Council News
2012 Sagamore Signals Newsletter
Click
here to view a pdf of February 2012 Sagamore Signals.
2012
Lincoln Pilgrimage - February 12, 2012
Honeywell
Center, Wabash Indiana
Click
here to access 2012 Lincoln Pilgrimage Information.
2012 Scouting for Food
Sagamore
Council, in cooperation with Kroger, will collect
non-perishable food items to support needy families in
north central Indiana. It is intended that this will
become an annual service project in the council to do our
“Good Turn”. Kroger will provide the bags, stickers
for the bags, and patches, and Kroger will support our
efforts in their eleven locations in Sagamore Council.
This
annual event will take place during two consecutive
Saturdays in March.
(March 10 & 17, March 17 & 24, or March 24 &
31st). During the first weekend Scout units will
deliver food collection bags door to door in local
neighborhoods. The
second weekend the bags will be collected and taken to a
local food pantry or designated collection point.
Contact
the Council office at 765-452-8253 or 800-844-0537 for
more info. Don’t
forget that Scouting for Food counts towards service hours
for Good Turn for America.
Click
here to access Scouting for Food Event Summary, Unit
Commitment Form, and Summary/Patch Order Form..
Ed
Caldwell Accepts New Scout Executive Position
with
Erie Shores Council in Toledo, Ohio
Dear
Scouts and Scouters,
I
cannot believe I have been serving as your Scout Executive
in Sagamore Council for six and a half years. It
feels like I arrived in Kokomo with my family yesterday;
Weston was two and Lauren was four. They are now
eight and ten. Wow, how time flies! Sagamore
Council has been a special place in our hearts.
Scouting has also changed and grown; our two camps have
seen many positive changes in construction of new
buildings and Scout usage. You all should be very
proud of that. You
Helped Make That Happen for our Scouts!
Thank
you for all you do, have done, and continue to do to help
boys develop into men. You take young men, and with
guidance, care, and encouragement, you help them develop
and grow through fun programs that you deliver. Boys
in Scouting, as you know, have a better chance at success
than their peers who are not in Scouting.
Scouts
graduate from high school and college at a higher rate.
They earn more money to support their families. They
participate as volunteers in their communities at a higher
rate, and that makes a difference. They are better
prepared to become good citizens, husbands, and fathers.
You make that happen through Scouting! Thank you!
Sagamore
Council is a special place; don’t you ever forget it.
I
know many of our paths will cross again; I look forward to
that. I will see you around the campfire or maybe at
the Summit for the National Jamboree in 2013.
In
Scouting,
Ed
Caldwell
Scout
Executive
Sagamore Council Merit Badge Counselor Registration
Merit
Badge Counselors and unit leaders, the Council Advancement
Committee is trying to get an accurate count of the merit
badge counselors in our council. The new national
advancement policy guidelines state that all merit badge
counselors must be approved by the Council Advancement
Committee. The purpose of this guideline is to
ensure that a common standard is met for merit badge
counselors in a council. If you have taught a merit
badge for your troop, but have not filled out a merit
badge counselor application for that badge, then the badge
is technically invalid. To correct this we are
asking individuals who have taught or may teach a merit
badge to fill out our Merit Badge Application form (see
link below) and send it back to P.O. Box 865 Kokomo, In
46902. If you have any questions please contact Nick
Losekamp, staff advisor to the Council Advancement
Committee at 765-452-8253.
Click
here to access Merit Badge Application form.
Submit 2012 Silver Beaver Award Nominations
It
is that time again! You may nominate Scouters from
your area for the 2012 Silver Beaver Award. The
Silver Beaver Awards will be presented at Sagamore
Council's upcoming Annual Council Dinner / Business
Meeting in May.
Click
here to access the
2012 Silver Beaver
Award Nomination Form.
2012 Webelos Adventure Camp
If
you are looking for an adventure for your incoming first
and second year Webelos, look no further than Cary Camp in
the summer of 2012. Webelos Adventure Camp is an
opportunity for Webelos to experience a camp environment
that is focused on giving them a tailored camping
experience that will get them ready for a week at Boy
Scout Camp once they have crossed over.
Webelos
Adventure Camp has only four activities that are
programmed for each Webelos to experience. These
activities are held in the two middle mornings of camp.
The four activities are climbing, canoeing, wood craft,
and Trailblazer Program. Webelos get the opportunity
to climb “Mt. Puff” which is a 24 Ft. inflatable
climbing tower. Webelos will also get the
opportunity of canoeing on the Fairfield lakes. Each
Cub Scout attending camp will complete a wood project.
The
Sagamore Council Trailblazer program for Webelos is aimed
at helping the Webelos get a head start on their next
rank. Webelos completing all of the requirements for
their level will receive a Bear Claw or Eagle Claw in a
ceremony at the closing campfire. The Trailblazer
program not only helps first year Webelos with their
Webelos Rank but encourages them to return to Cary Camp to
earn their second claw.
The
afternoons of Webelos Adventure Camp are reserved for what
the Webelos want to do. Between Lunch and dinner the
pool and both ranges are open. The craft area is
available to complete their wood project or select a new
project from the Newell Shelter Trading Post and use the
camp tools to start or complete their new project.
The Trailblazer staff offer activity badges and
demonstrations near the Tee pee. Webelos dens can
also take a hike or challenge another den in a friendly
game of Human Foosball.
Each
day is ended with a campfire! The first night is the
opening campfire put on by the staff. The second
evening is a relaxing campfire in your campsite to get to
know each other better and the Webelos from other area.
The final campfire is for the Webelos to perform.
This campfire is also where the Trailblazer ceremony takes
place with Webelos who have completed the project
receiving their claws. Parents are encouraged to
visit the final campfire if they are able.
Leaders
Guide, promotion flyers, and registration forms can be
downloaded from the forms page of this website.
Popcorn Prize Winners & Blitz Units
Congratulations to all Scouts who
participated in this year's sale. Because of their
efforts, their units have funds for activities for
2012! Unites that held Blitz Day Sales are:
Packs 3326, 3371, 3501, and Troop 307.
Click
here to see the list of Scouts who sold $1200 or more
during the popcorn sale this year!
Three Districts, One Council, One Team
= All for the 5,200
Youth We Serve
We have many recent successes to be
proud of. Membership growth in 2009 was 1.2%, and in 2010
it was 1%. Your council has also completed significant
improvements in your camping facilities to serve you and
your Scouts. Capital improvements completed include:
Camp Buffalo
New Shop
Pond Expansion
New Dining Hall
Handicraft /
Trading Post Remodeled
New Indoor
Shooting Range
Repainted
Pool
Multipurpose
Bldg. Remodeled
1200 Tons of
Gravel for Camp Roads
New Shooting
Range Latrine
New Pavilions
Cary Camp
New
Dining Hall
New
Training Center
New
Health Lodge / Trading Post
New
Campsite Shelters (4)
New
BB Gun Range
Gravel
/ Grading Entrance to Camp
Combined total
improvements have an insured value of $4,571,674. These
improvements have contributed to increased usage of your
camps. Camper Days (total visits by individuals to one of
your camps) have increased from 28,873 to 35,592 over the
past 5 years. This is worth celebrating!
A challenge we face,
however, is the increase in utility expenses (electricity,
heat and gas) to run the improved camp facilities. In 2006
the cost of utilities for your camps was $69,602, and in
2011 it has been $97,493. Last year the combined cost of
the camping operation to the council budget exceeded the
camp revenue by $83,000. The good news is, just six short
years ago it was a shortfall of $112,000. Some may ask why
we do all that we do at your camps despite these financial
challenges. The answer is simple...Camp is the heart and
soul of Scouting. Without outing, we don’t have
Scouting.
Below are key operating expenses and
revenues today compared to 5 years ago:
Income for the Council – Net
dollars:
Today
Then
Difference
FOS
$295,000
$271,256 +
$23,744
Popcorn
$252,000
$337,298 -
$85,298
United
Way
$192,177
$242,869 -
$50,692
Camping
Revenue
$271,000
$191,159 +
$79,841
Expenses:
Payroll
&
Benefits
$854,580
$902,050 -
$47,470
Council
Vehicles
Gasoline $
66,071 $
48,990 + $17,081
Postage/Shipping $
13,655 $
22,164 - $
8,509
Camperships
$ 15,085 $
3,700 +
$11,385
Team Work
Your
council, like all other councils, must generate operating
dollars to employ a field staff and support staff to
provide support to all volunteers and families in order to
serve your youth. We all need to work together as one team
to thrive as a council so that continued improvements to
your facilities can be provided to all Packs, Troops,
Teams and Crews. Your unit is a vital part of this team.
In order for your local Boy Scout council to thrive and
provide continued improvements in facilities and service,
your Pack, Troop, Team or Crew must participate in the
annual popcorn sale and participate in a Family Friends of
Scouting presentation. As you can see, popcorn is
extremely important to your future! Popcorn sales are a
key to your
future
success to survive and serve youth. Both Popcorn &
Family Friends of Scouting are a must. We need your help
for the continued success of Scouting.
In
January, February and March members of your Council Staff
and Executive Board will be hosting six town hall meetings
in the council territory. Your attendance and input at one
of these meetings along with your fellow volunteers and
families is vitally important to keep Sagamore Council
viable and strong for the future. Dates, times and
locations will be announced. Thank you for all you do to
help your children develop into adults in Scouting.
Gary
Lehman, Council President
Vicki
Triplett, Council Commissioner
Ed
Caldwell, Scout Executive
Unit College Scouter Reserve
Two new position codes
are now available for traditional Scouting units.
The new position code
92U, Unit College Scouter Reserve, is available for Packs,
Troops, and Teams with a minimum age requirement of 18.
Code 92V, Venturing Unit
College Scouter Reserve code is available for Crews and
Ships with the minimum age requirement of 21.
These positions have all the same
application and fee requirements as any other adult
volunteer, including a criminal background check, but the
only training requirement is Youth Protection Training.
This is your best way for college students to remain
registered with your Troop or Crew since it does not
require them to be "fully trained" for their
position.
Shooting
Range Safety Officer Class Offered
The NRA will conduct a Shooting Range
Safety Officer Training Course on Sunday, January 29, 2012
at Cary Camp. This is a 9 hour class that will begin at
7:00 AM. Cost of the course is $65 for Scouters and $100
for non-Scouters. Registration deadline is January 20,
2012. If you have questions, contact Chuck Turner at
765-447-1990. Click here to access registration form.
New Scout Sunday Patch
Available Through NAUMS
The National Association
of United Methodist Scouting has approved a patch design
for Scouting Ministry Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012. The profits
from the sale of this patch will go to the NAUMS Bible
Fund, which provides backpack-sized New Testaments at
Philmont Scout Ranch and Northern Tier Canoe Base.
The purchase price of
each patch funds the distribution of one New Testament to
a Scout trekker or paddler. The patch is ready for
pre-order now, with delivery expected shortly after the
first of the new year.
Cost is $3 per patch (50
or more cost is $2.50). Send name and mailing address
including zip code and
e-mail address with number of patches and
check payable to NAUMS to NAUMS c/o Art Collins, P.O. Box
548, Elletsville, IN 47429.
Check Out New Blastcar™ Items
Available at Kokomo
Trading Post!
A new Blastcar™ program offers an
exciting new racing event using custom-built cars powered
by CO2 fuel canisters. It is a merit-badge-driven*
activity intended for Boy Scouts. Race courses are custom
designed by the Scouts, and guidelines are provided in
each car kit. Scouts also use their imaginations to
engineer the complete production process for their cars.
CO2 canisters are used for fuel. *Note: This activity may
be used toward requirements for the following merit
badges: Model Design & Building, Woodworking, and Wood
Carving.
Philmont 2013 Opportunity
The Sagamore Council has
been allocated a Council Trek opportunity at Philmont for
2013. The trek will consist of two individual crews of up
to 12 members in each crew. The crews will be scheduled to
arrive at Philmont on July 13, 2013 and depart Philmont on
July 25, 2013. A full crew may not have more than four
adults over the age of 19. Any Troops or Crews that may
have an interest in this opportunity should contact David
Hall at zzzdahall@aol.com or 765/427-2486. We will be
putting a priority on allocating the spots to units that
can provide both crew and overall Trek leadership and that
are prepared to put down $100 per person deposits by
February 1, 2011. All participants must be registered with
the Council and able to meet the Philmont physical
requirements. Based on recent trips, the total cost of the
trip should run about $1250 per person. This includes the
Philmont fee of $770 plus transportation (train) and some
incidental expenses.
For in-depth information on what
Philmont treks involve, visit their web site at
www.philmontscoutranch.org.
2013 National Jamboree: Adventurers Wanted!
Get ready! The 2013
National Scout Jamboree is coming and "this ain’t
your father’s jamboree!" We’re seriously talking
high adventure, people! Whitewater rafting, zip-lining,
rappelling, mountain biking, hiking, and more - with
50,000 of your closest friends at the brand new Summit
Bechtel Reserve in the wilds of West Virginia!
The only place where you
can apply to attend the 2013 National Scout Jamboree is at
the online home of the Summit: www.bsajamboree.org.
Starting immediately, interested applicants can apply to
attend the 2013 National Scout Jamboree as a youth
participant, adult leader, or volunteer staff. Conditions
apply for each of these categories. Please refer to
www.bsajamboree.org for the latest details.
Application instructions
can be found here: http://summit.scouting.org/en/Documents/Application%20Instructions.pdf
Boy Scout Youth participants must be at
least First Class Scouts. They must be at least 12 years
of age by the first day of the jamboree (July 15, 2013) or
11 years old and have graduated the 6th grade, but have
not reached their 18th birthday by the last day of the
jamboree (July 24, 2013).
In addition to our one
contingent of Boy Scouts (36 youth and 4 adults) we also
have 8 Venture youth and two Venture adult slots (or nine
youth and one adult if all are of the same gender).
Venture youth participants must have graduated the 8th
grade or be at least 14 years of age by the first day of
the jamboree, but have not reached their 21st birthday by
the last day of the jamboree.
Contingent leaders have
their own list of qualifications, which can be found at
www.bsajamboree.org. Among the qualifications are:
Scoutmasters and First Assistant Scoutmasters must be at
least 21 years of age by the first day of the jamboree.
Second Assistant Scoutmasters must be at least 18 years of
age by the first day of the jamboree. Third Assistant
Scoutmasters must be at least 18 years of age by the first
day of the jamboree but not yet 21 years of age by the
last day of the jamboree. Scoutmaster applicants must be
currently serving as a Scoutmaster or Varsity Coach. For
Second and Third Assistant Scoutmasters, be currently
serving in any adult troop or team leadership position.
All adult leaders must be able to serve as a role model of
physical fitness. Also, in accordance with National
policy, preference will be given to volunteers who have
not previously attended a National Jamboree.
Jamboree fees and itinerary will be
built in the coming months, but the fee is expected to be
between $1800 and $1900. More information will be
forthcoming, but for now—check out www.bsajamboree.org
and register to hold your spot for the 2013 National
Jamboree!
CUB SCOUT
SUMMER CAMPING INFO.
Cary
Adventure Camp
Let your families know
that there is a summer oasis in the middle of North
Central Indiana. Where might this oasis be you might be
wondering? Cary Camp is the place to be this summer for
fun and excitement for you and your Cub Scout or Webelos.
Cary Camp offers fun activities and challenging adventures
for all.
For Cub Scout families
we offer a time to work one on one with projects and
activities. Parents are there when their sons conquer the
bouldering wall and shoot a bull’s eye in the archery
and BB gun ranges. All of your meals are cooked and served
in air conditioned comfort. Feel the exhilaration of
waking up to the sounds of nature all around you.
Webelos get to join or
advance in the ranks of Trailblazer. During the
Trailblazer program they will learn what it takes to be a
Boy Scout and work on their Webelos or Arrow of Light
badge. The afternoon features an open program that allows
Webelos and their buddy or den to participate in most of
the program area at Cary Camp. There will also be special
activities such as Webelos Activity Badge instruction, outdoor
cooking demonstrations, and everyone’s favorite – open
swim. Webelos will also have the opportunity to cook or
prepare their lunches in their camp sites.
What is camp without a
campfire? The Staff will welcome you to camp on the first
night with a fast paced drama and comedy filled opening
campfire. Webelos stay in their campsites on the middle
night to get to know the other campers staying in the same
site. This is a great opportunity to share cobbler or S’mores
with others. On the last night of camp the campers get
their chance to entertain the staff and their claws.
Cub Scout Day Camps
The Sagamore Council
will offer five Day Camps for 2012. This means there will
be one close to you. This year the Cub Scouts and their
guides will be going back in time to a simpler time as
they participate in "Cubs of the Round Table".
Each camp will be planned to give your Cub Scouts a chance
to glimpse into the life of medieval times. Each camp is
run by a volunteer staff of dedicated Scouters.
The programs contain
various activities that might include the following
depending on location: crafts, archery, BB gun shooting,
sports, physical fitness, swimming and other fun
activities. Because each camp is planned and run by local
volunteers, each camp is different and unique but still
has that Cub Scout Spirit that leads to a great experience
for your boys. Each camp is either four or five days and
ends with a meaningful closing program. Day camp exposes
Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts and Webelos to a fun way of looking
at the past.
Camperships
The Sagamore Council
offers Camperships sponsored by donations from service
clubs, foundations, and individuals givers. Camperships
are for Scouts needing a little assistance getting them to
camp. The Sagamore Council is committed to making our
camps available to all Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Boy
Scouts. Campership forms are available on line and must be
returned to the Sagamore Council office by April 30, 2012.
Camp Promotion
Each District has
volunteers ready to come to your Pack meeting to talk to
your parents and boys about the 2012 Cub Scout Summer
camping programs offered by the Sagamore Council. The
presentation takes less than 15 minutes and could change
the life of one of your Scouts. It has been found that if
we can get a boy to camp, there is a greater chance of
keeping that boy in the program longer. Talk to your
District Executive to set up a date for your presentation.
WELCOME TO THE SCOUTStrong PALA CHALLENGE
The Boy Scouts of
America and the President’s Challenge program have
teamed up to help Scouts of all ages and abilities
increase their level of physical activity by completing
the SCOUTStrong Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA).
PALA is offered by the President’s Challenge, a program
of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and
Nutrition (www.fitness.gov).
PALA is designed to
motivate participants to be physically active on a regular
basis by doing the activities they enjoy. Select from
activities like walking or biking around the neighborhood,
hiking a trail, cleaning the house, playing with the kids,
mowing the grass, playing basketball, running, gardening,
yoga, and many more. Best of all anyone regardless of
their fitness level can achieve PALA!
To achieve a SCOUTStrong
PALA, your goal is to be active at least 5 days a week for
6 out of 8 weeks. Youth (6-17 years) should get moving for
at least 60 minutes per day, and adults (18 years or
older) should be active for 30 minutes per day.
Ready to go? Visit www.scouting.org/ScoutStrongPALA
to register for the SCOUTStrong PALA and get ACTIVE!
Habitat
Can Program
"The Scouts and
Habitat CAN program started 4 1/2 years ago. Over
that time period more than 600,000 cans were turned in
with proceeds divided between the Sagamore Council, BSA
and Habitat for Humanity - Lafayette. Since the
start of the program 61 Scouts have earned the
Participation Patch (350 cans collected), 8 earned the
Platinum Achiever Patch (3,500 cans collected), and 3
earned the Diamond Achiever Patch (7,500 cans collected).
Effective September 1,
the Sagamore Council and Habitat for Humanity mutually
agreed to conduct CAN programs for their own benefit.
Habitat has placed several sheds in the Lafayette area
that are labeled "Habitat CANS" and the Sagamore
Council has retained the shed at Lowes and the shed at the
aluminum can recycling center on McCarty Lane--both
labeled "Scouting CANS". The patch program
continues and award forms can be found on the Sagamore
Council web site.
Thanks to all who have
participated so far and the Sagamore Council looks forward
to continuation of the program. As has been the case
since the start of the program all monies collected for
the benefit of the Council have gone and will continue to
go to Cary Camp."
Planning
for Cary Adventure Camp
Pass the dates and
costs of Cub Scout and Webelos Adventure Camp to the
parents in your den and Pack at your November Pack
Meeting. A lot of companies will be setting their
vacation schedules for 2012 before the end of this year.
Now is the time to start planning for Adventure Camp.
If your Pack starts a camp savings plan starting in
December, payments for Cub Scouts and Webelos would only
be $20.00 per month through May when the early bird fees
are due. For Cub Scouts and Webelos Den who meet the
75% requirements the last payment would be $10.00 or less.
If you start planning now you can help your families
spread the payments out and make sure that parents are
able to take the time off to go with their Cub Scouts or
Webelos.
Wood Badge
Course 2012
The Sagamore
Council will be conducting a Wood Badge course in the
spring of 2012. Wood Badge is the ultimate in
Scouting and Leadership training. The course will be
held on two full three day weekends. Weekend 1 will
be held Friday April 27th at 8:00 am through Sunday, April
29th at 5:00 pm. Weekend 2 will be held Friday May
18th at 8:00 am through Sunday, May 20th at 5:00 pm.
Participants are required to complete all indoor and
outdoor training for their registered position.
Senior District
Executive Promotion
The Boy Scouts of
America, Sagamore Council, is pleased to announce the
promotion of Nicholas Losekamp to Senior District
Executive. Nicholas enjoyed the Scouting program for
many years as a youth, where he earned his Eagle Scout
rank. Nicholas joined the Scouting profession in
2008; since then he has been an inspiration to many Scout
volunteers and youth.
Nicholas led his
service area to achieve the challenging "Quality
District" recognition in 2010 and recently completed
level three of his Professional Development training.
As a Senior District
Executive, Nicholas and his team will build, sustain, and
promote Scouting's life-changing programs in Howard,
Grant, Wabash, Blackford, and part of Miami County.
The success of
Scouting is determined by the quality of its volunteers
and professional staff. The Boy Scouts of America
congratulates Nicholas on his promotion and looks forward
to his continued leadership in our communities!
Sagamore
Council Advancement
Effective
October 1, 2011 Sagamore Council will require that
completed advancement reports be submitted to the Council
Service Center before a Pack, Troop or Crew can purchase
advancement for any youth member.
At
the end of the last year Sagamore Council recorded
advancement for Cub Scouts at 39.7% and Boy Scouts at
40.9%. We are certain that these %’s are not
correct and are much lower than what really is happening
in your units. When completing the advancement
report, all Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, Arrow of
Light, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life,
and Eagle advancements must be recorded. Also, of
importance, if you purchase advancement badges in Ft.
Wayne, Indianapolis, South Bend or Munster and don’t
turn in an advancement report to Sagamore Council then
your Scouts are not getting credit for what they are
accomplishing.
PLEASE turn the advancement forms in! This is very
important. Thank you for all you do for our Scouts.
Don Bloodgood
Ed Caldwell
Council
Advancement Chair Scout Executive
Big Changes
in Store for 2013 National Jamboree
The
2013 National Jamboree is full of changes! Along
with the event having a new home at the Summit Bechtel
Reserve and new adventure activities, your Scouts will see
another big change in scheduling.
The new model is designed to make
sure that your Scouts and Venturers experience as much of
the Summit as possible! Before the jamboree begins,
in early 2013, participants will be able to request the
adventure activities they want to try. The jamboree team
will take those preferences and work to fit everyone into
their top choices. Most participants should get one of
their top picks, and the lines and crowds will be much
reduced.
Scouts will also be scheduled for a
“Day of Giving,” a full-day trek to Garden Ground
Mountain, and two special adventure activities!
The new model will still allow for plenty of free
time, due in part to the activity schedule being extended
by four hours every day! That means the Jamboree
will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and there will be some
unstructured days included.
Oh, and did we mention that the
Summit Center (where you can find samples of all the
activities) will stay open for Scouts each night after all
of the visitors head home?
To find more information about the
2013 National Jamboree or to register, visit
summit.scouting.org or bsajamboree.org.
Arthur
L. Anderson Campership Endowment
Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout Art Anderson
was a lifelong Scout and Scouter, earning his Eagle in
1949, the Silver Beaver in the mid-1990s, and the Shofar
Award just days before he was tragically murdered while
leading two scouts and another leader on a five mile
nature hike.
Art was a BSA
member for over 60 years, and a member of Kokomo Troop 506
for over 40 years. In his role with Troop 506, Art
handled new Scout advancement, allowing him to touch the
lives and influence every Scout that has passed through
the troop since the early 1970s. In addition, he has
mentored every Scoutmaster in the troop during that time,
helping them keep the focus on the Scouts and to learn and
practice the patrol method. Art also led the
troop’s annual Junior Leader Training weekends, was an
advisor on multiple Philmont treks, participated in a
Boundary Waters trek in 2006 (at the age of 71), and
camped frequently with the troop.
Art’s passion,
however, was summer camp. In forty years, Art missed
only 1 or 2 summer camps, whether in Indiana, Ohio,
Illinois or Michigan. More than just attending the
camps, Art was instrumental in making them successful.
He exhorted every Scout in the troop to attend every year,
coordinated each Scout’s camp merit badge plans,
conducted swim certifications in his back yard pool, and
personally funded the week for Scouts that didn’t have
the financial means to participate. Countless Scouts
attended summer camp because of Art Anderson.
That is why we have
established the Art Anderson Summer Campership Endowment
in Art’s memory, so that Scouts from Sagamore Council
will always go to camp because of Art. Years ago,
upon returning from Philmont, Art once told a parent that
the troop had left their boy behind in New Mexico.
After a pause, he went on to inform them that, however,
the troop had returned to them a fine young man.
This, 1000 times over, is Art’s legacy.
If you would like
to help us keep Art’s Scouting legacy alive, please
consider donating to the Arthur L. Anderson Campership
Endowment. Click
here to access the Arthur L. Anderson Campership Endowment
donation form. Thank you for your consideration.
Cub Scout and Webelos Adventure Camp
As you plan your 2011-2012 Pack
programs, don’t forget to include a trip to Cary Camp
for Cub Scout and Webelos Adventure Camp.
Cub
Adventure Camp 1 June 29, 2012 – July 1, 2012
Cub
Adventure Camp 2 July 20- 22, 2012
Cub
Adventure Camp Fee: Pair (youth and adult together)
Early
Bird (Commitment by May 11, 2012): $105
Regular
(Commitment after May 11, 2012): $115
Webelos
Adventure Camp 1 July 5-8, 2012
Webelos
Adventure Camp 2 July 8-11, 2012
Webelos
Adventure Camp 3 July 12-15, 2012
Webelos
Adventure Camp 4 July 15-18, 2012
Webelos
Adventure Camp Fee: Youth only
Webelos
Den Incentive* (Registered by May 11, 2012): $110
Early
Bird (Commitment by May 11, 2012): $120
Regular
(Commitment after May 11, 2012): $130
Webelos
Adventure Camp Fee: Adult (1 adult for every 6 Webelos)
Early
Bird (Commitment by May 11, 2012): $65
Regular
(Commitment after May 11, 2012): $75
*Webelos
Den incentive is a $10.00 discount per Webelos if you
bring 75% or more of your rechartering third and fourth
grade boys.
Cub
Scouts who attend with members of their own Pack enjoy
camp more than if they camp without boys they know.
Parents who attend camp with their Pack also take on more
leadership responsibilities in the Pack. Webelos Dens that
come to camp as a group have more fun and are ready to
attend Boy Scout camp as they graduate. They can also save
$10.00 per Webelos by bringing 75% of the Packs graduating
third and fourth grade boys (based on 3rd and 4th grade
recharter numbers). Contact your District Camp Promotions
team leader or your District Executive to schedule a Cary
Adventure Camp presentation at a Parents night.
Click
here for additional information about 2012 Adventure
Camp including arrival and departure times, camperships,
etc.
Social Media Do’s and
Don’ts
With Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Foursquare, Tumblr,
and other social media sites exploding, this is a good
time to check out Scouting’s social media guidelines.
You’ll find good advice about setting up safe profiles,
applying the two-deep leadership policies to the online
space, responding to negative or inaccurate posts, and
making sure that social media posts accord with the Scout
Oath and Law. There’s much more at scouting.org/scoutsource/Marketing/Resources/SocialMedia.aspx.
2013 National Jamboree Information
Click
here to access participation requirements, application
instructions, and fees estimate for the 2013 National
Jamboree!
Join Scouting Night Presentation
Leaders:
Click
here to access the 2011 Join Scouting Night Power
Point Presentation!
New
Sagamore Districts Approved!
After
several months of geographic study, data analysis,
feedback gathering, and careful consideration, we are
pleased to announce that the Executive Board has
officially approved the Sagamore Council's new district
structure! This new, optimized structure provides
strong foundations for Scouting across our Council while
aligning our professional manpower with the needs of our
youth population. The Blue Ribbon Committee's
complete communication, along with a map of the new
structure and an explanation of what his means for your
Pack, Troop, or Crew, can be found via the links below:
Announcement
outlining the new district structure for Sagamore Council
Sagamore
Council map illustrating new district boundaries
New
district executive assignments
We
thank you all for this opportunity to serve you in helping
the Sagamore Council grow stronger for the next century of
Scouting in America. We are pleased to have met our
team's challenge: to increase the Sagamore Council's
ability to deliver the promise of Scouting by more
efficiently aligning our resources with our needs... to
increase the operational strength and unity of our
Scouting community and to allow the Sagamore Council to
thrive for generations into the future... to develop a
solution that will build stronger districts and a stronger
council. Thank you again, and may Good Scouting be
upon us all!
Sincerely,
Larry
Kristoff, Big One District
Bob
Burchell, Meshingomesia District
Dale
Landis, Chief Logan District
Chris
Jones, Arrowhead District
Jerry
Day, Tecumseh District
NEW THIS FALL:
E2Xtreme Program
(TM)
This
is an exciting new racing event using custom-built cars
powered by CO2 fuel canisters. It is a
merit-badge-driven activity intended for Boy Scouts.
Thank
You to our United Way and United Fund Partners
Special
thanks go out to our United Way and United Fund partners
who raise funds to support our programs:
United
Way of Grant County
United
Way of Fulton County
United
Way of Howard County
United
Way of Greater Lafayette
United
Way of Cass County
Untied
Way of Miami County
Carroll
County United Fund
White
County United Way Inc.
Pulaski
County United Fund
This
year August 1, 2011 through November 18, 2011, is the
designated blackout period during which these organizations
conduct their annual campaigns to fund member
agencies. Sagamore Council receives 13% of its annual
operating budget by participating in these United Ways and
Funds throughout our sixteen county area. We only have
an exception from these United Ways and Funds to conduct our
annual popcorn sale. We kindly ask that your unit not
conduct any fundraising projects during this period except
for popcorn.
Update
on Tracking Service Hours
You
can now enter your service hours at: www.scouting.org/awards/journeytoexcellence.
Look for the "Service Project" area of the
screen. There you can find the link to log your
hours, information for first time users, ideas and tips
for a successful service project, and sample reports that
can be pulled by your council administrator. To
enter your service hours click on "service hours
website." Choose "New User Click
Here" or enter your existing username and
password. Users can still use www.goodturnforamerica.org
and will be redirected to the new data collection
site. If you have any questions, please contact the
national service desk 972-580-2267 for
volunteers.
Volunteers
with a MyScouting account can also reach the Journey to
Excellence service hour website by clicking on the Journey
to Excellence Information link on the left side of the
screen in the "Council Tools" section.
Once they click on the link they will be directed to www.scouting.org/awards/journeytoexcellence
and can follow the same procedures as listed
above.
(Remember - this is the tool that will
officially measure your hours for the Journey to
Excellence (Quality District) requirement for
"service projects!")
Attention:
Venturing Crews, Exploring Posts, Boy Scout Troops and Sea
Scout Units
On
August 5-7, 2011 Fort Wayne Area Council BSA is sponsoring
Makahiki, a 3-day gathering for Venturing Crews, Boy
Scouts (14+), Explorer Posts, Sea Scout units, and Senior
and Mariner Girl Scouts. This is an opportunity to
have fun and enjoy fellowship and competitions in aquatic
and land events with young people from all over the
Midwest and the Great Lakes area.
Click
here to access additional information about this
event..
What's
New: Honors Program
Guess
how many different awards Scouting offers. Do you
have a guess? Well, when you add up all the awards -
Silver Beaver, Arrow of Light, Totin' Chip, interpreter
strips, 50-Miler award, and more - the answer is...114!
That's
alot of honors to keep up with, and that's why there's a
new, interactive scouting.org site called Awards
Central. The site, which replaces the Insignia
Guide, will serve as a clearinghouse of info about all the
awards, including descriptions, links to the nomination or
application process, approving authority, and deadlines.
The
BSA's youth development team believes the new site will
save councils a lot of time by making all the recognition
info easy to attain electronically. Awards Central
can be updated quickly when award details change--for
instance, when the 115th award is added. Look for
Awards Central to go live in May.
Watch
2011 Camping Videos on YouTube
New
camping promotions videos about Boy Scout Summer Camp and
Cub Scout Day Camp may now be viewed on YouTube!
Click
here to watch Sagamore Council 2011 Boy Scout Summer
Camp video.
Click
here to watch Sagamore Council 2011 Cub Scout Day Camp
video.
BSA
Releases New Tour Plan to
Replace Tour Permits
Effective
March 1, 2011, what were currently known as local and
national tour permits will be superseded by what will be
called the tour plan. The
online tour permit system will be suspended. This
update is the accumulation of work by a cross-functional
team of volunteers and staff including the Health and
Safety Support Committee, Council Solutions, Outdoor
Program Group, and Risk Management Advisory Panels.
Here
is the definition of the tour plan in the Language of
Scouting: "Units complete this form when planning for
local, national, or international adventure. The plan
helps ensure the unit is properly prepared, that qualified
and trained leadership is in place, and that the right
equipment is available for the adventure."
Click
here to access the Tour Plan Worksheet/form.
Click
here to access FAQ's about the Tour Plan.
2011
Update: Annual BSA Health and Medical Record
Click
here (Online Services Page) to access a link to an
important update to the Annual BSA Health and Medical
Record.
Philmont
Trek 2012
The
Sagamore Council has received a reservation for a 2012
Trek at Philmont, consisting of two crews of 12
participants each.
The arrival date at Philmont is July 14, 2012, and
departure is July 26, 2012.
The Council is accepting applications for adult
crew advisors, an adult contingent leader and interested
youth.
General Philmont info is available at
www.philmontscoutranch.org.
Youth
must be at least 14 by the start of the Trek and both
youth and adults must be registered with the Council,
recommended by their Scoutmaster, and able to meet the
physical requirements of Philmont.
Ideally, each crew will have 8-9 youth and 3-4
adults.
Travel will likely be by train to Philmont so a
departure date of July 12 should be expected.
Return to Indiana would be on late on July 27.
An all-in cost estimate would be about $1200.
Popcorn accounts can be used by Scouts and some
scholarship money may be available.
We
plan to select the Contingent Leaders no later than March
1, 2011.
From past experience, it is preferred to have
individual Troops/Crews assume responsibility for each 12
person crew and work with an overall Contingent Advisor.
Filling all 24 slots is a priority in selecting
leadership.
In case of excess interest, additional priority
will be given to date of commitment ($100 Deposit per
person), and participation in Council activities by the
units/individuals.
Contact David Hall at zzzdahall@aol.com
or 765/427-2486.
Attention
All Trading Post Customers:
As
of Jan. 3, 2011, Sagamore Council will not longer be able
to provide the merit and rank advancement pocket
certificates free of charge with purchase of the rank
badges, pins, or belt loops. We will be charging
$.08 per card, which is Sagamore Council's cost. All
other pocket cards will remain at $.12 per card.
Cub
Scout Camping DVD
The
Sagamore Council will be supplying all Cub Scout Packs
with a DVD that includes all your Pack Camping Coordinator
will need to promote and register Cub Scouts and Webelos
for Day Camp and Adventure Camp. The DVD’s will
include the Camp Promotion videos for Day Camp and
Adventure Camp to be used at your Pack Camp Promotion
Parents night. It will also include an Adventure
Camp Power Point presentation that can be used during your
Blue and Gold Banquet while the families are eating.
Also included will be the forms for both Cub Scout Day
Camp and Adventure Camp as well as the Cary Adventure Camp
Leaders Guide. The DVD will be mailed to Pack
Committee Chairmen by the end of January. Click
here to access info. about Cub Scout Adventure Camp
2011 at Cary Camp!
Message
from Vicki Triplett, Council Commissioner:
Troops: Do
you have boys who have aged out of Scouting this recharter
year but still want to be registered with their units?
Don't register them as leaders UNLESS they are really going
to move into adult leadership. Instead register the
young men as code 91-Scouter reserve or code 92-College
Scouter reserve. This keeps the young men
registered BUT does not require them to be trained as it
would for a leadership position.
Please consider this
important position as you finish your charters for 2011.
Sagamore Signals Archive
Click
here to view pdf of February 2012 Sagamore Signals
Newsletter
Click
here to view a pdf of January 2012 Sagamore Signals
Newsletter
Click
here to view a pdf of the November/December 2011 Sagamore
Signals Newsletter.
Click
here to view a pdf of the October 2011 Sagamore Signals
Newsletter.
Click
here to view a pdf of the September 2011 Sagamore
Signals Newsletter.
Click
here to view a pdf of the July - August 2011 Sagamore
Signals Newsletter.
Click
here to view a pdf of the May - June 2011 Sagamore Signals
Newsletter
Click
here to view a pdf of the April 2011 Sagamore Signals
Newsletter
Click
here to view a pdf of the March 2011 Sagamore Signals
Newsletter
Click here to view a pdf of
the February 2011 Sagamore Signals Newsletter
Click
here to view a pdf of the January 2011 Sagamore Signals
Newsletter
Click
here to view a pdf of the November / December 2010 Sagamore Signals
Newsletter
Click
here to view a pdf of the October 2010 Sagamore Signals
Unit
Leader Training Required
From Edward
A. Caldwell, Scout Executive:
Sagamore
Council has always strived to recruit and provide the best
leaders for our units. In keeping with National’s
updating of the leader training program, Sagamore Council
is also updating our leader training requirements. There
are three parts to the updated training that I would like
to specifically explain.
Let’s
begin with Youth Protection. All volunteers in the Boy
Scouts of America are required to be Youth Protection
trained by December 31, 2010. Volunteers needing this
training include: Charter Representatives, Committee
Chairman, Committee Members, and direct contact leaders
(see paragraph 5 below for position titles.) This training
can be done online at www.MyScouting.org, taken at the
University of Scouting on November 6, 2010, or be taken
through the local district’s training team.
All
new volunteers desiring to become a leader in Sagamore
Council need to take Youth Protection training PRIOR to
submitting their application. The certificate of training
printed from the computer, or a copy of the card received
at the training, should be attached to the application.
Youth
Protection training is valid for two years. Leaders whose
Youth Protection training expires during any given year
need to update the training before December 31 of that
calendar year.
The
second part of the training changes involve direct contact
leaders. Direct contact leaders are: Scoutmasters,
Assistant Scoutmasters, Cubmasters, Assistant Cubmasters,
Webelos Leaders and assistants, Den Leaders and
assistants, Tiger Leaders, Venture Leaders and Assistant
Venture Leaders. Anyone holding these positions needs to
be FULLY trained by December 31, 2011. Following is the
list of trainings needed for each position:
 | Scoutmaster
& Assistant Scoutmaster: Youth Protection, This is
Scouting, Scoutmaster Specifics, and Outdoor Leader
Skills |
| Cubmaster
& Assistant Cubmaster: Youth Protection, This is
Scouting, Cubmaster Specific |
| Webelos
Leaders & Assistants: Youth Protection, This is
Scouting, Webelos Specific |
| Den
Leaders & Assistants: Youth Protection, This is
Scouting, Den Specific |
| Tiger
Leader: Youth Protection, This is Scouting, Tiger
Specific |
| Venture
and Assistant Leaders: Youth Protection, This is
Scouting, Venture Specific |
There
are many ways to acquire the needed training; this is
detailed below:
| “This
is Scouting” and all the “Cub Specific” courses
can be taken online, at the University of Scouting, or
through your local districts training team. |
| “Scoutmaster
Specifics” can be taken at the University of
Scouting and on May 14, 2011 (location TBD) and each
week during Summer Camp 2011 at Camp Buffalo. |
| “Outdoor
Leader Skills” can be taken April 8-10, 2011, July
22-23, 2011, and September 23-25, 2011. The locations
are TBD. |
| “Venture
Leader” training can be taken at the University of
Scouting. Other classes can be made available upon
request. |
New
leaders who volunteer and submit an application during
any given year must submit a copy of their Youth Protection
training with the applications. A leader then has until
December 31, of that calendar year, to complete the
remainder of the required training.
If
you have any questions concerning training or the
requirements, please feel free to contact your
district’s training team, Council Training Chair Dale
Landis at dlandis@rtcol.com, or the Staff Advisor to the
Training Team Diann Sedam at sedamjd@aol.com or
574-721-1982.
2012
Philmont Unit Registration Packet Now Available
Troop,
Team and Crew Leaders, 2012 Philmont registration
information is now available! Registration requests
for 2012 expeditions for Philmont Scout Ranch will be made
on the internet beginning Sunday, October 31 through
Saturday, December 4, 2010. Click
here to access the Philmont Registration Packet
that contains all the details you will need. (This
information is also accessible at www.philmontscoutranch.org.)
Updating your Unit’s
Membership in Internet Advancement
As your Pack or Troop adds
members, they don’t automatically update in Internet
Advancement—you have to tell the system to download your
new members. First, be sure to submit all of your pending
I-ADV updates. Then, click "start over" and select
"load roster" so that your I-ADV system will
download the updated list of your registered youth from
ScoutNet. This will update your I-ADV roster to all the
Scouts you currently have registered in the National system.
New Boy Scouts & Varsity Scout Awards
Promote Outdoorism
The National Outdoor
Challenge (No. 430-016) is a unit award that recognizes
troops/teams that maintain or increase the amount of outdoor
activity when compared to the previous year. The information
and application are available here: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/boyscouts/adults/awards.aspx
and is due at the end of 2010. With the release of this
award, the National Camping Award has been discontinued;
however, patches for camping nights will be available until
the inventory is depleted.
The National Outdoor
Achievement Award (No. 430-509) recognizes Boy
Scouts/Varsity Scouts that excel in outdoor participation.
The award consists of five areas of emphasis (camping,
aquatics, hiking, riding and adventure) with rigorous
requirements to earn each segment. Scouts looking for an
extra challenge can earn the National Medal for Outdoor
Achievement. This challenging award requires earning at
least three of the National Outdoor Achievement segments,
planning and leading a trek, earning Wilderness First Aid
and becoming a Leave No Trace Trainer as well as several
other requirements. The information and application is
available at the following link: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/boyscouts/youth/awards.aspx.
Get your Jamboree CSP
sets before they're gone!
The Sagamore Council has
made one hundred sets of collectable CSPs for the 2010
Centennial Scout Jamboree! This set includes all five
designs of the Council’s Jamboree shoulder patches. Cost
is $25.00.
The United States Capitol
CSP single patch is the only patch available separately. You
may purchase unlimited quantities of that patch for five
dollars each.
|
