The Gateway Gateway Area Council,

For the latest information and details, visit our website: www.gacbsa.org

What’s Inside

Commissioner’s Corner 2 Winter Events 3 National Achievement for Zak Smith, T68 for Food 4 We are proud to recognize an outstanding of the Mall & Trailblazers 5 Gateway Area Council as the newest member of the Program News National Youth Leadership Society. Zak Smith was formally 6 inducted into the Society at Troop 68’s Court of Honor on Family FOS 7 Monday, December 9, 2013. The National Youth Leadership Society recognizes youth members of the BSA Scouts in the News 8 who have learned and practiced outstanding leadership Program News 9 skills- the elite members of our program. As a national honor society, the National Youth Leadership Society calls 2013 Eagle Scouts 10 upon local councils to nominate those individuals who meet From Mary’s Desk certain criteria. Upon acceptance, the National Court of 11 Honor will offer the individual the honor of members into the Program News 12 Society. There are stringent qualifications of membership including various leadership development courses and Office Notes 13 Scouting positions. We are proud to recognize Zak Smith as NYLT News 14 the newest member of the National Youth Leadership Society.

From the Scout Shop! Summer Programs Kick-Off

As we train the new Greetings Scouters! Only 6 months until the Summer Camping season begins; it Scout Shop Clerk, will be here before we know it! Camp Decorah’s Summer Camp Kick-Off will be January please be patient with 12, 2014 in the Dahl Family Scouting Center at 3pm. The event will include presentations ordered items and try from Summer Camp, Webelos Camp, Day Camp, NYLT, Woodbadge, and to call ahead with many other summer opportunities. Your whole unit is invited to join in the camp large orders. Your fellowship and enjoy a bowl of chili. As always, there will be great prizes awarded to patience is appreciat- those that come out to Camp Decorah. This year’s summer camp programs are sure to ed as we welcome be just what you and your Scouts are looking for: fun, adventure, and challenging Lisa into Scouting! opportunities. Sign-ups are open for 2014 summer camps at Camp Decorah. December, 2013 Page 2

Commissioner Corner Your One Stop Shop for Unit Support

What is a Commissioner and how can they help me?

Many of us have heard about Commissioners but may not know exactly what a "commissioner" does. One of the Unit Commissioner's (UC) most important duties is to link district and council resources to the units. This includes training, rechartering help, program planning, etc. The UC is a friend and coach to the unit and will help the unit find answers to its questions and program needs.

“Break glass in Case of Emergency.” We have seen this sign or similar messages on fire alarms, fire extinguishers or other emergency gear. This message does not apply to our Commissioners. We are not just here for a one time use in case of emergency, we are hear to help 24/7 with what ever needs—big or small— that you may have. We are here to help facilitate the unit leader’s jobs and remove stress and frustration as much as possible. When you are encountering difficulties or just have a question, do not hesitate to contact your UC. We are here to help the units deliver a fun, challenging program to the youth in the Gateway Area Council.

The Gateway Area Council Commissioner Staff consists of a Council Commissioner (Terry Smith) and District Commissioners for each district (Cindy Sjolander – Seven Rivers; Ray Purnell – Soaring Eagle; and Alan Abrahamson – Winding Trails). Please contact any of us if you have any questions or concerns, or to find the name of your UC.

If you do not know your Unit Commissioner, please contact your District Commissioner.

Terry Smith Council Commissioner December, 2013 Page 3

Soaring Eagle Klondike Derby February 8, 8am at Whitehall Rod &

7 Rivers Klondike Derby

January 18, 9am at La Crosse County Landfill

Winding Trails Klondike Derby

February 8 at the Coon Valley Conservation Club

JUST FOR THE CUB SCOUTS! January 10-11: Cub Hibernation at La Crosse Children’s Musuem February 15, 8am: Polar Cub Iditarod at Camp Decorah December, 2013 Page 4

March is National Scouting for Food Month!

The Boy Scout Slogan of “do a good turn daily” is part of an effort to promote a culture of service in our nation. Scouting provides many lessons to our youth, one of the most valued of these is service to others. This annual food drive is one of the best ways to introduce our Scouts to community service. We have been proud to consistently serve the many area food pantries and shelters in our communities.

March 1st: Scouts distribute bags and info cards in their community March 8th: Scouts return the following Saturday to collect the donations of non-perishable food items and deliver to food panty

Don’t forget to log your community service hours! Need help logging your hours? Call your DE at 608-784-4040. December, 2013 Page 5 2014 Mall Show & 7Rivers District Derby Saturday, April 12th

The Mall Show is back! After last year’s success we are excited to again have an awesome day of entertainment, demonstrations, camaraderie and fun. See the flyer for more details for brainstorming and developing your perfect Mall Show setup. What a fantastic way to show the community our Scouting spirit while having a great time seeing what everyone else is up to in the Council.

Seven Rivers will be holding their District Pinewood Derby Championships during the event.

NEW THIS YEAR: Build your own LEGO car to race!!!! All are invited! There will be races for Pack Champions, Cub Scouts, all siblings, parents, friends, all cub scouts and family from Soaring Eagle and Winding Trails and anyone in the public. There will also be open LEGO car racing! Flyer for 7 Rivers PWD coming soon.

Spring Camporee 2014

Gateway Area Council Presents: The Trailblazer Adventure $25 Saturday, May 17, 2014

Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Boy Scouts are invited to scout in the GREAT outdoors and to blaze a trail through the largest outdoor sports program of its kind. There will be mammal, raptor, and search and rescue dog shows! Atlatls, BB guns, games and fishing for the Cub Scouts! Blackpowder, shotguns, trapping, atlatls, and climbing for the Boy Scouts! Look no further, the greatest outdoor program of its kind can be found here at Camp Decorah, on May 17th. December, 2013 Page 6

The Council’s Annual Recognition Dinner will be April 5 at Fox Hollow. We will recognize our 2013 Eagle Class and outstanding volunteers throughout the Council.

The Silver Beaver Award recognizes outstanding volunteers who have shown noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth. The recipients are nominated by their peers. Now is the time to submit your nomination.

I would like to personally thank each Arrowman who helped in hosting the Section Conclave, run the Oktoberfest parking lot fundraiser, and support the Spook-O-Ree this past September and October. Without your help as lodge members, the Section could not have had Conclave and the council could not have run the Spook-O-Ree. Because of these countless hours given by many of you, I can confidently say that both events were a huge success. Scoutmasters, please promote our two upcoming events to the Arrowmen in your troop. The Annual Banquet is on January 5, and the Winter Wing Ding is on January 31 through February 2. The Annual Banquet, on January 5 at Camp Decorah is $15. As usual, there will be a great speaker, and a great meal to go along with it. There is a $7 discount off the $15 price of the Annual Banquet for anyone who attended Spook-o-ree and helped with the lodge. You must also bring a fellow Arrowman from your troop to be eligible for this discount. Registration will begin at 3:00 pm in the Camp Decorah Dining Hall with carnival games before the dinner. The cost for the banquet is $15, and can be paid in the Scout Office before December 31. The Winter Wing Ding is our winter fellowship event where we help out at the council’s Merit Badge Day. We will have some “Fun in the Sun” during the dead of winter at Camp Decorah! Look forward to snow volleyball, Mini-Weapons of Mass Destruction, and more! The Wing Ding costs $15 for the entire weekend before January 24, while Merit Badge Day is free to all Arrowmen who attend the Wing Ding. I’ll see you at our next event! Yours in WWW, Alex Metry 2013-2014 Lodge Chief

Nikki’s Knowledge Nugget- It is that time of year: rechartering is just around the corner. This is the time to check your rosters and take note of any changes. Rechartering packets will be available at the December Roundtables. If you have any questions do not wait to the last minute and contact the Council Service Center or your District Executive today. December, 2013 Page 7

2014 Friends of Scouting

Thank you for joining us for the 2014 Gateway Area Council Friends of Scouting (FOS) Campaign! Money raised through FOS provides the operating revenue to carry forth the mission of the Gateway Area Council. With FOS funds, the Council organizes new unites, provides volunteer adult training opportunities, maintains and improves beautiful Camp Decorah, handles advancement and member registration, maintains quality traditional camping programs for Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, develops high adventure programs, maintains a fully stocked Scout Shop, coordinates weekend activities and volunteer recruitments, and much more. What you see is just the tip of the iceberg (see below)! Also, ask your FOS presenter about this year’s FOS glow in the dark wristbands!

Questions about Friends of Scouting?

Seven Rivers Soaring Eagle Winding Trails FOS Chair: Tim Pangburn FOS Chair: Lisa S. Schock FOS Chair: Rosemary & Ken Whitinger 608-781-2388 608-323-3776 608-562-6376 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

District Executive: Tammy Schmitz District Exec.: Aaron Craig District Executive: Clark Garthwait 608-769-6705 815-761-0074 906-285-0466 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Philmont Contingent 2014 Do you want an experience that will last you a life time? Would you like to camp at the Worlds Largest Youth Camp? How about an experience that will test you both physically and mentally? If that is the case, then we have a great opportunity for you. We currently have 4 spots available for 2014. The contingent is scheduled to be at Philmont from July 8 to 20, 2014. If you would like more information please contact Clark at the Scout Office.

Philmont Contingent 2015 Are you a leader that is interested in taking the council contingent to in 2015? We have reserved a spot for July 8 to 20, 2015 and are in need of some leaders to lead our youth and help share this great experience. Going as a youth is only part of the trip. Take the next step and experience Philmont as an adult. If you are interested in leading our council contingent please contact Clark at the Scout Office.

December, 2013 Page 9 Scouting in the News

By Correne Martin Every October, the Cub Scouts of Prairie du Chien endeavor to sell popcorn as their major fundraiser for the year. For the past three years, Wesley Mink, a 9 year old diagnosed with autism and epilepsy, has made it his mission to attain the title of “Top Seller” in his district. Each year, with the support of his grandmother, Debbie Mink, Wesley has spent many hours going door- to-door, trying to sell more than he did the year before. This year, Wesley, a Webelos in Den 12, was successful in securing the title of “Top Seller” for the Seven Rivers District in the Gateway Area Council. He sold popcorn to 217 customers for a total of $5,216, which was over and above his closest competitor by $2,400. Wesley’s total in sales also surpassed both of the top sellers in each of the remaining districts that make up the Gateway Area Council; Soaring Eagle: $2,893 and Winding Trails: $4,052. The Seven Rivers District encompasses parts of La Crosse, Vernon and Crawford counties as well as Houston County, Minn., and includes 19 packs, 11 troops and one crew—approximately 900 Scouts. Kim Oates, who leads Den 12, said the staff at the council office in La Crosse said they’d never heard of any one Scout selling so much popcorn. According to Wesley’s grandmother, he achieved his goal by spending three weeks selling in rural communities throughout Crawford, Grant and Vernon counties. “It was a very nice experience. He met a lot of people, and saw a lot of animals and other cool stuff in the countryside,” Debbie said. “He should be very proud of himself.” In addition to the “Top Seller” award, Wesley earned an Apple iPad Mini and also qualified for a 32-inch flat screen TV, $200 in Walmart gift cards and a Camp Decorah Cub Scout experience for all of his hard work. “I think the neat thing is that he did all the work, but he had family support to make it possible. That’s what Scouting is all about,” said Mary Freybler, development director of the Gateway Area Council. According to Oates, Pack 320 is grateful to both Wesley and his grandmother for their dedication to Scouting and all of their efforts to boost the pack’s popcorn sales for the year. Wesley is thankful too. Without the graciousness of his customers, he wouldn’t have accomplished his much-desired mission. “He knows he couldn’t have done this without all the great help of his customers,” Debbie stated. December, 2013 Page This year the focus of the 2014 Merit Badge Day (Saturday, February 1)is the trail to Eagle. All of the merit badges offered will be Eagle required. Counselors and merit badges still being added to the growing list of Eagle required merit badges. Examples of some merit badges available are the new Sustainability merit badge plus the familiar merit badges like First Aid, Citizenship in the Nation and Lifesaving. Each Eagle merit badge offered will be an all day session. Scouts will be able to sign up for only ONE merit badge for the day.

At least one adult attending with the troop must have their Youth Protection Training complete and up to date. Cost of Merit Badge Day is $15 per scout. Location: Onalaska LDS Church 701 Wells Street Onalaska, WI 54650 Classes will be held Sat. Feb. 1st, from 9:00am - 4:00pm (lunch is provided) A complete list of merit badges offered will be found on the following link by Jan. 1, 2014 http://meritbadge.info/mbn/EventDetails.aspx?ID=F66B02E0-750B-4EFE-AB7C-D2DCE34F05C8 Registration is available online only from Jan. 1, 2014 to Jan. 24, 2014. Event manager is Jimmy Abrahamson, email: [email protected]

My fellow Scouters. I have served scouting in various capacities over the past 20 years including Scoutmaster for over 10 years. I write to you now as a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). While all members of SAR can trace their ancestry to a patriot who fought in the American Revolution, many of the goals and objectives of the organization is to promote knowledge of the Constitution and to promote preserve United States history. The purpose of this letter is to let you know of the Eagle Scout scholarship program that SAR has. The link to the application is http://www.sar.org/node/272. If you would like more information about this program, please contact me at [email protected]. I or another member of SAR would be available to come to your troop or roundtable to talk more about this program. Yours in Scouting, Chester Hilton Secretary Stephen Tainter Chapter Wisconsin Society Sons of the American Revolution Andrew Snodgrass received the God & Church Award at St. John's church in La Crosse on Sunday December 8. This award is part of the God & Country series used in our Council. Andrew is a Life Scout in Troop 235 Rosemount MN. C1-624-14 Are you ready for Wood Badge? Maybe you will wait a year or two. No, No, No NOW is the time !! A course is coming up. This is your time, and you will have a great time and learn more than you could possibly imagine. This course could affect your scouting life, your family life, your job and the way you interact with others, if you only make the commitment to attend. Wood Badge provides advanced leadership development for all Scouting programs; Cub Scout, Boy Scout and . The objective of Wood Badge is to demonstrate, in a practical way, the “aims of methods” of Scouting and to deveop through an exciting program of activities. You will live Scouting and learn how to apply leadership and Scout skills in the develop- ment of adult leaders and youth. When Lord Baden Powell created the first Wood Badge he blew a note from a Kudu horn and out of the woods came men in uniform shorts and rolled up sleeves ready to learn the leadership skills Baden Powell felt was neces- sary to be a good leader. The kudu horn is being blown now – will you answer? My hope is yes. The time to begin a great experience is now and it begins with you and a commitment to C1-624-14. Camp Decorah, Holmen, WI Weekend #1(3 full days): August 23rd – 25th , 2014 Weekend #2(3 full days): September 6th – 8th, 2014 Get all information at www.gacbsa.org/volunteers/training/woodbadge enrollment is limited to just 56 people paid, so reserse your space soon!! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Robin Mezera at 608-875-6766 or [email protected]. December, 2013 Page 12 45 young gentleman have completed this quest of their journey by earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Only 3 % of all Scouts earn this distinct honor. This quest of your journey is complete but a new one is just beginning for you. Where ever the trail leads you may you remember this journey and all the hard work that it took to gain it. Congratulations gentleman and welcome,

5 Issaac Neve 7 Paul Hughes 9 Nicholas Tornmive 9 Mitchell Gjerseth 11 William Bonadurer 15 Daniel Bonifas 15 Ben Mighall 22 Benjamin Wiese 22 Andrew Schoen 22 Andrew Slindee 22 Andrew Schoen 22 Reed Johnson 33 Alexander Grunwald 38 Kirkham Beatse 53 Kevin Beckman 53 Josh Stremcha 53 Phillip Paulson 53 Daren Chapel 53 Hunter Laschenski 53 David Wagner 61 Christian Sveen 64 Connor Misch 64 Andrew Sonsalla 65 Mitchell Petit 75 Kyle Fiske 77 Tom Halverson 77 Aric Tourville 77 Eric Halversin 78 Aaron Dick 83 Layne Hammer 85 Damien Dauphin 91 Chrystopher Shupe 97 Patrick Belmonte 110 Joseph Domine 110 Hunter Kamrowski 111 Ben Kink 168 Wesley Hallstead 168 Rutger Deyo 203 Logan Peterson 203 Myles Connor 285 Richy Hansen 285 Zakary Jewell 285 Andrew Tompko 322 Scott Erickson 322 Jacob Berg December, 2013 Page 13 Focus on Fundraising Thank you for your commitment to help us achieve our goal to reach and to serve more youth through Scouting’s programs. As we look to the end of 2013 there are many wonderful fundraising events to reflect on and be thankful for. Your donations and participation are greatly appreciated. Golden Eagle Dinner The Golden Eagle Dinner is a celebration of Scouting in the Gateway Area Council and is open to all interested in attending. The 2013 event featured Mike Ditka and council leadership is proud to announce the 2014 Golden Eagle Dinner will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2014 with civic leader and legendary Green Bay Packer, Bart Starr as the keynote speaker. For sponsorship and ticket information please contact Mary at the council office. Lawn Social In July the annual Lawn Social was held at the private hangar of Steve and Judi Swanson. The summer social is a long standing annual event that provides not only financial support but also a relaxed venue to visit and enjoy fabulous food and beverage. For invitation or sponsorship information or to volunteer for the 2014 planning committee, please contact Mary at the council office. Dahl Automotive Golfing for Scouting The Dahl Automotive Golfing for Scouting outing was held at Cedar Creek in August. The golf outing was very successful and the weather cooperated wonderfully. This event is held annually and participation by all is welcomed. For more information regarding the 2014 Golfing for Scouting please contact the council office. Cruise for a Cause In October the first ever Mississippi River Yacht Cruise was held. The cruise included hors d’oeuvres and beverages. 100% of funds raised will benefit local scouting in the Gateway Area Council. Popcorn Sale 2013 Thank you to all that participated in the 2013 Popcorn Sale. Your support through selling or purchasing product is vital to the success of scouting programs. The annual popcorn sale is an effective, no money up-front way to earn the funds needed at the unit level while also strengthening your council. This year’s sale topped $618,000. As we reflect on the 2013 sale and already begin to look at planning for 2014, one can only imagine the impact of knocking on every available door in our communities. Reaching our neighbors through a dedicated door to door campaign will be an emphasis for 2014. This year 85 units participated in the sale. The top selling district was Seven Rivers. The council also recognized the Top Seller from each district, Seven Rivers: Wesley from Pack 320-Prairie du Chien, Soaring Eagle: Jacob from Pack 65-Mondovi, Winding Trails: Texas from Pack 46-Bangor. Each of these Scouts received an Apple® iPad mini. Thank you to Merchants Bank of Onalaska, WI Our friends at Merchants Bank recognized many nonprofits over the past many months in honor of their 10th anniversary. The Gateway Area Council, BSA was chosen as the benefitting organization for the month of October. Thank you Merchants Bank! December, 2013 Page 14 Would you like an easier way to keep track of your unit’s advancements? Are you sure your records are correct? I recently was talking to a leader and they could not find out why one of his scouts was not listed on his Internet Advancement. We found out it was because for some reason he was not transferred from the Pack to the Troop. Do you have mistakes in your unit roster? Are you sure? Internet advancement is a good way to keeping track of your unit’s advancements and records. Remember this system is connected with the council’s advancement records and is the only system that is.

So far in the council we have 21 units utilizing the Internet Advancement. If you have any questions contact your District Executive and they will be happy to help you.

Number of units using Internet Advancement; Seven Rivers 7 Soaring Eagle 4 Winding Trails 10

Upcoming Event: Council Dinner 2014 Save the Date: The Council Dinner is set for April 5, 2014 at Fox Hollow Banquet Hall in La Crosse. More information to follow or for more information please contact Nikki at the council office, 608-784-4040. Little Known History of Scouting in the LaCrosse Area Many scouters in the Gateway Area Council know that the Council was organized in 1922. However, few know that this was not the first council organized in the LaCrosse area. In an article dated March 25, 1945, it talks about Harry Spence, who founded the first Boy Scout troop in the area in April 1914 at the north side Presbyterian Church. The article goes on “In February 1914, the LaCrosse business men organized the first council with Judge John Brindley as first chairman. Spence was appointed Scout commissioner and in 1915, John M. Holley was elected president.” “Shortly after Spence had organized troop 1, the second troop came in- to being at the YMCA, but it and the council disbanded after four years. Spence continued with the only troop in the city until 1922 when Dr. W.E. Bannen was instrumental in organizing another council.” December, 2013 Page 15

The end-of-year chores around the Council Service Center are piling up. With two staff positions yet to be filled, there is a lot of work to do. Please– for Nikki’s sanity— call to find a time to volunteer for the end-of-year jobs. These are crucial parts of our council’s annual operation and must be completed before the new year. Call Nikki at 608-784-4040 or email [email protected]. Lots of help is needed!

The Council Service Center is often overlooked as a building that needs some TLC. There are chores for the handy person with time to spare. Pack up your tools and head down to the service center to help paint walls, clean the Scout Shop fixtures, change lightbulbs, and more! Winter or Spring help is always needed!

The Scrap-a-thon is Set for Saturday, June 7th. Save your metals!

There is always something that the Gateway Area Council could use. Please check around your house, business, or neighborhood for any of these items. If you have something that could benefit the Camp Decorah or the Service Center, please call!

Camp Decorah: Council Service Center:  Small Pickup Truck  Administrative Assistance  Golf Cart  Banquet Tables  UTV  Conference Tables & Chairs  Computers  Carpeting  Unit Sponsored Picnic Tables  Office Supplies (Staplers, Hole punch)  Unit Sponsored Camp Site Boxes  Office Chairs  Foosball Table  Rubbermaid Totes  Stackable Washer and Dryer  Book shelves  Two way Radios  White Boards  Rubbermaid Totes.  Network Printer  Exterior Doors & Frames 36” wide  Silverware, Dishwasher-safe  Screen Doors 32” and 36” wide.  Vacuum Cleaner Volume 1, Issue 1 Pa ge 16

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Winding Trails Seven Rivers Soaring Eagle Gateway Area District District District Council

District Chairman District Chairman District Chairman Council President Tom Smith John Parkyn Peter Schaffner Jansen Dahl 608-386-3287 608-687-3150

District Commissioner District Commissioner District Commissioner Council Commissioner Alan Abrahamson Sr. Cindy Sjolander Ray Purnell Terry Smith 608-783-4911

District Executive District Executive District Executive Scout Executive Clark Garthwait Tammy Schmitz Aaron Craig Sean Henneman 906-285-0466 608-769-6705 815-761-0074 608-784-4040

Development Director Registrar Account Specialist Mary Freybler Nikki Burke Stacey Franken Matt Hein 608-784-4040 608-784-4040 608-784-4040 608-526-6418