As our council website prepares for a facelift in the next couple of months, we have set a new address to making it easier to remember.   Our new address www.bsa3.org is now active and directs traffic to our council website.  How did the Council Marketing Committee decide on this new address?  It's simple to remember and 003 is our local council number assigned by National BSA; we are BSA3.  By the way, we also own www.bsa003.org.  Either way will get you there.  Check it out and spread the news.  

Under the leadership of Council Vice President of Program Sean Ingram, a master plan for Camp Alaflo is in the development stages.  During the first phase of a three phase plan, the camp vision statement and key objectives have been set.  Check this out at www.bsa3.org in the news section.

As you may have seen in the national news in recent months, the BSA Youth Protection policies and procedures have come under intense media scrutiny.  In this period of heightened awareness about youth safety, we want to share with you Scouting's many important programs, policies, and procedures that help protect our members.  Please read the Open Letter to Parents from Chief Scout Executive Wayne Brock: http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/BSAYouthProtection/BSA_Communications/parent_letter.aspx.   

For information on the Ineligible Volunteer Files, read the Message From the National Key 3 on Youth Protection at www.bsa3.org in the news section.  

We have had some questions from federal employees (including US Army personal) about how to designate your gift to the Alabama-Florida Council in the United Way Combined Federal Campaign, Alabama.  If you are a federal employee in Alabama, go to the Heart of Alabama CFC website at www.heartofalabamacfc.org.   

Near the top of the home page, select the blue Search Charities icon.  In the charities search tool bar, enter our council's 5 digit number 88610. 

On June 27, 2013, the Alabama-Florida Council Philmont Contingent will embark on an adventure that will create memories and friendships that last a lifetime. You ask, "What is Philmont?" Philmont Scout Ranch is one of the BSA high adventure programs that offers backpacking treks located in the high mountain desert of New Mexico.

Now you ask, "Why would we travel all way to New Mexico to go hiking?" Because hiking in some of America's most beautiful land is just the means of travel to get to many activities that Philmont offers. A few examples: panning for gold, challenge course, Rich cabin, black powder shooting, spar-pole climbing and many more. Plus, you'll get a chance to see elk, mule deer and maybe a bear or mountain lion.

The learn more, visit their website www.philmontscoutranch.org 

If you are interested in joining us on our adventure call the Scout Service Center at 334.793.7882, or email one of the contingent leaders, Mike Meadows at smtroop106@graceba.net 

We would like to remind all district committee members and commissioners of the next Council Operations Meeting.
 
The purpose of this meeting is to facilitate a coordinated effort between district and council operations.   All members of the district committee and interfacing council committees are encouraged to attend including: Training, Advancement, Camping, Activities, Membership, Fundraising, District Chairs and all Commissioners.  Please RSVP your attendance with your staff adviser or by email to defowler@bsamail.org.

We would like to remind all units selling popcorn and batteries of three important deadlines:

1. One half of Show & Sell payment is due on Tuesday, October 9.
2. Take Order payment is due on Tuesday, October 9.
3. Take Order pickup on Thursday, October 25 at your district warehouse. 

The BB guns are loaded. We have strung up the bows and dusted off the targets. The lakes are clear and fish are jumping. Camp Alaflo is ready. Are you? Have you signed up for the Akela Cub Campout? Remember, we have four campouts to choose from this year.

We are offering: Games, Crafts, B.B Guns, Archery, Fishing, Races and much, much more. We will provide Saturday supper.

You need to bring: tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, & sack lunch for Saturday. If you need camping equipment, contact the Scout Service Center at 334.793.7882. Check-in will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Cost: $25 for a Cub Scout and 1 Parent, $10 for an additional Cub Scout, $5 for each additional family member (to cover their food and insurance).  

Schedule:

Menawa Akela

Saturday, Oct. 6 at Camp Alaflo 

Creek Akela

Saturday, Oct. 13 at Camp Alaflo

Muskoke South

Saturday, Oct. 13 in Marianna

Muskoke North

Saturday, Oct. 20 at Camp Alalfo

You are welcome to attend any and all of the campouts. You are not limited to just your district's campout. 

The registrations keep coming in and space is getting tight.  The 2012 edition of Merit Badge University at Troy University is scheduled for Saturday, October 27, 2012.  We are rapidly approaching last year's attendance and we are very likely going to set new records this year!!  If you haven't signed up for your class, you need to head to Camp Master and register.    

alabamaflorida.camp-master.com  

When you go to Camp Master you will need to sign up for an account.  Then go back into the system where it says "Manage my Reservations" to select your class.  If you get stuck, e-mail us at
alflreservations@gmail.com   

HURRY!! Classes are filling up and you don't want to miss out.  And yes, lunch will be served in the Troy University Dining Hall -- a feast to remember!!  

Day Camp Program Director Jacquie Jones and Camp Director Scott Carpenter are pleased to announce that the 2013 Cub Scout Day Camp will be held from March 25 through March 29.  This week coincides with the Spring Break Week for most of the school systems in our Council.

We will be returning to the split camp format with a session in the morning and a session in the afternoon.  You may attend either session and you may mix sessions to accommodate your schedule. We are currently working on the budget to give you the best value for your family.

The plan is to host 2 camp locations - one at Camp AlaFlo and one in Dothan.  Stay tuned for an announcement as to the Dothan location.

If you have questions, comments, or know of a great location to hold camp in Dothan, contact Jacquie at jaj175@hotmail.com or Scott at scott.carpenter.bsa@gmail.com.  

The 55th JOTA "Jamboree on the Air" is the largest Scouting event in the world! It will be held at the  Muskoke  Northern Akela Cub Campout at Camp Alaflo and at the Emergency Center in Marianna Florida. For more information contact Railey Macey at rmacey@sw.rr.com or Bill Everitt at kg4zjt@jacksoncountyares.org    

WEBELOS Outdoor Weekend is a camping event for first and second year Webelos and one or more of their parents or guardian.

The fee is $22.00 if registered by the October 26 deadline;  After the deadline there will be an additional charge of $5.00.  

First Year Webelos will work on Forester, Geologist, Readyman, Naturalist and Outdoorsman.  Second year Webelos will go through BSA 101. This is always a great weekend.  

For questions, please contact Benny Butler at olescouter4er@gmail.com or bsbutler@southernco.com.  

Click here for the Registration Form 

Click here for the WOW Flyer 

 Please contact the Scout Service Center at 334.793.7882 to register.