Bill's Blog |
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| 1/29/2010 - Bills Blog-Happy 100th Anniversary | |
TO: Fellow Scouters FROM: Bill Garrett
A lot has happen since my last blog in September. Most importantly, my wife and I welcomed a new addition to the family. Our second daughter, Baylee, was born on November 7th. Speaking of new additions to the family, this fall we welcomed over 845 new Scouts to our family……a 16% increase over 2008! With this new influx of new Scouts and parents comes new energy and the need for new projects. I would like to share some of the things we have been working on since my last blog.
Quality Council and Districts
For the first time since 2004 and only the second time since 2001, the Revolutionary Trails Council was named a National Quality Council for increases in membership and youth retention, having nearly 85% of our units earn the Quality Unit Award, and being fiscally sound. This success is truly the result of collaboration between our professional staff and volunteers. THANK YOU!
I would also like to thank the volunteers, unit leaders, and staff in SETA and Aplin for achieving the 2009 Quality District Award.
New Team Members
We have welcomed hundreds of new volunteers to positions in our units. In addition, we have recently recruited individuals for three key positions: Peter Hedglon (Attorney at Law) has accepted the position of Camping Chair effective February 1, Eagle Scout Matthew Hawes (Dean of Students at HCCC) became the District Chairman of the Diamond District in November, and Eagle Scout Brian Callegari (Benefits Consulting Group) has accepted the position of District Chair in SETA pending approval of the Executive Board.
100th Anniversary Events and Happenings
Our program committees have been hard at work planning major events to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
The new 100th Anniversary CSP is now available at the Scout Shop. We have ordered only one batch and they will only be available this year…… so call or stop in the store soon!!!!!!
On May 24th, we will recognize the 65 young men who attained the rank of Eagle Scout in our council in 2009 at our annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner. In addition to Eagle Scouts, we will recognize parents, family members, and Scout leaders who served as mentors to these fine young men.
The 100th Anniversary Council Recognition Dinner will be held on June 7 at Hart’s Hill Inn. Bill Rudge and his committee are hard at work planning a fantastic program that will recognize our unit and district leaders, our charter partners, and our Silver Beavers. Since the 100th Anniversary is a special year, this event will replace district recognition events so the entire family can come together to celebrate our dedication to Scouting. You will not want to miss this event! Reserve the date on your calendars and look for more information soon.
The Trailblazer Adventure Program will be held at Camp Russell on June 11th and 12th. Expect a lot of outdoor adventure including: camping, fishing, hiking, shooting sports, and boating. The event will be open to all Scouts, parents, and family members. There is no registration fee for the event…..it’s FREE. Participates will, however, be required to bring their own food. Look for more information soon!
A Shining Light…..on July 31, the National Jamboree Centennial Celebration stage show will be broadcast via satellite and the web to all Scouts across the nation. Our council plans to participate but technical details are still be worked out. By mid-to-late February, we should have all the information from the National Office to plan our venue. In addition, anyone with a dedicated internet connection can join in. We will keep you posted.
The marquee event to wrap-up our 100th Anniversary will be A NEW and IMPROVED Council Extravaganza……..this event for all Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Venturers, and their families will be held on October 1, 2, and 3. This event will NOT be anything like you have ever seen in the Revolutionary Trails Council. Think stage shows, family fun center, special displays, fireworks….. along with the “traditional” opportunities to earn rank advancements, belt loops, shoot BB guns, bows and arrows, etc. Reserve the dates on your calendars now. Expect a location and more details by March 15th.
New Training Requirements
The Executive Board, on January 21, 2010, unanimously approved a recommendation from the council training committee to implement a three year plan to ensure that all leaders in the council are trained. As you can see from the requirements from year one (below), the Executive Board decided to lead by example by making training required for its members as well. A full copy of the new requirements is attached and it supersedes the previous training requirement. You may also view the training requirements by clicking here.
Year 1-February 1, 2010 to February 28, 2011
In addition to supporting the new training requirements, the council training committee has changed its structure to ensure first-class service and support. This new structure will be “program based” instead of “district based”. The committee has formed sub-committees for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, NYLT, Trainer Development, and Supplemental Training (POW-WOW, University of Scouting). Think of it as a “trainers without boarders” concept that will bring “subject matter experts” to a training location near you. Under the new structure, the district training chair will play a vital role in conducting “training inventories” of units, determining the type and frequency of local training, and ensuring that the council office has updated and accurate training records.
Wood Badge
Wood Badge is advanced training in leadership skills for all adults in BSA programs. The Revolutionary Trails Council will host NE-III-191 on August 20-22 and September 17-19 at Camp Russell.
I participated in Wood Badge for the first time in 1995 and had a great experience, made new friends, and learned a lot. However, after participating in the “new” Wood Badge a few weeks ago, I can honestly say that you should not let this opportunity pass you by! I hope to see you at Gilwell.
This advanced training is presented in two parts:
Leaders who successfully complete both parts of the training are recognized with the Wood Badge beads, woggle slide, and neckerchief.
Marketing
During the months of February and March, the council will be airing three spots on Regent Broadcasting stations which includes Oldies 96, Big Frog 104, Lite 98.7, and WIBX 950AM. The spots feature messages about our 100th Anniversary, alumni opportunities, and our Words to Live by Campaign. We will also be featured on their website and streaming audio. In addition, we are working on a late spring and fall campaign with WUTR. I hope you enjoy the radio spots!
Camp mailers…..Scouts, leaders, and parents should expect a post card soon!
MY next blog will be out in a few weeks. Until then, please call or email with any questions or comments.
Yours in Scouting,
Bill Garrett
Scout Executive & CEO |
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