Digital Duffle Bag


March 12, 2012   

News for Scouting leaders, parents,
and the communities we serve  

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! 

Solar Powered Frightened Grasshopper Robot
Solar Powered Grasshopper Robot

There will be no more crafts that involve gluing macaroni on paper plates at Cub Scout Adventure Camps. 

 

This summer, Cub Scouts will be assembling a solar robot kit. The Frightened Grasshopper is a robot that's powered by solar energy. (Click on the arrow in the video box to see the robot in action.)

 

Approximately 40 Adventure Camps are available throughout our council this summer and each offers Cub Scouts a variety of fun outdoor experiences. Cub Scouts can attend with their den or other Scouts from their pack. Or, Cub Scouts can register on an individual basis for one of two weeks of Grizzly Adventure Camp at Beaumont Scout Reservation's Cub World.

 

Cub Scouts can attend overnight camps. Contact your Cubmaster or den leader to see when your pack is registered for Dad & Lad and Mom & Me overnights.

 

Webelos can enjoy a mini-camp or week-long experience. Contact your Cubmaster or den leader to see when your unit is going.

 

The council is dedicated to delivering the promise of fun and adventure that was made to each Cub Scout when they joined the program. Learn more at cubcamping.stlbsa.org.

 

Download Manuals For Summer Camps

A successful summer camp begins with good preparation. An important first step is reviewing the manual for your summer camp. All 2012 summer camp manuals--for Webelos, Boy Scouts and Venturers--can be downloaded from the website. Here are the links to the PDFs:

Ropes Course 

Camp Lewallen-Boy Scouts 

S bar F Scout Ranch-Boy Scouts 

Camp May-Webelos 

Camp May-Webelos Mini-Camp 

Camp Lewallen-Webelos Mini-Camp 

Swift Base-Webelos Mini-Camp 

Pine Ridge-Webelos Mini-Camp 

Swift Base-Venturing 

 

Parents, leaders and Scouts--especially Boy Scouts and Venturers--can begin planning a successful and fun week of camp by reviewing information in the manuals. Read the Duffle Blog for information on new merit badges being offered at summer camp. 

 

Don't forget these important dates:  

  • Saturday April 14: Summer Camp Preview meetings during Shawnee Lodge Spring Conclave at Beaumont Scout Reservation and Anpetu-We Lodge Spring Reunion at Pine Ridge Scout Camp.
  • Tuesday, May 1: Pay summer camp fees by this day to receive a discount.
Special Summer Camps: Horse Camp, Ranger Program and Catholic Adventure Week at Swift Base also offer fun and exciting summer camp experiences.
 
Training Courses
Several resources are available to help adults become better volunteer leaders. Start by visiting training.stlbsa.org for an overview of required training, including online courses at olc.scouting.org.  

Wood Badge
is advanced training for adult leaders in Scouting. It develops contemporary leadership skills so they become effective Scout leaders. The first of two courses in 2012 will be held on weekends in May and June. Read more...  

National Youth Leadership Training: helps Boy Scouts and Venturers develop communication, teamwork, planning and organizational skills. There will be five one-week courses this summer, including a week of Pack & Paddle for Boy Scouts and Venturers over age 14.  Read more...


Leader Outdoor ExperienceLeader 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. The weekends are April 28-29 at Beaumont Scout Reservation and May 5-6 at Camp Lewallen. Read more...


569 To Be Recognized As McDonnell Eagle Scout Class On April 4

Eagle Scout BadgeBoy Scouts who earned Scouting's highest rank in 2011 will be recognized as the Sanford N. and W. Randall McDonnell Eagle Scout Class during the council's Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, April 4, at the Chase Park Plaza Khorassan Ballroom in St. Louis. Invitations will be mailed to Eagle Scouts.
Register online...
 
Sanford N. McDonnell, a Distinguished Eagle Scout, served as president and chief executive officer of McDonnell Douglas Corporation. He also was president of the Greater St. Louis Area Council and the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. W. Randall McDonnell, his son, earned the rank of Eagle Scout and served on the council's summer camp staff.
Sponsorship information...

Funding For Camps, Programs
New!
Camp Cards: This new program successfully raised thousands of dollars in other councils so Scouts could attend camps. Camp cards offer discounts at
2012 Camp Card Example
An example of the Camp Card.
several local retailers. Each Camp Card is sold for $5. The unit keeps 50 percent and 50 percent goes to the council. Unit funds can help every Scout attend summer camp. The Council's portion covers the cost of production, securing sponsors, promotional materials and provides funding for camping and training programs. Read more... 

Friends of Scouting:
Thanks to all who are responding generously to the Family Friends of Scouting campaign. Units meeting participation and contribution levels during Friends of Scouting presentations will receive free rank advancement badges for one full year.  Read more...

Leader Tip

Parent Tip

Getting Your Child To Listen, The First Time 

Poor listening is one of the most common concerns expressed by parents of toddlers and school-aged children. Parents often say that they need to repeat requests, raise their voice, or threaten to get their child to do what they have asked. Behold, a few simple changes in the way you teach your child to listen can make a big difference. Read more...  

Source: Parenting.org  
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.