With rechartering and Scout Nights happening right now, this message is extremely important to all units.  Don't be caught short!

Effective with unit rechartering in December and member enrollment on January 1, 2014 the National Boy Scouts of America will be raising the registration fee on all members (youth and adult) to $24 prorated to $2 per month for new members added during the year.   With the added $1 insurance, the total registration fee will be $25.  Please keep in mind that these fees go directly to the National Office and do not stay within the Michigan Crossroads Council.

Please click here for frequently asked questions regarding this rate increase as well as a great explanation about how these funds are used.

September 9th marked the first day of our temporary Ann Arbor Scout Shop and Service Center at 1663 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor Michigan 48105.  Thank you to all of the volunteers for your help and thank you to all of our customers for your patience as we reassembled to get ready for you.  We're back in business now, so come see us in our new "digs".

With the start of school, everyone becomes busy with well...just about everything!  So to get you on track, here's a checklist of the things that you should have already accomplished to be part of the fall popcorn sale.

1.  Signed up for the sale - if you have not committed to selling, you still can, follow this link to get started

2.  Attended a Popcorn Kickoff - if you missed it don't panic, we have all of the resources online of who to contact and a Popcorn Kernel's guide filled with tons of information.  

3.  Reviewed the Popcorn Kernel's guide - these resources have been created for you to succeed.  If you haven't had the opportunity to page through them, do so now so you are informed about the sale.

Now that you are on track, here's your next task!

Show and Sell and Show and Deliver orders are due online by 10:00 pm September 16th!

Need help placing your order?  A GoTo meeting will be open on the evening of the 16th from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm to answer any of your questions.  Units can call at any time during these hours and join the conversation.  We are expecting a busy evening, so if the line is busy, please call back!

 Here's how:
1.  Click on the following link.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/814814973

2.  Use your microphone and speakers (VoIP) - a headset is recommended.  Or, call in using your telephone. 

Dial +1 (267) 507-0012

Access Code: 814-814-973

Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting

Meeting ID: 814-814-973

This is not exactly a phrase developed by the BSA, but one we agree with wholeheartedly.  On October 5th we will be hosting a latex paint recycling collection event where individuals can drop off their containers of paint and for a small fee ($3.00 per container), they can dispose of them.  The donated paint will then be renewed, recycled and reused for Habitat for Humanity.

Two Kalamazoo drop off locations will be staffed by Scouts on
October 5th from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and
October 6th from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. 

Harding's ( 6330 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49002)

Orrin B. Hayes (3718 Stadium Dr. Kalamazoo, MI  49008)

 

The Detroit Red Wings will host their "Scout Night at the Joe" with three different evenings to choose from.  

November 9th...FREE Scout Night Patch and Entry to Private Scout Night Post-Game Party! After the game, join the rest of the Scouts for your chance to go on the ice, pose for a photo from the Red Wings bench and penalty box and take a shot on net!

Click here to read about the other evenings that are offered as well as order your tickets.

And we have plenty of training opportunities to start off your Scouting year.  From BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) to Leader Specific to EDGE...we have what you need to make sure you are a leader prepared to lead.

Questions about what training you need?  Check out the Michigan Crossroad Council website that explains, in depth the requirements for your leadership position.

Did you know that this we have some very specific trainings being offered that still have room for registration?  IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills for Scoutmasters, ASM & Webelos Leaders) & WLOT (Webelos Leader Outdoor Training) are required training courses for a direct contact leaders (ASM or SM) to become "trained" as defined by BSA.  And, BSA requires a "trained" leader on overnight camping trips.  IOLS is also intended for second year Webelos leaders that will be crossing over into the  Boy Scout program within the year.  These trainings are being offered at Camp Teetonkah, October 18-20.  Click here to register

The Eagle Scout expectations are to extend a helping hand as service to his community, just as others helped him in his climb to the Eagle. Following is a call to all Eagles:

Updated Information ..on the Saturday October 5, 2013 from 9am until 12pm , Southern Shores Field Service Council Eagle Scout Alumni Association, and other council volunteers will conduct a joint service project (detached garage refurbish) for a local Battle Creek Vietnam Veteran Corporal Lawrence Davis, USMC ('62-'66). We will be meeting at the Battle Creek Office, 1791 W. Columbia Ave. Battle Creek 49015. 

We need tools for painting, paint scrappers, ladders and tools for trimming trees.

Flap your feathers..seeking Eagle Scouts who have registered for, or plan to attend the upcoming 2013 Southern Shores Field Service Council's Fall Camporee at Fort Custer Training Center and would like to volunteer an hour or two at the Southern Shores Field Service Council Eagle Scout Alumni Association information table we are only staffing the table from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, September 21st.

If interested in volunteering for either of these worthwhile projects please contact LCDR Michael Files at 619.245.8651 / michael_files@yahoo.com or
Valerie Herr at 517.812.0740 /vaherr@bsamail.org.

Also you can now find us on facebook: Southern Shores Eagle Alumni Association  

We need your help!  We are compiling a list of all past District Award of Merit recipients and we need all Scouters who have earned (or) know of someone who has earned the District Award of Merit.

Last fall the Southern Shores, FSC developed a new program where businesses and organizations can become a sponsor of the more than 130 merit badges available to our Scouts.   Click here to read how you can become involved as a merit badge sponsor.  

Thank you to Dr. Gochanour for his commitment to Scouting with his sponsorship of the Dentistry Merit Badge .  With his support we will ensure that our youth will have the opportunity to attend summer camp, own their own books and uniforms, and enjoy all the benefits of Scouting. Your funding will also help create more Scout units, and develop a strong sense of Scouting throughout our communities.

Go see Dr. Gochanour and give him a Scout Salute! 

GEORGE GOCHANOUR, DDS

The Voice of the Scout Survey is coming this month. Please watch for your email and take a couple minutes to make your voice be heard. This is your chance to let us know how you like the program or what you would like to see changed.

Surveys are sent to Unit Leaders, Scouts, Scouters and Parents via email. Please make everyone you can aware of this program so they can watch for their survey. The surveys will begin to be distributed the middle of this month.  Watch for the survey and let your voice be heard.

Interested in reading the Executive Summary of the spring Voice of the Scout Survey?  You can by clicking here.

Look what was spotted in St. Joseph! What are you doing for recruitment in your community? Make sure to check out the website for all of the fall recruitment resources.

Cascades District

Exploring is a career awareness program for young men and women ages 14 through 20. Our programs help match your career ambitions with the community, corporate and business resources of the Southern Shores FSC.  Imagine getting a head start on your future, by attending monthly meetings at an organization that specializes in your field of interest, along with other young adults who share your ambitions. The Exploring program can help you unlock doors that lead to success, such as; 

• Interaction with professionals within your field of interest.
• Mentoring advice and an insight into the career.
• On the job experience and planning tips toward post high school graduation.
• Leadership experience and resume' building opportunities.
• Future contact cultivation and networking opportunities.
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Internship Opportunities 

Club/Post Leader & Youth Opportunities:

Currently, the Southern Shores Field Service Council supports Exploring Posts in the fields of Law Enforcement, Fire & Emergency Services, and Law & Government.  We are looking for more leaders and youth to start Exploring Posts in the fields of Aviation, Business, Communications, Science, Technology, Engineering, Skilled Trades, Healthcare, Arts, and Social Services.  Volunteer opportunities are also available in the  new Exploring District Committee.

Call today to get involved in Career Exploring. Contact our Learning for Life Executive at 269-343-4687 ext. 18.