Digital Duffle Bag

News for Scouting leaders,
parents, and the communities
we serve
March 12, 2009
To supplement, not replace, the Duffle Bag newspaper
In This Issue
 
 
 
 
 
 
Training Courses
National Youth Leadership Training: This week-long course provides youth leaders with an opportunity to NYLTenhance their leadership skills while living by the Scout Oath and Law in an exciting outdoor environment. Boy Scouts who earn the NYLT shield are prepared to meet the challenges ahead and are better prepared to work with adult leaders. More... 
 
Wood Badge
This advanced training 2007 Annual Report Covercourse is for all Scout leaders. Two courses will take place this summer, one in May at Beaumont Scout Reservation and the other in August at Pine Ridge Scout Camp. Download A 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

 
 
Giving
 
Memorials
 
The Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, is a United Way agency.
United Way
Greetings! 
 
Scouts exiting canoe at Camp GambleA successful summer camp experience begins with good preparation. An important first step is reviewing the manual for your camp.
 
All 2009 Summer Camp manuals - for Webelos, Boy Scouts and Venturers -can be downloaded from the website. Here are the links:
 
 
Plan to attend the preview meetings:
Boy Scout summer camp: Saturday, April 18, at Camp Lewallen and Beaumont Scout Reservation.
Webelos Camp and Mini-Camp: Saturday, May 9, at Beaumont.
 
Visit the camping section of the website for more information. We're committed to making our summer camp experiences the highlight of your Scout's summer. Contact us if we can be of any assistance. 
 
--Greater St. Louis Area Council,
Boy Scouts of America

Friends Of Scouting
FOS Video GraphicA six-minute Friends of Scouting video is available that simplifies your unit's presentation and tells the Scouting story. Your presenter can assist you with audio/visual resources to play the DVD. (Click here or on the graphic to watch the video on YouTube.)
 
St. Louis CardinalsCardinals Reward Units
For Spring Recruiting
Scouting is a year-round program and youth members are welcome to join the fun at any time. If your unit participates in Spring Recruiting, your Scouts may be eligible to attend a selected St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Game. Download Cardinals and Spring Recruiting Form (PDF)
Summer Camp
Take A Virtual Tour Of Summer Camp
Click on the button above to begin a virtual tour of all the Council's summer camps.
 
Special Summer Camps
The Council offers specialty summer camps for Boy Scouts, Explorers and Venturers. Horse Camp, Ranger Program and River Ranger Program provide members with a special week of programming. Click on the links below to learn more:
Download a 2009 Ranger Program Application (PDF)
Download a 2009 River Ranger Program Application (PDF)
 
Plan For Cub Adventure Camp
09 Adventure Camp LogoWhat does nearly every Cub Scout like?  Creepy, crawly creatures! The theme for Cub Scout Adventure Camps is "Bugs, Slugs and Venus Flytraps!" Two- and three-day Adventure Camps are $45 per Scout. Four- and five-day Adventure Camps are $50 per Scout. Scouts can save $5 if fees are paid before Camper Savings Day, May 1.  Packs are encouraged to register as a group instead of submitting many individual registrations. Read more...
 
Grizzly Adventure Camp is a Council-sponsored adventure camp for Cub Scouts at Cub World at the Beaumont Scout Reservation.  This year's theme is "Historical Happenings." Two sessions will be held, July 6-10 and 13-17. Read more...
 
Leader Outdoor ExperienceOutdoor Training Course Helps Cub Leaders Succeed 
Leader Outdoor Experience is a supplemental training for all Cub Scout leaders. They receive instruction in providing a well-rounded program for youth members both indoors and outdoors. It teaches leaders to take their dens and packs outdoors with confidence in their abilities to provide a meaningful and memorable experience. More...
National Features Three Council Stories 
The Greater St. Louis Area Council is featured prominently on Scouting.org:
Value of Scouting: The photo essay and interviews tell the story of how the Scouting for Food Good Turn started in our council. It was produced during last year's collection day.
Report to the Nation: Jack O'Neill, National Chief of the Order of the Arrow, and Amanda Vogt, National Venturing President, are both from our council and presented the BSA's Annual Report to President Barack Obama and other top government officials.
Cubcast: The March Cubcast (podcast) has a feature on how special needs children can participate and thrive in Scouting. Jane Grossman, a longtime member of the council's special needs committee, is interviewed.
Leader Tip:
Dress For Success Relay 
Cub Scout Game
Materials: Large box filled with two items per career.
Divide boys into two or more teams. The leader calls out the name of a career; the first boy runs to the box and finds two items for that career. He puts them on, runs back to his team as fast as he can and gives the items to the next boy. The leader calls out another career. The second boy runs to the box, places the items from the first boy into the box, and takes out items for the second career. The game continues until every boy has run at least once.
Source: Cub Scout Program Helps, March 2009 (PDF)
Parent Tip:

Helping Children Learn Clutter-Control Skills

It's never too soon to train a child in the small, daily routines that keep clutter at bay. Read more...
Quick Clicks
Invitations:
Many organizations are inviting Scouts to various indoor and outdoor events. More information from the St. Louis Zoo, Science Center, Powder Valley Nature Center and Wetlands For Kids Day at Busch Wildlife can be found on the Invitations page on the 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.