It's Almost Race Time!
The green flag will be waiving on March 6 for the start of a National Pinewood Derby race, but with a twist: There is no track.
Pinewood Derby cars representing every council will race across America using Geocaching. The cars will be Travel Bugs®, moving from cache to cache across America. Scouts and Scouters can track their car's progress, read posted comments, and log the miles it travels on Geocaching.com. The finish line? Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree! All of the Pinewood Derby cars that arrive at the Jamboree will be displayed in a special Geocaching area in ¯Technology Quest. Prizes will be awarded for the Pinewood Derby cars that travel the farthest, pass through the most hands, or have the most creative routes. Geocaching.com will log how many miles each car travels so, we'll know if it went the distance — even if that distance doesn't lead it to Virginia. After the Jamboree, the cars will be released again to continue their race … around the world. The Northwest Suburban Council's entry was created by Alex Miller of Pathfinder Troop 495. It is a 100th Anniversary themed pick up truck featuring “Jambo or Bust” printed on the side. A uniquely numbered dog tag will be attached to the car as well as a note about its destination goal by Jambo time. The car will be released with other local cars at a special Geocacher's Meeting in Batavia on March 6. Representatives and cars from various area Council's will be there to hand the cars off to “civilian” Geocachers, who will take the cars out into the world, place them in cache containers in the area, and the race is on. Keep an eye on Drumbeat for updates on our car's progress. Council Executive Board Member of the Month Robert Melko 
This month's featured Executive Board member is Robert Melko,
a new Executive Board member of the NWSC in 2010. Bob is a
former Lakota Lodge Chief, Eagle Scout, and became a Vigil Honor
member of the Order of the Arrow in 1976. He attended National
Junior Leader Instructor Training Camp at Schiff Scout Reservation.
Since 1976, he has been the President and Owner of Bishop Plumbing
Company in Des Plaines. Bob is President Emeritus of the Plumbing
Contractors Association, a Board Member of the Plumbing Council of
Chicagoland, and Vice Chairman of Union Affiliated Contractors. He
is active in the Elks Club of Des Plaines.
BSA Golf Classic Dust off those clubs and make plans to participate in the Northwest Suburban Council's annual Golf Classic! This year's Golf Classic will be held at the prestigious Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer IL. Everyone viewing this article can actually help promote this important event that produces operating income for Scouting – by passing this news on to prospective golfers, foursomes, hole sponsors and cart sponsors that you personally know. The most important way for our event to grow is by our readers being proactive to help broaden our network of viewers of our golf brochure by using your-own-rolodex! Please click on the following link to view our 2010 Golf Classic brochure If you have any questions please contact NWSC Finance Director Pete Stikovich (847) 824-6910. Some Popcorn News The Northwest Suburban Council Popcorn Committee would like to wholeheartedly thank Mr. John Scaletta who is a co owner of Arlington Theater in downtown Arlington Heights. Mr. Scaletta donated ticket passes because numerous Scouts were not able to use their Arlington Heights CoCo Key Water Resort day pass before the water resort closed late December 09. Mr. Scaletta is quite a "friend to Scouting" so please remember the Arlington Theater the next time you plan to see a movie. Membership To-Do List for Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Crew Advisors, and Committee Chairs, Venturing Age Change Spring is just around the corner, so now is the time to plan and prepare for your pack, troop, or Venturing Crew spring recruiting activities. One of the criteria for Centennial Quality Unit status is meeting your membership commitment, and one way to do this is to recruit as many Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Venturers in the spring as you can so that your fall recruiting program can concentrate on youth who have just become old enough to participate in your program. More importantly, we are continually recruiting new youth because we offer the premier youth program in the country, and by being an active and effective recruiter, you will be giving more youth the opportunity to share the values, adventure, life and outdoor skills, character, and leadership opportunities the Scouting offers. Packs that use tried and true methods have better and more consistent results over the long term and enjoy the benefits of predictable growth. I have provided a simple checklist for you to use when planning your pack's recruiting activities.
Venturing Age Heads Up Effective may 1, 2010, a Venturer-must be 13 years of age and have completed the eighth grade, or be 14 years of age or older, and not yet 21 years of age. Prior to May 1, 2010, the minimum age for Venturers was 14 years of age and completed eighth grade or 15 years old. Ray Okigawa Group Vice President, Membership NATIONAL HALL OF LEADERSHIP DEADLINE EXTENDED 
The 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership is an opportunity for anyone to recognize outstanding leadership by a Scout, registered leader or Scouting volunteer who made a significant difference in the life of another by the extraordinary service they have given and the Scouting virtues they have modeled. Nominations can be submitted until April 2, 2010, the 100th Anniversary of Scouting. Nominations are submitted on line in the form of a story that is 450 words or less describing why the person of your choice is deserving of this one time honor. Northwest Suburban Council l will select 12 top nominations for inductees to the National Hall of Leadership. We will then feature one honoree per month during the 2010 celebration. One inductee will be selected from each BSA council and will be announced July 31st as part of the 100th Anniversary events at the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia. It truly benefits Scouting in every community when we gather and share these stories of Scouting leadership making uncommon differences through very common acts of service. We need your help inviting individuals in every community to share their stories through National Hall of Leadership nominations. Submit nominations within the National Hall of Leadership section of www.Scouting.org/100years If you have questions please contact Al Wilson Northwest Suburban Council National Hall of Leadership Chairman 847-259-9194 or Email alwilson100@comcast.net. SAT/ACT Software Available to Scouts NFL and MLB players support eKnowledge donation of free SAT/ACT software to Boy Scouts of America families In alliance with the Boy Scouts of America, eKnowledge is offering SAT and ACT test prep programs valued at $200, free to Boy Scout families. The eKnowledge Sponsorship Alliance is made up of educationally focused foundations, as well as a group of professional athletes from the National Football League and Major League Baseball that includes Warrick Dunn and Chipper Jones. The eKnowledge Sponsorship Alliance has provided more than 120,000 SAT/ACT prep programs to families all over the United States. “I believe in using my gifts and public image to help the community,” said Chipper Jones, six-time All-Star and future Hall of Fame baseball player. Now in its fourth year, the eKnowledge Sponsorship Alliance has donated more than $26 million of SAT/ACT test preparation programs. In response to the donation, eKnowledge has received more than 40,000 thank-you letters from those who have benefited from the test preparation programs. The PowerPrep™ program helps prepare students to take the exams and increases student confidence, which can result in higher test scores and thousands of dollars in scholarships. EKnowledge recently announced the arrival of the new v6x SAT/ACT PowerPrep™ software; v6x was in development for more than two years at a cost of $1.5 million. It includes more than 20 hours of video instruction, 3,000 files of supplemental test prep material, thousands of interactive diagnostic tools, sample questions, practice tests, and graphic teaching illustrations. The new PowerPrep™ v6x software is Mac- and PC-compatible. Families interested in obtaining the FREE $200 v6x SAT/ACT PowerPrep™ Programs may order online at www.eknowledge.com/bsa or by calling 951-256-4076. There is a fee of $13.84 (per standard program) which enables eKnowledge to provide technical and customer support, registration, licensure, processing, handling, and worldwide shipping. This nominal fee allows the sponsorship alliance to continue helping thousands of students each year. For more information, please contact Lori Caputo, ESA Programs, at LoriCaputo@eknowledge.com or 951-256-4076. Special Rank Advancement Patches For Cubs And Scouts in 2010 The National Council has announced that all rank patches for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for 2010 will feature special designs. The patches called the '2010 Centennial Rank Advancement Badges' feature 2010, Boy Scouts of America, and the rank in text. The 2010 Centennial Rank Advancement Badges are available in the Scout Shops. Make sure you honor your Scout's rank advancement with these 100th anniversary rank badges. This would be a great opportunity for Life Scouts to earn a very unique Eagle Award. View them here Troop Leadership Training Troop Leadership Training, No. 34306A, has been rolled out to replace the Scoutmaster Junior Leader Training Kit. It is organized into three one-hour modules, which can be taught individually or all in one session. The content of the first session focuses on what a new leader must know; the second session on what a leader must be and the third session on what a leader must do. Completing all three modules qualifies the Scout to wear the "Trained" patch under his badge of office. The new syllabus contains leadership position cards that define each position in the troop. Completion of TLT prepares the youth to attend National Youth Leadership Training. Boy Scouts of America Races into a New Decade with Dale Coyne Racing The pinewood race car has grown up. IRVING, Texas—January 11, 2010—The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and Dale Coyne Racing (DCR) today announced that the two legendary organizations are teaming up to promote family fun and education through a new BSA IndyCar venture. Scouts can experience the BSA's No. 19 IndyCar entry throughout the 17-race 2010 IZOD IndyCar® Series schedule, including the “greatest spectacle in racing,” the Indianapolis 500. The No. 19 car will help commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the BSA, the nation's largest youth-serving organization. The BSA and DCR plan to utilize the high-tech nature of IndyCar-style cars as a platform to promote science, technology, and math to those involved in Scouting. “Racing is a modern-day way to connect with youths and to further Scouting's dedication to expanding tomorrow's leaders through education, math, science, and engineering,” stated Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. “We are grateful to Dale and Gail Coyne and their entire racing team for making this incredible opportunity possible.” “This is a program with true heart,” commented race team owner Dale Coyne, “from watching a young boy's first pinewood derby to helping him learn and apply the disciplines of science and technology using the excitement of IndyCar. The message we will convey is the significance of education and the value of preparing for a rapidly advancing hi-tech world.” Through the IndyCar program, Scouts and volunteers will have fun and exciting participation opportunities at the tracks throughout the year. The Boy Scouts of America and Dale Coyne Racing collaboration provides an unparalleled opportunity to reach out to America's youths with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math. The Boy Scouts of America's No. 19 IndyCar entry will compete in the 17-race 2010 IZOD IndyCar® Series schedule. Local Boy Scout members and volunteers will participate in exciting activities at the track and have other unique opportunities at all races. The team will appear at Scouting events, including the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. If you missed the race car's debut at the Chicago Auto Show you have an opportunity again when it comes to the Chicagoland Race Track in Joliet on August 28th. To download a wallpaper picture of this car for your computer or more information about this program and Dale Coyne Racing, click here: http://www.dalecoyneracing.com/ 
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Key 3 Minute
Learning for Life Smoke Signals “Smoke Signals” lists only Council-level events and dates. For district activities, please refer to the district news pages.
March
April
May February Eagles Christopher Tuminaro Troop 399 Ean Smith Troop 29 Robert Desio Troop 265 Chase Dziagwa Troop 265 Jonathan Hanna Troop 265 Adam Hebein Troop 69 William Krogstad Troop 69 Daniel Melnick Troop 228 Mark Gotthelf Troop 1 John Schmidt Troop 29 Matthew Labbe Troop 159 IN MEMORIAM Ronald E. Johnson of Rolling Meadows, former Scoutmaster for Troop 180, passed away February 3rd. Father of five, grandfather of eight. Marine veteran who saw service in Korea. SCOUT SHORTS Matthew Bardelas, Boy Scout Troop #175, has achieved the highest rank in Scouting – Eagle Scout !! Matthew completed 40 Merit badges on his way to becoming Troop 175's 37th Eagle. Matthew had successfully completed his Eagle Scout project, which provided over 200 blankets to the special organization - "Project Linus" as they provides a comforting blanket to children in Hospitals throughout the metropolitan Chicago area. Matt exceeded his goal by 100%, as he tried to help others. Together with his parents Al and Valerie, 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 Matthew on the occasion of this great accomplishment. Charter Organization Representative Leo Weiss welcomes Matthew to the exclusive group of individuals called Eagle Scouts. Betty Wurster was recently presented the St. George Award from Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Committee on Scouting for demonstrated service to both the Church and Scouting for over forty years. Besides her Scouting interests, Betty has been the Catholic religious medals coordinator for several units in the Blackhawk District, is a Eucharistic Minister for Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church in Niles, is a Ministry of Care member supporting homebound parishoners, serves on several parish committees and much more. NWSC earns Central Region Scoutreach Award for 2009 NWSC earns Platinum Level "Words to Live By" Membership Growth Award for 2009 NWSC earns 2009 Centennial Quality Council Award NWSC earns 2009 Distinguished Learning for Life Award Veteran Scouter Bob Smedberg presented "Lifetime Achievement" Kente Cloth at Annual Board Meeting. Also presented Kente Cloths were Max Netzeband, Tom Broadfoot, Mike Tangen, and Sue Simmons. The Kente Cloth neckerchief recognizes significant contributions to the Council efforts., Chuck Taubman was presented with elevated James E. West Fellow Award in recognition of his dedication to the Council Endowment program Wally Powers honors his father with James E. West Fellow Award at NWSC Eagle Luncheon Scouters Jim Miller, Tom Nelson, and Bert Hamann presented with Mt. Prospect Spirit Awards. Tom and Bert were honored last Sat. at a gala held at the Bristol Court for being the "Best Business Partners." The award honors ByteMe Computers for maintaining our NWSC Website for over 12 years. Specifically, Tom is noted for helping to host Mount Prospect's New Year's Eve Party for kids; the Halloween Fall Festival and Octoberfest …all though the Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Assoc. Troop 91 in Palatine celebrates 50 Year Troop Anniversary with Court of Honor The Council Executive Committee Retreat was held at the Bank of America in South Barrington with Record Attendance Gary Powell was selected as new Council Training Chairman by General Vice President for Program Mike Tangen. Gary takes over the training reins from Bill Kaisling who has agreed to help in other venues. Tim Mellin named as new Lakota Lodge Lay Advisor by Supreme Chief of the Fire Steve Taylor. Dominic Gulatieri was named as new Lakota Lodge Staff Advisor ADVANCEMENT CUB SCOUTS Are you a Pack Advancement Chairman, Committee Member, Den Leader or Cubmaster who has questions about Cub Scout advancements? Then plan on attending the Saturday, March 6, at the Council Service Center beginning at 9:00 a.m. This seminar is designed to help all Cub Scout leaders really understand the advancement program. It will explain the why and how the advancement program works and the necessary reporting requirements and their importance. R.S.V.P. to Dee Ryan at 847-824-6880, ext 1001 LIFE TO EAGLE SEMINAR Every Life Scout, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Chairperson, Troop Committee Members and Troop Advancement Chairperson are encouraged to attend the Saturday, March 6. 2010 10:00 – Noon Council Service Center For further information and to R.S.V.P., contact Dee Ryan at 847-824-6880, ext 1001 Northwest Suburban Scout Shop  Trading Post Tidbits Patches commemorating Scouting's 100th Anniversary are now available at your Tradin Post. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Commissioners may now obtain the newly-arrived patches for their respective positions.
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