We would like to extend our congratulations to Boy Scouts Justin and Gavin, Troop 150 Enterprise, for receiving the National BSA Medal of Merit for helping to save life during a recent swimming pool incident.  The Scouts are pictured below receiving the award at a recent troop Court of Honor.
 

Every boy needs a trained leader and training is an essential part of the Scouting program.  BALOO is a Saturday only course and the cost will be $10.  The other two courses are OWLS and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills and will cost $25.  Please call the Council Service Center at 334.793.7882 to register for any of these courses.

Outdoor Leader Skills

Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting program. Training in outdoor skills is required before taking scouts on outings.

*   Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills will provide Boy Scout, Varsity, and Venturing leaders with the basic outdoor skills information needed to start and guide a program the right way. Completion of this course is the required outdoor training for all Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters as well as Crew Advisors. The skills taught are based on the outdoor skills found in The Boy Scout Handbook. The course is normally a day and a half long.

*   BALOO - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation for Cub Scout leaders is a one-day training event that introduces participants to the skills needed to plan and conduct Pack outdoor activities, particularly pack camping. This training is required for any adult who is in charge of planning a pack campout, and it is required that at least one adult per pack complete BALOO training in order to apply for tour permits.

*   OWL - Outdoor Webelos Leader Training is for all Webelos leaders. This training course covers the skills and resources needed to teach the outdoor activity badges and helps to provide good and safe outdoor experiences. Completion of this training is required before a Webelos den can go on a campout. 

Learning to manage money is one of the ways the Boy Scouts prepare youth for life.  However, IRS rules prohibits individuals from receiving a substantial personal benefit from fundraising activities. 

A new statement from National BSA clarifies the IRS Rule and includes: Funds raised by the unit from product sales belong to the unit.  Funds are not transferable to the Scout or another unit if the Scout leaves the unit, but may be re-assigned to another unit sponsored by the same chartered organization. 

Learn more by reading the document in the news section of the council website at www.bsa3.org/pages/news.html.

Troy University and the Alabama-Florida Council will host the fifth annual Merit Badge University on the campus of Troy University. Check-in will begin at 8:00 a.m. with the opening ceremony to be held at 8:30 a.m. in Sartain Hall.  Classes will begin at 9:00 a.m.

At MBU 5, there are more than 20 merit badge classes being offered. This includes the Aviation merit badge, which will be taught by the staff of Troy University's new Aviation program. Also, the Scuba BSA award is being offered for those looking for a high-adventure experience. Adult training opportunities are also available.

Registration is available online at alabamaflorida.camp-master.com.

For questions or registration help, email lori.mccrory@gmail.com. 

What a great way to learn about fun at Camp Alaflo!  The Open House held in September provided new Cub Scouts and parents the opportunity to learn their way around camp, have a bunch of fun and prepare the Akela Cubs. 

We'd like to thank event chair Trey Hall and his team for conducting the event.

The annual council golf fundraiser will be held at the Highlands Oaks, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

The event helps raise funds for our Scouting program and honors Stanhope Elmore, a dedicated Scouter who served on the council board from 1960 to his death in 2002.

Registration is $500 Team or $100 per person. Contact Jerry.Freyberg@scouting.org for more information. 

Everyone had a blast during the Boy Scout Fall Camporee at Camp Alaflo. The Mega Sports Challenge theme included a variety of fun activities. 

Check out the photos on the Council News Page at www.bsa3.org/newsarticles/2014fallcamporeefun.html.

Several new camp improvements were added in preparation for the camporee including the kickball court/pavilion/modern restrooms in the activity field, plus soccer goals in the ball field.

5th grade Webelos were invited to participate as part of our Council Youth Retention Plan. We would like to thank our camporee host Troop 77 and Camporee Chair Kurt Pierce for all their hard work and leadership conducting the event!