Page 1 June 2017 The Blackhawk

COURIERA Publication of Blackhawk Area Council Membership Notes Council Annual Contents Summer Recruiting Council Calendar ...... 2 Meeting What’s New ...... 9-14 Practices Advancement ...... 21-24 The following new offi cers were elected at Program Opportunities ...... 25-26 Packs: the Council Annual Meeting on April 27: Training ...... 27-31 By now you’ve recruited some new Cub President – Dennis Schaer Health and Safety ...... 32-33 Scouts for the pack – make sure to get those Commissioner – Dan Banko ...... 34-39 applications turned in – but that isn’t the end of Treasurer – Tom Scoville , Sea Scouts, Exploring . 38-40 the process. Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives – Sycamore District ...... 41-42 Through the summer make sure the Alex Campbell Wanchanagi District ...... 43-48 new families are aware of your summertime Vice-President, District Operations – White Eagle District ...... 49-50 pack activities. This is a great opportunity to Chip Donahue Wetassa District ...... 51-52 introduce them to the pack and for you to get to Vice-President, Finance – Arrowhead District ...... 53-54 know the new parents. Find out their skills and Brent Ward District ...... 55-56 interest and consider where they might best be Vice-President, Membership – able to contribute to your pack. Ray Warren See the resources available from Vice-President, Program – ScoutingWire – (http://scoutingwire.org/ Blair Piotrowski marketing-and-membership-hub/unit- Vice-President,Administration – Special Articles recruiting/). Jim Behrensmeyer NEW Advancement Reporting Policy . 3 Assisstant VP, Adinistration – BSA Transportation Policy Updated . . 3 Save the Date: Jake Dykstra Religious Retreat ...... 3-4 Our “Blast Into ” recruiting night Vice-President, Communications and PR – Troop Resources Website ...... 5 is scheduled for September 14, 2017. Over Kris Tumilowicz Legoland Special ...... 5 the summer you should plan to contact your Assisstant VP, Communications – Cub Shooting Training . . 6 recruiting site to make sure you can arrange for Mike Paterson Results ...... 7-8 access on that evening. Vice-President, Development – BSA Tour and Activities Plan Eliminated Joe Geraghty, III ...... 9 Troops: Vice-President, Camptal Development – Boy Scout Training Online ...... 10 The “dropped Webelos list” will be Bill Reilly NEW Scout Planning Worksheet . . . 13 available as soon as rechartering is completed. Vice-President, Outdoor Adventure – ...... 11 This is an opportunity for you to reach out to Dan Dick Philmont Treks Still Available . . . . .11 the families of those Webelos Scouts and fi nd Vice-President, Endowment CubCast, ScoutCast, & ExploringCast out if they may be interested in rejoining. Be Chuck and Judi Walneck for May ...... 13 ready to tell them about your summer plans. Past President – Jon Krause Scout Planning Worksheet ...... 14 Philmont Training Center & Treks . . 15 Crews: AirCamp 2018 ...... 16 Crews – Use your planned summer activity Scout Shop Ad ...... 17 to recruit new members. Talk up your plans on Scout Day at Severson Dells . . . . . 26 social media and see which of your friends may NYLT ...... 27-28 be interested. 2017 ...... 29-30 Once the council is fi nished with Resident and Day Camps . 36 rechartering, a list of who dropped will be available. They may be interested in what your crew has to off er. Page 2 Council News June 2017 Council Calendar May

18 Council Executive Committee meeting 20 Training, council program center 29 Memorial Day – Council service center closed 31 Council Membership Committee conference call Revised Schedule for Printed June and Internet Couriers There are four printed editions each year. The deadline will 2-4 OA Fellowship be the fi rst Tuesday of each month. A revised schedule is shown 2-4 Powder Horn training, session 2, The Hollows, Crystal Lake below. The printed editions will continue to be available at www. 6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition with July through BlackhawkScouting.org/courier. Note that recipients of the Eagle Scout September events Award and religious emblems will only be carried in printed editions 11-16 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) -- and will not show up on the Internet versions of the printed edition. 22 Executive Board meeting, Camp Lowden 28 Council Membership Committee conference call Clip and Save Deadline + Type Months Mail Date or July Covered Web Target Date June 6 – Internet July through September June 14 3 Independence Day observed, council service center closed 4 Independence Day, council service center closed July 5 – Internet August through October July 12 5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition with August through August 1 – Printed September through August 15 October events November 14 Rockford Rivets Scout Night Sept.5 – Internet October through December September 12 18-29 National Scout 20 Council Executive Committee meeting Oct. 3 – Printed Nov. through Jan. 0218 October 17 26 Council Membership Committee conference call Nov. 7 – Internet Dec. through February November 15 30-August 4 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

August 2nd Annual Camp Card Sale

1 Courier deadline – September printed edition with September for Sycamore and Wanchanagi through November events 17 Executive Board meeting Districts 18-20 OA Fall Conclave 25-27 Wood Badge, session 1 The Blackhawk Area Council will be off ering a Camp Card sale 30 Council Membership Committee conference call in Spring/Summer 2017. Our fi rst year, 2016, was a huge success with more than $8,000 raised to go back into Scouting programs. If you or your unit are unfamiliar with Camp Cards, this sale Upcoming initiative is designed to help Scouts earn their way to camp, high adventure, and off set costs of Scouting for families and units. Units September 8-10 – Venturing Training Weekend participating in this program will earn 50% commission ($2.50) on each September 15-17 – Religious Retreat, Camp Lowden $5 Camp Card they sell. There is no charge to the Scout or unit for September 29-30 - October 1 Wood Badge, session 2 unsold cards as long as they are returned at the end date of the sale. October 20-22 – Jamboree-on-the-Air, Jamboree-on-the-Internet Here are the 2017 tentative dates of the camp card sale (Dates subject to change): Sale Starts: Beginning of April Moved? Sale Ends: Sunday, July 10 Unit/Scout Commitment due: Now through Friday, May 5 Changed Your Phone Number? Scout Fill-A-Forms due Friday, June 23 Unsold Cards due Friday, June 23 Changed Your Email Address? Unit/Scout Payment due Friday, June 23

Have you moved recently? Have you changed your phone number We hope you will consider joining us for the 2017 Camp Card Sale! or email address? If you have made these or any other updates to your registration, “Treat people as if please let the council service center, registration department, know. Call they were what they ought to be Lori at 815-397-0210 to let her know of these changes. Each month we and you will help them become have several Couriers returned because of incorrect addresses. These what they are capable of becoming.” returned copies cost the council more than $1.60 each. Johann Goethe Unit leaders -- please check with your leaders to verify that their address and phone numbers are correct on your charter. Page 3 Council News June 2017 S T M BSA Transportation Policy Has Been Updated

Blackhawk Area Council Transportation is an integral part of Scouting. We travel to and return from district and council events, , weekend camping Advancement Reporting spots, summer camp, merit badge camps, to name a few. The updated 's transportation policy now Policy requires all drivers to be at least 18 years of age and to have a valid driver’s license. In conjunction with the BSA’s Policy on advancement Scouting youth under age 18 are not insured under the BSA's reporting*, an Internet Advancement Report must be general liability policy and cannot be allowed to drive to or from submitted to the Scout Shop for all purchases of Scouting Scouting activities. badges of rank, and merit badges. This includes an under age 18 Scout or Venturer driving himself While not preferred, a paper Advancement Report form or herself to any Scouting activity or event, even if he or she is the only (#34403) may be submitted in lieu of an Internet Advancement one in the car. Report. This new policy is eff ective immediately and there are no If your unit uses of Packmaster, Troopmaster, or other exceptions. 3rd party advancement tracking software, you may upload the The following question arises: advancement information via the Internet Advancement portal to • What about a 16 or 17 year old Scout or Venturer driving to or from create and print an Internet Advancement Report. a troop / crew meeting? Any questions on Scout advancement, advancement • Richard Burton, BSA team lead of health and safety, says “ reporting, or the Internet Advancement System can be directed to Driving to or from a standard meeting place isn’t an offi cial your district executive, or district advancement vice-chairman. Scouting activity.” * Guide to Advancement 4.0.0.2 • Mark Dana, BSA team lead of Insurance and Risk Management, adds, “It’s similar to your going to work and coming home from work. You are not considered an employee at both of those times.”

For more information and the answers to more questions, see the April 4th article in “Bryan on Socuting” titled “Can Scouts drive themselves to and from events.” The link to this article is http://blog.scoutingmagazine. org/2017/04/04/ask-the-expert-can-scouts-venturers-drive-themselves/ tofrom/events./

Blackhawk Area Council Hours, Phone, Address

Address: 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107

Phone numbers: Council offi ce 815-397-0210 FAX 815-397-7306 Religious Retreat Web Site: www.blackhawkscouting.org

Attention all Scouts and Scouters! Please join us at the annual National Scout Shop -- Rockford: 815-637-6180 Religious Retreat from September 15-17, 2017, at Camp Lowden! Address: 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107 All Boy Scouts and Venturers are invited for the weekend – check Scout Shop hours: in between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday night. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday All Cub Scouts are welcome to join us on Saturday – check-in starts 8:30 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Every Cub Scout 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday must have an adult with them. Follow the link at BlackhawkScouting. org/camping/religious retreat to register! I can’t wait to see you there! National Scout Shop -- Crystal Lake: 815 479-0615 See next page for details and link to registration Address: 600 N. Rt. 31, Crystal Lake IL 60012 Cindy Chiodini Scout Shop Hours: Chairman of the Catholic Committee on Scouting 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Page 4 Religious Retreat June 2017 Page 5 Council News June 2017

New: Troop Leader Resources Website Seven useful things you’ll fi nd at the new Troop Leader Resources website From Bryan on Scouting, February 9. 2017

Better troop meetings are a click away. Troop Leader Resources — available at troopleader.org — is a new, BSA-authorized website that helps Scouts and Scouters plan better meetings. With its videos of real Scouts in real troops, the site is a one-stop shop for new and experienced troop leaders. Here are seven helpful things you’ll fi nd there: 1. Troop meeting agendas The Troop Meeting Agenda page breaks down each segment of the troop meeting plan with 11 short sample videos from actual troop meetings. There’s also a fi llable troop meeting planning sheet, if the patrol leaders’ council chooses to fi ll out meeting plans online. 2. Program features Program Features is the site’s biggest section, presenting each of the 48 program features with explanatory information, ideas for troop meetings and ideas for monthly main events. Each page has its own navigation bar linking to corresponding program feature subsections. 3. Program resources The Program Resources page contains Scout meeting activities, campcraft skill videos, troop ceremony ideas and a collection of Scoutmaster’s minutes. 4. Planning tips The Planning page covers the annual and monthly planning process, including an illustrative video of an actual patrol leaders’ council in action. 5. Training advice The Training page covers both adult and youth training. 6. Outings ideas The Outings page is a gateway of general information about camping equipment, troop site setup and camping trip activities. 7. General troop information The General Troop Information page has topics relevant to running a troop. Each has its own page, covering topics like troop positions, the patrol, boards of review, courts of honor, fundraisers and conference. Page 6 Council News June 2017 Cub Scout Shooting Sports Training for Blackhawk Area Council Day Camps May 20, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Council Program Center, 7194 Vandiver Road, Rockford Attention Cub Scout day camp directors and potential range masters is complete, or remain if you want. Depending on the size of the class we There will be a training event for range masters who will be involved will break for lunch about noon. There are several fast food places within with any district Cub Scout day camp in Blackhawk Area Council. This fi ve minutes of the program center. There is no cost for this training but training is required if you will be running a BB gun or archery range at please email me if you plan to attend so I have enough handouts available any of our day camps this summer and must be renewed every two years. for everyone. Upon completion you will receive a training card that should be kept on For more information or to register contact Mark Broman – Council fi le while the camp is in session. Shooting Sports Chairman at [email protected] or call 815-218- We will start the training with archery range master training so if your 5514 day camp does not have a BB gun range you can leave after that portion Guide to Safe Scouting Update Unit College Scouter Reserve 2017 Updates Helps Former Scouts Stay March Connected to Troop Posted on Bryan on Scouting, January 19, 2017 • Updated throughout to remove references to tour and activity plan. When a young man turns 18 and heads off to college out of town or • VIII. Sports and Activities The entire chapter was updated out of state, one of two things usually happens. and a Canyoneering section was added. You might lose track of him as he begins this new chapter of life — Scouting just a happy, though formative, part of his past. Or he might register as an assistant Scoutmaster, knowing he won’t New Safety Alerts make many meetings or campouts but wanting to stay connected to his Have you checked out safety tips and alerts lately? Several new troop — especially to participate in Scouting activities while home for ones have been posted recently. summer or winter break. Go to http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety.aspx Turns out there’s a third option that’s better than either of those: the to get the latest information. Unit College Scouter Reserve. New in the past few months include the following: By registering in this role, a man or woman who is too old to be a • Tour and Activity Plan (April 2017) Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, , or Venturer can still be registered • Insurance Coverage (December 2016) in Scouting. • Be Prepared: Active Shooter Resources (October 2016) The position was created by request of some adult volunteers who • Bodyfl ight Safety Alert (August 2016) saw new assistant Scoutmasters head off to college and become bogged • Drone Safety (July 2016) down in coursework. Their concern: units were penalized on Journey to Excellence (JTE) training scores because college students registered as assistant Scoutmasters despite not having time to take all the necessary training. Safety Tip The Unit College Scouter Reserve is the answer. The position has From the Council Enterprise Risk Management Committee! been around since at least 2011. Guide to Safe Scouting Adults registered in this position (code 92U) have just one required training course: Youth Protection, which can be taken online. The usual “Be safe” is one of the watch words of Scouting. According to registration application criteria and fees still apply. Michael Surbaugh, “the BSA is committed to There’s no position patch for the Unit College Scouter Reserve, but safety.” He charges each of us to commit ourselves to creating a safe and there is the satisfaction in knowing you’ve maintained contact with these healthy learning environment. It behooves all of us to keep this charge young adult leaders — all without hurting your JTE score. in mind every time our Scouts get together. The Scout’s parents entrust their children to our care and expect them to be safe, secure, healthy, and happy. Our defi nitive guide to safety in all of our Scouting activities is the Guide to Safe Scouting. It has a great deal of information on a wide range of topics. Every Scouter should be familiar with this guide and should check it regularly. The Guide to Safe Scouting can be found at http://www.scouting. org/Healtandsafety/GSS.aspx. The online version is updated quarterly. A PDF version is also available for download. Be sure to check the guide for the latest changes before any outing or event. Page 7 Council News June 2017 Blackhawk Area Council 2017 Pinewood Derby Results

Racing Winners First Grade Winner Division

First Place Kenneth Gerlach Pack 332 Prophetstown White Eagle Second Place Owen Crouch Pack 153 Algonquin Sycamore Third Place Jacob Juliano Pack 77 Poplar Grove Wanchanagi

First Grade Runner-up Division

First Place Hayden Broers Pack 85 Dixon White Eagle Second Place Jayden Frey Pack 194 Crystal Lake Sycamore Third Place Caden Carpenter Pack 77 Poplar Grove Wanchanagi

Second Grade Winner Division First Place Evan Ewertowski Pack 367 Woodstock Sycamore Second Place Davian Johnson Pack 512 Rockford ScoutReach Third Place Griff en Cooke Pack 126 Poplar Grove Wanchanagi

Second Grade Runner-up Division First Place Sebastian Colon Pack 152 Algonquin Sycamore Second Place Taylor Mendez Pack 47 Loves Park Wanchanagi Third Place Brayden Stover Pack 299 Rockford Wanchanagi

Third Grade Winner Division First Place Xavier Dobbs Pack 2 Rockford ScoutReach Second Place Zachary Micho Pack 167 Huntley ScoutReach Third Place Sam Scott Pack 411 Rockford Wanchanagi

Third Grade Runner-up Division First Place Tommy Hyatt Pack 467 Huntley Sycamore Second Place Chase Krass Pack 114 Monroe, Wis. Arrowhead Third Place Benjamin Graczyk Pack 157 Rockford Wanchanagi

Fourth Grade Winner Division First Place Kyle Klich Pack 267 Huntley Sycamore Second Place Brock Carlson Pack 5 Winnebago Wanchanagi Third Place Leonardo Bueno Pack 512 Rockford ScoutReach

Fourth Grade Runner-up Division First Place Sam Kaap Pack 5 Winnebago Wanchanagi Second Place Jack Peterson Pack 467 Huntley Sycamore Third Place Logan Schultz Pack 106 Monticello, Wis. Arrowhead

Fifth Grade Winner Division First Place Tyler Kalas Pack 167 Huntley Sycamore Second Place Brandon Swartz Pack 5 Winnebago Wanchanagi Third Place Ben Ryan Pack 337 Polo White Eagle

Fifth Grade Runner-up Division First Place Beyton Welch Pack 167 Huntley Sycamore Second Place Aiden Doherty Pack 299 Rockford Wanchanagi Third Place Ethan Foster Pack 391 Pecatonica Wanchanagi Page 8 Council News June 2017 Blackhawk Area Council 2017 Pinewood Derby Results Best Design Winners

First Grade Division First Place Jonathan Jesski Pack 171 Harvard Sycamore Second Place Dean Fisk Pack 332 Prophetstown White Eagle Third Place Ben Swenson Pack 411 Machesney Park Wanchanagi

Second Grade Division First Place Ole Isley Pack 34 Argle, Wis. Arrowhead Second Place Angel Ramirex Pack 419 Rockford Wanchanagi Third Place Lukusz Zuwala Pack 657 Cary Sycamore

Third Grade Division First Place Logan Gough Pack 347 Crystal Lake Sycamore Second Place Dalton Davies Pack 775 Cuba City, Wis. Arrowhead Third Place Landow Miller Pack 26 Warren Wetassa

Fourth Grade Division First Place Parker Simms Pack 315 Stillman Valley White Eagle Second Place Benjamin Taylor Pack 194 Crystal Lake Sycamore Third Place Scott Krumwide Pack 418 Machesney Park Wanchanagi

Fifth Grade Division First Place Andrew Chamberlain Pack 157 Rockford Wanchanagi Second Place Logan Devine Pack 196 Dixon White Eagle Third Place Lex Giron Pack 167 Huntley Sycamore Page 9 What’s New June 2017 BSA’s Tour and Activity Plan Eliminated Eff ective April 1, 2017

The BSA has eliminated its Tour and Activity Plan, replacing that What about Tour Permits? paperwork-heavy, time-consuming task with a fl exible approach to Though you might fi nd some still fl oating around, tour permits (local planning safe outings. and national) were eliminated in March 2011 and were superseded by tour Be prepared to spend less time fi lling out forms and more time plans — and then by the Tour and Activity Plan in 2012. having fun. All have now been eliminated. The Boy Scouts of America has eliminated its Tour and Activity Plan, shifting the focus away from paperwork and toward creating a safe How does insurance work in the post-Tour and Activity Plan world? space for Scouts to enjoy the program as designed. The Tour and Activity Plan wasn’t a determining factor in insurance The Tour and Activity Plan was a two-page document submitted to coverage. (Neither, by the way, is wearing a uniform. You’re covered your local council for approval at least 21 days before longer trips. As of whether in or out of uniform.) April 1, 2017, it is no more. Registered volunteers have primary coverage for offi cial Scouting Richard Bourlon, team leader for Health and Safety, encourages unit activities, and nonregistered volunteers are provided excess coverage for leaders to instead use a “fl exible risk-assessment strategy” when planning offi cial activities. outings. If an automobile or watercraft is used, the BSA provides additional “We looked at how the old plan was being used, how many people excess auto coverage. were using it, how many calls we received about it, and how much time To be offi cial, the activity should be consistent with the values, this took staff and volunteers, versus the return – did it create a safer Charter and Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, the operations manuals, and environment?” Bourlon says. “There wasn’t a correlation, so we’re giving applicable literature of the Boy Scouts of America. them that time back.” Do I need to fi le any forms or notify the council of any trip we take? What’s replacing the Tour and Activity Plan? No. But you should use the BSA planning tools. In most cases, this The old method: One adult leader fi lled out the form and submitted doesn’t include forms to complete and submit. These tools are meant to it to his or her council. prompt discussions and conversations about risks. The new method: Have a plan. Get everyone on the same page. For Cub Scouts, that means the pack leadership. For other units, that means What about Exploring? adult leaders work with Scouts/Venturers to plan a trip that’s safe, fun, and The manual process and Exploring used in the past engaging. No forms required. for outing permits is discontinued, too. “Getting everyone on the same page is a beautiful thing,” Bourlon says. “And then we also know you are using a handbook or other program How does this change aff ect the safety of BSA outings? literature consistent with BSA rules, regulations and policies.” It doesn’t. The Scouting program, as contained in our handbooks Going to do an activity that supports Scouting’s values but isn’t in and literature, integrates many safety features. But no policy or form will any book? Consult the fl exible risk-assessment tools in the Guide to Safe replace the review and vigilance of trusted adults and leaders at the point Scouting and the Enterprise Risk Management Committee Guidebook of program execution. when planning. Moreover, the program hasn’t changed. For example, parents still This change has added signifi cance in Boy Scouting, Sea Scouting, must give permission for leaders to take youth on a trip. Cub Scouts Varsity, and Venturing, where older youth should be doing most of the should only camp at council-approved locations. planning anyway. “Before, this was only available to adults,” Bourlon says. “Our Where can I fi nd more information about BSA Health and Safety? materials are now publicly accessible and appropriate for youth to use.” Go to Guide to Safe Scouting and Scouting.org/health and safety.

New Safety Alerts Have you checked out safety tips and alerts lately? Several new Scouting Wire ones have been posted recently. Go to http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety.aspx and Scouting Newsroom to get the latest information. New in the past few months include the following: Do you want to learn about the latest Scouting news stories as • Tour and Activity Plan (April 2017) well as interesting stories about Scouts and Scouting. • Insurance Coverage (December 2016) Subscribe to either or both of these two sites for a weekly • Be Prepared: Active Shooter Resources (October 2016) email. • Bodyfl ight Safety Alert (August 2016) Go to Scoutingwire.org and/or • Drone Safety (July 2016) Scoutingnewsroom.org to sign up. Page 10 What’s New June 2017 New Advancement Forms and Presentations

• New Developing Council and District Advancement Committees presentation is available at http:// www.scouting.org/scoutsource/ BoyScouts/Resources/advancement_presentations.aspx … • New 2017 Eagle Scout Rank Application. It is accessible from http:// www.scouting.org/advancement. • A revised Belated Eagle Scout Rank Application has been posted Boy Training and is accessible from http://www.scouting.org/ advancement Boy Scout leaders can now get trained anywhere at any time! With the launch of Scouting U’s eLearning content for Boy Scout leaders, Scouters now can get trained on their own schedule — To subscribe to Advancement News – send a message to anywhere, any time. [email protected], with “SUBSCRIBE” in the The courses are conveniently organized by role — Scoutmaster, subject line. Indicate your name, email address, and council in assistant Scoutmaster, Varsity Scout Coach, assistant Varsity Scout the message text. Coach, leader of 11-year-old Scouts, troop/team committee chairman, Advancement News is published six times a year. The current troop/team committee member, and merit badge counselor — meaning edition is available by email to subscribers. you’ll know exactly which training courses you need to be “Trained.” Previous issues are archived and are available for download. Modules range from fi ve to 15 minutes in length. They’re designed to be completed at your own pace — all at once or one at a time. The modules are grouped into three learning plans: • Complete before the fi rst meeting • Complete within the fi rst 30 days in your volunteer role • Complete to become “position trained” The modules stay put once you’re done, so you can return to review any section at any time. Log in to My.Scouting.org and click on “BSA Learn Center.”

World Conservation Award Has New Requirements Eff ective Immediately

Whether you know the as the “panda patch” or as the award that encourages Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Sea Scouts to think globally and act locally to improve and conserve our environment, there’s something you need to know. The BSA National Conservation and Environment Task Force has announced new requirements for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing/Sea Scout versions of the World Conservation Award. The new requirements, which are now in eff ect, can be found at Scouting. org/World Conservation Award. Once earned, the award goes in the temporary patch location on the right pocket. The new requirements refl ect the recent changes to the Cub Scout advancement program and the addition of the Eagle-required Sustainability merit badge in the Boy Scout program. Plus, the Boy Scout and Venturing/Sea Scout versions of the award now seek to build greater awareness of global environmental concerns and a need for social responsibility. This is done by requiring that the youth applicant participate in a conservation project as part of an approved Scouting program. The project must total at least three hours and address a conservation need common to more than one country. Page 11 What’s New June 2017 Rockford Rivets Scout Night The Rockford Rivets are hosting their second annual Scout Night on Friday, July 14 at Rivets Stadium! Tickets for this event are priced at $15. All tickets will receive an infi eld reserved seat, a scout patch, and a voucher for a hot dog, soda, and a bag of chips. Scouts will have the opportunity to camp out on the fi eld after the game for just $5 per tent. Page 12 What’s New June 2017 Voice of the Scout Is Evolving to Scouting Is a Special Place Better Serve Members From Spring 2017Abilities Digest Why the Change? A reading that is often used during adult leader training programs to refl ect on including Scouts with disabilities. The Voice of the Scout survey uses the Net Promoter Score (NPS) methodology to gain insights into the quality of the Scouting experience Life can be cruel, and growing up in the real world isn’t easy. Kids from our members and volunteers. While NPS best practices call for pick on other kids for any reason they can fi nd. surveying to be done on a regular basis to account for seasonal and The list is long, but anything that makes someone diff erent is fair operational changes, the decision to only send the VOS survey twice game: height, weight, gender, age, religion, bad hair day, clothing, where a year was driven by JTE updates. Therefore, the VOS scores were you live, kind of car, curfew, athletic ability, parent’s jobs, their marital aff ected by business and program cycles that may have failed to status, siblings, bad teeth, bad breath, glasses, braces, and any number accurately represent membership opinions over the full year. of things regarding sexual matters, intelligence, learning disabilities, In 2017, VOS will no longer be part of council JTE points, allowing opinions, or following rules. us to change the survey method to one that refl ects industry best practices Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a safe place to go where everyone so we may gather the most accurate, real-time, and valid data possible to was treated fairly, honestly, equally, and respectfully? A place where evaluate new ideas, understand experiences, and coordinate eff orts on a everybody lived by the same rules? A place where mistakes could be monthly basis. This will help ensure that we are all taking the right steps made without fear of ridicule? for the right people at the right time. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if people could just learn to get along with each other?! Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could do What’s Changing? something about it? In 2017, the VOS will become a monthly survey. One-twelfth What would you do if you had that privilege … that responsibility of your members and volunteers will receive the survey each month, … that obligation? with each person in your council only receiving one VOS survey per What if you could change the world? year. These monthly totals will be aggregated in a semi-yearly roll-up of responses, creating a picture of what is working and what needs Scouting Is a Special Place improvement in your council. The rules are the ones we know well …the Scout Oath and the More important, we will be able to see the trends in opinion over . the course of the year and more accurately discern where we exceed and We create a safe haven in Scouting; a place where everyone should where we fail so we can better meet our members’ expectations. feel physically and emotion-ally secure. We do this in several ways: We set the example for ourselves and others by always behaving as Scouts should. We live the Scout Oath and Law each moment of each day to the best of our abilities. Safety Tip of the Month We refuse to tolerate any kind of put-down, name-calling, physical From the Council Enterprise Risk Management Team! aggression, or inappropriate behavior. We communicate our acceptance of each other through expressions of concern, and by showing our appreciation whenever possible. Parade and Hayride Safety We create an environment based on learning and fun. We seek the best from ourselves and each other, and we do our best The BSA’s prohibition on the transportation of passengers in the to help achieve it. backs of trucks or on trailers may be eased for parade fl oats or hayrides. If your unit is planning to participate in a parade or go on a hayride, there are key safety precautions that need to be adhered to. • Transportation to and from the parade or hayride site is not allowed on the truck, trailer, or fl oat. • Those persons riding, whether seated or standing, must be able to hold on to something stationary. • Legs must not hang over the sides. • Flashing lights must illuminate a vehicle used for a hayride after dark, or the vehicle must be followed by another vehicle with fl ashing lights. • If Scouts will be walking along with a fl oat, they must stay at least fi ve (5) feet from the fl oat or trailer while it is in motion. • As far as other safety tips go, just apply the “Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety.”

Our council has had a number of incidents reported where Scouts have been injured while participating in parades or hayrides. If you are To read the whole issue of the newsletter, go to planning one or both of these activities in the future for your unit, please www.scouting.org/disabilitiesawareness.aspx comply with the safeguards listed above. Don’t put you or your unit at Scroll down to the bottom of the page. risk. All past issues are available in the archives. Page 13 What’s New June 2017 Scout PodCasts for May 2017 Each months and ScoutCasts address important issues faced by Scouters in packs and troops. You can listen to these PodCasts by going to www.scouting.org/scoutcast.aspx. The CubCast, ScoutCast, and ExploringCast for May 2017 are now available. Archived previous PodCasts are also available at the same site. Take a few moments of your commute — just 10 to 15 minutes a month — to make yourself a more-informed Scouter.With the BSA’s triple-threat lineup of monthly podcasts — CubCast, ScoutCast, and ScoutCast the new ExploringCast — you’ll be the smartest Scouter in your pack, troop, or post. All this for the low, low price of free!

CubCast

Something EDGE-y

The May/June issue of Scouting magazine features a story by our very own ScoutCast host, Bryan Wendell, as he accompanied Troop 7031 of Flagstaff , Arizona, on a pretty exciting adventure to Yellowstone National Park. He witnessed the incredible leadership of Matt Nichols, the assistant Scoutmaster as he brought the Teaching EDGE to life. So please join us as Bryan and Lee chat with Matt in greater detail about that trip and the fi ner points of EDGE.

10 Reasons for Day Camp

One good reason should be enough to get your Cub Scouts to day camp, but Jennifer Mooney, the Camping Director for the Cascade- Pacifi c Council in Portland, Oregon, shares with us 10, that’s right, 10 reasons why day camp strengthens the Cub Scouting experience.

This is the fi rst of monthly safety articles. Look for them next month in the “Health and Safety” section of the Courier.

A hundred years from now it not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world miry he diff erent because I was important in the life of, a boy. The Active Summertime Post Forest Witcraft Where does it say that post activities have to end with the school year? It doesn’t and Lieutenant Al Blendermann, post Advisor with the Harris County Sheriff 's Offi ce in Houston, Texas, tells us there are lots of benefi ts to keeping Explorers active during the summer and gives us plenty of ideas for activities. Page 14 What’s New June 2017 N! Scout Planning Worksheet A new tool to help Scouts perfect planning skills

When planning an Eagle Scout service project, you have to identify a goal, recruit a team, plan transportation, purchase materials, consider safety and plot each step. It’s a lot of work. National Summertime Pack So much, in fact, that in an ideal world the Eagle project wouldn’t be a Scout’s fi rst experience with formal, documented project planning. Award Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the ideal world. The BSA has released the Scout Planning Worksheet, a new tool that Scouts can use to plan patrol or troop activities. The goal is to build Your pack can qualify for the National Summertime Pack Award project-planning prowess that will benefi t Scouts in their Eagle project, by planning and conducting three pack activities during the summer – at school and in life. one each in June, July, and August. Cub Scout day camp and Cub Scout The worksheet — created by volunteer Jeff Goldsmith, his summer camp can be used to help earn this award. The recognition professional counterpart Garfi eld Murden and other BSA volunteers — consists of a streamer for the pack fl ag. is available at Scouting.org/New Scout Planning Worksheet. Dens averaging at least half of their members at the three summer pack events will be eligible for a colorful den participation ribbon. Cub Why a Scout Planning Worksheet Scouts who participate in all three pack events are eligible to receive the A team of Boy Scout committee members agreed that it would be National Summertime Pack Award pin which is worn on the right pocket a good idea if a boy had some specifi c planning experience prior to his fl ap of the uniform. (Please note, this pin is an individual recognition for Eagle Scout service project. boys and may not be earned or worn by adults.) After a comprehensive review of Boy Scout literature, the team Earning the National Summertime Pack Award is one way to help realized that nothing already existed to fi ll this need. your pack earn the 2017 Scouting’s Journey to Excellence Award. More The goal was to give a boy familiarity with the planning process importantly, however, it is an easy way to keep members of your pack throughout his Scouting experience. together during the summer and to introduce new members to the fun of And so the Scout Planning Worksheet (No. 512-505) was born. If the Cub Scout program. used properly, planning a big project will be second nature by the time a To ensure that your pack will earn this award, now is the time to boy reaches Life Scout. plan your events and recruit a committee to run each of them. Give your The idea is that repetition is important to developing and honing leaders a break and get parents involved in these committees. This is any skills. another way to involve the parents and they may volunteer to help the Project-planning skills will trickle up from the patrol to the pack in other ways later. troop. Eventually, a senior patrol leader could use the Scout Planning Worksheet to plan troop activities. Soon it becomes second nature and thus, over time, standard practice for a Scout. The benefi ts reach beyond Scouting. The skill Blackhawk Area Council applies to school assignments, family events, and careers. Hours, Phone, Address

Address: 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107 Phone numbers: Rockford Scout Shop Council offi ce 815-397-0210 FAX 815-397-7306 815-637-6180 Web Site: www.blackhawkscouting.org 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107

National Scout Shop -- Rockford: 815-637-6180 Monday, Wednesday, Friday -- 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Address: 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107 Tuesday -- 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Scout Shop hours: Saturday -- 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Crystal Lake Scout Shop

National Scout Shop -- Crystal Lake: 815 479-0615 815-479-0615 Address: 600 N. Rt. 31, Crystal Lake IL 60012 600 N. Rt. 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60012 Scout Shop Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday Monday - Friday -- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Saturday -- 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Page 15 Council News June 2017

Philmont Trek Openings Philmont Training Center for 2017 and 2018 Registration for 2017 Is Open Can’t wait to go to Philmont? There are many openings for both 7-day and 12-day treks. Select your The Philmont Training Center (PTC) is the national volunteer training center for week and sign up now for a 2017 trek. the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1950, the PTC has provided a unique environment To select your week and register, go to for training volunteers, creating leaders, and hosting family-friendly experiences and PhilmontScoutRanch.org and click on “2017 Openings” adventures. Each year, more than 6,000 Scouters and their families attend the PTC. to select your week and program. Conferences A variety of week-long conferences will be conducted for unit, district, and council 2017 Individual Treks volunteers and processionals. Each conference features the latest tools, audiovisuals, and techniques led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. In addition to great conferences, the Do you have a Scout who wishes to attend a Philmont entire family can enjoy a wide range of age-appropriate family programs. trek but is not yet 21? Philmont Individual Treks off er Every conference at the PTC features tools, techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, unique ways to experience Philmont’s backcountry. idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. All registered Scouters We call these programs individual treks because are invited to attend training center courses; council approval is not required. rather than registering with a crew, each participant To see a list of all conferences, please go to philmonttrainingcenter.org. registers individually. Once participants register, Philmont forms crews comprised of individuals from all across the country. Two Philmont staff accompany each of these New this year are ... crews. Venturing Blast! is open to both adults and 14-20 year old youth offi cers. This is not To fi nd out more about each of the following your typical classroom course. Ditch the projector and immerse yourself in some exciting opportunities, go to PhilmontScoutRanch.org/Individual adventures at Philmont while developing skills to help VOAs support an explosive Treks. Venturing program. • Rayado - Ages 15-20 • OA Trail Crew Trek - Ages 16-20 Two week-long “Cub Scout Extravaganzas” – June 18-24 and July 23-29. • Trail Crew Trek - Ages 16-20 Imagine attending the Philmont Training Center and being able to interact with Cub • STEM Trek - Ages 14-20 Scout leaders from across the country for a week, AND being able to pick and choose • Roving Outdoor Conservation School (ROCS) - which sessions to attend to improve on your Cub Scout leader skills! Ages 16-20 The summer of 2017 will off er you exactly that opportunity! Announcing…. the • Ranch Hands - Ages 14-20 2017 Cub Scout Leader EXTRAVAGANZA weeks at PTC!! Imagine your local council University of Scouting – but lasting for a week. Plan a program of your choice, designed to meet your needs by selecting from an assortment of Cub Scout leader topics ranging from Outdoor Skills to Training Administration, and from Den and Pack Management to Cub Scout Fun and Pizzazz! We will be featuring all these, plus information on the Lion Pilot program, and the recently revised BALOO Cub Leader Training Experience! There is something for everyone…. and more! Register now for an EXTRAVAGANZA week, and when you arrive at the PTC, you’ll be able to plan your week to get the most out your time spent in Scouter’s Paradise. The faculty is made up of Boy Scouts of America national-level volunteer and professional experts on the topics – it doesn’t get any better than this!

Family Programs Not only does PTC off er world class Scouting Conferences but the entire family can participate in age-appropriate activities. For example, the Bandits or 6-7 year olds participate in hikes, pony rides, games, crafts, and museum tours. The Silverados, or spouses or adults not attending a conference, can choose from a wide variety of activities including hikes, throwing pottery, COPE, horse rides, shooting sports, trips to nearby resort towns, crafts, or reading a book. Page 16 Council News June 2017 Page 17 Council News June 2017

Have Some Fun! Religious Emblems

A Comic Strip About Scouting That P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities for Youth) notifi es Only Scouters Will Understand the council of religious emblems earned by Protestant, Jewish, and other faiths, but not those earned by Roman Catholic youth. (From Bryan on Scouting blog, June 26, 2015) If you have a son who has earned any religious emblem, please complete the form below and send to Blackhawk Area An article on the “Bryan on Scouting” blog was posted June Council, 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107 OR email to 26 that only Scouts will really understand. [email protected]. Thank you. These comic strips show those funny, heartwarming, only-in- Scouting moments that make this program unlike any other. Name ______Arwen Spor, a Scouter from Nevada, has been inspired to create a Scouting-themed comic strip she calls Covey Logic. Name of Emblem ______She posts a comic or two each week about a range of Scouting subjects: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, camping, advancement, Church Name ______Wood Badge, and more. Go to www.facebook.com/CoveyLogic and check out the Church Location ______cartoons. Some are laugh-out-loud funny. Others will make you nod in agreement because you’ve been there, done that. Still ______others remind you why you spend “an hour a week” volunteering. The common thread: You need to be a Scouter to understand Pack Troop Crew # ______them. And that is the highest praise. Page 18 Council News June 2017 Boy Scouts of America Scouter Welcome to the Wonderful World Code of Conduct of Cub Scouting— This Code of Conduct is on pages ii and iii of the Guide to Safe Scouting Get Started Here!

On my honor I promise to do my best to comply with this Boy If you’re new to Cub Scouting, you’re in for a year of fantastic Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct while serving in my fi rsts! And if you’re a returning Cub Scout, you’re already preparing for capacity as an adult leader: new adventures ... with gear designed for and inspired by you. 1. I have or will complete my registration with the Boy Scouts of So check it out! Whether at school or your den meetings, the cool America, answering all questions truthfully and honestly. logo gear we’re featuring here helps keep Cub going all 2. I will do my best to live up to the Scout Oath and Scout Law, year long. obey all laws, and hold others in Scouting accountable to those And we’re just getting started! From uniforms and program standards. I will exercise sound judgment and demonstrate good materials to Scoutwear® and family camping gear, ScoutStuff .org and leadership and use the Scouting program for its intended purpose your local Scout Shop have the know-how and necessities to help you consistent with the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. launch your Cub Scout adventure. 3. I will make the protection of youth a personal priority. I will Sleeping Bags • Book Bags • Water Bottles • Knives • Camp Gear complete and remain current with youth protection training • T-shirts / Hoodie / Caps • School Supplies • Lunch Kits • Magnets / requirements. I will be familiar with and follow: Decals • And much more a. BSA youth protection policies and guidelines, including mandatory reporting: http://www.scouting.org/ YouthProtection.aspx b. The Guide to Safe Scouting: http://www.scouting.org/ scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS.aspx c. The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety: http://www.scouting.org/ scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Resources/sweet16.aspx 4. When transporting Scouts I will obey all laws, comply with youth protection guidelines, and follow safe driving practices. 5. I will respect and abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, BSA policies, and BSA-provided training, including but not limited to, those relating to: a. Unauthorized fundraising activities b. Advocacy on social and political issues, including prohibited use of the BSA uniform and brand c. Bullying, hazing, harassment, and unlawful discrimination of any kind Reporter Patch 6. I will not discuss or engage in any form of sexual conduct while engaged in Scouting activities. I will refer Scouts with questions The Scout News Reporter program recognizes those individuals regarding these topics to talk to their parents or spiritual advisor. who contact a news media or send them a news release, which in 7. I confi rm that I have fully disclosed and will disclose in the future turn gets a positive Scouting story or photo published in an approved any of the following: publication (see list on application form) a. Any criminal suspicion, charges or convictions of a crime or Do you have Scouts who like to write? If so, they might want to off ense involving abuse, violence, sexual misconduct, or any learn about the Reporters Patch which is now available. misconduct involving minors or juveniles All Scouts – Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Explorers, b. Any investigation or court order involving domestic violence, Learning for Life participants – may earn this award. Complete child abuse, or similar matter requirements and details are available on the council Web site, c. Any criminal charges or convictions for off enses involving www.blackhawkscouting.org/Courier controlled substances, driving while intoxicated, fi rearms or The application form is Reporter Patch Form 2012.pdf. There is dangerous weapons. also a Reporters Patch Guide.pdf to help you plan and organize your 8. I will not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the story. following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting Earn a Reporters Patch! rules, regulations and policies: For further information, go online to blackhawkscouting.org. a. Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana. b. Concealed or unconcealed fi rearms, fi reworks, or explosives. Scouting Teaches Life Skills c. Pornography or materials containing words or images inconsistent with Scouting values. Scouting also provides youth with skills that help them cope with 9. If I am taking prescription medications with the potential of any situation. Youth say Scouting has taught them to: impairing my functioning or judgment, I will not engage in • Always give their best eff ort, • Always be honest, activities which would put Scouts at risk, including driving or • Treat others with respect, • Set goals, operating equipment. • Stay physically fi t, • Take care of the 10. I will take steps to prevent or report any violation of this code of environment conduct by others in connection with Scouting activities. Page 19 Council News June 2017 'RQ·WEHVK\ 7HOO0DU\$QQH(9(5<7+,1* 6HQGLQ\RXUHYHQWQRWLFHVSKRWRVIURP ZZZ%ODFNKDZN6FRXWLQJRUJ &DPSRXWV $GYHQWXUHV 1HZVRI\RXU7URRS3DFNV&UHZVDQG3RVWV

0DU\$QQH5RXQGV %$&FRXULHU#-XQRFRP   ZZZ6FRXWLQJRUJ$OXPQL :HVWILHOG'U 5RFNIRUG,/  %ODFNKDZN$UHD&RXQFLO%6$

GetGGCet CConnectedonnected wwithi i“th “Bryan“Bryan OnO OSn Scouting”Scouti i”ng”

Bryan on Scouting is a great source of the good news in Scouting! An off -shoot off Scoutingg magazine, you will fi nd the stories and videosvideos very hip, often inspirational, and full of great tips. Plus there are often prizes and contests – Bryan has it alall!l! ItIt is well worth the read! Join the “Tuesday Talkback” where Bryan poses a question about Scouting in action and asks for your thoughts on it.it. Follow this link – BryanBryan on ScoutingScouting – and youyou can sign up for email alerts on what he has posted about that day.day. It’s goodgood stuff !

Service Project Guidelines Highlighting Safety

There are two BSA publications to help a unit or Eagle Scout candidate plan a safe service project: • Service Project Planning Guidelines • Age Guidelines for Tool Use and Work at Elevations or Excavations

Both documents can be found on the “Scouting Safety” site on the national website – www.scouting.org.

The Service Project Planning Guidelines can be used for all Scouting service projects. The guidelines cover • Service Project Safety Planning Process • Hazard Analysis and Recognition • Tools and Equipment • Weather Conditions • Health & Sanitation Considerations • Assessment and Monitoring

Age Guidelines for Tool Use and Work at Elevations or Excavations cover • Training and Supervision • Personal Protection Equipment • Hand Tools Use • Working at Heights and Elevations Page 20 Finance News June 2017 E

Blackhawk Area Council James E. West Pledge Card

Please choose a level of commitment: ____$1000 ____$5000 ____$10,000 ____ $15,000 Donor Information and Affi liation: In Memory of ______Name ______Pledge Signature ______Address ______City ______State ______Zip ______Email ______Date ______

_____ NEW - James E West _____ EXISTING: Please add to my James E West Account _____ Send Me Information on Endowment Events _____ Send Me Information on Endowment giving - Gifts can be given over a period of time. _____ Send Me Information on Will Services

Method of Payment and Billing Schedule: _____ Cash _____ Check # ______(Make payable to Blackhawk Area Council) _____ Visa _____ Master Charge _____ American Express _____ Credit Card # ______Exp. Date ______Bill Me: _____ Monthly _____ Quarterly _____ Annually

Name on Card ______CSV# ______

Who Is James E West -- And Why Do We Recognize Him?

James Edward West was a lawyer and child advocate. He became leadership over the next 33 years, Scouting grew and matured into the the fi rst professional Executive Secretary of the Boy Scouts of America, program we recognize and enjoy today. serving from 1910 to 1943. His title was changed, and in November This is why there is the James E. West Fellowship Award. 1911 he became the fi rst Chief Scout Executive. West gave guidance and Organizations and individuals can receive this prestigious award. It pays structure to the fl edgling Boy Scout of America, and some of the ideas of honor to both the memory of Dr. West, and someone who is important to his are still in eff ect today. you including an Eagle Scout, a Silver Beaver recipient, council, district, West worked with Sir Robert Baden-Powell, , or unit Scouter, or in memory of a departed love one. Ernest T. Seton, and many interested community leaders to give direction The James E. West Award donation level starts at $1,000, and can to the infant program of Boy Scouts of America. On January 2, 1911, West be paid over three years. Contact the Blackhawk Area Council, 815-397- and others formed the National Council, B.S.A. During that year the Scout 0210, to start your James E. West contribution! Oath, Law, badges and fundamental policies were established. Under his

The Forever Funds of the Blackhawk Area Council

Trustworthy Fund Be Prepared Fund The Trustworthy Fund insures the long term delivery of the Scouting The Be Prepared Fund protects the council against the uninsured portion experience and values to thousands of council youth today and tomorrow of fi nancial emergencies, and provides the council with the means to take by supporting all needs of the council advantage of unexpected opportunities.

Adventure Fund Promise Fund The Adventure Fund provides support for maintenance and The Promise Fund provides camperships and other assistance to needy improvements of all council camps, properties, and programming. council youth, as well as helping to keep council fees aff ordable for all. Page 21 Advancement June 2017 New Advancement Presentations Promoting Cub Scout Available Advancement

On the 2017 Pack Journey to Excellence (JTE) scorecard, section Cub Scout Advancement: #5 requires packs to calculate percentages of advancement during the Delivering Adventure year. There are multiple ways a district advancement committee might This presentation provides new and prospective pack advancement help the district and each of its units to achieve their mutual goal of coordinators with the basic knowledge and skills needed to get started, increased advancement and can serve as a refresher to others. Participants will learn about • The district committee, with the help of unit commissioners, can the Cub Scouting advancement process, related BSA national policies ensure that advancement reports that are being fi led monthly, and and procedures, and gain a better understanding of how to improve can analyze these reports to identify areas where extra attention the quality and rate of advancement. The updated Cub Scout program will be useful. eff ective June 1, 2015, is also covered. The session takes approximately • Members of the district committee can identify areas of need 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the experience of those attending. (within the unit) and help with activities to promote advancement. For example, helping to provide den chiefs for packs by providing den chief training and encouraging troops to send suitable Scouts Eff ective Troop Advancement to this training. This presentation provides new and prospective troop advancement • The district committee can promote communication with and coordinators and troop advancement committee members with the basic among units encouraging participation in district activities that lead knowledge and skills needed to get started. It can also serve as a refresher to advancement, ranging from Cub Scout day camp and district to veterans. Participants will learn about the advancement process, their Webelos events to Boy Scout resident camp. unique role in it, and the related BSA national policies and procedures. • Advancement committee members can assist the district training The session is intended to be instructor-led and lasts approximately 60 to committee to develop, promote, and provide leadership training 90 minutes depending on the experience level of those attending. that ensures unit leaders are aware of the program outlines of the program support materials available for all levels of Scouting. Download PowerPoint Presentations at Scouting.org/Advancement Training will also encourage those leaders to present a program Resources. with multiple opportunities for including advancement activities. On an ongoing basis, they can encourage participation in monthly Both of these presentations will be valid through January 31, 2018. roundtables where leaders can get up-todate information about upcoming activities.

To subscribe to Advancement News –send a message to One further note about JTE: remember that it is a journey, not a [email protected], with “SUBSCRIBE” in the destination. Like a garden, it needs constant attention if it is to achieve subject line. Indicate your name, email address, and council in the its purpose, the growth of good citizens through Scouting. message text. (From Advancement News, March-April 2017 issue) Previous issues are archived and are available for download.

Any Scout, Any Merit Badge, Any Time

A few merit badges have certain restrictions, but there are no If this is true, why is there a requirement for obtaining a blue card restrictions on when a boy can begin working on a merit badge. Any before working with a merit badge counselor, even while attending merit registered Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualifi ed Venturer or Sea Scout badge fairs or similar activities? The simple answer is that a merit badge- may work on any badge at any time. Furthermore, although recommended, related meeting is essentially a Scoutmaster conference that provides an it is not necessary for a Boy Scout to obtain an Application for Merit additional opportunity for the unit leader to discuss the boy’s interests Badge, commonly called a “blue card,” before starting work on merit with him before he provides the boy with the name of at least one badge requirements. Sometimes leaders misinterpret the requirement for registered and approved merit badge counselor with whom he would like a boy to obtain a blue card to work with a merit badge counselor to mean to work. Every discussion a Scout has with his unit leader is meant to be a that the boy must obtain the blue card before beginning any work. That is growth-oriented experience, not a gate through which the boy must pass. not correct. The Scout only needs to obtain the blue card once he is ready Thus, this meeting should consist of more than just providing a name, to begin working directly with a merit badge counselor. a signature, and discussing concerns the unit leader might have related Consider, for example, a boy who has a pet dog, collects stamps or to the boy working on a specifi c merit badge. It should be seen as an coins, enjoys fi shing or certain sports, or reading. Merit badges related opportunity to provide inspiration and direction beyond the subject of the to each of these interests have requirements that the boy can complete merit badge, especially because it always remains the Scout’s decision without a counselor. If the boy is interested in working on any of these whether to proceed or not. merit badges he should be encouraged to do so, but he should be aware See Guide to Advancement topics 7.0.0.2 and 7.0.0.3 for more that it ultimately is up to the merit badge counselor whether or not to information on this subject. accept the work he has completed prior to receiving a signed blue card. (From Advancement News, March-April 2017 issue) Page 22 Advancement June 2017 Merit Badges for Star and Life Are You Using Internet – Eff ects on Eagle Scout Rank Advancement? Earning the rank of Star and Life requires a Scout to complete a certain number of required and optional (non-Eagle-required) merit If not, see the council Web site at www.BlackhawkScouting. badges. Sometimes, confusion occurs about which merit badges can be org and click on “Internet Advancement” to take training on “How counted toward which requirement and boards of review are needlessly to Get the Most From Internet Advancement.” delayed, which even could adversely impact a Scout’s ability to earn To take training on how to use Internet Advancement, go Eagle Scout rank. to www.BlackhawkScouting.org and click on “Getting the Most For Star and Life ranks the “any four” or “any three” requirement From Internet Advancement” allows the Scout to choose ANY of the Eagle -required merit badges You may penalize your Scouts by delaying reporting their listed in Eagle Scout requirement #3, including alternatives, if available. rank advancement and merit badges in a timely manner. These merit badges do not need to be from separate categories. For Even if you purchase badges or rank in another council, using example, if a Scout earns First Aid, Camping, Environmental Science, Internet Advancement updates each Scout’s record in Blackhawk and Sustainability, all would count as Eagle-required for his Star rank. Area Council. Likewise, if a Star Scout earns Cycling, Hiking, and Swimming, all three may count as Eagle-required for Life rank. In each of these examples it would not be necessary for the Scout to earn any additional Eagle- required merit badge to meet the “any four” or “any three” requirement. Getting the Most From Internet Although the alternative merit badges are counted toward Star and Life rank only one from each of the categories with alternatives would Advancement be counted toward the required merit badges for Eagle Scout rank. The other (extra) Eagle-required merit badges would count toward the The Boy Scouts of America uses eight methods to deliver the optional merit badges required to make up the total of 21 merit badges. program that moves young people toward three basic aims: character In the examples above, the Scout could choose to use Environmental development, citizenship training, and mental, emotional, and physical Science merit badge for one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges and fi tness. Sustainability would count as one of the eight optional merit badges. In This is important because, from time to time, we as leaders fi nd the other example, the Scout could choose to use Cycling merit badge ourselves focused so heavily on the methods that we forget they are as an Eagle-required merit badge and Hiking and Swimming would be merely tools used to achieve the aims. For this reason, the BSA has counted as optional merit badges. instituted the Journey to Excellence to measure performance—that For the optional, sometimes referred to as non-required, merit is, to see how we are doing at achieving those aims. One of the most badges the Scout can choose to count ANY merit badge toward that meaningful JTE measurements is the rate of advancement. History has requirement, not just optional (non-required) merit badges. The Scout shown the higher this rate, the more Scouts we retain in our programs. may choose to meet all merit badge requirements for Star and Life by The newly designed 60- to 90-minute presentation “Getting the only earning Eagle-required merit badges. For example, a Scout who Most From Internet Advancement” will help participants understand earns First Aid, Camping, Environmental Science, Sustainability, the importance of reporting advancement. It provides guidance to unit Emergency Preparedness, and Lifesaving, and no other merit badges, advancement processors, unit committee members, and other leaders may count all of them toward Star rank. That same Scout could earn an through their responsibilities in support of the BSA advancement additional 5 Eagle-required merit badges and have met the merit badge process. It will also show participants how to access and successfully use requirement for Life rank. Thus it is possible for a Scout to complete the the Internet Advancement portal to report unit advancement progress. merit badge requirements for Star and Life ranks by only earning Eagle- The advantages of using the online Internet Advancement system required merit badges. versus the paper process are numerous. Among the advantages are See Guide to Advancement topic 7.0.4.5 reducing or eliminating gaps in Scout record, providing convenience through Web access, and access to a wide variety of useful reports.

Enthusiasm Merit Badge You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to Group Instruction Guide the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes. It is the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible This new document was recently posted! The “Merit Badge surge of your will and your energy to execute your ideas. Group Instruction Guide” can now be found at the Advancement Enthusiasts are fi ghters. They have fortitude. They have Resources web page: www.scouting.org/advancement. Located under staying qualities. Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all the Merit Badge category, this document provides a review of Guide progress. With it there is accomplishment. Without it there to Advancement Topic 7.0.3.2, with highlights on planning the event as are only abilities. well as evaluating the event. Review this document when your unit, district, or council is anticipating conducting a merit badge event where group instruction will take place. Page 23 Merit Badge Counselors June 2017 Show Me the Blue Card! Steps for Success The Application for Merit Badge, No. 34124, also known as Counseling Tips the “blue card,” is a Scout’s offi cial record for keeping track of his advancement. It shows when the Scout met with his unit leader to Whether teaching a merit badge for the fi rst time, or celebrating discuss the badge, it lists requirements that have been completed, and it years of counseling experience, there’s always room for improvement. provides helpful information for counselors. Begin by asking a few simple questions: The “blue card” is evidence the Scout and his unit leader met to 1. Are you using the latest pamphlet and requirements for badge discuss topics such as goals, talents, and interests. During this step, instruction? the Scoutmaster is able to coach the Scout on things he may have 2. Do you have the skills, education, and experience to teach the overlooked prior to selecting the badge. For example, the Scout must subject matter of the merit badge to youth? And, if required as for have completed specifi c rank requirements before he can start work on certain badges, do you have the specialty certi-fi cation or training Lifesaving. If prerequisite work isn’t an issue, the unit leader supports needed to teach the badge? the Scout’s decision by signing and dating the front part of the card and 3. Is your required Youth Protection training current? providing contact information for at least one approved counselor. A partially completed “blue card” shows a Scout had begun Counselors will discover using the latest pamphlet is a great way to working on the badge, and his previous counselor provided the date become familiar with both requirements and content. The pamphlets are when requirements were completed along with his or her initials. You updated regularly, so check with your Scout shop or go online at www. will encounter “partials” from time to time, and the Scout’s goal is to scoutstuff .org/ to acquire the latest edition. resume working on the badge. Using the latest requirements to mentor Scouts is important. Whether meeting with Scouts eager to begin work, or helping those Topic 7.0.4.3 in the Guide to Advancement states once new or revised wishing to complete the badge, you should always ask to see the “blue requirements appear in the Boy Scout Requirements book, released each card” before counseling sessions begin. It demonstrates the Scout came January, any Scout just beginning work on a badge must use what’s prepared to the initial meeting. listed in the book. Scouting volunteers recognize this publication as the offi cial Boy Scouting requirements resource in eff ect for the calendar year. Counselors can also access the latest requirements by visiting www.scouting.org/meritbadges.aspx. Completing Requirements as Counselors must have the skills and education in the subject matter. Special certifi cation to conduct specifi c merit badges may also Stated Matters be required. The First Aid merit badge, for example, requires a certifi ed CPR instructor overseeing requirement 3b in order for Scouts to demon- The Camping merit badge has withstood the test of time and strate proper technique in performing CPR. Special qualifi cations are continues to be a popular badge. In fact, more than 4.6 million Scouts covered in topic 7.0.1.1, “Qualifi cations of Counselors” in the Guide to have earned the badge since 1911. Notwithstanding the badge’s high Advancement, accessible at www.scouting.org/fi lestore/pdf/33088.pdf. demand, people still have diffi culty understanding requirement 9a: All BSA volunteers, whether merit badge counselors, Scoutmasters, “Camp a total of at least 20 nights at designated Scouting activities or district or council leaders, must have Youth Protection training every or events. One long-term camping experience of up to six consecutive two years. There are no exceptions to this policy. nights may be applied towards this requirement. Sleep each night under the sky or in a tent you have pitched. If the camp provides a tent that has already been pitched, you need not pitch your own tent.” The following captures how some parents interpret the allowable long-term camping nights: “My son attended summer camp last year which only off ered fi ve nights of camping. He went to summer camp again this year with his troop. Can he apply one night of this year’s summer camp toward the requirement?” The answer is “No.” Scouts can apply only one long-term camping experience toward the required 20 nights. They cannot include nights camped from a subsequent long-term experience to satisfy the requirement. So, factoring in the allowable fi ve nights, a counselor Commitment may pass the Scout on this requirement provided he’s able to show evidence of at least 15 other nights camped at troop overnighters, district Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality. It camporees, and similar Scouting activities. is the words that speak boldly of your intentions and the actions Perhaps someday, an 11-year-old Scout will write to the National which speak louder than words. It is making the time when there Council to recommend an updated version with little room for is none— coming through time after time, year after year after misinterpretation. Emphasizing diverse camping experiences, fi ne- year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to tuning outdoor skills, planning, and engaging in patrol and troop change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over teamwork must be part of the proposal. skepticism Page 24 Advancement June 2017

More Advancement Education End of Year Tools You Can Use Today Cub Scout Advancement

The “Eagle Scout Service Project Coach” is a 60 to 90 minute The Cub Scout year of rank advancement is often geared to fi nish PowerPoint presentation created to guide project coaches through their at the blue and gold banquet in February. The timing is ideal for a large term of service, from project proposal approval through project report banquet and festivities to celebrate advancement for all boys and signal completion. Because the role of the “coach” is relatively new, this the time for Webelos Scouts to complete their transition to Boy Scouting presentation—accompanied by presenter’s notes—will help council or and troop involvement. district–appointed volunteers understand the specifi cs of the position and Many Cub Scouts are unable to complete their rank advancement how it is diff erent from the typical unit-based “Life-to-Eagle” advisor or by this time, and are encouraged to continue working on adventures and mentor. The presentation can be used in instructor-led group sessions or electives. Some, however, do not complete their rank advancement by as an individual orientation, both of which can be followed by question June 1, the traditional date when records change and each rank moves and answer sessions or individual conversations. up—for example, Tiger becomes Wolf and Wolf becomes Bear. “Eff ective Troop Advancement” is another 60 to 90 minute, What happens to those boys who have been working but are not instructor-led PowerPoint presentation. It has been designed to help troop there yet? advancement coordinators and committees understand the advancement The answer is in the Guide To Advancement, topic 4.1.0.4, which process and their role in promoting advancement and supporting BSA allows the pack committee to allow a few extra weeks after the end policies and procedures. Also accompanied by presenter’s notes, it is an of the school year. The Cub Scout should not have to “stop cold”—he eff ective tool for ensuring that unit and district advancement committees deserves the chance to succeed and the GTA ensures this chance. understand their roles and responsibilities concerning advancement as The pack committee should meet during early May and get input spelled out in the Guide to Advancement. The result should be increased from den leaders, parents, and Scouts. They should review advancement advancement eff ectiveness and higher JTE scores. reports and see the health of the dens. Den leaders can identify boys Two additional presentations currently under development, are who are fi nished, near to being fi nished, and those who are not as far “Conducting Eff ective Eagle Boards of Review” and “Building and in their advancement. Once those boys are identifi ed, joint eff ort can be Sustaining High Performing Advancement Committees.” initiated to encourage and facilitate the successful completion of this Scout’s badge of rank. This will give him the all-important sense of accomplishment and pride in a job well done. Then it’s on to the next new Cub Scout advancement adventures. Eagle Scout Service Project From Advancement News, May-June 2017 issue Coaches Learning to Teach Is Teaching to Learn Over the years, units, districts, and councils have had various volunteers fulfi ll the role of an Eagle Scout service project coach; though “In springtime a young man’s fancy,” goes the joke, “turns to they may have used other titles such as advisor, mentor, tutor, counselor, baseball.” While that may be true, in springtime a Scoutmaster’s advocate, and so forth. The Guide to Advancement “institutionalizes” thoughts actually turn to getting the troop ready for summer camp, the project coach’s role to provide encouragement and support, while especially that new group of Scouts who just crossed over from the pack. helping the Scout understand the requirements and expectations for Experienced Scouters know that if these boys have a positive summer successfully completing his project. The coach, however, is not the camp experience, they will stay in Scouting for a long time. project manager, and he or she uses the Boy Scouting program method Who better to show these new Scouts the ropes than the boys of positive adult association, not authority, to help the candidate make who crossed over about this time last year, most of whom should – by wise decisions. now – be or at least close to becoming First Class Scouts? Under the It is highly recommended that every Eagle Scout candidate have a guidance of the senior patrol leader, patrol leaders, and troop guides, let coach. More than likely this is the fi rst time that a Scout has attempted these “seasoned” Scouts teach the new boys the skills they will need at a project as involved as the Eagle Scout service project. Some may be summer camp. In this way the new instructors will reinforce the lessons fully capable of proceeding on their own without the benefi t of a coach, they have learned during the last year, and show the senior Scouts they but most will fi nd the advice and counsel useful and educational. are ready to take on more responsibilities. The optimal time for providing the coach is when the proposal is Meanwhile, as the new Scouts learn, the experienced Scouts teach, approved. At that point a Scout can be advised that in a few days he and the senior Scouts put their leadership skills to work, the whole troop will receive a telephone call from an adult who has agreed to assist him. will be involved. The new Scouts will enjoy the positive attention from Since the Eagle Scout candidate has promised that he read the entire the older boys. In this way, everyone experiences personal growth. Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, we may assume he understands There is no better way to learn something than by teaching it. As he isn’t required to work with the coach if he doesn’t want to. Once a the Guide to Advancement (topic 4.2.1.1) puts it: “[The Scout] learns by Scout receives approval for his project proposal he is certainly allowed doing, and as he learns, he grows in his ability to do his part as a member to strike out on his own without coaching, but it behooves us to do what of the patrol and troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked we can to help him make the right decision in this regard. to teach others; and in this way he learns and develops leadership.” In our example, the older boys gain leadership experience; mid- level Scouts reinforce their Scouting skills and learn how to pass them on to other Scouts. Together, new and old Scouts get prepared for the adventure ahead. All of this will happen with just a light touch from the Scoutmaster. It’s a beautiful thing. From Advancement News, May-June 2017 issue Page 25 Program Opportunities June 2017

Scout Programs Spring -- Summer 2017 Cub Scout Adventure Packs Boy Scouts Bird Study – $12 Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden will off er Cub Scouts May 27 – 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. the opportunity to complete several “adventures” as they are working on their badge of rank. Cub Scouts can complete these self-guided Insect Study – $12 adventures with a parent or as part of a den. August 5 – 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Each adventure is based on the new Cub Scout program and focuses on learning by doing and exposing Cub Scouts to new places! • Pre-registration & prepayment are required. Call 815-965-3433 to The following adventures will be available at Klehm: register. Tiger: Tigers in the Wild*, Backyard Jungle* • Scout leaders free, other adults pay $6.00. Wolf: Paws on the Path*, Finding Your Way • Boy Scouts need to bring a blue card and, for all day programs, a Bear: Fur, Feathers, and Ferns* sack lunch. We do not provide patches/badges. Webelos: Webelos Walkabout,* Into the Wild, Into the Woods • Check-in starts 15 minutes before the program start time. Please *Required adventures plan to be here early so we can start on time. • Some Boy Scout merit badges and Webelos adventures require Here’s how your den can complete an adventure at Klehm: homework ahead of the program in order to fulfi ll the requirements. • Decide which fun adventure to complete. These will be sent to you when you register. • Visit www.klehm.org and download the PDF fi le of the requirements • Cancellation/refund policy: if cancellation is received 10 clear days to prepare for your adventure. ahead of the date, a refund less 20% will be issued. • Contact Klehm to reserve your Cub Scout Adventure Pack for the • Please be aware that we sometimes have to cancel a program day of your visit. because it did not reach the minimum registration requirement. • Visit Klehm and take a self-guided tour of the Arboretum, which Don’t wait until the last minute to sign up or your program may has over 155 acres and over 300 tree specimens. Cost is $6/adult, already be cancelled! $3/Scout. Free for members of Klehm. • Burpee Museum reserves the right to limit registrations and cancel any program for any reason. Every eff ort will be made to contact Cub Scout Adventure Pack participants. Klehm’s Cub Scout Adventure Pack is a backpack that contains materials that you will need to complete your adventure. Each adventure Burpee Museum, 737 N. Main St, Rockford IL 61103. has its own special backpack that includes a notebook, writing utensils, Phone 815-965-3433 Web site www.burpee.org. selected supplies, and the printed requirements. Backpacks can be picked up at the Visitor Center and/or reserved by calling 815-965-8146. For more information about Klehm’s new Cub Scout Adventure Program or to request membership information, visit klehm.org or contact Carrie Schommer at [email protected].

Youth Protection Training

Have you checked your Youth Protection Training (YPT) status lately? It is easier now that MyScouting Tools is up and running, but it still depends on you linking your membership ID number(s) to your MyScouting account. The two biggest issues we fi nd preventing a unit, district, or council from getting all active direct-contact leaders YPT trained are not linking the ID number and unrenewed YPT. Remember, YPT must be taken every two years. It is very important we do all we can to protect our youth and we stay up to date on how we can all do Scouting Safely. Be sure to bookmark, share, and visit the Youth Protection web site: www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection Page 26 Program Opportunities June 2017

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County and Blackhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America DRAFT announce SCOUT DAY Restoration ∙ Education ∙ Appreciation ∙ Preservation Nurture Nature as R.E.A.P. Workday Volunteers! Saturday, August 19th, 2017 Severson Dells Forest Preserve 8502 Montague Road, Rockford - Prairie Knoll Shelterhouse

Workday: 9 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Off-Trail Invasive Plant Species Removal Educational Enrichment: 11:15 a.m. until Noon Guided Creek Study (Don’t forget your waterproof boots!) Scouting Activities: 12 QRRQ until  p.m. 0HULWBadgeVDQG&XE6FRXW$GYHQWXUHV7%' &KHFN%ODFNKDZN$UHD&RXQFLOZHEVLWHLQ-XQHIRUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ Each Pack/Troop earning 30 service hours within a calendar year will receive a $100 Gift Card to use toward FPWC fees, such as camping, shelterhouse rental and more!

Proper off-trail outdoor workday attire recommended (long pants/sleeves & sturdy shoes-no sandals/flip flops) Bring your water bottle & a sack lunch - wear your insect repellent & sunscreen Adult supervision required for youth volunteers under 16 years of age (1:3 ratio) Completed waiver required in advance for youth volunteers under 18 years of age Complete our on-line waiver by visiting Winnebagoforest.org - Calendar of Events - Aug 19 R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday - Activity Waiver

Visit Winnebagoforest.org - Contact Us - Volunteer to learn about other FPWC Volunteer OpportuniƟes Page 27 National Youth Leadership Training June 2017 Page 28 National Youth Leadership Training June 2017 Page 29 Wood Badge 2017 June 2017

WHAT IS WOOD BADGE? REAL STORIES FROM Wood Badge is the most advanced leadership training REAL WOOD BADGERS available for Scout leaders. “Coming out of Wood Badge, I felt focused, energized and The course is inspired by Baden-Powell, the founder of empowered to make a the world scout movement, who conducted the first positive contribution to Wood Badge course in 1919. It takes the most current scouting. It's a transformative leadership and team development skills that are used in experience that gives each American business and combines them with over 100 participant tenfold what they years of Scouting experience. put into it!“ Its purpose is to aid you in providing a quality program that enables Scouts to grow to their greatest potential. “Wood Badge helped me understand team dynamics WHO SHOULD ATTEND? better, especially team- Wood Badge is intended for all volunteers and building and maximizing professionals for all BSA Scouting programs. team unity. It shifted my focus to think on a grander scale about what I could give x Cub Scouting back to Scouting as an adult leader. Wood Badge gave me a new set of tools for improving teamwork, communication x Boy Scouting and feedback, and for conflict resolution. I can apply these tools to my personal, professional and x Scouting endeavors.“

x Venturing “I knew about many x Exploring elements of team- building and leadership, x Sea Scouting but Wood Badge helped put all the COURSE INFORMATION pieces together. It was life-changing in many Weekend 1: ways.” 7:15 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2017 through 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017 Weekend 2: 7:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 through “Wood Badge helped me discover that I am capable of 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 doing so much more than I ever thought I could.” Attendance at both weekends is required. In addition, attendees will hold two small-group “Wood meetings between the two weekend sessions. Badge taught me many things, but the biggest one for me was courage. Courage to stand in front of a group of people and speak. Courage to lead through selfless service. And courage to listen with an open heart.” Page 30 Wood Badge 2017 June 2017

HOW DO I REGISTER? WHY WOOD BADGE? Online registration preferred: Wood Badge is an exciting, action-packed program www.c7-660-17.com designed to provide participants with leadership skills and experience they can use in their Scouting positions You can also return this form to the Council office. and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Name: Attending Wood Badge isn’t about gaining personal Address: recognition. It’s about becoming a better leader so the boys and girls in your unit will get the most out of their Email: experience. The payoff is ensuring that Scouting 2017 (Email will be our primary form of communication.) endures through proper execution of the program Lord Robert Baden-Powell conceived over 100 years ago. Home Phone: Cellular Phone: Pack / Troop / Crew /Team/Ship Number: (circle one) District (if known): Scouting Position: T-Shirt Size: Who can we thank for recommending the course to you: Enclosed is my: Payment in Full $220 (before 6/1) $250 (after 6/1) HOW Non-refundable Deposit $50 Wood Badge is a six-day course. Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on Non-refundable Deposit $50 immediate application of learning in a fun environment. and financial assistance application Interconnecting concepts and work processes are Check Payable to: Blackhawk Area Council introduced early, built upon and aided by the use of the course material, which allows participants to understand Leadership for your Scouts, Mail to: Wood Badge C7-660-17 and apply the leadership skills much faster. Unit, Family & Career Blackhawk Area Council Wood Badge incorporates the best of modern 2820 McFarland Road leadership theory with the traditional strengths of the Rockford, IL 61107 Scouting experience. Through activities, presentations, If you would like additional information about this challenges, discussions, and audiovisual support. Wood Badge participants will be engaged in a cooperative mountaintop training experience, contact: approach to leadership that will give them the skill and Sandy Schwartz — Course Director confidence to lead well. 779-771-3567 or [email protected] Through a wide range of activities, games, and 9/13/2016 SKS adventures, participants will work and play together as they put into action the best Scouting has to offer.

Wood Badge is an experience like no other, and I encourage you to consider joining us in 2017! Page 31 Training Talk June 2017 Every Boy Deserves a Trained Leader

Training is a journey, not a destination. The journey begins with Fast Start training and continues through a seamless progression that Upcoming Training includes Youth Protection Training, Leader-Specifi c Training, This Is Scouting, and Wood Badge. Trained leaders provide an active, quality The chart below lists known upcoming training dates for upcoming program to their youth members which in-turn keeps them in the months. Details such as time and location can be found in your district’s program longer. The longer a youth member stays in the program, the section of this newspaper and on the council calendar and district Web more he will benefi t from what Scouting has to off er. Plus it makes your sites. If the dates of a training course in your district don’t fi t your job as a leader easier. schedule, check out the dates in another district. The important thing is A leader is considered trained when he or she completes Youth to take training as soon as possible in order to give your Scouts the best Protection Training and the Leader-Specifi c Training for his or her program possible. position. After completing training, you are entitled to wear the “Trained Basic leader position training sessions for most positions are Leader” emblem. available online through My.Scouting.org. Fast Start training can be taken online through the council’s Web Please note that Youth Protection training must be taken within site: www.blackhawkscouting.org. Click on “What Training Do I Need?’ 30 days of registering for the fi rst time or before your unit recharters and then click on the appropriate program under Fast Start. if you have not completed the course within the past two years. Youth Additional supplemental training modules for Boy Scout leaders Protection training is available online through My.Scouting.org. are available at www.scouting.org in the Boy Scout adult leaders’ Consult the council web site and future Couriers for upcoming section, under the Training heading. training courses. Troop Committee Challenge can also be taken online at www. scouting.org in the Boy Scout adult leaders’ section. Click on “Training” Council May 5-7 – Powder Horn, session 1 and then on “Online Learning Center.” June 2-4 – Powder Horn, session 2 Several other supplemental training sessions can be found on the June 11-16 – NYLT, Camp Lowden “Online Learning Center.” July 30-August 4 – NYLT, Canyon Camp “Every eligible youth has an opportunity to be involved in a August 25-27 – Wood Badge, session 1 quality Scouting experience.” This is part of the National Strategic Plan. September 8-10 – Venturing Training The Journey to Excellence incorporates this important measurement. September 29-October 1 – Wood Badge, Session 2 To qualify for the award, units must have a “trained and engaged November 4 – Camp Wachuwanano, Belvidere High committee.” School All committee members and direct contact leaders “have completed Leader Specifi c Training or, if new, complete within three months of Sycamore May 12-13 -- Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills joining.” Wanchanagi May 12-13 -- Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills The unit’s annual training plan should strive to increase the Troop Committee Challenge -- Available as an in- percentage of direct-contact leaders trained. house training upon request! Check the Courier and your district’s Web page for scheduled training courses. You can attend a training course in another district. If White Eagle Attend roundtable and check district Web site for these don’t work for you, then contact your district’s training chair to listing schedule training for your unit. Wetassa Attend roundtable and check district Web site for Every boy deserves a trained leader. listing Arrowhead Attend roundtable and check district Web site for listing

Cub Hub www.CubScouts.org

A new and exciting collaboration between Scouting and parents has Tenure for been released. You can reach “Cub Hub” at www.CubScouts.org. or by typing “Cub Hub” and look for “the offi cial Cub Scout” site. You will Training Awards fi nd videos, lots of ideas, and you can respond to questions and ideas in any social media. This is a place where you can also share your ideas Unless it specifi cally states in the requirements that tenure and stories also. cannot be used for multiple training awards, it can be used. There are many new articles, videos, games, and contests, so take a In the past we said “one Scouter, one position” and did look and catch up with the latest information. not want to reward those who wore multiple hats. We are more realistic now. If a Scouter accomplished all of the training and performance tasks during the same tenure, they have likely made Scouting better for more youth and deserve recognition. Page 32 Health and Safety June 2017 The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety Few youth organizations encompass the breadth, volume, and 8. Skill Level Limits: There is a minimum skill level requirement diversity of physical activity common to Scouting, and none enjoy a for every activity, and the supervisor must identify and recognize better safety record. The key to maintaining and improving this exemplary this minimum skill level and be sure that no participants are put at record is the conscientious and trained adult leader who is attentive to risk by attempting an activity beyond their ability. A good example safety concerns. of skill levels in Scouting is the venerable swim test, which defi nes As an aid in the continuing eff ort to protect participants in a Scout conditions for safe swimming based on individual ability. activity, the BSA National Health and Safety Committee and the Council 9. Weather Check: The risk factors in many outdoor activities vary Services Division of the BSA National Council have developed the substantially with weather conditions. These variables and the "Sweet Sixteen" of BSA safety procedures for physical activity. These 16 appropriate response should be understood and anticipated. points, which embody good judgement and common sense, are applicable 10. Planning: Safe activity follows a plan that has been conscientiously to all activities. developed by the experienced supervisor or other competent source. Good planning minimizes risks and also anticipates contingencies 1. Qualifi ed Supervision: Every BSA activity should be supervised that may require emergency response or a change of plan. by a conscientious adult who understands and knowingly accepts 11. Communications: The supervisor needs to be able to communicate responsibility for the well-being and safety of the children and youth eff ectively with participants as needed during the activity. Emergency in his or her care. The supervisor should be suffi ciently trained, communications also need to be considered in advance for any experienced, and skilled in the activity to be confi dent of his/her ability foreseeable contingencies. to lead and to teach the necessary skills and to respond eff ectively in 12. Plans and Notices: BSA tour and activity plans, council offi ce the event of an emergency. Field knowledge of all applicable BSA registration, government or landowner authorization, and any similar standards and a commitment to implement and follow BSA policies formalities are the supervisor’s responsibility when such are required. and procedures are essential parts of the supervisor's qualifi cations. Appropriate notifi cation should be directed to parents, enforcement 2. Physical Fitness: For youth participants in any potentially strenuous authorities, landowners, and others as needed, before and after the activity, the supervisor should receive a complete health history from activity. a health-care professional, parent, or guardian. Adult participants 13. First-aid Resources: The supervisor should determine what fi rst- and youth involved in higher-risk activity (e.g., scuba) may require aid supplies to include among the activity equipment. The level of professional evaluation in addition to the health history. The fi rst-aid training and skill appropriate for the activity should also supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to be considered. An extended trek over remote terrain obviously may anticipate potential risks associated with individual health conditions. require more fi rst-aid resources and capabilities than an afternoon Neither youth nor adults should participate in activities for which activity in the local community. Whatever is determined to be needed they are unfi t. To do so would place both the individual and others at should be available. risk. 14. Applicable Laws: BSA safety policies generally run parallel or go 3. Buddy System: The long history of the buddy system in Scouting beyond legal mandates, but the supervisor should confi rm and ensure has shown that it is always best to have at least one other person with compliance with all applicable regulations or statutes. you and aware at all times as to your circumstances and what you are 15. CPR Resource: Any strenuous activity or remote trek could doing in any outdoor or strenuous activity. present a cardiac emergency. Aquatics programs may involve 4. Safe Area or Course: A key part of the supervisor's responsibility is cardiopulmonary emergencies. The BSA strongly recommends that a to know the area or course for the activity and to determine that it is CPR-trained person (preferably an adult) be part of the leadership for well-suited and free of hazards. any BSA program. Such a resource should be available for strenuous 5. Equipment Selection and Maintenance: Most activity requires outdoor activity. some specialized equipment. The equipment should be selected to 16. Discipline: No supervisor is eff ective if he or she cannot control suit the participant and the activity and to include appropriate safety the activity and the individual participants. Youth must respect their and program features. The supervisor should also check equipment to leader and follow his or her direction. determine that it is in good condition for the activity and is properly maintained while in use. In addition to these general rules, safety concerns in certain BSA 6. Personal Safety Equipment: The supervisor must ensure that every activities, including most of the aquatics programs, have been specifi cally participant has and uses the appropriate personal safety equipment. addressed in more detailed guidelines. All leaders should review and For example, activity afl oat requires a life jacket properly worn by comply with such guidelines in the respective activities. Examples can be each participant; bikers, horseback riders, and whitewater kayakers found in publications such as the Guide to Safe Scouting, Chemical Fuel need helmets for certain activities; skaters may need protective gear; and Equipment Policies, Safe Swim Defense, etc. and all need to be dressed for warmth and utility depending on the circumstances. 7. Safety Procedures and Policies: For most activities, there are common-sense procedures and standards that can greatly reduce the risk. These should be known and appreciated by all participants, and the supervisor must ensure compliance. Page 33 Health and Safety June 2017

BSA SAFETY MOMENT USING A SAFETY MOMENT IN SCOUTING ACTIVITIESITIES

SUMMARY What do nuclear power plants, construction sites, aircraft carriers, and many hospitals have in common with Scouting? All constantly look for ways to eliminate hazards that could be life altering or fatal. One tool used many safety-conscious groups is the safety moment or safety briefing that starts each meeting or activity w pause to discuss a hazard or risk that can be prevented. The safety moment focuses the attention of the gro safety and how to achieve it. That’s the “why” of the safety moment. Let’s address the who, what, when, whe and how next.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Who can deliver a safety moment? Anyone who is willing to be prepared and to step up. Ideally, each Scout or Scout (with some preparation) could step up and make a difference within his or her unit or group.

When and where should a safety briefing be delivered? At the beginning of a meeting or just before an activity—espe one that has some risk such as shooting, , or aquatic activities.

What makes a great safety moment? Almost anything that focuses or educates the audience on a safety topic. The BSA publishes several safety moments, and new topics are being developed on a regular basis. Other topics can include t use of checklists or safety tools such as PAUSE or focus on something such as hydration, safe driving, or simply the location of fire extinguishers or evacuation routes. The Guide to Safe Scouting, the Scouting Safely website, and the Health and Safety newsletters are also great sources of ideas. If you have information that’s accurate, don’t shy away from discussing injuries or other incidents that occurred during a recent outing as long as the focus is on learning and prevention. Make it simple and easy to understand, and help the learners know how to apply the message.

How should the message be delivered? All messages should be delivered using facts and simple language and shou appropriate to the audience. Using a handout, slides, or a demonstration will help assure that those who hear the me understand it and know how to apply it. The message should be delivered in just a few minutes. Don’t belabor the po make it difficult.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Guide to Safe Scouting—www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS.aspx

Safety Moments—www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/Safety_Moments.aspx

Scouting PAUSE—www.scouting.org/filestore/healthsafety/pdf/680-046.pdf

Checklists—www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS/gssax.aspx Page 34 Camping News June 2017 Summer Camp 2017 Summer Camp registration is now fully online. Hurry to secure your troop’s spot in 2017 2017 Summer Camp Registration is now open! From our council webpage select the “Camping” tab and select you week at either Lowden or Canyon Canyon Camp

June 18-24 June 25-July 1 July 2-8 July 9-15 July 16-22 OOC 2 OOC 50 WAN 1 WTSA 26 AH 101 OOC 19 AH 115 OOC 2810 WE 72 WAN 6 OOC 83 AH 775 WE 64 AH 105 OOC 75 AH 76 WTSA 45 WTSA 4 OOC 128 OOC 405 AH 88 WTSA 51 WTSA 7 AH 95 AH 84 WAN 37 SYC 160 AH 125 WAN 224 OOC 912 WTSA 19 AH 106 OOC 303 OOC 32 AH 108 OOC 97 WTSA 55 WE 85 WTSA 61 WTSA 31 WE 140 OOC 556 OOC 745 OOC 265

Camp Lowden

June 18-24 June 25-July 1 July 2-8 July 19-15 July 16-22 OOC 44 WAN 181 WE 96 WTSA 781 OOC 33 SYC 159 OOC 265 SYC 369 OOC 35 OOC 622 SYC 168 WAN 77 OOC 14 WE 52 SYC 957 WE 305 OOC 1402 SYC 171 SYC 368 OOC 17 WE 902 OOC 19 OOC 92 WE 553 OOC 711 WAN 139 OOC 26 OOC 715 OOC 744 WAN 601 SYC 349 OOC 47 WE 117 SYC 132 OOC 268 WAN 717

1 Great Council, but 2 Amazing Camps!

Whether you choose to hang out at Camp Lowden OR your troop heads over to hang out at Canon Camp, Scouts and leaders alike are in for one fantastic summer. Page 35 Camping News June 2017 Boy Scout Summer Camp – 2017

Now is the time to register for Boy Scout Summer Camp 2017. Canyon Camp

Canyon Camp Week 1 (6/18/17-6/24/17) http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/canyon-camp-week-1/1938538

Canyon Camp Week 2 (6/25/17-7/1/17) http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/canyon-camp-week-2/1938624 Wilderness Engineers Canyon Camp Week 3 (7/2/17-7/8/17) http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/canyon-camp-week-3/1938710 Camp Lowden

Canyon Camp Week 4 (7/9/17-7/15/17) My name is Brent Bryden. I am the Chairman of Properties http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/canyon-camp-week-4/1938796 for Camp Lowden. It is my pleasure to try to invigorate the Wilderness Engineers group for the camp. Canyon Camp Week 5 (7/16/17-7/22/17) We have had some administrative changes regarding http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/canyon-camp-week-5/1938882 Camp Lowden and with those changes we have a need for your volunteer services. On occasion, we have the need to call on volunteers for Camp Lowden projects. More importantly, we need a better way of contacting those that have the expertise we need to help at camp. I understand Camp Lowden Week 1 (6/18/17-6/24/17) we are all busy in our respective Scouting roles, busy family http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/camp-lowden-week-1/1938968 life, and other commitments. My hope is to identify individuals whom still have the desire to provide service to their camp. Camp Lowden Week 2 (6/25/17-7/1/17) If you would like to be a member of the Wilderness http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/camp-lowden-week-2/1939080 Engineers Group, please email me the following information: Troop ______Camp Lowden Week 3 (7/2/17-7/8/17) Name ______http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/camp-lowden-week-3/1939192 Address ______City, State, Zip ______Camp Lowden Week 4 (7/9/17-7/15/17) Phone ______Cell Phone ______http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/camp-lowden-week-4/1939304 Email address ______

Camp Lowden Week 5 (7/16/17-7/22/17) Thank you for your dedication to Scouting, the Blackhawk http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/camp-lowden-week-5/1939416 Area Council, and Camp Lowden. I look forward to continued improvement of our camps for our single most important resources: our kids. Sincerely, Brent Bryden Where Is Your Troop Hanging Out Chairman of Properties – Camp Lowden This Summer? [email protected] Now is the perfect time to sign up forSummer Camp 2017! If you have not registered yet, follow the links on the next page to register your troop for your desired week before they fi ll up. I hope to see you all at camp. Yours in Scouting, Emily Cross Blackhawk Area Council Program Director Page 36 Camping News June 2017

2017 Cub Scout Resident Camps

Tiger, Wolf, and Bear Camp For Cub Scouts entering 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades in the fall of 2017. Boys must attend with a parent or guardian. Date: July 22-23, 2017 Location: Canyon Camp, near Stockton, Illinois

Webelos and Arrow of Light Resident Camp For Webelos Scouts entering 4th and 5th grades in the fall of 2017 Cub Scout Day Camps Date: July 28-30, 2017 Look for information in district pages Location: Camp Lowden, near Oregon, Illinois Arrowhead: Cost Day Camp -- Lancaster, Wisconsin -- June 19-22 $35.00 per Adult Grant County Fairgrounds $75.00 per Arrow of Light Scout (5th Grade) Twilight Camp -- August 7-9 -- Monroe $75.00 per Webelos Scout (4th Grade) Green County Fairgrounds Early Discount: Before 7/2/2017 a discount of $15.00 will apply to all Arrow of Light Wanchanagi: Scout (5th Grade) Registrants. Boone County Conservation District Before 7/2/2017 a discount of $15.00 will apply to all Webelo Scout (4th June 7-9 – Webelos Scouts Grade) Registrants. June 12-14 – Wolf and Bear Cancellation Policy -- No refunds issued less than 30 days prior to camp. June 13 – Tiger Day Winnebago County Fairgrounds For details: July 17-20 – Wolf, Bear, Webelos. Tigers may attend any day Go to BlackhawkScouting.org/camping Kieselberg Forest Preserve July 11-14 – Wolf, Bear, Webelos July 13 – Tiger Day Council Program Center July 17-18 20-21 – Wolf, Bear, Webelos July 20 – Tiger Day

C C N White Eagle (from Canyon Camp Newsletter, Spring 2017 August 1-2 – Tiger, Wolf, Bear Day Camp August 3-4 – Webelos and Arrow of Light Day Camp

5 Weeks of Summer Camp Sycamore: June 20-23 – Wolf Day Camp for Scouts! June 26-29 – Bear Day Camp July 18-21 – Webelos Day Camp Believe it or not, the staff has all been hired for fi ve weeks of July 22 – Tiger Day Camp summer camping at Canyon Camp. Co-Directors Lee Binkley and Dick July 24-27 – Arrow of Light Day Camp Reynolds will welcome a full complement of Staff Directors to some early training sessions on June 9 followed by a traditional Staff week starting June 11. Scouts start arriving June 18 for fi ve separate weeks of full-bore activity and good Scouting fun. The last week begins July 15 – so you will want to plan your summer trip now to a Wednesday Visitor’s Night or just drop in when you can. This year Scouts will have the opportunity to try out a new zip line that has been installed in camp. Be sure to check-in at the offi ce when you visit. Page 37 Camping News June 2017

Woodcutter’s Ball October 7

Remember to put the Kiwanis Woodcutter’s Ball on your calendar for Saturday, October 7. The day starts with a Continental Breakfast from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.. Enthusiasm for supporting Canyon Camp and the desire to be in the outdoors are the things you need to bring to the Woodcutters Ball – although there will be work projects from 9:00 – 1:00, a lunch and social time from 1:00 – 2:00, and additional work projects continuing through the afternoon. We could really use your support and enthusiasm at this event – so why not come to Camp on October 7! Staff Positions Open at Camp Lowden

We are looking for a few general program staff , lifeguards, and a health offi cer. Aquatics staff must be at least 16, and they will be required to hold a certifi cation as a Red Cross, YMCA, or BSA Lifeguard, and be trained in First Aid and CPR. The Health Offi cer needs a current licence or training certifi cation required for a nurse practitioner, paramedic, EMT, or fi rst responder. The application can be found at www.blackhawkscouting.org, and they should send it to the council program director or one of the two camp directors. Our contact information is as follows John Cornacchia, co-camp director, [email protected] Laurel Hemmer, co-camp director, [email protected] Emily Cross, council program director, [email protected] Page 38 Venturimg June 2017

ITS VENTURING TIME

This summer July 2nd – July 8th Don’t miss Venturing Week @ Camp Lowden Visit to register and see the full list of activities. $295 / by May 15th (or $320 after 5/15) Page 39 Venturimg June 2017

During VENTURING Week you will have the following opportunities:

- Award – Essentials o 1. First Aid Course o 3. Cooking – C, D, F o 5. Land Navigation – ALL o 6. Leave No Trace – A, 1 of B, o 7. Wilderness Survival – A, B, D, E, F, G, H, I, J-i - Ranger – Electives o Everyone participate in: ƒ ƒ Fishing ƒ Mountaineering o Then choose 2 of the following: ƒ Cycling ƒ Equestrian ƒ COPE ƒ Shooting Sports - Quest – Essentials o 2. First Aid - Venturing Award – 1,3 - Discovery Award – 1 of 1, 2, 3, 8 (hours towards) - Pathfinder Award – 1 of 1, 9 (hours towards *After earning the Discovery Award) - – 1 of 1, 4-c (teaching requirement) *Camp Director supervision / approval, and taking this course is required prior to teaching others at camp. Page 40 Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring June 2017 Useful Tips for Conducting Advisor’s Conferences

While progressing through the Venturing advancement structure, a Venturer will be required to meet with his or her crew Advisor for an Advisor’s conference, which is a meeting, or rather a friendly conversation, between the Venturer and the Advisor. These sessions Venturers – provide useful opportunities to review the Venturer’s goals in the crew and within his or her personal life. They will review progress from their Subscribe to most recent Advisor’s conference, and encourage the Venturer to set future goals (e.g., crew, personal, faith-related, school, professional, “The Central Point” etc.). Central Region Venturing’s Newsletter Meanwhile, the goal of the Advisor should be to ensure that the Venturer is ready for the next board of review. National, Regional, and Area announcements about upcoming Here are a few helpful hints to keep in mind when conducting an events and many other topics are included in The Central Point, Central Advisor’s conference: Region Venturing's Newsletter. • Reinforce the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America and Venturing. Each edition will feature information that you will fi nd useful for • Establish mutual trust. Encourage a mutual discussion where both your council’s Venturing program. We will highlight items that support the youth and adult feel comfortable enough to share and ask the development of your Venturing Offi cers’ Association, Forums, questions of one another. advisors, commissioners, professional staff , council-wide activities and • Keep the meeting environment relaxed, perhaps by being on a the Central Region Venturing Areas. We look forward to being of service crew outing by a lake or outside of your crew meeting location to you in Venturing. at a bench, while remembering to be in full view of other people The current issue and back issues of all Region and Area newsletters in accordance with BSA youth protection guidelines. Avoid are available at http://crventuring.org/Home/Newsletters/. conducting a conference at a table or desk. Keep the conversation casual and friendly. • Give your undivided care and attention to the youth. Take the time to get to know the Venturer personally. • Invite the Venturer to share by asking open-ended questions, such as Annual Co-Ed Scout Events • “ What is the best crew outing memory you have and why?” Ages 14+(some 13+) • “What are your future goals and what will you do to accomplish Come join us for fun activities for Scouts your own age! them?” See familiar faces! Many units attend most of these events • “ Last time we discussed your goal of xxx . How do For Boy Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts, Explorers, etc. you feel you have accomplished this goal?” “What have you learned from completing this goal?” June 4 – Scout Fishing Derby, Rockton Illinois • Keep the conversations to about 10-15 minutes in length. The Illinois Free Fishing Weekend – adults fi sh for free! Fish along Summit Award Advisor’s conference may be a bit longer (perhaps the Rock River Race. All age divisions for both BSA and GSUSA. $3 30 minutes). fee includes patch, chance at trophies, and attendance prizes, and fun From Advancement News, May-June 2017 issue fi shing! 22 years at the same place. Contact Louise Glon at [email protected] or 815-988- My.Scouting Tools— 9515. What’s New June – Blackhawk Area Regatta Rockford Illinois, Rock Cut State Park, Olson Lake New Venturing content consisting of 14 e-learning modules was One-day competition running for over 50 years, including obstacle added to the BSA Learn Center. It provides training on key topics such course, archery, canoeing, line toss, tugs, swimming, log sawing, plus as selecting youth offi cers, building a crew budget, and annual program dinner and a dance. Contact Bob Muraski at [email protected] planning, making it possible for Venturing leaders to complete position- specifi c training outline. July 14-16 – Bay Jammer, Position-specifi c training is delivered in three parts, or learning Marinette, Wisconsin and Menominee Michigan plans. Each learning plan is designed for the specifi c position and is Longest running competition 68 years! Events include lip sync recommended to be taken before the fi rst meeting, within the fi rst 30 contest on Friday; swimming, boating, compass, log rolling, log sawing, days, and within 90 days. The training program is self-paced, allowing drilling, knots, , etc. on Saturday plus dinner and semi-formal volunteers to complete their training at their own pace. dance; tug-of-war, and on Sunday. More information at http:// Training is found at my.scouting.org under Home, My Dashboard, www.baylakesbsa.org. Sign up is online only. My Training. Or, select the Position-Specifi c Training image on the right side of the page on the My.Scouting Tools home page. If you have any problems reaching any of these sites or have Additionally, we will soon be implementing a single sign-on another Scout event to add, please contact Louise Glon for information process that will no longer require you to enter your username and at [email protected] or 815-988-9515. password to access the BSA Learn Center to take your trainings. So, once you log into my.scouting.org and access Cub Scouting or Venturing position-specifi c training, you will automatically be directed to the BSA Learn Center. Page 41 June 2017 Sycamore District Serving McHenry County in Illinois Web Site: www.BlackhawkScouting.org/Sycamore

Sycamore District Directory Sycamore District Calendar Chairman: Mike Roe, 815-529-4572 815-529-4572 May Vice-Chairman – Administration Tiger Time Chair: Kristi Miller 13 Derby Days Lance Snider, [email protected] Cub Scout Summer Camp: 19-21 Woods of Webelos 630-525-9518 Leigh Anne Spears, 815-444-8911 29 Memorial Day – Council service center Nominating Committee: Advancement and Recognition: closed Mike Walsh, [email protected] Manny Torres 630-200-3595 Internet Advancement Chair: June Public Relations/Marketing: Cathleen Martin Debbie Carlson 1 District Committee meeting 815-479-8081 Life to Eagle Coordinator: 6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition Noteworthy Editor: Kristi Miller Greg Hall with July through September events Vice-Chair – Finance Camp Promotion and Outdoor Chair: 6 District Commissioners meeting Matt Colby Chuck Natoli 8 Roundtable Popcorn: Laura Strupp, 847-497-9538 Camp Promotion: 10 Bobcat Day Family Friends of Scouting: Chuck Natoli 20-23 Wolf Cub Scout Day Camp Community Ask Chair: Celine Pope OA Chief: 26-29 Bear Cub Scout Day Camp Community FOS Chair: OA Advisor: Frank J. Munao Vice-Chair – Membership [email protected] July Jen Broadfi eld-Colomer, 847-754-7080 Training: John Fiorina 3 Independence Day Observed, council jenbroadfi [email protected] jfi [email protected] service center closed Boy Scout Open House: (open) Cub Scout Training, Todd Birkhoff 4 Independence Day, council service center Venturing Recruiting: (open) 815-482-4903, [email protected]) closed Cub Scout Fall Round-Up: (open) Boy Scout Training, 5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition Cub Scout Spring Recruitment: (open) Wayne Kemp, 847-224-3664 with August through October events Boy Scout Open House: (open) Venturing Training: Sarah Breslin 6 District Committee meetng [email protected] Youth Protection Training (open) 11 District Commissioners meeting Webelos to Scout Transition: Joe Kobler Commissioner: 18-21 Webelos Scout Day Camp jpkobler@comcast, 815-527-1386 Tom Lotito, [email protected] 22 Tiger Day Camp Vice-Chair – Program: Roundtables: 24-27 Arrow of Light Day Camp Isaac Covert, [email protected] Cub Scouts: Gail Krec, 815-675-6578 30-August 4 NYLT, Canyon Camp 847-917-2709 Boy Scouts: Mike McCleary, Activities and Civic Service: [email protected],.il.us August Scouting for Food: Susan Clancy-Kelly District Director 1 Courier deadline – September printed 847-516-3782 Dane Boudreau, 815-397-0210 edition with September through November District Chaplain: (open) [email protected] events Woods of Webelos Coordinator: District Executive 3 District Committee meeting Gail Krec Michael Ancheta, 815-397-0210 8 District Commissioners meeting District Dinner Chair: Joseph Kobler [email protected] 10 Roundtable 815-527-1386 Adam Grant, 815-397-0210 18-20 OA Fall Conclave Awards and Recognition: [email protected] 25-27 Wood Badge, session 1 Blaire Piotrowski, 847-712-0867 Klondike Chair: Mike Roe, Upcoming... Woods of Webelos 2017 August 25-27 Wood Badge, session 1 May 19 - 21, 2017 September 15-17 – Religious Retreat, Camp Camp Lowden, Oregon, Illinois Lowden September 29-30 - October 1 Wood Badge, Go to BlackhawkScouting.org/calendar and click on Sycamore, then May 19. Please make session 2 copies of the packet and distribute to all persons who are interested in attending this event. Please complete only one registration for your entire pack. Thank you! Cost for Woods of Webelos is $12.00 per person ($24.00 for a Scout and his adult partner). Registration deadline is April 30, 2017. Woods of Webelos is for registered Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts who will be entering 4th or 5th grade in the fall of 2017 and their parent/guardian. Note: There will be an informational session at the April 17 roundtable. Please join us to receive information to enhance your Woods of Webelos experience. For questions, please contact Gail Krek at [email protected] Page 42 Sycamore District June 2017 Last Call to Register for Powder Horn M N June 2-4 in Crystal Lake – session 2 Lion Program Powder Horn training is an excellent way to experience a variety of activities that you can do with your Scouts. This is a hands-on Calling all Sycamore Distrct packs! Please consider running a Lion opportunity to try activities for yourself, then you can take the ideas program this fall! 5000 fl iers were sent to all the preschools in McHenry home to your Scouts. County! See the information below to get started! Register using the following link: http://blackhawkscouting. The Lion program is here to stay! Get ready for those doubleknot.com/registration/calendardetail.aspx?ActivityKey=192965 Kindergarteners! Sycamore District has a Lion fl iers already to go! 0&OrgKey=3296 The fl ier can also be made specifi c for your pack. If you are currently not running a Lion program, check this link for all the information you need to run the Lion program – http//www.scouting.org/lion – or contact Jennifer Broadfi eld Colomer at jenbroadfi [email protected] or Adam Bobcat Day Grant at [email protected] or Michael Ancheta at michael. [email protected] for more information. Crystal Lake Nature Center June 10

Recruit! Recruit! Recruit! Come on out to the Crystal Lake Nature Center on June 10th. Earn your Bobcat rank in just one hour! Please be sure to update your unit information on the BeAScout. Start times for each session are 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon. Each org website. There should have been information in your roundtable session will last one hour and will include completion of all requirements mailbox in March. We will have many Lions and Tigers looking for for the Bobcat rank! packs to join! This will be a great introduction to the Scouting world including a Any questions regarding the update can be directed to Michael climbing wall, s'mores, nature hike, monkey bridge and more! Ancheta at [email protected] or Adam Grant at adam. Contact: E-mail jfi [email protected] [email protected].

Summertime Activities!

Derby Days The public relations and membership team have been working hard May 13 to get exposure for the McHenry County Boy Scout program. PR has Lyons Park, Cary put together poster boards with this summer’s events in our area! We are looking for packs and troops to work the events to draw in potential Come one! Come all to Sycamore District Derby Days! Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts into our units! The shuttle bus is ready for This Cub Scout event is gearing up for summer and wants you to parades! come participate in all the action! We are going to have Cubmobile, pinewood demolition derby, midway games, and much more! The Membership Team is always looking for opportunities to have What is a Cubmobile you might ask? A Cubmobile is much like a an information table set up at local events! Please keep you eyes and soap box derby made out of 2x4's and lawn mower wheels. We set these ears open for any events that would accommodate youth that may be at the top of a hill and you get to ride down to the bottom! (See Cub interested in Boy Scout program! Scout How To Book for more information.) What is a Pinewood Demolition Derby? We have a track specially “The good turn will educate the boy out of the groove made for Pinewood Derby Cars to start at the top, and smash into of selfi shness.. ” opponents cars at the bottom! Much like a skateboarding half pipe, 2 ~Lord Baden-Powell cars start at the top of each side, we press our release button and both cars come fl ying down and meet at the bottom! Think of this like battle bots with pinewood derby cars! We will have 6 time slots, with 50 spaces Jennifer Broadfi eld-Colomer available at each time. Pick whichever one works best for you! 9 a.m., Sycamore District Vice Chair Membership 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. We hope to see you out there! Page 43 June 2017 Wanchanagi District Serving Winnebago & Boone Counties in Illinois Web Site: www.wanchanagi.org

Wanchanagi District Directory Wanchanagi District All phone numbers are 815 area code unless otherwise indicated Calendar Chairman: Mark Broman Eagle Chair: Ida Bolen, 289-0661, May 815-218-5514 [email protected] [email protected] Merit Badges: Ken Mosny, 965-4871 12-13 Boy Scouts Introduction to Outdoor Vice-Chairman – Administration [email protected] Leader Skills training Belinda Zezniewski, 654-1449 Vice-Chair – Camping: 29 Memorial Day – Council service center Religious Emblems Coordinator: Andrew Murray, 815-871-3092 closed MaryAnn Bushaw, 904-4287 [email protected] Webmaster:Belinda Zezniewski, Cub Scout Day Camp Program June 654-1449 District Coordinator: 1 District Committee and Commissioners [email protected] Belinda Zezniewski, 654-1449 meeting District Chaplain: Daniel Persinger Boone County: 2-4 OA Fellowship [email protected] Roger Wooten, 630-272-1019 2-4 Powder Horn, session 2, The Hollows, 815-226-1415 Christine Wooten, 547-9348 Crystal Lake Wanchanagi Voice Editor: Beth Costa W. Winnebago: Rob Bucey, 985-3221 6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition [email protected], 815-543-4544 Jimmy Berry, 543-1409 with July through September events Parades: Mark Broman, 218-5514 Harlem: Carolyn Wolfe, 494-0508 7-9 Webelos and Arrow of Light Day Camp, Flag Retirement: Paul Trent, 871-3801 Program Center: Boone County Conservation Distsrict Vice-Chairman – Finance Alice Roby, 773-368-5724 8 Roundtable FOS Family Campaign Advisor 11-16 National Youth Leadership Training Popcorn: Cliff Chappelle, Denny Johnson, 633-6335 (NYLT) cliff [email protected] Chapter Chief: Jarod K. 12-14 Wolf and Bear Day Camp, Boone Vice-Chairman – Membership: Vice-Chair – Training: County Conservation Distsrict Fran Waller, 248-2291 Bill Costa, 513-2455 13 Tiger Day Camp, Boone County Cub Scout Recruiting: Cub Scouting: Conservation District Larry Swanson, 877-8164 Alice Roby, 773-368-5724 Boy Scout Recruiting: Larry Swanson, 877-8164 July Webelos-to-Scout Transition: Boy Scouting: Gene Barney, 262-7919 3 Flag Retirement, Sinnissippi Park Larry Swanson, 877-8164 Youth Protection: 3 Independence Day Observed, council Vice-Chair – Activities Vice-Chair – Venturing: service center closed Bill Spivey, 243-0671 Eric Schmidt, 505-1507 4 Independence Day, council service center : Bill Spivey, 243-0671 Training: closed Continuous Fire: Bill Spivey, 243-0671 District Commissioner: 5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition : Laurel Hemmer, lhemmer@ Ron Scott, [email protected] with August through October events northpark.edu 815-601-7754 6 District Committee and Commissioners Scouting for Food: Boy Scout Roundtable: Beth Costa meetng Don Burrow, 877-0658 [email protected], 543-4544 11-14 Cub Scout Day Camp, Kieselburg Forest Chuck Pelman, 608-8822 Cub Scout Roundtable Preserve Patch Designer: Dale Broman, 218-8735 Linda Bowers, 988-1396 13 Tiger Day at Day Camp, Kieselburg Forest Vice-Chair – Advancement Senior District Executive: Preserve Connie Snyder, 234-5417 Jared Carlin, 815-397-0210 14 Rockford Rivets Scout Night Cub Scouting: (open) [email protected] 17-18 + 20-21 Cub Scout Day Camp, Council Boy Scouting: Melinda Johnson, Program Center 397-0210, 17-20 Cub Scout Day Camp, Winnebago Fairgrounds National Youth Leadership Training 30-August 4 NYLT

Plan to send your eligible Scouts to National Youth Leadership Training next year. There are August two sessions to choose from. You won’t believe the increase in leadership skills they will return to 1 Courier deadline – September printed your unit with! edition with September through November June 11-17 at Camp Lowden OR July 30-August 4 at Canyon Camp. events For more information, see fl yer on page _____ of this issue of the Blackhawk Courier or visit 3 District Committee and Commissioners http://www.blackhawkscouting.org/Events/NYLT meetng 10 Roundtable 18-20 OA Fall Conclave Page 44 Wanchanagi District June 2017

Cub Scout Day Camp

Wanchanagi Roundtable (Boone and Winnebago counties)

Each month we hold a roundtable for unit leaders. It is not just for the Cubmaster or Scoutmaster. It is for all leaders including den leaders, committee members, and all assistants. The purposes of roundtable are to Bug Hunters! • Provide the skill to do – abilities to make a successful unit operation. Wanchanagi 2017 Day Camp • Provide the will to do – helps recharge our batteries to provide desire to help the youth. Day camp is one of if not the most important highlight of a Cub Scout’s program year. So much of the promise of Scouting is fulfi lled Wanchanagi District (Winnebago and Boone counties) holds when the boy gets to go to day camp with his friends. There will be roundtable on the second Thursday of the month. The roundtable staff archery, hiking, games, and more – all in a safe and fun outdoor is excited to have everyone attend and to meet the needs of the units. environment. The 2017 camp theme is Bug Hunters! To include as much content to the event as possible, we will be adding Four day camps are off ered throughout the summer in Wanchanagi, some new features. each located in a diff erent part of the district for geographical Roundtable will start at 6:45 p.m. We will continue to have breakout convenience. Day camp is aninexpensive, several day program that sessions for both levels, but we will also add a breakout focusing on a every Cub Scout family should enjoy! specifi c topic. Go to this site to see the parent guide and sign up online http:// www.blackhawkscouting.org/Wanchanagi/Events/2017WANDC. Or, go directly to the calendar tab on www.blackhawkscouting.org for online registration. Either location has all the information you need to register for camp! Also, paper registration is available at the council service center front counter.

Boone County Conservation District June 7-9 – Webelos Scouts Upcoming Training June 12-14 – Wolf and Bear As a courtesy to the trainer, please R.S.V.P for training June 13 – Tiger day All times are 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) Contact/Trainer Winnebago County Fairgrounds Bill Costa – Boy Scout, 815-513-2455 July 17-20 – Wolf, Bear, Webelos. Tigers may attend any day Alice Roby – Cub Scout, 773-368-5724, or [email protected] Spring 2017 Classes Kieselberg Forest Preserve Boy Scouts July 11-14 – Wolf, Bear, Webelos Troop Committee Challenge, available upon request July 13 – Tiger Day

Council Program Center July 17-18 + 20-21 – Wolf, Bear Webelos July 20 – Tiger Day

We Want Your Input

If you have any news/photos of your unit that you would like printed in the Courier, please e-mail Mary Anne Rounds at [email protected]. Page 45 Wanchanagi District June 2017 Wanchanagi District Dinner Congratulations to all the award recipients at the Wanchanagi District Dinner in April! The dinner was well attended and everyone had a great time!

Galaxy Youth Award: Nicholas Young, Pack 37 Cullen Johnson, Pack 139 Garrett Porter, Pack 396 James Thibedeau, Pack 409 CJ Chappell, Pack 411 Tate Medina, Troop 14 Kadin Coke, Troop 23 Burke Curtis, Troop 123 Andrew Schwartz, Troop 181 Eric Miller, Troop 206 Noah Waffl e, Troop 601 Christopher Carauna, Troop 139 Cassandra Olson, Crew 181

Outstanding Leader: Cub Scout Committee – Yolanda Saucedo, Pack 429 Cub Scout Program – Jeremy Hissong, Pack 411 Boy Scout Committee – Tyler Pratt, Troop 14 Venturing Committee – Martin Deardorff , Crew 181 Venturing Program – Sandra Schwartz, Crew 181

Unit Spirit Award: Jeremy Largent, Pack 37 Corey Ginger, Pack 396 Angela Thibedeau, Pack 409 Jeremy Hissong, Pack 411 Al Persinger, Troop 14 District Award of Merit: Scott Steingraeber, Troop 123 (L) Cliff Chappell, Pack 411 Paul Dandrea, Troop 181 (R) William Costa, Troop 181/Crew 181 Chris Kuroda, Troop 601 Beth Costa, Crew 181 Page 46 Wanchanagi District June 2017 Eagle Scout Training Flag Retirement July 3, Noon Until Done All Wanchanagi troops please provide the Near “Symbol” in following to the district Eagle chair, Ida Bolen. Sinnissippi Park Send by email to [email protected] or by phone at 815-239-2634. Thank you. Come help us retire our nation’s fl ags the proper way with respect We are planning training to assist our Scouts and dignity. to succeed in their quest to earn the Eagle rank. There will be a separate ceremony for the fufneral/casket fl ags at the end.

Troop Eagle Advisor/Contact

Troop #______Advisor’s Name: ______Email ______@ ______Phone: ______

Send by email to [email protected] or by phone at 815-239-2634. Wanchanagi Voice Newsletter

Would you like to see an event listed here? Send the following Eagle Project Review Dates information by the fi rst Wednesday of the month to be included in that month’s Voice. The date will always be the third Wednesday of the month. Include event name, date, start/end time, location, who it is for, May 17 June 21 July 19 August 16 cost, requirements, link to registration (if available or needed). Send all September 20 October 18 November 15 December 20 information to [email protected]. Email Mrs. Bolen at [email protected] to register to have your project reviewed. Are you interested in attended the Eagle Process Workshop? The next one has been scheduled. Email the address above to get registered. S D Bring your parents, Eagle Coordinator for your unit, pen, paper, and Fall Camporee your questions. Canyon Camp A return email will be sent as a confi rmation of your request for October 13-15, 2017 either event.

Confused on the Eagle Process? Experience the World of Energy! Field trips for all ages Are you a Star or Life Scout and wish to work on the Eagle rank? There is an Eagle Process Workshop being off ered. You will learn • Learn about energy effi ciency, energy management, and smart grid where to go and the process to make your journey more successful. technology. Bring your parents, your unit Eagle Advisor, your Scoutmaster, paper, • Understand how energy relates to daily life pen, and any questions you have. • Interact with the training tools and technologies used at ComEd All you need to do is contact Mrs. Bolen at [email protected] • Get a sneak peak at the future of energy to make a reservation for the next workshop. Your reservation will be confi rmed and the date, time, and location will provided. If you are not Minimum group size: 10 quite ready, don’t worry. The workshop will be off ered quarterly so you Activities, videos, and online games at www.FieldTripFactory.com can get the up-to-date information later. support the fi eld trip and provide insights into the world of energy. Next workshop -- February 23, 7:00, council service center Content Highlights • How energy is created, transmitted, and used • What energy costs. • Who is responsible for ensuring our energy is safe and consistent Wanchanagi District For more information, go to www.FieldTripFactory.com/ComEd Merit Badge Counselor List To obtain a copy of the lisst, Scoutmasters or advancancement Where: The Discovery Lab at the ComEd Rockford Training Center, chair should email a request to [email protected]. 403 Energy Avenue, Rockford IL 61109. Page 47 Wanchanagi District June 2017

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County and Blackhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America DRAFT announce SCOUT DAY Restoration ∙ Education ∙ Appreciation ∙ Preservation Nurture Nature as R.E.A.P. Workday Volunteers! Saturday, August 19th, 2017 Severson Dells Forest Preserve 8502 Montague Road, Rockford - Prairie Knoll Shelterhouse

Workday: 9 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Off-Trail Invasive Plant Species Removal Educational Enrichment: 11:15 a.m. until Noon Guided Creek Study (Don’t forget your waterproof boots!) Scouting Activities: 12 QRRQ until  p.m. 0HULWBadgeVDQG&XE6FRXW$GYHQWXUHV7%' &KHFN%ODFNKDZN$UHD&RXQFLOZHEVLWHLQ-XQHIRUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ Each Pack/Troop earning 30 service hours within a calendar year will receive a $100 Gift Card to use toward FPWC fees, such as camping, shelterhouse rental and more!

Proper off-trail outdoor workday attire recommended (long pants/sleeves & sturdy shoes-no sandals/flip flops) Bring your water bottle & a sack lunch - wear your insect repellent & sunscreen Adult supervision required for youth volunteers under 16 years of age (1:3 ratio) Completed waiver required in advance for youth volunteers under 18 years of age Complete our on-line waiver by visiting Winnebagoforest.org - Calendar of Events - Aug 19 R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday - Activity Waiver

Visit Winnebagoforest.org - Contact Us - Volunteer to learn about other FPWC Volunteer OpportuniƟes Page 48 Wanchanagi District June 2017 Troop 181 Camped in Galena on April 28-29, 2017.

Five of the 25 Troop 181 Scouts posing with Ulysses & Julia Grant, along with Mr. Lincoln (he's the tall one).

Troop 181 Scouts polishing the cannon in Galena.

Cub Scouts! The Importance of Bees Josephine Fenton, a Girl Scout working towards her Gold Award has created a program for Cub Scout-age youth on the importance of bees in our society. The program will be held on Tuesday, May 23, at Rockton Grade School from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. Page 49 June 2017 White Eagle District Serving Whiteside, Lee, and Ogle Counties in Illinois Web Site: www.BlackhawkScouting.org/WhiteEagle

White Eagle District Directory White Eagle District Calendar All phone numbers are 815 area code unless otherwise indicated May Chair: Dan Hawkins, 631-2907 Vice Chair – Administration (open): 29 Memorial Day – Council service center closed Nominating Committee Chair: Harry Fletcher, 742-0069 PR Chair: Alex Segneri June Vice Chair – Membership: Bruce Colmark, 441-1992 Webelos-to-Scout Transition (open) 1 District Committee meeting Spring Roundup Chair: Ginger and Darrien Albano, 631-0457 2-4 OA Fellowship Vice-Chair – Finance: 2-4 Powder Horn training, session 2, The Hollows, Crystal Lake FOS Community Chair: Mark Zeigler, 713-1390 6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition with July through September FOS Family Chair: Chip Donahue, 626-5905 events Spring Popcorn Kernel (Whiteside): 8 District Commissioners meeting Margie Baker, 718-2289, [email protected] 8 Roundtable Spring Popcorn Kernel (Lee & Ogle): Pat O’Brien, 732-4186 10 White Eagle Fishing Derby Vice Chair – Program: Don Rastede, 625-3542 July Boy Scout Activities: Cub Scout Activities: 3 Independence Day Observed, council service center closed Special Events Chair 4 Independence Day, council service center closed Advancement Chair: 5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition with August through Ray Gruber, 732-6807, [email protected] October events Religious Programs: Myles Newberry, 209-7327, [email protected] August Scouting for Food: Kate Lehrke Camping Chair: Thomas Halla, 284-3308 1 Courier deadline – September printed edition with September Cub Scout Day Camp – Lowden through November events Brian Broers, 815-973-2551 1-2 – Tiger, Wolf, Bear Day Camp OA Advisor: Rick Rhoads, 562-4369, [email protected]. 3-4 – Webelos and Arrow of Light Day Camp OA Chapter Chief: 25-27 Wood Badge, session 1 Alan H. Training Chair: Gregg Ripley, 631-6399 Upcoming [email protected] Boy Scout Leader Training Chair, Gregg Ripley, 631-6399 September 29-30 - October 1– Wood Badge, session 2 [email protected] September 8-10 – Venturing Training Weekend Cub Scout Leader Training: September 15-17 – Religious Retreat, Camp Lowden Gregg Ripley, 631-6399, [email protected] September 29-30 - October 1 – Wood Badge, session 2 Youth Protection Training: Vice Chair – Venturing: Program: Advancement: Deb Slager, 946-2255 Training: District Commissioner: Myles Newberry, 815-209-7327 [email protected] Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner Angie Hawkins, 815-761-1551, What Is Your Unit Doing? [email protected] District Executive: Robert Sutton Please send articles and photos to [email protected], 815-397-0210 [email protected].

We will try to feature your unit in an upcoming Courier Page 50 White Eagle District June 2017 District Recognition Dinner 2017 District Award of Merit Recipients Matthiessen Memorial Includes Pie

Two long-time Scouters were presented the District Award of During The White Eagle District Recognition dinner, the family of Merit. This is the highest award that a district may present to a deserving Rev. Don Matthiessen presented a $1000 donation in Don’s memory to Scouter. Canyon Camp. Don’s wife, Rosemary, explained how Don had found, out on the edge of the camp, the gooseberry bushes that most folks were not supposed to know about. Each year he brought home berries and stemmed them, both ends. Rosemary made pies. This year, she brought enough pie to share for dessert at the District Dinner.

New District Chair Elected

White Eagle District welcomes Dan Hawkins as District Chair. He succeeds Dave Twining. Dan was a Cub Scout in Morrision. As a parent, he assisted with Cub Scouts for his son, Nathaniel. When Nathaniel joined Boy 305, Dan became an assistant Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chair. He earned his Wood Badge beads as part of the C7-660-15 class. Shane Adams (L) and Randy Bishop So, Dan is well prepared to continue excellent leadership for the White Shane Adams Eagle District. Shane has been active at the pack level, troop level, and district level. On the pack level he has been an assistant Cubmaster, Cubmaster, and has taken BALOO training to bring camping activities to his pack. Shane has also helped plan, organize and publicize many events for his units. On the troop level, he has helped on numerous fundraisers benefi tting both the troop and projects for the boys. He encourages the boys to attend summer camp, NYLT, and the National Scout Jamboree. On the district level, he has helped with day camps. Being an OA member brings more opportunities for cheerful service. Even though three jobs take up lots of time, Shane is still an energetic and enthusiastic supporter of the Scouting program.

Randy Bishop Randy likes to stay in the background of any event that is lucky enough to receive his help. In fact many people don’t even know how much he does contribute to help an event run as smoothly as possible. At all levels of Scouting, Randy is there for our young people to have fun and advance. When working with adults he off ers to help in anyway needed and with a smile or funny story when the mood needs to be brighter. He has served as a unit commissioner, assistant Scoutmaster, roundtable staff member, and the fundraising committee. Besides doing all of these jobs, he has found time to take Wood Badge and to lead a group of young people on a Philmont trek in New Mexico. Page 51 June 2017 Wetassa District Serving Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll in Illinois Web site -- www.BlackhawkScouting.org/Wetassa Wetassa District Directory Wetassa District Calendar All numbers are 815 area code unless otherwise indicated May District Chairman, Rick Cass, 815-757-7425 Advancement, Liz Hollis, 233-4870 [email protected] Life-to-Eagle Seminars: 12-14 -a-ree Vice-Chair – Administration Liz Hollis, 233-4870 20 Public program and viewing at Doug Lee Kraut, 815-297-8247 Eagle Project/Boards of Review: Firebaugh Observatory (see article for [email protected] Liz Hollis, 233-4870 additional dates and time) District Communications/PR Chair (open) Tom Gillespie, 233-3284 29 Memorial Day – Council service center Newsletter, Liz Hollis, 233-4870 Merit Badge Counselors: closed District Nominating Committee: Liz Hollis, 233-4870 Lee Kraut, 815-297-8247 Camping, Bob Boyer, 369-2834 June Gary Erickson OA Advisor, David Hanson, 273-2436 Dana Ewers, 541-5322 Scouting for Food (open) 2-4 OA Fellowship District Dinner and Awards Training : (open) 2-4 Powder Horn training, session 2, The Laura Welti Boy Scout – Hollows, Crystal Lake Vice-Chair – Finance – Gene Nott, 235-4575 Cub Scout – 6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition FOS, Gene Nott, 235-4575 Venturing – with July through September events Community Campaign (open) Religious Emblems – Jim Clay, 970-443-2997 7 District Committee meeting Vice-Chair – Membership: (open) Vice-Chair – Venturing and Exploring 10 White Eagle Fishing Derbys Vice-Chair – Program: Joe Shippy, 266-0649 11-16 National Youth Leadership Training Josh Ehlers, 815-291-6748 District Commissioner (NYLT) [email protected] Jim Clay, 970-443-2997 14 Roundtable Activities: (open) Roundtable Commissioners 16-19 Free Fishing Days Boy Scout: Boy Scout – Rick Cass, 757-7424 24-25 Radio Merit Badge, Stephenson County Klondike Derby: Cub Scout – Repeater Association Field Day. Spring Camporee District Executive: Matt Ohms Fall Camporee 920-723-5999 July Cub Scout: [email protected] Fun Day (open) 815-397-0210 3 Independence Day Observed, council Day Camp: service center closed 4 Independence Day, council service center closed Unit Events 5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition with August through October events Your unit can be featured in the 30-August 4 National Youth Leadership Courier. Send us photos and news of Training (NYLT) special events. [email protected] August Note – Please do not insert photos 1 Courier deadline – September printed into the body of the e-mail – send as a .jpg edition with September through November attachment. events 18-20 OA Fall Conclave 25-27 Wood Badge, session 1

Upcoming

September 8-10 – Venturing Training Weekend District Committee September 15-17 – Religious Retreat, Camp Meeting Lowden First Wednesday of each month September 29-30 - October 1 – Wood Badge, Roundtables Bethany United Church of Christ session 2 2341 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport October 20-22 – Radio Merit Badge Roundtable is held the 2nd Wednesday of Beginning at 7 p.m. October 20-22 – and the month at Bethany United Church of Christ, 2341 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport, at 7 p.m. Page 52 Wetassa District June 2017

Canoe-a-Ree May 12-14 Contact Troop 31, John Scott, in Stockton for possible last-minute availability [email protected]

Radio Merit Badge June 24-25 Observe the Night Sky Stephenson County Repeater Association Field House The Doug Firebaugh Observatory in Freeport is open the fi rst and Flagstaff Hill, Krape Park, Freeport third Saturday evening for public programs and viewing. The program For more information, contact Jim Clay at [email protected] begins at 8:00 p.m. Here are the dates: May 6 May 20 June 3 June 17 July 1 July 15 August 5 August 19

Jamboree-on-the-Air Radio Merit Badge October 20, 21, and 22 Stephenson County Repeater Association will be available to help Scouts work on their Radio merit badge. More information, location, and times will be published Free Fishing Days in upcoming Couriers June 16-19, 2017 For more information, contact Jim Clay at [email protected] Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fisheries Your group can participate Contact Illinois Depart of Natural Resources to register

Wetassa Committee Members Needed Making a Diff erence The following positions are open and need Scouters to fi ll out the district committee roster. Now is the time to take the leap and fi nd Kids today have too few, real-life, up-close champions. something new to tackle and fi nd new friends in the process. You will TV fi gures and sports stars aren’t real. Teachers, ministers, be glad you did! unfortunately, are too often cast in a diff erent light. Parents—well, For further information for each of these positions, please contact this is the stage in life when kids start to look outside the homes. Rick Cass, Wetassa District Chair, at 815-757-7425. Coaches and Scout leaders ... Thanks in advance for your help. You have a real chance to change a kid’s life. Scouters often say their Scouts could easily be in the criminal system because of District Communications/PR – Chair and members whom they associate with at a wrong moment. District Nominating Committee – 1 more member You set a powerful example in how you treat kids. You help Finance: Community Campaign – members assure they make right choices. You provide a safe haven where Vice-Chair – Membership they aren’t put down but are built up. You are a champion for kids. Activities: This is your chance to make a diff erence. Boy Scout – members If a Boy Scout attends his weekly patrol and troop meeting, Cub Scout – members participates in a monthly weekend troop outing and attends long- Scouting For Food – Chairman term summer camp with his troop, he will have spent about as Training – Chair needed: much time with Scouting in a year as he spends in a classroom. Boy Scout members Cub Scout members Venturing – members needed Religious Emblems Coordinator Roundtable: Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner Cub Scout roundtable staff members Boy Scout roundtable staff District Dinner Committee – All positions Unit Commissioners – Multiple Openings Page 53 June 2017 Arrowhead District Serving Grant, Lafayette, and Green Counties in Wisconsin Web Site: www.arrowheadbsa.org

Arrowhead District Directory Arrowhead District District Chairman: Mike Johansen, 608-723-7077 Calendar Daniel Frommelt, 608-732-8536, Art Whipple, 608-325-5734 [email protected] Neil Spurr, 815-777-2166 May Vice-Chair Administration: Don Vannatta, 608-962-1390 29 Memorial Day – Council service center closed Dan Bestul, 608-328-8055 Camping: Risk Management Representative Chris Brunette, 608-348-4552 June James Bussan, 608-568-3177 OA Chapter Advisor: 2-4 OA Fellowship Vice-Chair Finance: Open James Connors, 608-325-6495 2-4 Powder Horn training, session 2, The Hollows, Family FOS: Platteville Merit Badge Midway: Crystal Lake Dee Woolf, 608-348-7403 James Bussan, 608-568-3177, 6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition with Popcorn Kernel: [email protected] July through September events Matt Ohms - [email protected] Service Hours: 7 District Committee meeting Vice-Chair Membership: Sheri Baird, 608-527-5068 11-16 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) James Gerhards, 563-581-2502 Training: Dennis Nelson, 608-325-7921 14 District Recognition Dinner Boy Scout Membership: (Open) [email protected] 19-22 Cub Scout Day Camp, Grant County Cub Scout Membership: Heather Lisser, Vice-Chair Venturing: Fairgrounds, Lancaster 608-214-0970 Kevin Olson, 608-723-6250 Life-to-Eagle Transition: Uniform Closet: July Chris Brunette, 608-348-4552 Jeff Everson, 608-328-4269 3 Independence Day Observed, council service Webelos-to-Scout Transition: District Commissioner: Nichole Wiest, center closed Bert Leach, 608-558-3924 608-778-9124, [email protected] 4 Independence Day, council service center Vice-Chair Program: Roundtable Commissioners: closed David Wisnefske, 608-325-4606 Cub Scout: 5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition with Activities: Tara Bauer, August through October events Kevin Olson, 608-778-1950 Peggy Miles, 5 District Committee meeting Advancement: Andy Elkins, Boy Scout: Andy Elkins, 608-527-2962 12 Roundtable 608-279-2962 or [email protected]. District Executive: 30-August 4 National Youth Leadership Training Eagle Board: Matt Ohms, 920-723-5999 (NYLT) James Bussan, 608-568-3177 [email protected] August 1 Courier deadline – September printed edition District Recognition Dinner with September through November events June 14 2 District Committee meeting 7-9 Twilight Cub , Green County The District Recognition Dinner is a time of fellowship with Fairgrounds, Monroe, Wisconsin Scouters across the district as well as recognizing those special Scouts 9 Roundtable who have helped to make our district successful. 18-20 OA Fall Conclave 25-27 Wood Badge, session 1

Upcoming September 8-10 – Venturing Training Weekend September 15-17 – Religious Retreat, Camp Lowden September 29-30 - October 1 – Wood Badge, session Nominations for District Award of Merit are needed. Now is the 2 time to start the nomination process. Nomination forms can be found at www.scouting.org/fi lestore/ pdf/33720.pdf. Deadline to turn in nomination forms is May 10 (roundtable night). What Is Your Unit Doing? Nominations should be sent to Daniel Frommelt, Nichole Wiest, or District Executive Matt Ohhms. Please send articles and photos to [email protected]. We will try to feature your unit in an upcoming Courier Page 54 Arrowhead District June 2017 Cub Scout Day Camp Twilight Cub Scout Camp Grant County Fair Grounds August 7-9, 2017 Lancaster, Wisconsin Green County Fairgrounds June 19-22 Monroe, Wisconsin

Leadership Requirement: Each pack must provide at least Twilight Cub Scout Camp is coming up August 7, 8, and 9. You one adult volunteer for every six (6) Cub Scouts. Each Tiger must be can register online at http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/ accompanied by an adult as per the National BSA policy. event/2017-twilight-camp-at-green-county-fairgrounds-in-monroe- Registration: Registration fees are $40, due May 15th for Cub wi/2017623 You can also volunteer at http://signup.com/go/B8LYbA Scouts. After May 15, the fee will be $45. Late fees will be waived for or contact Tamara Richardson at [email protected] or 608-328-2424. any newly registered Cub Scout or new to the pack. The registration fee We are hunting up fun at Twilight Camp. Each Scout will be with includes Scout’s t-shirt, patch, all program materials, insurance, and any a group about their age and participate in a rotation of games, BB guns, recognition items used during the week science skills, archery, crafts, Scout skills, singing, and skits. Give your For more information go to BlackhawkScouting.org/DoubleKnot Cub Scout something to talk about when he goes back to school! and look in the Arrowhead section on the June calendar. Tamara Richardson Troop 101 Parent

Scouting for Food Success

The 2017 Scouting for Food in Green County was a success! With Scouts volunteering a total of 163 ½ hours, we were able to collect 2,740 pounds of food and supplies for the Green County Food Pantry in Monroe, Wisconsin. Thank you Packs 101 and 114, Crew 1812, Troops 101, 115, and 180, Girl Scout Troop 3459, and others for all your hard work. Great job! Page 55 June 2017 ScoutReach District Serving Youth in Inner-City Rockford Web Site: www.BlackhawkScouting.org/Scoutreach

ScoutReach District ScoutReach District Calendar Directory May 29 Memorial Day – Council service center closed Chairman: (open) District Commissioner: (Open) June Finance Chairman: Committee (open) 6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition with July through September events Popcorn Contact Terry Nichols, July [email protected] 3 Independence Day observed, council service center closed Members: 4 Independence Day, council service center closed Bill Allen 4 Courier deadline – August Internet edition with August through October events Victory Bell Roberto Cardenas David Gill Lloyd Hawks Terry Hahlen Rep. Charles Jeff erson Offi cer Steve Jones Leslie Medrano Juan Muñiz Terry Nichols Roger Steder Calvin W. Squire Dr. Rudy Valdez Vicky Zamora Scoutreach Coordinator Terry Nichols, 397-0210 Program Aides: Bill Allen Cliff ord Andrews Bobby Bowden Erica Collins Dave Keller Rich Noble Dan Persinger Lanekahm Phetmyxay Collina Roselas ScoutReach Terry Serrano Roger Steder Winners at the Tony Stevens Felisha Taylor Council District Executive Pinewood Cannie Ware 815-397-0210 Derby [email protected] Xavier Dobbs of Pack 549, and Leonardo Bueno & Davien Johnson of Pack 512. Page 56 ScoutReach District June 2017 ScoutReach at the U. S. Grant Pilgrimage

These Scouts are waiting to cross the monkey bridge, while our blind Scout is assisted by OA staff in their youth area.

Four ScoutReach Scouts and two of the dads on the cannon. The same Scouts posing with Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses & Julia Grant.

These scouts are waiting to get a tour through Grant's home.