From the Council Commissioner
2012 began with a few bumps…. We’ve seen some changes this year in staffing as our Scout Executive retired and we are now on our second temporary Scout Executive, Matt Thornton. Matt replaced Richard Fisher as the new Area 7 Director as Richard took a new position in Detroit.
Change is inevitable. Sometimes it is welcome, sometimes it is a distraction but it is always a challenge. Everyone wants to know what’s going on…NOW. Waiting is painful as we wonder what’s next. As Scouters we know that being patient and continuing working on our duties as leaders, commissioners, committee members and volunteers we will continue to provide an excellent program to the boys and girls in our Scouting program.
I’ve been in my current role as Council Commissioner for a little over a year and in that time we’ve tried to communicate with individual packs, troops, crews and Explorer units through direct contact with Unit Commissioners. Besides visiting units our next best contact is through our website (www.nwsc.org).
The website has improved dramatically over the last year as we’ve seen links to Facebook and YouTube, easier navigation and timely information and articles at your fingertips. As we continue to look for better ways to communicate to the public, parents, leaders, donors and volunteers, we need to continue to communicate face-to-face. Consider being a Unit Commissioner for a Pack, Troop, Crew or Exploring Unit. Unit Commissioners help units keep focus, plan their program, recharter, and recruit new boys and girls and leaders to run a successful program.
If you’d like to be a Commissioner or know someone who would, email me at tjbroadfoot@hotmail.com or call me at 847/884/1033. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours in Scouting,
Tom Broadfoot.
New Online Tour and Activity Plan to Go Live Today
Beginning today any registered adult leader can file electronically with an automated approval process that provides for prompt electronic delivery of approved tour plan.
We recommend that you view the Tour and Activity Plan training video of this new online system before using it for the first time to file a tour plan. The applicant will need to by establish an account and logging into www.MyScouting.org then provide detailed information about tour’s destination; dates; itinerary; participation and leadership; transportation plans and the training certifications needed for the tour.
How is it different?
- The unit leadership certifies the plan.
- The council reviews plans but does not approve them.
- An email workflow can be used to notify the council, chartered organization, committee chair, and emergency contact that a plan has been submitted for review.
- It contains interactive prompts and warnings.
- It provides active links to program-required training and education.
- It provides the ability to store, retrieve, copy, and reuse previously submitted tour and activity plans (not applicable to permits).
- It provides the ability to update the plan up until the day before the tour and activity date.
Why should I complete a Tour Plan?
The Tour Plan is a checklist of best practices to be prepared for safe and fun adventure. Completing the Tour Plan may not address all possible challenges but can help ensure that appropriate planning has been conducted, that qualified and trained leadership is in place, and that the right equipment is available for the adventure.
In addition, the plan helps to organize safe and appropriate transportation to and from an event, and defines drive qualifications and minimum limits of insurance coverage for drivers and vehicles used to transport participants. The Tour Plan should be included in preparation for all activities, even those not requiring it. It guides a tour leader through itineraries, travel arrangements, two-deep leadership, qualifications for supervision of activities, and transportation. In short, it helps a unit to protect both the youth members and adult leaders from unnecessary risk, injury, and liability.
Important information needed when filling out your Tour Plan:
- Leadership contact information
- Vehicle information
- Description of the activity
- Travel itinerary
A similar communication will be posted for volunteers on MyScouting, but we encourage you to share this information with your unit volunteer leaders.
For more information:
Click on Tour and Activity Plan training video and the Tour and Activity Plan FAQ.
NWSC Council Leaders to receive national honor
In all levels of Scouting, recognition for outstanding achievement not only honors an individual but also serves as motivation and inspiration for others. Cub Scouts have Blue/Gold Dinners, Scout Troops have Courts of Honor, Districts have District Dinners and Councils have their Annual Recognition Dinner. Each is based on recognizing its respective members for outstanding efforts.
On Friday, May 4, our Northwest Suburban Council will hold its Annual Dinner at the Wellington of Arlington Heights to honor five Scouters with the esteemed National Silver Beaver Award. The evening will feature also special guest speaker, Mr. Anye Whyte, Chief Officer of the Department of Homeland Security for the US Customs and Border Patrol. He will be speaking on being prepared in 2012. He is also an adult leader for our Explorer Post 707.
Receiving the 2011 Silver Beaver Award for their past and continuing Scouting volunteerism are:
Gary Powell, Council Training Chairman, from Signal Hill District
Chuck Pusateri, Blackhawk District CS Advancement Chair
Jim Scanlan, Wood Badge Course Director, from North Woods District
Mike Stanbary, Sr, Council Properties Chairman from Pathfinder District
Carol Stieve, Blackhawk District BS Advancement Chair and Council CPR and First Aid Instructor.
District and Council Awards will be made also.
The Silver Beaver, established in 1931, is the highest National honor that a council may bestow upon deserving Scouters. It is awarded to volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional service to young people, are active in their community and churches and truly live the Scout Oath and Law.
After being nominated and being approved by a local volunteer selection board and the Council Executive, the candidates are reviewed for approved by the National Court of Honor. Only a limited number may be presented each year, depending on the number of active units within the council.
Popcorn Sales Information Nights Scheduled for May
You Asked . . . .We Listened!!!!
- Mud Puddles are Back!
- Packaging in Tins!
- NEW Lower Price Cheese and Microwave!
- Plus more exciting changes…
The Northwest Suburban Council's 2012 Popcorn Committee is pleased to announce two Popcorn Informational Nights! We have scheduled two evening presentations (both at 7:00 pm) at the Council Service Center, one on Thursday, May 17 and the other on Wednesday, May 23, with the hope that one will be convenient for you to attend. Anyone interested in the NEW Pecatonica Popcorn Sale is encouraged to attend! Questions regarding the 2012 Popcorn Sale can be addressed to: Popcorn Chair - Anne Romani: medicalmom05@hotmail.com
Order of the Arrow Spring Fellowship
The annual Spring Fellowship at the Napowan Adventure Base is hosted by the Order of the Arrow will be held on Friday-Sunday, May 18-20. Information about registration can be found on the OA web site. Enjoy time with old friends and make new ones. Help us prepare the camp for another great summer and be inspired by great ceremonies. The Spring Fellowship is full of Fellowship, Friendship, Fun and Cheerful Service!
Scout Night with the Schaumburg Boomers
The Schaumburg Boomer are sponsoring two Scout nights this summer, one on Friday, June 8, at 6:30 pm and the other on Friday, July 27, also at 6:30 pm. At each game, Scouts will have an opportunity to participate in a pre-game Scout parade and present the colors. They may also run the bases at the conclusion of the game. Following the July 27 game only, Scouts may spend the night in the outfield. Activities include a movie and s'mores and a continental breakfast in the morning. For complete information, please see the flyer.
NWSC Golf Classic
Northwest Suburban Council will hold its 2012 Golf Classic on Monday, June 18, at the Whisper Creek Golf Club in Huntley, IL. If you can't join us for golf, then please consider becoming a sponsor. Please see the flyer for complete details and pricing.
Outdoor Adventures
Be sure to check out the Northwest Suburban Council - 2012 Program guide. The guide includes facts about all the exciting outdoor programs for Tigers, Cubs, Scouts Venture Scouts and adult Scouters for the 2012 season. Learn about Cub day camp programs, overnight opportunities for Cubs and Scouts, training courses for youth and adults. There is something for everyone. Find a copy of the guide at http://flyers.nwsc.org/C2012outdoorprogramguide.pdf Questions, Feel free to contact the Outdoor Adventures Committee at outdoors@nwsc.org We look forward to seeing you this summer.
International Scouting right in our back yard
What do the Austrians, the MIC, and Northwest Suburban Council have in common? Why Scouting, of course! Let’s see how these are connected.
The MIC stands for the Michigan International Camporee, held in the Chief Okemos Council, Boy Scouts of America, and is the largest council-run multinational Scouting event in North America. Once every four years, contingents of Scouts, both all boys and mixed boys and girls, from over 20 countries, gather for 8 days of international friendship and fellowship at the Council’s Northwoods Scout Reservation. The next Michigan International Camporee is scheduled for Sunday, July 22, to Sunday, July 29, 2012. Check out their site, as it is close to home and the next event may be something you’ll want to attend! Go to: http://www.micamporee.org
The Austrians are sending a contingent and have booked flights into Chicago O’Hare to visit here, before boarding a train to the Northwoods reservation. They will arrive on Monday July 9, and will stay the week, leaving on Saturday July 14, when they will board an Amtrak train to Michigan. There are eleven of them, 6 youth (3 females and 3 males between 14 and 18 years of age) and 5 adult leaders (between 18 and 26). Everyone in the group does speak English and German.
With most international scouting events, the host country scout organizations participate in a program called a Home Stay. This is a program where scouting families and camps provide a place for foreign visitors, allowing them an opportunity to visit the area and spend time with the “locals.” This has always been a popular activity around the world and the Austrian’s want to know all about Chicago, USA!
The Northwest Suburban Council has a wonderful opportunity to engage these international friends from Austria. We have a need and would be delighted to have you, our readers, participate in this program. We are looking for two or three families in the council that may be able to provide room and board for our visitors throughout the week. Obviously the more you are able to “hang” with them, the more they will enjoy the stay, however, they will want to be together as a group as much as possible and, therefore, it won’t be necessary to be with them 100% of the time.
For more information, and to become a participant hosting our Austrian friends, please contact Chris Geraghty (geraghtyc@msn.com/847-471-3370). Be part of this exciting program.
Other International Jamboree Adventures Still Available
Chris Geraghty is headed to South Korea as one of the BSA contingent adult leaders for the 13th South Korean National Jamboree this August 2-8, 2012. This event will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Korean Scouting Association. We are looking for a few more youth members to join the contingent. The cost is $2100 and will include RT air to South Korea, all Jamboree fees and costs for participating, including contingent items such as duffel, daypack, patches, neckerchiefs, tents, etc. Contact Chris for more details and to become a contingent participant!
We have scouts going to Denmark’s 100th anniversary Jamboree as well as attending the Finland Roverway this July. Other international events are always plentiful throughout the year. Contact our council International Rep, Bruce Hoffman, for further details on how to join in on the international fun!