Digital Duffle Bag



July 23, 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!


The start of the school year signals an annual rebirth for Scout units. Recruiting new Scouts brings new adult volunteer leaders, parent helpers and enthusiastic children who can't wait to go camping or shoot a bow and arrow.

Each year, thousands of first graders eagerly await the chance to join Cub Scouts and become a Tiger Cub. But other grade levels are just as important. Parents of second and third graders often delay joining until their son is settled in school. We've witnessed fourth and fifth graders joining because they're no longer involved in sports or other activities and see their friends enjoying outdoor adventures.  
 

Help your unit be prepared for the annual fall recruiting campaign, School Night to Join Scouting. You'll find many resources for conducting your recruiting on the School Night page.

All marketing and recruiting materials will direct prospective members and parents to BeAScout.org. The website allows visitors to enter their zip code and find units within a radius they select. All units need to enter or update their unit contact information.  Update your unit contact information for BeAScout.org.

We look forward to welcoming thousands of new Scouts and leaders in the coming months. Our staff is ready to assist you. Please contact us with any requests or questions.

Thanks for all you do for Scouting.

--Greater St. Louis Area Council,
Boy Scouts of America
 
Show 'N' Deliver Popcorn This Year
Customers can receive popcorn products immediately through the new Show 'N' Deliver feature of this year's popcorn sale. Orders for Show 'N' Deliver are due Sept. 10. Online orders are underway. Click here for details and the full timeline...

Did you know... Popcorn sent 300+ Scouts to camp this summer.


Program Planning Is The Key  To Fun And 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 2012-13 Program Guide 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... 

Calendar Updates...
 
ELECTRICITY MERIT BADGE SKILL CENTER, normally held in September,has been cancelled. Watch the council website and future issues of the Digital Duffle Bag and printed Duffle Bag for announcements of rescheduling.

Leader Tip

So You're A New...
We depart from our usual game or activity found in this space to provide links to three PDFs that will help leaders recruit other leaders. 

 

Parent Tip

 
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.