Troop e-bulletin for Mar 2009

1) MARCH ROUNDTABLE: Thursday March 5 at 7:30 p.m.. This month’s main topic will be "Scoutmaster Conferences – More than an Advancement Requirement”. We will be discussing some problem situations and how to handle them through Scoutmaster conferences.

Roundtable is held every month EXCEPT JULY in the basement level of the St. John the Divine Parish Life Center, 2450 River Oaks Blvd. at Westheimer. Boy Scout Roundtable provides a forum for adult leaders to discuss topics of interest, both formally and informally; to learn about upcoming District and Council events and opportunities; and to meet and exchange ideas with other leaders from the Golden Arrow District. All adults involved in the Boy Scout program are warmly invited. Your Troop mailbox is available in the foyer and contains hard copies of important information. Click here: http://www.goldenarrow.org/training/roundtable-bs.html

2) SCOUT FAIR TICKETS: Your Unit earns 40% of the sales price if you have a booth at the Scout Fair April 18 (30% with no booth). Remember, the quicker you distribute your tickets and collect back sales proceeds, the more prize stamps and raffle chances your boys earn! Your Troop’s Ticket Chair can turn in ticket proceeds and get prize stamps this Thursday March 5 at Roundtable (see above). Remember, the quicker you distribute your tickets and collect back sales proceeds, the more prize stamps and raffle chances your boys earn!

4) FRIENDS OF SCOUTING 2009: This annual pledge drive, which works towards 100% participation by every family, is well underway. Your Unit Coordinator can turn in pledges collected so far at Roundtable (or you can bring them on his/her behalf). Click here to see where your Troop stands as of Feb 27: http://goldenarrow.org/news/fos-2009-troops.pdf

5) SCOUTPARENTS UNIT COORDINATOR: Beginning immediately, each Unit should have a position on their Committee called the “ScoutParents Unit Coordinator”. There will be a line on the recharter form to indicate the name of the person filling this position. The ScoutParents Unit Coordinator’s job is to assign parents to help with at least one specific task, assignment, or project annually; provide an orientation for all parents about how the Unit works and the benefits to the family; keep parents updated on the program and their son’s involvement. Fast Start training is available for this position at www.myscouting.org. Pack/Troop Committee and/or Scoutmaster specific training along with NLE (New Leader Essentials) and YPT (Youth Protection Training) should be taken. There is a position patch for this new role. The new youth application encourages all parents to check the block to be an active ScoutParent. For more information, visit www.ScoutParents.org.

6) NEW MEDICAL FORM: A new Annual Health and Medical Record form will replace the former Class 1, 2, and 3 forms by end 2009. The new form, No. 34605, will be required effective January 1, 2010, and for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. http://www.scoutingnews.org/2008/12/19/annual-health-and-medical-record/

Therefore, you should start using this new form henceforth so that you don’t have to re-do 2009 doctor exams mid-season (e.g. next January)

- Annual Health and Medical Record (Prints on four 8.5 x 11 sheets)
- Annual Health and Medical Record spread (Prints on two 8.5 x 11 sheets)

7) NEW MEMBERSIP APPLICATION COMING: Membership Application Changes (view link)
and Disclosure Authorization Form (English) (view link)
or Disclosure Authorization Form (Spanish) (view link)

8) NEW SCOUT HANDBOOK: A new Scout Handbook will be released around January 2010, reorganized such that skills will be in sections (e.g., First Aid) rather than having the skills presented by rank. In addition to paper, the book will be available online so that Scouts can download sections onto their computer or Ipod. There will be lots of links to the Field Book (which will also be available online) and to BSA approved outside websites for further information.

10) DISTRICT AWARD OF MERIT 2009: Congratulations to this year's winners of this year's highest District-level recognition: Beverly Folts, KyleShannon, Dale Fitz, Bob Livitz, Tom Mathews. Well done! Click here to read about this award: http://www.goldenarrow.org/news/district-merit-2009.html

11) HONOR UNIT 2008 WINNERS: Congratulations to Packs 197, 688, and 1020; and Troops 549, 740, and 1020! They each received enough special-design Council Strips (uniform shoulder patches) to outfit their entire Units – the design was sewn from a radar picture of Hurricane Ike. And – Pack 688 has earned this award every year since its inception!

12) PHILMONT ADULT CLASS: There is a new class that goes even a step beyond Wood Badge: Philmont Leadership Challenge. The course is all hands-on, no classroom. There is still space left in the August course (until the article comes out any day in March's Scouting magazine) http://www.philmontleadershipchallenge.org/Scouting_mag_mar1.html.
Our district exec, Jeff Hutchison needs to contact Philmont ASAP to get you an invitation. To learn more about the course, click here: http://www.philmontleadershipchallenge.org/

13) POPCORN RECALL: Trail’s End is having a voluntary recall of the 9.5 oz Caramel Corn, and 9.5 oz. Caramel Corn with Peanuts, with code date markings of “102861 109 JAN 19 08” through “102861 297 JUL 23 09”. No salmonella has been detected and a Trail’s End representative states “We have also had a nationally recognized expert in Salmonella do a thorough inspection and review of our manufacturing process and he has advised that he is "completely confident that no Salmonella organisms would survive the manufacturing heat process." “ If concerned, contact: Cathy Yingling, (317) 264-5860

14) MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR TRAINING: Get the facts to become a MB counselor in your Unit or for the District Merit Badge Fair. A 1-1/2 hour orientation is being offered on Tuesday night, March 24 at 7:30 p.m.. See the website http://www.goldenarrow.org/training/adult-troop.html.

15) TRAINING OVERVIEW: Our goal is 100% trained leaders. This consists of a "Fast Start" online training, then online Youth Protection Training followed by live training "Scoutmaster Fundamentals”. Finally, outdoor skills are taught at IOLS. Other Districts also offer these trainings; a list of training opportunities around the Council is available on the SHAC website.

16) NEW LEADER ESSENTIALS CHANGING: According to www.scouting.org, the new online training course “This is Scouting” will soon replace New Leader Essentials. It should be on the Online Learning Center around April 1. http://olc.scouting.org/

17) ONLINE WATER SAFETY TRAINING: Click here to take Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat: http://olc.scouting.org/

18) ONLINE HAZARDOUS WEATHER TRAINING: Planning & Preparing for Hazardous Weather Training must be completed by at least one adult prior to any activity requiring a tour permit. http://www.scouting.org/Applications/MyScoutingFull.aspx

19) HOW DO I GET MY PERSONAL ID NUMBER? When registering for online training classes, if you put in your leader ID#, the system should automatically record your achievement. This number is found on the annual ID cards you are issued at recharter time. (Hint: The Committee Chair should photocopy the sheet of cards before tearing them apart and distributing them, then you have a back-up paper record.) However your Advancement Chair can look up your Unit's list of personal ID numbers anytime, if your Unit is registered for Internet Advancement.

20) NEW LEADER ESSENTIALS: This first module, which is for all volunteers in any role, will be offered in our District at the Merit Badge Fair from 9-11 AM on April 4 (see http://goldenarrow.org/events/meritfair-09-04.html) and during the first two hours of Cub leader training starting at 8 a.m. on May 2 at St. Paul Presbyterian, 7200 Bellaire Blvd. (see http://www.goldenarrow.org/training/adult-pack.html)

21) SCOUTMASTER SPECIFIC MODULES 1, 2, 3: Adults who wish to be Assistant Scoutmasters or Scoutmasters should take Scoutmaster Specific training, modules I, II, and III . The next scheduled series in our District is Saturday March 28 at St. Marks Episcopal, 3816 Bellaire Blvd. in Hauser Hall. There is no charge and no pre-registration requirement, but an email to the instructor would be appreciated to ensure sufficient materials. For information, email or call Fritz Maxwell: fritz.maxwell@sbcglobal.net and 281-238-4438 (H) http://www.goldenarrow.org/training/adult-troop.html

22) IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills): Learn what you need to successfully transition entering boys into Scouting! This class consists of an evening orientation followed by a weekend campout. See District website for details - no advance registration is required and cost is usually about $35 including shared food costs. www.goldenarrow.org/training/outdoorskills.html The next upcoming dates are an orientation on April 15, 2009 at location St. Paul’s Presbyterian, 7200 Bellaire Blvd @ US59 with the weekend campout on April 25-26.

23) EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING AWARD: In our drive towards 100% trained leaders, SHAC will award a ribbon streamer each year to units achieving the goal of 75% direct contact leaders trained in their registered position. At the 100% level, you will further be awarded a plaque. Read about it and download an application: http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Training/ExcellenceinTrainingAw/

24) VENTURE LEADER SPECIFIC TRAINING: If interested in a future class, contact Kelia Ballou at kelia@Ballou.cx or 713-661-1309 (H).

25) TROOP COMMITTEE CHALLENGE ONLINE: Troop Committee Challenge (Leader Specific Training for troop committee members) may now be completed online via the BSA Online Learning Center. Completion of the course will take about a half-hour. Click here to start: http://olc.scouting.org/

26) POWDER HORN: This six-day activity training for Scout and Venturing leaders allows you to sample a bit of many exciting physical sports and challenges so that you can offer them to your Troop/ Crew. It is based on the eight core and eighteen electives found in the Venturing Ranger program. Participants will not learn how to rock climb or shoot a skeet course per se, but will learn where to go to find those who can teach these skills to your group. The dates for the course are: March 20-22, at El Rancho Cima; April 4-5 at Camp Strake; and May 2-3 at Bovay Scout Ranch. http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Training/PowderHorn/ The Chair Bill Berry can be contacted at scoutmaster@SR637.org

27) WOOD BADGE: Wood Badge is a mentally-intense 6-day leadership course designed for all adult Scouters. It is hoped that every Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leader, as well as Council and District leaders and professionals, will take it to help you focus on your responsibilities, identify a goal, help you work toward that goal -- and give you the personal tools to reach it. For more information and applications go to: http://www.shac.org/Home/Training/WoodBadge/

SR-1007 April 3-5 & April 24-26 (begins Friday at 7:30 AM, ends Sunday at 5:00 PM)

28) CANOE TRAINING: Prepare for adventure safely by training all your adult volunteers with these classes: http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Camping/Activities/CanoeProgram/ Actual testimonial: “I have been canoeing all of my life and thought I knew all about it--WRONG!! I learned a great deal about handling a canoe and had a lot of fun taking the classes--especially with the other adults from <my unit>. It is almost all on-the-water activity and surprisingly challenging to do some of the required activities.”

29) PROJECT WILD WORKSHOP: On Saturday May 18, adult leaders can take an all-day workshop at the Council Service Center, 2225 North Loop West. Why attend?

• Fun activities to teach about habitat, wildlife and area natural resource issues.

• Receive both Project Wild & Aquatic Wild Activity Guides plus supplemental materials.

Contact: Glenn Buckley @ grbuckley419@comcast.net or 936.273.0098 or by mail at 2427 Blue Lake Dr. Magnolia, TX 77354

COST: No cost, but it is important that those who reserve a space make every effort to attend or notify Glenn Buckley in a timely manner so the space may be filled from the waiting list (there are only 30 spaces).

30) CAMPOREE: This fantastic all-District campout is March 6-8, and there is still a little space available – you can even pay at arrival. At the Webb Ranch near Chappell Hill, Scout and Webelos patrols will circulate around numerous skill and game stations to learn or sharpen their Scouting skills in a fun and entertaining way. Overall events include a Model Campsite contest, a Dutch Oven Cooking contest, and an evening bonfire with Order of the Arrow tapouts. Click here: http://www.goldenarrow.org/events/camporee2009.html

32) MERIT BADGE FAIR: On Saturday April 4, the Golden Arrow District will hold its semi-annual Merit Badge Fair at Paul Revere Middle School, 10502 Briar Forest Drive (outside Beltway 8). Sign up online, choosing from 28 different classes. Pre-register by March 10: http://goldenarrow.org/events/meritfair-09-04.html

33) LEMONADE DAY: On April 4 this year, Lemonade Day is an annual city-wide event produced by Prepared 4 Life (P4L) and its many community partners. Businesses, families and communities work together to produce Lemonade Day, which is a fun, family-oriented activity designed to train thousands of young people how to be successful entrepreneurs. Scouts learn how to set goals, find investors, select their site, build a stand, purchase supplies, make healthy products, advertise, serve their customers, account for sales, open a bank account and give back to their community.

Boy Scout can earn partials on: Personal Management (1a-c, 2a-b, 3a-h, 4a-c, 7a-c, 9a-c), Family Life (1a, 2a-2d, 5a-5c, 6b/3), Entrepreneurship (3a-3e, 4b/1-3, 4c/1-4, 4d/1-5, 5a-d), Communications (2b, 6, 7c), Salesmanship (2a, 2c, 3, 4, 5a-c, 6a/1-4, 7a-7b), American Business (2a, 2c-d, 5a-b, 6b), Art (2/1-2), Graphic Arts (3), Computers (7c), Drafting (1a-b, 2a, 3a, 4), Painting (1, 2a-2d, 3-7), Safety (1e), Wood Carving (1, 2b, 4a-d, 5-7), Wood Working (1a, 1c, 3a-b, 4-5), Environmental Science (5), Personal Fitness (3c, 5a-c), Public Health (5b), Weather (2), Cooking (1a, 1c, 2b-c, 2f), Leave No Trace Award (1, 2): Learn more about Lemonade Day. Watch the new video. Questions Answered: Frequently asked questions Contact us: for any questions.

34) SCOUT FAIR: This family fun fest is Saturday April 18 at Reliant Arena, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Games, puzzles, skills, crafts, and demonstrations, with one $10 ticket giving entrance to the whole family. Scouts from Tiger Cubs to Eagle Scouts will have a fabulous, fun-filled day mingling with thousands of other Scouts and their families, participating in hundreds of hands-on activities (e.g., climbing walls, craft booths, monkey bridges, rubber band guns, making Gak, meeting astronauts), tasting gourmet camp-fare cooked by Scouts (e.g., cobbler, chili, turkey, bread), and taking home treasured bits of memorabilia See: https://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Events/ScoutFair/

35) MAKING CAMP RESERVATIONS: The Sam Houston Area Council has upgraded its web pages describing all the Council-run camps and current schedules (updated weekly). Start here: http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Camping/Camps4/AllCampReservations1/

36) NAT’L ORDER OF THE ARROW CONFERENCE: In August 2009, Order of the Arrow members from around the country may attend the National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC). Over 7,000 Arrowmen will come together August 1 – 6 at Indiana University. A typical NOAC day covers all aspects of the OA. In the morning, you can pick your choice of training sessions ranging from Leadership, to Indian Crafts, to Ceremonies, to High Adventure Skills, and more. The afternoon brings sports, competitions, special events, and more. After dinner, you get to see an outstanding Evening Show followed by open activities, patch trading, and just hanging out with your friends. Colonneh Lodge NOAC reservations have begun. Space is limited, and will be given on a first come first serve basis. Download the NOAC reservation form and turn it in today. More. If you have any questions about NOAC, please e-mail Alan El-Lahham at alan@ellahham.com

37) MILITARY MUSEUM: The Military Museum of Texas gives tours of their restored military vehicles and participates in battle re-enactments. Located near the intersection of I-10 and 610 East Loop: http://www.texasmuseum.org/

39) FACEBOOK GROUPS: For those of you who enjoy Facebook, find your Scouting friends at:

SHAC: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25239022610

BSA: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2203772399

OA Colonneh Lodge: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19588874468

40) SHAC STRATEGIC PLAN: Just as a Scout uses a map and compass to find his way, the 2008 – 2012 Strategic Plan of the Sam Houston Area Council will serve as our map and compass. In 2007, a team consisting of members of the board of directors, district volunteers, and community leaders was assembled into Task Forces to achieve the Vision Statement of the Council, which is Leading Youth to Lifelong Values Service and Achievement. The eight critical areas of the strategic plan are:
1. Camping – chaired by Stewart Gagnon
2. Development – chaired by Walter Johnson
3. Facilities & Properties – chaired by Travis Traylor
4. Information Technology - chaired by Rick Conley
5. Marketing – chaired by David Grizzle
6. Membership – chaired by Judge Edith Jones
7. People – David Jones
8. Program – Stan Stanley
The action items scheduled for each year will be assigned to appropriate volunteer committees and staff. We will have a scorecard for a semi-annual review per group where the volunteer task force chair and the staff member will present results. It will be great for us all - and especially the Scouts and Participants!

41) PHILMONT ADVISOR”S GUIDE: This 118 page annual guide is a compilation of input from a network of advisors and staffers. This includes perspectives from experienced female advisors, rangers and ranger trainers, serving the growing Venturing population at Philmont - and gives women the option of contacting peers "off-line" through contact info in the guide for questions. To order a copy of the guide for $10, click here: http://www.bacphilmont.org/pag.html As in the past, the proceeds from the guide continue to benefit youth in scouting.

42) You can contact your Golden Arrow District staff by email: Jeff Hutchinson, District Director jeff.hutchinson@shac.org or 713-756-3337 -or – Eric Bolton, District Executive eric.bolton@shac.org or 713 756-3338

43) Thanks to our dedicated webmaster James Cauble, the Golden Arrow District website has a wealth of information: www.goldenarrow.org

"The information presented here is not an official communication of the Boy Scouts of America, but is solely my volunteer work and responsibility."