2019-2020 Program Planning Guide Gateway Area Council Boy Scouts

2019-2020 Program Planning Guide

Gateway Area Council Boy Scouts of America

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 2 Table of Contents

Hello Parents, Unit Leaders and Scouts! Here is our NEW Program Planning Guide that you can use to plan your 2019 - 2020 scouting calendar! Check out pages 4-8 for the key dates, then see pages 10-15 for program descriptions. You can see all the events on the monthly calendar pages 22-33. If you have any questions, call your District Executive or the Council office. Thank you!

Introduction About Gateway Area Council and Districts ...... Page 3 Important Dates Cub Scouts Dates ...... Page 4 Scouts BSA Dates ...... Page 5 Order of the Arrow ...... Page 6 Training Dates ...... Page 7 Other Important Events ...... Page 8 Camp Decorah ...... Page 9 Program Descriptions- Cub Scout Events ...... Page 10-11 Program Descriptions- Scouts BSA Events ...... Page 12 Program Descriptions- For All Units ...... Page 13 Program Descriptions- Training Events ...... Page 14-15 Fall Recruiting ...... Page 16 Popcorn Sale ...... Page 17 Friends of Scouting ...... Page 18 Re-chartering ...... Page 19 Community Service ...... Page 20 Youth Protection ...... Page 21 Monthly Calendars ...... Page 22-33 Career Exploring ...... Page 34 Venturing Programs ...... Page 35 Scout Shop Information ...... Back Cover

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 3 About DistrictsGateway & Area Office Council Information and Districts

The Gateway Area Council is divided into three Districts to better administer Scouting within geographic communities. Each is led by a team of volunteers (District Committees and Commissioner staffs) with the help and encouragement of at least one full-time staff member (District Executive). In addition, we provide support for Venturing and Exploring units on a Council level.

Council Service Center Camp Decorah 2600 Quarry Rd. W7520 Council Bay Rd. La Crosse, WI 54601 Holmen, WI 54636 Phone: (608) 784-4040 (608) 526-6418 Fax: (608) 784-4047 Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM , Thursday until 6:00 PM Gateway Area Council Websites: www.GatewayScouting.org

www.FaceBook.com/GatewayAreaCouncil/

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 4 Cub ScoutsDistricts—Important & Office Dates Information for 2019 -20

Program Type Gateway Area Council Program Dates* Camp Fall Cub Camp 10/05/19 Camp Spook-o-Ree 10/26-27/19 Camp Cub Scout Hibernation - A Night at the Museum In January 2020 Camp Polar Day Camp 02/22/20 Activity Scouting for Food (Drop off door hangers) 03/6-8/20 Activity Scouting for Food (Pickup up full bags) 03/20-22/20 Activity District’s Pinewood Derby Day 04/18/20 Camp Cub Scout Spring Outdoor Day 05/16/20 Camp Prairie du Chien Day Camp in June 2020 Camp Cub Scout Resident Camp 06/19-21/20 Camp Webelos Camp 06/28-30/20 Camp Cub Scout "One Night Camp" with Parent & Pal 07/17-18/20 Camp Scout Night at the Loggers! In mid July Camp Cub Scout “Pop-up” Day Camps in Different Cities 07/27-30/20 Camp Cub Scout Week Long Day Camp 08/3-7/20

Support Fall Recruiting August—September 2019 Fundraising Popcorn Sale 09/27/19 - 10/27/19 Fundraising Friends of Scouting January - March 2020 Support Re-Charter Units November - January 2020 Social Fellowship Celebration Dinner 02/15/20 Social GAC Annual Recognition 04/14/20 Support District Recognition Dinners at Roundtables 05/14/20 Support Beaver Day at Camp Decorah 04/25/20 Support District Round Tables 2nd Thursday of Each Month

* Dates subject to change - Please check GatewayScouting.org calendar for latest information www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 5 ScoutsDistricts BSA —Important & Office DatesInformation for 2019 -20

Program Type Gateway Area Council Program Dates* Camp District Fall Camporee - Soaring Eagle 10/11-12/19 Camp Spook-o-Ree 10/26-27/19 Camp Winter Camp Opportunity December 2019 - March 2020 Activity Merit Badge Day 02/01/20 Training Scouting Now; Scouting How Symposium 02/08/20 Training Leave No Trace Trainer Course 03/14/20 Activity Scouting for Food (Drop off door hangers) 03/6-8/20 Activity Scouting for Food (Pickup up full bags) 03/20-22/20 Camp District Spring Camporee - Seven Rivers 05/1-3/20 Camp District Spring Camporee - Soaring Eagle 05/1-3/20 Camp District Spring Camporee - Winding Trails 05/1-3/20 Training National Youth Leadership Training 06/7-12/20 Camp Scouts BSA Resident Camp Week 1 06/21-27/20

Camp Scouts BSA Resident Camp Week 2 07/5-11/20 Camp Scouts BSA Resident Camp Week 3 07/19-25/20 Camp Scout Night at the Loggers! In mid July

Fundraising Popcorn Sale 09/27/19 - 10/27/19 Fundraising Friends of Scouting January - March 2020 Support Re-Charter Units November - January 2020 Social Fellowship Celebration Dinner 02/15/20 Social GAC Annual Recognition 04/14/20 Support District Recognition Dinners at Roundtables 05/14/20 Support Beaver Day at Camp Decorah 04/25/20 Support District Round Tables 2nd Thursday of Each Month

* Dates subject to change - Please check GatewayScouting.org calendar for latest information www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 6 Order of theDistricts Arrow &— OfficeImportant Information Dates for 2019-20

Program Type Gateway Area Council Program Dates*

Camp Order of the Arrow Rendezvous/Weekend 08/16-18/19 Camp Order of the Arrow Section Conclave-Camp Phillips 09/13-15/19 Camp Order of the Arrow Wing Ding & Winter Banquet 01/31/20 - 2/2/20 Camp Order of the Arrow Ordeal 06/12-14/20 Camp Order of the Arrow NOAC 08/2-8/20 Camp Order of the Arrow Rendezvous/Weekend 08/14-16/20 Camp Order of the Arrow Section Conclave 09/18-20/20

What is Order of the Arrow (OA)? The Order of the Arrow has recognizes Scouts and Adult Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting to America's youth.

What is the Leadership in OA? • Ni-Sanak-Tani Lodge, our local Order of the Arrow Lodge, is led by youth leaders elected by their peers.

Who can I talk to for more information? • Lodge Chief: Isaac Bachman [email protected] • Lodge Advisor: Glenn Walinski [email protected]

* Dates subject to change - Please check GatewayScouting.org calendar for latest information

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 7 TrainingDistricts —Important & Office Dates Information for 2019 -20

Gateway Area Council Program Dates

Wood Badge Weekend I 09/20-22/19

Wood Badge Weekend II 10/11-13/19

Commissioner Trainings / Dist. Comm. Training 01/18/20

Scouting Now; Scouting How Symposium 02/08/20

Part One – 2/14/2020 T3 Fundamentals of Training / Trainer's Edge Part Two – 2/15/2020

Leave No Trace Trainer Course 03/14/20

CPR 03/27/20

Wilderness & Remote First Aid Course 03/28-29/20

ITOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) 04/3-5/20

BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) 04/4-5/20

National Youth Leadership Training 06/7-12/20

Camp Staff Training 06/14-19/20

* Dates subject to change - Please check GatewayScouting.org calendar for latest information

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 8 OtherDistricts Important & Office Events Information for 2020

Golden Eagle Dinner - Night of Champions Council Annual Recognition Dinner

The Golden Eagle Dinner is a favorite annual Join us for an evening to commend our current event to celebrate and fundraise in support Eagle Class, and to say "Thank You" to those who of local Council Scouting programs. helped them along the way.

In February 2020 April 14, 2020

Lawn Social Golf for Scouting

The annual “Golfing for Scouting” tournament A back-yard fundraising event with complimen- takes place in August. Golfers of all skill levels tary food and music along with a silent auction are invited to join the fun and support the and a live auction! Make your plans to attend! Gateway Area Council programs. In July 2020 In August 2020

Fellowship Celebration Dinner Renew friendships with fellow scouters and enjoy great food and camaraderie. There will be a silent auction and a raffle to support the Training Scholarship fund.

“For the Love of Scouting” February 15, 2020

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 9 Camp Decorah

Camp Decorah is nestled in the heart of beautiful Western Wisconsin, and is roughly 15 miles north of La Crosse, WI, sitting on the Black River. The main office is on the South side of Council Bay Road, in the Dahl Family Scouting Center.

FACILITIES INCLUDE • A full service dining hall • Shooting ranges • A swimming pool • Large waterfront including a stocked pond • A four-sided climbing tower • COPE elements • Handicraft facilities • A nature center trail network

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

• Scout Unit Campouts • Meeting Place Gateway Area Council and Camp Decorah take great pride • Hiking in providing quality campsites to our guests. • Geo-caching Each of our 13 campsites contain at least one 20×20 shel- • Shooting Sports ter, a clean well-ventilated latrine, tool rack, and infor- • COPE Course mation kiosk. Running water is available seasonally at each • Zip Line latrine, or from distributed year-round hydrants. All the campsites are arranged in patrol pods of 3-4 tent platforms each, with leaders’ tent platforms nearby. Great Cabin Option: Camp Decorah continues to improve the facilities and is increasing our sleeping options with 2 and 4 person cabins in various sites. Awesome Water Front: Camp Decorah, along with Brennan Marine, have teamed up to improve and expand the waterfront that includes improved access to the area along with improved accessibility for all people. LOCATION W7520 Council Bay Rd Holmen, WI 54636 (608) 526-6418

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 10 Program Descriptions- CUB SCOUTS

Fall Cub Camp Cub Scout Hibernation

This is a first start into the Cub Scouting outdoor Explore the La Crosse Children’s Museum and program. Enjoy a relaxed day at Camp Decorah - enjoy a themed program put on by the muse- shoot Archery & BB guns, as well as participate in um staff. Enjoy the museum all evening, then un- games and other activities! roll your sleeping bag and sleep in and around the exhibits for an overnight of fun! October 5, 2019 In January 2020

Polar Day Camp Cub Scout Spring Outdoor Day

A chilly theme for a chilly day in February! This Cub Spring Outdoor Day offers a taste of Camp event focuses on cold weather activities, Decorah and its many programs. Explore the winter sports, and fun in the snow! Bring your shooting range, fishing pond, riverfront, and the sled and mittens, this one is always a favorite! nature trails.

February 22, 2020 May 16, 2020

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 11 Program Descriptions- CUB SCOUTS

Cub Scout Resident Camp Webelos Camp

Cub Scouts work on rank advancements specific All 4th & 5th grade Scouts are invited to join the to their rank while having fun and enjoying excitement of Webelos Camp! Activities are everything that Camp Decorah has to offer.! focused on the Webelos Badge and Arrow of Light requirements along with outdoor fun! June 19-21, 2020 June 28-30, 2020

Cub Scout “One Night Camp” Cub Scout “Pop-up” Day Camps

First time to Camp? Join us for our “Parent & Pal” one-night camp. Campers will have dinner, We are excited to take Camp Decorah on the tour camp, and have an evening program at the road to your community for summer. Program firebowl. The next day will be filled with a varie- is open to all kids—bring a friend or sibling! ty of outdoor activities! July 27-31, 2020 July 17-18, 2020

Cub Scout Week Long Day Camp

Five days of Day Camp awaits your Scout. Cub Scouts and sibings welcome, for outdoor camp activities, shooting sports, nature, swimming, and other adventures!

August 3-7, 2020

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 12 Program Descriptions- SCOUTS BSA

Merit Badge Day Resident Camp

Your scout returns from resident camp The Merit Badge Day is an opportunity for more capable and mature than the person you Scouts BSA youth to earn merit badges - helping knew one short week ago. They also have a them progress toward their goal of achieving the great time learning life-long skills while earning Eagle Scout rank. Counselors from around the rank advancement and merit badges! area provide a focused, interactive experience! Week 1: June 21-27, 2020 February 1, 2020 Week 2: July 5-11, 2020 Week 3: July 19-25, 2020 Winter Camp Opportunity District Spring Camporees

Feeling stuck inside is a surefire way to let winter bum you out. But there’s good news! You can The spring camping program will be setup in explore winter camping fun! Enjoy sledding, each district and will include rank advancement snow shoeing, hiking, snow football, and snow and open time activities. Plan for more camping ball fights Each troop is welcome to plan their adventures with your Troop! The great outdoors winter camp experience at Camp Decorah! is what it's all about for Scouts BSA!

December 2019 - March 2020 May 1-3, 2020

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 13 Program Descriptions - ALL UNITS - PACKS, TROOPS & CREWS

Spook-o-Ree

The largest event in the Gateway Area Council, Scout Night at the Loggers! the Spook-o-Ree, is a favorite of many. It includes spooky stories, hayrides, and carnival games leads to other camp activities and a cos- tume contest.!

October 26-27, 2019

Take me out to the Ballgame, and let me camp out there, too! Watch the fireworks, followed by a movie on the Jumbotron! Wake up to break- fast & a baseball clinic with the Logger Team! In July 2020

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 14 Program Descriptions- TRAINING

Wood Badge Scouting Now; Scouting How Symposium

A New Era of Scouting: Learn to develop Wood Badge courses aim to make Adult Scouters those leadership / personal skills that can better leaders by teaching advanced leadership ensure a more successful scouting experience. skills and by creating a bond and commitment to This program is open to anyone interested in the Scout movement. learning more about the Scouting program - a new Scout parent or a seasoned Adult Scouter Weekend 1: September 20-22, 2019 February 8, 2020 Weekend 2: October 11-13, 2019

T3 Train the Trainer - 3 Part Series Commissioner Trainings and District Commissioner Training

Part 1 - Fundamentals of Training, an introductory course for Youth & Adults looking to become involved in BSA Training..

February 14, 2020

Part 2 - The Trainer's EDGE, a more advanced course to hone the skills of Trainers, NYLT Staff A trained Commissioner is an effective Commis- and Wood Badge Staff members. sioner! Make sure you have the training you need to support your role in the district! February 15, 2020

January 18, 2020 Part 3 - The Master Trainer's Course, an advanced course offered at a National training conferences.

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 15 Program Descriptions- TRAINING

Leave No Trace Trainer Course ITOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) This hands-on program gives adult leaders the outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors, including setting up a campsite, pitching a tent, hiking, outdoor cooking, etc. The Leave No Trace Trainer Course helps mini- mize impact on the land by teaching members the principles of Leave No Trace and improving April 3-5, 2020 Scouts’ outdoor ethics decision-making skills BALOO March 14, 2020 (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)

CPR Training Cub Scout leaders interested in adding camping to their Pack activities are required to have at least one BALOO trained adult on every overnight outdoor event.

Yes, you should get CPR training! April 4-5, 2020

March 27, 2020 National Youth Leadership Training

Wilderness & Remote First Aid

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed program designed to WFA prepares participants to identify and provide youth members with leadership skills address medical issues that can arise in the back- and experience they can use in their troops or country. The course contains substantial medical crews, and in other situations demand- information and teaches skills to respond to ing leadership of self and others. medical emergencies in the wild. June 7-12, 2020 March 28-29, 2020

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 16 Fall Recruiting

What is School Night for Scouting?

“School Night for Scouting” is a sign-up night which is specific to your Pack and its supporting elementary school. The School Night will occur on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday in September at 7pm.

Your District School Night committee will work with you as a Pack leader to set the best date for a School Night for your school. The School Night will be facilitated by a District Coordinator or your District Execu- tive.

At the School Night, basic information about Cub Scouting will be shared with parents and youth in a 30-minute presentation. Families will sit by grade as they arrive to simulate dens. The Pack should be ready to share information about their calendar and meeting nights that evening. The coordinator is supported by School Night Organizers who will assist parents with paperwork and with recruiting a den leader if needed.

What is my role as a Pack leader?

• Have unit leadership in attendance at Fall Membership meeting on August 13 or 15.

• Work with District School Night committee & District Executive to select the best date for a School Night for your Pack.

• Create and staff an “Open House” display showing highlights of Cub Scouting in your Pack.

• Be in attendance with other Pack leadership at School Night to introduce yourselves and share Pack calendar and key information such as meeting dates, times, and locations.

• Hold a “Back to the Pack” event in August for returning Cub Scouts and families to sign up to help.

• Promote your School Night for Scouting in the community via yard signs, posters, emails, and personal invitations.

• Encourage Cub Scouts to wear their uniforms to school the day of the School Night for Scouting event.

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 17 Districts Popcorn& Office Sale Information

The Gateway Area Council Popcorn Sale is a very important source of funding for local Scouting unit activities and the council programs. The sale provides units with a safe, coordinated, money-earning opportunity with no upfront cost to the unit.

In 2018, the Popcorn Sale provided over $179,000 in financial support directly to units in the Gateway Area Council. This helped to pay for unit operations like program materials and gear, along with advancements, recognitions, camp fees, scholarships, camping equipment, registrations, and adult leader training.

What does this mean for your unit? • You can use the Popcorn Sale to fund your entire year’s activities. Imagine being able to have great events, campouts, and have every scout go to summer camp without asking the family for any money. It’s possible with popcorn! • Last year, the average sale per Scout was about $335 and some units achieved over $1,200 per Scout!

Would you like to… • Teach the Scouts the principles of free enterprise & “paying their own way”? • Have all Scout activities paid without having to dip into your wallet? • Buy lots of great equipment without breaking your budget? • Have fun with your Scouts? • THEN SELL POPCORN!

Unit Commissions • Unit commissions starting at 25% and up to 32%. • You can earn enough money to fund your unit’s Scouting program for the entire year.

No Up-Front Money

• The Council allows your unit to order the product needed and pay later.

Teaches Life Lessons • Teaches Scouts the responsibility of “Earning Their Own Way” and builds self-confidence. • Scouts learn leadership skills and financial skills.

Key Dates • August 13 or 15 - Popcorn Kernel Kickoff Meetings • September 14 - Show N Sell orders due online at PRPOPCORN.COM • Popcorn Selling Dates are September 27th —October 27th • By October 31 - All forms and collected money turned into GAC office

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 18 DistrictsFriends & Office of Scouting Information

What is the Friends of Scouting Campaign? Friends of Scouting is the one of the most important ways Parents and Scouts can support the council programs in which they are participating.

Why should we support FOS? As a leader, you have dedicated a lot of time and energy to the Scouting program because you believe it can make a positive impact on young people. Friends of Scouting supports this goal!

Friends of Scouting helps make the following resources possible: camp facilities, training for leaders, profes- sional support and guidance, and a Service Center filled with resources.

Should every family in my unit give to FOS? Every family should be given the opportunity to experience an FOS presentation, learn more about the ways in which FOS benefits the program their child enjoys, and consider making a gift based on their giving ability.

What are my responsibilities as the unit leader? Before the Presentation: Please verify the date, time, and location with your FOS presenter. Your presenter will provide you with an introduction so that you can introduce him/her. Send out an email reminding unit families of the FOS presentation and its importance.

During the Presentation: Please read the presenter’s introduction and give the Friends of Scouting program your personal endorsement.

After the Presentation: Please help follow up with families that did not attend the presentation. Congratu- late your unit on helping to fund the Scouting program!

When should the FOS Presentation Occur? The FOS presentation should occur at a Pack meeting, Troop meeting or an event that will be well-attended by families. A Troop Court of Honor or Pack Blue & Gold Banquet are optimal settings. Pack Pinewood Derbies do not work well for presentations. Friends of Scouting presentations typically are scheduled between January 1 and March 31st.

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 19 RE-CHARTERING

The Annual Charter Renewal Process, or “Recharterganza ,” is when each Pack or Troop confirms the youth and adults who are part of their unit at that time. Through this process, inactive youth and adults are re- moved from the Scouting roster; adult leaders update their positions; and fees for each youth/adult and any Boys’ Life registrations are submitted.

This process is conducted online. Resources to assist in the process include the Council Service Center; your unit commissioner; District Executives; and the annual Recharterganza nights.

RECHARTERGANZA

The Gateway Area Council is hosting events for volunteers to complete their unit’s Rechartering and the 2020 Journey to Excellence Award. Each unit is invited to come to their District’s RECHARTERGANZA. Rechartering Timeline September - Collect membership fee from returning families at the first Troop Meeting October - Finalize list of Scouts and leaders that are participating in 2020 November - Attend Recharterganza, finish rechartering, obtain signatures and applications

What Should YOU Bring to RECHARTERGANZA? Below is a list of all the items your unit should bring to accomplish all RECHARTERGANZA criteria. The Council will provide all other pieces of information to help make the most of your time that evening.

• List of all outdoor activities your Troop participated in 2019

• List of all service projects your Troop completed in 2019

• Current Roster with current youth ranks listed

• Troop checkbook/blank check from Treasurer

• All new youth applications for those not listed on your current roster

• All new adult applications with approximate date of youth protection training and any other completed trainings (or printed certificates) 20 Community Service

Scouting was founded on the premise of doing a Good Turn Daily.

Service projects may help the natural world, the community, or the chartered organization. Here are some examples of service activities Scouts can do.

 Helping the natural world • Pick up litter around your neighborhood. • Clean up trash in and around rivers, lakes, and streams. • Plant seedlings, flowers, or trees.

 Helping the community • Conduct a flag ceremony for a school. • Collect food for food banks. • Shovel snow or rake leaves for seniors. • Conduct visiting or reading programs for seniors.

 Helping the chartered organization • Do a cleanup project. • Help set up for a special event. • Hand out programs or bulletins at a meeting of the organization.

What is Scouting for Food? As Scouts, we know how fortunate we are to have a warm meal every night — whether around the campfire or at the kitchen table...and we know that not everyone is so lucky. Scouts all across the nation do their part to help address this problem in their local communities through this annual food drive called SCOUTING FOR FOOD!

Why Participate? This is a great opportunity for Scouts to earn service hours for ranks while making a big impact on their community. It helps to strengthen Scouting’s ties to the community, and is also an easy-to-plan program for your Pack or Troop to do in March. And most importantly, Scouts have fun doing it!

Dates: Door Hanger Distribution: March 6-9, 2020 Food Pick-Up: March 20-22, 2020 21 Youth Protection Youth Protection is the required safety training of the Boy Scouts of America. This training is expected and required of all Scout volunteers, regardless of position. This includes not just those who are actively doing program with youth such as Den Leaders and Scoutmasters but also Pack and Troop Committee members as well as involved parents.

This training is designed to help keep our Scouting participants safe from abuse. You will learn the Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Protection Guidelines; signs of abuse; and how to report suspected abuse. We appreciate your commitment to Scouting and your commitment to a program which is safe for all of our Scouts as well as all of our adult volunteers. To get started, go to my. Scouting.org. Here’s what that will look like:

www.GatewayScouting.org - 608-784-4040 22 DistrictsCalendar & Office of Events Information