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Unit Spotlight
Troops 379, 467, 2010
 Last fall, a group of 16 year old Life Scouts said that they wanted to do something big before they became Eagles. Their idea was to do an extreme one day hike for the purpose of raising money to help another Troop. They chose Troop 2010, a new inner city Atlanta troop. Turns out, these Life Scouts accomplished more than they imagined.
On June 3rd, select members of Troops 379 and 467 in Buckhead (including 19 Life Scouts, 4 college age Eagle Scouts, and a number of adults) traveled to the Pisgah National Forest to hike as much as they could of the vertically challenging Art Loeb Trail. Also in attendance were 8 Scouts and the Scoutmaster from Troop 2010.
The group began at 5:00 a.m. equipped with headlamps and buzzing on 4 hours of sleep. With all the talking, excitement, and darkness the first few miles, the group missed a turn off point on the trail and at 7:00 a.m. and found themselves right back where they started. Instead of disappointment, most were laughing. As expected, the group hiked varying lengths. The younger Troop 2010 Scouts ranged from 5 to 20 miles. 13 others went about 30 miles. However, four Scouts spent 16 ½ hours going an incredible 37 miles. Their day's total elevation gain was approximately 7,500' and the total descent roughly 6,000'. Their feat has now been established as one of the longest and most difficult one day hike in Scouting's 100 year history!
Additionally, all the Scouts have exceeded their fundraising goals. To date, they have raised over $6,500 with a little more still coming in. One 17 year old Eagle Scout, Sutton Birch who couldn't attend the hike, raised over $800. The final amount will be presented to Troop 2010 at a fall Court of Honor.
Scouts - way to live by the Scout Oath and Law - helping other people at all times and keeping physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight!
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Chess Merit Badge Clinic - One of the First in the Country
Why would 25 scouts be alert, excited and playing chess until 3:30 a.m. on a Tuesday night? Even more unusual, as a result, these Scouts earned a merit badge they had never seen and completed the requirements without even knowing what was required. And they did it with enthusiasm. The Midnight Chess Madness Merit Badge Clinic was held at the Troop 1011 Scout Hut in Marietta this past month.
The new Chess Merit Badge is in stock at the BSA Supply Group and the pamphlet is scheduled to arrive in Scout stores this month. The main launch event for the Chess Merit Badge will be in St. Louis, MO at the opening of the new Chess Hall of Fame in September.
Joseph Bell, from the Foothills District commissioner staff, is the merit badge counselor and one of the co-authors on the US Chess Federation committee that developed the Merit Badge pamphlet manuscript. That allowed him advanced knowledge of the requirements before they were made public. Good chess players know how to use a small advantage; and this information allowed Foothills to have one of the first Chess Merit Badge clinics in the nation. Doing more than the Chess Merit Badge requires, the Scouts were able to meet all the requirements without revealing the specific requirements.
Chess opens the mind to many interesting possibilities and teaches how to develop effective plans as you learn the game. Chess teaches logic and critical thinking skills, and the value of hard work and concentration. It even shows why good manners make the game more enjoyable.
Many Scouts and adult leaders will like what the new Chess Merit Badge brings to the Boy Scouting program. Atlanta is proud to have volunteer Joseph Bell helping to lead the way on this exciting new Merit Badge!
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Become a Fan
on Facebook 
Be sure to sign up to be a fan of the Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America on Facebook. Be the first to know important information about training, events, advancement and camping updates. We will also have interesting facts and contests on our wall. Back to Top |
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News and Events for All
Council Strategic Plan
Implementation of the Council Strategic Plan is well underway. The plan has been communicated to Scout Families, Volunteers, Board Members and community stakeholders. Leaders have been recruited to spear-head each of the plans 16 planks that will ensure that Scouting is the Premier Choice in Atlanta for youth and families, volunteers and staff, and for community stakeholders. We are on track for timely implementation of the plan which has generated quite a bit of excitement and enthusiasm for the Scouting program in Atlanta. Click here to view the Strategic Plan.
Friends of Scouting Campaign
Friends of Scouting is the Council's annual campaign that secures funds needed to provide services and support to unit programs, such as training, insurance, program materials, advancement materials, camping facilities and programs. Out of a $2,350,000 campaign for 2011, we are just $75,000 away from reaching our goal. If you haven't made an investment in Scouting for 2011, you can make a gift today that truly makes a difference! Click here to support your Scouts!
New Scout Days Scheduled
New Scout Days for the fall have been announced. Cheer on the Braves, Yellow Jackets, Falcons, and Silverbacks or attend Scout Day at Cirque du Soleil or Uncle Shuck's! Ticket prices have been reduced just for Scouts and their families! Click here for more information.
Journey to Excellence Get on board...Scouting is a journey and the route is to Excellence! Every unit has the opportunity to strut their stuff by completing the requirements for the new Journey to Excellence program that has replaced the Quality Unit and Centennial Quality Unit awards. There are three levels that your unit should strive for: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Each focuses on items that your unit can achieve such as 100% trained leaders, summer time activities and camps for Cub Scouts, high adventure for Boy Scouts, and community service for all. Don't get left behind! Start now on this fabulous Journey to Excellence in Scouting! Read more
School Night for Scouting
August 1st marks the first day of school for youth in the Atlanta Area Council so School Night for Scouting has officially begun! BeAScout.org is a great site to share with parents that want more information about Scouting. Make sure to check with your District School Night for Scouting Chair for your school's recruitment dates. Let's make sure to ask all boys to "Be One With the Wild" and join Scouting this fall. Read more
United Way Funds Atlanta Scouting
On July 19, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta approved allocations for the Atlanta community from the $80 million United Way campaign. This distribution is through the Community Impact Fund. The fund represents discretionary dollars disbursed by the United Way, through their process of identifying community needs and directing dollars to address those needs. This year, grants totaling $15.2 million went to 124 community agencies including the Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. For the 2011/2012 grant cycle, United Way is funding local BSA programs through a grant of $404,019 from the Community Impact Fund; this is a 30% decrease from the previous year, and a 55% decrease over the past three funding cycles. In addition to these funds, the Council will receive $295,082 through the United Way Specific Care program, where donors direct their gifts to a specific nonprofit organization of their choosing. These funds have been stable on a relative basis. The total United Way investment in the Atlanta Area Council for the 2011/2012 cycle is $713,545. Thank you for your support of the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. This funding is a crucial component of financing the Scouting program. We encourage you to contribute to the United Way and to be fully informed of United Way priorities, decisions and funding patterns. Click here to find out more about the United Way.
Staff Updates
Congratulations are in order for several Atlanta Area Council staff members. Director of Field Services Jason Pierce has been selected as Scout Executive for the Del-Mar-Va Council in Wilmington, Delaware. Jason, who has been with the Council for 18 years, will report to his new post on September 1. Jay Stoecker, Director of Annual Campaigns, has been promoted to serve as the Director of Development for the Daniel Webster Council in Manchester, New Hampshire. Jay has been a valued member of the Atlanta Area Council team since 1999. Jason Eiermann, Activities Director, will serve as a Field Director for the Black Warrior Council in Tuscaloosa. Jason began his career in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and joined the Atlanta Area Council in 2004. These three will be dearly missed, but we wish them all the best in their new positions!
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Camp
Project COPE (Sept 2-4) (Sept 23-25)
Troops and Crews come out and enjoy a weekend of Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience at the Project COPE Course at the Woodruff Scout Reservation. Project COPE is a national program of the Boy Scouts of America composed of group initiative games, trust events, low-course events, and high-course events. Click here for more information.
Cub Adventure Weekend (September 16-18)
The Cub Adventure Weekend is a new and exciting program designed to allow Cub Scout Packs and families participate in all kinds of adventure together such as shooting BB guns, archery, swimming at the waterfront, fishing, hiking, nature, and handicraft! Click here to register or for more information.
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Get Trained! Classes to help you lead your Pack, Troop, or Crew are held numerous times all over the Atlanta area. Click here to check-out the training calendar to find one that fits your needs and schedule.
The Trainer's Edge (Aug 13) The Trainer's Edge provides and helps develop the platform skills of a trainer with a focus on the participant, while raising the level of skill a trainer brings to training courses. This course "trains the trainer" on behaviors and resources while offering hands on experience in methods and media. Click here to register.
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Cub Scouts
Popcorn Fundraiser
The Atlanta Area Council's annual Popcorn Fundraiser is an opportunity for Scouts to learn salesmanship, build self confidence, earn rewards - all while raising the necessary funds for your Pack, Troop or Crew to have the Ideal Year of Scouting. It is not too late to sign up to sell popcorn! Contact a District Kernel today if you have not yet confirmed that your unit will be participating in the 2011 Popcorn Fundraiser. Read more
Cub Adventure Weekend (September 16-18)
The Cub Adventure Weekend is a new and exciting program designed to allow Cub Scout Packs and families participate in all kinds of adventure together such as shooting BB guns, archery, swimming at the waterfront, fishing, hiking, nature, and handicraft! Click here to register or for more information.
New Scout Days Scheduled
New Scout Days for the fall have been announced. Cheer on the Braves, Yellow Jackets, Falcons, and Silverbacks or attend Scout Day at Cirque du Soleil or Uncle Shuck's! Ticket prices have been reduced just for Scouts and their families! Click here for more information.
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Boy Scouts
 Popcorn Fundraiser
The Atlanta Area Council's annual Popcorn Fundraiser is an opportunity for Scouts to learn salesmanship, build self confidence, earn rewards - all while raising the necessary funds for your Pack, Troop or Crew to have the Ideal Year of Scouting. It is not too late to sign up to sell popcorn! Contact a District Kernel today if you have not yet confirmed that your unit will be participating in the 2011 Popcorn Fundraiser. Read more
Eagle Scout Recognition Ceremony (Aug 21)
On August 21 the Atlanta Area Council will host the Annual Eagle Scout Recognition Ceremony at the Buckhead Theatre to recognize the accomplishments of this year's class of Eagles. Click here to view the 2010/2011 class. The ceremony will recognize our Eagle Scouts and feature keynote speaker Eagle Scout Jerry Wilson, Senior VP and Chief Customer and Commercials Officer for The Coca-Cola Company. Clark Howard, news and talk radio host will serve as our Emcee along with Tim Tassopoulos, Senior VP of Operations for Chick-fil-A. Family members and leaders are welcome to attend. Space is limited so click here to register today.
New Scout Days Scheduled
New Scout Days for the fall have been announced. Cheer on the Braves, Yellow Jackets, Falcons, and Silverbacks or attend Scout Day at Cirque du Soleil or Uncle Shuck's! Ticket prices have been reduced just for Scouts and their families! Click here for more information.
Learn to Swim Class (Oct 29)
Beginner and Non-swimmers who are ready to start swimming, mark your calendars for the Learn to Swim Class on October 29. Open to Boy Scout and Venturing age youth or older. Read more
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Support Scouting
Eagle Scout Recognition Ceremony (Aug 21)
On August 21 the Atlanta Area Council will host the Annual Eagle Scout Recognition Ceremony at the Buckhead Theatre to recognize the accomplishments of this year's class of Eagles. The ceremony will feature keynote speaker Eagle Scout Jerry Wilson, Senior VP and Chief Customer and Commercials Officer for The Coca-Cola Company. Click here for more information. Sponsorships start at $1,000. Contact Jenna Knight at 770.956.3178 for more information on sponsorships.
Corporate Classic Golf Tournament (Sept 26)
The 38th Annual Corporate Classic Golf Tournament will be held on September 26, 2011. This year we are excited to be at the Atlanta Athletic Club, which is also the home of the PGA Tour Championship. Click here for more information. Sponsorships begin at $3,000. If you are interested in sponsorships or other levels of participation, contact William Bryant at 770.956.3177.
Whitney M. Young Banquet (Oct 20)
The 5th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Recognition Banquet will be held October 20, 2011. Given in honor of Whitney M. Young, Jr., the award is presented to volunteers or organizations who have made an outstanding contribution in implementing Scouting opportunities for rural or low-income youth. Click here to view the 2011 brochure which includes the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Class of 2010 and sponsorship information. Contact William Bryant, Senior Development Director for more information or if you are a volunteer interested in attending.
Friends of Scouting Campaign
Friends of Scouting is the Council's annual campaign that secures funds needed to provide services and support to unit programs, such as training, insurance, program materials, advancement materials, camping facilities and programs. Out of a $2,350,000 campaign for 2011, we are just $75,000 away from reaching our goal. If you haven't made an investment in Scouting for 2011, you can make a gift today that truly makes a difference! Click here to support your Scouts!
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 Eagle Scout Service Project Maker
Mark your project with pride! Handsome rectangular plate is fitted with two counter-sunk holes for easy mounting. Plate is solid brass with antique finish and features the Eagle Scout medal design in full detail. Includes "Eagle Scout Service Project" lettering beneath logo. A final, protective coating helps to maintain marker's appearance, indoors or out. Includes two mounting screws. Available in your Scout Shop! |
The Atlanta Area Council Promise E-newsletter is emailed every month to registered leaders and subscribers. Be sure to encourage your friends to sign up by clicking the "Join Our Mailing List" button or visiting www.atlantabsa.org. If you no longer wish to receive this communication, then click here to update your profile on our website. To unsubscribe from all Council communication, follow the link at the bottom of the page. |
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