February 2021 Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2021 NEWSLETTER

OFFICE HOURS The Golden Spread Council Office and Scout Shop are open: Monday thru Friday 8:30—5:30

OFFICE CLOSURES The Golden Spread Council will be closed for the following holidays in 2021: President’s Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Eve; Thanksgiving Day and the day after; Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve

Additionally, the Scout Shop will be open from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm the following Saturdays in 2021: February 20; March 20; April 17; May 22; June 12; September 11, 18 & 25; October 2 & 9; November 20

Be sure to check out our website calendar for ALL of the exciting events happening in the Golden Spread Council or follow this link:

https://goldenspread.org/

COUNCIL EVENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE

Hello Golden Spread Council volunteers, parents, staff and board members! I hope this finds all of our volunteers and families doing well during this continued coronavirus pandemic! The good news for this month is: Recharter! It is time to get to work on rechartering your unit in order to ensure that your Scouts get to continue having the adventures of their lifetime! Camping, cooking outdoors, fishing, hiking, campfire stories and skits; the list goes on and on! Recharters are due by February 12, 2021 so hurry and get yours done today! Lots of events coming in 2021 so read all about it! Be sure to visit the council website at www.goldenspread.org regularly to get information on upcoming events, registration and deadlines and any date changes that may occur. The newsletter will be going out every month and will contain the most current information available for council, district, and unit events. Please send unit event information, dates and pictures to Gemma Mitchell at gemma.mitchell@scouting.org or call 806-282-8296 and leave me a voicemail. Don’t forget to forward all of your unit fun and activities to your district executive! If you don’t know who they are or how to contact them, look on the green tabbed district pages here in the newsletter. We are really excited to get this newsletter out to you and we are even more excited to include you and your youth! The youth of the Golden Spread Council is why we all do what we do in Scouting and when we stay focused on them, we all win!

Yours in Scouting,

Gemma Mitchell

COUNCIL EVENTS

2021 GOLDEN SPREAD COUNCIL CUB SCOUTS AND

SCOUTS BSA CAMPING AND ACTIVITIES

January 23: Merit Badge University (CANCELLED) February 20-21: OKPIK Winter Adventure Camp April 10: Scouting for Food (Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA event) April 9-11: Woodbadge Weekend #1 (Camp Don Harrington) April 16-18: Camporee April 24-25: Woodbadge Weekend #2 (Camp MK Brown) April 30-May 2: Philmont Family Weekend June 6-11: National Youth Leadership Training Course (NYLT) (Camp MK Brown) June 20-26: Scouts BSA Summer Camp (Camp MK Brown) September 17-19: Webelos Woods Camp (Camp MK Brown) September 25-26: Cub Scout Family Campout October 16: Spook O Ree October 23: Spook O Ree November 13: Environmental Science Merit Badge Class

For details on all of these camps, activities and to register, visit www.goldenspread.org. Click on the “Calendar” tab and scroll to the date to find the camp/activity. Please check with your unit leader for details on how to register for these events as some are unit registrations and others may be individual registrations.

If you haven’t liked us already, go to the Golden Spread Council page on Facebook and like us! We also put a lot of information about upcoming events and news on this page.

COUNCIL EVENTS

CHECK OUT THE NEW MBU!

Due to COVID restrictions with WTAMU, Merit Badge University will have a little different look this year. Welcome to MBU 2.0.2.1.! The Golden Spread Council will have a lot of merit badges that will be offered throughout the year as opposed to just having a one-day workshop. This will give more scouts an opportunity to find the merit badge they want to work on at a time that may be more convenient to them. Go to www.goldenspread.org and take a look at all of the merit badges coming up (and there are several to choose from!) the deadlines for registration and the cost of the merit badge. Most of these will be done virtually; however, the Personal Management merit badges will be done in person - one at Camp Don and one at Camp MK Brown. Here is a small list of the upcoming merit badges in February and March:

February 2, 2021 - Genealogy Merit Badge Class- Deadline to register is: Jan 22, 2021 February 18, 2021—Digital Technology Merit Badge Class February 25, 2021—Communications Merit Badge Class March 15 & 16, 2021—Art Merit Badge Class March 25, 2021—Family Life Merit Badge Class

There is plenty for your Scout to choose from so don’t delay! Go to www.goldenspread.org and get signed up today!

COUNCIL EVENTS

ILST/ILSC/Den Chief Training Camp M. K. Brown March 6th 8am – 5pm Check In at Lew Benz at 7:30am Lunch will be provided Cost for the course is $15 per scout/$5 per adult

Register by March 1st @ www.goldenspread.org Questions?? Please contact: Chris Wagner (806) 663-2225 Erica Maddox (580) 651-0581

Camping available Friday night and Saturday night (If camping, troops will be responsible for setting up camp reservations through the Council office)

Skills Taught Benefits Troop Organization Clear Roles & Responsibilities Servant Leadership Better Organization Communication Stronger Youth Leadership Stages of Team Development Working Well with Others Leadership Values & Responsibilities Preparing for the Future

COUNCIL EVENTS

WOODBADGE

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Wood Badge is designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of all Scouters, particularly unit level Scouters, such as Cub leaders, Scoutmasters and assistants, Venturing Crew Advisors, Committee Chairs and members. Additionally, Scouters serving at the district and council levels can achieve greater effectiveness through Wood Badge.

To attend a Wood Badge course, individuals must: Be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America. (Youth 18 and older may attend as long as the appropriate Youth Protection guidelines are followed. They do not need to be registered in an adult leadership role.) Have completed the basic training courses for their Scouting position. Be capable of functioning safely in an outdoor environment. All participants are required to complete the Annual Health and Medical Record form Part A & B. WHY ATTEND? By taking Wood Badge, Scouters will acquire valuable tools such as listening, communicating, conflict Management, project planning and leading change. Participants will better learn to understand and appreciate diversity and differences in our society. They will learn skills that will make them a better Scout leader. Units with trained leaders are able to deliver an improved program and a more meaningful experience for the youth Scouting serves. By attending Wood Badge, the participants will internalize the 5 themes of Wood Badge: Living the Values, Growing, Connecting, Guiding, Empowering.

Cost per participant is $260.00 and you can register online at www.goldenspread.org

Course Dates: April 9-11th at Camp Don Harrington AND April 24-25th at Camp MK Borwn

If you have further questions, call Joe Rahija, 2021 Course Director at 806-930-0645

COUNCIL EVENTS

CAMPOREE IS BACK! CAMPOREE IS BACK!

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Camporee is here in 2021!. It’s finally time for the annual Golden Spread Council Scouts BSA Camporee at Camp Don Harrington from April 23-25, 2021! The leader guide and registration link have been updated on the council website so be sure to check it out at www.goldenspread.org to get your unit signed up and not miss this amazing and fun weekend of friendly “competition” in the Scouting spirit! Registration ends on March 29 so be sure to get your unit signed up today! You’ve had lots of extra months to prepare for this so come show us your skills!! Click on the following link OR you may also get more information by contacting Scott Kilian at [email protected].

https://goldenspread.org/

COUNCIL EVENTS

HUGE SCOUT SHOP SALE!

It may be cold outside, but it’s still a great time to camp! OKPIK is right around the corner as is Camporee so come into the Scout Shop today and look around for your camping gear. Be ready for those cold Panhandle nights!

Time is of the essence and supplies are limited so don’t delay! Hurry and come by the Golden Spread Council Scout Shop at 401 Tascosa Rd. today!

COUNCIL EVENTS

What is National Youth Leadership Training? National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is a weeklong course which features instruction in skills that can be used at home, at school, on the job, and at the Scout unit level. Through activities, events, games, and adventures, NYLT participants will work hard and play hard together as they put into action the best Scouting has to offer. Course Goals: The primary goal of NYLT is to develop Scouts as leaders by teaching the skills necessary to manage group dynamics and performance. These leadership skills include:

Finding Your Vision Effective Leadership Setting Goals Effective Communication Preparing Plans Servant Leadership Developing a Team Resolving Conflict Solving Problems Making Ethical Decisions Effective Teaching Valuing People

How Do I Sign Up? Visit www.goldenspread.org or click on the NYLT Flyer below to register today! There you will also see more information on what to expect from your NYLT experience and how to prepare for camp. For questions contact Ashley Wells at (580) 817-0796 or [email protected].

NYLT 2021 Flyer

COUNCIL EVENTS

Join Erica Maddox, the Lone Wolf District Executive, via Zoom, as she shows Cub Scout and Scouts BSA Leaders how to best utilize Scoutbook for your unit and/or Scout.

Your registration will get you a virtual spot in 3 different classes, with each one getting more in depth in the use of Scoutbook. You can attend one, two, or all three, it’s up to you! The classes are as follows:

March 22 – 7:30pm-8:45pm March 23 – 7:30pm-8:45pm March 24- 7:30pm-8:45pm

One you register, you will receive a Zoom invitation link the day before! Please note, this single registration qualifies you for ALL THREE CLASSES!

ONLY CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS WILL ACCEPTED FOR THIS CLASS!

Deadline to register is March 19, 2021! Click on the link below to start your registration today!

www.goldenspread.org

10 NEWS YOU CAN USE FROM SCOUTINGWIRE.COM

Scouts can help protect the environment by earning the new Environmental Protection Agency award

When he taught merit badge classes at Woodland Trails Scout Reservation in Ohio, Andrew Wheeler wanted Scouts to know the importance of conservation and environmental issues we face. It’s still his mission as the 15th administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

To commemorate the agency’s 50th anniversary last year, the Boy Scouts of America and EPA signed a memorandum of understanding to create a special award, encouraging those in the Scouts BSA program to strive to protect the environment. The award, which features a patch, requires Scouts to earn environmental and community health-focused merit badges and participate in a service project.

“There’s so many merit badges that fit in with the EPA’s mission,” Wheeler says. “Scouts care about the environment; it goes to the heart of Scouting.”

The Boy Scouts of America and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have had similar conservation goals since the inception of each organization — the BSA in 1910 and the EPA in 1970. Wheeler, an Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow Vigil member, announced the agreement between the two organizations, which lasts until the end of 2021, at which time could be extended.

Wheeler sees the collaboration as a way to foster interest in conservation while educating Scouts on the EPA, a governmental agency devoted to the protection of human health and the environment.

“This is the age when you develop hobbies, skills and interests that stick with you for your whole life,” he says. “I think this award will open up their eyes to environmental issues.”

How to earn it

The award is designed to teach Scouts about their world and encourage them to explore and preserve it. Here is the award application. To earn the 50th Anniversary Environmental Protection Agency award, Scouts must earn four merit badges: the Public Health merit badge and one from each of three following groups.

Animal study group: Animal Science Bird Study Insect Study Mammal Study Reptile and Amphibian Study

Outdoor activity group: Backpacking Camping Climbing Canoeing Fishing Fly-Fishing Hiking Gardening Kayaking Rafting Scuba Diving Whitewater Wilderness Survival

Earth sciences group: Energy Forestry Geology Nature Oceanography Plant Science Soil and Water Conservation Weather

If your Scout has already earned these merit badges, they can count toward the Environmental Protection Agency award. In addition to the merit badges, Scouts must also participate in an environmental or public health community service project totaling at least six hours, as part of an approved Scouting program. The project could be anything from picking up litter to organizing a public health awareness initiative.

“There’s a lot they can do,” Wheeler says.

Scouts can start working on the award now, but all of the requirements must be completed by Dec. 31, 2021.

Resources

Merit badge pamphlets have a wealth of information for teaching Scouts about conservation, public health and the environment. Many are available online. For more on Scouting outdoor ethics, click here and for BSA conservation resources, click here.

You can also find information on EPA education and priority initiative pages, including Trash-Free Waters, Winning on Reducing Food Waste and Healthy School Environments.

DISTRICT EVENTS

ADOBE WALLS District Executive: Gaylyne Manns—[email protected] Ph. # 806-207-0037 District Chair: Jason Eugea Ph # 806-335-6805 District Commissioner: Mike Savage Ph # 806-595-0315 Roundtable: 1st Thursday of the month from August thru May – 6:30 pm at First United Methodist, 201 E Foster, Pampa, TX

Adobe Walls February 2021

Pack 548 Fritch have CRAZY fun at a recent pack meeting!

Adobe Walls Troops 472, 433 and 4433 joins in the Cold fun at MK Brown for clean-up day!

DISTRICT EVENTS

Adobe Walls February 2021

Happy Scouting!

Gaylyne Manns your District Executive

DISTRICT EVENTS

GOLDEN EAGLE District Executive: Michael Lopez—[email protected] Ph. # 505-699-6552 District Chair: Jeff Sulik Ph # 806-651-3000 District Commissioner: Jon Hill Ph # 806-471-8648 Roundtable: 1st Thursday of every month from August thru June —7:00 pm at the Scout Office

Re-set your calendars and rev your engines for March 27th, 2021 for the Golden Eagle District Pinewood Derby!! Get to the Scout office and sign up today!

DISTRICT EVENTS

LONE WOLF District Executive: Erica Maddox—[email protected] Ph. # 580-651-0581 District Chair: Steve Walthour Ph # 806-922-7402 and Jim Lear Ph # 806-202-4507 District Commissioner: James Bentley Ph # 806-260-1596 Roundtable: 4th Thursday of each month from July thru April —7:30 pm at 1738 N Oklahoma, Guymon , OK

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle “Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” Mother Teresa

Welcome February!

In this edition, we would like to take a few minutes to introduce you to two of our Units! Pack 38 and Troop 38 in Stratford, Texas! These two units stay very busy and we appreciate the dedication of their leaders, Jesse Mariscal and Davy Brown! Pack 3038 has been working hard on different achievements. At a recent meeting, the Webelos and Arrow of Light candidates received their awards, and their pinewood derby kits for the upcoming Pinewood Derby, which will take place February 27 in Stratford. Troop 38 has been working on various merit badges and are planning on attending some of the Merit Badge University classes being offered in the coming weeks. Troop 38 also held a crossover for Will May, who came to us from an out-of-town pack. That pack had been unable to hold his crossover at their normal time due to Covid-19 restrictions. We are looking forward to the following events in February:

Feb 11-District Committee Meeting @ 7:30 in Guymon

Feb 12-Recharter due

Feb 19-21-OKPik

Feb. 25-Roundtable @ 7:30 in Guymon-Fireside Chat with the Scout Executive!

Feb 27-Scout-o-Rama -Cancelled

Feb 27-District Pinewood Derby-Virtual!

DISTRICT EVENTS

Pinewood Derby Updates!

Scout-o-Rama has been cancelled due to Covid. However, we will hold our Pinewood Derby as a virtual event through Facebook Live! More information will follow, so start building those cars!

Come Visit the Lone Wolf District!

DISTRICT EVENTS

Pack 38 receiving awards and Troop 38 Bridging Ceremony Pack 38 working on “Stronger, Pinewood Derby Cars Faster, Higher”

Post 5599 practicing DUI and Felony traffic stops

Pack 38 completing science experiments

Anthony Rodriguez’s Eagle Board of Review

Please like our district on Facebook!

DISTRICT EVENTS

QUANAH PARKER (SCOUTREACH)

District Executive: Gemma Mitchell - [email protected] Ph # 806-282-8296 District Chair: Jeremy Bradford District Commissioner: Chrystene Speed

After a long day in school, the program aides like to start each den meeting with a fun activity. The Maverick kiddos sure love to play “Sharks and Minnows” and “Red Light, Green Light”! We have found this to be an ideal and fun way to “get the wigglies” out and then move to a quieter place to start the den meeting and concentrate on learning!