Around the Campfire

Minutes, News and Updates from the Ol’ Scouters Club of The Villages

Meeting of February 19, 2020

Meetings are 3rd Wednesday of the month 10:30 AM at the Canal Street Rec Center Sandringham Room unless otherwise notified.

Website: oldscouters.com

Business Meeting: Mike Gleim called the meeting to order at 1 0:30 AM.

Treasurers Report: Gary Davis reported a beginning balance was $240, additions $160 (2020 membership dues), expenses $0, ending balance $400.

Gary reminded attendees that dues are $20 per year payable in January and $10 if you join the club after June 30th of the year.

CALL TO ACTION…IF YOU’VE NOT PAID YOUR 2020 DUES PLEASE BRING IT TO OUR MARCH MEETING OR MAIL A CHECK PAYABLE TO OL’ SCOUTERS CLUB TO GARY DAVIS AT 2465 VIOLET COURT, THE VILLAGES, FL 32162. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS CALL GARY AT 352-504-7102. IF DUES ARE NOT PAID BY MARCH 31ST, YOU WILL NO LONGER BE ADVISED OF MEETINGS, EVENTS AND YOU WILL NO LONGER RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER.

New Member: Please welcome Burt Sklar. Burt did his in , he is an Eagle , as are his three sons. He currently is a snow bird with plans to become a full time villager in the near term. Burt has significant scouting experience as a volunteer at many levels of unit, district and council roles.

Burt, we are pleased you have joined us and we all look forward to your involvement with the club.

Speaker/Program:

1 Mike Gleim started the meeting with a discussion about the recent news of the filing, by the national office, for bankruptcy. Most of the discussion centered around two things; first, what has been shared in the recent emails, alumni newsletter and other publications as follows in Michael Freeman’s Scouting Blog, and; second, that neither the Centeral Florida or Greater Tampa Bay Area Councils are part of this bankruptcy. Both councils are free of any litigation by individuals who have stated they were abused sometime in the past.

Here is the blog:

Here’s what the BSA’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing means for you February 18, 2020 Michael Freeman Scouting in the News 59 Comments

If you’re reading this, you have probably experienced the positive impact of Scouting.

And I’m guessing that – like me – you want Scouting to be around to serve kids in our communities for many years to come.

I’m hoping you also agree that it’s important that the BSA supports victims of past abuse in Scouting. Quite simply, it’s the right thing to do.

But what does that have to do with filing for bankruptcy? Isn’t that what companies and people do when they run out of money?

A common misperception is that “bankruptcy” means a company or organization is shutting its doors. But for non-profits, it’s just the opposite. In fact, you can expect to continue your Scouting experience, complete with unit meetings, service projects, campouts and the many more adventures that fill your schedules.

So, what’s really going on?

The national organization has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (which is also known as a financial restructuring) to achieve two goals:  Compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting, and  Continue carrying out the mission of Scouting for at least another 110 years. (I hope you remembered to wish the BSA a happy birthday on Feb. 8!)

OK…what do I need to know about this process? First, Scouting continues. Second, Scouting is safer today than ever before.

It’s heartbreaking that individuals took advantage of youth-serving organizations – including BSA programs – to harm innocent children. Even the deepest apologies can’t possibly make things right, but the BSA is taking responsibility 2 for what happened in the past and doing all it can to protect youth in our Scouting programs.

The BSA has made major strides in youth protection and there’s a lot that we can be proud of, including the commitment of our wonderful volunteers and staff who work every single day to make Scouting the safe and amazing program it is today.

Starting in the 1980s, the BSA put in place some of the strongest barriers to abuse of any youth-servicing organization and has continued to evolve and improve these policies to prevent abuse and to ensure volunteers are able to recognize, respond to and report any suspected abuse.

For Scouters, planning to always have two-deep leadership has become a normal part of Scouting– and some may even encourage it at non-Scouting events.

Because so much of our youth protection training is relevant for all parents, the training is now available publicly on www.scouting.org/youth-safety, a website that you can share to help friends and family who may have questions about the BSA’s youth protection program.

What to do now

The short answer is – keep Scouting. And do so with pride.

Remind others why you believe in Scouting, how the program has benefited you and your family, and why you dedicate your precious free time to the movement.

Make it a point to remind our communities why Scouting is an important pillar. Ask local leaders what projects they need help with and encourage units to plan service projects to help meet the goal.

Scouting shines brightest when we help others. With your support, I know the BSA will be serving youth and communities through our vital mission for many years to come. — If you’d like to learn more about the BSA’s restructuring, visit www.BSArestructuring.org for more information.

From Scouting Alumni Newsletter

Dear Scouting Alumni,

Today, the national organization of the (BSA) filed for 3 Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.

We are outraged that there have been times when individuals took advantage of our programs to abuse innocent children and sincerely apologize to anyone who was harmed during their time in Scouting. We believe victims, we support them, we provide counseling by a provider of their choice, and we encourage them to come forward. We believe that all victims should receive our support and compensation – and we have taken decisive action to make that possible. Our plan is to use this Chapter 11 process to create a Trust that would provide equitable compensation to these individuals.

Please know we have worked consistently over many years to implement multi- layered policies to keep kids safe. From mandatory youth protection training and background checks for all volunteers and staff, to policies that prohibit one-on- one interactions between youth and adults and require that any suspected abuse is reported to law enforcement, our volunteers and employees take youth protection extremely seriously and do their part to keep kids safe.

While the word “bankruptcy” can be intimidating, it is important to know that Scouting programs will continue. This means that regular unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects will take place as usual.

As we go through this process, we want our Scouting alumni to know the following:  Scouting is safer now than ever before. Approximately 90% of the pending and asserted abuse claims against the BSA relate to abuse that occurred more than 30 years ago. As someone close to Scouting, you know the safety of children in our programs is the BSA’s absolute top priority.

 Scouting continues. Scouting programs will continue to serve youth, families and local communities throughout this process and for many years to come. Just last year, communities across the country benefited from more than 13 million Scouting service hours, and young men and women earned more than 1.7 million merit badges that represent skills that will help them succeed throughout their lives. Studies prove and parents agree that Scouting helps young people become more kind, helpful and prepared for life, and as long as those values remain important to our society, Scouting will continue to be invaluable to our nation’s youth.

 Local councils have not filed for bankruptcy. Local councils are legally 4 separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization. We know you may have questions about these issues and things you will see in the news. We have posted information about the national organization's restructuring at www.BSArestructuring.org.

This site includes a helpful Resources page, where you will find a short video explaining what Chapter 11 means for Scouting and a FAQ to address as many of your questions as possible. This site also includes a Milestones page, which will be your best source for the latest updates throughout this process.

If these resources don’t answer your questions, please feel free to reach out to us through Member Care at 972-580-2489 or [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support of the mission.

Yours in Scouting,

Jim Turley National Chair

Ellie Morrison National Commissioner

Roger Mosby President & CEO

Golden Eagle Dinner 2020:

Mike Gleim shared that the Golden Eagle Dinner is in line, dollar wise, with other major fundraising events throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. We are in need of additional sponsors and table sponsors. If you would be interested in sponsoring at the $500 or greater level, please contact Mike Gleim or Gary Davis.

The date will be Tuesday, March 24, 2020, and will be held at the Wildwood Community Center on Powell Road.

Our Honoree will be Ann Hill Foot. Ann is an administrator at New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages. She lives in Bushnell and was instrumental in starting a mentoring program for high school students in Sumter County that has been very successful. She is also the mother of a scout who currently is the Senior Patrol Leader of the Bushnell Troop 439. We are looking forward to honoring Ann in March. 5 Any help with corporate sponsors, table sponsorships and recruiting and inviting attendees would be greatly appreciated.

The goal for this year’s dinner is $50,000. (Following our meeting we learned that we are just over $26,000, so half way to our goal).

John Larson reported that all pledges from the 2019 Golden Eagle Dinner had been received. To our knowledge, that is the first time we’ve achieved a 100% payment on all pledges for the dinner in our 21 year history. Outstanding!

Further updates on the dinner will be forthcoming.

Celebrating 110 Years of Boy Scouts of America

Friday, February 8, 2020 marked the 110th birthday of Boy Scouts of America. As the nation’s top youth-serving organization, the BSA continues to create opportunities for youth to gain expereinces and become inspired with values, principles, and skills that will help them develop into the future leaders of our local businesses, communities, and nation. Troops, packs and crews alike celebrate this momentous occasion in a variety of ways. From community service projects to serving in religious ceremonies for Scout Sunday, Scouts have the opportunity to reflect upon their experiences in Scouting. Remembering the “” The story of the “Unknown Scout” remains a significant part of honoring BSA’s rich history. As the story goes, American businessman William Boyce lost his way while walking the foggy streets of London in 1909 when a boy offered to guide him to his destination. Boyce wanted to pay him for his good deed, but the boy politely refused. The boy explained that he was a Scout and that they do not accept money for doing good turns. Eager to learn more, Mr. Boyce met with Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout movement in Great Britain. Boyce knew that boys in America would like the idea too, so he brought Scouting to the . William D. Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America under the laws of the District of Columbia on February 8, 1910, and every year we commemorate the special day.

Reconnect with Scouting: 6 There will not be a Reconnect with Scouting event in 2020. The room we’ve used in the past is not available and we don’t have enough to display for the event.

Member Discussion:

The need for uniforms for financially challenged cubs and scouts was discussed. One suggestion was to check in with thrift stores to see if any scout uniforms, neckerchiefs, socks or related items might have been donated. Perhaps the thrift store would consider donating those items to us for distribution to units.

If you find yourself in a thrift store, please look for these items and talk to management if you find items.

District Updates:

Lake District: (Lake County) of The John Larsen is District Executive:

No report.

Withlacoochee District: (Sumter, Citrus and Hernando Counties) of The Greater Tampa Bay Area Council Brandon Kathman is District Executive.

Troop 71 in Hernando County turned 100 years old this year, the first centennial unit in our district's history. Our district also performed incredibly during this year's Scouting for Food drive. With almost 20% of the food collected council-wide coming from Withlacoochee, we outperformed every other district in GTBAC with at least double their pounds per scout ratio. I could not be prouder of our district right now. We also welcome our newest unit, Troop 2020 in Brooksville.

Unit Updates: This is a new section of the newsletter designed to keep you informed of goings on and needs of units in North Lake County and Sumter County. If you are involved with a unit, please email Gary with updates to be included in each edition of Around the Campfire.

Wildwood Pack 224: No report.

7 Fruitland Park Troop 143: No report.

Leesburg Pack 12: No report.

Bushnell Pack 439: No report.

Bushnell Troop 439: No report.

Lady Lake Troop 244: No report.

Date reminders:

Next club meeting is March 18, 2020, 10:30 A.M

Golden Eagle Dinner is March 24, 2020, 5:00 P.M.

2020 Program Planning:

Tentative Program Schedule for 2020:

February Council and District Updates MarchGolden Eagle Dinner, let’s all attend April Sand Hill Scout Reservation May Scouting Trivia and Show June Tamps visit to Scout Center and Store July Camp Lanoche Scout Master Dinner August Apopka visit to Scout Center and Store October TBD November TBD December TBD

Don’t forget…Larry Luebben challenged each member to bring in a new member in 2020. Excellent challenge. Do you have any neighbors who were involved in scouting years past? Maybe they would welcome an invite to attend a meeting, the Golden Eagle Dinner, one of our events or ______.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 A.M.

8 Scouting Websites: If you’re looking for information and resources about, for and related to scouting, here are some websites for you to investigate and some newsletters you may subscribe to.  Greater Tampa Bay Area Council (GTBAC) URL = https://tampabayscouting.org/ Newsletter sign-up icon is to right of BSA header

 Central Florida Council (CFC) URL = http://cflscouting.org/ CFC does not have a newsletter sign-up?

 Scouting Alumni & Friends site http://www.scoutingalumni.org/

 Boy Scouts National Council https://www.scouting.org/

 Ol Scouters Club of The Villages: https://oldscouters.com

Child Protection Certification. A reminder that if you’re involved with a Scouting event or scout, you must have completed the Child Protection Certification course found at Scouting.org. If you are not certified and not sure if you should be or not, contact either Mike Gleim or Gary Davis to discuss.

Club Officers and Volunteers: President: Mike Gleim [email protected] Vice President: Joe Gallagher Secretary/Treasurer: Gary Davis [email protected] Webmaster: Jim Leonard

Closing Comments: If you have contributions for our newsletter or questions, please share them with Gary Davis at [email protected].

You are encouraged to forward this newsletter to your friends, family, neighbors or anyone you feel would be interested in know what is going on in our club or with local units.

Respectfully Submitted,

/GWDavis/

9 Gary Davis Secretary/Treasurer [email protected] 352-504-7102

10