Scouting for Food
Hello Pack 1776,
Our pack did a great job covering all the neighborhoods assigned to us. We didn't collect as much food as we did last year, but certainly enough to make a difference.
Den leaders, please let Ammy know how many scouts participated from your den so that she can order patches.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Anil
Scouting for Food Chair
A Message From the Chief Scout Executive
To: All Scouts and Scouters,
By Wayne Brock, BSA Chief Scout Executive
As you can imagine, a number of our councils in the Northeast are still struggling mightily to recover from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Sandy. And a Nor’easter is bringing even more weather damage to the region this week with snowfall and other hazardous conditions.
Reports are still coming in concerning any injuries to our people and damage to BSA facilities, and the National Office stands ready to assist in any way we can. We ask you to join us in keeping the councils in this stricken area in your thoughts and prayers. They have a long road ahead of them to restore their homes and property as well as their programs to support our Scouts.
Many of you have asked how you can help. For any neighboring councils that have the people and resources to lend a hand with transportation, supplies, or other immediate needs, we ask that you work through Jim Hans, associate regional director/support for the Northeast Region, to coordinate your relief assistance. For councils in other parts of the country, we believe monetary assistance would be the most valuable resource you could provide at this time.
The worst damage seems to be in several council camps where many trees are down and some have destroyed buildings. Some council offices have had water damage and several staff members have experienced damage to their personal property. Many Scouts and units have probably lost camping gear, uniforms, trailers and other supplies. If you would like to make a donation to aid councils recovering from Hurricane Sandy, please go to the BSA Disaster Relief Fund page for instructions.
Meanwhile, we have already seen tremendous examples of how our commitment to serve others is rising to this occasion. Here are just two examples of many Scout troops that are responding with service. Boy Scout Troop 683 in Pamlico County, North Carolina is establishing drop-off locations for the public to donate non-perishable food, water, and clothing to Sandy victims. And in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, Scouts from Troops 109 and 1910 – many who experienced problems of their own from Sandy’s wrath – have assisted the National Guard with people who have lost power and are out of their homes.
I am very proud of how these Scouts and others have volunteered to assist so many people in need. Let’s all muster whatever support we can to assist our people through this difficult time.
New International Spirit Award
The International Spirit Award is a temporary emblem that is awarded to registered Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, and Scouters who have completed the necessary requirements, have gained a greater knowledge of international Scouting, and have a greater appreciation and awareness of different cultures and countries.
This award serves as a replacement for (and therefore eliminates) the International Activity emblem and the Youth Exchange emblem.
International Spirit Award emblems cost $4 each and can be purchased from the International Department. Visit www.scouting.org/international/applications to fill out the application with the date that each requirement was completed. All requirements must be met within five years from the start of the award. Please mail the completed, signed application and a check (made payable to Boy Scouts of America) to:
Boy Scouts of America
International Department, S221
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, TX 75015-2079
One Oath and Law
On Oct. 17, the BSA’s Executive Board approved a resolution to use the Scout Oath and Scout Law in the Cub Scout and Venturing programs. Specifically, the changes approved are as follows:
Cub Scouts:
- Adopt the Scout Oath and Scout Law for use in the Cub Scout program, retiring the Cub Scout Promise.
- Revise the Core Values of Cub Scouts to align exactly with the 12 points of the Scout Law.
- Retire the Law of the Pack, while maintaining the concept of “Akela” as leader.
- Maintain the current Cub Scout motto, sign, salute, and handshake.
Venturing:
- Retire the Venturing Oath, Code, sign, and salute .
- Adopt the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout sign, and Scout salute.
- Engage the task force and National Youth Cabinet to determine whether Venturing should have a differentiating motto/slogan or adopt “Be Prepared.”
These changes will become effective with the release of youth handbooks and leader aids supporting this and other changes related to Strategic Plan Goal 411, approximately Jan. 1, 2014, for Venturing-related changes and May 15, 2015, for Cub Scout- and Boy Scout-related changes. Changes to publications, websites, and other materials should NOT be initiated based on this article. Those will be handled based on the previously stated timing and will be initiated by the task forces working on the respective programs.
Shown below are copies of the board resolution and a document addressing common questions and answers. Additional questions or requests for more information may be directed to 411@scouting.org.
Resources: