Digital Duffle Bag

News for Scouting leaders,
parents, and the communities
we serve
January 8, 2009
To supplement, not replace, the Duffle Bag newspaper
In This Issue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wood Badge 
Training Courses
  
Learn About Wood Badge At Dinner on Jan. 26 At Beaumont
Wood Badge is an advanced training course for all Scout leaders.  Two courses will take place in our council this summer.  All are welcome to learn more about the training course at the Wood Badge Dinner on Monday, Jan. 26, at the Dining Hall and Education Center at Beaumont Scout Reservation. Make a reservation to attend by calling (314) 361-0600 or (800) 392-0895 or e-mail [email protected]. More...
Download Course Application (PDF)
COUNCIL SERVICE CENTERS
MacArthur Service Center
4568 West Pine Blvd.
St. Louis, Mo. 63108-2179
Phone: (314) 361-0600 or (800) 392-0895
FAX: (314) 361-5165
Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
Click on the links below for service center information:

West County Service Center

 
 
Make a Donation to Scouting.
 

The Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, is a United Way agency.

United Way
Greetings!,
 
Have you ever asked yourself, Could this Scout be that one-in-a-million person who reaches the mountain top?
 
Jack O'Neill
If you knew Jack O'Neill, you can now answer the question with a resounding, yes. Eagle Scout Jack O'Neill was elected National Chief of the Order of the Arrow last month. He is the first Arrowman from the Shawnee Lodge to ever hold the office. He is a Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow and served on two summer camp staffs. He is a graduate of Vianney High School and currently attends the University of Missouri-Columbia.
 
Jack will be a member of the National Council's contingent that will present the Boy Scouts of America's Annual Report to Congress and the President of the United States in 2009. He will represent 2.8 million youth members in the BSA.
 
This might be the first time a council has two youth members in the contingent. Amanda Vogt, a student at Lindenwood University from Ballwin, Mo., will attend as the National Venturing President.
 
On behalf of the entire Greater St. Louis Area Council team, thank you for building young men and women of great character and leadership ability. 
 
--Greater St. Louis Area Council,
Boy Scouts of America
Annual Friends of Scouting Campaign Keeps Programs Going
Friends of Scouting is the council's annual fundraising campaign. It provides 29 percent of the council's funding.
 
FOS Video GraphicThe 2009 campaign video can be viewed on YouTube. Click on the image at right to be linked to the video. We encourage all units to play the video on DVD during Friends of Scouting presentations.
 
Units who meet participation and contribution levels in their Friends of Scouting presentations will receive free rank advancement badges for one full year. More...
God and Country Award
Increase Knowledge At
Scout College
Thousands of adult volunteer leaders share their knowledge and best practices with others each year to make Scouting stronger. The University of Scouting, a one-day conference providing a wide variety of presentations, gives leaders a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of the Scouting program. 
 
Here's a random sampling of class titles:
  • Pack Paper Work (Cub Scouts)
  • Red Cross First Aid Training (all)
  • Retention of Older Scouts (Boy Scouts)
  • Protecting Youth From Internet Predators (Venturers)
  • ABC's of Attention Deficit Disorder (Special Needs)
Join us at Fox High School on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, and learn how to succeed in your role in Scouting. More...
Philmont ArrowheadLottery Entries For Philmont Contingents Due Feb. 2
The council will have five contingents attend the Philmont Scout Ranch in 2010. Reservations will be assigned through a lottery process. Entries should be received with a Feb. 2, 2009, postmark if mailed or received by 2 p.m. on Feb. 6, 2009.
More...
Council Celebration of Centennial
Every 10 years, Scouts from throughout our community gather for a weekend of activities at a council-wide encampment. In 2010, the event will be the highlight of our council's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Mark your calendars for June 4-6, 2010. Have an idea for an activity at this event? Contact Tim O'Donnell at [email protected].
2010 Jamboree Patch
Deadline Extended
For Jamboree
Leadership
   
The application deadline for adults who wish to serve in a troop leadership position for one of the six Council troops attending the 2010 National Jamboree is now Jan. 31, 2009. Interested applicants can apply online at www.bsajamboree.org.
Read more about the leadership interview process...
Leader Tip:
Pinewood Derby Car Designer 
Cub Scout Game
Den leaders can forward the following link to parents in need of some creative or innovative ideas for a pinewood derby car. It doesn't provide a detailed plan, but it can be viewed with your Cub Scout to develop a design for his car: 
 

 
Parent Tip:

Helping Children Take Care Of Pets

Teaching a child to be responsible for a living creature can be time-consuming and stressful, but the benefits for the youngster will last a lifetime. More...
Quick Clicks
Flyer Design Contest: Cub Scouts can help the council design its School Night to Join Scouting flyer and win one of three great prizes. Deadline: March 5. Download an entry flyer (PDF)
Silver Beaver Award: Nominate a deserving Scouter for the highest recognition a Boy Scout council can bestow on a volunteer. Nomination deadline is Jan. 31. Download a Silver Beaver Nomination Form (PDF) 
Invitations: Make plans to attend an Ice Carnival or a Maple Sugar Festival. View the Invitations page on the Council website. Many organizations offer Scouts free or reduced-cost programs.
Opportunities to Serve: Nonprofit and charitable organizations welcome collaboration on service projects with units. View the Opportunities to Serve page on the Council website for more information.