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ScoutTrek 2010… the BIG NWSC celebration of the B.S.A. Centennial Over 5,000 Scouts, Scouters, Scout families, former Scouts, and the general public are expected to attend the huge 100th BSA Anniversary celebration on Saturday, Sept. 25, at Busse Woods South, Picnic Groves 5 through 16, in Elk Grove Village. ScoutTrek 2010 is being planned as the largest outdoor event since Northwest Suburban Council's successful “Camp-O-Rama” in 1993. “It promises to be a full day of fun and interest for the entire family with a wide range of historical displays, scout skill exhibits, interactive activities, games and physical fitness challenges,” said Chairman Robert Payne. “Four separate areas in the forest preserve,” he continued, “will depict the continuity of American Scouting history with 25-year period displays. In addition, each district area will have a distinct variety of skill exhibits and activities. No one will get bored. We're inviting the public to attend and experience the fun and excitement of Scouting.” Operating from 9:00 AM to 5 PM, ScoutTrek 2010 will stretch over a mile. Activities planned include: climbing walls, rope bridges, amateur radio, campsite construction, fishing, archery, leather working, wood carving, soccer matches, Geocaching and robotics. Food, snacks, beverages, and ice cream, available from Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ, Corky's Catering and the Order of the Arrow, will be sold at discounted prices. The Busse Forest South Preserve is located on Higgins Road, East of Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village. Entrance to the grove is just West of the pedestrian bridge, on the South side of Higgins Road. However, parking at the event will be limited to vendors and handicapped personnel. Park & Walk will be available at neighboring picnic groves and commercial properties. Signs and staff will be directing traffic. Park & Ride a free shuttle bus to and from Woodfield Shopping Center starts at 8:30am and continues to closing at 5:00pm. Remote parking lots Southeast of Sears Auto Center and other nearby commercial properties are reserved for ScoutTrek 2010. Watch for signs and personnel directing traffic to available spaces. Advance registration and ticket sales are located at the remote parking lots and at the forest preserve. Ticket prices are: Registered Scouts (youth and adults) -- $ 5.00 ea. Non-Scouts – Youth (under 12) --------- $ 5.00 ea. Non-Scouts – Adults (over 12) ---------- $10.00 ea. Infants/toddlers (under 3) ----------------- FREE Family Plan (Immediate members only) $25.00 Limit For advance tickets, see your local Cub Pack, Scout Troop, Venture Crew, or ScoutReach Unit. You may also visit, or call the Northwest Suburban Council office at 847-824-6880 for pick up. Advance ticket holders will receive a free, limited edition Collector Patch at the gate. Tickets purchased at the gate may have to wait until patches are reordered. BUY YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE, PLEASE! All Scout units are urged to sell their assigned tickets and turn in the proceeds/ticket stubs to the council office ASAP. This is a volunteer run event, (older Scouts and adults). Hundreds of volunteers are needed to make this event successful. Sign up for a couple of hours and enjoy the rest of the day with your family by contacting your District ScoutTrek Chair, or email either ScoutTrek Chairman Robert Payne at scouterrobnwsc@yahoo.com or Staff Advisor Terry Parke at (847) 946-9400; cityparkxx@yahoo.com. Distinguished Citizens Banquet October 6th 2010 Make Your Reservations Now Please make your reservations now to attend our October 6th, 2010 “DCB” at Stonegate Banquets in Hoffman Estates. We are honoring four outstanding citizens this year and have “Theodore Roosevelt” as our Keynote Speaker! If you cannot attend please plan to make a donation to help support Scouting. Contact Sue Domzalski at the council office at 847-759-2999 or sdomzals@bsamail.org DCB brochure and registration form. Commissioner's Corner Starting in 2008, your Commissioner's Corps gather twice a year at our Commissioner Retreat to sharpen their tools which allowed your Commissioners to better serve the Leaders, Scouts and Families affiliated with their units. The focus of a Commissioner Retreat is to provide Continuing Education through a fun and interactive atmosphere where a Commissioner can learn about current programs and events within our Council along with any new information coming from our National headquarters. The Retreat started by using the 2008/2009 Council Vision, which included our Council Vision (Building Leaders for Tomorrow) and Mission (Developing Youth through Scouting Principles) statements, along with the National Strategic Plan, to create our Commissioner Mission Statement, "Working as one individual group to support our Units in providing a Quality Scouting experience for our Youth." This past spring, through collaboration with Tom Kleinschmidt and Sue Simmons, the Commissioner Retreat was transformed into a Leadership Retreat. The scope of the initial Leadership Retreat brought your District Chairmen together with our Commissioner Corps using the same principle of providing a fun and interactive atmosphere, which allows us to transform Northwest Suburban Council from a Good Council into a Great Council. On Saturday, November 13th, we will hold our second Leadership Retreat and we would like to extend an invitation to our District Operations volunteers, Chartered Organization Representatives and Top Unit Leaders to please consider attending. The Leadership Retreat will be held at Christ Church (Cora and Henry) in Des Plaines and will start at 8:15 am with registration and will end by 12:00 pm. If you are interested in attending or have any questions about the upcoming Leadership Retreat, please give me a call at 847-824-1272 or through e-mail at arrek1@hotmail.com. Rick Romani Council Commissioner Scheduling 2011 Family Friends of Scouting Presentations District Family FOS Chairpersons and District Executives gave already starting contacting units to schedule their 2011 Family FOS presentation date. Please be proactive to help the Northwest Suburban Council fund Scouting by contain your District Executive to pass along to them the date, time and location of your unit's Family FOS presentation. BH District Terry Parke 847-824-7869 NW District Dominic Gualtieri 847-824-6875 PF District Brian Mulcrone 847-824-6893 SH District Frank Chlebek 847-824-6894 NORTHWEST SUBURBAN COUNCIL 2011 Family Friends of Scouting Kick-Off & Orientation Specifically for District FOS Presenters & Unit FOS Coordinators Wednesday Oct. 27, 2010 Gathering at 5:30 p.m., Kick-off Orientation 6:00 p.m. After the Kick-Off event in the Skyline Room, please stay to watch the Chicago Wolves take on Oklahoma City Barons in the Allstate Arena. Game time is 7:00 p.m. Tickets and parking for the game will be provided courtesy of the Chicago Wolves. The Skyline Room is located on the North Side of the Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL 60018. Light food and soda will be available during the kick-off. RSVP's are required to Sue Domzalski by Fri., Oct. 22, 2010 847-759-2999 or email to sdomzals@bsamail.org Lakota Pool Completion 
The pool at Camp Lakota, with the contributions and efforts of many volunteers like Tim O'Neal, is completed and recently was "tested' by a group of scouts. The pool is equipped with an ADA lift for the convenience of the handicapped. Although fully operational, the pool is not available for use until the showerhouse is completed.
The shower house is partially completed. Considerable work to include the installation of shower stalls and other facilities is necessary before the showerhouse can become 100 % operational and comply with state and local health standards. Funding of, donations of materials and volunteer help is needed to complete this long-awaited and valuable addition to Camp Lakota.
If you or if you know of someone who can help with the project's completion, please contact Randy Toland, Assistant Scout Executive, at 847-824-6859, or rtoland@bsamail,org. “Simply Scouting” at Sweden's WORLD JAMBOREE in 2011  Have you ever wondered what Scouting is like in other countries? Now, you can find out by signing up to be part of the U.S.A. contingent attending the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Rinkaby, Sweden, from July 27-August 7, 2011. Youth, Leaders and Staff are all invited to share this once-every-4-years experience with peers from six continents and over 114 countries. However, only one youth contingent from each country is permitted and availability is limited. Christopher Geraghty, NWSC's Troop 149 Scoutmaster and Crew Advisor, is serving as the Central Region Area 7 contingent leader. This will be the only Venturing Crew for the region and all Area 7 scouts signing up will become Venturers for the Jamboree. He is encouraging youth, both male and female between the ages of 14 and 17 on July 27, 2011, to join the Central Region Venturing Crew for 10 days of fun and be part of the world brotherhood of Scouting. Highlights include: - Camp-in-a-camp program during the Jamboree - Train trip across Denmark and Sweden countryside - Spend time with international scouts in their own camps - International meeting venues with scouts from many countries - 10 days of international immersion - learn a new language/experience, new cultures and food from around the world - Near perfect temperature weather to maximize the outdoor experience - Frequent visits by the King of Sweden The Venturing Crew is limited to 36 Scouts and 21 of the positions have been filled. Because of deadlines set by the World Jamboree's International Committee, the Crew's roster must be filled by October 15, 2010. So, don't wait. Non-scout youth also are invited to attend and may register with a Venturer Crew. Contact Mr. Geraghty at geraghtyc@msn.com .. Phone (847) 409-4913 cell/ (847) 632-0168 home …for cost, schedule and program details. To see a video and other information about this world-class event, go to www.scouting.org/worldjamboree.aspx . F3 And Boy Scouts Sign Memorandum of Mutual Support McLEAN, VA. (Aug. 6, 2010)—At the ICAST Show in Las Vegas, Nevada in July, the Future Fisherman Foundation (F3) and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) signed a Memorandum of Mutual Support, agreeing to establish, strengthen and expand a relationship supporting each organization's programs to promote conservation and education of America's youth. Howard Kern, a member of BSA's National Fishing Committee, and Kerry Campbell, Board Chairman for F3, signed the document, which establishes what both organizations agree will be a long, mutually beneficial association. F3 will participate in Scouting through assistance in developing and promoting BSA's Certified Angler Instruction program and other training courses for youth and adult leaders involved in fishing instruction, promoting Fishing and Fly Fishing Merit Badges plus related conservation merit badges, and supporting BSA camp fishing programs. Boy Scout leaders also will be able to participate in F3's new Tackle for Educators program, which allows F3-accredited individuals and organizations to obtain significant discounts on a wide variety of fishing tackle for use in year-round fishing-education programs. To kick off the new partnership, F3 joined Scouts and their leaders at BSA's National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia earlier this month. This year marks BSA's 100th anniversary, and the Jamboree was at the center of the celebration. Fishing has always been a favorite activity at Jamborees, and this year was no exception. F3 Director of Education Teresa Rodriguez assisted BSA leaders in training 120 additional instructors in fly fishing, so they could teach the more than 40,000 Scouts in attendance the necessary skills to earn Fishing and Fly Fishing merit badges. Although the temperature soared to over 100 degrees, the Scout leaders diligently completed their Certified Angling Instructor training and enthusiastically embraced skill sessions in knot tying, first aid and water safety, casting, rigging a fly rod and fly tying. “The Boy Scouts of America are just thrilled to be entering into this partnership with the Future Fisherman Foundation,” said BSA's Kern. “A great deal of synergy is going to happen between the organizations, and our nation's youth are only going to benefit from it.” “A partnership between the Boy Scouts and Future Fisherman Foundation just makes sense,” F3 Board Chair Kerry Campbell added. “We have many common goals when it comes to educating youth about conservation, ethics and the outdoors. Signing this Memorandum of Mutual Support will allow our two organizations to accomplish many things together we might not have achieved alone.” About the Boy Scouts of America The Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting organization is composed of 2.7 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 20, 1.1 million volunteers, and nearly 300 local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information, visit www.scouting.org. About the Future Fisherman Foundation Established in 1986, the Future Fisherman Foundation unites the sportfishing industry and a nationwide network of state outdoor educators, national conservation groups and youth organizations dedicated to introducing America's youth to angling and the outdoors. These efforts help people of all ages have safe and enjoyable fishing experiences that foster conservation ethics. Visit www.futurefisherman.org. |
Key 3 Minute
Smoke Signals “Smoke Signals” lists only Council-level events and dates. For district activities, please refer to the district news pages.
September
October
November Paul Whittenhall, formerly of the National Scout Shop Staff joins the Northwest Suburban Council Staff as an Office Assistant on September 7th, primarily responsible for customer service. Dee Ryan who has headed up customer service will move into the Registration Assistant position, replacing Teri McBreen who has left the Council for personal reasons. With cross-training both Paul and Dee will handle both registration and customer service functions for the council. EAGLE SCOUT ANNOUNCED Boy Scout Troop #175 Scoutmaster John Mazur, along with Committee Chairman David Okun are pleased to announce another Scout of the Troop in Niles, has achieved the highest rank in Scouting – EAGLE SCOUT !! Chris worked in conjunction with the Niles Lions Club to construct 6 new wooden drop-boxes for eyeglasses and hearing aids. These boxes will be placed at locations In the Village of Niles - with the intent of securing more donations for less fortunate folks in the community. The sponsoring organizations, St. John Brebeuf Holy Name Men's Club and North American Martyrs Council 4338, of the Knights of Columbus, offer their heartiest Congratulations to Chris, along with his entire family on the occasion of this Great Accomplishment. Charter Organization Representative Leo Weiss welcomes these young men to the exclusive Group of individuals called EAGLE Scouts. Two New Outdoor Awards Unveiled Two new awards have been developed to promote "outdoorism" for Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts. The National Outdoor Challenge (No. 430-016) is a unit award that recognizes troops/teams that maintain or increase the amount of outdoor activity when compared to the previous year. The information and application is available here: http://www.scouting.org/ and is due at the end of 2010. With the release of this award, the National Camping Award has been discontinued; however, patches for camping nights will be available until the inventory is depleted. The National Outdoor Achievement Award (No. 430-509) recognizes Boy Scouts/Varsity Scouts that excel in outdoor participation. The award consists of five areas of emphasis (camping, aquatics, hiking, riding and adventure) with rigorous requirements to earn each segment. Scouts looking for an extra challenge can earn the National Medal for Outdoor Achievement. This challenging award requires earning at least three of the National Outdoor Achievement segments, planning and leading a trek, earning Wilderness First Aid and becoming a Leave No Trace Trainer as well as several other requirements. The information and application is available at the following link: http://www.scouting.org/ National Hall of Leadership On Sunday, July 25, Joseph N. Schluep was inducted into the BSA 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership, representing all of the nominees of Northwest Suburban Council. The induction ceremony was held on the Adventure Base 100 Campus following the BSA Grand Centennial Parade in Washington D.C. Joe Schluep's leadership story will be recorded as part of the BSA 100th Anniversary archives at the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas. Congratulations Assistant Council Commissioner Joseph N. Schluep! Scouting On Track patches available for attending units All units, Scouts and Leaders who registered and attended the July 4 event at Arlington Park are asked to stop by the Council Office (NOT the Scout Shop) and pick up their appropriate number of patches. At the event Registration table, units and/or individuals were asked to register their unit name, district, number of participating scouts and the responsible Leader's name. A “patch redemption” form or coupon was given to the Leader. Please bring this form with you to claim your unit patches. This will be checked against the actual registration form. If you attended the event and were unable to register, you will be asked to verify your attendance with your District Executive.  Boy Scouts of America to Receive Distinguished Service Medal The Boy Scouts of America will receive the American Legion's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal, at the 92nd American Legion National Convention, in Milwaukee beginning August 31st. Legion National Commander Clarence Hill will present the award to Assistant Chief Scout Executive and Chief Financial Officer James J. Terry. “Scouting was the first youth program that the Legion decided to sponsor,” Americanism Chairman Joseph Caouette said. “I cannot think of a more deserving group to receive the Distinguished Service Medal.” At the first national convention in 1919, the Legion officially recognized Scouting, which is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2010. Last year, the Legion's National Executive Board passed Resolution 45, which reaffirms the Legion's support for Boy Scouts of America. Posts across the country m sponsor nearly 2,500 Scouting units, helping teach young people citizenship, proper care of the U.S. flag, and duty to God and country. The Legion's 2010 Eagle Scout of the Year, Joe Phillips of Fond du Lac, WI, will also be honored in Milwaukee. (from the American Legion Magazine, September 2010) Northwest Suburban Scout Shop  F3 Trains New Fishing Instructors At Boy Scouts Jamboree On Saturday, July 24, the Future Fisherman Foundation joined forces with the Boy Scouts of America at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia to assist in preparation for BSA's 100th anniversary national Jamboree. Held every four years, the Jamboree attracts thousands of Scouts and Scouters from across the country. The troops camp out and enjoy 10 days of outdoor recreation activities that help them learn skills needed to earn merit badges. Fishing is a favorite activity at every Jamboree. This year, F3 assisted BSA in training 120 additional instructors in fly fishing so they could teach Scouts skills needed to earn Fishing and Fly Fishing merit badges. Although the temperature reached over 100 degrees, the Scout leaders diligently completed their Certified Angling Instructor training and enthusiastically embraced skill sessions in knot tying, first aid and water safety, casting, rigging a fly rod and fly tying. The F3 staff and volunteers were thrilled to be a part of BSA's 100th anniversary celebration since both organizations share a mission to connect youth to nature through lifetime activities such as fishing. “Seeing the enthusiasm and dedication of these instructors who volunteer their time to pass on their love of fishing to the next generation is very encouraging, “said Teresa Rodriguez, F3's Director of Education. “They were outside all day in very challenging conditions, yet all the instructors were focused on learning the skills thoroughly and were in high spirits. The instructors, who come from states across the country, told how fishing was a favorite activity of their childhood and, now, their Scout troop.” More than 40,000 lucky Scouts attended the Jamboree from July 26-August 3 at Fort A.P. Hill. The ones that ventured to Fish Hook Lake had opportunities to learn many skills from some very exceptional instructors. For information on how the Future Fisherman Foundation can help your school, club or organization train instructors to teach fishing and aquatic conservation, contact Teresa Rodriguez at trodriguez@futurefisherman.org. The Afghan Scouts Program By Marnie Gustavson February 24, 2010 Saluting to the national anthem In 2010, PARSA began the Afghan Scouts program in the national orphanages of Afghanistan. As a part of the Healthy Afghan Child program, they have adapted the program to meet the specific needs of vulnerable Afghan children who do not have consistent support from family members. The program provides a positive environment for training scouts to be leaders. Scout curriculum includes life skills and vocational training through the merit badge program. With their scout trainers, PARSA also conducts psychosocial and leadership training classes. Over the last three years, PARSA has trained Afghan government staff in their social work methods. Their staff decided that the children in the orphanages needed additional lessons in how to create a community, care for each other, and advocate for their rights. The Afghan Scout program began in 2009 in the Tai Maskan and Allahoddin orphanages with 20 boys and 20 girls. Called Troop 001, these scouts are now teaching more children in the orphanages to be Afghan scouts. Last month, five of the Afghan Scout leaders organized themselves and requested a meeting with the new Minister of Labor and Social Affairs to review problems they are having with orphanage staff. In 2010, PARSA hopes to bring 850 children in three orphanages into the Afghan Scouts. They hope that their work developing the program will be utilized by the Ministry of Education to support the development of an extensive Afghan Scouts program in the national school system. Their program has been supported by ISAF and United States Embassy staff over the last three months and they deeply appreciate their contributions To help aid this cause the best option would be to make a donation to PARSA. They hope that the Afghan Scouts program will bring attention to the plight of children in the national orphanages and that the Afghan public will see that investment in these children will yield leaders for the future. Contact Us PARSA Staff Marnie Gustavson, Executive Director Email: mgustav@mac.com Cell/Mobile: 0799 020 588 M. Yasin Farid, National Director Email: yasinfarid_2006@yahoo.com Cell/Mobile: 0700 284 286 |