 October 2012 |
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Greetings!
It's a great day to be a Scout!
I was planning to use a "broken record" analogy and then realized records have not been mass produced in nearly 25 years. So.......at the risk of sounding like a blue ray player stuck on auto play, a message from the Scout Executive about fundraising and finances probably seems as interesting as watching paint dry.
However, local Scouting is at a pivotal cross road due to a unique and uncontrollable circumstance. As you know, the Springer Fire forced the closure of Camp Alexander for two weeks. Although the Council carries a "loss of use" insurance policy for just such natural disasters, we do not know when, or even if, the Council will receive any type of settlement. It is uncertain how much of the estimated $260,000 in lost income will be recuperated through the policy. Consequently, the Council is experiencing a significant cash liquidity and budget shortfall to support "day to day" operating, program and staffing expenses.
Several people in our Scouting family have heard this message and the response has been heartwarming. Scouting leaders are making additional contributions, asking others for support and helping tell our story to the community. If you want to do a "good turn" and support the fire relief campaign, you can click here to "donate now" on the Council website. Thank you for your commitment to Scouting.
Kent Downing
Scout Executive/CEO |
Troop 71 celebrates their 100th Eagle Scout!  | | Eagle Scout Kelly, center |
On August 18th at Pulpit Rock Church, Troop 71 held the Court of Honor for their 100th Eagle Scout, Kelly. The Boy Scouts of America is celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the first achievement of the Eagle Scout rank back in 1912. For his Eagle Scout project, Kelly chose to work with the Salvation Army and completed a portion of their stage renovation by designing and painting the backdrop for the stage at their community/day care center. He is a Junior at The Classical Academy's College Pathways, taking most of his classes at Pikes Peak Community College. Scoutmaster Ken Riveria said, "I am proud to say Kelly is more than a credentialed Eagle Scout, he is an Eagle Scout in lifestyle and community service."
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Units- Tell us what great things you are doing!
We want to start featuring not only Scouts doing great things but also units too! If your Pack, Troop, Team, or Crew has completed an awesome Trek, helped the community, organized a new event, or anything extraordinary- let us know and send pictures!
Stories and Photos can be sent to Chelsea Hernandez.
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Family Spooktacular
Saturday, October 27th
@ Camp Alexander
Come one, come all to this spooky event open to all registered Scouts and their families. Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory. Check out all the GORY details hereRegistration is open so sign up today!
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Gathering of Eagle Scout Alumni
 November 7, 2012 Our annual Fall Gathering of Eagle Scout Alumni will take place on Wednesday, November 7th from 6pm-8pm at Springs Orleans in downtown Colorado Springs. If you are an Eagle Scout over the age of 21 and would like to RSVP to this event, click here. We will be celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the first Scout to achieve the Eagle rank back in 1912! The reception is free to all Eagle Scouts and guests. Contact Chelsea Hernandez with any questions or to request more information. |
November 24th and December 8th
Cub Scout Packs are encouraged to join in this fantastic volunteer event in service to our community. Spaces are limited and locations near you fill up fast, so be sure to register your group early!
Register to Ring @ http://www.tsacs.org/registertoring |
Scout Nights!
Wednesday, October 24th
@ World Arena
February 23, 2012 @ World Arena
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Cub Scout Leader Specific Training
Saturday, October 13th 8:30am-2pm
 Session 1- Introduction to Cub Scouting
Session 2- How we have fun
Session 3- Specific Training for All Leaders
Location: Colorado Technical University
Cost: $5 to all participants
Sign up HERE. |
College of Commissioner Science
Saturday, November 10th 8:30am-2pm
 Pikes Peak and Rocky Mountain Councils are invited.
Location: Pikes Peak Council Activity Center
Open to all current and new Commissioners
Contact Rich Trentman to register.
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NRA Training
October 12-13th Range Safety Officer Training
October 20th
Contact Jack Durbin for more information
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Popcorn Information
Door to Door Popcorn orders are due October 18th!
Door to Door Popcorn distribution will take place at Ace Hardware on Powers and Astrozan on Saturday, November 10th. If you have not scheduled your pick-up time, contact Brandon Vavra to do so.
Popcorn Payment is due to Council by 6pm on Tuesday, November 27th.
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Planned Giving
 As a donor to the Pike's Peak Council Boy Scouts of America, you can use your giving to achieve personal goals, enhance your financial security, and to help shape the future of Scouting right here in your local community. Planned giving includes a number of ways for you to include charitable giving in your total financial plan. Our government encourages philanthropy by providing advantageous tax treatment of gifts under both state and federal law. This was reasserted in the recent 1997 Tax Act. Planned giving can help you maximize these tax benefits.
As with all financial decisions, a planned gift should be designed with care. During the coming months we will use this section of the eNews letter to help you understand the many different kinds of planned gifts. At any time that you have questions please don't hesitate to call us: Jeremy Snook, Development Director - Jeremy.Snook@Scouting.org or 719-377-1433 (personal mobile) or direct 719-219-2915. |
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CHECK OUT OUR NEW COUNCIL WEBSITE!
The Pikes Peak Council is proud to release its new website. We hope this will be a resource for all of our volunteers and staff to help support the program. The first step you will want to take is to create a MyCouncil account; just click "Join" in the upper right hand corner of any page you happen to be on. Most importantly, this will allow you to register for the activities, camps, trainings, campsites, and other events online.
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Shoot-O-Ree a SUCCESS!
 The first annual Cub Scout Shoot-O-Ree was held on Saturday, September 28th at Camp Alexander. More than 700 people attended and 400 Scouts and siblings had the opportunity to 'shoot' all day. Stations included Archery, BB Guns, Sling Shots, Boomerangs, Catapults, Rubber Band Guns, as well as an opportunity to earn the BB & Archery activity pins. The success of this event would not have been possible with the time and talents of our 50+ volunteers. If you did not receive the Shoot-O-Ree patch, they will arrive in a few weeks and we will update you on when you can pick them up in the next e-newsletter and on facebook.
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2012 Veterans Day Parade
 Saturday, November 10th at 10am- Downtown COS
There are opportunities for Scout Units (Cub, Boy, Team, Crew, Post) to participate in the parade and all unit participation is coordinated
by the VA Parade. All registrations for the parade is through the VA parade website here. Please direct all inquiries for information about the Parade to Eileen Howe, Executive Assistant, Colorado Springs Veterans' Day Parade.
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Voice of the Scout Survey
Attention Scouting Volunteers and Parents!!
The Voice of the Scout surveys have been sent to all registered Scouters with correct email addresses. Tell us what you think so that we can identify areas where we are doing good and areas that need improvement. Please take 3-5 minutes to complete our survey. Remember, the survey has been emailed to you so check your inbox! All responses are confidential and information will only be reported in aggregate. You can be assured we will read your response, listen, and act on your feedback. Thank you in advance for your valuable time.The survey will be open through October 25th, so please take the time to complete it before that date.
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| 2013 Charter Fee Update-
The Unit Charter Fee and Post Participation Fee for all local Scouting units and Exploring posts will increase from $20 to $40 effective January 1, 2013. The increase was mandated by the National Council in Dallas, TX. Please pass this information along to your Charter Organization Representatives.
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 Saturday, October 27th from 9am-4pm
The Pikes Peak Council, Boy Scouts of America, with the assistance of the council Shooting Sport Committee offers this opportunity to work the merit badge requirements, including range demonstration. Click here to register.
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 Open House-Venture Crew 3022
October 16th at 6:30pm @ Pikes Peak Council Activity Center
The American Red Cross Venture Crew 3022 is for youth interested in wilderness/emergency medicine, life-guarding, and first aid. Contact Jaqueline Breckenridge (President) or Dave Kugler (Advisor) for more information.
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| Volunteers needed for Operation Shoebox
Sam's Club 1850 E. Woodmen Rd.
Sam's Club is collecting items requested by our Troops abroad. Scouts are needed to pass out flyers to customers that lists what items are requested for donation.
When: 10/6 - 10/7, and 10/13 - 10/14
The shifts are usually 2-3 hours and a pizza combo lunch is provided. Contact Ellen Neff if you or your unit would like to participate.
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| Volunteers needed for Amblicab
Amblicab provides transportation to the disabled in our community who do not have access to public transportation. We take them to medical appointments, social and recreational events to help them stay physically and mentally healthy. We are creating a donor database that will help us reach people who are willing to contribute to our mission so we can continue to serve our disabled community members.
What Kind of Help: Data Entry
Time Required : 2-40 hours
Number of volunteers: Can be an individual or several Scouts
When: Mid - October (call or email to schedule)
Where: 1352 N. Academy
Contact Gail Nehls at execdir@pppartnership.org or 719.633.4602
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Scouting Awards and Scholarships
Pikes Peak Council Summit Award - The Summit Award nomination form is currently undergoing modifications to its requirements. The new application will be ready Nov 1st 2012.
NOVA Awards Program
The BSA's NOVA Awards program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. Fore more information and requirements, click here.
Order of the Arrow Long Term Camping Award: Contact Jim Yagmin for rules, information, and how to apply.
VFW Scout of the Year Scholarship Program: Scouts must be 15 years of age and have demonstrated practical citizenship in school, Scouting and the community. Scouts must be enrolled in high school at the time of selection. Click here for information.
Deadline: March 1, 2013
SAR Eagle Scholarship: The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) has an Eagle Scout Recognition and Scholarship Program where you can enter a competition and be eligible to win scholarship awards from the National, State, and Local Chapters levels. Click here for more information.
Deadline: December 15, 2012
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Casting Call!
Looking for an Eagle Scout for 2013 Friends of Scouting Video!
Requirements:
- Eagle Scout must between the age of 16-20.
- Scout must be comfortable in front of a video camera and preferably have some experience in theater.
- Family of Eagle Scout must be willing to re-enact a brief Eagle Court of Honor.
- Must be available to film either November 10th and 11th or 17th and 18th.
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