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This is the content from the September 2008 edition of e-Crossroads. Click a section below to view the content.
Sections:
Council News and Events
Rev up for recruiting!
Council Calendar
Unit Program Planning Made Easy
2008-2009 Circuit of Fun Announced
All New Webelos Activity Badge Day- Sept. 20
Firecrafter Fall Frenzy '08
Cub Scout Fun Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway- Oct. 11
Battle of Belzer - Civil War Days
2010 National Jamboree Rally- Final Call for Interested Scouts!
Let’s Record 1,000,000 Service Hours by 2010!
Two programs announced to help feed the hungry
2009 Silver Beaver nomination forms available
Camp staff positions available
Districts
Del-Mi
Golden Eagle
Hou Koda
Iron Horse
Northeast
North Star
Old Trail
Pathfinder
Pioneer
Sakima
Sugar Creek
T-Sun-Ga-Ni
Wabash Valley
Exploring
Reaching For Tomorrow
Venturing
Training
Congratulations Froggy recipients!
Finance
Popcorn: Who is your kernel?
Shooting Stars Sporting Clays event
Recruiting efforts rev up: Are you ready to Race Into Scouting?
Central Indiana is Racing Into Scouting! As billboards, public service announcements, newspaper articles, yard signs, posters and fliers pop up in your community to promote Scouting, unit leaders should be leveraging this increased visibility to recruit new Scouts—and many unit leaders are coming up with their own creative ways of promoting Scouting!
| For example, Anna Seals from Pack 132 in Carmel takes Scouting with her wherever she goes—literally. Anna has been utilizing “Cubby,” a robot-like mannequin dressed in a Cub Scout uniform for a few years now. Cubby sits securely in her front seat (buckled up for safety, of course), and a sign on the window informs curious passer-bys how to get involved in the unit. This year, Anna has taken it one step further by creating magnetic signs to stick on the side of her SUV. Her hope is that as she drives around Carmel, other motorists will be inspired to find out how they can Race Into Scouting. |
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Webelos Leader Anna Seals and her family pose with her SUV, which she has decorated with magnetic signs promoting Scouting. If you look closely, you will see "Cubby" sitting in the front seat. |
Another effective promotional tool went out in last month’s district kickoff materials. The unit and district public relations packets contain information on how to recruit unit and district PR chairs. The packets even include press release templates, story ideas and media relations tips to ensure your unit and district PR chair will be successful in promoting Scouting in your local community. (If you’d like more information on the unit and district public relations packet or if you would like to become a unit or district public relations chair, please contact Shelly Grimes at sgrimes@crossroadsbsa.org.)
Here are some additional steps to ensure you have a successful recruiting season:
1. Every school needs to have a School Night to recruit Cub Scouts.
2. Troops should have a Skills Night inviting Webelos II and prospective new Scouts.
3. Packs, troops and crews should have a peer-to-peer recruiting campaign.
4. Follow up on youth that attended but never signed up.
Many other resources are available on-line. As we work to recruit 7,500 new boys into the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs this fall, feel free to utilize the resources provided—or create and share your own to express the fun, values and excitement Scouting offers.
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Council News And Events
SEPTEMBER
1 Labor Day - Offices and Scout Shops closed
6 Catholic Adult Religious Emblem Counselor Training
6 Firecrafter Officer Training @ Camp Belzer
6-7 Voyageur Canoe Training #1
6-7 COPE/Tower Activity Day/Weekend
9 Council-wide popcorn sales training make up @ Camp Belzer
13-14 Voyageur Canoe Training #2
15 Show and Deliver popcorn orders due online
19-21 Order of the Arrow Fall Fellowship @ Camp Red Wing
20-21 COPE/Tower Activity Day/Weekend
26 Popcorn Distribution
26-28 Boy Scout & Venturing Outdoor Adventure Days
30 Silver Beaver Nominations due
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
1 Pow Wow Cub Scout Leader Training
1 Cub Scout Camp Kick-Off (at Pow Wow)
4 Election Day
8 Popcorn sale ends
12 Show & Deliver Popcorn Sales payments due to any CAC office
14-16 Order of the Arrow Lodge Leadership Development @ Camp Belzer
15 Council Merit Badge Workshop
17 Popcorn and prize orders due on-line
18 Popcorn sales product return day
27-28 Thanksgiving – Offices and Scout Shops closed
Unit Program Planning Made Easy
It is our sincere hope that this proves to be a helpful process to provide your youth with the best experience Scouting can offer. The Unit Program Planning process was developed to help your unit plan a great program year easily and spend as much time as possible having fun in the Scouting program. One of the cornerstones of successful program planning is for each pack to do just one fundraiser to meet all of the units needs. That way the kids are spending more time doing Scouting instead of fundraising. It has been successful with other packs around the council and now we want to share the process with you.
Introduction to program planning materials
- Complete process in one easy to use format – brainstorming, activity selection, calendar and budget
- With minimum prep process should be complete in 1 – 1.5 hours
Please go to the council Web site www.crossroadsbsa.org and click on the Cub Scout, Boy Scout or Venturing symbol then click on the program planning link for lots of great resources.
2008-2009 Circuit of Fun Announced
Choose these fun activities or plan your own! These events are open to all packs, troops and crews.
Oct. 11, 2008 –Cub Scout Fun Day – Come out and enjoy BB guns, archery, show cars, rope making, the one of a kind Cub-Indpls 500, earn the marble, chess and/or ultimate Frisbee belt loops, race pinewood derby cars, rain gutter regatta boats and space derby vehicles! All this and more ONLY $5!
Nov. 8, 2008 – Indiana Pacers – Come see the Pacers and get the best deal in town! For the price of a ticket you will get to see the game, have a hot dog, chips and small Pepsi product, shoot a free throw on Conseco’s main floor and have a special post game talk with a player.
Dec. 13, 2008 – Indiana Ice – Discounted admission with lots of perks, all Scouts in uniform will have a chance to get on the ice and shoot a puck! Meet Big E. Foot the Ice mascot! Plus the Ice are giving each Scout a special collectors Indiana Ice item.
Jan. 24, 2009 – Monster Truck Jam - These 10,000-pound monsters trucks are coming to town. All Scouts and their families will be given a free pit pass that will let you in before the general public to meet drivers and see the trucks!
Feb. 21, 2009 – Boat, Sport and Travel Show – Get special admission with lots of extra hands on activities including a special session to help earn the fishing belt loop, free tickets for rock climbing, fishing and archery during the show!
Feb. 28, 2009 – Supercross – This is an exciting, racing sport with specialized high performance off-road motorcycles. They race on a dirt track with steep jumps and obstacles. Come check out this event’s debut in the new Lucas Oil Stadium!
April 11, 2009 – NHRA Lucas Oil North Central Divisional Race – This race is the first of six on the division schedule and will feature drivers competing for points leading to divisional and nationalchampionships. Categories include Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas and Super Street. Family Day and discounts are available to Scouts!
May 2009 – Indianapolis Indians – All Scouts can come out and enjoy a day at Victory Field. A special ceremony will be held before the game for all graduating Tiger Scouts. They will have the opportunity to cross over a bridge on the field and get high fives from Rowdy and some of the players! All Scouts in uniform will be able to run the bases after the game.
Events are subject to change and any updated information and forms will be available at www.crossroadsbsa.org
All New Webelos Activity Badge Day- Sept. 20
Webelos Activity Badge Day is designed to give you and your Webelos Scouts a head start on earning activity badges. Boys will be able to work on activity badges as well as enjoy adventure stations. Boys should be able to complete most requirements for an activity badge on that day. Leaders and Packs will be responsible for certifying the completion of activity badges, turning in advancement reports to the Council Service Center and supplying the advancement awards. You can sign up as a pack, den or individual with a parent. Look for more information and a sign up form at www.crossroadsbsa.org and click on the calendar (upcoming events) link.
Firecrafter Fall Frenzy '08
The quest for the great Golden Teepee is once again taking place, Sept. 26-28 at Camp Belzer. Come group up with the best of the best in Firecrafter history, to search out this sacred idol. But let it be known that another award will be given out this year. Presenting the first ever troop level Firecrafter award: The Spark of the Silver Flame! Now even those who have not yet achieved Firecrafter will be able to join in the festivities. Bring your entire troop to this historic event, and be the first ever troop to spark “The Silver Flame!” But don’t forget, the fourth Ultimate Master Crafter will be awarded! Will it be you? Also this year, the first Master Future Firecrafter, Master Camper, and Master Woodsman will be awarded. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to prove yourself among the best of the best in Firecrafter. See you there. (Register at Firecrafter.org)
Cub Scout Fun Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway- Oct. 11
Come join us at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a day of Scouting FUN! Saturday, Oct. 11,2008, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is open to all Scouts. Bring a friend and introduce him to the fun of Scouting!
We’ll have live bands, K-9 Search & Rescue Demonstrations, demonstrations by our Circuit of Fun Partners, a Pinewood Derby, Rain Gutter Regatta and Space Derby, shoot BB guns, bows and arrows and sling shots and an obstacle course. Make your own rope, earn Belt Loops and Pins in our Scout Craft Program Area, shop at the Scout Shop Trading Post, shoot the marshmallow guns at the prize range and lots more! Only $5!
Event will be held rain or shine. Concessions will be available. Watch for additional updates on this exciting event at your Roundtable.
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Battle of Belzer - Civil War Days
October 24-26, 2008
Camp Belzer – Indianapolis
Scouts and Scouters camp, drill and even fight right alongside their Civil War reenacting partners in a mock battle. It’s an immersion event in which Scouts and Scouting adults are introduced to what it was like to be in the service of their country during the Civil War. Click here for more program information.
2010 National Jamboree Rally- Final Call for Interested Scouts!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Camp Belzer
CAC Jambo Rally 2010
Join Us for our FIRST Council-Wide Jamboree Event
• Meet The 2010 Jamboree Scoutmasters – All 6
• We are taking 6 Council Jamboree Troops, 216 Boys and 24 Adult Leaders
• Meet your potential Jamboree Troop members
• See & hear about the experiences of Council Participants in 2005
• Learn about the Fun and the Excitement of the Trip to Jamboree
• Hear from Some of the Youth and Adult Staff members
• Lots of Jamboree Memorabilia
• An Opportunity to sign up and Join the Contingent
• A special piece of 2010 Jamboree memorabilia will be given to all REGISTERED participants who attend (you can register at the Rally)
• Parents can learn about the finances and opportunities for Boys to help earn their own way.
• Parents get lots of time to ask questions!
• Boys get lots of time to interact with past participants
Our Contingent Troops are filling very quickly. This may be the last time you have an opportunity to get on the participant list. The waiting list is expected to start by January 2009. We’ll have refreshments and lots of interaction with the committee and Scoutmasters. Bring your questions, reservation forms and online access will be available.For more information, call Warren Carson at (317) 925-1900.
Let’s Record 1,000,000 Service Hours by 2010!
Service is Scouting’s greatest legacy and the primary reason that the Boy Scouts of America is one of the world’s premier youth organizations!
Join other unit leaders by helping Good Turn for America achieve its 2008 goal of documenting 150,000 or more service hours in the Crossroads of America Council. Simply provide all service hours accomplished by your unit in 2008.
Visit www.crossroadsbsa.org /functions of Scouting/good turn for America /record your service project. Have your username or unit code and password handy in order to enter and ensure credit for your unit. If you need your unit code, call Roesch Service Center at (317) 925-1900 or 1-800-925-1900. Do this every month to stay current. We will keep a running tally for Crossroads of America Council and provide progress reports. You can also fill out a Good Turn For America Form and the council will record the hours for you!
Crossroads of America Council is offering free ribbons to units for the recording of service hours: Silver – 1,000 recorded hours, Gold - 500 recorded hours and Bronze – 250 recorded hours. Earn all three and request them from any service center.
Every service project is a Good Turn for America project! As leader of one of 1,000 CAC units, you will make the difference in recording more than 1,000,000 service hours. Just think. If you and all 1000 units participate, our goal will be far surpassed! And Scouting will benefit in the future.
Two programs announced to help feed the hungry
Interfaith Hunger Initative
The Crossroads of America Council has partnered with the Interfaith Hunger Initiative to fight hunger both locally and globally during world food week in October. This is the first effort of its kind in the country and we hope to encourage other states to follow our lead. Each faith will work together to combat hunger. Please contact your local religious organization to see how you can help in your community or plan to help in one of several crop walks across the state.
Cub and Boy Scouts Team Up with Kroger to Help Fill Local Food Banks through Scouting for Food
As they have for the past 20 years, Boys Scouts are doing their “Good Turn” as they fight hunger in local communities.
The Kroger Scouting for Food is in March and is fast approaching. Scouts will go door to door across the state to help fill their local food pantries. People from the community will also bring in food and deliver it to food collection bins that are manned by a Scout unit at their local Kroger store or they can purchase pre-made bags in store.
Kroger will distribute all the collected goods to food banks and pantries within the local collection area. Food collected in Marion County was donated to Gleaners Food Bank, who will then disburse it to their nearly 400 local pantries and soup kitchens. Individual Scout groups may also choose to donate collected food to the pantry that serves their neighborhood.
Please talk with your unit about how you would like to help fight hunger in your community.
2009 Silver Beaver nomination forms available
The Silver Beaver is the highest award a local council may bestow upon a volunteer for exemplary service to Scouting and the community. A nomination form can be found on the council Web site (www.crossroadsbsa.org) under “leaders.” Nominations are due by Sept. 30, 2008, and should be returned to Silver Beaver Selection Committee, Crossroads of America Council, P.O. Box 1966, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1966. Nominations must be submitted on the 2009 form and may not have any attachments. An electronic version is available also. Please send a request to council@crossroadsbsa.org.
Camp staff positions available
Interviewing for summer camp positions will begin soon. If you know of a Scout, or adult who may be interested please contact Ted Klick, Director of Outdoor Programs, at tklick@crossroadsbsa.org or click here.
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District News
District Chair: Bob Guindon, chair@del-mi.org
District Commissioner: Dr. Chuck Harris, commissioner@del-mi.org
Senior District Executive: Nat Baker, (317) 925-1900 ext. 228
District Executive: Matt Sinsko, (317) 925-1900 ext. 227
http://www.del-mi.org/
Upcoming Events:
View our up-to-date calendar with event times and locations online at http://www.del-mi.org/calendar/.
Remember Training
With the start of the new school year please remember that the best way to provide each individual youth with a quality program is to make sure your leaders are trained. The more leaders you can have trained the better overall experience your youth will have.
We offer all kinds of training to insure that you leadership can become trained. You can find more information online at www.del-mi.org and click on training or by sending an e-mail to training@del-mi.org.
Would You Like to Help Units Be More Successful?
Then maybe you should be a unit commissioner. To be a commissioner all you need is a desire to help the lives of youth, a willingness to be trained and two hours a week. You do not need to have all the answers: the district is there to support you with those.
If you are interested in helping our units please contact Chuck Harris at commissioner@del-mi.org.
http://goldeneagle.uwctl.org/
September
1 – Labor Day, Offices and Shops Closed
6-8 – Wood Badge at Red Wing
9 – Council Wide Makeup Popcorn Trng, Belzer
9 – District Committee at People of Praise, 7 p.m.
11 – District Commissioner at 1st Pres, 6:30 p.m.
11 – Cub Scout Roundtable at 1st Pres, 7 p.m.
11– Boy Scout Roundtable at 1st Pres, 7 p.m.
14 – OA Chapter
15 – Show & Deliver Popcorn Orders due
18 – Adult Youth Protection Trng/NLE
21 – District Popcorn Sale Kickoff and Training
25 – Cub Leader Specific
27 – Scoutmaster Specific Trng
27 – Popcorn Sale Begins
30 – Silver Beaver Nominations Due to Council
October 2008
3-5 – Eastern Section Jamboree, Memorial Park NC
4 – OA Chapter Meeting
9 – District Commissioner at Ivy Tech, 6:30pm
9 – Cub Scout Roundtable at Ivy Tech, 7pm
9 – Boy Scout Roundtable at Ivy Tech, 7pm
11 – Cub Scout Fun Day at IMS
10-12 – Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills, Red Wing
10-12 – Outdoor Leader Skills Training, Red Wing
14 – District Committee at People of Praise, 7pm
18 – Do-It-To-It Service Work Day at Red Wing
21 – Council Coordinated Meeting, Belzer, 6:30pm
23 – Adult Youth Protection/NLE, Ivy Tech
24-26 – Civil War Days at Belzer
30 – Cub Leader Specific Training, Ivy Tech
31 – Happy Halloween!
Webelos Transition
Cub Scout packs should be crossing over their second year Webelos into Boy Scout Troops. There are far too many Cub Scouts lost in this transition. Scoutmasters, make it a goal to talk personally to every Webelo and their parents to see just what their intentions are after Cub Scouting, and invite them to join your troop! Now is the time for Scoutmasters to be communicating with Cub Packs about crossover! Cub leaders can also play a role by encouraging their boys and parents to give Boy Scouting a try. The best relationship is one that lasts all year with joint activities over a long period of time to form a familiarity with the Boy Scout troop that the boys will move into. Earn the F.O. Belzer Award by crossing over 75 percent of the second year Webelos! If there are any questions concerning Webelos transition, please feel free to give Garry Reece a call at 765-284-4913.
Fall Open Houses/First Nighters
Has your Troop, Team, Crew or Post scheduled their Fall Open House or First Nighter? Fall is right around the corner! Please set a date for your Fall Open House/ First Nighter now and get it on our calendar. Set your date ASAP please and let the office know! If you have questions about setting a date or have already set one please contact Garry Reece (Boy Scouts) at 765-284-4913, Bill Wesley (Venturing) at 765-284-2698, JB Bilbrey (Exploring) at 765-289-2705 or Leslie Anderson or Megan Boots at the Scout Office at 765-288-0223.
Calendar Planning/Budgeting
The annual Popcorn Sale begins at the end of September (September 27th). If your Pack, Troop, Team, Crew or Post is participating in the Popcorn Sale and hasn’t yet submitted your Calendar and Budget please do so quickly, this is one of the things that you need to complete in order to gain a little more commission on the Sale. Remember, this fundraiser is designed to fund your entire year of Scouting! If your Pack, Troop, Team, Crew or Post isn’t signed up to sell Popcorn or you aren’t sure, please contact Doug Dent at 765-759-7338 or doug.dent@trails-end.com or Leslie Anderson or Megan Boots at 765-288-0223.
Fast Tracks
Are you a NEW Cub Scout Den Leader? Have you been to training yet? Are you confused on what you are supposed to be doing? Well, Fast Tracks is designed for ALL Den Leaders (1st – 5th grade) to help them run an effective meeting. Fast Tracks is designed to help YOU have a great meeting and ensure that you are doing what you committed to for the boys. By following Fast Tracks your boys will advance 1 rank by Blue and Gold time, and you will only be planning 2 meetings a month! You can access the Fast Tracks Lesson Plans online at www.scouting.org/CubScout/FastTracks.aspx and then clicking on Launch Fast Tracks. Just type in your Pack Number, City and Zip Code and then follow the link to open the lesson plans. If you have further questions please contact either Leslie Anderson or Megan Boots at 765-288-0223. We are always here to help you have a successful year in Scouting!
(317) 925-1900 (ext, 229)
September:
4 District Committee Meeting * 7 – 8 p.m.
11 Roundtable ** 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
25 Commissioner Meeting *7 – 8 p.m.
*Avon Christian Church
** Messiah Lutheran Church, 801 South Green St. Brownsburg IN 46112
A New Program Year
A quick “thank you” to the warm welcome that both Josh Reckelhoff and I received at the District Program Kickoff! We are both excited to start the fall season in the Hou Koda District. We look forward to seeing most of you throughout the school night season and continuing throughout the fall. Thank you for everything you all do for Scouting!
Sincerely-
Carolyn Small
Popcorn Sale
Popcorn season is almost here! If you were unable to attend the Unit Popcorn Kernel training on August 28th, please contact our District Popcorn Kernel – Carl Heckman @ (317)513- 4720 / checkman11@comcast.net. To motivate Scouts and families to sell popcorn the most effectively and efficiently conduct a Popcorn Kickoff within your unit prior to the sale. If you have any questions please contact Carl Heckman, Carolyn Small or Josh Reckelhoff.
Race into Scouting – 2008 School Nights!
This is a busy time of year for Scouting. If you have already conducted your school night please remember to follow up with those youth who attended but did not join. With new Scouts every unit will need additional adult volunteers to assist. Have parents fill out a talent survey and breakdown jobs that need to be done into small tasks, making them easier for new volunteers to carry out. If you have not conducted your school night, have good leader representation and bring displays of past projects, photos, uniforms and flags as well as pack information, like you calendar. Also keep in mind the new leadership you will need to identify. New Scouts and families will love to see what your unit is successful at and what you are focused on.
District Commissioner: Jr. Davis, (317) 512-3991
Roundtable: Second Thursday every month at Morristown Christian Church Annex Building ( Training, information and exchange of ideas meeting)
Welcome to the district!
Iron Horse is comprised of Fayette, Rush, Hancock, Shelby and part of Henry County. It is filled with the most dedicated and fun loving people in the whole council.
The District Commissioner, a volunteer position, is “Jr.” Davis. He focuses on the health of the individual units and insures they operate to the best of their ability. He and his talented staff are meeting people on the ground level to ensure the youth are getting educational, entertaining and engaging safe programs to teach the youth life skills and to make ethical and moral choices.
The District Chair, a volunteer position, is Paula McCain. She is in charge of overall operations and the business of Scouting from activities and advancements to fundraising and camping.
The District Executive, the only professional Scouter, is Patrick Walls, who serves all aspects of the Scouting Program. Since Iron Horse is almost a 60 mile by 60 mile square and the office for the executive is located in Hagerstown, there is a rotation schedule of Tuesday / Thursday as to what community he works for the day, usually at a local place with internet access.
Training
All leaders, old and new, should get trained for their position .How can we ensure a safe and fun environment for our youth unless we all know the rules and resources at our disposal? Training is the second most important thing in the Scouting program, fun being the first.
Welcome to the family. We guarantee you will have fun and treasure the time you share with your child and his new best friends.
Chairman: Allan Sutherlin
Commissioner: Doug Walker
District Executive: Peter Reynolds 925-1900 ext. 215
www.crossroadsbsa.org/northeast/news.htm
September
3 District Committee Meeting
10 Roundtable
27 Show and Deliver popcorn distribution
Recruiting Season
Our School Night recruiting season has officially started and it a busy and exciting time in the council. This is a critical time for all our Cub Scout units - as unit leadership and sustainability rely on new Cubs coming in each year to feed the pack. In Northeast district alone, we hope to add another 500 Cub Scouts by year end. I am optimistic that we will reach our goal, but to do it, we must all work together. We have already done a few school nights, and we will conduct a great deal more over the next few weeks. If your particular unit is having trouble getting new kids this year, or the school night was not well attended, we don’t have to give up and go home. I can always do multiple boy talks, and we can figure out innovative ways to recruit from those schools that we do not have access to. Don’t be discouraged if you are having trouble recruiting new Den Leaders or Tiger Cubs - let me know, and we’ll figure out a way to get your pack in good shape.
-Peter Reynolds
The Advantages of Roundtable
Don’t miss out on our upcoming September Roundtable! I cannot stress enough the importance of the monthly Roundtable. This is such a great opportunity to come out and meet other volunteers working in our district; a great way to see what programs and activities work well for other units - and how you can apply them to your own Pack or Troop. Every unit should have at least some representation at our Roundtables so they can bring all the vital information back to the unit leadership. Come and meet the rest of the gang out at Belzer – the second Wednesday of each month. See you there!
Popcorn Season
Don’t lose out on all the advantages of the annual popcorn sale! This is a great opportunity for your troop or pack to raise money for summer camp, circuit of fun activities, supplies and equipment, and of course all the cool adventures we like to do!
Sign up today!
North Star
District Executive: Kristi Howard 925-1900 ext. 223
http://www.northstar-cac.org/
September
4 District Committee Meeting 7 p.m. Pyramid 1 LL
5 Commissioner Meeting 6 p.m. American Legion #3
9 Popcorn Kickoff Make Up 6:30 p.m. Belzer
15 Show and Deliver Orders Due
11 Roundtable 7 p.m. 2nd Presbyterian Church
12-14 Fall Camporee Krietenstien
26 Show and Deliver Sort 5 p.m. Logisco
27 Show and Deliver Dist. 8 a.m. Logisco
30 Silver Beaver Nominations Due
October
3-5 WITS Weekend Belzer
Special Thanks
Thanks to Chick-fil-A and MCL Cafeteria for sponsoring our North Star Program Kickoff! We had a great turn out with twelve units represented! If you were not able to make it, YOU MISSED OUT! Plan to attend September’s Roundtable to pick up all the materials and information you missed. Thanks to all of our district volunteers for manning the booths and thanks especially to all those who attended
September District Committee Meeting
This meeting is scheduled for Thursday Sept. 4 at 7 p.m., at Pyramid 1 LL (3500 DePauw Blvd, 46268). Our NEW LOCATION is more centrally located to accommodate all North Star District volunteers from Zionsville and the Northwest side of Indianapolis. We hope you will enjoy the change! Plan to attend to participate in the planning of upcoming district events.
Roundtable
Join us Thursday Sept. 11 at 2nd Presbyterian Church (7700 North Meridian St.) for our first of many great Roundtables for the year. Come to sharpen your PROGRAM AND SUCCESSION PLANNING SKILLS. Sign up for important district events and most importantly pick up all the info you need to make your year in Scouting as successful as possible. Packets for those who did not attend the Program Kickoff will be available.
Popcorn Kickoff
If you missed the North Star Popcorn Kickoff you can still make it to the council make up session 9/9 6:30 at Belzer. Here you will learn about the new incentives, new products, and receive all the materials necessary for a successful sale. Remember you can finance all of your unit’s activities just by selling popcorn! Visit www.crossroadsbsa.org and click the Program Planning link to view sample budgets to learn more. This useful template will show you exactly how to fund your ideal year of Scouting (and so much more!)
Silver Beaver
Nominations for the Silver Beaver awards are due no later than 9/30/08. Nomination forms are NEW this year and may be accessed from the crossroads website. Old forms and/or additions to the online form will NOT be accepted. This award is open to all adult Scouters and is to honor their service. Awards will be distributed at the University of Scouting.
9/30
Fall Camporee
Our Fall Camporee is scheduled for Sept. 12-14. The theme will be Camp Kreepenstien. Join us for a weekend of fun! Contact Brian Crow (Troop69BCrow@aol.com) for more information.
Website Updates
The North Star website is continuously being updated to feature the latest North Star news as well as photos of our new and growing district staff. Check in periodically to stay updated! If your unit has information or links to share please contact our Web master Rick Aker (rwaker@comcast.net)
http://www.crossroadsbsa.org/oldtrail/
Race Into Recruiting!
-Andy DeLucio, ASM Troop 100, Richmond
Recruitment is the basis of advancement in life of a Scout troop or pack. Being the father of three sons, I have had the privilege of holding leadership positions from Tiger Cub Leader through Webelos Leader, including Cubmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster. In each of those positions I have been required to recruit new Scouts.
I have used several methods of recruitment through the years. During the early years, I used the direct method of telling boys who were friends of my son’s and their parents while dropping them off at school. This was met by somewhat limited success as you can only see so many people in the parking lot at one time.
During my Cubmaster years, I had Boy Scout Troops come in to pack meetings and do recruiting for their troops. This gave younger scouts a chance to see what they will be doing in their future lives. This was also to improve the Webelos to Scout transition. It was a goal of mine, as Cubmaster, to have 100% of my Webelos crossover to the Boy Scouts, and I am proud to say that during my tenure as Cubmaster I achieved that goal every year.
Now that I am the recruitment chair of our troop, I have been able to try other ideas and had good success. One of those ideas was recruitment at School Night Open Houses. We visit as many packs as we can during the Open House time period. My troop created a Power Point presentation and music video of some of the things we have done over the past few years. We take these to the Open Houses and show them to the prospective Scouts who attend. This also gives us a chance to network with the leadership of these packs.
Another tool we use is what we call Webelos Roundup. This gives us a chance to show who we are and what we do at a camp out. It also gives Webelos a chance to earn badges that are needed to earn their Arrow of Light. Last year we did Readyman, Outdoorsman, and Engineer for 25 Webelos. This year we plan to expand this and add a lock-in format. This method has been very effective, but our best recruiting sale is done by our Scouts themselves. Once a prospective Scout comes to see our Scouts in action, the program sells itself.
For a troop or pack to survive, it must have a good plan to recruit new Scouts and adults. The new recruits are the future and backbone of the Scouting movement.
District Chair: Tom Lee, (317) 888-6633
District Commissioner: Steve Mitchell, (317) 887-1091
District Vice Chair: Tom Jackson, (317) 784-7305
District PR Chair: Tom Williams, (317) 881-4511
District Director: Warren Carson, (317) 925-1900 ext. 206
District Executive: Jaymie Bose, (317) 925-1900 ext. 270
http://www.pathfinderbsa.org/
Welcome new DE!
Please welcome Jaymie Bose, the new Pathfinder district executive. Jaymie comes to the Pathfinder District from Hat World/Lids where she worked at the corporate office as a recruiter. She has also worked for the State Senate as a communications specialist. She has a B.A. in public relations from Ball State and is a diehard Southsider. She's excited to be joining us and we are thrilled to have her. Please welcome her to our team.
Cub Scout Fishing Derby
When: Saturday Sept.20
Where: Cottonwood Lake, Jonson County Park
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Fishing: 8 a.m.-noon
- Bring your whole den, pack or family
- Open to all Cubscouts and tag-a- longs
- A limited number of rods and reels will be available for use
- Bring your own bait
Hosted by Pack and Troop 264
Contact Keenen Wilson 889-7484
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Pioneer
District Chairman: Jim Hermsdorfer 359-7838
September calendar
1 Key 3 Meeting
8 Eagle Board of Review
9 Commissioner Staff Meeting
Roundtable
Firecrafter
17 District Committee Meeting
18 OA Chapter
24 Belzer Band Booster Club Meeting
October
4 Silver Beaver Breakfast & Meeting
7 Key 3 Meeting
Eagle Board of Review
9 Commissioner Staff Meeting
Roundtable
Firecrafter Meeting
15 District Committee Meeting
16 OA Chapter meeting
17-19 Fall Camporee at Krietenstein
Fall Camporee
The Fall Camporee will be Oct.17-19 at Camp Krietenstien. Make your plans to attend now! If you should have any questions please contact Bob Wager at 895-8640.
Roundtable
All leaders are encouraged to attend Roundtables which are held the 2nd Thursday of each month. Your ideas and suggestions are requested to assist the Roundtable staff in developing a great Roundtable program. Please call your Roundtable Commissioner.
Boy Scout – Kenn Reinhardt, 862-4680
Cub Scout – Rick French, 356-4557
Venturing – Stephanie Wright, 485-8584
Popcorn
The annual popcorn campaign is almost upon us! If your pack, troop, or crew has not signed up please contact Toni Richardson, our District Popcorn Kernal, at 359-4370. If you missed our District Popcorn Training you still have another opportunity to receive the necessary training. It will be Sept. 9 at Camp Belzer. Attending Popcorn Training to help your Scouts have a great popcorn campaign and increase you commission! Please contact Robert Harrison at 925-1900 for more information.
Vice Chair: David Welshiemer
Membership Chair: Beth Smitherman
Calendar
September
4 Cub Scout / Boy Scout Roundtable, Park Place Church of God, Anderson
9 District Advancement Meeting, Bethany Christian Church
11 District Management Meeting, Anderson Scout Shop, 6 p.m.
17 District Commissioner’s Meeting, Anderson Scout Shop, 6:30 p.m.
28 Cub Scout Training, * Detail below
October
2 Cub Scout / Boy Scout Round Table, Park Place Church of God, Anderson
9 District Management Meeting, Anderson Scout Shop, 6 p.m.
14 District Advancement Meeting, Bethany Christian Church
Cub Scout Training
Wondering what to do with all those boys? Want to know some tricks to have an excellent Scouting program? Come to Sakima’s Cub Scout Training Day on Sunday, Sept. 28 from 1:30– 6 p.m.
1:30 p.m. New | | | | |