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This annual guide has everything you need to know about the coming program year to help plan exciting activities for your Scouts or Venturers. Stop by a GSLAC service center for a copy or download it here.
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to see photos of events around the council!
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Merit Badge Makeup Day is for Scouts needing assistance in completing the remaining requirements for merit badges they began at summer camp. This year's event, again sponsored by the St. Louis Eagle Scout Association, is on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Beaumont Scout Reservation.
Due to the facilities, merit badge work for fishing, rowing, and canoeing is limited to oral and written requirements only. However, Scouts who need to catch a fish for the Fishing or Fly Fishing merit badge can meet with certified angler instructors at the following locations: Suson Park (South County), S bar F Scout Ranch, Busch Wildlife (west St. Charles County), and Forest Park (St. Louis city). Click here for more information.
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Get Trained To Climb To New Heights
Climbing towers are available to Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers at Beaumont Scout Reservation and Camp Lewallen. The Beaumont tower is also lit for night climbing and may be rented for evening use. More advanced climbers can experience Freedom, Ranger Falls, Collarbone, or Baby Snake cliffs at S bar F Scout Ranch or the dramatic sculpted cliffs of Giant City State Park near Pine Ridge Scout Camp.
But before you take your unit, you need to have at least two trained leaders to run the activity. The next climbing training is scheduled for Aug. 5 and 15-16. To learn more or sign up, click here.
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Sleep Under The Stars At WWT Soccer Park
Watch the St. Louis Football Club soccer team in action on Aug. 8 at World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton -- and then stay for a campout on the field! Scouts will enjoy a snack and movie after the game as well as breakfast Sunday morning. Click here for tickets.
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Become A Better Leader Through Wood Badge
Ever wonder what those wooden beads are around some Scouters' necks? They are Wood Badge beads! Wood Badge is Scouting's premier training course and it is where adult Scouters can learn by DOING. Members in the course are formed into patrols and troops. The entire troop lives outdoors as Scouts do for two weekends camping, cooking their own meals, and practicing Scout skills.
The next Wood Badge course is Aug. 14-16 and 28-30. Click here for an application.
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Build Relationships With Den Chief Training

The Den Chief Program is a key means of building relationships between the Cub Scout pack and the Boy Scout troop. A den chief is a Boy Scout who assists a den leader at meetings and other Scouting events.
The next Den Chief Training is Aug. 22 at Beaumont Scout Reservation. Click here to learn more or sign up.
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Take A Fall Hike At Philmont Scout Ranch
Experience the pleasure of hiking the Philmont back country in the beautiful New Mexico fall weather, when the aspen trees change to gold. The Greater St. Louis Area Council will send a contingent Oct. 10-17, and cost is approximately $250 per person. Sign up individually or as a group by contacting Bob Veenstra at 636-288-5179 or by email. For more information, click here.
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50 Years At The Ranch Come To Live In Book
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of S bar F Scout Ranch, a story has been written entitled "And Hills to Roam -- The History of the S-F Scout Ranch." The book contains 190 full-color pages with more than 575 photos, maps, and images. Stories tell the amazing history of one of the largest and finest Scout camps in America. A companion DVD includes a documentary, vintage camp promotion videos, and additional maps and images. Purchase your copy here.
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Popcorn Helps Kids Go To Camp And More
Selling popcorn is a great way to fund your unit's annual program. Money raised by units have been used to cover the cost of badges and advancement, special events, and pack and troop equipment. Not only do units benefits from selling popcorn, but these sales also benefit the council by providing better programs and camping facilities.
Popcorn training is just around the corner: Aug. 10: St. Louis South Popcorn Dinner Aug. 12: St. Louis North Popcorn Dinner Aug. 15: Popcorn Training Makeup Aug. 17: Southeast Missouri Popcorn Dinner Aug. 19: Southern Illinois Popcorn Dinner
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