BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES VIRGINIA SITE NO LONGER BEING CONSIDERED FOR NATIONAL SCOUTING CENTER
DALLAS - August 4, 2009 - The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has determined that its proposed site in Rockbridge County, Virginia, for the National Scouting Center, which includes the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, is being withdrawn from consideration due to the significant restrictions on land utilization. For the past few months, the BSA has been studying the challenges around land use and what would be needed to prepare the site to host a number of activities, including a national summer camp, quadrennial jamboree, and other programs. The site is currently owned by the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts.
"The Goshen site is a remarkable piece of property, and although we believe we can solve the technical issues to make it work, it's simply too restrictive from a land utilization perspective to do what we need to do for the amount of investment that would be required," said Jack Furst, national chairman and lead volunteer for the National Scouting Center.
"We said all along that we needed to study the issues, and we're appreciative of those in Rockbridge County who supported our efforts as we went through this process," he added.
In February, the BSA announced that after an extensive 18-month process, it had selected sites in Virginia and West Virginia to explore the vision of a National Scouting Center. This announcement allowed the BSA to proceed with investigation and negotiations in those states to explore the issue further. The plans called for a permanent home for the national jamboree in Goshen, Rockbridge County, Virginia, and the new high-adventure base in Fayette and Raleigh counties, West Virginia.
The organization recently signed an agreement to purchase 10,600 acres, some of it reclaimed mining property, near Beckley, West Virginia, and announced that it would develop a new high- adventure base to complement its existing three bases in Minnesota, New Mexico, and Florida. The BSA expects to close on the property later this fall.
"In light of our recent decision concerning the Goshen site, we'll be looking to see if the West Virginia property can support a jamboree, but we have a lot of work to do there before we can make that determination," Furst explained.
Posted August 18, 2009
NEW BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK IS 21ST CENTURY GUIDE FOR LIFE
It’s green-friendly, it’s online, and it will have its own iPhone application
DALLAS, August 10, 2009 – The Centennial Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook unveiled by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) prepares the 21st century Scout for new technology while celebrating the organization’s rich heritage. The 475-page paperback features nostalgic illustrations from the previous 11 editions alongside references to emerging technology and expanded online information.
Touted by some Scouts as the ultimate adventure manual, the 12th edition Handbook teaches preparedness and responsibility in both traditional and new ways: think compass and GPS devices, tying a knot as well as a necktie, and first aid and Internet safety. For the first time, the printed Handbook is accompanied by an online site, www.bsahandbook.org, which contains expanded content and illustrations on handbook topics and advancement requirements.
“The Handbook – like our organization – adopts new and modern methods while maintaining the message of preparedness, responsibility and self-reliance,” said Boy Scouts of America Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca. “Earlier Scouts earned merit badges in bee farming, blacksmithing, and signaling, but now our Scouts work on 21st century subjects like composite materials, nuclear science, and oceanography.”
Other features of the 12th edition Boy Scout Handbook include:
- A first-ever iPhone application of the iconic guide available in September
- 100-percent recycled paper printed using environmentally friendly processes, creating the first-ever “green” edition
- Tips on long-term personal financial management and budgeting
- Expanded sections on nutrition and physical fitness
- Updated information on bullying, hazing, physical violence, and avoiding Internet dangers
- A nostalgic look of past handbooks with 21st century technology
- A Spanish version will be available in December
The 12th edition Handbook was written by Robert Birkby, an Eagle Scout and former conservation director at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Birkby also authored the previous two editions and the BSA Fieldbook. A lifelong Scouting and outdoor enthusiast, Birkby has traveled the world on mountaineering expeditions and backpacking adventures. Birkby is a respected outdoor leader, writer, and expert in trail construction and maintenance. He is also the author of Lightly on the Land and Mountain Madness.
In celebration of the BSA’s centennial, the new edition of the Handbook models the first edition in its three main categories:
- Scoutcraft —Preparing for Scouting’s adventures and for life
- Woodcraft —Understanding, appreciating, and caring for nature
- Campcraft —Learning skills useful along the trail, in camp, and beyond
The 12th edition Boy Scout Handbook is available in Scout shops across the country and online at www.scoutstuff.org. Since its first printing in 1910, the Boy Scout Handbook has sold more than 40 million copies. Additional information about the Handbook is available at www.bsahandbook.org.
WED 8:30A ET | SAT 1:30P, 6:30P ET | SUN 6A ET | ON THE OUTDOOR CHANNEL
July 1 marks the return of Scouting for Adventure, an original television series based on the Boy Scouts of America and its flagship magazine, Boys' Life. This high-adventure show targets young outdoorsmen teaching wilderness skills with an emphasis on safety and team-building.
In the show's second year, Scouting for Adventure promises to continue the tradition of top-notch television production, shot in high-definition that motivates, educates, and inspires both young and young-at-heart. Each action-packed episode features short segments that pertain to all aspects of Scouting, such as merit badges, safety, gear, and knots. Whether it's learning how to tie a square knot at Creighton Island, Ga., or emphasizing the importance of beach conservation (utilizing Leave No Trace) on Catalina Island, Calif., each episode offers practical advice for all past, present, and future Scouts.
All-new episodes in 2009 feature Scouts canoeing in California, horseback riding in Nevada, and snowshoeing in Minnesota. From trail to riverbed, beach to mountaintop, Scouting for Adventure features some of the country's finest young men displaying all the characteristics and qualities that define Scouting.
Don't miss it on the Outdoor Channel, America's leader in outdoor TV.
For more information, visit http://www.outdoorchannel.com/Shows/ScoutingForAdventure/.
Posted August 11, 2009
LOCAL LEADERS SAY SCOUTING OFFERS ADVANTAGE FOR HISPANIC FAMILIES
By Stephanie Esters
se@kalamazoogazette.com
269-388-8554
Kalamazoo – Several area leaders from the Boy Scouts of America and Hispanic community support efforts by the Scouts to recruit Hispanic youths.
“African-Americans and Latinos are going to be the demographic majority in the United States, so if the Boy Scouts wants to have a future, it makes a lot of sense for them to encourage the participation of both African-Americans and Latinos,” said William F. Santiago-Valles, a Western Michigan University assistant professor who is also a board member for Kalamazoo’s Hispanic American Council.
Only about 1% of the 5,000-plus in the Southwest Michigan Council’s Boy Scout troops are Hispanic, said Daniel Busby, the council’s Executive Director. The area’s Hispanic population ranges from 3.1% in Kalamazoo County to 9.1% in Van Buren County.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Busby said.
Over the past three summers, about 20 to 30 Hispanic boys in Van Buren County, mostly the sons of migrant workers, have participated in Boy Scout program that were offered during the day while their parents are at work, Busby said. But because of their families’ migratory lifestyles, the boys don’t join the Scouting program permanently, Busby said.
Busby said one of his staff members attended an open house of the Hispanic American Council about a year ago to discuss Scouting programs but that nothing developed from the visit. He said he plans to use the Scouts’ nationwide initiative as an incentive to meet with the council’s new executive director to boost recruitment efforts.
He said he’d like to see some of the successes he experienced working with the Boy Scouts in Peoria, a program using soccer to target Latino youths attracted 250 boys in one year, he said.
If local Boy Scout troops want to attract more Hispanic youths, they must visit places where the youths and their families congregate, Santiago-Valles said.
Leaping Barriers
Leaders here acknowledge that there are barriers to overcome in recruiting Hispanic youths to Scouting.
Some parents might think the program is a recruitment tool for the military; some might think it is exclusive, elitist, and unaffordable; and working parents might be unable to provide transportation to and from meetings, they say.
One area Hispanic parent and Scouting volunteer, Baltazar “Marty” Martinez, of Battle Creek, said it is important to win the confidence of parents – especially mothers.
In his 12 years volunteering with his son’s troop, Martinez said, he’s seen only one other Hispanic youth in the program.
Martinez, a second-generation America, was a Boy Scout in his native Texas.
His 18-year-old son, Sean, recently attained Eagle Scout rank through Troop 325 in Battle Creek.
Hispanic parents should understand that their sons can gain leadership and citizenship training and learn about possible careers and college and scholarship opportunities through Scouting, he said.
“That’s one of the things that has made me get out and emphasize to the Hispanic community that there is advancement for them to get into Scouting, and not just themselves but for their community also,” Martinez said.
Posted on July 22, 2009
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TURNS 99
Coldwater -Feb. 8 marked the 99-year anniversary of Boy Scouts of America.
Local Quincy Boy Scout Troop 488 celeberated this occasion with cupcakes, punch and each Scout telling about an Eagle Scout they had researched.
Lord Baden-Powell founded the Scout movement in Great Britain in 1907. Ernest Thompson Seton helped bring nature study to the Scouting program. David Carter Beard established the outdoor skills that are still at the heart of Boy Scouting.
Troop 488 has learned this year about how Scouting is international. Local Quincy exchange student Pawin Wongkunnaas Wongkunnasaap was involved with Scouting in Thailand. Their king went to England and saw the Scouting movement. He thought it was important for the youth of Thailand to follow this, so the king put Scouts in every school, and students must pass the class!
Boy Scouts in America is very different. Boys age 11-18 freely join. There are a lot more outdoor activities offered for American Scouts. Wongkunnasaap really enjoyed when his Troop recently went to Blue Springs Caverns to go caving.
Any boy age 11-18 who wishes to find out about Scouts could attend a meeting on Mondays from 7-8:80 PM at the Quincy Village Hall.
Posted July 9th, 2009
EAGLE SCOUTS ENHANCE THE WOODLAND PARK
A special final presentation to the Woodland Park & Nature Preserve Foundation Committee signified the completion of the Eagle Projects performed for the citizens of Battle Creek by two Eagle Scouts from Troop #377
New Eagle Scouts Andy C. and Alex D. shared their talents to provide convenience to vistiors of the Woodland park & Nature Preserve. Each Eagle Project required planning, orgqanizing and managing while demonstrating leadership and Scouting spirit. These extensive service projects allowed for the achievement of the highest rank in Scouting, complementing a 21 Merit Badge requirement.
Andy completed a CADD Design, built and installed four benches along the trails at the preserve.
Alex completed a new system to assist hikers navigate the trails. He installed 17 posts complete with color coded arrows througout the park. The markers will provide the guide along the four trails (the longest of which is 2.3 miles). His project included updating the trail entrance maps to reflect these enhancements.
These two seniors from the Lakeview High School found the task of working for the Eagle Scout sesignation no doubt a challenge while juggling academics.
SCOUTING IN ACTION!
Scouting for Food – A Community Service Project by Pack 188
On a cold and very snowy Saturday in early January, the brave Scouts of Pack 188 (along with their parents and/or leaders) manned shifts outside the Village Market grocery store in South Haven. We had elected to undertake a Community Service Project to help restock the local food pantry, since they were running low on food after the Christmas holidays. After coordinating our project with the store manager, the Scouts handed out flyers to patrons entering the store, asking for donations to the local food pantry, run by We Care, INC. The flyers explained that we were trying to collect 500 items of food for the pantry, and listed the types of food items we were hoping to collect. As the shoppers finished buying their groceries and exited the store, the Scouts were there to gather their donations in shopping carts.
The effort started at 8:30 am and concluded at 2:30 pm. The items collected include; 41 JARS OF PEANUT BUTTER, 30 CAN OF VEGETABLES, 66 CANS OF POTATOES, 55 CANS OF FRUIT, 56 CANS OF SPAGHETTI SAUCE, 71 BOXES OF SPAGHETTI/PASTA, 25 BOXES OF PANCAKE MIX, 18 BOTTLES OF SYRUP, 7 BOXES OF OATMEAL, 30 BOXES OF CEREAL, 62 CANS OF CHICKEN/TUNA, 28 CANS OF SOUP and various miscellaneous items. In all, we collected 508 items with a retail value of almost $1000, and we met our goal. In addition, there were cash donations to the pantry of over $150. The food pantry was very appreciative of our efforts and it was a rewarding experience for our young men.
Above: Scouts Dylan G and Thomas L, with Leaders Chet G and Alan L
Article revised July 13th, 2009
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