2016-2017 Troop Program Planning Guide
Transcription
2016-2017 Troop Program Planning Guide
2016-2017 Troop Program Planning Guide 2 Table of Contents Introduction District and Office Information .................................................................................................................................... Page 3 Methods of Boy Scouting ............................................................................................................................................ Page 4 Journey To Excellence Introduction to Journey to Excellence ......................................................................................................................... Page 6 2016 Journey to Excellence Scorecard ........................................................................................................................ Page 7 JTE #1 - Planning and Budget Troop Program Features …………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..…… .. Page 8 Troop Meeting Plan ............................................................................................................................................ Page 16 Sample Troop Budget ......................................................................................................................................... Page 17 Guidelines for Unit Funds and Accounts………………………………...…………………………………………………………..……….. Page 18 2016 Popcorn Sales ............................................................................................................................................ Page 19 Troop Communication………………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………..Page 21 JTE #2 and #3 - Building Boy Scouting and Retention ............................................................................................... Page 22 JTE #4 - Webelos to Scout Transition ........................................................................................................................ Page 23 JTE #5 - Boy Scout Advancement .............................................................................................................................. Page 24 Selecting Quality Leaders .......................................................................................................................................... Page 25 JTE #6 - Short Term Camping - Winter Camping Facilities......................................................................................... Page 26 Camp Brunswick ................................................................................................................................................ Page 27 JTE #7 - Long-Term Camping/Camp Phillips .............................................................................................................. Page 28 Northwoods High Adventure Program ............................................................................................................. Page 29 National High Adventure Bases ........................................................................................................................ Page 30 JTE #8 - Community Service ...................................................................................................................................... Page 31 JTE #9 - Youth Leadership Development ................................................................................................................... Page 32 JTE #10 - Troop Committee Resources ...................................................................................................................... Page 34 JTE #11 - Trained Leadership ..................................................................................................................................... Page 35 Risk Management ...................................................................................................................................................... Page 39 Appendix ...........................................................................................................................................................................Page 40 Annual Charter Renewal Process/Recharterganza .................................................................................................... Page 41 Scoutbook-Online Advancement Tracking ................................................................................................................ Page 42 Chili Cook-Off ............................................................................................................................................................. Page 43 Webelos Woods ........................................................................................................................................................ Page 44 Scouting for Food ...................................................................................................................................................... Page 45 Scout Night with the Express ..................................................................................................................................... Page 46 Council Staff Directory ............................................................................................................................................... Page 47 Order of the Arrow .................................................................................................................................................... Page 49 Career Exploring ........................................................................................................................................................ Page 50 Manufacturing Boot Camp ........................................................................................................................................ Page 51 Annual Good News Contest ...................................................................................................................................... Page 52 Venturing Programs .................................................................................................................................................. Page 53 Religious Awards …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Page 54 Scout Shop Information ............................................................................................................................................. Page 55 3 Districts & Office Information The Chippewa Valley Council is divided into four Districts to better administer Scouting within geographic communities. Each is led by a team of volunteers (District Committees and Commissioner staffs) with the help and encouragement of at least one full-time staff member (District Executive). In addition, we provide support for Venturing and Exploring units on a Council level. Blue Hills District: Barron, Rusk, Sawyer, Washburn Counties School Districts & Communities of: Barron, Birchwood, Bruce, Cameron, Chetek, Cumberland, Dallas, Flambeau, Haugen, Hayward, Lac Courte Oreilles, Ladysmith, Minong, Prairie Farm, Rice Lake, Shell Lake, Spooner, Turtle Lake, Winter Clear Water District: Eau Claire County School Districts & Communities of: Altoona, Augusta, Eau Claire, Fairchild, Fall Creek, Regis School System Glaciers End District: Chippewa, Clark, Taylor Counties School Districts & Communities of: Bloomer, Cadott, Cornell, Gilman, Greenwood, Holcombe, Jim Falls, Lafayette, Loyal, McDonnell, Neillsville, New Auburn, Owen, Stanley, Thorp, Withee Tall Oaks District: Dunn and Pepin Counties School Districts & Communities of: Boyceville, Colfax, Durand, Elk Mound, Knapp, Menomonie, Pepin A Message from the Council Key 3 Scouting trusts our dedicated volunteers to promote its mission of preparing youth to make ethical and honest choices over their lifetime by following the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Through your personal commitment and dedication as a Scouting volunteer, the BSA remains the foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training in America. We believe the Chippewa Valley Council to be the best council in the BSA, constantly improving the quality of our programs each and every year. Our Scouting families trust that we all will provide a program that offers fun and adventure while teaching their son or daughter the importance of good citizenship and service to others. For us to provide the best program possible to meet the needs of our families, each of our Scouting units should develop an annual program plan, a budget to go along with that plan, and a fundraising plan to help them reach their program goals. The end result is a Scouting unit that’s calendar is well-rounded, fun, safe, convenient, and full of meaningful and inspiring activities. Please take time to review this guide and utilize the tools and resources in it to help provide the best possible Scouting program to our youth and your families. We appreciate your time and leadership in mentoring youth and always welcome your comments and feedback. Yours in Scouting, Bob McCoy Council President Jay W. Jones Council Commissioner Important Contact Information Council Service Center 710 S. Hastings Way Eau Claire, WI 54701 Phone: (715) 832-6671 or (800) 726-8802 Fax: (715) 832-6711 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM L.E. Phillips Scout Reservation 2900 16th Street Rice Lake, WI 54868 (715) 234-7723 (summer only) Chippewa Valley Council Websites: www.bsa-cvc.org www.scouting.org www.facebook.com/ChippewaValleyBoyScouts www.youtube.com/chippewavalleyscouts 4 Methods of Boy Scouting The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting." They are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The methods by which the aims are achieved are listed below in random order to emphasize the equal importance of each. Ideals The ideals of Boy Scouting are spelled out in the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout motto, and the Scout slogan. The Boy Scout measures himself against these ideals and continually tries to improve. The goals are high, and as he reaches for them, he has some control over what and who he becomes. Patrols The patrol method gives Boy Scouts an experience in group living and participating citizenship. It places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it. The patrol method allows Scouts to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives. Outdoor Programs Boy Scouting is designed to take place outdoors. It is in the outdoor setting that Scouts share responsibilities and learn to live with one another. It is here that the skills and activities practiced at troop meetings come alive with purpose. Being close to nature helps Boy Scouts gain an appreciation for God's handiwork and humankind's place in it. The outdoors is the laboratory for Boy Scouts to learn ecology and practice conservation of nature's resources. Advancement Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. The Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. The Boy Scout is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Boy Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. 5 Methods of Boy Scouting Association with Adults Boys learn a great deal by watching how adults conduct themselves. Scout leaders can be positive role models for the members of their troops. In many cases a Scoutmaster who is willing to listen to boys, encourage them, and take a sincere interest in them can make a profound difference in their lives. Personal Growth As Boy Scouts plan their activities and progress toward their goals, they experience personal growth. The Good Turn concept is a major part of the personal growth method of Boy Scouting. Boys grow as they participate in community service projects and do Good Turns for others. Probably no device is so successful in developing a basis for personal growth as the daily Good Turn. The religious emblems program also is a large part of the personal growth method. Frequent personal conferences with his Scoutmaster help each Boy Scout to determine his growth toward Scouting's aims. Leadership Development The Boy Scout program encourages boys to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Boy Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps a boy accept the leadership role of others and guides him toward the citizenship aim of Scouting. Uniform The uniform makes the Boy Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished. 6 What Journey to Excellence Brings to Your Unit 1. A framework for planning the year. The Journey to Excellence standards are based on what successful units do to continually improve. If your unit plans to achieve gold or silver in Journey to Excellence, you will have a strong and active program. 2. A method for evaluating your unit. Journey to Excellence provides tangible measurements based on things you are likely already tracking, such as how many campouts you have, how many youth are advancing, etc., and uses simple ways to calculate your performance. 3. Guidance in areas where you might do better. As you track your performance against the Journey to Excellence standards, you can easily see where you could do better. 4. Specific guidelines and standards of what is considered good performance. Journey to Excellence has specific, simple measures to help you. You can easily compare what you are doing against the standards. 5. Early warning of potential problem areas. You track any areas where your unit is not performing as you might like and have plenty of time to make corrections. 6. Recognition for good Scouting. You can proudly receive your bronze, silver, or gold recognition for your Scouting unit for the year. 7. Benchmarking to get ideas and tips from other good units. You can receive help and best practices in areas where other units have met the gold standard. In the areas where you are doing well, you can give help and ideas to other units. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Sample Troop Budget Journey to Excellence Measure: Planning & Budget - Have an annual program plan and budget adopted by the troop committee for Bronze. Achieve Bronze, plus troop committee reviews program plans and finances at least 6 times per year for Silver. Achieve Silver, plus troop conducts a planning meeting involving youth leaders for Gold. DETERMINE YOUR UNIT EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR Registrations Youth Registration Adult Registration Insurance Boys Life Program Supplies Awards Leader Materials Youth Books Program Supplies Court of Honor Supplies Leader Training Camping Opportunities Camp Phillips-Youth Camp Phillips-Adult Annual Cost Per Person $24.00 $24.00 $1.00 $12.00 Annual Cost Per Person $10.00 $12.00 $10.00 $250.00 $200.00 $100.00 Annual Cost Per Scout $260.00 Annual Cost Per Adult $150.00 Quantity x x x x equals equals equals equals Quantity x x x equals equals equals Quantity x equals Quantity x equals TOTAL EXPENSES Total Expense $ $ $ $ Total Expense $ $ $ $ 250.00 $ 200.00 $ 100.00 Total Expense $ Total Expense $ $ DETERMINE YOUR UNIT INCOME FOR THE YEAR Annual Cost Per Scout Unit Dues Quantity x Total Income equals $ TOTAL INCOME $ DETERMINE AMOUNT OF INCOME NEEDED FROM POPCORN SALE Total Expenses - Total Income $ *This is the total income you need from the popcorn sale in order to cover your expenses. DETERMINE POPCORN SALE GOALS TO MEET YOUR BUDGET Popcorn Commission % Gross Popcorn Sales Goal (Income Needed from Popcorn Sale/Popcorn Commission %) Per Boy Sales Goal (Gross Popcorn Sales Goal/Number of Scouts) % $ $ 18 Guidelines for Unit Funds and Accounts Tax ID Numbers Under the Chartered Partner Concept, Chartering Organizations (churches, service clubs, community organizations) “own” the Pack, Troop, Crew, Team, and Post units that are affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America’s program. To establish an account with a local bank, individual units have two options for obtaining a tax ID number. Units can either use the ID number of their charter organization or they can apply directly to the IRS for their own tax ID number. Often the IRS will provide the unit with a tax ID number over the telephone. Units are not permitted to use Chippewa Valley Council’s Federal Tax ID number because ID number transactions are reportable to the IRS and this number was assigned only for activities of the Chippewa Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, Inc. Reconciling Accounts The unit committee is responsible for unit finances. A treasurer is recruited to administer the account, and ideally the committee chair should receive the bank statement to reconcile. All unit funds should pass through the bank account including but not limited to dues, fundraising dollars, popcorn sales income, camping fees, and gifts. An exception might be registration fees which are collected as part of an organized School Night program. In this case, fees collected can be transmitted directly to the Scout Service Center. Funds not needed for registration at that time should be deposited in the Unit Account at the Scout Service Center and reserved for recharter fees. Checking Accounts Unit funds should be deposited in a checking account that requires two signatures on every check. Samefamily members must not approve payment or be the second signatory. The unit leader could be one of the signers, but it is recommended that it be a committee person. Unit leaders might have a petty cash fund (with a limit set by the unit committee) which is accounted for with receipts each month. The chartered organization should audit the unit finances annually and make this data available to the membership of the chartered organization. Unit Equipment The chartered organization “owns” the unit and all property and funds used by the unit remain the responsibility of the organization as long as the BSA charter remains in place. A unit is usually an unincorporated association, not a legal entity that can bear title to property. Gifts to a unit are almost never tax deductible. An annual inventory of a unit’s equipment should be given to the chartered partner. Insuring the unit’s equipment is recommended. If a unit is dissolved or the charter lapses or is revoked and all efforts to reorganize have been exhausted, the chartered partner shall apply unit funds and property to the payment of unit obligations and then give the surplus to the Council or another youth-serving program, Scout unit, or agency. Unit Accounts at the Scout Service Center All units can maintain an account at the Scout Service Center for the purchase of patches, pins, books, etc., at the Scout Shop or for registration, rechartering, Boys' Life subscriptions, or camping fees. A print-out of the account activity can be obtained from the Scout Service Center by calling (715) 832-6671. Only a current account balance may be given over the phone. Unit accounts are provided as an optional, complimentary, limited service. The funds do not earn interest and the bookkeeping system and software will not allow a negative balance. For adequate funds to be available, an account balance of at least $2 per youth member is recommended. Unit Money Earning Applications Any Pack, Troop, Team, Crew, or Post conducting a fundraiser must submit a BSA money-earning application (#4427) to the Scout Service Center well in advance of the event. This will familiarize the unit committee with BSA unit fundraising policies and allow volunteer District Committees to screen for disreputable companies or conflicting projects, to avoid United Way campaign times, and to approve the project. Approval is usually given at the District level but is always subject to review at the Council level. The Council product sale does not require an application. 19 Why Should Your Unit Sell Popcorn? The Chippewa Valley Council Popcorn Sale is a very important source of funding for local Scouting unit activities. The sale provides Scouting units with a safe, coordinated, unit money-earning opportunity with no upfront cost to the unit. In 2015, the Popcorn Sale provided over $235,000 in financial support directly to units in the Chippewa Valley Council. This included everything from paying for unit operations including program materials and gear, along with advancements, recognitions, camp fees, scholarships, uniforms, camping facilities, registrations, and training. What does this mean for your unit? You can use the Popcorn Sale to fund your entire year’s activities. Imagine being able to have great events, campouts, and have every boy go to summer camp without asking the family for any money. It’s possible with popcorn! Last year, the average sale per Scout was about $287 and some units achieved over $900 per Scout! Would you like to… Have a cohesive unit of adults and Scouts? Teach the Scouts & hence the unit the principles of free enterprise & “paying their own way”? Have all Scout activities paid without having to dip into your wallet? Eliminate the “hassle” of collecting dues every meeting? Buy lots of great equipment without breaking your budget? Buy your charter organization nice stuff each year as a “thank you”? Have fun with your Scouts! Unit Commissions Unit commissions starting at 25% and up to 32%. You can earn enough money to fund your unit’s Scouting program for the entire year. No Up-Front Money The Council allows your unit to order the product needed and pay later. Teaches Life Lessons Teaches Scouts the responsibility of “Earning His Own Way” and builds self-confidence. Scouts learn leadership skills and financial skills. 20 Important Popcorn Dates August 9, 2016 ~ 7:00 p.m. Clear Water Popcorn Kickoff at Bethesda Lutheran Tall Oaks Popcorn Kickoff at Christ Lutheran Church August 11, 2016 ~ 7:00 p.m. Blue Hills Popcorn Kickoff at Bethany Lutheran Glaciers End Popcorn Kickoff at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Stanley September 16, 2016 ~ Show & Deliver Orders Due September 30, 2016 ~ Show & Deliver Distribution October 1, 2016 through October 22, 2016 Popcorn Sale October 28, 2016 ~ Take Orders Due November 11, 2016 ~ Take Order Popcorn Distribution December 1, 2016 ~ Final Popcorn Payments Due Unit Prize Orders Due 21 Troop Communication What’s the secret to a great turnout at events and meetings, preparedness, and happy Scouts and families? Communication! Here are some helpful tips to make communication easier within your Troop: Use technology, but carefully — Tools like Facebook pages, mass emails, and electronic calendars can be helpful, but aren’t a “silver bullet” and they can’t replace all other forms of communication. Use multiple ways to deliver messages — Don’t just rely on one email or announcement to get the point across. Troops often use email, phone calls, text messages, Facebook pages, and announcements in unison to make sure families know what is coming up. Strike a balance — There is such thing as too much information, try to limit mass emails to one or two per week and use phone calls or text messages as reminders or when really needed. Do what works for each individual family — Some families don’t have access to email or other technologies, or don’t check it often. Make sure someone from the Troop is giving them a call or getting the info to them somehow. Plan ahead and have backup plans — If families are watching their email all day to see if they will have a meeting that night, you aren’t planning ahead far enough! A complete and accurate Troop calendar will provide an enormous amount of information in one spot and eliminate “emergency” communications the day of an event or meeting. 22 Building Boy Scouting Journey to Excellence Measure: Building Boy Scouting - Have an increase in membership or maintain a larger than average Troop size; Have a membership growth plan that includes a recruitment activity and register new members in the troop for Bronze; either increase youth members by 5% or have at least 25 members for Silver; either increase youth members by 10% or have at least 35 members for Gold. No one is a better recruiter for Scouting than a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer who is enjoying the fun and educational activities that Scouting has to offer. Scouts can earn the Recruiter Patch shown here by completing the following steps: Invite a friend to join your Cub Scout Pack, Boy Scout Troop, Varsity Team, or Venture Crew. They can attend a meeting or activity. New members must complete and turn in a Scouting registration form and pay the appropriate registration fees. Fill out the Recruiter Patch Application form and forward to your District Executive or Council Service Center. Scouts can earn this patch for each new member that is recruited. The recruiter patch is considered a temporary patch and may be worn on the right pocket of the uniform. Retention Journey to Excellence Measure: Retention - Retain a significant percentage of youth members; Reregister 75% of eligible members for Bronze; Reregister 80% of eligible members for Silver; Reregister 85% of eligible members for Gold. Boy Scout retention is maintained and improved with active youth. If youth are going camping once a month, attending summer camp and one additional long term adventure during the summer, they are more likely to stay in Scouting. Boy Scouts drop out of the program if the troop simply meets and does not go camping and boys are not advancing. By planning and delivering the Scouting program correctly, you will retain youth in the great Scouting program. 23 Webelos-to-Scout Transition Journey to Excellence Measure: Webelos-to-Scout Transition - With a Pack or Webelos Den hold two joint activities for Bronze. Achieve Bronze, plus recruit two Webelos Scouts for Silver. Achieve Bronze, plus provide at least one Den Chief to a Pack and recruit five Webelos Scouts for Gold. Moving from a Webelos Scout to a Boy Scout is an exciting transition for every boy. The passage from Cub Scout Pack to Boy Scout Troop should be smooth, with no time lost in between. It should be the goal of the Cubmaster, Den Leaders, and Troop Leaders to graduate every Webelos Scout into a Boy Scout Troop. Scouting should be viewed as an ongoing adventure, and the progression should be as normal as moving from elementary school to middle school. Below are the tips to keep your Webelos engaged in moving on to Boy Scouts! These action steps are in place to help guide every leader through the transition process, while giving the Webelos a chance to become familiar and comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the Troop, their role in the Troop and Troop activities, and feel excited about beginning this new adventure. Some of the terminology above may be new to you so here are some definitions to further guide you in this process. Pack and Troop Leader Action Steps for Successful Webelos Scout Transition th By Dates Who: 5 Grade Webelos Den Leader (WL) Who: Troop Assistant Scoutmaster (SA) August Attend District Program Kickoff. Complete a Webelos Patrol roster. Give roster of Webelos Scouts to Troop(s). Plan with Troop(s) for Webelos Scouts to attend Fall Camporee. Follow-up with Webelos Scouts to attend Fall Camporee with a Troop. Who: District Webelos-to-Scout Transition Chair Prepare and present list of partnered Packs and Troops in their area. Include leader’s names and phone #’s, number of members, meeting place & day of the week. September Webelos attend Fall Camporee with Troop(s). Request Webelos Den Chief(s). Invite Webelos to participate in Troop activities: Court of Honor, hike, service project, etc. Promote planning an Orientation Meeting for Webelos Scouts and parents held by the Troops. October 15 Hold a meeting with Troop leaders to plan and schedule: Parent & Webelos Orientation, Troop meeting visit, and Webelos graduation/transition. Hold a meeting with Webelos leaders to plan and schedule: Parent & Webelos Orientation, Troop meeting visit, Webelos graduation/transition. Check that all units have scheduled Parent & Webelos Orientation, Troop meeting visit, and Webelos graduation/ transition. Encourage Troops/Packs to attend Webelos Woods. November Attend Parent & Webelos Orientation meeting held by troop leaders. Attend Webelos Woods. Invite 5th grade Webelos Scouts and their parents to an orientation meeting. Webelos complete applications. Have Troop attend Webelos Woods. NovemberFebruary Plan & Coordinate with troop to have Webelos continue participation in troop activities. Sign up for Webelos Lock-in. Select Troop activities for Webelos to attend. Register to host a station at Webelos Lock-in. FebruaryMarch Blue & Gold Banquet. Pack invites Troop to attend and participate. Webelos receive Arrow of Light (if earned). Attend Webelos Lock-in. Troop registers all 5th grade Webelos as Boy Scouts. Host a station at Webelos Lock-in. April-May Attend Spring Camporee. Attend Spring Camporee and encourage Scouts to help at District Pinewood Derby. Encourage continued contacts between Troop and Webelos. Encourage attendance of Troops and Packs at Webelos Lock-in. Follow-up with un-transitioned Webelos. Den Chief: A Boy Scout or Venturer who assists the adult leaders of the Pack. Parent and Webelos Orientation: A meeting hosted by a troop to inform parents and Webelos of Troop expectations, dues, activities, and answer any questions Webelos and parents may have. Need more guidance on this subject? Ask your Unit Commissioner or District Webelos Transition Chair by calling the Council Office to get their contact information. 24 Boy Scout Advancement Journey to Excellence Measure: Advancement - Achieve a high percentage of Boy Scouts earning rank advancements. Have 40% of Boy Scouts advance one rank for Bronze; Have 50% of Boy Scouts advance one rank for Silver; Have 60% of Boy Scouts advance one rank for Gold. Here’s a step-by-step way to build Advancement into your Troop and ensure that your Scouts are moving forward. Two important events to keep in mind are moving from Arrow of Light to First Class Rank in the first year of Boy Scouting and getting to that first Merit Badge Clinic. Familiarize yourself with the advancement procedures for your Troop. The Scoutmaster Handbook is a great resource. Attend Merit Badge Events! In addition to Troop-sponsored opportunities to earn Merit Badges there also will be clinics offered through the year. The number and size may vary. There are a number of Merit Badges offered that can be completed at these events, and this is a great opportunity for Scouts to have fun and learn a lot. Each clinic has many different Merit Badges for a Scout to choose from. Get to Camp! The First Year Camper program is set up to help new Scouts complete a large number of the Tenderfoot through First Class requirements as well as merit badges. This gives them a sense of accomplishment right out of the gate, but it is also designed to help you get them settled into the Troop and make it easier for you to help them achieve “First Class in the First Year.” Older Scouts can plan a Second Class or even a Star service project to help improve the camp. Enter earned advancements online monthly using Internet Advancement (detailed instructions can be found on our website). Immediate recognition of achievement is a powerful incentive for Scouts to continue learning and advancing. When a boy has finished the requirements for a rank, you as Scoutmaster can present him with his badge during a very simple ceremony at the close of the troop meeting. Leaving the meeting with his new badge in hand, a Scout’s enthusiasm and self-esteem will be greatly enhanced. Advancement trackers and forms can all be found on the Council website under the Resources link. Another great resource is www.scouting.org. Click on Boy Scouts to find tons of great information, some you can just download! Local resources available to you include your District Trainers, Advancement Team, Commissioners, District Executive and other Scoutmasters in your district. 25 Selecting Quality Leaders The leadership of the Boy Scout Troop is an important part of the success of the Boy Scout Program. The adult leadership of the Troop will influence the life of every boy and family involved in the program. It is essential to find qualified individuals to fill the leadership roles of the Troop. Quality, trained leadership helps ensure that the youth learn leadership and have fun while successfully moving through the Boy Scout Program and work towards achieving the Rank of Eagle. The following is a suggested list of steps to help recruit new leaders for the Boy Scout Program. 1. Assign a Leadership Selection Team - This team may include a member of the Charter Organization, members of the Troop committee, parents, or other individuals interested in the success of the Troop. 2. Establish a list of prospects - This list should be made by the leadership selection team. The list should include the names of parents and other family members involved in Scouting. It may also include members from the charter organization. Encourage team members to suggest additional names that may make good candidates. Once a list has been created, it may be helpful to evaluate prospects to determine which positions would be a good fit for each. 3. Schedule a meeting - Contact the prospects and invite them to the meeting and explain it is important to the youth of the community. Attempt to schedule the meeting at a time that facilitates the greatest number of people attending. It may be beneficial to contact prospects in person in order to personally encourage the individual to attend. 4. Conduct the meeting - Begin by explaining the importance of Boy Scouting for the boys as well as the community. Clearly state your purpose for the meeting as finding qualified individuals to fill all of the open leadership positions within the Troop. Use the resources found in the Troop Committee Guidebook to display the needs of your Troop and explain the duties and commitment for each position. Don’t be afraid to make specific requests of individuals who may be a good fit for a specific position. Continue to discuss the needs of the Troop and benefits to the volunteers to encourage full participation and fill all the leadership roles. 5. Welcome and thank new leaders - Recognition is important! Also, be sure to have each volunteer fill out the Adult Registration Application and explain to them the required training for their position. Give each volunteer a list of the resources and training for starting their position. 6. Follow-up - Ensure the training is completed in a timely manner and the volunteer is prepared to start at the beginning of the new Scout year. 26 Journey to Excellence Measure: Short Term Camping - The troop conducts short term or weekend campouts throughout the year. Conduct four short-term overnight campouts for Bronze, seven campouts for Silver, nine campouts for Gold. The Council provides two great facilities for short term camping: Winter Camp at L. E. Phillips Scout Reservation and Camp Brunswick. There are other great facilities to use for these events. It is essential that Troops are camping once a month. You cannot use the outdoors as your classroom for leadership development if you are in a church basement. Short-term camping creates a sense of adventure in every Boy Scout, giving them the confidence to go, see, and do everything that they can in a weekend. Winter Camping Facilities Winter camping is an amazing opportunity for your Troop. Check out the facilities that you can come up and enjoy during the winter at Phillips Scout Reservation! YUKON LODGE: Houses a maximum of 20 Scouts and leaders Gas stove, refrigerator, 20 bunks and mattresses, gas furnace for heat Indoor plumbing (1 shower/1 toilet) Cost is $150.00 for the group for the weekend SOURDOUGH LODGE: Houses a maximum of 20 Scouts and leaders Gas stove, refrigerator, 20 bunks and mattresses, gas furnace for heat Indoor plumbing (1 shower/1 toilet) Cost is $150.00 for the group for the weekend BADEN-POWELL LODGE: Houses a maximum of 20 Scouts and leaders Refrigerator, fireplace for cooking and heat, gas furnace heat to keep from freezing only, electric stove for cooking, wood stove for heat, tables, chairs, bunks, mattresses Indoor plumbing (1 shower/2 toilets) Cost is $150.00 for the group for the weekend POLAR BEAR LODGE: Houses a maximum of 38 Scouts and leaders Gas stove for cooking, tables, refrigerator, gas furnace for heat, 38 bunks and mattresses No indoor restroom or shower Cost is $130.00 for the group for the weekend FORT RICE: Houses a maximum of 40 Scouts and leaders Stove for cooking, tables, refrigerator, furnace for heat, 38 bunks and mattresses Indoor restroom and showers Cost is $275.00 for the group for the weekend If you would like to make a reservation please call the Scout Service Center at 715-832-6671 or fill out the Winter Camp Reservation Form on the website. Reservations are held with payment for the facilities rental. 27 Camp Brunswick We are excited to offer Camp Brunswick as a new Wilderness Education destination. The property features 40 acres of land only a few minutes south of Eau Claire. Any Scouting unit can utilize the property. Camp Brunswick is available for campouts, unit day trips, and meeting locations. Located south of Eau Claire off Hwy 37 on County Road B. From Eau Claire, drive south on Highway 37, turn south onto County Hwy B. Turn west onto Mitchell Road and an immediate left (north) onto Williams Court. Proceed to the top of the cul-de-sac for access to Camp Brunswick. To reserve a spot at Camp Brunswick for your group, contact the Council Service Center to check availability. SERVICES AVAILABLE Running Water - Hand Pump 2 Camp Sites Parking Lot 3-Stall Comfort Station Olson Wilderness Education Center Nature/Hiking PROGRAM OFFERINGS Scout Unit Campouts Meeting Place Hiking Geo-caching Shooting Sports Low COPE Course Dueling Zip Lines 28 Camp Phillips Journey to Excellence Measure: Long Term Camping The troop participates in a long term camp for Bronze; 60% of Scouts attend a long-term camp for Silver; 70% of Scouts attend a long-term camp for Gold. Don’t Miss Some of the Older Boy Program Highlights “Phillips Explorers” - Spend a night camping on Bear Lake after kayaking, biking, swimming from the pontoon, or hiking to your destination. Over 40 different merit badges available. Earn your “Phillips Experience” award by participating in a variety of programs during your week at Camp. Provide great leadership to the younger Scouts attending Camp Phillips by accepting new challenges yourself. Daily open program areas each afternoon including Shooting Sports for open rifle, shotgun, and archery; waterfront for swimming and boating; open COPE and climbing; and open sailing. Some Favorite Programs of Older Scouts: Davey Crockett Shooting Sports: Black Powder, Long Bow, Tomahawk Throwing High Five: Create Your Own Adventure by picking five different high adventure type activities as a group and experience them throughout the week. Kayaking, snorkeling, adventure hike, overnight float trip, and much more. COPE & Climbing: New and enhanced High COPE course and climbing tower with zip lines and 15 advanced elements. Join us for open program or take part in COPE throughout the week. Expanded low COPE elements in 2015. Pistol Program: Program for Scouts to learn to safely operate a pistol. Counselor In Training (C.I.T.) Program Scouts who are at least age 14 and the rank of First Class can spend two weeks expanding their skills and getting a taste of being on Camp Staff by participating in the C.I.T. program. Find the application form at: www.bsa-cvc.org/camping Make Plans to Attend with Your Troop Now! 29 30 The thrill of our High Adventure Bases runs far and wide across America, and nobody in the world is better at sharing those experiences than the Scouts. Nobody. Nobody offers more exhilarating or a wider variety of high adventure for young people than the Boy Scouts of America. Through high adventure experiences, the Boy Scouts of America leaves lasting memories with youth and fosters development in character and leadership. Challenge yourself at BSA's High Adventure Bases. From the aquatic adventures of Florida Sea Base to the canoeing or winter camping challenge of Northern Tier, from the backpacking expeditions at Philmont Scout Ranch to the adventure sports programs at The Summit Bechtel Reserve, these experiences will shape you and teach you about yourself. Will you answer the call? For more information on National High Adventure Bases, call Ryan McDonald at the Scout Service Center at (715) 832-6671. 31 Community Service Journey to Excellence Measure: Service Projects - The Troop participates in service projects, with at least one benefiting your chartered organization. Participate in 3 service projects and enter on website for Bronze; participate in 4 service projects and enter on website for Silver; participate in 5 service projects and enter on website for Gold. Scouting was founded on the premise of doing a Good Turn daily. Community service is very important in the character-building process and, as Scouts, we have made the commitment to give back to our communities. Service to others and good citizenship is learned through such outdoor activities as conservation projects, collecting food, building trails and shelters, and conducting community service projects that promote healthy living. Through helping other people, Scouts learn to appreciate how they can share themselves and their blessings to those in need. By giving service to benefit others, Scouts gain a sense of personal satisfaction. While a Scout should do his best to help other people every day, a group service project is a bigger way to help people. While you are giving service, you are learning to work together with others to do something that is good for your community. Service projects may help the natural world, the community, or the chartered organization. Here are some examples of service activities Scouts can do. Helping the natural world Pick up litter around your neighborhood. Clean up trash in and around rivers, lakes, and streams. Plant seedlings, flowers, or trees. Helping the community Give a flag ceremony for a school. Collect food for food banks. Shovel snow or rake leaves for seniors. Hand out voting reminders. Hand out emergency procedure brochures. Conduct visiting or reading programs for seniors. Helping the chartered organization Do a cleanup project. Plant and care for trees. Conduct a flag ceremony. Help set up for a special event. Hand out programs or bulletins at a meeting of the organization. For additional ideas and tips, please visit the Council Community Service Webpage at www.bsa-cvc.org/communityservice. You can log your service hours (instructions to do so are located on the website) so you get credit for all the great service your Troop is providing your Community. This year we are continuing the Good News Contest. The information is located on the website as well as in the appendix of this manual. Other Community Service Tips: As with selling popcorn, try to have your Scouts in uniform and use the buddy system. Recruit a parent to head up community service efforts. This person’s responsibilities should include: Send a press release or public service announcement to your local paper. Invite them to come and take photos. Explain the importance of community service in the Scouting program. Enter the service hours. Submit newspaper articles for the Good News Contest. Make the project fun for the Scouts and family members, incorporate a picnic or potluck before or afterwards, have games or activities available. Make community service a part of your annual planning so it doesn’t get forgotten! 32 Youth Leadership Development Journey to Excellence Measure: Patrol Method - The troop has patrols, and each patrol has a patrol leader, there is an SPL if more than one patrol, the PLC meets at least four times a year for Bronze. Achieve Bronze, plus PLC meets at least 6 times a year, including a Patrol Leader Training for Silver. Achieve Silver, plus PLC meets at least 10 times a year, and one Scout attends an advanced training course such as National Youth Leadership Training or Order of the Arrow Conference for Gold. Vision: The Boy Scouts of America is the premier leadership development organization for youth in the United States of America. Methods: The youth leadership training continuum represents the scope and sequence of leadership training courses available to youth members of the Boy Scouts of America. Courses are available for youth ranging in age from 11 through 20, delivered in a range of engaging methods using case studies, games, discussions, and experiential education models. Courses: Introduction to Leadership Skills for the Troop (ILST) provides an introduction to leadership skills for youth in Boy Scout troops. The training course is delivered to the youth of the troop by older and more experienced youth as soon as a young person has been selected by his or her peers for a leadership position. Youth are introduced to the skills of leadership and the tools they will use to implement their vision of adventure and leadership in their role as a youth leader in their troop or crew. The syllabus is available from the BSA through the youth training link on the BSA’s Training web page: www.scouting.org/Training/Youth If your troop would like help putting on this course for the first time, contact your District Executive and they can help find someone to mentor your troop through the process. National Youth Leadership Training National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is a leadership training course delivered by the local Council to help youth further develop their capacity as leaders. The leadership skills introduced in ILS are developed in greater detail, and the week-long training course delivers the skills by modeling a month in the life of a Scouting unit. Youth who function in leadership roles in their Troop or Crew will benefit from the experiences developed in this course. The 2016 course will be held June 5th - 11th; the 2017 course will be June 11th – 17th, at the L.E. Phillips Scout Reservation. Registration paperwork and further information is available at: http://www.bsa-cvc.org/AboutUs/CouncilTraining/NYLT 33 Youth Leadership Development Nin Wâbanish February 10-12, 2017 – is the Chippewa Valley Council’s adult training experience for winter camping. Participants will undergo three days of fast paced sessions with hands-on opportunities. In Ojibwa nin wâbanish means I survive winter, or I lived to see spring. Course participants will not only learn skills to make that possible, but to make it comfortable and fun as well. Areas to be covered will range from principles of staying warm, equipping economically, how to prepare Scouts and Ventures for cold weather camping, types of shelters, how to get to the camp sight, sleds, menu planning, meal packaging and preparation, places to winter camp, winter safety, winter leave no trace and others. Be watching for more information to come. Powder Horn While not a leadership development course, completion of Powder Horn provides access to program information that will be of value to any Boy Scout or Venturer. Described as a highadventure resource management course, Powder Horn exposes participants to elements of high-adventure programming and how to develop the resources necessary to implement the same high-quality programming into troops and crews. Powder Horn is offered through the local Council or a cluster of local Councils. Boy Scout participants must be at least 14 years of age to participate; Venturing youth must be at least 13 (and have completed the 8th grade) to participate. Completion of NYLT is recommended for youth participants and required for youth staff members. National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience The National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) is an exciting program of the Philmont Training Center in Cimarron, New Mexico where young men and women enhance their leadership skills in the Philmont backcountry. Scouts will expand upon the team-building and ethical decision-making skills learned in National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). NAYLE uses elements of the Philmont Ranger Training as well as advanced search-and-rescue skills to teach leadership, teamwork, and the lessons of selfless service. NAYLE will offer Scouts an unforgettable Philmont backcountry wilderness experience where they live leadership and teamwork, using the core elements of NYLT to make their leadership skills intuitive. Boy Scout participants must be at least 14 years of age to participate; Venturing youth must be at least 13 (and have completed the 8th grade) to participate. Participants must be approved by their unit leader to participate in NAYLE. NYLT is a prerequisite for participation in NAYLE. 34 Troop Committee Resources Journey to Excellence Measure: Leadership & Family Engagement - The troop is proactive in recruiting sufficient leaders & communicates regularly with parents. Have a Scoutmaster, an assistant Scoutmaster, and a committee with at least three members for Bronze; Achieve Bronze, plus the troop holds two courts of honor where troop plans are reviewed with parents for Silver; Achieve Bronze, plus the troop holds three courts of honor where troop plans are reviewed with parents for Gold. Has your Troop ever had to deal with a challenging situation? Was there a strong committee of parents and other adults to help with this? A well-structured Troop Committee allows the Scoutmaster to focus on youth leadership development and mentoring. They need support from a committee on matters such as fundraising, records and registration, planning civic service, and advancement. Your District Team (commissioners, committee, executive) are committed to helping units develop and establish functioning committees through individual coaching and training. Remember, the role of the Scoutmaster is to work with the Patrol Leaders Council to execute their plan, not orchestrate all functions of the Troop—that is the role of the committee. Plan For Your Unit’s Long-Term Success It is far better to find 10 people who can do the work of one, than it is to find one person who can do the work of 10! Take a look at your Unit—is the leadership strategically placed to make your plans for long-term success come true? Each unit position should have parent participation and future leadership representation. Seasoned leadership will help us continue to grow and strengthen our Unit, serving as top leaders. Experienced parents and leaders act as co-chairs and co-leaders. Newest members can observe, help, and learn to take on future leadership roles. Remember, everyone has something to contribute and may be waiting for you to ask for help. Positions Chartered Organization Rep. (CR) Scoutmaster (CM) Committee Chair (CC) New Patrol Assistant Scoutmaster (SA) Older Boy Patrol Assistant Scoutmaster (SA) Equipment Coordinator (MC/SA) Training Coordinator (MC) Secretary (MC) Treasurer (MC) Advancement Chair (MC) Outdoor/Activities Chair (MC) Popcorn Kernel (MC) Summer Camp Coordinator (MC) Name (2016) Name (2017) Name (2018) 35 Trained Leadership Journey to Excellence Measure: Trained leadership - Have trained and engaged leaders at all levels. Scoutmasters and assistants have completed position-specific training and youth protection training for Bronze; Achieve Bronze, plus the Scoutmaster and 60% of assistants have completed position-specific training or will complete within three months of joining for Silver; Achieve Silver, plus two-thirds of active committee members must have completed Troop Committee Challenge and at least one person has attended an advanced training course for Gold. To be considered a “Trained Leader” a Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster needs to have taken Youth Protection within the last two years; completed Boy Scout Leader’s Training and also completed Introduction to Outdoor Skills. Youth Protection offered: 10/29/16; 1/28/17; 2/3/17 Youth Protection Training is available online at: http://www.bsa-cvc.org/Training/Adult.aspx. Please submit your completion certificate to the Scout Service Center. Youth Protection will also be available at Boy Scout Summer Camp on Sunday evenings. No cost for this training. Boy Scout Leader’s Training: Introductory training provides information on operating a successful Boy Scout Troop – perfect for Scoutmasters, Assistants, Committee Members, and active parents. Over the course of four hours, learn about the methods of Boy Scouting, essentials of youth leadership, policies and procedures for Troop operations, and more. Training occurs in an interactive, discussion-based format. Training offered at the Chippewa Valley Council Merit Badge University as well as the Webelo’s Lock In. Boy Scout Leader’s Training offered: 10/29/16; 1/28/17; 2/3/17; 4/1/17 Outdoor Leader Skills for WEBELOS/Boy Scout Leaders (OWL/OLS): A weekend or weeknight training designed to give the Scouting volunteers all the skills necessary to provide outdoor programming for the youth in your Den, Pack or Troop. Learn the basic outdoor skills covered in the Webelos and Arrow of Light Adventures as well as other basics skills to help prepare your WEBELOS for Boy Scouting. Training typically goes from 8 am Saturday to 12 noon Sunday; also can be earned during the week of summer camp at Camp Phillips., or through a series of weeknights in Spring. Weekend Class: October 15-16, 2016 at L.E. Phillips Scout Reservation Evening Class: March 23, March 30, May 18 and May 23, 2017 (all four nights must be attended) - Location TBD Camp Phillips: Offered each week at Camp, 9am - noon, Monday - Friday E.D.G.E.: Looking to further develop your presentation skills for Pack, Troop, or Committee meetings (or any other venue requiring public speaking)? Then this is the training for you. Join us to learn tips and tricks for effective presentations following the format of “Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable.” Stay tuned for upcoming training dates and locations. Trainings at Summer Camp: A variety of trainings can be earned while you are at summer camp including: Youth Protection, Boy Scout Leader’s Training, Introduction to Outdoor Skills, Paddlecraft Safety, Safe Swim Defense/Safety Afloat, Climb on Safely, Trek Safely, Leave No Trace, and Advancement Training. See the Boy Scout Camp Leader’s Guide for more 36 Trained Leadership: Additional Required and Supplemental Trainings Leave No Trace Training Preserving the Beauty and Maintaining Our Access to the Land Participants will identify personal nature awareness and stewardship goals. Advanced skills, but simple ones, will be learned to ensure a minimum-impact (Leave No Trace) experience on all outdoor experiences. Training is effective for adults and youth within all families of the Boy Scouts of America: Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Varsity Scout Teams, Venturing Crews, and Explorer Posts. At the end of this session, participants will be able to Identify personal nature awareness and stewardship goals. Learn simple, but effective, skills related to minimum impact outdoor activities. Develop an action plan for implementing Leave No Trace principles on future outdoor activities. Trainings are offered during Summer Camp, Merit Badge Universities, and if your Troop is interested, can be taught by request. Please contact the Scout Service Center (715-832-6671). Youth Protection Youth Protection is the required safety training of the Boy Scouts of America. This training is expected and required of all Scout volunteers, regardless of position. This includes not just those who are actively doing program with youth such as Den Leaders and Scoutmasters but also Pack and Troop Committee members as well as involved parents. This training is designed to help keep our Scouting participants safe from abuse. You will learn the Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Protection Guidelines; signs of abuse; and how to report suspected abuse. We appreciate your commitment to Scouting and your commitment to a program which is safe all of our Scouts as well as all of our adult volunteers. To complete your Youth Protection training follow these steps: 1. 2. Visit the web site my.scouting.org. The best browser to use is Google Chrome. Log in or create an account. Reference your BSA Member ID # when creating an account OR select “No” at the query “Do You Know Your Member No.?” 37 3. After creating an account you will receive an email notification with your account information, including a member ID/ reference number. 4. Upon logging in to my.scouting.org select the button on the right hand side of the screen – Youth Protection Begins with You. 5. At the screen labeled “My Youth Protection Training” select “Youth Protection Training”. 6. Youth Protection Training takes about 25 minutes to complete and includes some video content as well as some questions to answer. The training begins with 7 minutes of video before a progress check occurs. 38 7. Progress checks continue to occur approximately every six minutes. If a question is answered incorrectly you are able to re-answer. 8. One of the final steps to complete the training is to select your local Council. Select “Chippewa Valley Council - #637”. 9. To finalize your training, type in your name. Enter your Unit Number. Select “Print Certificate”. 10. You will now be at a screen where a certificate can be printed. 11. To ensure you are recorded as Youth Protection trained, please submit your certificate in one of the following ways: Print a certificate and mail to the Scout Service Center. Print a certificate and deliver by hand to a member of the Council Staff. Take a screen shot and email to Catherine Keys, cakeys@bsamail.org. Print as a pdf and email to Catherine Keys, cakeys@bsamail.org. 12. Once you have printed or saved your certificate, you have completed Youth Protection Training. Training should be completed every two years. 39 Risk Management - Incidents and Close Calls We want you to know that the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees is an important part of the Scouting experience. Youth develop traits of citizenship, character, fitness, and leadership during age-appropriate events when challenged to move beyond their normal comfort level, and discover their abilities. This is appropriate when risks are identified and mitigated. The Scouting program, as contained in our handbooks and literature, integrates many safety features. However, no policy or procedure will replace the review and vigilance of trusted adults and leaders at the point of program execution. Commit yourself to creating a safe and healthy environment by: Knowing and executing the BSA program as contained in our publications Planning tours, activities, and events with vigilance using the tools provided Setting the example for safe behavior and equipment use during program Engaging and educating all participants in discussions about hazards and risks Reporting incidents in a timely manner (incident forms available in the Guide to Safe Scouting) Risk management is the job of everyone involved with a Scout outing. Everyone should keep their eyes and ears peeled for unsafe conditions and report these conditions to the appropriate person (typically the event chair). When planning and executing any Scouting event, review the Guide to Safe Scouting and supporting material for the particular activity (example: Belay On for climbing events). Risk management also involves ensuring that all adults are properly trained for the role that they will be fulfilling for any event. This would include: Youth Protection for all adults Position specific training for registered adults (example: Den Leader Specific Training for a Den Leader) Program specific training for an event (example: a Wilderness First Aid trained adult for a trip to Northern Tier) We do understand that even with the best foresight and training, incidents can happen. There is a reporting procedure that we ask all Scouting events to follow in the case of an incident or a close call. Reporting incidents allows us to discover trends, respond, follow up, and accurately reflect on a situation. If an incident happens at an event you are running, please follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Ensure the safety of every person involved. Inform onsite Director or event coordinator of the incident or near miss. Inform anyone else that would need to know of the incident (parents or siblings for example). Fill out the Incident Report, Near Miss Report, or Youth Protection Incident Form as accurately as possible using eye witness accounts (only report facts, do not insert opinions). Turn in the form to the Council Office. All incident reporting forms can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting or on the BSA’s Safe Scouting website at (along with other risk management resources): http://www.scouting.org/Home/HealthandSafety.aspx 40 Appendix The next set of pages is information for your reference. It covers some important information as well as great Boy Scout programs that your Troop can work together to accomplish! Recharterganza/Annual Charter Renewal Page 41 Scoutbook-Online Advancement Tracking Page 42 Chili Cook-Off Page 43 Webelos Woods Page 44 Scouting for Food Page 45 Scout Night with the Express Page 46 Council Staff Directory Page 47-48 Order of the Arrow Page 49 Career Exploring Page 50 Manufacturing Boot Camp Page 51 Annual Good News Contest Page 52 Venturing Programs Page 53 Scout Shop Information Page 54 41 Annual Charter Renewal Process The annual Charter Renewal (or “recharter”) process is when each Pack or Troop confirms the youth and adults who are part of their unit at that time. Through this process, inactive youth and adults are removed from the Scouting roster; adult leaders update their positions; and fees for each youth/adult and any Boys’ Life registrations are submitted. This process is conducted online. Resources to assist in the process include the Council Service Center; your unit commissioner; District Executives; and the annual Recharterganza nights. RECHARTERGANZA The Chippewa Valley Council is again hosting events for volunteers to complete their unit’s Rechartering and 2016 Journey to Excellence Award. Each unit is invited to come to their District’s RECHARTERGANZA. Come and enjoy a soda and pizza and complete your unit recharter and 2016 Journey to Excellence scorecard. Assistance will be available on the recharter process the whole evening. This year all charters are due at the Council Office on 12/16/2016. Dates for 2016 Recharterganza Clear Water District: November 8, 2016 Tall Oaks District: November 8, 2016 Blue Hills District: November 10, 2016 Glaciers End District: November 2, 2016; November 9, 2016; November 10, 2016 Times and locations are to be determined. Please make plans now to join us for a productive evening! Rechartering Timeline September - Collect $25.00 from returning families at the first Troop Meeting October - Finalize list of Scouts and leaders that are participating in 2016 - 2017 November - Attend Recharterganza, finish rechartering, obtain signatures and applications December 16, 2016 - All charters are due at the Council Service Center What Should YOU Bring to RECHARTERGANZA? Below is a list of all the items your unit should bring to accomplish all RECHARTERGANZA criteria. The Council will provide all other pieces of information to help make the most of your time that evening. List of all outdoor activities your Troop participated in 2016 List of all service projects your Troop completed in 2016 Current Roster with current youth ranks listed Troop checkbook/blank check from Treasurer All new youth applications for those not listed on your current roster All new adult applications with approximate date of youth protection training and any other completed trainings (or printed certificate) 42 Scout Book Advancement Enhance Your Scouting Experience Services Include Introducing ScoutBook, a new Advancement Tracking service available for Packs, Troops, and Venture Crews! This service is available for any Chippewa Track Advancements Plan Scouting Events Message Your Entire Unit Track Activities Imagine updating your Scout’s advancement with a click of a button. Or checking See Missing Training their progress, uploading photos of their service project, or getting approval for a Invite Parents completed merit badge/Adventure Loop. How easy would it be to check the Upload Photos and Videos Scout Trip easier? Wouldn’t it be easier to check to see if you are following BSA’s Works An All Smart Phones most up-to-date requirements? Fun and easy for all ages Valley Council Scouting Unit. Visit www.ScoutBook.com to get started! training status of your leaders, or print off a generated shopping list to make your Scout Book is the web app that does all of that plus a whole lot more. Some Packs and Troops in our Council are already using it. ScoutBook can also pull data from BSA’s ScoutNet Advancement records database and will soon sync automatically. www.ScoutBook.com ScoutBook—www.FB.com/Scoutbookcom 43 44 Webelos Woods October 29 - 30, 2016 ALL Webelos & Arrow of Light Dens and Boy Scout Troops are invited! What Is It? Webelos Woods is an outdoor and over-night program designed to introduce Webelos and their parents to a variety of Boy Scout activities. It helps make the transition into Boy Scouting more exciting. The weekend is filled with fun activities, intriguing demonstrations, and plenty of outdoor excitement. “Webelos Patrols” rotate through a variety of activity stations staffed by Boy Scout Troops. Boy Scouts explain, demonstrate, guide, and enable the Webelos in doing Scout skills and playing outdoor games. An emphasis is put on hands-on activities. Who Can Participate? All Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts, their parents, and leaders are invited to participate in the weekend event. Boy Scout Troops are highly encouraged to attend to staff an activity station and to host a campsite. Where? The event is held at the Boy Scout Camp. Activity stations are in the main areas of Camp. On Saturday night, Webelos and Webelos Adults get to camp in a Boy Scout Campsite with a Host Troop. Webelos and their adults sleep in cabins or they can use their own tents. In case of inclement weather, the Winter Camp Lodges and Fort Rice will also be available for use. Boy Scout Troops bring their own tents to use in their assigned campsite. What is the cost? The cost includes a patch (for Webelos only), three meals (Saturday lunch and supper & Sunday breakfast), and Saturday evening’s Cracker Barrel. All Troops and Dens MUST pre-register by submitting the registration form and payment to the Scout Service. The cost and registration deadline will be published in a flyer in Fall 2016. What about adult leadership? Each Webelos Den must have Two-Deep Leadership. It is the leader’s responsibility to participate with their Den throughout the weekend. Of course, Troops must have proper Two-Deep Leadership, too. What to Bring: Webelos Dens and Boy Scout Troops - Scout uniform, water bottle or thermos, flashlight, and toiletry items - Sleeping Bag and EXTRA BLANKETS (Warm = Happy) - Sleeping Pad (Troop checks out mattresses for the Webelos Cabins) - Jug of drinking water and wash water to use at your Campsite. - Snack items for your Scouts. - Plate, bowl, cup, and silverware for Saturday evening’s Cracker Barrel. - Clothing (appropriate for November). Dressing in layers of polypropylene (Under Armour, etc.), fleece and wool clothing is recommended. These materials "wick" body moisture away from your skin. Dry is warmer. Proper attire might include: Warm jacket, outdoor fall sportswear, boots, extra socks, gloves, stocking hat, clean and dry fleece pajamas/sweats for sleeping, rain coat, clean clothes for Sunday morning, etc. 45 Scouting for Food What is Scouting for Food? As Scouts, we know how fortunate we are to have a warm meal every night — whether around the campfire or at the kitchen table. And we know that not everyone is so lucky. Scouts all across the nation do their part to help address this problem in their local communities through this annual food drive. Scouting for Food takes place on two consecutive Saturdays. On the first Saturday, Scouts distribute door hangers to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second, Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food and other nonperishable items. Why Participate? This is a great opportunity for Scouts to earn service hours for ranks while making a big impact on their community. It helps to strengthen Scouting’s ties to the community, and is also an easy-to-plan program for your Pack or Troop to do in April. And most importantly, Scouts have fun doing it! Dates: Door hanger distribution: April 1, 2017 Food Pick-Up: April 8, 2017 Door hangers and more detailed information will be distributed at the March District Roundtable meetings, and will be available at the Scout Service Center or from your District Executive. 46 47 Staff Directory If you have questions on particular projects are events, please feel free to contact the individual listed below. Everyone can be reached at the Council Service Center at 715-832-6671. Accounting Advancement After-School Cub Scouting BALOO Training Barron County Scouting (Blue Hills District) Boy Scout Leader Training Boy Scout Resident Camp Brunswick Programming BSA Today Newsletter Chili Cook Off Chippewa County Scouting (Glaciers End District) Clark County Scouting (Glaciers End District) Commissioners Community Service COPE & Climbing Council Annual Dinner Council Boy Scout Activities Council Calendar Council Facebook Page Council High Adventure Cub Scout Leader Training Cub World Summer Resident Camp Day Camp Dunn County Scouting (Tall Oaks District) Eagle Paperwork Easter Egg Hunt Eau Claire County Scouting (Clear Water) EDGE Training Empowered Leadership Event Registration Executive Board Exploring Program Fall Cub Camp Friends of Scouting Fundraising Events Fundraising Support / Data Management Insurance Pam Schumacher Joe Larson Joe Carlson Matt Dienger Sarah Peterson Matthew Janeway Ryan McDonald Ryan McDonald Tracie Dallas Matthew Janeway Matthew Janeway Matthew Janeway Joe Carlson Sarah Peterson Ryan McDonald Andrea Blaeser Matthew Janeway Joe Carlson Joe Larson Ryan McDonald Sarah Peterson Ryan McDonald Joe Larson Matt Dienger Catherine Keys Joe Larson Joe Larson Matt Dienger Alyssa Kellagher Terri Jay Andrea Blaeser Alyssa Kellagher Ryan McDonald Andrea Blaeser Andrea Blaeser Deb Mellor Pam Schumacher pschumac@bsamail.org joslarso@bsamail.org jocarlso@bsamail.org mdienger@bsamail.org sapeters@bsamail.org mjanewa@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org tdallas@bsamail.org mjanewa@bsamail.org mjanewa@bsamail.org mjanewa@bsamail.org jocarlso@bsamail.org sapeters@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org ablaeser@bsamail.org mjanewa@bsamail.org jocarlso@bsamail.org joslarso@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org sapeters@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org joslarso@bsamail.org mdienger@bsamail.org cakeys@bsamail.org joslarso@bsamail.org joslarso@bsamail.org mdienger@bsamail.org akellagh@bsamail.org terjay@bsamail.org ablaeser@bsamail.org akellagh@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org ablaeser@bsamail.org ablaeser@bsamail.org demellor@bsamail.org pschumac@bsamail.org 48 Staff Directory If you have questions on particular projects are events, please feel free to contact the individual listed below. Everyone can be reached at the Council Service Center at 715-832-6671. Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills Training Journey To Excellence Kodiak Challenge L.E. Phillips Scout Reservation Director Leave No Trace Training Membership National High Adventure Bases National Jamboree National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) Order of the Arrow / Otyokwa Lodge Outdoor Training for Webelos Leaders Training (OWL) Pepin County Scouting (Tall Oaks District) Polar Adventure/Arctic F.O.X Popcorn Sale Properties Committee ReChartering Registration Relationships Committee Religious Awards Risk Management Rusk County Scouting (Blue Hills District) Sawyer County Scouting (Blue Hills District) School Night for Scouting Scout Shop Scouting for Food Shooting Sports Summer Camp Registration Taylor County Scouting (Glaciers End District) Tour Permits Venturing Washburn County Scouting (Blue Hills District) Webelos Lock-In Webelos Woods Website Winter Camp Wood Badge Youth Protection Matt Dienger Joe Carlson Sarah Peterson Matt Dienger Sarah Peterson Joe Carlson Ryan McDonald Joe Larson Joe Larson Joe Larson Matt Dienger Matt Dienger Ryan McDonald Andrea Blaeser Ryan McDonald Catherine Keys Catherine Keys Joe Carlson Joe Carlson Ryan McDonald Sarah Peterson Sarah Peterson Joe Carlson Terri Jay Matt Dienger Ryan McDonald Terri Jay Matthew Janeway Terri Jay Sarah Peterson Sarah Peterson Matt Dienger Ryan McDonald Tracie Dallas Terri Jay Joe Carlson Joe Carlson mdienger@bsamail.org jocarlso@bsamail.org sapeters@bsamail.org mdienger@bsamail.org sapeters@bsamail.org jocarlso@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org joslarso@bsamail.org joslarso@bsamail.org joslarso@bsamail.org mdienger@bsamail.org mdienger@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org ablaeser@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org cakeys@bsamail.org cakeys@bsamail.org jocarlso@bsamail.org jocarlso@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org sapeters@bsamail.org sapeters@bsamail.org jocarlso@bsamail.org terjay@bsamail.org mdienger@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org terjay@bsamail.org mjanewa@bsamail.org terjay@bsamail.org sapeters@bsamail.org sapeters@bsamail.org mdienger@bsamail.org rymcdonal@bsamail.org tdallas@bsamail.org terjay@bsamail.org jocarlso@bsamail.org jocarlso@bsamail.org 49 Order of the Arrow #337 Otyokwa Lodge What is Order of the Arrow (OA)? It is a national honor society for the Boy Scouts of America. OA recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting to America’s youth. What is the Leadership in OA? Otyokwa Lodge, our local Order of the Arrow Lodge, is led by youth leaders elected by their peers annually at the Fall Fellowship at L.E. Phillips Scout Reservation. What Activities and Events take place with Order of Arrow? Otyokwa Lodge hosts a great balance of both fun and service-oriented events each year from Winter Fun Weekends to a service weekend at Camp Phillips. Who can I talk to for more information? Otyokwa Lodge Chief: Michael Lindau, Chief@Otyokwa.com Otyokwa Lodge Advisor: Jim Benson, jpb55434@live.com Otyokwa Lodge Staff Contact: Joe Larson, jolarso@bsamail.org 2016-17 Otyokwa Lodge Calendar -August 12th-14th, Fall Fellowship at PSR -September 16th -18th, Section Conclave at Gamehaven Scout Reservation -January 7, Winter Awards Banquet -February 17th-20th, Winter Fun Weekend at PSR -April 28th-April 30th, Spring Fellowship at PSR www.otyokwa.com www.fb.com/otyokwa337 715-832-6671 Chippewa Valley Council 710 South Hastings Way, Eau Claire, WI 54701 50 Career Exploring Program The Exploring Vision: To provide positive and meaningful leadership development opportunities and real-world career experiences for teenagers and young adults in their chosen field of interest. What is Exploring? Exploring is a career education program for young men and women in sixth grade through 20 years old. Local community organizations initiate an Exploring program by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of activities that help youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop. Exploring programs specialize in a variety of career skills. Exploring Post vs. Club The Exploring program’s purpose and dynamic is the same for both Posts and Clubs. Posts are for young men and women who are at least 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) or 15 years of age but not yet 21 years old. Clubs are for young men and women who have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old but have not completed the eighth grade and are not yet 15 years old. In both programs, the registration and program planning process is the same. However, Explorers in a Club are not allowed to participate in certain activities for safety reasons (shooting sports, ride-alongs, etc.). What Does a Typical Exploring Program Look Like? Each Exploring Post or Club sets their own meeting schedule. Groups typically meet throughout the school year once or twice a month during weeknights. Meetings last approximately 60-90 minutes and often take place at a local business, community organization, or school. Job shadowing and facility tours are certainly a part of the program, however, the main focus is hands-on interactive activities that provide participants with insight about careers. For more information about Exploring programs in your area please contact Alyssa Kellagher, Exploring Executive at Alyssa.Kellagher@lflmail.org or call (715) 832-6671. Information about specific Exploring Posts and Clubs can also be found at the following webpage www.ChippewaValleyExploring.org. 51 52 4th Annual Good News Contest COULD YOUR PACK, TROOP OR CREW USE $150? The Chippewa Valley Council is pleased to announce the 4th Annual Good News Contest for 2016. Let’s show the communities that Scouting is alive and well! We are looking for pictures and stories about Scouting that appear in your local newspapers. It’s simple and here is how it works: 1. Units are encouraged to submit stories and pictures to your local newspapers. Send in pictures, announcements, recognitions, etc. Our local papers are looking for local news! 2. When the story is published about your Troop or Pack, mail the newspaper clipping or a photocopy to the Council Service Center: Chippewa Valley Council, BSA 710 South Hastings Way Eau Claire, WI 54701 Attention: Sarah Peterson/Good News Contest —OR— scan and email to sapeters@bsamail.org. Please include your Troop or Pack number and a contact person with the article. 3. At the end of the year the Troop and Pack that has the most articles will receive a gift certificate that can be used at the Scout Shop. 1st place will receive a $150 gift certificate 2nd place will receive a $100 gift certificate 3rd place will receive a $50 gift certificate 4. All articles must have been published in a local newspaper in 2016, about your Pack or Troop. Articles about the Chippewa Valley Council in general that are not about a specific unit will not count and should not be sent in. They must be about your Pack or Troop to count for the contest. 5. Winning units will be announced in March of 2017. 6. The decision of the judges will be final. 7. All submissions will become the property of the Chippewa Valley Council. Questions? Contact the Chippewa Valley Council at 715-832-6671 or arah Peterson at 715-416-0006 or sapeters@bsamail.org. 53 Venturing is the Co-ed, High Adventure Division of Scouting. Venturing is flexible and designed specifically for teenagers 14-20. This unique program uses outdoor adventure to build character, develop peer-to-peer bonds, and promote self-confidence. What You LEARN: What You Can DO: Leadership Outdoor Skills * Hiking Sports & Fitness * Mountain Climbing First-Aid * Rappelling Emergency Preparedness * White Water Rafting Life Skills Decision-Making * Scuba Diving Team Building * Snorkeling Teaching Skills * Boating Independence Self-Confidence * Rifle Citizenship * Shotgun Community Service * Pistol For more information on forming or joining a Crew, contact: Sarah Peterson 715-416-0006 or sapters@bsamail.org High Adventure Trips Aquatics Shooting Sports & Marksmanship Horseback riding Theater Community Service Awards & Recognition 54 Scouting Religious Awards Youth in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts have the opportunity to earn Religious Awards through their participation in Scouting. Cub Scout awards can be earned at home with an adult partner. Boy Scout awards are completed with a counselor that is from the young man’s congregation. Religious awards are unique to a young man’s faith. There are four different levels including: Catholic Awards Protestant Awards Light of Christ (Ages 6-7) Parvuli Dei ( Ages 8-10) Ad Altare Dei (Ages 13-14) Pope Pius XII (Ages 15-18) God and Me (Grades 1,2,3) God and Family (Grades 4,5,6) God and Church (Grades 6,7,8) God and Life (Grades 9-12) Guidebooks for each program can be found at the Chippewa Valley Council Scout Service Center or at www.praypub.org Scouts completing Religious Awards receive a knot for their uniform as well as an emblem which can also be worn. To begin earning a Religious Award as a Catholic Youth: To begin earning a Religious Award as a Protestant Youth: Obtain the appropriate guidebook Obtain the appropriate guidebook Contact your local Parish to find a counselor Contact your local church to find a counselor Once all requirements are completed the guidebook and award paperwork should be submitted to either the Diocese of La Crosse or Diocese or Superior office or religious education Once all requirements are completed the guidebook and award paperwork should be submitted to P.R.A.Y. Publishing and award should be purchased The youth should receive the knot at a Pack Meeting or Troop Court of Honor and the emblem at a church service. Award is then provided by the Diocese The youth should receive the knot at a Pack Meeting or Troop Court of Honor and the emblem at a Mass or For more information please visit: www.praypub.org or if of the Catholic faith contact your Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting or visit the Chippewa Valley Council Scout Service Center to pick up a participant or counselor guidebook. 55