. 33082C). Includes how to plan major multiunit activities, 46 ideas for community service projects, and the six criteria for ensuring that a project teaches citizenship.
• Membership Committee Guide (No. 33080C). Covers achieving district and council membership objectives, the 12 steps to organizing units, ideas for year-round service to chartered organizations, and responsibilities of committee members.
• District Finance Committee Guide (No. 3779B). Explores how to structure finance volunteers in the district, a council annual fund-raising time line, how to help units with finance, and BSA finance policies.

The preceding information can be viewed at www.scoutstuff.org. All guidebooks are available at local Scout council service centers or from the BSA Supply Division National Distribution Center, P.O. Box 65989, Charlotte, NC 28265-0989, (800) 323- 0732.

Georgia Scouts Visit state legislature

In March, more than 250 Boy Scouts and leaders representing 40 troops from the 11 Scout councils in the state participated in activities during the first annual Georgia Boy Scout Day at the state legislature in Atlanta. Scouts watched sessions (and were recognized from the floor) of the House and Senate, toured the Capitol, and participated in the Capitol Education Center Program. In addition, many were selected to serve as legislative pages.

VFW celebrates its relationship wit hthe BSA in a magazine article and scholarship program

Cover of the April 2001 VFW magazine featured Eagle Scouts John Olshefski and Scott Gosoroski of Troop 1180, Kansas City, Mo.

A cover story in the April 2001 issue of VFW magazine reminded members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars that their national organization and its local posts have maintained a "long and close relationship with the Boy Scouts of America." The cooperative effort between the two groups dates back to 1915, when VFW Post 2100 helped establish Scout Troop 1 in Everett, Wash. Today, more than 1,200 Scouting units, representing a membership of 40,000, are chartered to VFW posts across the nation.

"Scouting will continue doing what it does best: passing America's bedrock values to new generations," the article stated. "Our country is lucky to have the Boy Scouts and the oath these millions of young people take, [and the] BSA can count on VFW to help fulfill these noble ideals."

Mark Alan Mallak is winner of VFW 2001 Eagle Scout scholarship.

The article also noted that the VFW has revived its Eagle Scout scholarship recognition program, which began in 1929 but had lapsed in 1960. Starting this year, the VFW will present a $5,000 scholarship annually to a deserving Eagle Scout.

"VFW needs to expand its involvement with Boy Scouts," the article quoted Gordon Thorson, the organization's director of youth activities, scholarship, and recognition. "And this rejuvenated program is the ideal vehicle."

Winner of the VFW 2001 Eagle Scout scholarship, announced in April, is Mark Alan Mallak from Indiatlantic, Fla., of Melbourne Beach's Troop 330.

Boys' Life wins national awards

In the annual competition sponsored by the Association of Educational Publishers (EdPress), Boys' Life, the BSA magazine for young readers, received the top prize in four of 16 categories for children's magazine editorial content and design.

EdPress 2001 Distinguished Achievement Awards went to Boys' Life for the following:

• Interview: "Cool Crossing," December 2000.
• News Story: "We Choose to Be Survivors," May 2000.
• Illustration: "Bugs on the Beat," July 2000.
• Photograph: "Saddle Up!" June 2000.

The competition marked the third year in a row that Boys' Life has received multiple honors from EdPress.

Volunteers designate cash awards for council

Rich Geyser presents award grant to Scout Executive Barry Norris. (Photograph courtesy of Heart of Ohio Council)

Two generous Scouters from the Heart of Ohio Council have designated or given monetary awards and grants received for their community service to the council to further its programs.

Rich Geyser, Cubmaster of Pack 133, chartered to St. Jude's Catholic Church in Elyria, Ohio, says he was "amazed" when he won The William R. Burleigh Award for Distinguished Community Service. But, he adds, he knew immediately which organization he wanted to receive the $5,000 foundation grant which went along with his award and was his right to assign.

"This was the first year the award had been given by my employer," says Geyser, a news photographer for WEWS-TV in Cleveland.

Bill Sickmiller's awards helped fund construction of a camp lodge. (Photograph courtesy of Bill Sickmiller)

"When I discovered I'd won, it only seemed logical to put it back into the volunteer work I love."

Geyser's gift will be used to help finance a new challenge area at the Firelands Scout Reservation.

Over the years, a second Heart of Ohio volunteer, Bill Sickmiller, has donated a total of $12,000 in award money to the council, according to council financial officer Don Day.

As assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 586, chartered to Christ United Methodist Church of Ashland, Ohio, Sickmiller has received—and passed along—funds from numerous awards for "community volunteerism." His donations have helped finance construction of a new lodge at the council's Camp Avery Hand.

—B.S.

Numbers

53—annual council Scout Shows staged by the Rip Van Winkle Council, Kingston, N.Y. The latest edition, "2001: A Scout Odyssey," was held in March and attracted more than 4,000 Scouts, leaders, families, and members of the public. Council packs, troops, and crews also conducted a successful candy sale in conjunction with the show.

68—years that hundreds of Anthony Wayne Area Council Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts from northeast Indiana have gathered in downtown Fort Wayne on February 12 for the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage. At this year's event, individual units placed wreaths at the Lincoln statue, heard a speech by Lincoln re-enactor Fritz Klein, and toured Fort Wayne's Lincoln Museum.

64—years that the Black Swamp Area Council and the Findlay (Ohio) Kiwanis Club have hosted an annual Scout Citizenship Day. Last May 23, 32 government and civic leaders participated by allowing a Scout to accompany them as they performed the duties of their office.

85—percent or more of a troop's registered Scouts attending summer camp at the Gerald R. Ford Council's Gerber Scout Camp in west central Michigan qualified the troop for the Gerber 85 Percent Club—and a complimentary steak lunch on the day other troops were scheduled to make foil meals.

153—pizzas provided by Papa John's to 16 units that qualified for the special incentive by raising an average of $25 per registered youth in Ohio's Tecumseh Council's Family Friends of Scouting campaign. Total dollars contributed in 2001 increased 31 percent compared with the 1999 campaign which did not have a pizza incentive.

2,100—supporters of Scouting attending the Hiawatha Seaway Council's 2001 Boypower Dinner last April in Syracuse, N.Y. The mega-banquet featured NBC's "Today" show weatherman Al Roker as speaker and raised $550,000 for council programs. In recent years the highly successful annual dinner has featured such high-profile speakers as talk-show host Larry King, media mogul Ted Turner, and former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

15,000—Scouts, leaders, and family members who attended Scoutrageous 2000 last fall, the first council-wide gathering in the Cascade Pacific Council, Portland, Ore., since the nation's bicentennial in 1976.

20,000—persons attending the Long Island Jamboree last October. The mega-camporee, co-hosted by Long Island's Theodore Roosevelt Council and Suffolk County Council, was the first Long Island Jamboree since 1993.

170,178—food items collected by Scouts in the Black Swamp Area Council, Findlay, Ohio, for 70 local food pantries during the 2000 Scouting for Food campaign. The total, collected on national "Make a Difference Day," represented a 25 percent increase over the previous year.

450,000—pounds of reusable clothing and household goods collected during Goods for Goodwill/Good Turn Day by Scouts in the Cascade Pacific Council, Portland, Ore. last March. Said to be the country's largest door-to-door donation drive, the project has been an annual event since 1950 and is coordinated by the Scout council in cooperation with the East Portland Rotary International Club and Goodwill Industries.

$450,000—total earned by packs, troops, and crews in the Longs Peak Council, Greeley, Colo., after topping more than $1.5 million in popcorn sales last year. Cub Scout packs recorded the best sales figures in each of the council's seven districts, with Pack 186 earning more than $10,000 from sales of $32,262.

$500,000—of its $1.3 million Friends of Scouting campaign goal, raised by the Chickasaw Council at its annual Friends of Scouting Kick-Off Dinner last February in Memphis, featuring as guest speaker retired professional football star Reggie White, formerly of the Green Bay Packers.

$1.5 million— earned for Scouting last year in the annual Trail's End Popcorn Sale in the Crossroads of America Council, Indianapolis, Ind. More than 10,000 Scouts representing 438 units delivered 210,000 popcorn containers in December, representing $2.36 million in sales, a new council record. Highest unit and individual sales achievers were as follows: Pack 190, $34,085; and Cub Scout Stephen Ford, Pack 121, $4,244.

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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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