BSA Racing
Did you watch Indy 500 the past weekend? From qualifying at the last minute a week ago, to advancing 11 spots to finishing 19th at the race, there were many intense moments for the BSA Motorsports team. However, nothing compares to the dramatic finish at the last half lap. Check out this video if you haven't yet.
If this is the kind of excitement you enjoy, here's a chance to experience it, on location, real time. Once again, BSA's #19 car will be coming to Northern California for Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. Scouts and leaders in Class A uniform will be admitted free. Discounted tickets ($20, normally $55) are also available to friends and family. 50% of each ticket sold will be donated to Scouting. More information available here.
BSA Summer Reading Program
Ask for a punch card at any scout shop, purchase (and read) five books, chosen from titles listed on the official Summer Reading Series Book List, and you'll receive a $5 Scout Shop Gift Card. It's that simple.
The book list includes some pretty cool titles like "Let's Go Hiking," "Nature Detectives," and "The Scouter’s Companion," etc just to name a few. Find out more about this program here.
Lionel 2011 BSA Ready-to-Run Train Set
For the train collectors ...
Lionel introduces the 2011 BSA Ready-to-Run Train Set. The set will be similar to the 2010 100th Anniversary set except the 100th Anniversary boxcar will be replaced with the BSA Boy Scout Oath boxcar. In addition, the 100th anniversary collector patch will be replaced with a BSA/Lionel collector patch with the new BSA signature tagline, Prepared. For Life.
Also, this summer, Lionel will be adding the BSA Eagle Scout Boxcar, BSA Flatcar with Pinewood Derby Kit, and for the first time, figure pack accessories.
The entire train is approximately 58" long with layout dimensions of 40" x 60". For more information on the model and vendors, please visit Lionel's website.
Journey to Excellence
“Scouting’s Journey to Excellence” is the BSA’s new performance recognition program designed to encourage and reward success and measure the performance of units, districts, and councils. It is replacing the Centennial Quality Awards Program as a means of encouraging excellence in providing a quality program at all levels of the BSA. Information, forms, and recorded webinars can be found on BSA's website.
In order to accommodate volunteers and professional staff who were not able to attend one of the Journey to Excellence webinars in October or November, the Boy Scouts of America has expanded the schedule into the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, January 26 at 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 2 at 8 a.m.
Register for the webinar here.
Pop Pop Pop
October is popcorn month. While our popcorn kernel is working hard with leaders to sort out the details, I would like to share with you another view of corns. That is corn mazes. Amazing corn mazes around the country celebrating the Centennial of BSA. Click on the picture to see more.
Scout Ranger Program
The National Park Service & the Boy Scouts of America team up to bring you The Scout Ranger Program, a new, NPS-tailored certificate/patch program for Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Venturers.
- Designed to increase scout visitation to national parks.
- Promotes a better understanding of the NPS mission among scouts and their families.
- Educates young people about their responsibility in conserving our natural and cultural resources.
- Encourages volunteer service and promote good citizenship.
Scouts earn certificates and/or patches by participating in educational programs or volunteer service projects. Find out the specifics from the program flyer and website.
BSA IndyCar Showcase at Scout Council Office!
Date: Saturday, August 21, 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Location: Mt Diablo Council Service Center (map)
Start your engines! The official BSA IndyCar and driver, Alex Lloyd, will be visiting the Council Service Center on August 21st. The car will be on display at a council wide celebration. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to see the car before the big race! Click on the flyer for details.
DIRECTV’s Support of the BSA Helps Wallets, Councils
Back in June, DIRECTV announced a new relationship with the Boy Scouts of America and an opportunity for the Scouting community to support local councils as new DIRECTV subscribers.
The relationship will help subscribers’ wallets as well as councils. Beginning August 1, new DIRECTV subscribers who sign up using a special Scouting telephone number will receive a $100 credit on their bill in the form of 10 $10 bill credits.
Also, for each new subscriber who signs up using the Scouting number that will be provided, DIRECTV will donate $75 to the local council initiating the new subscription. This money will help councils fund camperships, scholarships, or other council needs to support local units. Go here for the exclusive BSA number and more information of the offer.
DIRECTV also have plans to offer a new online education module for Scouting that will help unit leaders teach math, science, and technology to their Scouts. More details on how to take advantage of this opportunity will be forthcoming. Stay tuned.
