Digital Duffle Bag

News for Scouting leaders,
parents, and the communities we serve
July 29, 2010
To supplement, not replace, the Duffle Bag newspaper
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.

West County Service Center
11481 Page Service Dr.
St. Louis, Mo. 63146-3529
Phone: (314) 994-9469
FAX: (314) 994-9623
Hours: Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ritter Service Center-Cape Girardeau
3000 Gordonville Rd.
Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63703-5008
Phone: (573) 335-3346 or (800) 335-3346
FAX: (800) 269-7989
Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Southern Illinois Service Center-Herrin
803 East Herrin St., Herrin, Ill. 62948-0340
Phone: (618) 942-4863 or (888) 942-4863
FAX: (618) 942-2367
Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
June through August: Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Giving
 
Memorials
 
The Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, is a United Way agency.
United Way
Greetings!

We hope you're having a safe and enjoyable summer. There's plenty of warm weather remaining before school starts, but it's time to start preparing for the upcoming program year.
 
Adventure Base 100
Adventure Base 100
Do you want to do one more Scouting activity before the fall?


All are welcome to visit Adventure Base 100 on Aug. 20-22 at Ballpark Village in St. Louis. This traveling exhibit is part of the Boy Scouts of America's 100th anniversary celebration. It is currently at the National Jamboree. Read more...
 
Tens of thousands of Scouts enjoyed many outdoor programs this summer. From ScoutQuest 100 to summer camp to Cub Adventure Camp to the National Jamboree, Scouts experienced safe, fun, meaningful and memorable activities. All were possible because of the dedication and commitment of thousands of adult volunteer leaders.

We thank you for helping our Scouts grow in countless ways. 
 
--Greater St. Louis Area Council,
 Boy Scouts of America

Program Preview Guide-2010-11
Program Planning
Is Key To Fun, Learning
 

Completing three tasks in August and September can put your Scout unit in high gear for the program year.
 
1. Plan Your Unit's Program: Gather your key leaders and plan your activities for the year. Download the Council's 2010-2011 Program Guide (PDF) for calendars, program and facility information. Distribute the plan to current and prospective parents of Scouts.
 
2. Recruit New Youth Members, Leaders: Nothing builds enthusiasm and momentum better than a successful School Night to Join Scouting. (See Fall Recruiting story below.)
 
3. Plan A Successful Fundraiser: Selling Trail's End Popcorn can provide your unit with the funds necessary for a successful program. Need information on how to make sure your unit is financially strong? Read more...
2010 National Jamboree
Keep Up With Jamboree, Watch Show
Our six troops at the National Jamboree are sending back great reviews and photos. Get updates on our council's Facebook page and The Duffle Blog.
Watch Closing Show: On Saturday, July 31, the general public will be able to take part in a nationwide broadcast of the National Jamboree's closing stage show. "A Shining Light Across America" will be available via satellite and webcast at 7 p.m. CDT and conclude at approximately 9:30 p.m. (Anyone with a high-speed Internet connection can tune in at www.ustream.tv/shininglight or on the Shining Light section of the BSA's Facebook page.)
2010 School Night To Join Scouting logo
New Google Map Can Boost School Night To Join Scouting
You know Scouting is fun and how young people learn valuable lessons in our programs. Share those experiences with the next generation of young people by inviting them to join during School Night to Join Scouting. All the resources you need to conduct your recruiting is on the School Night to Join Scouting page.
New: Visit beascout.org to see a new Google map system that helps prospective parents and members find your unit. Learn how to customize your unit's information by viewing the Be A Scout Unit Guide (3MG) PowerPoint...
Council Popcorn Sale Helps Units Raise Funds, Provides Support To Leaders  
A 2009 survey of unit leaders in our council who sold Trail's End Popcorn found that 95 percent were planning to sell again in 2010. The deadline for registering for this year's sale is Friday, Aug. 6. Many sale and product improvements are being implemented for this year's sale. Seven training/dinner sessions will be held to help your unit conduct a successful sale. Read more...
Learn why this fundraiser helps your unit and our council provide a stronger Scouting program. Read more...
New Youth Protection Training Requirements For Registered Leaders
The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America announced the following requirements effective June 1, 2010:
  • Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless of their position.
  • New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before submitting an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time the application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
  • Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer's Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be reregistered. 
Youth protection training can be completed online at myscouting.org. Read more...
Merit Badge Make-Up Day
Boy Scouts Can Finish Merit Badges Started At Camp 
Merit Badge Make-Up Day is an annual event that helps Boy Scouts who need to complete a few requirements to earn a merit badge that was started at summer camp. The Eagle Scout Association will hold this event on Saturday, Aug. 7, at Beaumont Scout Reservation.
A similar event will be held at Pine Ridge Scout Camp on Saturday, Sept. 18. Read more...
Watch the promotional video, send link to your Boy Scouts, parents of Scouts...
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Training: The Key To More Fun, Safety
Scouting is more fun when adult volunteer leaders are able to guide or enable their youth members in various activities. Mark your calendar and plan to attend a training course that will increase the enjoyment and reaffirm the purpose of your Scouting activities.

Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow: This one-day event for Cub Scout leaders teaches a variety of different skills and resources to help Cubs, dens and packs enjoy their Scouting experience.

Climbing Tower Instructor Training: A one-day training for Scout and Venture adult leaders will be held at Beaumont Scout Reservation's Climbing Tower on Saturday. Oct. 2. Download a reservation form (PDF)

Tipi Training: Units wishing to use the tipis located at the S bar F Scout Ranch must have a leader who has completed Tipi Training. This one-day training course is designed to teach leaders the proper way to erect a tipi.
Cub Scout Game
Leader Tip:
Sponge Relay
Equipment: Two large buckets, two small buckets, sponges, water
Players form two lines. At the head of each line is a large bucket filled with water and sponges. About 20 feet beyond is a small bucket, empty. On signal, the first person in line uses a sponge to collect as much water as possible from the large bucket and transfer it to the small bucket. After taking water to the small bucket, the first person returns to the end of the line; then the next player brings a sponge of water. After every player has had a turn, measure the water in the two small buckets. Whichever team has the most water wins.
Source: Cub Scout Program Helps, August, 2010 (PDF)
The New Blue
Starting this fall, the Cub Scout program will change. Why? How does making it more lasting, more successful, and more fun sound? Read more...
Source: Scouting Magazine
Parent Tip:
Careful With The Kudos
What builds durable self-esteem in kids? A scientific study offers some clues. Read more...
Source: Scouting Magazine
Quick Clicks
Invitations: Scouts are invited to visit attractions or take part in various programs throughout our community. Many organizations offer Scouts free or reduced-cost programs.
Opportunities to Serve: Nonprofit and charitable organizations welcome collaboration on service projects with units.