06 2017 Internet Courier v1.indd - Blackhawk Area Council

June 2017

COURIERThe Blackhawk

A Publication of Blackhawk Area Council

ContentsCouncil Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 2What’s New . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14 Advancement . . . . . . . . . . . .21-24Program Opportunities . . . . . . 25-26Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-31Health and Safety . . . . . . . . .32-33Camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-39Venturing, Sea Scouts, Exploring . 38-40Sycamore District . . . . . . . . . 41-42Wanchanagi District . . . . . . . . 43-48White Eagle District . . . . . . . .49-50Wetassa District . . . . . . . . . . 51-52Arrowhead District . . . . . . . . 53-54ScoutReach District . . . . . . . . 55-56

Special ArticlesNEW Advancement Reporting Policy . 3BSA Transportation Policy Updated . . 3Religious Retreat . . . . . . . . . . .3-4Troop Resources Website . . . . . . . . 5Legoland Special . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Cub Scout Shooting Sports Training . . 6Pinewood Derby Results . . . . . . .7-8BSA Tour and Activities Plan Eliminated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Boy Scout Training Online . . . . . . 10NEW Scout Planning Worksheet . . . 13Philmont Training Center . . . . . . . 11Philmont Treks Still Available . . . . .11 CubCast, ScoutCast, & ExploringCast for May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Scout Planning Worksheet . . . . . . .14Philmont Training Center & Treks . . 15AirCamp 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Scout Shop Ad . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Scout Day at Severson Dells . . . . . 26NYLT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-28Wood Badge 2017 . . . . . . . . . 29-30Cub Scout Resident and Day Camps . 36

Membership NotesSummer Recruiting

PracticesPacks:

By now you’ve recruited some new Cub Scouts for the pack – make sure to get those applications turned in – but that isn’t the end of the process.

Through the summer make sure the new families are aware of your summertime pack activities. This is a great opportunity to introduce them to the pack and for you to get to know the new parents. Find out their skills and interest and consider where they might best be able to contribute to your pack.

See the resources available from ScoutingWire – (http://scoutingwire.org/marke t ing-and-membersh ip -hub /un i t -recruiting/).

Save the Date: Our “Blast Into Scouting” recruiting night

is scheduled for September 14, 2017. Over the summer you should plan to contact your recruiting site to make sure you can arrange for access on that evening.

Troops:The “dropped Webelos list” will be

available as soon as rechartering is completed. This is an opportunity for you to reach out to the families of those Webelos Scouts and fi nd out if they may be interested in rejoining. Be ready to tell them about your summer plans.

Crews:Crews – Use your planned summer activity

to recruit new members. Talk up your plans on social media and see which of your friends may be interested.

Once the council is fi nished with rechartering, a list of Boy Scouts who dropped will be available. They may be interested in what your crew has to off er.

Council Annual Meeting

The following new offi cers were elected at the Council Annual Meeting on April 27:President – Dennis SchaerCommissioner – Dan BankoTreasurer – Tom ScovilleVice-President, Strategic Initiatives – Alex CampbellVice-President, District Operations – Chip DonahueVice-President, Finance – Brent WardVice-President, Membership – Ray WarrenVice-President, Program – Blair PiotrowskiVice-President,Administration – Jim BehrensmeyerAssisstant VP, Adinistration – Jake DykstraVice-President, Communications and PR – Kris TumilowiczAssisstant VP, Communications – Mike PatersonVice-President, Development – Joe Geraghty, IIIVice-President, Camptal Development – Bill ReillyVice-President, Outdoor Adventure – Dan DickVice-President, Endowment Chuck and Judi WalneckPast President – Jon Krause

June 2017Council News

May18 Council Executive Committee meeting20 Shooting Sports Training, council program center29 Memorial Day – Council service center closed31 Council Membership Committee conference call

June2-4 OA Fellowship2-4 Powder Horn training, session 2, The Hollows, Crystal Lake6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition with July through

September events11-16 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)22 Executive Board meeting, Camp Lowden28 Council Membership Committee conference call

July3 Independence Day observed, council service center closed4 Independence Day, council service center closed5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition with August through

October events14 Rockford Rivets Scout Night18-29 National Scout Jamboree20 Council Executive Committee meeting26 Council Membership Committee conference call30-August 4 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

August1 Courier deadline – September printed edition with September

through November events17 Executive Board meeting18-20 OA Fall Conclave25-27 Wood Badge, session 130 Council Membership Committee conference call

UpcomingSeptember 8-10 – Venturing Training WeekendSeptember 15-17 – Religious Retreat, Camp LowdenSeptember 29-30 - October 1 Wood Badge, session 2October 20-22 – Jamboree-on-the-Air, Jamboree-on-the-Internet

Council Calendar

Moved?Changed Your Phone Number?Changed Your Email Address?

Have you moved recently? Have you changed your phone number or email address?

If you have made these or any other updates to your registration, please let the council service center, registration department, know. Call Lori at 815-397-0210 to let her know of these changes. Each month we have several Couriers returned because of incorrect addresses. These returned copies cost the council more than $1.60 each.

Unit leaders -- please check with your leaders to verify that their address and phone numbers are correct on your charter.

Revised Schedule for Printedand Internet Couriers

There are four printed editions each year. The deadline will be the fi rst Tuesday of each month. A revised schedule is shown below. The printed editions will continue to be available at www. BlackhawkScouting.org/courier. Note that recipients of the Eagle Scout Award and religious emblems will only be carried in printed editions -- and will not show up on the Internet versions of the printed edition.

Clip and SaveDeadline + Type Months

CoveredMail Date or

Web Target DateJune 6 – Internet July through September June 14July 5 – Internet August through October July 12August 1 – Printed September through

NovemberAugust 15

Sept.5 – Internet October through December September 12Oct. 3 – Printed Nov. through Jan. 0218 October 17Nov. 7 – Internet Dec. through February November 15

The Blackhawk Area Council will be off ering a Camp Card sale in Spring/Summer 2017. Our fi rst year, 2016, was a huge success with more than $8,000 raised to go back into Scouting programs.

If you or your unit are unfamiliar with Camp Cards, this sale initiative is designed to help Scouts earn their way to camp, high adventure, and off set costs of Scouting for families and units. Units participating in this program will earn 50% commission ($2.50) on each $5 Camp Card they sell. There is no charge to the Scout or unit for unsold cards as long as they are returned at the end date of the sale.

Here are the 2017 tentative dates of the camp card sale (Dates subject to change):Sale Starts: Beginning of AprilSale Ends: Sunday, July 10Unit/Scout Commitment due: Now through Friday, May 5Scout Fill-A-Forms due Friday, June 23Unsold Cards due Friday, June 23Unit/Scout Payment due Friday, June 23

We hope you will consider joining us for the 2017 Camp Card Sale!

2nd Annual Camp Card Sale for Sycamore and Wanchanagi

Districts

“Treat people as ifthey were what they ought to beand you will help them become

what they are capable of becoming.”Johann Goethe

June 2017

Blackhawk Area CouncilAdvancement Reporting

PolicyIn conjunction with the BSA’s Policy on advancement

reporting*, an Internet Advancement Report must be submitted to the Scout Shop for all purchases of Scouting badges of rank, and merit badges.

While not preferred, a paper Advancement Report form (#34403) may be submitted in lieu of an Internet Advancement Report.

If your unit uses of Packmaster, Troopmaster, or other 3rd party advancement tracking software, you may upload the advancement information via the Internet Advancement portal to create and print an Internet Advancement Report.

Any questions on Scout advancement, advancement reporting, or the Internet Advancement System can be directed to your district executive, or district advancement vice-chairman.

* Guide to Advancement 4.0.0.2

Council NewsS T M

BSA Transportation PolicyHas Been Updated

Transportation is an integral part of Scouting. We travel to and return from district and council events, camporees, weekend camping spots, summer camp, merit badge camps, to name a few.

The updated Boy Scouts of America's transportation policy now requires all drivers to be at least 18 years of age and to have a valid driver’s license.

Scouting youth under age 18 are not insured under the BSA's general liability policy and cannot be allowed to drive to or from Scouting activities.

This includes an under age 18 Scout or Venturer driving himself or herself to any Scouting activity or event, even if he or she is the only one in the car.

This new policy is eff ective immediately and there are no exceptions.

The following question arises:• What about a 16 or 17 year old Scout or Venturer driving to or from

a troop / crew meeting? • Richard Burton, BSA team lead of health and safety, says “

Driving to or from a standard meeting place isn’t an offi cial Scouting activity.”

• Mark Dana, BSA team lead of Insurance and Risk Management, adds, “It’s similar to your going to work and coming home from work. You are not considered an employee at both of those times.”

For more information and the answers to more questions, see

the April 4th article in “Bryan on Socuting” titled “Can Scouts drive themselves to and from events.”

The link to this article is http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2017/04/04/ask-the-expert-can-scouts-venturers-drive-themselves/tofrom/events./

Religious RetreatAttention all Scouts and Scouters! Please join us at the annual

Religious Retreat from September 15-17, 2017, at Camp Lowden!All Boy Scouts and Venturers are invited for the weekend – check

in between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday night.All Cub Scouts are welcome to join us on Saturday – check-in starts

at 8:15 a.m. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Every Cub Scout must have an adult with them. Follow the link at BlackhawkScouting.org/camping/religious retreat to register! I can’t wait to see you there!

See next page for details and link to registrationCindy Chiodini

Chairman of the Catholic Committee on Scouting

Blackhawk Area CouncilHours, Phone, Address

Address: 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107

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

National Scout Shop -- Rockford: 815-637-6180Address: 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107Scout Shop hours:8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday8:30 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

National Scout Shop -- Crystal Lake: 815 479-0615Address: 600 N. Rt. 31, Crystal Lake IL 60012Scout Shop Hours:9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

June 2017Religious Retreat


New: Troop Leader Resources WebsiteSeven useful things you’ll fi nd at the new Troop Leader Resources website

From Bryan on Scouting, February 9. 2017

Better troop meetings are a click away.Troop Leader Resources — available at troopleader.org — is a new, BSA-authorized website that helps Scouts and Scouters plan better meetings.With its videos of real Scouts in real troops, the site is a one-stop shop for new and experienced troop leaders.Here are seven helpful things you’ll fi nd there:

1. Troop meeting agendas The Troop Meeting Agenda page breaks down each segment of the troop meeting plan with 11 short sample videos from actual troop meetings.

There’s also a fi llable troop meeting planning sheet, if the patrol leaders’ council chooses to fi ll out meeting plans online.2. Program features Program Features is the site’s biggest section, presenting each of the 48 program features with explanatory information, ideas for troop meetings

and ideas for monthly main events. Each page has its own navigation bar linking to corresponding program feature subsections.3. Program resources The Program Resources page contains Scout meeting activities, campcraft skill videos, troop ceremony ideas and a collection of Scoutmaster’s

minutes.4. Planning tips The Planning page covers the annual and monthly planning process, including an illustrative video of an actual patrol leaders’ council in action.5. Training advice

The Training page covers both adult and youth training.6. Outings ideas The Outings page is a gateway of general information about camping equipment, troop site setup and camping trip activities.7. General troop information The General Troop Information page has topics relevant to running a troop. Each has its own page, covering topics like troop positions, the patrol,

boards of review, courts of honor, fundraisers and the Scoutmaster conference.

June 2017Council NewsCub Scout Shooting Sports Training

for Blackhawk Area Council Day CampsMay 20, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Council Program Center, 7194 Vandiver Road, RockfordAttention Cub Scout day camp directors and potential range mastersThere will be a training event for range masters who will be involved

with any district Cub Scout day camp in Blackhawk Area Council. This training is required if you will be running a BB gun or archery range at any of our day camps this summer and must be renewed every two years. Upon completion you will receive a training card that should be kept on fi le while the camp is in session.

We will start the training with archery range master training so if your day camp does not have a BB gun range you can leave after that portion

is complete, or remain if you want. Depending on the size of the class we will break for lunch about noon. There are several fast food places within fi ve minutes of the program center. There is no cost for this training but please email me if you plan to attend so I have enough handouts available for everyone.

For more information or to register contact Mark Broman – Council Shooting Sports Chairman at [email protected] or call 815-218-5514

Safety TipFrom the Council Enterprise Risk Management Committee!

Guide to Safe Scouting“Be safe” is one of the watch words of Scouting. According to

Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh, “the BSA is committed to safety.” He charges each of us to commit ourselves to creating a safe and healthy learning environment. It behooves all of us to keep this charge in mind every time our Scouts get together. The Scout’s parents entrust their children to our care and expect them to be safe, secure, healthy, and happy.

Our defi nitive guide to safety in all of our Scouting activities is the Guide to Safe Scouting. It has a great deal of information on a wide range of topics. Every Scouter should be familiar with this guide and should check it regularly.

The Guide to Safe Scouting can be found at http://www.scouting.org/Healtandsafety/GSS.aspx.

The online version is updated quarterly. A PDF version is also available for download.

Be sure to check the guide for the latest changes before any outing or event.

New Safety AlertsHave you checked out safety tips and alerts lately? Several new

ones have been posted recently.Go to http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety.aspx

to get the latest information.New in the past few months include the following:

• Tour and Activity Plan (April 2017)• Insurance Coverage (December 2016)• Be Prepared: Active Shooter Resources (October 2016)• Bodyfl ight Safety Alert (August 2016) • Drone Safety (July 2016)

Guide to Safe Scouting Update2017 Updates

March• Updated throughout to remove references to tour and activity

plan.• VIII. Sports and Activities The entire chapter was updated

and a Canyoneering section was added.

Unit College Scouter Reserve Helps Former Scouts Stay

Connected to TroopPosted on Bryan on Scouting, January 19, 2017

When a young man turns 18 and heads off to college out of town or out of state, one of two things usually happens.

You might lose track of him as he begins this new chapter of life — Scouting just a happy, though formative, part of his past.

Or he might register as an assistant Scoutmaster, knowing he won’t make many meetings or campouts but wanting to stay connected to his troop — especially to participate in Scouting activities while home for summer or winter break.

Turns out there’s a third option that’s better than either of those: the Unit College Scouter Reserve.

By registering in this role, a man or woman who is too old to be a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, or Venturer can still be registered in Scouting.

The position was created by request of some adult volunteers who saw new assistant Scoutmasters head off to college and become bogged down in coursework. Their concern: units were penalized on Journey to Excellence (JTE) training scores because college students registered as assistant Scoutmasters despite not having time to take all the necessary training.

The Unit College Scouter Reserve is the answer. The position has been around since at least 2011.

Adults registered in this position (code 92U) have just one required training course: Youth Protection, which can be taken online. The usual registration application criteria and fees still apply.

There’s no position patch for the Unit College Scouter Reserve, but there is the satisfaction in knowing you’ve maintained contact with these young adult leaders — all without hurting your JTE score.

June 2017Council NewsBlackhawk Area Council

2017 Pinewood Derby Results

Racing WinnersFirst Grade Winner Division

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

First Grade Runner-up Division

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

Second Grade Winner DivisionFirst Place Evan Ewertowski Pack 367 Woodstock SycamoreSecond Place Davian Johnson Pack 512 Rockford ScoutReachThird Place Griff en Cooke Pack 126 Poplar Grove Wanchanagi

Second Grade Runner-up DivisionFirst Place Sebastian Colon Pack 152 Algonquin SycamoreSecond Place Taylor Mendez Pack 47 Loves Park WanchanagiThird Place Brayden Stover Pack 299 Rockford Wanchanagi

Third Grade Winner DivisionFirst Place Xavier Dobbs Pack 2 Rockford ScoutReachSecond Place Zachary Micho Pack 167 Huntley ScoutReachThird Place Sam Scott Pack 411 Rockford Wanchanagi

Third Grade Runner-up DivisionFirst Place Tommy Hyatt Pack 467 Huntley SycamoreSecond Place Chase Krass Pack 114 Monroe, Wis. ArrowheadThird Place Benjamin Graczyk Pack 157 Rockford Wanchanagi

Fourth Grade Winner DivisionFirst Place Kyle Klich Pack 267 Huntley SycamoreSecond Place Brock Carlson Pack 5 Winnebago Wanchanagi Third Place Leonardo Bueno Pack 512 Rockford ScoutReach

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

Fifth Grade Winner DivisionFirst Place Tyler Kalas Pack 167 Huntley Sycamore Second Place Brandon Swartz Pack 5 Winnebago WanchanagiThird Place Ben Ryan Pack 337 Polo White Eagle

Fifth Grade Runner-up DivisionFirst Place Beyton Welch Pack 167 Huntley SycamoreSecond Place Aiden Doherty Pack 299 Rockford WanchanagiThird Place Ethan Foster Pack 391 Pecatonica Wanchanagi

June 2017

Blackhawk Area Council2017 Pinewood Derby Results

Best Design Winners

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

Second Grade DivisionFirst Place Ole Isley Pack 34 Argle, Wis. Arrowhead Second Place Angel Ramirex Pack 419 Rockford WanchanagiThird Place Lukusz Zuwala Pack 657 Cary Sycamore

Third Grade DivisionFirst Place Logan Gough Pack 347 Crystal Lake SycamoreSecond Place Dalton Davies Pack 775 Cuba City, Wis. ArrowheadThird Place Landow Miller Pack 26 Warren Wetassa

Fourth Grade DivisionFirst Place Parker Simms Pack 315 Stillman Valley White EagleSecond Place Benjamin Taylor Pack 194 Crystal Lake SycamoreThird Place Scott Krumwide Pack 418 Machesney Park Wanchanagi

Fifth Grade DivisionFirst Place Andrew Chamberlain Pack 157 Rockford WanchanagiSecond Place Logan Devine Pack 196 Dixon White EagleThird Place Lex Giron Pack 167 Huntley Sycamore

Council News

June 2017What’s New

The BSA has eliminated its Tour and Activity Plan, replacing that paperwork-heavy, time-consuming task with a fl exible approach to planning safe outings.

Be prepared to spend less time fi lling out forms and more time having fun.

The Boy Scouts of America has eliminated its Tour and Activity Plan, shifting the focus away from paperwork and toward creating a safe space for Scouts to enjoy the program as designed.

The Tour and Activity Plan was a two-page document submitted to your local council for approval at least 21 days before longer trips. As of April 1, 2017, it is no more.

Richard Bourlon, team leader for Health and Safety, encourages unit leaders to instead use a “fl exible risk-assessment strategy” when planning outings.

“We looked at how the old plan was being used, how many people were using it, how many calls we received about it, and how much time this took staff and volunteers, versus the return – did it create a safer environment?” Bourlon says. “There wasn’t a correlation, so we’re giving them that time back.”

What’s replacing the Tour and Activity Plan?The old method: One adult leader fi lled out the form and submitted

it to his or her council.The new method: Have a plan. Get everyone on the same page. For

Cub Scouts, that means the pack leadership. For other units, that means adult leaders work with Scouts/Venturers to plan a trip that’s safe, fun, and engaging. No forms required.

“Getting everyone on the same page is a beautiful thing,” Bourlon says. “And then we also know you are using a handbook or other program literature consistent with BSA rules, regulations and policies.”

Going to do an activity that supports Scouting’s values but isn’t in any book? Consult the fl exible risk-assessment tools in the Guide to Safe Scouting and the Enterprise Risk Management Committee Guidebook when planning.

This change has added signifi cance in Boy Scouting, Sea Scouting, Varsity, and Venturing, where older youth should be doing most of the planning anyway.

“Before, this was only available to adults,” Bourlon says. “Our materials are now publicly accessible and appropriate for youth to use.”

What about Tour Permits?Though you might fi nd some still fl oating around, tour permits (local

and national) were eliminated in March 2011 and were superseded by tour plans — and then by the Tour and Activity Plan in 2012.

All have now been eliminated.

How does insurance work in the post-Tour and Activity Plan world?The Tour and Activity Plan wasn’t a determining factor in insurance

coverage. (Neither, by the way, is wearing a uniform. You’re covered whether in or out of uniform.)

Registered volunteers have primary coverage for offi cial Scouting activities, and nonregistered volunteers are provided excess coverage for offi cial activities.

If an automobile or watercraft is used, the BSA provides additional excess auto coverage.

To be offi cial, the activity should be consistent with the values, Charter and Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, the operations manuals, and applicable literature of the Boy Scouts of America.

Do I need to fi le any forms or notify the council of any trip we take?No. But you should use the BSA planning tools. In most cases, this

doesn’t include forms to complete and submit. These tools are meant to prompt discussions and conversations about risks.

What about Exploring?The manual process Learning for Life and Exploring used in the past

for outing permits is discontinued, too.

How does this change aff ect the safety of BSA outings?It doesn’t. The Scouting program, as contained in our handbooks

and literature, integrates many safety features. But no policy or form will replace the review and vigilance of trusted adults and leaders at the point of program execution.

Moreover, the program hasn’t changed. For example, parents still must give permission for leaders to take youth on a trip. Cub Scouts should only camp at council-approved locations.

Where can I fi nd more information about BSA Health and Safety?Go to Guide to Safe Scouting and Scouting.org/health and safety.

BSA’s Tour and Activity Plan EliminatedEff ective April 1, 2017

New Safety AlertsHave you checked out safety tips and alerts lately? Several new

ones have been posted recently.Go to http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety.aspx

to get the latest information.New in the past few months include the following:

• Tour and Activity Plan (April 2017)• Insurance Coverage (December 2016)• Be Prepared: Active Shooter Resources (October 2016)• Bodyfl ight Safety Alert (August 2016) • Drone Safety (July 2016)

Scouting Wireand Scouting Newsroom

Do you want to learn about the latest Scouting news stories as well as interesting stories about Scouts and Scouting.

Subscribe to either or both of these two sites for a weekly email.

Go to Scoutingwire.org and/or Scoutingnewsroom.org to sign up.

June 2017What’s NewNew Advancement Forms and

Presentations• New Developing Council and District Advancement Committees

presentation is available at http:// www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/Resources/advancement_presentations.aspx …

• New 2017 Eagle Scout Rank Application. It is accessible from http:// www.scouting.org/advancement.

• A revised Belated Eagle Scout Rank Application has been posted and is accessible from http://www.scouting.org/ advancement

To subscribe to Advancement News – send a message to [email protected], with “SUBSCRIBE” in the subject line. Indicate your name, email address, and council in the message text.

Advancement News is published six times a year. The current edition is available by email to subscribers.

Previous issues are archived and are available for download.

Boy Scout Leader TrainingBoy Scout leaders can now get trained anywhere at any time!With the launch of Scouting U’s eLearning content for Boy

Scout leaders, Scouters now can get trained on their own schedule — anywhere, any time.

The courses are conveniently organized by role — Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, Varsity Scout Coach, assistant Varsity Scout Coach, leader of 11-year-old Scouts, troop/team committee chairman, troop/team committee member, and merit badge counselor — meaning you’ll know exactly which training courses you need to be “Trained.”

Modules range from fi ve to 15 minutes in length. They’re designed to be completed at your own pace — all at once or one at a time.

The modules are grouped into three learning plans:• Complete before the fi rst meeting • Complete within the fi rst 30 days in your volunteer role • Complete to become “position trained”

The modules stay put once you’re done, so you can return to review any section at any time.

Log in to My.Scouting.org and click on “BSA Learn Center.”

World Conservation Award Has New Requirements

Eff ective ImmediatelyWhether you know the World Conservation Award as the “panda

patch” or as the award that encourages Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Sea Scouts to think globally and act locally to improve and conserve our environment, there’s something you need to know.

The BSA National Conservation and Environment Task Force has announced new requirements for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing/Sea Scout versions of the World Conservation Award. The new requirements, which are now in eff ect, can be found at Scouting.org/World Conservation Award.

Once earned, the award goes in the temporary patch location on the right pocket.

The new requirements refl ect the recent changes to the Cub Scout advancement program and the addition of the Eagle-required Sustainability merit badge in the Boy Scout program.

Plus, the Boy Scout and Venturing/Sea Scout versions of the award now seek to build greater awareness of global environmental concerns and a need for social responsibility.

This is done by requiring that the youth applicant participate in a conservation project as part of an approved Scouting program. The project must total at least three hours and address a conservation need common to more than one country.


Rockford Rivets Scout NightThe Rockford Rivets are hosting their second annual Scout Night on Friday, July 14 at Rivets Stadium! Tickets for this event are priced at $15.

All tickets will receive an infi eld reserved seat, a scout patch, and a voucher for a hot dog, soda, and a bag of chips. Scouts will have the opportunity to camp out on the fi eld after the game for just $5 per tent.

June 2017What’s NewVoice of the Scout Is Evolving to

Better Serve MembersWhy the Change?

The Voice of the Scout survey uses the Net Promoter Score (NPS) methodology to gain insights into the quality of the Scouting experience from our members and volunteers. While NPS best practices call for surveying to be done on a regular basis to account for seasonal and operational changes, the decision to only send the VOS survey twice a year was driven by JTE updates. Therefore, the VOS scores were aff ected by business and program cycles that may have failed to accurately represent membership opinions over the full year.

In 2017, VOS will no longer be part of council JTE points, allowing us to change the survey method to one that refl ects industry best practices so we may gather the most accurate, real-time, and valid data possible to evaluate new ideas, understand experiences, and coordinate eff orts on a monthly basis. This will help ensure that we are all taking the right steps for the right people at the right time.

What’s Changing?In 2017, the VOS will become a monthly survey. One-twelfth

of your members and volunteers will receive the survey each month, with each person in your council only receiving one VOS survey per year. These monthly totals will be aggregated in a semi-yearly roll-up of responses, creating a picture of what is working and what needs improvement in your council.

More important, we will be able to see the trends in opinion over the course of the year and more accurately discern where we exceed and where we fail so we can better meet our members’ expectations.

Scouting Is a Special PlaceFrom Spring 2017Abilities Digest

A reading that is often used during adult leader training programs to refl ect on including Scouts with disabilities.

Life can be cruel, and growing up in the real world isn’t easy. Kids pick on other kids for any reason they can fi nd.

The list is long, but anything that makes someone diff erent is fair game: height, weight, gender, age, religion, bad hair day, clothing, where you live, kind of car, curfew, athletic ability, parent’s jobs, their marital status, siblings, bad teeth, bad breath, glasses, braces, and any number of things regarding sexual matters, intelligence, learning disabilities, opinions, or following rules.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a safe place to go where everyone was treated fairly, honestly, equally, and respectfully? A place where everybody lived by the same rules? A place where mistakes could be made without fear of ridicule?

Wouldn’t the world be a better place if people could just learn to get along with each other?! Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could do something about it?

What would you do if you had that privilege … that responsibility … that obligation?

What if you could change the world?

Scouting Is a Special PlaceThe rules are the ones we know well …the Scout Oath and the

Scout Law. We create a safe haven in Scouting; a place where everyone should

feel physically and emotion-ally secure.We do this in several ways: We set the example for ourselves and

others by always behaving as Scouts should.We live the Scout Oath and Law each moment of each day to the

best of our abilities.We refuse to tolerate any kind of put-down, name-calling, physical

aggression, or inappropriate behavior.We communicate our acceptance of each other through expressions

of concern, and by showing our appreciation whenever possible.We create an environment based on learning and fun.We seek the best from ourselves and each other, and we do our best

to help achieve it.

To read the whole issue of the newsletter, go towww.scouting.org/disabilitiesawareness.aspx

Scroll down to the bottom of the page.All past issues are available in the archives.

Safety Tip of the MonthFrom the Council Enterprise Risk Management Team!

Parade and Hayride SafetyThe BSA’s prohibition on the transportation of passengers in the

backs of trucks or on trailers may be eased for parade fl oats or hayrides. If your unit is planning to participate in a parade or go on a hayride, there are key safety precautions that need to be adhered to.• Transportation to and from the parade or hayride site is not allowed

on the truck, trailer, or fl oat.• Those persons riding, whether seated or standing, must be able to

hold on to something stationary.• Legs must not hang over the sides.• Flashing lights must illuminate a vehicle used for a hayride after

dark, or the vehicle must be followed by another vehicle with fl ashing lights.

• If Scouts will be walking along with a fl oat, they must stay at least fi ve (5) feet from the fl oat or trailer while it is in motion.

• As far as other safety tips go, just apply the “Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety.”

Our council has had a number of incidents reported where Scouts have been injured while participating in parades or hayrides. If you are planning one or both of these activities in the future for your unit, please comply with the safeguards listed above. Don’t put you or your unit at risk.

June 2017

Scout PodCasts for May 2017Each months and ScoutCasts address important issues faced by

Scouters in packs and troops. You can listen to these PodCasts by going to www.scouting.org/scoutcast.aspx.

The CubCast, ScoutCast, and ExploringCast for May 2017 are now available. Archived previous PodCasts are also available at the same site.

Take a few moments of your commute — just 10 to 15 minutes a month — to make yourself a more-informed Scouter.With the BSA’s triple-threat lineup of monthly podcasts — CubCast, ScoutCast, and the new ExploringCast — you’ll be the smartest Scouter in your pack, troop, or post.

All this for the low, low price of free!

What’s New

CubCast

A hundred years from now it not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world miry he diff erent because I was important in the life of, a boy.

Forest Witcraft

ScoutCast

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

10 Reasons for Day CampOne good reason should be enough to get your Cub Scouts to day

camp, but Jennifer Mooney, the Camping Director for the Cascade-Pacifi c Council in Portland, Oregon, shares with us 10, that’s right, 10 reasons why day camp strengthens the Cub Scouting experience.

Something EDGE-yThe May/June issue of Scouting magazine features a story by our

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

The Active Summertime PostWhere does it say that post activities have to end with the school

year? It doesn’t and Lieutenant Al Blendermann, post Advisor with the Harris County Sheriff 's Offi ce in Houston, Texas, tells us there are lots of benefi ts to keeping Explorers active during the summer and gives us plenty of ideas for activities.


Blackhawk Area CouncilHours, Phone, Address

Address: 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107

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

National Scout Shop -- Rockford: 815-637-6180Address: 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107Scout Shop hours:8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday8:30 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

National Scout Shop -- Crystal Lake: 815 479-0615Address: 600 N. Rt. 31, Crystal Lake IL 60012Scout Shop Hours:9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

National Summertime Pack Award

Your pack can qualify for the National Summertime Pack Award by planning and conducting three pack activities during the summer – one each in June, July, and August. Cub Scout day camp and Cub Scout summer camp can be used to help earn this award. The recognition consists of a streamer for the pack fl ag.

Dens averaging at least half of their members at the three summer pack events will be eligible for a colorful den participation ribbon. Cub Scouts who participate in all three pack events are eligible to receive the National Summertime Pack Award pin which is worn on the right pocket fl ap of the uniform. (Please note, this pin is an individual recognition for boys and may not be earned or worn by adults.)

Earning the National Summertime Pack Award is one way to help your pack earn the 2017 Scouting’s Journey to Excellence Award. More importantly, however, it is an easy way to keep members of your pack together during the summer and to introduce new members to the fun of the Cub Scout program.

To ensure that your pack will earn this award, now is the time to plan your events and recruit a committee to run each of them. Give your leaders a break and get parents involved in these committees. This is another way to involve the parents and they may volunteer to help the pack in other ways later.

Rockford Scout Shop815-637-6180

2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107

Monday, Wednesday, Friday -- 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Tuesday -- 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday -- 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Crystal Lake Scout Shop 815-479-0615

600 N. Rt. 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Monday - Friday -- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Saturday -- 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Scout Planning WorksheetA new tool to help Scouts perfect planning skills

When planning an Eagle Scout service project, you have to identify a goal, recruit a team, plan transportation, purchase materials, consider safety and plot each step.

It’s a lot of work.So much, in fact, that in an ideal world the Eagle project wouldn’t

be a Scout’s fi rst experience with formal, documented project planning.Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the ideal world.The BSA has released the Scout Planning Worksheet, a new tool

that Scouts can use to plan patrol or troop activities. The goal is to build project-planning prowess that will benefi t Scouts in their Eagle project, at school and in life.

The worksheet — created by volunteer Jeff Goldsmith, his professional counterpart Garfi eld Murden and other BSA volunteers — is available at Scouting.org/New Scout Planning Worksheet.

Why a Scout Planning WorksheetA team of Boy Scout committee members agreed that it would be

a good idea if a boy had some specifi c planning experience prior to his Eagle Scout service project.

After a comprehensive review of Boy Scout literature, the team realized that nothing already existed to fi ll this need.

The goal was to give a boy familiarity with the planning process throughout his Scouting experience.

And so the Scout Planning Worksheet (No. 512-505) was born. If used properly, planning a big project will be second nature by the time a boy reaches Life Scout.

The idea is that repetition is important to developing and honing any skills.

Project-planning skills will trickle up from the patrol to the troop. Eventually, a senior patrol leader could use the Scout Planning Worksheet to plan troop activities.

Soon it becomes second nature and thus, over time, standard practice for a Scout. The benefi ts reach beyond Scouting. The skill applies to school assignments, family events, and careers.

N !

June 2017

Philmont Training Center Registration for 2017 Is Open

The Philmont Training Center (PTC) is the national volunteer training center for the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1950, the PTC has provided a unique environment for training volunteers, creating leaders, and hosting family-friendly experiences and adventures. Each year, more than 6,000 Scouters and their families attend the PTC.

Conferences A variety of week-long conferences will be conducted for unit, district, and council

volunteers and processionals. Each conference features the latest tools, audiovisuals, and techniques led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. In addition to great conferences, the entire family can enjoy a wide range of age-appropriate family programs.

Every conference at the PTC features tools, techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. All registered Scouters are invited to attend training center courses; council approval is not required.

To see a list of all conferences, please go to philmonttrainingcenter.org.

New this year are ...Venturing Blast! is open to both adults and 14-20 year old youth offi cers. This is not

your typical classroom course. Ditch the projector and immerse yourself in some exciting adventures at Philmont while developing skills to help VOAs support an explosive Venturing program.

Two week-long “Cub Scout Extravaganzas” – June 18-24 and July 23-29.Imagine attending the Philmont Training Center and being able to interact with Cub

Scout leaders from across the country for a week, AND being able to pick and choose which sessions to attend to improve on your Cub Scout leader skills!

The summer of 2017 will off er you exactly that opportunity! Announcing…. the 2017 Cub Scout Leader EXTRAVAGANZA weeks at PTC!! Imagine your local council University of Scouting – but lasting for a week.

Plan a program of your choice, designed to meet your needs by selecting from an assortment of Cub Scout leader topics ranging from Outdoor Skills to Training Administration, and from Den and Pack Management to Cub Scout Fun and Pizzazz! We will be featuring all these, plus information on the Lion Pilot program, and the recently revised BALOO Cub Leader Training Experience!

There is something for everyone…. and more! Register now for an EXTRAVAGANZA week, and when you arrive at the PTC, you’ll be able to plan your week to get the most out your time spent in Scouter’s Paradise. The faculty is made up of Boy Scouts of America national-level volunteer and professional experts on the topics – it doesn’t get any better than this!

Family ProgramsNot only does PTC off er world class Scouting Conferences but the entire family

can participate in age-appropriate activities. For example, the Bandits or 6-7 year olds participate in hikes, pony rides, games, crafts, and museum tours. The Silverados, or spouses or adults not attending a conference, can choose from a wide variety of activities including hikes, throwing pottery, COPE, horse rides, shooting sports, trips to nearby resort towns, crafts, or reading a book.

Council News

Philmont Trek Openings for 2017 and 2018

Can’t wait to go to Philmont? There are many openings for both 7-day and 12-day treks. Select your week and sign up now for a 2017 trek.

To select your week and register, go to PhilmontScoutRanch.org and click on “2017 Openings” to select your week and program.

2017 Individual TreksDo you have a Scout who wishes to attend a Philmont

trek but is not yet 21? Philmont Individual Treks off er unique ways to experience Philmont’s backcountry.

We call these programs individual treks because rather than registering with a crew, each participant registers individually. Once participants register, Philmont forms crews comprised of individuals from all across the country. Two Philmont staff accompany each of these crews.

To fi nd out more about each of the following opportunities, go to PhilmontScoutRanch.org/Individual Treks.• Rayado - Ages 15-20 • OA Trail Crew Trek - Ages 16-20 • Trail Crew Trek - Ages 16-20 • STEM Trek - Ages 14-20 • Roving Outdoor Conservation School (ROCS) -

Ages 16-20 • Ranch Hands - Ages 14-20

June 2017

Have Some Fun!A Comic Strip About Scouting That

Only Scouters Will Understand(From Bryan on Scouting blog, June 26, 2015)

An article on the “Bryan on Scouting” blog was posted June 26 that only Scouts will really understand.

These comic strips show those funny, heartwarming, only-in-Scouting moments that make this program unlike any other.

Arwen Spor, a Scouter from Nevada, has been inspired to create a Scouting-themed comic strip she calls Covey Logic.

She posts a comic or two each week about a range of Scouting subjects: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, camping, advancement, Wood Badge, and more.

Go to www.facebook.com/CoveyLogic and check out the cartoons. Some are laugh-out-loud funny. Others will make you nod in agreement because you’ve been there, done that. Still others remind you why you spend “an hour a week” volunteering.

The common thread: You need to be a Scouter to understand them. And that is the highest praise.

Religious Emblems P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities for Youth) notifi es the council of religious emblems earned by Protestant, Jewish, and other faiths, but not those earned by Roman Catholic youth. If you have a son who has earned any religious emblem, please complete the form below and send to Blackhawk Area Council, 2820 McFarland Road, Rockford IL 61107 OR email to [email protected]. Thank you.

Name _______________________________________________

Name of Emblem ______________________________________

Church Name ________________________________________

Church Location ______________________________________ __________________________________________________

Pack Troop Crew # ______________

Council News


Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is on pages ii and iii of theGuide to Safe Scouting

On my honor I promise to do my best to comply with this Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct while serving in my capacity as an adult leader:1. I have or will complete my registration with the Boy Scouts of

America, answering all questions truthfully and honestly.2. I will do my best to live up to the Scout Oath and Scout Law,

obey all laws, and hold others in Scouting accountable to those standards. I will exercise sound judgment and demonstrate good leadership and use the Scouting program for its intended purpose consistent with the mission of the Boy Scouts of America.

3. I will make the protection of youth a personal priority. I will complete and remain current with youth protection training requirements. I will be familiar with and follow:

a. BSA youth protection policies and guidelines, including mandatory reporting: http://www.scouting.org/YouthProtection.aspx

b. The Guide to Safe Scouting: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS.aspx

c. The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Resources/sweet16.aspx

4. When transporting Scouts I will obey all laws, comply with youth protection guidelines, and follow safe driving practices.

5. I will respect and abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, BSA policies, and BSA-provided training, including but not limited to, those relating to:a. Unauthorized fundraising activities b. Advocacy on social and political issues, including prohibited

use of the BSA uniform and brand c. Bullying, hazing, harassment, and unlawful discrimination of

any kind6. I will not discuss or engage in any form of sexual conduct while

engaged in Scouting activities. I will refer Scouts with questions regarding these topics to talk to their parents or spiritual advisor.

7. I confi rm that I have fully disclosed and will disclose in the future any of the following:

a. Any criminal suspicion, charges or convictions of a crime or off ense involving abuse, violence, sexual misconduct, or any misconduct involving minors or juveniles

b. Any investigation or court order involving domestic violence, child abuse, or similar matter

c. Any criminal charges or convictions for off enses involving controlled substances, driving while intoxicated, fi rearms or dangerous weapons.

8. I will not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting rules, regulations and policies:

a. Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana.

b. Concealed or unconcealed fi rearms, fi reworks, or explosives. c. Pornography or materials containing words or images

inconsistent with Scouting values.9. If I am taking prescription medications with the potential of

impairing my functioning or judgment, I will not engage in activities which would put Scouts at risk, including driving or operating equipment.

10. I will take steps to prevent or report any violation of this code of conduct by others in connection with Scouting activities.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Cub Scouting—Get Started Here!

If you’re new to Cub Scouting, you’re in for a year of fantastic fi rsts! And if you’re a returning Cub Scout, you’re already preparing for new adventures ... with gear designed for and inspired by you.

So check it out! Whether at school or your den meetings, the cool logo gear we’re featuring here helps keep Cub Scout spirit going all year long.

And we’re just getting started! From uniforms and program materials to Scoutwear® and family camping gear, ScoutStuff .org and your local Scout Shop have the know-how and necessities to help you launch your Cub Scout adventure.

Sleeping Bags • Book Bags • Water Bottles • Knives • Camp Gear • T-shirts / Hoodie / Caps • School Supplies • Lunch Kits • Magnets / Decals • And much more

Reporter Patch The Scout News Reporter program recognizes those individuals who contact a news media or send them a news release, which in turn gets a positive Scouting story or photo published in an approved publication (see list on application form) Do you have Scouts who like to write? If so, they might want to learn about the Reporters Patch which is now available. All Scouts – Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Explorers, Learning for Life participants – may earn this award. Complete requirements and details are available on the council Web site,www.blackhawkscouting.org/Courier The application form is Reporter Patch Form 2012.pdf. There is also a Reporters Patch Guide.pdf to help you plan and organize your story. Earn a Reporters Patch! For further information, go online to blackhawkscouting.org.

Scouting Teaches Life SkillsScouting also provides youth with skills that help them cope with

any situation. Youth say Scouting has taught them to:• Always give their best eff ort, • Always be honest,• Treat others with respect, • Set goals,• Stay physically fi t, • Take care of the environment


Get Connected with “Bryan On Scouting”Bryan on Scouting is a great source of the good news in Scouting! An off -shoot of Scouting magazine, you will fi nd the stories and

videos very hip, often inspirational, and full of great tips. Plus there are often prizes and contests – Bryan has it all!It is well worth the read! Join the “Tuesday Talkback” where Bryan poses a question about Scouting in action and asks for your thoughts

on it.Follow this link – Bryan on Scouting – and you can sign up for email alerts on what he has posted about that day. It’s good stuff !

Get Connected with “Bryan On Scouting”G C i “ O S i ”Bryan on Scouting is a great source of the good news in Scouting! An off -shoot of Scoutingf magazine, you will fi nd the stories andg

videos very hip, often inspirational, and full of great tips. Plus there are often prizes and contests – Bryan has it all!It is well worth the read! Join the “Tuesday Talkback” where Bryan poses a question about Scouting in action and asks for your thoughts

on it.Follow this link – Bryan on Scouting– – and you can sign up for email alerts on what he has posted about that day. It’s good stuff !

Service Project Guidelines Highlighting SafetyThere are two BSA publications to help a unit or Eagle Scout candidate plan a safe service project:

• Service Project Planning Guidelines• Age Guidelines for Tool Use and Work at Elevations or Excavations

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

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

Age Guidelines for Tool Use and Work at Elevations or Excavations cover• Training and Supervision• Personal Protection Equipment• Hand Tools Use • Working at Heights and Elevations

June 2017Finance News

James Edward West was a lawyer and child advocate. He became the fi rst professional Executive Secretary of the Boy Scouts of America, serving from 1910 to 1943. His title was changed, and in November 1911 he became the fi rst Chief Scout Executive. West gave guidance and structure to the fl edgling Boy Scout of America, and some of the ideas of his are still in eff ect today.

West worked with Sir Robert Baden-Powell, Daniel Carter Beard, Ernest T. Seton, and many interested community leaders to give direction to the infant program of Boy Scouts of America. On January 2, 1911, West and others formed the National Council, B.S.A. During that year the Scout Oath, Law, badges and fundamental policies were established. Under his

leadership over the next 33 years, Scouting grew and matured into the program we recognize and enjoy today.

This is why there is the James E. West Fellowship Award. Organizations and individuals can receive this prestigious award. It pays honor to both the memory of Dr. West, and someone who is important to you including an Eagle Scout, a Silver Beaver recipient, council, district, or unit Scouter, or in memory of a departed love one.

The James E. West Award donation level starts at $1,000, and can be paid over three years. Contact the Blackhawk Area Council, 815-397-0210, to start your James E. West contribution!

Blackhawk Area CouncilJames E. West Pledge Card

Please choose a level of commitment: ____$1000 ____$5000 ____$10,000 ____ $15,000Donor Information and Affi liation: In Memory of _______________________________Name ____________________________ Pledge Signature ________________________Address __________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________ State ______ Zip ______________ Email ___________________________________ Date _______________________

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

Method of Payment and Billing Schedule: _____ Cash _____ Check # _______ ______ (Make payable to Blackhawk Area Council)_____ Visa _____ Master Charge _____ American Express_____ Credit Card # _______________________________ Exp. Date ___________________ Bill Me: _____ Monthly _____ Quarterly _____ Annually

Name on Card _______________________________________ CSV# _______

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

Trustworthy FundThe Trustworthy Fund insures the long term delivery of the Scouting experience and values to thousands of council youth today and tomorrow by supporting all needs of the council

Adventure FundThe Adventure Fund provides support for maintenance and improvements of all council camps, properties, and programming.

Be Prepared FundThe Be Prepared Fund protects the council against the uninsured portion of fi nancial emergencies, and provides the council with the means to take advantage of unexpected opportunities.

Promise FundThe Promise Fund provides camperships and other assistance to needy council youth, as well as helping to keep council fees aff ordable for all.

The Forever Funds of the Blackhawk Area Council

E

June 2017AdvancementNew Advancement Presentations

AvailableCub Scout Advancement:

Delivering AdventureThis presentation provides new and prospective pack advancement

coordinators with the basic knowledge and skills needed to get started, and can serve as a refresher to others. Participants will learn about the Cub Scouting advancement process, related BSA national policies and procedures, and gain a better understanding of how to improve the quality and rate of advancement. The updated Cub Scout program eff ective June 1, 2015, is also covered. The session takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the experience of those attending.

Eff ective Troop AdvancementThis presentation provides new and prospective troop advancement

coordinators and troop advancement committee members with the basic knowledge and skills needed to get started. It can also serve as a refresher to veterans. Participants will learn about the advancement process, their unique role in it, and the related BSA national policies and procedures. The session is intended to be instructor-led and lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on the experience level of those attending.

Download PowerPoint Presentations at Scouting.org/Advancement Resources.

Both of these presentations will be valid through January 31, 2018.

Promoting Cub Scout Advancement

On the 2017 Pack Journey to Excellence (JTE) scorecard, section #5 requires packs to calculate percentages of advancement during the year. There are multiple ways a district advancement committee might help the district and each of its units to achieve their mutual goal of increased advancement• The district committee, with the help of unit commissioners, can

ensure that advancement reports that are being fi led monthly, and can analyze these reports to identify areas where extra attention will be useful.

• Members of the district committee can identify areas of need (within the unit) and help with activities to promote advancement. For example, helping to provide den chiefs for packs by providing den chief training and encouraging troops to send suitable Scouts to this training.

• The district committee can promote communication with and among units encouraging participation in district activities that lead to advancement, ranging from Cub Scout day camp and district Webelos events to Boy Scout resident camp.

• Advancement committee members can assist the district training committee to develop, promote, and provide leadership training that ensures unit leaders are aware of the program outlines of the program support materials available for all levels of Scouting. Training will also encourage those leaders to present a program with multiple opportunities for including advancement activities. On an ongoing basis, they can encourage participation in monthly roundtables where leaders can get up-todate information about upcoming activities.

One further note about JTE: remember that it is a journey, not a destination. Like a garden, it needs constant attention if it is to achieve its purpose, the growth of good citizens through Scouting.

(From Advancement News, March-April 2017 issue)

A few merit badges have certain restrictions, but there are no restrictions on when a boy can begin working on a merit badge. Any registered Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualifi ed Venturer or Sea Scout may work on any badge at any time. Furthermore, although recommended, it is not necessary for a Boy Scout to obtain an Application for Merit Badge, commonly called a “blue card,” before starting work on merit badge requirements. Sometimes leaders misinterpret the requirement for a boy to obtain a blue card to work with a merit badge counselor to mean that the boy must obtain the blue card before beginning any work. That is not correct. The Scout only needs to obtain the blue card once he is ready to begin working directly with a merit badge counselor.

Consider, for example, a boy who has a pet dog, collects stamps or coins, enjoys fi shing or certain sports, or reading. Merit badges related to each of these interests have requirements that the boy can complete without a counselor. If the boy is interested in working on any of these merit badges he should be encouraged to do so, but he should be aware that it ultimately is up to the merit badge counselor whether or not to accept the work he has completed prior to receiving a signed blue card.

If this is true, why is there a requirement for obtaining a blue card before working with a merit badge counselor, even while attending merit badge fairs or similar activities? The simple answer is that a merit badge-related meeting is essentially a Scoutmaster conference that provides an additional opportunity for the unit leader to discuss the boy’s interests with him before he provides the boy with the name of at least one registered and approved merit badge counselor with whom he would like to work. Every discussion a Scout has with his unit leader is meant to be a growth-oriented experience, not a gate through which the boy must pass. Thus, this meeting should consist of more than just providing a name, a signature, and discussing concerns the unit leader might have related to the boy working on a specifi c merit badge. It should be seen as an opportunity to provide inspiration and direction beyond the subject of the merit badge, especially because it always remains the Scout’s decision whether to proceed or not.

See Guide to Advancement topics 7.0.0.2 and 7.0.0.3 for more information on this subject.

(From Advancement News, March-April 2017 issue)

Any Scout, Any Merit Badge, Any Time

To subscribe to Advancement News –send a message to [email protected], with “SUBSCRIBE” in the subject line. Indicate your name, email address, and council in the message text.

Previous issues are archived and are available for download.

June 2017Advancement

Are You Using Internet Advancement?

If not, see the council Web site at www.BlackhawkScouting.org and click on “Internet Advancement” to take training on “How to Get the Most From Internet Advancement.”

To take training on how to use Internet Advancement, go to www.BlackhawkScouting.org and click on “Getting the Most From Internet Advancement”

You may penalize your Scouts by delaying reporting their rank advancement and merit badges in a timely manner.

Even if you purchase badges or rank in another council, using Internet Advancement updates each Scout’s record in Blackhawk Area Council.

Getting the Most From Internet Advancement

The Boy Scouts of America uses eight methods to deliver the program that moves young people toward three basic aims: character development, citizenship training, and mental, emotional, and physical fi tness.

This is important because, from time to time, we as leaders fi nd ourselves focused so heavily on the methods that we forget they are merely tools used to achieve the aims. For this reason, the BSA has instituted the Journey to Excellence to measure performance—that is, to see how we are doing at achieving those aims. One of the most meaningful JTE measurements is the rate of advancement. History has shown the higher this rate, the more Scouts we retain in our programs.

The newly designed 60- to 90-minute presentation “Getting the Most From Internet Advancement” will help participants understand the importance of reporting advancement. It provides guidance to unit advancement processors, unit committee members, and other leaders through their responsibilities in support of the BSA advancement process. It will also show participants how to access and successfully use the Internet Advancement portal to report unit advancement progress.

The advantages of using the online Internet Advancement system versus the paper process are numerous. Among the advantages are reducing or eliminating gaps in Scout record, providing convenience through Web access, and access to a wide variety of useful reports.

EnthusiasmYou can do anything if you have enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes. It is the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of your will and your energy to execute your ideas. Enthusiasts are fi ghters. They have fortitude. They have staying qualities. Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress. With it there is accomplishment. Without it there are only abilities.

Merit BadgeGroup Instruction Guide

This new document was recently posted! The “Merit Badge Group Instruction Guide” can now be found at the Advancement Resources web page: www.scouting.org/advancement. Located under the Merit Badge category, this document provides a review of Guide to Advancement Topic 7.0.3.2, with highlights on planning the event as well as evaluating the event.

Review this document when your unit, district, or council is anticipating conducting a merit badge event where group instruction will take place.

Merit Badges for Star and Life– Eff ects on Eagle Scout RankEarning the rank of Star and Life requires a Scout to complete a

certain number of required and optional (non-Eagle-required) merit badges. Sometimes, confusion occurs about which merit badges can be counted toward which requirement and boards of review are needlessly delayed, which even could adversely impact a Scout’s ability to earn Eagle Scout rank.

For Star and Life ranks the “any four” or “any three” requirement allows the Scout to choose ANY of the Eagle -required merit badges listed in Eagle Scout requirement #3, including alternatives, if available. These merit badges do not need to be from separate categories. For example, if a Scout earns First Aid, Camping, Environmental Science, and Sustainability, all would count as Eagle-required for his Star rank. Likewise, if a Star Scout earns Cycling, Hiking, and Swimming, all three may count as Eagle-required for Life rank. In each of these examples it would not be necessary for the Scout to earn any additional Eagle-required merit badge to meet the “any four” or “any three” requirement.

Although the alternative merit badges are counted toward Star and Life rank only one from each of the categories with alternatives would be counted toward the required merit badges for Eagle Scout rank. The other (extra) Eagle-required merit badges would count toward the optional merit badges required to make up the total of 21 merit badges. In the examples above, the Scout could choose to use Environmental Science merit badge for one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges and Sustainability would count as one of the eight optional merit badges. In the other example, the Scout could choose to use Cycling merit badge as an Eagle-required merit badge and Hiking and Swimming would be counted as optional merit badges.

For the optional, sometimes referred to as non-required, merit badges the Scout can choose to count ANY merit badge toward that requirement, not just optional (non-required) merit badges. The Scout may choose to meet all merit badge requirements for Star and Life by only earning Eagle-required merit badges. For example, a Scout who earns First Aid, Camping, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Emergency Preparedness, and Lifesaving, and no other merit badges, may count all of them toward Star rank. That same Scout could earn an additional 5 Eagle-required merit badges and have met the merit badge requirement for Life rank. Thus it is possible for a Scout to complete the merit badge requirements for Star and Life ranks by only earning Eagle-required merit badges.

See Guide to Advancement topic 7.0.4.5

June 2017Merit Badge Counselors

CommitmentCommitment is what transforms a promise into reality. It

is the words that speak boldly of your intentions and the actions which speak louder than words. It is making the time when there is none— coming through time after time, year after year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism

Show Me the Blue Card! The Application for Merit Badge, No. 34124, also known as

the “blue card,” is a Scout’s offi cial record for keeping track of his advancement. It shows when the Scout met with his unit leader to discuss the badge, it lists requirements that have been completed, and it provides helpful information for counselors.

The “blue card” is evidence the Scout and his unit leader met to discuss topics such as goals, talents, and interests. During this step, the Scoutmaster is able to coach the Scout on things he may have overlooked prior to selecting the badge. For example, the Scout must have completed specifi c rank requirements before he can start work on Lifesaving. If prerequisite work isn’t an issue, the unit leader supports the Scout’s decision by signing and dating the front part of the card and providing contact information for at least one approved counselor.

A partially completed “blue card” shows a Scout had begun working on the badge, and his previous counselor provided the date when requirements were completed along with his or her initials. You will encounter “partials” from time to time, and the Scout’s goal is to resume working on the badge.

Whether meeting with Scouts eager to begin work, or helping those wishing to complete the badge, you should always ask to see the “blue card” before counseling sessions begin. It demonstrates the Scout came prepared to the initial meeting.

Steps for SuccessCounseling Tips

Whether teaching a merit badge for the fi rst time, or celebrating years of counseling experience, there’s always room for improvement. Begin by asking a few simple questions:1. Are you using the latest pamphlet and requirements for badge

instruction?2. Do you have the skills, education, and experience to teach the

subject matter of the merit badge to youth? And, if required as for certain badges, do you have the specialty certi-fi cation or training needed to teach the badge?

3. Is your required Youth Protection training current?

Counselors will discover using the latest pamphlet is a great way to become familiar with both requirements and content. The pamphlets are updated regularly, so check with your Scout shop or go online at www.scoutstuff .org/ to acquire the latest edition.

Using the latest requirements to mentor Scouts is important. Topic 7.0.4.3 in the Guide to Advancement states once new or revised requirements appear in the Boy Scout Requirements book, released each January, any Scout just beginning work on a badge must use what’s listed in the book. Scouting volunteers recognize this publication as the offi cial Boy Scouting requirements resource in eff ect for the calendar year. Counselors can also access the latest requirements by visiting www.scouting.org/meritbadges.aspx.

Counselors must have the skills and education in the subject matter. Special certifi cation to conduct specifi c merit badges may also be required. The First Aid merit badge, for example, requires a certifi ed CPR instructor overseeing requirement 3b in order for Scouts to demon-strate proper technique in performing CPR. Special qualifi cations are covered in topic 7.0.1.1, “Qualifi cations of Counselors” in the Guide to Advancement, accessible at www.scouting.org/fi lestore/pdf/33088.pdf.

All BSA volunteers, whether merit badge counselors, Scoutmasters, or district or council leaders, must have Youth Protection training every two years. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Completing Requirements as Stated Matters

The Camping merit badge has withstood the test of time and continues to be a popular badge. In fact, more than 4.6 million Scouts have earned the badge since 1911. Notwithstanding the badge’s high demand, people still have diffi culty understanding requirement 9a:

“Camp a total of at least 20 nights at designated Scouting activities or events. One long-term camping experience of up to six consecutive nights may be applied towards this requirement. Sleep each night under the sky or in a tent you have pitched. If the camp provides a tent that has already been pitched, you need not pitch your own tent.”

The following captures how some parents interpret the allowable long-term camping nights:

“My son attended summer camp last year which only off ered fi ve nights of camping. He went to summer camp again this year with his troop. Can he apply one night of this year’s summer camp toward the requirement?”

The answer is “No.” Scouts can apply only one long-term camping experience toward the required 20 nights. They cannot include nights camped from a subsequent long-term experience to satisfy the requirement. So, factoring in the allowable fi ve nights, a counselor may pass the Scout on this requirement provided he’s able to show evidence of at least 15 other nights camped at troop overnighters, district camporees, and similar Scouting activities.

Perhaps someday, an 11-year-old Scout will write to the National Council to recommend an updated version with little room for misinterpretation. Emphasizing diverse camping experiences, fi ne-tuning outdoor skills, planning, and engaging in patrol and troop teamwork must be part of the proposal.

June 2017Advancement

Eagle Scout Service Project Coaches

Over the years, units, districts, and councils have had various volunteers fulfi ll the role of an Eagle Scout service project coach; though they may have used other titles such as advisor, mentor, tutor, counselor, advocate, and so forth. The Guide to Advancement “institutionalizes” the project coach’s role to provide encouragement and support, while helping the Scout understand the requirements and expectations for successfully completing his project. The coach, however, is not the project manager, and he or she uses the Boy Scouting program method of positive adult association, not authority, to help the candidate make wise decisions.

It is highly recommended that every Eagle Scout candidate have a coach. More than likely this is the fi rst time that a Scout has attempted a project as involved as the Eagle Scout service project. Some may be fully capable of proceeding on their own without the benefi t of a coach, but most will fi nd the advice and counsel useful and educational.

The optimal time for providing the coach is when the proposal is approved. At that point a Scout can be advised that in a few days he will receive a telephone call from an adult who has agreed to assist him. Since the Eagle Scout candidate has promised that he read the entire Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, we may assume he understands he isn’t required to work with the coach if he doesn’t want to. Once a Scout receives approval for his project proposal he is certainly allowed to strike out on his own without coaching, but it behooves us to do what we can to help him make the right decision in this regard.

More Advancement Education Tools You Can Use Today

The “Eagle Scout Service Project Coach” is a 60 to 90 minute PowerPoint presentation created to guide project coaches through their term of service, from project proposal approval through project report completion. Because the role of the “coach” is relatively new, this presentation—accompanied by presenter’s notes—will help council or district–appointed volunteers understand the specifi cs of the position and how it is diff erent from the typical unit-based “Life-to-Eagle” advisor or mentor. The presentation can be used in instructor-led group sessions or as an individual orientation, both of which can be followed by question and answer sessions or individual conversations.

“Eff ective Troop Advancement” is another 60 to 90 minute, instructor-led PowerPoint presentation. It has been designed to help troop advancement coordinators and committees understand the advancement process and their role in promoting advancement and supporting BSA policies and procedures. Also accompanied by presenter’s notes, it is an eff ective tool for ensuring that unit and district advancement committees understand their roles and responsibilities concerning advancement as spelled out in the Guide to Advancement. The result should be increased advancement eff ectiveness and higher JTE scores.

Two additional presentations currently under development, are “Conducting Eff ective Eagle Boards of Review” and “Building and Sustaining High Performing Advancement Committees.”

The Cub Scout year of rank advancement is often geared to fi nish at the blue and gold banquet in February. The timing is ideal for a large banquet and festivities to celebrate advancement for all boys and signal the time for Webelos Scouts to complete their transition to Boy Scouting and troop involvement.

Many Cub Scouts are unable to complete their rank advancement by this time, and are encouraged to continue working on adventures and electives. Some, however, do not complete their rank advancement by June 1, the traditional date when records change and each rank moves up—for example, Tiger becomes Wolf and Wolf becomes Bear.

What happens to those boys who have been working but are not there yet?

The answer is in the Guide To Advancement, topic 4.1.0.4, which allows the pack committee to allow a few extra weeks after the end of the school year. The Cub Scout should not have to “stop cold”—he deserves the chance to succeed and the GTA ensures this chance.

The pack committee should meet during early May and get input from den leaders, parents, and Scouts. They should review advancement reports and see the health of the dens. Den leaders can identify boys who are fi nished, near to being fi nished, and those who are not as far in their advancement. Once those boys are identifi ed, joint eff ort can be initiated to encourage and facilitate the successful completion of this Scout’s badge of rank. This will give him the all-important sense of accomplishment and pride in a job well done.

Then it’s on to the next new Cub Scout advancement adventures.From Advancement News, May-June 2017 issue

Learning to Teach Is Teaching to Learn“In springtime a young man’s fancy,” goes the joke, “turns to

baseball.” While that may be true, in springtime a Scoutmaster’s thoughts actually turn to getting the troop ready for summer camp, especially that new group of Scouts who just crossed over from the pack. Experienced Scouters know that if these boys have a positive summer camp experience, they will stay in Scouting for a long time.

Who better to show these new Scouts the ropes than the boys who crossed over about this time last year, most of whom should – by now – be or at least close to becoming First Class Scouts? Under the guidance of the senior patrol leader, patrol leaders, and troop guides, let these “seasoned” Scouts teach the new boys the skills they will need at summer camp. In this way the new instructors will reinforce the lessons they have learned during the last year, and show the senior Scouts they are ready to take on more responsibilities.

Meanwhile, as the new Scouts learn, the experienced Scouts teach, and the senior Scouts put their leadership skills to work, the whole troop will be involved. The new Scouts will enjoy the positive attention from the older boys. In this way, everyone experiences personal growth.

There is no better way to learn something than by teaching it. As the Guide to Advancement (topic 4.2.1.1) puts it: “[The Scout] learns by doing, and as he learns, he grows in his ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others; and in this way he learns and develops leadership.”

In our example, the older boys gain leadership experience; mid-level Scouts reinforce their Scouting skills and learn how to pass them on to other Scouts. Together, new and old Scouts get prepared for the adventure ahead. All of this will happen with just a light touch from the Scoutmaster. It’s a beautiful thing.

From Advancement News, May-June 2017 issue

End of YearCub Scout Advancement

June 2017Program Opportunities

Youth Protection TrainingHave you checked your Youth Protection Training (YPT) status

lately? It is easier now that MyScouting Tools is up and running, but it still depends on you linking your membership ID number(s) to your MyScouting account.

The two biggest issues we fi nd preventing a unit, district, or council from getting all active direct-contact leaders YPT trained are not linking the ID number and unrenewed YPT. Remember, YPT must be taken every two years.

It is very important we do all we can to protect our youth and we stay up to date on how we can all do Scouting Safely. Be sure to bookmark, share, and visit the Youth Protection web site:

www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection

Cub Scout Adventure PacksKlehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden will off er Cub Scouts

the opportunity to complete several “adventures” as they are working on their badge of rank. Cub Scouts can complete these self-guided adventures with a parent or as part of a den.

Each adventure is based on the new Cub Scout program and focuses on learning by doing and exposing Cub Scouts to new places!

The following adventures will be available at Klehm:Tiger: Tigers in the Wild*, Backyard Jungle*Wolf: Paws on the Path*, Finding Your WayBear: Fur, Feathers, and Ferns*Webelos: Webelos Walkabout,* Into the Wild, Into the Woods

*Required adventures

Here’s how your den can complete an adventure at Klehm: • Decide which fun adventure to complete.• Visit www.klehm.org and download the PDF fi le of the requirements

to prepare for your adventure. • Contact Klehm to reserve your Cub Scout Adventure Pack for the

day of your visit.• Visit Klehm and take a self-guided tour of the Arboretum, which

has over 155 acres and over 300 tree specimens. Cost is $6/adult, $3/Scout. Free for members of Klehm.

Cub Scout Adventure PackKlehm’s Cub Scout Adventure Pack is a backpack that contains

materials that you will need to complete your adventure. Each adventure has its own special backpack that includes a notebook, writing utensils, selected supplies, and the printed requirements. Backpacks can be picked up at the Visitor Center and/or reserved by calling 815-965-8146.

For more information about Klehm’s new Cub Scout Adventure Program or to request membership information, visit klehm.org or contact Carrie Schommer at [email protected].

Scout ProgramsSpring -- Summer 2017

Boy ScoutsBird Study – $12

May 27 – 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Insect Study – $12August 5 – 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• Pre-registration & prepayment are required. Call 815-965-3433 to register.

• Scout leaders free, other adults pay $6.00.• Boy Scouts need to bring a blue card and, for all day programs, a

sack lunch. We do not provide patches/badges.• Check-in starts 15 minutes before the program start time. Please

plan to be here early so we can start on time.• Some Boy Scout merit badges and Webelos adventures require

homework ahead of the program in order to fulfi ll the requirements. These will be sent to you when you register.

• Cancellation/refund policy: if cancellation is received 10 clear days ahead of the date, a refund less 20% will be issued.

• Please be aware that we sometimes have to cancel a program because it did not reach the minimum registration requirement. Don’t wait until the last minute to sign up or your program may already be cancelled!

• Burpee Museum reserves the right to limit registrations and cancel any program for any reason. Every eff ort will be made to contact participants.

Burpee Museum, 737 N. Main St, Rockford IL 61103.Phone 815-965-3433 Web site www.burpee.org.

June 2017Program Opportunities

DRAFT Forest Preserves of Winnebago County

and Blackhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America

announce

SCOUT DAY Restoration ∙ Education ∙ Appreciation ∙ Preservation

Nurture Nature as R.E.A.P. Workday Volunteers!

Saturday, August 19th, 2017 Severson Dells Forest Preserve

8502 Montague Road, Rockford - Prairie Knoll Shelterhouse

Workday: 9 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Off-Trail Invasive Plant Species Removal

Educational Enrichment: 11:15 a.m. until Noon Guided Creek Study (Don’t forget your waterproof boots!)

Scouting Activities: 12 until p.m.Badge

Each Pack/Troop earning 30 service hours within a calendar year

will receive a $100 Gift Card to use toward FPWC fees, such as camping, shelterhouse rental and more!

Proper off-trail outdoor workday attire recommended (long pants/sleeves & sturdy shoes-no sandals/flip flops) Bring your water bottle & a sack lunch - wear your insect repellent & sunscreen Adult supervision required for youth volunteers under 16 years of age (1:3 ratio)

Completed waiver required in advance for youth volunteers under 18 years of age

Complete our on-line waiver by visiting Winnebagoforest.org - Calendar of Events - Aug 19 R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday - Activity Waiver

Visit Winnebagoforest.org - Contact Us - Volunteer to learn about other FPWC Volunteer Opportuni es

June 2017National Youth Leadership Training

June 2017Wood Badge 2017

REAL STORIES FROM REAL WOOD BADGERS

“Coming out of Wood Badge, I felt focused, energized and empowered to make a positive contribution to scouting. It's a transformative experience that gives each participant tenfold what they put into it!“

“Wood Badge helped me understand team dynamics better, especially team-building and maximizing team unity. It shifted my

focus to think on a grander scale about what I could give back to Scouting as an adult leader. Wood Badge gave me a new set of tools for improving teamwork, communication and feedback, and for conflict resolution. I can apply these tools to my personal, professional and Scouting endeavors.“

“I knew about many elements of team-building and leadership, but Wood Badge helped put all the pieces together. It was life-changing in many ways.” “Wood Badge helped me discover that I am capable of doing so much more than I ever thought I could.”

“Wood Badge taught me many things, but the biggest one for me was courage. Courage

to stand in front of a group of people and speak. Courage to lead through selfless service. And courage to listen with an open heart.”

WHAT IS WOOD BADGE?

Wood Badge is the most advanced leadership training available for Scout leaders. The course is inspired by Baden-Powell, the founder of the world scout movement, who conducted the first Wood Badge course in 1919. It takes the most current leadership and team development skills that are used in American business and combines them with over 100 years of Scouting experience. Its purpose is to aid you in providing a quality program that enables Scouts to grow to their greatest potential.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Wood Badge is intended for all volunteers and professionals for all BSA Scouting programs.

CCub Scouting

BBoy Scouting

VVarsity Scouting

VVenturing

EExploring SSea Scouting

COURSE INFORMATION Weekend 1:

7:15 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2017 through 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017

Weekend 2: 7:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 through 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017

Attendance at both weekends is required. In addition, attendees will hold two small-group meetings between the two weekend sessions.

June 2017Wood Badge 2017

WHY WOOD BADGE?

Wood Badge is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide participants with leadership skills and experience they can use in their Scouting positions and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Attending Wood Badge isn’t about gaining personal recognition. It’s about becoming a better leader so the boys and girls in your unit will get the most out of their experience. The payoff is ensuring that Scouting endures through proper execution of the program Lord Robert Baden-Powell conceived over 100 years ago.

HOW Wood Badge is a six-day course. Content is delivered in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with an emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. Interconnecting concepts and work processes are introduced early, built upon and aided by the use of the course material, which allows participants to understand and apply the leadership skills much faster. Wood Badge incorporates the best of modern leadership theory with the traditional strengths of the Scouting experience. Through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and audiovisual support. Wood Badge participants will be engaged in a cooperative approach to leadership that will give them the skill and confidence to lead well. Through a wide range of activities, games, and adventures, participants will work and play together as they put into action the best Scouting has to offer. Wood Badge is an experience like no other, and I encourage you to consider joining us in 2017!

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Online registration preferred: www.c7-660-17.com

You can also return this form to the Council office.

Name:

Address:

Email: (Email will be our primary form of communication.)

Home Phone:

Cellular Phone:

Pack / Troop / Crew /Team/Ship Number: (circle one) District (if known): Scouting Position: T-Shirt Size: Who can we thank for recommending the course to you: Enclosed is my:

Payment in Full $220 (before 6/1) $250 (after 6/1) Non-refundable Deposit $50 Non-refundable Deposit $50 and financial assistance application

Check Payable to: Blackhawk Area Council Mail to: Wood Badge C7-660-17

Blackhawk Area Council 2820 McFarland Road Rockford, IL 61107

If you would like additional information about this mountaintop training experience, contact:

Sandy Schwartz — Course Director 779-771-3567 or [email protected]

9/13/2016 SKS

Leadership for your Scouts, Unit, Family & Career

2017

June 2017Training Talk

Every Boy Deserves a Trained Leader

Training is a journey, not a destination. The journey begins with Fast Start training and continues through a seamless progression that includes Youth Protection Training, Leader-Specifi c Training, This Is Scouting, and Wood Badge. Trained leaders provide an active, quality program to their youth members which in-turn keeps them in the program longer. The longer a youth member stays in the program, the more he will benefi t from what Scouting has to off er. Plus it makes your job as a leader easier.

A leader is considered trained when he or she completes Youth Protection Training and the Leader-Specifi c Training for his or her position. After completing training, you are entitled to wear the “Trained Leader” emblem.

Fast Start training can be taken online through the council’s Web site: www.blackhawkscouting.org. Click on “What Training Do I Need?’ and then click on the appropriate program under Fast Start.

Additional supplemental training modules for Boy Scout leaders are available at www.scouting.org in the Boy Scout adult leaders’ section, under the Training heading.

Troop Committee Challenge can also be taken online at www.scouting.org in the Boy Scout adult leaders’ section. Click on “Training” and then on “Online Learning Center.”

Several other supplemental training sessions can be found on the “Online Learning Center.”

“Every eligible youth has an opportunity to be involved in a quality Scouting experience.” This is part of the National Strategic Plan. The Journey to Excellence incorporates this important measurement. To qualify for the award, units must have a “trained and engaged committee.”

All committee members and direct contact leaders “have completed Leader Specifi c Training or, if new, complete within three months of joining.”

The unit’s annual training plan should strive to increase the percentage of direct-contact leaders trained.

Check the Courier and your district’s Web page for scheduled training courses. You can attend a training course in another district. If these don’t work for you, then contact your district’s training chair to schedule training for your unit.

Every boy deserves a trained leader.

Upcoming TrainingThe chart below lists known upcoming training dates for upcoming

months. Details such as time and location can be found in your district’s section of this newspaper and on the council calendar and district Web sites. If the dates of a training course in your district don’t fi t your schedule, check out the dates in another district. The important thing is to take training as soon as possible in order to give your Scouts the best program possible.

Basic leader position training sessions for most positions are available online through My.Scouting.org.

Please note that Youth Protection training must be taken within 30 days of registering for the fi rst time or before your unit recharters if you have not completed the course within the past two years. Youth Protection training is available online through My.Scouting.org.

Consult the council web site and future Couriers for upcoming training courses.

Council May 5-7 – Powder Horn, session 1June 2-4 – Powder Horn, session 2June 11-16 – NYLT, Camp LowdenJuly 30-August 4 – NYLT, Canyon CampAugust 25-27 – Wood Badge, session 1September 8-10 – Venturing TrainingSeptember 29-October 1 – Wood Badge, Session 2November 4 – Camp Wachuwanano, Belvidere High

SchoolSycamore May 12-13 -- Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills

Wanchanagi May 12-13 -- Introduction to Outdoor Leader SkillsTroop Committee Challenge -- Available as an in-

house training upon request!White Eagle Attend roundtable and check district Web site for

listingWetassa Attend roundtable and check district Web site for

listingArrowhead Attend roundtable and check district Web site for

listing

Cub Hubwww.CubScouts.org

A new and exciting collaboration between Scouting and parents has been released. You can reach “Cub Hub” at www.CubScouts.org. or by typing “Cub Hub” and look for “the offi cial Cub Scout” site. You will fi nd videos, lots of ideas, and you can respond to questions and ideas in any social media. This is a place where you can also share your ideas and stories also.

There are many new articles, videos, games, and contests, so take a look and catch up with the latest information.

Tenure forTraining Awards

Unless it specifi cally states in the requirements that tenure cannot be used for multiple training awards, it can be used.

In the past we said “one Scouter, one position” and did not want to reward those who wore multiple hats. We are more realistic now. If a Scouter accomplished all of the training and performance tasks during the same tenure, they have likely made Scouting better for more youth and deserve recognition.

June 2017Health and Safety

Few youth organizations encompass the breadth, volume, and diversity of physical activity common to Scouting, and none enjoy a better safety record. The key to maintaining and improving this exemplary record is the conscientious and trained adult leader who is attentive to safety concerns.

As an aid in the continuing eff ort to protect participants in a Scout activity, the BSA National Health and Safety Committee and the Council Services Division of the BSA National Council have developed the "Sweet Sixteen" of BSA safety procedures for physical activity. These 16 points, which embody good judgement and common sense, are applicable to all activities.

1. Qualifi ed Supervision: Every BSA activity should be supervised by a conscientious adult who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of the children and youth in his or her care. The supervisor should be suffi ciently trained, experienced, and skilled in the activity to be confi dent of his/her ability to lead and to teach the necessary skills and to respond eff ectively in the event of an emergency. Field knowledge of all applicable BSA standards and a commitment to implement and follow BSA policies and procedures are essential parts of the supervisor's qualifi cations.

2. Physical Fitness: For youth participants in any potentially strenuous activity, the supervisor should receive a complete health history from a health-care professional, parent, or guardian. Adult participants and youth involved in higher-risk activity (e.g., scuba) may require professional evaluation in addition to the health history. The supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate potential risks associated with individual health conditions. Neither youth nor adults should participate in activities for which they are unfi t. To do so would place both the individual and others at risk.

3. Buddy System: The long history of the buddy system in Scouting has shown that it is always best to have at least one other person with you and aware at all times as to your circumstances and what you are doing in any outdoor or strenuous activity.

4. Safe Area or Course: A key part of the supervisor's responsibility is to know the area or course for the activity and to determine that it is well-suited and free of hazards.

5. Equipment Selection and Maintenance: Most activity requires some specialized equipment. The equipment should be selected to suit the participant and the activity and to include appropriate safety and program features. The supervisor should also check equipment to determine that it is in good condition for the activity and is properly maintained while in use.

6. Personal Safety Equipment: The supervisor must ensure that every participant has and uses the appropriate personal safety equipment. For example, activity afl oat requires a life jacket properly worn by each participant; bikers, horseback riders, and whitewater kayakers need helmets for certain activities; skaters may need protective gear; and all need to be dressed for warmth and utility depending on the circumstances.

7. Safety Procedures and Policies: For most activities, there are common-sense procedures and standards that can greatly reduce the risk. These should be known and appreciated by all participants, and the supervisor must ensure compliance.

8. Skill Level Limits: There is a minimum skill level requirement for every activity, and the supervisor must identify and recognize this minimum skill level and be sure that no participants are put at risk by attempting an activity beyond their ability. A good example of skill levels in Scouting is the venerable swim test, which defi nes conditions for safe swimming based on individual ability.

9. Weather Check: The risk factors in many outdoor activities vary substantially with weather conditions. These variables and the appropriate response should be understood and anticipated.

10. Planning: Safe activity follows a plan that has been conscientiously developed by the experienced supervisor or other competent source. Good planning minimizes risks and also anticipates contingencies that may require emergency response or a change of plan.

11. Communications: The supervisor needs to be able to communicate eff ectively with participants as needed during the activity. Emergency communications also need to be considered in advance for any foreseeable contingencies.

12. Plans and Notices: BSA tour and activity plans, council offi ce registration, government or landowner authorization, and any similar formalities are the supervisor’s responsibility when such are required. Appropriate notifi cation should be directed to parents, enforcement authorities, landowners, and others as needed, before and after the activity.

13. First-aid Resources: The supervisor should determine what fi rst-aid supplies to include among the activity equipment. The level of fi rst-aid training and skill appropriate for the activity should also be considered. An extended trek over remote terrain obviously may require more fi rst-aid resources and capabilities than an afternoon activity in the local community. Whatever is determined to be needed should be available.

14. Applicable Laws: BSA safety policies generally run parallel or go beyond legal mandates, but the supervisor should confi rm and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations or statutes.

15. CPR Resource: Any strenuous activity or remote trek could present a cardiac emergency. Aquatics programs may involve cardiopulmonary emergencies. The BSA strongly recommends that a CPR-trained person (preferably an adult) be part of the leadership for any BSA program. Such a resource should be available for strenuous outdoor activity.

16. Discipline: No supervisor is eff ective if he or she cannot control the activity and the individual participants. Youth must respect their leader and follow his or her direction.

In addition to these general rules, safety concerns in certain BSA activities, including most of the aquatics programs, have been specifi cally addressed in more detailed guidelines. All leaders should review and comply with such guidelines in the respective activities. Examples can be found in publications such as the Guide to Safe Scouting, Chemical Fuel and Equipment Policies, Safe Swim Defense, etc.

The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety

June 2017Health and Safety

SUMMARY

What do nuclear power plants, construction sites, aircraft carriers, and many hospitals have in common with

Scouting? All constantly look for ways to eliminate hazards that could be life altering or fatal. One tool used

many safety-conscious groups is the safety moment or safety briefing that starts each meeting or activity w

pause to discuss a hazard or risk that can be prevented. The safety moment focuses the attention of the gro

safety and how to achieve it. That’s the “why” of the safety moment. Let’s address the who, what, when, whe

and how next.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Who can deliver a safety moment? Anyone who is willing to be prepared and to step up. Ideally, each Scout or Scout

(with some preparation) could step up and make a difference within his or her unit or group.

When and where should a safety briefing be delivered? At the beginning of a meeting or just before an activity—espe

one that has some risk such as shooting, climbing, or aquatic activities.

What makes a great safety moment? Almost anything that focuses or educates the audience on a safety topic. The BSA

publishes several safety moments, and new topics are being developed on a regular basis. Other topics can include t

use of checklists or safety tools such as PAUSE or focus on something such as hydration, safe driving, or simply the

location of fire extinguishers or evacuation routes. The Guide to Safe Scouting, the Scouting Safely website, and the

Health and Safety newsletters are also great sources of ideas. If you have information that’s accurate, don’t shy away

from discussing injuries or other incidents that occurred during a recent outing as long as the focus is on learning and

prevention. Make it simple and easy to understand, and help the learners know how to apply the message.

How should the message be delivered? All messages should be delivered using facts and simple language and shou

appropriate to the audience. Using a handout, slides, or a demonstration will help assure that those who hear the me

understand it and know how to apply it. The message should be delivered in just a few minutes. Don’t belabor the po

make it difficult.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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

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

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

Checklists—www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS/gssax.aspx

BSA SAFETY MOMENTUSING A SAFETY MOMENT IN SCOUTING ACTIVITIESITIES

June 2017Camping NewsSummer Camp 2017

Summer Camp registration is now fully online.Hurry to secure your troop’s spot in 2017

2017 Summer Camp Registration is now open!From our council webpage

select the “Camping” tab and select you week at either Lowden or Canyon

Camp LowdenJune 18-24 June 25-July 1 July 2-8 July 19-15 July 16-22

OOC 44 WAN 181 WE 96 WTSA 781 OOC 33SYC 159 OOC 265 SYC 369 OOC 35 OOC 622SYC 168 WAN 77 OOC 14 WE 52 SYC 957WE 305 OOC 1402 SYC 171 SYC 368 OOC 17 WE 902 OOC 19 OOC 92 WE 553OOC 711 WAN 139 OOC 26 OOC 715OOC 744 WAN 601 SYC 349OOC 47 WE 117

SYC 132OOC 268 WAN 717

Canyon CampJune 18-24 June 25-July 1 July 2-8 July 9-15 July 16-22

OOC 2 OOC 50 WAN 1 WTSA 26 AH 101OOC 19 AH 115 OOC 2810 WE 72 WAN 6OOC 83 AH 775 WE 64 AH 105 OOC 75AH 76 WTSA 45 WTSA 4 OOC 128 OOC 405AH 88 WTSA 51 WTSA 7AH 95 AH 84 WAN 37SYC 160 AH 125 WAN 224

OOC 912 WTSA 19 AH 106

OOC 303 OOC 32 AH 108

OOC 97 WTSA 55

WE 85 WTSA 61

WTSA 31

WE 140

OOC 556

OOC 745

OOC 265

1 Great Council, but 2 Amazing Camps!Whether you choose to hang out at Camp Lowden OR your troop

heads over to hang out at Canon Camp, Scouts and leaders alike are in for one fantastic summer.

June 2017Camping News

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

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




Camp LowdenCamp Lowden Week 1 (6/18/17-6/24/17)http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/camp-lowden-week-1/1938968

Camp Lowden Week 2 (6/25/17-7/1/17)http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/camp-lowden-week-2/1939080




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

Wilderness EngineersCamp Lowden

My name is Brent Bryden. I am the Chairman of Properties for Camp Lowden. It is my pleasure to try to invigorate the Wilderness Engineers group for the camp.

We have had some administrative changes regarding Camp Lowden and with those changes we have a need for your volunteer services.

On occasion, we have the need to call on volunteers for projects. More importantly, we need a better way of contacting those that have the expertise we need to help at camp. I understand we are all busy in our respective Scouting roles, busy family life, and other commitments. My hope is to identify individuals whom still have the desire to provide service to their camp.

If you would like to be a member of the Wilderness Engineers Group, please email me the following information:

Troop _______Name _______________________________________Address _____________________________________City, State, Zip ________________________________Phone _____________ Cell Phone ________________Email address _________________________________

Thank you for your dedication to Scouting, the Blackhawk Area Council, and Camp Lowden. I look forward to continued improvement of our camps for our single most important resources: our kids.

Sincerely, Brent Bryden

Chairman of Properties – Camp Lowden [email protected]

Where Is Your Troop Hanging Out This Summer?

Now is the perfect time to sign up forSummer Camp 2017!If you have not registered yet, follow the links on the next page to register

your troop for your desired week before they fi ll up.I hope to see you all at camp.Yours in Scouting,

Emily CrossBlackhawk Area Council Program Director


2017 Cub Scout Resident CampsTiger, Wolf, and Bear Camp

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

Webelos and Arrow of Light Resident CampFor Webelos Scouts entering 4th and 5th grades in the fall of 2017Date: July 28-30, 2017 Location: Camp Lowden, near Oregon, Illinois

Cost$35.00 per Adult$75.00 per Arrow of Light Scout (5th Grade)$75.00 per Webelos Scout (4th Grade)Early Discount:Before 7/2/2017 a discount of $15.00 will apply to all Arrow of Light

Scout (5th Grade) Registrants.Before 7/2/2017 a discount of $15.00 will apply to all Webelo Scout (4th

Grade) Registrants.Cancellation Policy -- No refunds issued less than 30 days prior to camp.

For details:Go to BlackhawkScouting.org/camping

Cub Scout Day CampsLook for information in district pages

Arrowhead:Day Camp -- Lancaster, Wisconsin -- June 19-22

Grant County FairgroundsTwilight Camp -- August 7-9 -- Monroe

Green County Fairgrounds

Wanchanagi:Boone County Conservation District

June 7-9 – Webelos ScoutsJune 12-14 – Wolf and BearJune 13 – Tiger Day

Winnebago County FairgroundsJuly 17-20 – Wolf, Bear, Webelos. Tigers may attend any day

Kieselberg Forest PreserveJuly 11-14 – Wolf, Bear, WebelosJuly 13 – Tiger Day

Council Program CenterJuly 17-18 20-21 – Wolf, Bear, WebelosJuly 20 – Tiger Day

White EagleAugust 1-2 – Tiger, Wolf, Bear Day CampAugust 3-4 – Webelos and Arrow of Light Day Camp

Sycamore:June 20-23 – Wolf Day CampJune 26-29 – Bear Day CampJuly 18-21 – Webelos Day CampJuly 22 – Tiger Day CampJuly 24-27 – Arrow of Light Day Camp

C C N(from Canyon Camp Newsletter, Spring 2017

5 Weeks of Summer Campfor Scouts!

Believe it or not, the staff has all been hired for fi ve weeks of summer camping at Canyon Camp. Co-Directors Lee Binkley and Dick Reynolds will welcome a full complement of Staff Directors to some early training sessions on June 9 followed by a traditional Staff week starting June 11.

Scouts start arriving June 18 for fi ve separate weeks of full-bore activity and good Scouting fun. The last week begins July 15 – so you will want to plan your summer trip now to a Wednesday Visitor’s Night or just drop in when you can.

This year Scouts will have the opportunity to try out a new zip line that has been installed in camp. Be sure to check-in at the offi ce when you visit.


Woodcutter’s BallOctober 7

Remember to put the Kiwanis Woodcutter’s Ball on your calendar for Saturday, October 7. The day starts with a Continental Breakfast from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.. Enthusiasm for supporting Canyon Camp and the desire to be in the outdoors are the things you need to bring to the Woodcutters Ball – although there will be work projects from 9:00 – 1:00, a lunch and social time from 1:00 – 2:00, and additional work projects continuing through the afternoon.

We could really use your support and enthusiasm at this event – so why not come to Camp on October 7! Staff Positions Open

at Camp LowdenWe are looking for a few general program staff , lifeguards, and a

health offi cer.Aquatics staff must be at least 16, and they will be required to hold

a certifi cation as a Red Cross, YMCA, or BSA Lifeguard, and be trained in First Aid and CPR.

The Health Offi cer needs a current licence or training certifi cation required for a nurse practitioner, paramedic, EMT, or fi rst responder.

The application can be found at www.blackhawkscouting.org, and they should send it to the council program director or one of the two camp directors.

Our contact information is as followsJohn Cornacchia, co-camp director, [email protected] Hemmer, co-camp director, [email protected] Cross, council program director, [email protected]

June 2017

ITS VENTURING TIME

This summer July 2nd – July 8th

Don’t miss Venturing Week @ CampLowden

Visit to register and see the full list of

activities. $295 / Venturer Scout

by May 15th (or $320 after 5/15)

Venturimg

June 2017

During VENTURING Week you will have the following opportunities:

- Ranger Award – Essentials o 1. First Aid Course o 3. Cooking – C, D, F o 5. Land Navigation – ALL o 6. Leave No Trace – A, 1 of B, o 7. Wilderness Survival – A, B, D, E, F, G, H, I, J-i

- Ranger – Electives o Everyone participate in:

Backpacking Fishing Mountaineering

o Then choose 2 of the following: Cycling Equestrian COPE Shooting Sports

- Quest – Essentials o 2. First Aid

- Venturing Award – 1,3 - Discovery Award – 1 of 1, 2, 3, 8 (hours towards) - Pathfinder Award – 1 of 1, 9 (hours towards *After earning the

Discovery Award) - Summit Award – 1 of 1, 4-c (teaching requirement) *Camp Director

supervision / approval, and taking this course is required prior to teaching others at camp.

Venturimg

June 2017Venturing, Sea Scouting, and Exploring

Venturers – Subscribe to

“The Central Point”Central Region Venturing’s Newsletter

National, Regional, and Area announcements about upcoming events and many other topics are included in The Central Point, Central Region Venturing's Newsletter.

Each edition will feature information that you will fi nd useful for your council’s Venturing program. We will highlight items that support the development of your Venturing Offi cers’ Association, Forums, advisors, commissioners, professional staff , council-wide activities and the Central Region Venturing Areas. We look forward to being of service to you in Venturing.

The current issue and back issues of all Region and Area newsletters are available at http://crventuring.org/Home/Newsletters/.

My.Scouting Tools—What’s New

New Venturing content consisting of 14 e-learning modules was added to the BSA Learn Center. It provides training on key topics such as selecting youth offi cers, building a crew budget, and annual program planning, making it possible for Venturing leaders to complete position-specifi c training outline.

Position-specifi c training is delivered in three parts, or learning plans. Each learning plan is designed for the specifi c position and is recommended to be taken before the fi rst meeting, within the fi rst 30 days, and within 90 days. The training program is self-paced, allowing volunteers to complete their training at their own pace.

Training is found at my.scouting.org under Home, My Dashboard, My Training. Or, select the Position-Specifi c Training image on the right side of the page on the My.Scouting Tools home page.

Additionally, we will soon be implementing a single sign-on process that will no longer require you to enter your username and password to access the BSA Learn Center to take your trainings. So, once you log into my.scouting.org and access Cub Scouting or Venturing position-specifi c training, you will automatically be directed to the BSA Learn Center.

Annual Co-Ed Scout EventsAges 14+(some 13+)

Come join us for fun activities for Scouts your own age!See familiar faces! Many units attend most of these events

For Boy Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts, Explorers, etc.

June 4 – Scout Fishing Derby, Rockton IllinoisIllinois Free Fishing Weekend – adults fi sh for free! Fish along

the Rock River Race. All age divisions for both BSA and GSUSA. $3 fee includes patch, chance at trophies, and attendance prizes, and fun fi shing! 22 years at the same place.

Contact Louise Glon at [email protected] or 815-988-9515.

June – Blackhawk Area RegattaRockford Illinois, Rock Cut State Park, Olson Lake

One-day competition running for over 50 years, including obstacle course, archery, canoeing, line toss, tugs, swimming, log sawing, plus dinner and a dance. Contact Bob Muraski at [email protected]

July 14-16 – Bay Jammer, Marinette, Wisconsin and Menominee Michigan

Longest running competition 68 years! Events include lip sync contest on Friday; swimming, boating, compass, log rolling, log sawing, drilling, knots, triathlon, etc. on Saturday plus dinner and semi-formal dance; tug-of-war, and volleyball on Sunday. More information at http://www.baylakesbsa.org. Sign up is online only.

If you have any problems reaching any of these sites or have another Scout event to add, please contact Louise Glon for information at [email protected] or 815-988-9515.

Useful Tips for ConductingAdvisor’s Conferences

While progressing through the Venturing advancement structure, a Venturer will be required to meet with his or her crew Advisor for an Advisor’s conference, which is a meeting, or rather a friendly conversation, between the Venturer and the Advisor. These sessions provide useful opportunities to review the Venturer’s goals in the crew and within his or her personal life. They will review progress from their most recent Advisor’s conference, and encourage the Venturer to set future goals (e.g., crew, personal, faith-related, school, professional, etc.).

Meanwhile, the goal of the Advisor should be to ensure that the Venturer is ready for the next board of review.

Here are a few helpful hints to keep in mind when conducting an Advisor’s conference:• Reinforce the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America and Venturing. • Establish mutual trust. Encourage a mutual discussion where both

the youth and adult feel comfortable enough to share and ask questions of one another.

• Keep the meeting environment relaxed, perhaps by being on a crew outing by a lake or outside of your crew meeting location at a bench, while remembering to be in full view of other people in accordance with BSA youth protection guidelines. Avoid conducting a conference at a table or desk. Keep the conversation casual and friendly.

• Give your undivided care and attention to the youth. Take the time to get to know the Venturer personally.

• Invite the Venturer to share by asking open-ended questions, such as

• “ What is the best crew outing memory you have and why?” • “What are your future goals and what will you do to accomplish

them?” • “ Last time we discussed your goal of xxx . How do

you feel you have accomplished this goal?” “What have you learned from completing this goal?”

• Keep the conversations to about 10-15 minutes in length. The Summit Award Advisor’s conference may be a bit longer (perhaps 30 minutes).

From Advancement News, May-June 2017 issue

June 2017

Sycamore DistrictServing McHenry County in Illinois

Web Site: www.BlackhawkScouting.org/Sycamore

Sycamore District CalendarSycamore District DirectoryMay

13 Derby Days19-21 Woods of Webelos29 Memorial Day – Council service center

closed

June1 District Committee meeting6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition

with July through September events6 District Commissioners meeting8 Roundtable10 Bobcat Day20-23 Wolf Cub Scout Day Camp26-29 Bear Cub Scout Day Camp

July3 Independence Day Observed, council

service center closed4 Independence Day, council service center

closed5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition

with August through October events6 District Committee meetng11 District Commissioners meeting18-21 Webelos Scout Day Camp22 Tiger Day Camp24-27 Arrow of Light Day Camp30-August 4 NYLT, Canyon Camp

August1 Courier deadline – September printed

edition with September through November events

3 District Committee meeting8 District Commissioners meeting10 Roundtable18-20 OA Fall Conclave25-27 Wood Badge, session 1

Upcoming... August 25-27 Wood Badge, session 1September 15-17 – Religious Retreat, Camp

LowdenSeptember 29-30 - October 1 Wood Badge,

session 2

Chairman: Mike Roe, 815-529-4572Vice-Chairman – Administration Lance Snider, [email protected] 630-525-9518 Nominating Committee: Mike Walsh, [email protected] 630-200-3595 Public Relations/Marketing: Cathleen Martin 815-479-8081 Noteworthy Editor: Kristi MillerVice-Chair – Finance Matt Colby Popcorn: Laura Strupp, 847-497-9538 Family Friends of Scouting: Community Ask Chair: Celine Pope Community FOS Chair:Vice-Chair – Membership Jen Broadfi eld-Colomer, 847-754-7080 jenbroadfi [email protected] Boy Scout Open House: (open) Venturing Recruiting: (open) Cub Scout Fall Round-Up: (open) Cub Scout Spring Recruitment: (open) Boy Scout Open House: (open) [email protected] Webelos to Scout Transition: Joe Kobler jpkobler@comcast, 815-527-1386Vice-Chair – Program: Isaac Covert, [email protected] 847-917-2709 Activities and Civic Service: Scouting for Food: Susan Clancy-Kelly 847-516-3782 District Chaplain: (open) Woods of Webelos Coordinator: Gail Krec District Dinner Chair: Joseph Kobler 815-527-1386 Awards and Recognition: Blaire Piotrowski, 847-712-0867 Klondike Chair: Mike Roe,

815-529-4572 Tiger Time Chair: Kristi Miller Cub Scout Summer Camp: Leigh Anne Spears, 815-444-8911 Advancement and Recognition: Manny Torres Internet Advancement Chair: Debbie Carlson Life to Eagle Coordinator: Greg Hall Camp Promotion and Outdoor Chair: Chuck Natoli Camp Promotion: Chuck Natoli OA Chief: OA Advisor: Frank J. Munao [email protected] Training: John Fiorina jfi [email protected] Cub Scout Training, Todd Birkhoff 815-482-4903, [email protected]) Boy Scout Training, Wayne Kemp, 847-224-3664 Venturing Training: Sarah Breslin Youth Protection Training (open) Commissioner: Tom Lotito, [email protected] Roundtables: Cub Scouts: Gail Krec, 815-675-6578 Boy Scouts: Mike McCleary, [email protected],.il.usDistrict Director Dane Boudreau, 815-397-0210 [email protected] Executive Michael Ancheta, 815-397-0210 [email protected] Adam Grant, 815-397-0210 [email protected]

Woods of Webelos 2017May 19 - 21, 2017

Camp Lowden, Oregon, Illinois

Go to BlackhawkScouting.org/calendar and click on Sycamore, then May 19. Please make copies of the packet and distribute to all persons who are interested in attending this event.

Please complete only one registration for your entire pack. Thank you!Cost for Woods of Webelos is $12.00 per person ($24.00 for a Scout and his adult partner).Registration deadline is April 30, 2017.Woods of Webelos is for registered Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts who will be entering 4th or

5th grade in the fall of 2017 and their parent/guardian.Note: There will be an informational session at the April 17 roundtable. Please join us to

receive information to enhance your Woods of Webelos experience.For questions, please contact Gail Krek at [email protected]

June 2017Sycamore DistrictM N

Jennifer Broadfi eld-ColomerSycamore District Vice Chair Membership

“The good turn will educate the boy out of the groove of selfi shness.. ”

~Lord Baden-Powell

Come on out to the Crystal Lake Nature Center on June 10th. Earn your Bobcat rank in just one hour!

Start times for each session are 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon. Each session will last one hour and will include completion of all requirements for the Bobcat rank!

This will be a great introduction to the Scouting world including a climbing wall, s'mores, nature hike, monkey bridge and more!Contact: E-mail jfi [email protected]

Bobcat DayCrystal Lake Nature Center

June 10

The Membership Team is always looking for opportunities to have an information table set up at local events! Please keep you eyes and ears open for any events that would accommodate youth that may be interested in Boy Scout program!

Last Call to Register for Powder HornJune 2-4 in Crystal Lake – session 2

Powder Horn training is an excellent way to experience a variety of activities that you can do with your Scouts. This is a hands-on opportunity to try activities for yourself, then you can take the ideas home to your Scouts.

Register using the following link: http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/registration/calendardetail.aspx?ActivityKey=1929650&OrgKey=3296

Lion Program

Calling all Sycamore Distrct packs! Please consider running a Lion program this fall! 5000 fl iers were sent to all the preschools in McHenry County! See the information below to get started!

The Lion program is here to stay! Get ready for those Kindergarteners! Sycamore District has a Lion fl iers already to go! The fl ier can also be made specifi c for your pack. If you are currently not running a Lion program, check this link for all the information you need to run the Lion program – http//www.scouting.org/lion – or contact Jennifer Broadfi eld Colomer at jenbroadfi [email protected] or Adam Grant at [email protected] or Michael Ancheta at [email protected] for more information.

Recruit! Recruit! Recruit!

Please be sure to update your unit information on the BeAScout.org website. There should have been information in your roundtable mailbox in March. We will have many Lions and Tigers looking for packs to join!

Any questions regarding the update can be directed to Michael Ancheta at [email protected] or Adam Grant at [email protected].

Summertime Activities!

The public relations and membership team have been working hard to get exposure for the McHenry County Boy Scout program. PR has put together poster boards with this summer’s events in our area! We are looking for packs and troops to work the events to draw in potential Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts into our units! The shuttle bus is ready for parades!

Derby DaysMay 13

Lyons Park, Cary

Come one! Come all to Sycamore District Derby Days!This Cub Scout event is gearing up for summer and wants you to

come participate in all the action!We are going to have Cubmobile, pinewood demolition derby,

midway games, and much more!What is a Cubmobile you might ask? A Cubmobile is much like a

soap box derby made out of 2x4's and lawn mower wheels. We set these at the top of a hill and you get to ride down to the bottom! (See Cub Scout How To Book for more information.)

What is a Pinewood Demolition Derby? We have a track specially made for Pinewood Derby Cars to start at the top, and smash into opponents cars at the bottom! Much like a skateboarding half pipe, 2 cars start at the top of each side, we press our release button and both cars come fl ying down and meet at the bottom! Think of this like battle bots with pinewood derby cars! We will have 6 time slots, with 50 spaces available at each time. Pick whichever one works best for you! 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m.

We hope to see you out there!

June 2017

Wanchanagi DistrictServing Winnebago & Boone Counties in Illinois

Web Site: www.wanchanagi.org

Wanchanagi DistrictCalendar

Wanchanagi District DirectoryAll phone numbers are 815 area code unless otherwise indicated

May

12-13 Boy Scouts Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills training

29 Memorial Day – Council service center closed

June1 District Committee and Commissioners

meeting2-4 OA Fellowship2-4 Powder Horn, session 2, The Hollows,

Crystal Lake6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition

with July through September events7-9 Webelos and Arrow of Light Day Camp, Boone County Conservation Distsrict8 Roundtable11-16 National Youth Leadership Training

(NYLT)12-14 Wolf and Bear Day Camp, Boone

County Conservation Distsrict13 Tiger Day Camp, Boone County

Conservation District

July3 Flag Retirement, Sinnissippi Park3 Independence Day Observed, council

service center closed4 Independence Day, council service center

closed5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition

with August through October events6 District Committee and Commissioners

meetng11-14 Cub Scout Day Camp, Kieselburg Forest

Preserve13 Tiger Day at Day Camp, Kieselburg Forest

Preserve14 Rockford Rivets Scout Night17-18 + 20-21 Cub Scout Day Camp, Council

Program Center17-20 Cub Scout Day Camp, Winnebago

Fairgrounds30-August 4 NYLT



3 District Committee and Commissioners meetng

10 Roundtable18-20 OA Fall Conclave

Chairman: Mark Broman 815-218-5514 [email protected] – Administration Belinda Zezniewski, 654-1449 Religious Emblems Coordinator: MaryAnn Bushaw, 904-4287 Webmaster:Belinda Zezniewski, 654-1449 [email protected] District Chaplain: Daniel Persinger [email protected] 815-226-1415 Wanchanagi Voice Editor: Beth Costa

[email protected], 815-543-4544 Parades: Mark Broman, 218-5514 Flag Retirement: Paul Trent, 871-3801Vice-Chairman – Finance FOS Family Campaign Popcorn: Cliff Chappelle, cliff [email protected] Vice-Chairman – Membership: Fran Waller, 248-2291 Cub Scout Recruiting: Larry Swanson, 877-8164 Boy Scout Recruiting: Webelos-to-Scout Transition: Larry Swanson, 877-8164Vice-Chair – Activities Bill Spivey, 243-0671 Klondike Derby: Bill Spivey, 243-0671 Continuous Fire: Bill Spivey, 243-0671 Camporee: Laurel Hemmer, lhemmer@

northpark.edu Scouting for Food: Don Burrow, 877-0658 Chuck Pelman, 608-8822 Patch Designer: Dale Broman, 218-8735Vice-Chair – Advancement Connie Snyder, 234-5417 Cub Scouting: (open) Boy Scouting: Melinda Johnson, 397-0210,

Eagle Chair: Ida Bolen, 289-0661, [email protected] Merit Badges: Ken Mosny, 965-4871 [email protected] – Camping: Andrew Murray, 815-871-3092 [email protected] Cub Scout Day Camp Program District Coordinator: Belinda Zezniewski, 654-1449 Boone County: Roger Wooten, 630-272-1019 Christine Wooten, 547-9348 W. Winnebago: Rob Bucey, 985-3221 Jimmy Berry, 543-1409 Harlem: Carolyn Wolfe, 494-0508 Program Center: Alice Roby, 773-368-5724 Order of the Arrow Advisor Denny Johnson, 633-6335 Chapter Chief: Jarod K.Vice-Chair – Training: Bill Costa, 513-2455 Cub Scouting: Alice Roby, 773-368-5724 Larry Swanson, 877-8164 Boy Scouting: Gene Barney, 262-7919 Youth Protection: Vice-Chair – Venturing: Eric Schmidt, 505-1507 Training: District Commissioner: Ron Scott, [email protected] 815-601-7754 Boy Scout Roundtable: Beth Costa [email protected], 543-4544 Cub Scout Roundtable Linda Bowers, 988-1396Senior District Executive: Jared Carlin, 815-397-0210 [email protected]

National Youth Leadership TrainingPlan to send your eligible Scouts to National Youth Leadership Training next year. There are

two sessions to choose from. You won’t believe the increase in leadership skills they will return to your unit with!

June 11-17 at Camp Lowden OR July 30-August 4 at Canyon Camp.For more information, see fl yer on page _____ of this issue of the Blackhawk Courier or visit

http://www.blackhawkscouting.org/Events/NYLT

June 2017Wanchanagi District

Wanchanagi Roundtable(Boone and Winnebago counties)

Each month we hold a roundtable for unit leaders. It is not just for the Cubmaster or Scoutmaster. It is for all leaders including den leaders, committee members, and all assistants.

The purposes of roundtable are to• Provide the skill to do – abilities to make a successful unit operation.• Provide the will to do – helps recharge our batteries to provide

desire to help the youth.

Wanchanagi District (Winnebago and Boone counties) holds roundtable on the second Thursday of the month. The roundtable staff is excited to have everyone attend and to meet the needs of the units. To include as much content to the event as possible, we will be adding some new features.

Roundtable will start at 6:45 p.m. We will continue to have breakout sessions for both levels, but we will also add a breakout focusing on a specifi c topic.

Spring 2017 ClassesBoy ScoutsTroop Committee Challenge, available upon request

Upcoming TrainingAs a courtesy to the trainer, please R.S.V.P for training

All times are 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)Contact/Trainer

Bill Costa – Boy Scout, 815-513-2455 Alice Roby – Cub Scout, 773-368-5724, or [email protected]

We Want Your Input If you have any news/photos of your unit that you would

like printed in the Courier, please e-mail Mary Anne Rounds at [email protected].

Boone County Conservation DistrictJune 7-9 – Webelos ScoutsJune 12-14 – Wolf and BearJune 13 – Tiger day

Winnebago County FairgroundsJuly 17-20 – Wolf, Bear, Webelos. Tigers may attend any day

Kieselberg Forest PreserveJuly 11-14 – Wolf, Bear, WebelosJuly 13 – Tiger Day

Council Program CenterJuly 17-18 + 20-21 – Wolf, Bear WebelosJuly 20 – Tiger Day

Cub Scout Day Camp

Bug Hunters!Wanchanagi 2017 Day Camp

Day camp is one of if not the most important highlight of a Cub Scout’s program year. So much of the promise of Scouting is fulfi lled when the boy gets to go to day camp with his friends. There will be archery, hiking, games, and more – all in a safe and fun outdoor environment. The 2017 camp theme is Bug Hunters!

Four day camps are off ered throughout the summer in Wanchanagi, each located in a diff erent part of the district for geographical convenience. Day camp is aninexpensive, several day program that every Cub Scout family should enjoy!

Go to this site to see the parent guide and sign up online http://www.blackhawkscouting.org/Wanchanagi/Events/2017WANDC. Or, go directly to the calendar tab on www.blackhawkscouting.org for online registration. Either location has all the information you need to register for camp! Also, paper registration is available at the council service center front counter.


Congratulations to all the award recipients at the Wanchanagi District Dinner in April! The dinner was well attended and everyone had a great time!

Wanchanagi District Dinner

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

Unit Spirit Award:Jeremy Largent, Pack 37Corey Ginger, Pack 396Angela Thibedeau, Pack 409Jeremy Hissong, Pack 411Al Persinger, Troop 14Scott Steingraeber, Troop 123Paul Dandrea, Troop 181Chris Kuroda, Troop 601Beth Costa, Crew 181

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

District Award of Merit: (L) Cliff Chappell, Pack 411 (R) William Costa, Troop 181/Crew 181


Eagle Scout TrainingAll Wanchanagi troops please provide the

following to the district Eagle chair, Ida Bolen. Send by email to [email protected] or by phone at 815-239-2634. Thank you.

We are planning training to assist our Scouts to succeed in their quest to earn the Eagle rank.

Troop Eagle Advisor/ContactTroop #______________Advisor’s Name: ______________________________________ Email __________________________________@ _________ Phone: ______________________________________________

Send by email to [email protected] or by phoneat 815-239-2634.

Eagle Project Review Dates

The date will always be the third Wednesday of the month.May 17 June 21 July 19 August 16 September 20 October 18 November 15 December 20

Email Mrs. Bolen at [email protected] to register to have your project reviewed.

Are you interested in attended the Eagle Process Workshop? The next one has been scheduled. Email the address above to get registered. Bring your parents, Eagle Coordinator for your unit, pen, paper, and your questions.

A return email will be sent as a confi rmation of your request for either event.

Confused on the Eagle Process?Are you a Star or Life Scout and wish to work on the Eagle rank?There is an Eagle Process Workshop being off ered. You will learn

where to go and the process to make your journey more successful. Bring your parents, your unit Eagle Advisor, your Scoutmaster, paper, pen, and any questions you have.

All you need to do is contact Mrs. Bolen at [email protected] to make a reservation for the next workshop. Your reservation will be confi rmed and the date, time, and location will provided. If you are not quite ready, don’t worry. The workshop will be off ered quarterly so you can get the up-to-date information later.

Next workshop -- February 23, 7:00, council service center

Wanchanagi DistrictMerit Badge Counselor List

To obtain a copy of the lisst, Scoutmasters or advancancement chair should email a request to [email protected].

Wanchanagi Voice NewsletterWould you like to see an event listed here? Send the following

information by the fi rst Wednesday of the month to be included in that month’s Voice.

Include event name, date, start/end time, location, who it is for, cost, requirements, link to registration (if available or needed). Send all information to [email protected].

Flag RetirementJuly 3, Noon Until Done

Near “Symbol” inSinnissippi Park

Come help us retire our nation’s fl ags the proper way with respect and dignity.

There will be a separate ceremony for the fufneral/casket fl ags at the end.

S DFall Camporee

Canyon CampOctober 13-15, 2017

• Learn about energy effi ciency, energy management, and smart grid technology.

• Understand how energy relates to daily life• Interact with the training tools and technologies used at ComEd• Get a sneak peak at the future of energy

Minimum group size: 10Activities, videos, and online games at www.FieldTripFactory.com

support the fi eld trip and provide insights into the world of energy.

Content Highlights• How energy is created, transmitted, and used• What energy costs.• Who is responsible for ensuring our energy is safe and consistent

For more information, go to www.FieldTripFactory.com/ComEd

Where: The Discovery Lab at the ComEd Rockford Training Center, 403 Energy Avenue, Rockford IL 61109.

Experience the World of Energy!Field trips for all ages


DRAFT Forest Preserves of Winnebago County

and Blackhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America

announce

SCOUT DAY Restoration ∙ Education ∙ Appreciation ∙ Preservation

Nurture Nature as R.E.A.P. Workday Volunteers!

Saturday, August 19th, 2017 Severson Dells Forest Preserve

8502 Montague Road, Rockford - Prairie Knoll Shelterhouse

Workday: 9 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Off-Trail Invasive Plant Species Removal

Educational Enrichment: 11:15 a.m. until Noon Guided Creek Study (Don’t forget your waterproof boots!)

Scouting Activities: 12 until p.m.Badge

Each Pack/Troop earning 30 service hours within a calendar year

will receive a $100 Gift Card to use toward FPWC fees, such as camping, shelterhouse rental and more!

Proper off-trail outdoor workday attire recommended (long pants/sleeves & sturdy shoes-no sandals/flip flops) Bring your water bottle & a sack lunch - wear your insect repellent & sunscreen Adult supervision required for youth volunteers under 16 years of age (1:3 ratio)

Completed waiver required in advance for youth volunteers under 18 years of age

Complete our on-line waiver by visiting Winnebagoforest.org - Calendar of Events - Aug 19 R.E.A.P. Volunteer Workday - Activity Waiver

Visit Winnebagoforest.org - Contact Us - Volunteer to learn about other FPWC Volunteer Opportuni es


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

Troop 181 Scouts polishing the cannon in Galena.

Troop 181 Camped in Galena on April 28-29, 2017.

Cub Scouts! The Importance of Bees

Josephine Fenton, a Girl Scout working towards her Gold Award has created a program for Cub Scout-age youth on the importance of bees in our society.

The program will be held on Tuesday, May 23, at Rockton Grade School from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The program is free and open to the public.

June 2017

White Eagle DistrictServing Whiteside, Lee, and Ogle Counties in IllinoisWeb Site: www.BlackhawkScouting.org/WhiteEagle

Chair: Dan Hawkins, 631-2907Vice Chair – Administration (open): Nominating Committee Chair: Harry Fletcher, 742-0069 PR Chair: Alex SegneriVice Chair – Membership: Bruce Colmark, 441-1992 Webelos-to-Scout Transition (open) Spring Roundup Chair: Ginger and Darrien Albano, 631-0457Vice-Chair – Finance: FOS Community Chair: Mark Zeigler, 713-1390 FOS Family Chair: Chip Donahue, 626-5905 Spring Popcorn Kernel (Whiteside): Margie Baker, 718-2289, [email protected] Spring Popcorn Kernel (Lee & Ogle): Pat O’Brien, 732-4186Vice Chair – Program: Don Rastede, 625-3542 Boy Scout Activities: Cub Scout Activities: Special Events Chair Advancement Chair: Ray Gruber, 732-6807, [email protected] Religious Programs: Myles Newberry, 209-7327, [email protected] Scouting for Food: Kate Lehrke Camping Chair: Thomas Halla, 284-3308 Cub Scout Day Camp – Lowden Brian Broers, 815-973-2551 OA Advisor: Rick Rhoads, 562-4369, [email protected]. OA Chapter Chief: Alan H. Training Chair: Gregg Ripley, 631-6399 [email protected] Boy Scout Leader Training Chair, Gregg Ripley, 631-6399 [email protected] Cub Scout Leader Training: Gregg Ripley, 631-6399, [email protected] Youth Protection Training:Vice Chair – Venturing: Program: Advancement: Deb Slager, 946-2255 Training:District Commissioner: Myles Newberry, 815-209-7327 [email protected] Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner Angie Hawkins, 815-761-1551, [email protected] Executive: Robert Sutton [email protected], 815-397-0210

May


June

1 District Committee meeting2-4 OA Fellowship2-4 Powder Horn training, session 2, The Hollows, Crystal Lake6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition with July through September

events8 District Commissioners meeting8 Roundtable10 White Eagle Fishing Derby

July

3 Independence Day Observed, council service center closed4 Independence Day, council service center closed5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition with August through

October events

August

1 Courier deadline – September printed edition with September through November events

1-2 – Tiger, Wolf, Bear Day Camp3-4 – Webelos and Arrow of Light Day Camp25-27 Wood Badge, session 1

Upcoming

September 29-30 - October 1– Wood Badge, session 2September 8-10 – Venturing Training WeekendSeptember 15-17 – Religious Retreat, Camp LowdenSeptember 29-30 - October 1 – Wood Badge, session 2

White Eagle District CalendarWhite Eagle District DirectoryAll phone numbers are 815 area code unless otherwise indicated

What Is Your Unit Doing?Please send articles and photos to

[email protected].

We will try to feature your unitin an upcoming Courier

June 2017White Eagle DistrictDistrict Recognition Dinner

2017 District Award of Merit Recipients

Two long-time Scouters were presented the District Award of Merit. This is the highest award that a district may present to a deserving Scouter.

Shane Adams (L) and Randy Bishop

Shane AdamsShane has been active at the pack level, troop level, and district

level.On the pack level he has been an assistant Cubmaster, Cubmaster,

and has taken BALOO training to bring camping activities to his pack. Shane has also helped plan, organize and publicize many events for his units.

On the troop level, he has helped on numerous fundraisers benefi tting both the troop and projects for the boys. He encourages the boys to attend summer camp, NYLT, and the National Scout Jamboree.

On the district level, he has helped with day camps. Being an OA member brings more opportunities for cheerful service.

Even though three jobs take up lots of time, Shane is still an energetic and enthusiastic supporter of the Scouting program.

Randy BishopRandy likes to stay in the background of any event that is lucky

enough to receive his help. In fact many people don’t even know how much he does contribute to help an event run as smoothly as possible.

At all levels of Scouting, Randy is there for our young people to have fun and advance. When working with adults he off ers to help in anyway needed and with a smile or funny story when the mood needs to be brighter. He has served as a unit commissioner, assistant Scoutmaster, roundtable staff member, and the fundraising committee. Besides doing all of these jobs, he has found time to take Wood Badge and to lead a group of young people on a Philmont trek in New Mexico.

Matthiessen Memorial Includes Pie

During The White Eagle District Recognition dinner, the family of Rev. Don Matthiessen presented a $1000 donation in Don’s memory to Canyon Camp.

Don’s wife, Rosemary, explained how Don had found, out on the edge of the camp, the gooseberry bushes that most folks were not supposed to know about. Each year he brought home berries and stemmed them, both ends. Rosemary made pies. This year, she brought enough pie to share for dessert at the District Dinner.

New District Chair Elected

White Eagle District welcomes Dan Hawkins as District Chair. He succeeds Dave Twining.

Dan was a Cub Scout in Morrision. As a parent, he assisted with Cub Scouts for his son, Nathaniel. When Nathaniel joined Boy Scout Troop 305, Dan became an assistant Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chair. He earned his Wood Badge beads as part of the C7-660-15 class. So, Dan is well prepared to continue excellent leadership for the White Eagle District.

June 2017

Wetassa DistrictServing Stephenson, Jo Daviess

and Carroll in Illinois Web site -- www.BlackhawkScouting.org/Wetassa

Wetassa District DirectoryAll numbers are 815 area code unless otherwise indicated

May

12-14 Canoe-a-ree20 Public program and viewing at Doug

Firebaugh Observatory (see article for additional dates and time)


June

2-4 OA Fellowship2-4 Powder Horn training, session 2, The

Hollows, Crystal Lake6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition

with July through September events7 District Committee meeting10 White Eagle Fishing Derbys11-16 National Youth Leadership Training

(NYLT)14 Roundtable16-19 Free Fishing Days24-25 Radio Merit Badge, Stephenson County

Repeater Association Field Day.

July

3 Independence Day Observed, council service center closed

4 Independence Day, council service center closed

5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition with August through October events

30-August 4 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)



18-20 OA Fall Conclave25-27 Wood Badge, session 1

Upcoming

September 8-10 – Venturing Training WeekendSeptember 15-17 – Religious Retreat, Camp

LowdenSeptember 29-30 - October 1 – Wood Badge,

session 2October 20-22 – Radio Merit BadgeOctober 20-22 – Jamboree on the Air and

Jamboree on the Internet

Wetassa District Calendar

District Chairman, Rick Cass, 815-757-7425 [email protected] – Administration Lee Kraut, 815-297-8247 [email protected] District Communications/PR Chair (open) Newsletter, Liz Hollis, 233-4870 District Nominating Committee: Lee Kraut, 815-297-8247 Gary Erickson Dana Ewers, 541-5322 District Dinner and Awards Laura WeltiVice-Chair – Finance – Gene Nott, 235-4575 FOS, Gene Nott, 235-4575 Community Campaign (open)Vice-Chair – Membership: (open)Vice-Chair – Program: Josh Ehlers, 815-291-6748 [email protected] Activities: (open) Boy Scout: Klondike Derby: Spring Camporee Fall Camporee Cub Scout: Fun Day (open) Day Camp:

Advancement, Liz Hollis, 233-4870 Life-to-Eagle Seminars: Liz Hollis, 233-4870 Eagle Project/Boards of Review: Liz Hollis, 233-4870 Tom Gillespie, 233-3284 Merit Badge Counselors: Liz Hollis, 233-4870 Camping, Bob Boyer, 369-2834 OA Advisor, David Hanson, 273-2436 Scouting for Food (open) Training : (open) Boy Scout – Cub Scout – Venturing – Religious Emblems – Jim Clay, 970-443-2997Vice-Chair – Venturing and Exploring Joe Shippy, 266-0649District Commissioner Jim Clay, 970-443-2997 Roundtable Commissioners Boy Scout – Rick Cass, 757-7424 Cub Scout – District Executive: Matt Ohms 920-723-5999 [email protected] 815-397-0210

District Committee Meeting

First Wednesday of each monthBethany United Church of Christ

2341 W. Stephenson Street, FreeportBeginning at 7 p.m.

Unit EventsYour unit can be featured in the

Courier. Send us photos and news of special events.

[email protected] – Please do not insert photos

into the body of the e-mail – send as a .jpg attachment.

RoundtablesRoundtable is held the 2nd Wednesday of

the month at Bethany United Church of Christ, 2341 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport, at 7 p.m.

June 2017Wetassa District

The following positions are open and need Scouters to fi ll out the district committee roster. Now is the time to take the leap and fi nd something new to tackle and fi nd new friends in the process. You will be glad you did!

For further information for each of these positions, please contact Rick Cass, Wetassa District Chair, at 815-757-7425.

Thanks in advance for your help.

District Communications/PR – Chair and membersDistrict Nominating Committee – 1 more memberFinance: Community Campaign – members Vice-Chair – MembershipActivities:

Boy Scout – membersCub Scout – members

Scouting For Food – ChairmanTraining – Chair needed:

Boy Scout membersCub Scout members

Venturing – members neededReligious Emblems CoordinatorRoundtable:

Cub Scout Roundtable CommissionerCub Scout roundtable staff membersBoy Scout roundtable staff

District Dinner Committee – All positionsUnit Commissioners – Multiple Openings

Making a Diff erenceKids today have too few, real-life, up-close champions.

TV fi gures and sports stars aren’t real. Teachers, ministers, unfortunately, are too often cast in a diff erent light. Parents—well, this is the stage in life when kids start to look outside the homes. Coaches and Scout leaders ...

You have a real chance to change a kid’s life. Scouters often say their Scouts could easily be in the criminal system because of whom they associate with at a wrong moment.

You set a powerful example in how you treat kids. You help assure they make right choices. You provide a safe haven where they aren’t put down but are built up. You are a champion for kids. This is your chance to make a diff erence.

If a Boy Scout attends his weekly patrol and troop meeting, participates in a monthly weekend troop outing and attends long-term summer camp with his troop, he will have spent about as much time with Scouting in a year as he spends in a classroom.

Wetassa Committee Members Needed

Radio Merit BadgeJune 24-25

Stephenson County Repeater Association Field HouseFlagstaff Hill, Krape Park, Freeport

For more information, contact Jim Clay at [email protected]

Free Fishing DaysJune 16-19, 2017

Illinois Department of Natural Resources,Division of Fisheries

Your group can participateContact Illinois Depart of Natural Resources

to register

Canoe-a-ReeMay 12-14

Contact Troop 31, John Scott, in Stocktonfor possible last-minute availability

[email protected]

Observe the Night SkyThe Doug Firebaugh Observatory in Freeport is open the fi rst and

third Saturday evening for public programs and viewing. The program begins at 8:00 p.m.

Here are the dates:May 6 May 20 June 3 June 17 July 1 July 15 August 5 August 19

Jamboree-on-the-AirRadio Merit Badge

October 20, 21, and 22Stephenson County Repeater Association

will be available to help Scouts work on their Radio merit badge.More information, location, and times will be published

in upcoming CouriersFor more information, contact Jim Clay at [email protected]

June 2017

Arrowhead DistrictServing Grant, Lafayette, and Green Counties in

WisconsinWeb Site: www.arrowheadbsa.org

District Chairman: Daniel Frommelt, 608-732-8536, [email protected] Administration: Dan Bestul, 608-328-8055 Risk Management Representative James Bussan, 608-568-3177Vice-Chair Finance: Open Family FOS: Dee Woolf, 608-348-7403 Popcorn Kernel: Matt Ohms - [email protected] Membership: James Gerhards, 563-581-2502 Boy Scout Membership: (Open) Cub Scout Membership: Heather Lisser, 608-214-0970 Life-to-Eagle Transition: Chris Brunette, 608-348-4552 Webelos-to-Scout Transition: Bert Leach, 608-558-3924Vice-Chair Program: David Wisnefske, 608-325-4606 Activities: Kevin Olson, 608-778-1950 Advancement: Andy Elkins, 608-279-2962 or [email protected]. Eagle Board: James Bussan, 608-568-3177

Mike Johansen, 608-723-7077 Art Whipple, 608-325-5734 Neil Spurr, 815-777-2166 Don Vannatta, 608-962-1390 Camping: Chris Brunette, 608-348-4552 OA Chapter Advisor: James Connors, 608-325-6495 Platteville Merit Badge Midway: James Bussan, 608-568-3177, [email protected] Service Hours: Sheri Baird, 608-527-5068 Training: Dennis Nelson, 608-325-7921 [email protected] Venturing: Kevin Olson, 608-723-6250Uniform Closet: Jeff Everson, 608-328-4269District Commissioner: Nichole Wiest, 608-778-9124, [email protected] Roundtable Commissioners: Cub Scout: Tara Bauer, Peggy Miles, Boy Scout: Andy Elkins, 608-527-2962District Executive: Matt Ohms, 920-723-5999 [email protected]

What Is Your Unit Doing?Please send articles and photos to

[email protected] will try to feature your unit in an

upcoming Courier

Arrowhead District Directory Arrowhead DistrictCalendar

May29 Memorial Day – Council service center closed

June2-4 OA Fellowship2-4 Powder Horn training, session 2, The Hollows,

Crystal Lake6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition with

July through September events7 District Committee meeting11-16 National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)14 District Recognition Dinner19-22 Cub Scout Day Camp, Grant County

Fairgrounds, Lancaster

July3 Independence Day Observed, council service

center closed4 Independence Day, council service center

closed5 Courier deadline – August Internet edition with

August through October events5 District Committee meeting12 Roundtable30-August 4 National Youth Leadership Training

(NYLT)

August1 Courier deadline – September printed edition

with September through November events2 District Committee meeting7-9 Twilight Cub Scout Camp, Green County

Fairgrounds, Monroe, Wisconsin9 Roundtable18-20 OA Fall Conclave25-27 Wood Badge, session 1

UpcomingSeptember 8-10 – Venturing Training WeekendSeptember 15-17 – Religious Retreat, Camp LowdenSeptember 29-30 - October 1 – Wood Badge, session

2

District Recognition DinnerJune 14

The District Recognition Dinner is a time of fellowship with Scouters across the district as well as recognizing those special Scouts who have helped to make our district successful.

Nominations for District Award of Merit are needed. Now is the time to start the nomination process.

Nomination forms can be found at www.scouting.org/fi lestore/pdf/33720.pdf.

Deadline to turn in nomination forms is May 10 (roundtable night). Nominations should be sent to Daniel Frommelt, Nichole Wiest, or District Executive Matt Ohhms.

June 2017Arrowhead District

Twilight Cub Scout CampAugust 7-9, 2017

Green County FairgroundsMonroe, Wisconsin

Twilight Cub Scout Camp is coming up August 7, 8, and 9. You can register online at http://blackhawkscouting.doubleknot.com/event/2017-twilight-camp-at-green-county-fairgrounds-in-monroe-wi/2017623 You can also volunteer at http://signup.com/go/B8LYbA or contact Tamara Richardson at [email protected] or 608-328-2424.

We are hunting up fun at Twilight Camp. Each Scout will be with a group about their age and participate in a rotation of games, BB guns, science skills, archery, crafts, Scout skills, singing, and skits. Give your Cub Scout something to talk about when he goes back to school!

Tamara Richardson Troop 101 Parent

Leadership Requirement: Each pack must provide at least one adult volunteer for every six (6) Cub Scouts. Each Tiger must be accompanied by an adult as per the National BSA policy.

Registration: Registration fees are $40, due May 15th for Cub Scouts. After May 15, the fee will be $45. Late fees will be waived for any newly registered Cub Scout or new to the pack. The registration fee includes Scout’s t-shirt, patch, all program materials, insurance, and any recognition items used during the week

For more information go to BlackhawkScouting.org/DoubleKnot and look in the Arrowhead section on the June calendar.

Cub Scout Day CampGrant County Fair Grounds

Lancaster, WisconsinJune 19-22

Scouting for Food SuccessThe 2017 Scouting for Food in Green County was a success! With

Scouts volunteering a total of 163 ½ hours, we were able to collect 2,740 pounds of food and supplies for the Green County Food Pantry in Monroe, Wisconsin.

Thank you Packs 101 and 114, Crew 1812, Troops 101, 115, and 180, Girl Scout Troop 3459, and others for all your hard work. Great job!

June 2017

ScoutReach DistrictServing Youth in Inner-City Rockford

Web Site: www.BlackhawkScouting.org/Scoutreach

May29 Memorial Day – Council service center closed

June6 Courier deadline – July Internet edition with July through September events

July3 Independence Day observed, council service center closed4 Independence Day, council service center closed4 Courier deadline – August Internet edition with August through October events

ScoutReach District CalendarScoutReach District Directory

Chairman: (open)District Commissioner: (Open)Finance Chairman: Committee (open) Popcorn Contact Terry Nichols, [email protected]: Bill Allen Victory Bell Roberto Cardenas David Gill Lloyd Hawks Terry Hahlen Rep. Charles Jeff erson Offi cer Steve Jones Leslie Medrano Juan Muñiz Terry Nichols Roger Steder Calvin W. Squire Dr. Rudy Valdez Vicky ZamoraScoutreach Coordinator Terry Nichols, 397-0210 Program Aides: Bill Allen Cliff ord Andrews Bobby Bowden Erica Collins Dave Keller Rich Noble Dan Persinger Lanekahm Phetmyxay Collina Roselas Terry Serrano Roger Steder Tony Stevens Felisha TaylorDistrict Executive Cannie Ware 815-397-0210 [email protected]

ScoutReach Winners at the

CouncilPinewood

DerbyXavier Dobbs of Pack 549,

and Leonardo Bueno & Davien Johnson of Pack

512.

June 2017ScoutReach DistrictScoutReach at the U. S. Grant Pilgrimage

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

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

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

06 2017 Internet Courier v1.indd - Blackhawk Area Council

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