Senior District Executive: Nat Baker, (317) 925-1900 x228
District Executive: Matt Sinsko, (317) 925-1900 x227
Upcoming Events:
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January 2008
3- Commissioner Meeting
Four Function Meeting
District Annual Business Mtg.
District Management Team Mtg.
5- District Management Team Retreat
10- Cub Scout Roundtable
Boy Scout Roundtable
OA Chapter Meeting
Firecrafter Ember Meeting
Pack Recharters Distributed
Pack Recharter Training
11-13- Winter Camporee (Camp Kikthawenund)
17- Eagle Scout Boards of Review
19- University of Scouting
31- District Annual Calendar Scheduling
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February 2008
2- Troop/Team/Crew Recharters Turn-in
7- Commissioner Meeting
Four Function Meeting
District Management Team Mtg.
8- Carmel Community Breakfast
14- Cub Scout Roundtable
Boy Scout Roundtable
OA Chapter Meeting
Firecrafter Ember Meeting
21- Eagle Scout Boards of Review
23- New Leader Essentials (Camp Belzer)
Youth Protection Training
All Cub Scout Leader Specific Training
Scoutmaster Specific Training
Venturing Leader Specific Training
27- Fishers Community Breakfast
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Webelos to Boy Scouts
Spring is the time to recruit for Boy Scouts. Webelos will be ready to crossover, and summertime activities can be a great hook to encourage them to join your troop. In order to make their transition as seamless as possible, preparations should begin now.
Packs and troops should work together. Your unit commissioner can be a vital resource to connect your pack with a troop, or troop with a pack.
Packs should invite some troop leaders (youth and adult) to special pack activities. Also arrange to visit a troop meeting. This will help build familiarity with the troop and ease the transition. Ideally, the Webelos den leaders will crossover and become assistant Scoutmasters or committee members.
Troops can actively work with a pack in a variety of ways. Scouts from the troop can serve as den chiefs. They can provide equipment and leadership for Webelos parent-son campouts. A troop can also host activities planned for the Webelos to show them what they can expect when they move into the troop. Actively working with a pack will provide more members for a strong, healthy troop.
Proper planning now can provide easy transitions for Webelos to become Boy Scouts this spring.
Friends of Scouting
If you were asked to tell how important Scouting is to our community, how would you answer? We believe the power of Scouting is immeasurable. We also believe it is one of the most important investments in our nation’s prosperity. The program of Scouting builds strong values, strengthens character, builds confidence and prepares our community’s youth for the future. They ARE the future.
For now, however, their future is as much in our hands as it is in their own. In order to receive such a valuable return, we must first make an investment. When a Family FOS presenter makes a presentation at your unit, please make a contribution. Your gift is tax-deductible and will help support the youth of our district and the Crossroads of America Council. If your unit has not already scheduled its Friends of Scouting presentation, please visit www.del-mi.org/finance/fos/. Thanks for your support!
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January 2008
1- Happy New Year! Offices/shops closed
2- Cub Scout Early Bird Registration Begins
5-6- World Record Derby Track at Indiana
State Museum
8- District Committee Meeting
District Annual Meeting
10- District Commissioners Meeting
Cub Scout and Boy Scout Roundtable
Cub Scout Recharter Training
15- Council Coordinated
18-20- Winter Camporee at Red Wing
19- University of Scouting at Warren Central
Venture/Varsity Leader Specific Training
Cub Scout Leader Specific Training
Scoutmaster Specific Training
21- Martin Luther King Jr. Day- Offices/shops
closed
26- Circuit of Fun Monster Truck Jam
28- District FOS Report Meeting
30- Council FOS Rally
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February 2008
3- OA Chapter Meeting
Scout Sunday
8- Leader Recognition Dinner
Scouting Anniversary Day
12- District Committee Meeting
14- District Commissioners Meeting
Cub Scout and Boy Scout Roundtable
Troop/Team/Crew Recharter Turn in
18- President’s Day, Offices and Shops closed
25- District FOS Report Meeting
27- Muncie Community FOS Lunch
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Family Friends of Scouting 2008!
Can you believe it is that time of year already? The annual Friends of Scouting Campaign is starting up now! The Family portion of the campaign plays a very vital part in the overall success of the campaign, and keeps Scouting alive and well in Golden Eagle! Please schedule a presentation as soon as possible. To get your presentation on the calendar please contact John Baker at jmbaker@bsu.edu or Shannon Hunt at shunt@geaarchitects.com. Thank you!
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, call Christine Dudley at (765) 289-5661.
Senior District Executive: Jean Manka, (317) 925-1900 ext. 229
District Executive: Bryan Hughes, (317) 925-1900 ext. 227
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January
3- District Committee
10- Cub/Boy Scout Roundtable
Venturing Roundtable
Troop/Team/Crew/Post Recharter Training
Cub Pack Recharter Trng
OA Chapter
16- Eagle Scout Boards of Review
24- Commissioners Staff
25-27- Camporee
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February
7- District Committee
Troop/Team/Crew/Post Recharter Turn-in
14- Cub/Boy Scout Roundtable
Venturing Roundtable
OA Chapter
20- Eagle Scout Boards of Review
28- Commissioners Staff
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Winter Camporee
The Winter Camporee will be held on Jan. 25-27, 2008 at Camp Ransburg. There will be many activities that require a variety Scouting skills. Come ready to brush up on those Boy Scout skills. Registration by troop is required when you get to the event. Please contact Tammy Knauer at (317) 272-5045 or rtrknauer69@sbcglobal.net for additional information.
Family Friends of Scouting Campaign
The goal of the Family Friends of Scouting Campaign is to give the parents of every Scout an opportunity to participate in supporting the council’s efforts to provide the best programs, resources and facilities to the families in our service area. Each Scout unit will be asked to participate by scheduling a Scouting meeting or activity attended by parents for a short FOS presentation during the months of November through March. You might consider a Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet or Troop Court of Honor. A member of the district family FOS team will be in contact with your Scout leader to schedule the presentation or you may schedule your presentation with Dick Sloan at (317) 856-5243.
Re-Charter
Scout Troops will have charter turn-in on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at Avon Christian Church. Troop charters must be turned in by the end of February to be considered a Quality Unit. Packs will have charter turn-in on March 6 at 6 p.m. at Avon Christian Church. Pack charters must be turned in by the end of March to be considered a Quality Unit. While the charter will be done on-line, a packet must be turned in with all necessary signatures.
Webelos to Scout Transition
February and March are big months for Crossover Ceremonies. Every pack should have representatives from a troop at the Crossover Ceremony to invite the fifth grade Webelos to their troop. Every fifth grade boy should be asked to join a troop in their area. Troops: Make sure your den chiefs are working closely with their dens to ensure the Webelos will continue their Scouting education.
District Dinner-March 8, 2008
The District Dinner will be held March 8 gathering at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. All Scouters and their families are welcome to attend. The dinner will be followed by an awards ceremony to recognize the outstanding leaders in Hou Koda from 2007 and give out Quality Unit Awards. If you have any questions or comments about the dinner please call Tammy Knauer at (317) 272-5045.
District Vice-Chair: Paula McCain, (317) 326-3603
Roundtable: Second Tuesday of every month.
Unit Visits
Our new district commissioner is up and running. He and his team are visiting units, so don’t be surprised if you see a new face show up at your next meeting just to say hi and see if there is anything they can do for you.
Crew Event
Thank you to all who braved the cold wind and the rain of our first Venture crew handgun education and shooting event. Everyone had a great time and had the opportunity to shoot many different calibers and types of firearms.
Friends of Scouting
Our district training and kick-off meeting will be at the Rushville Courthouse on Jan. 5 from 10 a.m.-12 noon where we will go over training and roles at your units F.O.S. presentation. Please have your units date ready.
Training
Don’t forget: Training makes your job easier! The boys and adult leaders will have more fun if you know what to do and how to do it.
Popcorn
Way to go Iron Horse District.! We beat last year’s total sales for the district! The funds raised will support the council and each unit for their fun adventures.
District Chairman: Tim Craft
District Commissioner: Glenn Harkness
District Executive: Keenan Fennimore, (317) 925-1900 ext. 223
District updates
The North Star district finished strong in 2007 with an increase in the total number of registered youth across Scouting’s three programs. Once again, the leadership and dedication of our many volunteers has allowed Scouting to reach more families and more ways, ultimately enhancing the quality of the community in which we live and serve. Thank you. Looking ahead, the North Star district committee is pleased to announce the addition of two key manpower components for 2008. Tim Craft has enthusiastically accepted the role of district chair and will provide guidance to our district committee as they carry out the many aspects of district operations. Tim is an Eagle Scout and former assistant Scoutmaster from Troop 56. Glenn Harkness has agreed to serve as our district commissioner and will lead our team of unit commissioners in their service of our packs, troops, and crews. Glenn is a former Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 174 and is excited to be active in Scouting again.
Winter Camporee
The 2008 district Winter Camporee, “North Star Gold Rush,” will take place at Camp Red Wing Jan. 11-13. Scouts will compete in a series of fun activities such as “Don’t Break the Ice,” “Dynamite Danger,” and “Ice Fishing,” all while racing in a good old-fashioned Alaskan dog sled dash! Troop leaders should contact Brian Crow for registration information.
Roundtables
The district will also commence its 2008 Roundtable program Jan.10. All leaders are invited to Second Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. for a Scouting-themed program and to share fellowship with others in the Scouting movement. This is a great opportunity to receive important district and council information and to seek and share advice on questions and issues that arise in your Scouting experience.
Chairman: Allan Sutherlin
Commissioner: Doug Walker
Executive: Matt Rowan 925-1900 ext. 215
A Special Thanks
On behalf of all the volunteers and Scouts in the Northeast district, the District Committee would like to say thank you to Russ Trapp for his commitment and service over the last two years as district commissioner. During his two-year term as commissioner, the district qualified for the Quality District both years. In addition to this unique success, overall unit health and charter organization relationships soared to new heights. While Russ moves on and has plans to make his mark in leadership training, he has certainly left a solid foundation for continued excellence in service to our units. Thanks Russ!
New Leadership
Please join the District Committee in welcoming Doug Walker as the new district commissioner in the Northeast District. Doug has been a longtime volunteer with the Pathfinder district and has an extensive array of Scouting experiences as a leader. Recently, Doug relocated to the Northeast district when he accepted his new role as senior pastor at the Epworth United Methodist Church. From the beginning, Doug was eager to be a part of the Northeast team. We certainly look forward to his leadership and experience as the commissioner staff begins a new chapter of service to others.
Family FOS
The 2008 Family FOS Campaign has kicked off! If your unit has not scheduled a presentation, please contact Matt Rowan. Ideally, we would like to have these presentations take place no later than February. Our Family FOS team is excited to share the story of Scouting with your unit.
Thank You! Membership Committee
A very special thank you goes out to Dale Dietz, our district membership chair, and his committee of School Night and Open House volunteers. This group worked incredibly hard to assist our unit leaders to grow their units. On behalf of everyone in the Northeast district – we thank you.
Northeast News
We hope you find the brief articles in this Crossroads publication helpful and a good reminder of upcoming events. However, there is an even better source for up-to-date information about the district. Log on to the district Web site and click on the Northeast News link. There you will find an activity listing, dates and times, pictures, and current articles on what’s happening. www.crossroadsbsa.org/northeast/news.htm
2007 Year Ends
We made it! 2007 started a little bumpy with a few Scouts leaving our Scouting family, but through your efforts throughout the year we were able to bring 90 new families to Scouting.
In an area that is getting harder and harder to get kids to commit, let alone participate, we are seeing resurgence in families wanting their sons, and sometimes daughters, to gain those values-based skills that they know will only come from the Boy Scouts of America.
Upcoming District Events
Jan. 1 – April 15, 2008 - Family Friends of Scouting. This is your opportunity to support the Finances of the Old Trail District. During this time we look forward to visiting your Scout unit to talk to you about what Scouting does and how your financial support is not only tax deductible but also helps Scouts that cannot afford registration, uniforms or camp, and that it helps in the up-keep and improvements of Bear Creek Scout and the Hagerstown Scout Office.
Feb. 1, 2008 – Join us at Centerville High School for the Cub Scout Lock-In. We will open the doors at 6 p.m. and the program starting at 7 p.m. We will have the usual favorites of swimming and crafts along with other activities that are guaranteed to wear out your Cub Scouts by 2 a.m.
Feb 7, 2008 – Join us for the Annual District Recognition Banquet as we honor our volunteers for their service to Scouting. Doors open at 6 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church. We will award the District Scouters Award, District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award.
District Commissioner: Steve Mitchell, (317) 887-1091
District Vice Chair: Tom Lee, (317) 888-6633
District Vice Chair: Tom Jackson, (317) 784-7305
University of Scouting – Jan.19 – This is a great opportunity to get your leaders trained in an awesome scouting environment. Several sessions are available to suit your training needs. Check it out at www.crossroadsbsa.org.
Silver Beavers – Please welcome Tom Williams and John Hibner as Pathfinder district’s newest Silver Beaver recipients. Both Tom and John are well deserving of the highest honor a council can bestow. The award will be presented during lunch at he University of Scouting on Jan.19.
Recharter – Troop, crew and team recharters are to be turned in at Perry Meridian Middle School on Feb. 9 from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Please contact Jim or Kate at (317) 925-1900 if you cannot attend that day to make arrangements for pick-up.
Camp Packets – Summer camp is approaching and you want to be prepared. Camp packets are available from Jim or Kate at (317) 925-1900 and will also be available at Roundtable on Jan. 10. Also, camperships are available for any of your youth who may not have the resources to pay for camp in its entirety. Please contact the Scout Office for more information to take advantage of this program.
Winter Camporee – Please plan to attend the Winter Camporee at Camp Bradford on Jan. 25-27. More information will be available at the Roundtable on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.
District Chairman: Jim Hermsdorfer 359-7838
District Commissioner: Ron Heustis 359-6482
January Calendar
2- Key 3 Meeting
5- Silver Beaver Breakfast and Meeting
8- Eagle Board of Review
10- Commissioner’s Meeting
Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing Roundtable
Pack recharter training
Firecrafter meeting
16- District Committee Meeting
17- OA Chapter Meeting
19- University of Scouting
25-27- Winter Camporee at Camp Belzer
30- Belzer Band Booster Club Meeting
Recharter
Cub Scout Packs will be able to pick up their recharter packets at the January Roundtable. We will also conduct a brief recharter training at this time. Recharter packets are due Feb. 2 for all troops and crews and March 1 for packs. All recharters need to be turned in at Irvington Presbyterian Church.
Friends of Scouting
Now is the time to sign up your pack, troop or crew for a Family Friends of Scouting presentation. A great time for the presentation is your Blue and Gold or Green and Gold banquet. This presentation explains to parents how our council is financed and educates them about our wonderful facilities. This is an important opportunity for the families of Scouts to show their support for Scouting. There is an incentive plan to encourage each family to participate! Please contact Dick Coffin at 359-2503 with questions or to schedule a presentation.
District Dinner
The Pioneer District Dinner will be Feb. 15 at Camp Belzer. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the presentations will start at 7:30 p.m. This is the event where Pioneer district members will be recognized for their accomplishments in 2007. Eagle Scouts, Silver Beavers, District Award of Merit, training awards and other award recipients will be recognized. Please contact Bill Schofield at 542-8057 with any questions or to make your reservation.
Winter Camporee
Our Winter Camporee will be Jan. 25-27 at Camp Belzer. This promises to be a very unique event. As long as they do the prerequisites, all attending Boy Scouts will have the opportunity to earn the Disability Awareness Merit Badge! More information will be available at Roundtable. If you have any questions please contact Bob Wager, Camporee Chairman, at 895-8640.
Summer Camp
If you have not already made plans for Boy Scout Summer Camp, Cub Scout Day Camp, Webelos Adventure Camp, or Baden Powell and Dan Beard Camp there is no time like the present. Spaces fill up quickly so make plans now and turn in your reservation to ensure you are able to go. For additional information please visit www.crossroadsbsa.org for more information.
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JANUARY 2008
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FEBRUARY 2008
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3
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Scout Roundtable
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7
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Scout Roundtable
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3
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Troop/Crew Recharter Training
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3
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Firecrafter/OA Chapter
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3
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Cub Pack Recharter Trng
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8
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Centennial Quality Unit
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4
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District Dinner Reservations Due
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Agreements Due to District
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6
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Firecrafter/OA Chapter
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10
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BSA Anniversary
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8
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District Advancement Meeting
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12
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District Advancement Meeting
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10
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District Committee
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14
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District Committee
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10
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District FOS Report Meeting
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14
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District FOS Report Meeting
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10
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District Annual Meeting
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20
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Troop/Crew Recharter Turn-in
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12
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District Recognition Dinner
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20
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Commissioners Staff
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16
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Commissioners Staff
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26
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CS Skills Test/WinterFest
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25-27
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Boy Scout Camporee
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Annual District Leader Appreciation Dinner
All registered adult leaders are encouraged to attend the annual Leader Appreciation Dinner on Jan. 12, 2008, at the Anderson Holiday Inn. Gathering will start at 6 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The program will include door prizes, an auction and award presentations honoring volunteers in the Sakima District. Cost is $5.00 per person. Adults only, please. This is a great time for fellowship with other adult leaders and to recognize your hard work year-round!
CHARTER TURN-IN DATES
Scout Troops/Crews: Please arrange to turn in your recharter packages on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at Fazoli’s on Scatterfield Road in Anderson between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Cub Packs: Please arrange to turn in your recharter packages on Wednesday, March 19 at Fazoli’s on Scatterfield Road in Anderson between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Now is the time to go on-line and get ready. When calculating your unit fees, be sure to add $1.00 per person for insurance. Don't forget to have your institutional head sign your charter before hand. Please contact Chris Taylor for more information about rechartering.
District Commissioner: To be announced
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January
3- District Committee meeting*
10- Roundtable* (Pack Recharter training will
be offered)
11-13- Klondike Derby (Camp Cullom-
Frankfort)
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February
7- District Committee meeting*
14- Roundtable*
16- District Dinner (Advance Community
Christian Church)
28- Boone County Breakfast for Scouting (Ulen
Country Club)**
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*St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 319 E. South St, Lebanon
**if you would like more information please contact Carolyn Small
Silver Beaver Congratulations!
Paul DeLaCroix from Troop 338 in Frankfort has earned the esteemed Silver Beaver Award for his service to youth and Scouting in his community. The award will be presented at University of Scouting on Jan. 19. Please join me in congratulating Paul on this momentous accomplishment.
District Dinner
This year’s District Dinner will be held at Advance Community Christian Church. Good food, live music, awards, recognition and fellowship! The more the merrier. If you have not already made your reservation please contact Steve Taylor at (765) 676-6666 to do so. The cost of the dinner will be $12.50.
Remember to turn in your nomination forms for district awards to John Hawkins. If you have questions about the awards please contact John at (765) 482-0359.
Friends of Scouting
This year’s annual Friends of Scouting campaign is off to a great start! Sugar Creek District is having community fundraising breakfasts in Crawfordsville, Frankfort and Lebanon. The purpose of the breakfasts is not only to raise money but to build awareness of Scouting in the community. If you would like to be involved with the program, preparation or prospecting please contact Carolyn Small.
In addition to the community events, your unit can support Scouting by hosting a Friends of Scouting presentation. Most units schedule these at a time when a meeting is well attended, for example at a Court of Honor, pack meeting or Blue and Gold banquet. Please contact either John Hawkins or Carolyn Small to schedule your presentation.
District Executive: Ethan Rayburn, (812)232-9496 ext. 15
Senior District Executive: Jason Milner, (812)232-9496 ext. 17
Roundtables
Roundtables are a great resource for all leaders in a unit, not just Cubmasters or Scoutmasters. If you have not been to Roundtables in a while, come and see what you are missing. To be the most effective leader possible, please join us on the first Thursday of every month at Camp Wildwood at 7 p.m.
Klondike Derby
The Boy Scout/Webelos Klondike Derby will take place Jan. 26 at Camp Krietenstein with an optional overnight camping experience on Jan. 25. The theme for the weekend is the famous Iditarod Sled Race and program areas will focus on emergency preparedness. All Boy Scouts and Webelos are invited to attend. Special thanks to Bill Allen for chairing the event. For more information, call (812) 232-9496.
District Recognition Dinner
The District Annual Recognition Dinner will take place Feb. 2 at Camp Wildwood. Gathering and hors d’oeuvres will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. The program will highlight units which excelled in membership, advancement, camping, and Friends of Scouting. It will also feature this year’s recipients of the District Award of Merit. An auction, with proceeds going to help pay for FREE district events like District Pinewood Derby, will follow the program. Tickets are available for just $10.00. Special thanks to Kathy Cors for chairing the event. RSVP to Debbie Morgan at (812) 232-9496 ext. 12.
District Pinewood Derby
This fantastic event will again be held at absolutely no cost to the participants. Each and every Cub Scout in the district is invited to participate in the District Pinewood Derby on Feb. 9 at Honey Creek Mall (in front of J.C. Penney) in Terre Haute. Registration is 8-10 a.m. Races usually finish by 3 p.m. Come check out our state-of-the-art track and timing systems as we crown this year’s king of the district. Special thanks to Joe Robinson for chairing this year’s event. For more information call (812) 232-9496.
Venturing Membership and Program Committees
The Council Venturing Program Committee meets on a regular basis. If you are interested in becoming involved on either the Program or Membership committee or are just curious about Venturing, please contact:
David Broekers – Council Venturing Program Committee Chair
Carolyn Small - Council Venturing Advisor
(317)925-1900 ext. 234
Exploring and Venturing Officers Association
This youth council will begin meeting by the end of the first quarter 2008. All Exploring and Venturing youth are encouraged to apply to participate. The purpose of the EVOA is that all Exploring and Venturing activities are youth led and planned on a council level. It is a forum to give youth a voice on a council level regarding both programs and a way for them to take ownership of the opportunities available for their posts and crews. If you would like more information about the EVOA please contact Doug Brown at (317) 925-1900 ext. 225.
New Venturing focused courses at University of Scouting 2008!
Register today!
Issues Concerning Co-Ed Crews
Special Venturing Training Opportunities
Taking Troop Habits out of Running a Crew
Crew By-Laws and Governance
Conducting a Venturing Leadership Skills Course (VLSC)
Getting a Venturing Crew Started from Scratch
How Crews Plan and Finance for High Adventure
Venturing Program Consultants
A Venturing Program Consultant is a resource for crews to go to when they are interested in pursuing a certain activity. When approached, consultants teach crews the skills they need to pursue a certain activity and then assist crews in planning to accomplish their goal. With an expected increase in Venturing membership, we are looking for individuals who are experienced in a program area such as backpacking, caving or horseback riding who would be interested in working with Venturing crews. Please contact any of the Council Service Centers to inquire about becoming a Venturing program consultant. You may also contact Carolyn Small at (317) 925-1900 ext. 234.
Venturing Summer Camp
Location: Ransburg Reservation, Adventure Point
Session dates: July 27-Aug. 2 or Aug. 3-9
Costs: $180 early bird, $190 regular (4 day/3 night fee $100 and $110)
Out of council - $205 early bird, $215 regular (4 day/3 night fee $110 and $120)
Program: Crews will develop a schedule of activities and programs including: