CYC Volunteer e-Bulletin - January 6, 2012 - Scouting New Year's Resolutions

The National Eagle Scout Association will award 153 scholarships to deserving Eagle Scouts through various Eagle Scout scholarship funds. These scholarships vary in size from $1,000 to $50,000. Read more here and download the application. The deadline is January 31.

National Scout Shop

www.scoutstuff.org

60 Wellington Road

Milford, CT 06461

(203) 876-0013

Attention Leaders -- Be on the lookout for a special monthly update on ConnJam 2012, our Council-wide Jamboree. Debuting last month, it is designed to give you a regular update of programs and activities, as well as useful information you need to participate with your unit.

www.ctyankee.org/connjam

Greetings!

Welcome to 2012. We had such an exciting 2011 that I hardly wanted it to end --opening up a new resident camp at Deer Lake; reviving our Urban Scouting programs in Bridgeport and New Haven; and all the new families who joined this past fall.

A New Year for New Resolutions

But 2012 is upon us and as is tradition, it's probably time to consider some resolutions for the new year (if you haven't already). If you're like me, you're still deciding on things you're going to start doing, stop doing or do differently. I thought I'd share some of my ideas:

I like to make a resolution to learn something new each year. Scouting has training available for all levels from first-time volunteers to veteran Scouters. Consider creating or updating your account on MyScouting and bring yourself up to speed on training. Maybe this is the year to take Wood Badge or Powder Horn?

The Council has programs just about every month for you to participate in. Scout Nights, district klondikes and camporees, ConnJam ... make a resolution to be more knowledgeable about these programs and to encourage your families to participate. They're all posted on the website, you can learn more by attending Roundtable, or just talk to your Unit Commissioner.

Many of you have already made a resolution to go to the gym more often or lose weight, something along those lines. How about earning a recognition for it, or better yet inspiring our Scouts? The BSA has a great program called "ScoutSTRONG" which debuted at the end of 2011 and partners with the President's Active Lifestyle Award Challenge. This could just be the start of a three month physical fitness regimen for your pack, troop or crew.

Here's a simple one -- say Thanks in meaningful ways. A great way to start is joining us for our annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on January 26 where we'll present the Silver Beaver Award to seven of our most dedicated Scouters, and celebrate our achievements throughout the year.

Whatever your resolutions are, in Scouting I hope that they revolve around ensuring that the Scouts we serve have a stronger, more active and fun program. Thank you for the important role you play in making that happen, and my best wishes for the coming year.

Yours in Scouting,

Louis D. Salute

Join Us at the Council Recognition Dinner January 26

Scouting programs are great because of the dedicated volunteers and senior Scouts who make them happen. Most do not ask for the recognition, but it is certainly appreciated when it comes. The annual Council Volunteer Recognition Dinner and Annual Meeting is Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the McClinch Family Center in Trumbull. Join us as we celebrate the past year and recognize some Scouters whose impact has gone a long way toward making Scouting great. Congratulations to Peter Anstett, Arnold Feintuck, Caroline Griffin, Michael Kraus, Dan Marazita, Gordon Parmalee, and Roger Williams who will be recognized with the Silver Beaver Award.

Download a detailed registration form here and find ways to recognize these Scouters with an ad in the dinner program.

Go Big, Get Wild at National Jamboree 2013

Get ready! The 2013 National Scout Jamboree is coming and it ain't your father's jamboree. We're talking seriously high adventure, people! Whitewater rafting, zip-lining, rappelling, mountain biking, hiking, and more - with 50,000 of your closest friends at the brand new Summit Bechtel Reserve in the wilds of West Virginia. Start planning now to be a part of history at the very first jamboree at The Summit -- July 15-July 24, 2013.

Click here to register for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Summer Camp Kickoff February 2

Mark your calendar now to attend the Council's 2012 Camp Kickoff on February 2, beginning at 6 p.m. with refreshments and the program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The kickoff is at the Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church. Come meet the key staff and get your leader's guide. RSVP to Carolyn Cruson at ccruson@bsamail.org.

Download a registration form with details and directions.

Training Corner

Scouting for Special Needs Training

Come join us for a day of learning, hands-on fun and networking. Learn how to put abilities into Scouting for our youth with special needs from experts in Autism, Cerebal Palsy, Blind and Deaf, Assistive Technology, Physical and Occupational Therapy. Learn where to get support and information.

Saturday, January 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Goodwin College in East Hartford. Click here to register or for more information. .

For more information on Training, please contact your district executive or email Council Training Chairman Ray Spagnuolo.

Catholic Committee Award Ceremony April 29

The Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Committee on Scouting's Religious Award Recognition Ceremony is April 29 at 2 p.m. in the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford. Everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony to celebrate Scouts' growth in their religious convictions. Girl Scouts and Boy scouts from the Hartford Archdiocese will be recognized at this ceremony. Boy Scouts planning to receive the Ad Altare Dei or Pope Pius Award must attend a board of review on March 5, 7 p.m at the Council Resource Center. Cub Scouts planning on receiving their Light of Christ or Parvuli Dei award should turn in their form no later than March 5.

For more information, contact Dan Cooley at dan.cooley@scouting.org.

How Much Is Your Volunteer Time Worth?

Numerous local companies recognize volunteer time through the donation of cash grants to non-profits in which their employees volunteer. This means that for each hour of your volunteer time, your employer may donate money to the Connecticut Yankee Council (a 501c3). Listed below are some companies which participate in this program. If your company isn't listed, check with your Human Resources department to see how your employer can match your own gift to Scouting whether it be time or money.

AT&T Wireless - AT&T Cares
Bank of America - Volunteer Grants Program
Citigroup - Volunteer Incentive Program
Motorola - Volunteer Grants Program
Nike - Employee Involvement
Travelers - Matching Funds Program
State Farm Insurance - Good Neighbor Grant Program

If you do not see your employer listed and they participate in this type of program, please notify Tony Vogl at tony.vogl@scouting.org or (203) 876-6868, Ext. 259. Check with your human resources department for more information about your employer's program.

2012 FOS - Invest in the Leader Within

The 2012 Friends of Scouting campaign is our annual appeal to our members and the broader community to make a financial investment in the Connecticut Yankee Council. Scouting, at its core, has always been a grassroots movement relying on its stakeholders and members for volunteer and financial support. Over the next few months volunteers will visit each of our packs, troops, crews and posts to share a brief presentation about the programs and services the Council provides and ask for your support. Friends of Scouting represents about ten percent of the Council's annual $4.3 million operating budget, all of which is raised locally. It costs the Council about $180 per Scout each year to operate our programs.

For more information on Friends of Scouting or what it does, please visit http://www.ctyankee.org/support/fos.

-- Save The Date --

Council Program Kickoff

Wednesday, May 16

Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard

Bridgeport

Come be a part of the largest Program Kickoff in Council history!

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

Connecticut Yankee Council

60 Wellington Road

Milford, CT 06461

P (203) 876-6868

F (203) 876-6884

The Connecticut Yankee Council, Boy Scouts of America serves nearly 25,000 young people in Fairfield, New Haven and parts of Hartford counties. Scouting's programs encourage youth to pursue their special interests, make new friends, gain a respect for their environment, develop leadership skills and give back to their community. For more information, please visit www.ctyankee.org.