| Greetings!
Welcome to the September 2013 issue of our Council newsletter.
If you have an upcoming event, information, or a special scout story you'd like to include in this newsletter, please, email our editor. |
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Scouting Skills help Scouter Respond to Emergency
We all know Scouting's motto is to "Be Prepared." However, we never know when these skills will come in handy! Check out the actions of one brave Scout Leader who "Was Prepared" when he was needed most!
Third-shift Blue Rhino maintenance worker Gene Williams said his instincts as a Scoutmaster kicked in when he rushed to rescue a screaming, injured fellow co-worker from the massive propane gas explosion in late July.
"He had flesh hanging off his hands from third-degree burns. His legs were burnt bad and his face was burned, and I told him, 'Come on, Allen, I'm going to get you out of here,'" Williams said. As soon as Williams loaded Allen into his van, the dangerous scene intensified.
"He was badly hurt and in a lot of pain," Williams said. "I had him at Waterman in about eight minutes and I figured that was better than waiting 10 minutes for an ambulance to get here." After dropping Kelly off at Waterman, Williams returned to Blue Rhino to help the firefighters and other first responders.
Hundreds of Tavares residents were awakened by the sound of the loud booms and seeing orange sky. The explosion moved quickly; many residents and businesses were affected. Williams' quick thinking and swift action was a help to so many!
Scout trainings, campouts, activities and workshops help Scout Leaders like Gene Williams and so many others Be Prepared for all circumstances of life. We never know what opportunities we will face. We are thankful to be Scouts!
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Popcorn = Program Q&A
 Who is the first "Fill it Up Club" winner for 2013? It's Henry, a Boy Scout from Troop 692 in the Seminole Springs District. What prize did he choose? $150 Amazon gift card How did he fill up his order form? Henry says the secret to his success is selling in his neighborhood to repeat customers and utilizing his Troop's Show & Sell's. He says, "Always remember to smile and say 'please' and 'thank you!'" How can you get registered for the next drawing?  Once your youth fills up all 30-lines on your popcorn order form - click here- and he/she can be entered to win either a Kindle Fire or a $150 Amazon gift card. Drawings will be held every Monday through the end of the sale. And you can enter once for every form you fill up!
Lots of exciting things are happening in the Popcorn campaign in September: - Chocolate is coming! All units are invited to place their second order. Deadline is Friday, September 20th. On that order, chocolate will be available.
- That second order will be ready for pick-up on Saturday, October 5th - and that weekend will mark our second Blitz Weekend. Be sure to plan for lots of sales that weekend, so your Scouts can earn their second patch!
- If you haven't had already seen it, check out this awesome: Popcorn Kickoff Video
Don't forget to find great resources at: http://popcorn.cflscouting.org If you have any questions or feedback, please contact our Council Popcorn Kernel, Jodi Peterman, petermanconsultingservices@gmail.com, Popcorn Staff Advisor, Patrick Linfors, patrick.linfors@cflscouting.org or Popcorn Executive Assistant, Kimmy Orosco, Kimberly.orosco@cflscouting.org. |
X-5K Black Bear Challenge
An adventure race like none other... Where second place is the main course! The race will be held at Camp La-No-Che located on the North shore of Lake Norris in Paisley, Florida. La-No-Che is 1,480 acres (6.0 km2) and located near the southern border of the Ocala National Forest.
The race is open to Individuals and Teams 13 years of age and older. Participants will run a 5K race and go through 25 obstacles. Team Categories include Law Enforcement, Fire Rescue. Explorer, Venturer, High School JROTC, Youth, Troop and Adult competing for a traveling trophy in each category.
Individuals and Teams will select a wave (time) to run starting at 8:00 am and ending at 3:00 pm There will be a live band, food trucks, and a midway with all sorts of vendors.
When: Saturday, September 14, 2013
Costs: Individual before August 1st $40.00
Individual after August 1st $50.00
Individual Walk In September 14th $55.00
Team: Teams of Five $200.00
For more information or to register go to www.x5kblackbearchallenge.com or contact Jerry Brady at jbrady@lflmail.org or 407-703-0233
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 New Membership Fee announcement from the National Council, Boy Scouts of America
 In order to continue to deliver the nation's foremost youth program, it is occasionally necessary to increase membership fees so that we can offset rising administrative costs. For this reason, the Boy Scouts of America is increasing its membership fee from $15 to $24 per year for all registered Scouts and adults effective January 1, 2014. For those who join after the beginning of the year, the fee will be prorated at $2 per month. This does include units with a December 31, 2013, expiration date. The Boy Scouts of America last increased fees in 2010. Since that time, we have taken additional steps to control and reduce costs, but administrative costs have continued to rise faster than projected. The National Executive Committee began discussions about increasing membership fees in 2012. During our May meeting, the executive board appointed a committee comprised of board members, Scout executives, and regional volunteers to examine this topic further and make a recommendation. This week, the executive committee approved the recommendation to increase membership fees. It is important to note that this process began well before the decision was made to change the membership standards policy for youth. While we believe the increase in membership fees is the best way to continue serving today's youth, we understand it will affect many of our councils. For councils with a large number of Scouts on scholarship, a temporary fund is being established to provide one-time assistance. However, the fund will not be large enough to offset the fee increase for all Scouts currently on scholarship. The Membership Impact Department will serve as a resource to help in the management and rollout of this program. As always, our focus is to build the future leaders of this country by combining adventure, educational activities, and lifelong values. The fee increase is a step we must take in order to continue providing the services you and our members expect and need. With your help and that of each of our volunteers and Scouting parents, we will continue accomplishing incredible things for young people and the communities we serve. Wayne Brock Chief Scout Executive |
Cub Scout Day at Wet'n Wild
 Wet'n Wild Orlando will be offering its Annual Cub Scout Day on Saturday October 5th. Cub Scouts will have the chance to work towards earning their Swimming Belt Loop and their Aquanaut Badge. This program is offered by our Red Cross certified lifeguard trainers prior to the park opening. All attendees are able to enjoy a full day at Wet'n Wild with their families at a special discount following the program. Please see the attached flyer for more information. |
Scouting for Food
 Scouting For Food is quickly approaching us on November 9th! Our goal this year is to collect more than 600,000 pounds of food to help our local community just before the Holidays. We would like to thank Nemours Children's Hospital as our title sponsor and all the support they are giving us this year! Keep an eye out on Brighthouse Networks for some commercials including our local scouts that will let the community know we will be dropping off bags on November 2nd, and picking them back up on November 9th. You will be seeing more information at your upcoming district Roundtables. This is the largest service project we do as Scouts each year, to sign up your unit click this link.
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FAM-tastic Weekend
Scouting Family Style
November 15th - 17th 2013
A Camping Weekend for the Entire Family. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts and their Families living the Camp La-No-Che lifestyle. The weekend will be filled with Fun and Adventure for all ages - Scouts, Parents, Brothers, Sisters - every Family Member is invited to join in on this Special Weekend where everyone is a Scout. The activities will include Shooting Sports, Aquatic Events, Age Specific Activities, and Games that challenge your skills plus much, much more including Family Style Nighttime Entertainment.
Cost $35.00
All Meals Included
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Make It Count - Speak Out
 We are fortunate that our Scouts, Scouters and Parents have a way to let the Boy Scouts of America know how they feel about the Scouting Program in their area. This program is called the Voice of the Scout. We have the opportunity to take two surveys a year and make our Voices Count. Changes can only happen when we have input from you to let us know what you like and don't like. For example we now have more popcorn flavors for this was one of the items people spoke out about. You have the power to make a difference in the scouting program. This is done by completing the survey that is sent to you via email in the fall and spring. I challenge you to be an active part in scouting and make a difference by speaking out. Let your voice be heard. Your Voice of the Scout Committee |
Community Service Hours
 Since the BSA's inception in 1910, Scouts have learned to live the principles of the Scout Oath and Law through community service and "helping other people at all times." What began as a singular act of service on a foggy London night quickly evolved into daily Good Turns and then into more encompassing national initiatives. These have included selling war bonds, collecting rubber and scrap metal, growing victory gardens during WWII, and more recently Scouting for Food. We now have the opportunity to raise our levels of community service and increase awareness of the Scouting program within our neighborhoods. And we can do that one Scout at a time. Remember to and remind all:
"Do a Good Turn Daily." In the world of "Journey to Excellence" the tradition of "helping other people at all times" is incorporated into the "Service Hour" reporting. Service Hour Reporting is a key component of the measurements for JTE. Units are encouraged to conduct and report several service projects annually, one of which must be for their chartering organization, to achieve the Gold Level. The requirements for achieving JTE Gold are: - Packs - should conduct and report four service projects annually.
- Troops - should conduct and report six service projects annually
- Teams - should conduct and report six service projects annually
- Crews - should conduct and report four service projects annually
- Ships - should conduct and report four service projects annually
For more information on reporting your Community Service Hours for JTE, check out some of the following resources: |
Recharter Time
 Re-charter is the annual opportunity for charter organizations to recommit to operating a scouting unit as part of their youth programs. It is the time that leaders and scouts renew their membership for the upcoming year. All returning members pay a $24* annual membership fee and can also select Boys' Life Magazine, for a $12 fee. Re-charter packets are handed out at the October Round Table and are due at the November Round Table. If you have a question regarding re-charter, contact your unit commissioner. For more information on rechartering, download the 2014 Recharter Guide. *See "New Membership Fee Change" article for more information. |
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Central Florida Council's - Journey To Excellence Webinar Program
Make Scouting in the Central Florida Council the BEST for our Scouts and Scouters
Learn:
- What it is
- How it works
- What it does
Learn how to:
- Develop your plan
- Track your progress
All from the comfort of your own home
District Committee: Achieving the best through Journey To Excellence
Monday September 23rd at 6:00pm
Unit Commissioners: Helping our Units with Journey To Excellence
Monday September 23rd at 7:30pm
Cub Scout Unit Journey To Excellence: Planning and achieving the best results
Tuesday September 24th at 6:00pm
Boy Scout Unit Journey To Excellence: Planning and achieving the best results
Tuesday September 24th at 7:30pm
Venturing Unit Journey To Excellence: Planning and achieving the best results
Monday September 30th at 6:00pm
Plus
Opportunities to improve Unit Communications helping Parent/Scout participation
Monday September 30th at 7:30pm
For more information and free online registration please go to the Council web site. |
Council Philmont Contingent 2014
 Next summer, The Philmont Scout Ranch will be celebrating their 76th anniversary. The Central Florida Council still has room for 13 youth and 3 adults for the 2014 trek. The fee is $2,400. The cost per participant includes all Philmont Scout Ranch fees, round trip flight from Orlando to Albuquerque NM, 3 days of touring and exciting activities including white water rafting, & cycling, 3 nights in terrific hotels, meals and attractions, 5 extremely amazing customized Contingent shirts, customized name badge and most importantly - training from two leaders with 9 Philmont treks between them. Each crew of 10-12 chooses their own itinerary based on their interests, the distance they want to travel, and the degree of difficulty they want. Philmont offers interpretive programs in gold mining, western lore, logging, mountain livin', homesteading, burro packing, and black powder shotguns as well as contemporary programs like rock climbing, archaeology, challenge courses, astronomy and mountain biking. This event will sell out, however a $100 deposit will hold available spots, after which a waiting list will be formed. The first Contingent meeting is 8/16 - 8/18/2013. Do not miss this opportunity. Contact Steve.Eisinger@UniversalOrlando.com. |
Requests - Actionables
We've Said -
We are Loyal To Scouting!
Even in the midst of national attention and internal discussions due to the membership policy change we still keep our high level of agreement that Scouting plays a positive role in the development of youth into responsible adults.
We must Preserve the Scouting Experience!
The experiences provided through the Scouting Program are highly valued.
Scouting Positively Impacts the lives of our Scouts!
Scouting is positive, enjoyable, and fun for Scouts and Scouters alike causing positive character development.
We've Asked -
Improve Communications!
More advance notice for meetings, events, and deadlines (don't wait until Roundtable to communicate).
Improve Roundtable Meetings!
Provide best practice sharing among leaders, provide specific program information, and provide new leader information (don't use Scout Jargon).
Improve consistency of the delivery of the Scouting Program!
Increase the emphasis of the importance of training.
Improve the communications to the Parents!
Tell them what they need to know in a timely manner.
With Reference to and Reinforcement of Scout and Scouter insight and feedback Scouting will proceed positively into the future by acting on their suggested improvements. We must focus on superior Volunteer Leadership and Council Employee Service.
We must cause the Changes ---- to cause the Success
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Lowe's Eagle Service Project Grants
 Nationally, during 2012, more than 3,000 Scouts received $100 grants for their Eagle Scout service projects through the generosity of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. The Boy Scouts of America is pleased to announce that the foundation has offered to continue its support with a similar number of grants beginning in July 2013. This year, the Lowe's service project impact grants will take a different approach. Most importantly, the $100 Discover gift card grants will be mailed directly to Eagle Scout candidates. Local councils will select the Scouts to receive cards and then, through the council-designated Advancement Committee representative, follow up to see that participating Scouts submit their required reports. Completed applications may be submitted to John Pollock, Council Advancement Committee representative at: jpollock3@cfl.rr.com. For more information: http://www.scouting.org/trailtoeagle.aspx or call Gary Brewer at (407) 703-0248 |
Cub Scout Legoland Days
The final Central Florida Council Cub Scout Legoland Days will be held November 16th, at Legoland Florida. Play your part as Cub Scouts and their families fight fires at LEGO City Rescue Academy, conquer the Dragon coaster as they return to a time of knights and castles, feel like a Giant as you walk through Miniland USA featuring incredible detailed cities built out of millions of LEGO bricks, and participate in the Ford Driving School, where Cub Scouts and their families drive LEGO themed cars through city streets to earn their own driver's license.
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Families are Ready to Join Scouting!!
 It's time to invite new families to join Scouting!! By now your Pack should have launched their Cub Scout sign-up promotion campaign. Promotional supplies were distributed at the July Roundtables. Packs received yard signs, posters, and the 'Parent's Guide to Cub Scouting' brochures. It's time to use these tools!!! Our goal is to saturate our communities with the promotional materials. Go beyond your school and set up the yard signs and posters at churches, restaurants, supermarkets and other places families frequent. Use your social networking sights to invite your friends to be a part of the Cub Scout adventure. Make sure you are getting the word out in your churches and through your little league sports teams. Packs that are following the Promotion plan are having remarkable success: - Set your Pack's recruitment goal. How many new Cub scouts will your Pack recruit?
- "Get the word out." - Communicate your Pack's School Night Sign-Up to friends and parents whom with you come in contact.
- Social Networking - Get your parents to use their social networking sites; Face Book, Twitter..., to inform their friends about your Sign-Up Night. (Have them give a personal testimony of how Scouting has benefitted their family.)
- Make sure you have posters of Scouts in action; in your school, church and other places that will give parents info on when they can sign up.
- Develop an incentive for Peer-to-Peer recruiting.
- Have an impressive presence at Meet the Teacher & Open House. (Tents, Flag ceremony, Cub Scout greeters, interactive booth...)
- The day before and the day of your School Night, see if the school will allow Cub Scouts in uniform to welcome parents and students in the drop off line.
- Make sure all your Cub Scouts proudly wear their uniforms the day of your School Night.
- Make sure Leaders & Cub Scouts are at your School Night ready to welcome new families.
- Have an organized School Night. First impressions are crucial.
- Make sure you have a Pack calendar to give to the new families.
- Make reminder calls to all new Cub Scouts to insure they attend their first meeting.
- Update your BeAScout.org pin.
Follow the plan... Families need Cub Scouts... You need to "get the word out" that they can join your Pack!! You will begin to see PSAs and billboards letting families know that now is the time to join Cub Scouts. |
| Fall Cub Events at Camp LaNoChe
 
Cub Holiday Adventure
December 13-15, 2013
Join Cub Scouts and their families during Cub Holiday Adventure at our camp. Holiday décor will be in full bloom throughout this weekend. Activities include BB guns, archery, craft making and a great holiday show. Join other Cub Scouting families for Cub Holiday Adventure 2013!
Please click here to download the information / registration flyer
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Cub Scout Day Camp 2014
 Cub Scout Day Camp 2014 planning has already kicked off. The 2014 Day Camp Directors, Program Directors and other key staff are putting together the best program ever. The theme this year is Cubstruction. Each camp will be Cubstructing great innovative activities for Cub Scouts. More details of when and where the Cub Scout Day Camps will be held in 2014 will be available very soon.  We have some great new activities planned, some old favorites (BB's and archery). Day Camp is the opportunity for Cub Scouts, to have fun making new friends, learning scout skills, all while earning rank advancement and other Cub Scout awards. Each camp is different and your son can attend any or as many camps as he wants. Most camps will have BB's, Archery, Crafts and Scout Skills after that every camp is different. You son will earn awards in his new rank Wolf, Bear or Webelos. He will earn a Day Camp patch and receive his camp t-shirt. Camp is all week and all day long. SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR CUB SCOUTS - We need help from a Central Florida Cub Scout to design the 2014 Cub Scout Day Camp patch. The winning design will receive a free Cub Scout Day camp for the Cub Scout and a friend! Please click here to download the flyer / instructions on how to turn in your Cub Scout's design. |
Training
 "Every scout deserves a trained leader". This quote was from Scouting's founder Lord Robert Baden Powell. The Central Florida Council Training Committee in conjunction with your District Training Committee encourages you to expand your Scouting knowledge to help enrich the Scouting movement here in Central Florida. Looking for the latest information on BSA Training Classes being held in the Central Florida Council? The Council Training Calendar is your one-stop shop for all training classes, when they will be held, who is conducting the class, and how to register. |
| What's Going Around: Abdominal Pains
When school starts, students, parents and teachers all go through a variety of stress and emotions, which can manifest into actual physical pain.
Centra Care physicians have documented an increase of over 60 percent in patients complaining of abdominal pain.
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Learn More:
When you see a doctor due to pain in the abdominal area, detailed information will be collected in order to rule out a serious problem like appendicitis. Questions regarding the location of the pain, frequency and duration will be asked, as well as identifying any red flags like sudden weight loss or blood in vomit or stool. A physical examination will also be conducted and blood and/or stool tests may be administered.
If there is no physical reason found for your bellyache, the pains may be anxiety or stress-related. Sometimes just talking to someone you trust about what's going on in your life can ease the symptoms. Exercise is also a great stress reliever for both kids and adults.
Here are some other tips that may be helpful with abdominal pain:
- Sip water or other clear fluids.
- Avoid solid food for the first few hours.
- If you have been vomiting, wait 6 hours, and then eat small amounts of mild foods such as rice, applesauce, or crackers. Avoid dairy products.
- If the pain is high up in your abdomen and occurs after meals, antacids may help, especially if you feel heartburn or indigestion. Avoid citrus, high-fat foods, fried or greasy foods, tomato products, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications, and narcotic pain medications unless your health care provider prescribes them. If you know that your pain is not related to your liver, you can try acetaminophen.
Any time abdominal pain is accompanied by fever, blood in vomit or stool, OR if you experience severe pain that lasts more than an hour, see a doctor right away.
Did you know ... Centra Care offers discounted physicals for Scouts and Leaders? Scout physicals are available for $25 and Leader physicals are only $40. Check with your local Centra Care for your next annual physical.
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The 17th Annual Boy Scout Travel, Sports and Entertainment Auction
Sponsored by WAYNE M. DENSCH CHARITIES, was a major hit!
Hosted at the HILTON ORLANDO | ALTAMONTE SPRINGS on August 16th with a huge energetic crowd of 700 guest in attendance and over 500 auction items were up for bid.
Special thanks to Monique Yeager and her committee for delivering yet another outstanding event for the Scouting program in the Central Florida Council.
The Auction brought in over $77,000 to help sustain a strong Scouting presence in our community. We are thankful for the many sponsors and donations that made this possible.
The Auction committee and the Boy Scout Staff teamed up in delivering another premiere auction!
Special thanks to the Hilton Hotel staff for their professional services and accommodations.
Last but not least, special thanks to all of our VIP's and participants at the Auction!
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Boy Scout Golf Classic - Sign-up Your Foursome Today!
The Golf Classic is only 4 weeks away - register your team today. For additional information, please contact Kirk Clark, Development Director at kirk.clark@cflscouting.org or (407)702-0230.
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From Our Council Commissioner
 Greetings, Central Florida Scouter's and Scouts. I simply cannot believe how fast the summer has flown by. In fact, when Ron Blaisdell inquired about "my" newsletter article, I quickly informed him that it wasn't my turn as I had just written the article and it was one of the other Key 3 members turn! He gently reminded me that yes I did just write the newsletter article: for June!! The old cliché is ever so true; time does fly by. The next couple of months are known for being our busiest time of year here at the Council and the Districts. Of course, at the unit level, it is always a busy time in Scouting. Anyway, over the next month or so, we are conducting school nights in all of our Districts with the focus being to grow our Cub Scout program, as well as recruit new adult leaders. In addition, unit recharter is just around the corner. In fact, they will be coming out at the October Round Tables, so get your personnel identified who will assist in your unit recharters as we will provide a training packet for their use that really simplifies the process. I also want to challenge the youth to help us grow our membership in our Troops, Crews, Ships and Posts, as I'm sure there are those teenagers whom are looking for new friends and adventure. What better place to find both of these things that in Scouting. Keep an eye out for our bill board campaign here in Central Florida, advertising the Scouting Program. We hope to have approximately 22 bill boards in and around our seven counties that depict elements of not only Cub Scouting, but the whole program. The art work was designed by Ft. Gatlin Districts own F. Harvell. Kudo's to F!! OK, we have a busy season at hand, and as stated to Wood Badge candidates as they go out to work their "tickets"; It's your move! Help us grow Scouting here in Central Florida Council. Yours in Scouting, Bo Terry Council Commissioner Central Florida Council |
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