Council News

2012 Sagamore Signals Newsletter

Click here to view a pdf of the May-June 2012 Sagamore Signals Newsletter.

Part Time Trading Post Clerk Needed

The Sagamore Council Service Center is seeking a part time Trading Post Clerk for afternoons. Scouting experience with knowledge of awards and achievements would be beneficial. If you are interested, please send resume to shbrady@bsamail.org, fax 765-459-5625 or phone 765-452-8253.

2012 Council Spring Camporee - "Pioneering Weekend"

Friday, May 4  -  Sunday, May 6, 2012

Camp Buffalo, Monticello IN 

Enjoy a great weekend of Scouting fellowship and have the opportunities to work on the following activities:  Archery, Rifle Shooting, Raft Building, Fishing, Pioneering and other activities. Units must pre-register by turning in registration forms by the following dates, but fees may be paid at the event.

Regular Fee:  $10 per Scout / Scouter

(To qualify, turn in Registration Form by Wednesday, April 25, 2012)

Late-Fee:  $15 per Scout / Scouter

(Final date to turn in Registration Form is Wednesday, May 2, 2012)  

(Optional) Units with a preference for specific campsites may specify their 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices (all three required) for campsites on the registration form.  Sites will be assigned based on the order in which registrations (and preferences) are received.  

The Council Spring Camporee is being hosted by Peshewa District.

If you have questions, contact:

     Kevin Brunner at 765-883-5506 or kwbruno2@aol.com or

     Nick Losekamp at the Scout office 765-452-8253

Click here to access Spring Council Camporee Registration Form.

Watch Camping Videos on YouTube

The Sagamore Council is pleased to announce the release of our newest camping promotions video—this one for Cary Adventure Camps for Cub Scouts and Webelos!  

Click here to view Cub Scout Adventure Camp video on YouTube  

Thanks to Lewis Day from the Wabash Valley District for video editing and Jeremy Burke from the Council for videography!  This video is also available in DVD format, and it has been provided to camping promotions teams in each of the districts.  Feel free to make copies for your convenience!

Our Cub Scout Day Camp promotional video and Camp Buffalo Boy Scout Summer Camp promotional videos are also available:

Click here to view Cub Scout Day Camp video on YouTube 

Click here to View Boy Scout Summer Camp video on YouTube  

You can also find all three of these videos by searching for our YouTube Channel:   sagamore162

This year, our United Way partners have designated August 1, 2012, through November 1, 2012, as their blackout period. This is the time of year that the United Ways conduct their annual campaign to fund their member agencies. Sagamore Council receives 13% of it’s annual operating budget by participating in ten United Ways and Funds throughout our sixteen county area. We only have an exception from those United Ways and Funds to conduct our annual popcorn sale. We kindly ask that your unit not conduct any fundraising projects in this timeframe except for popcorn.

Spend part of your time at Cary Camp this summer! Cary Camp offers both day camp and overnight camps. Enjoy the outdoors with swimming, hiking, archery, BB-gun shooting, crafts and other fun activities. Cub Scout Day Camp (1st - 5th grades) July 30—August 3 8:30 am –4:00 pm Cary Overnight Adventure Camps 2nd - 3rd Grades: June 29 - July 1 and July 20-22 4th - 5th Grades: July 5-8, 8-11, 12-15, and 15-18. See the camp related forms accessible via the Forms page of this website for more information.

Knights of Day Camp

Cub Scout Day Camps are fast approaching! This is the highlight of the Cub Scout year. Make sure all of your Cub Scouts sign up to attend their local Day Camp. It is a proven fact that boys who attend their local Day Camp advance faster and stay in Scouting longer than those who end their Scouting year in April or May. The volunteers who run your Day Camps have been planning fun and adventure for your Cub Scouts, all they need is for you to register and then show up at camp with the Cub Scout Spirit. To see more catch us on YouTube at:

http://tinyurl.com/daycampvideo

For those who have past their early bird discount date, you can still register and attend Day Camp. For those who will attend camp later in the summer, make sure you get your applications into your Pack Camping Coordinator to turn in by your camp’s Early Bird discount deadline. If you did not receive a registration form you can find them on the forms page of this website or contact your District Executive.

There are several Summer Camp Leader Meetings from which to choose:

(All Sagamore Council troops attending Summer Camp must have two-leader representation at a Leader Meeting to avoid additional adult leader fees).

Friday, May 4th

Camp Buffalo

After Check-In for Council Camporee

Friday, May 18th

Council Service Center 2nd Floor, Kokomo

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Saturday, May 19th

Cary Camp Heritage Hall

2:00 - 4:00 PM

Wednesday May 23rd

Camp Buffalo

7:00 - 10:00 PM

Support Cary Camp

The Cary Camp Property Committee is holding a Work Day on May 12, 2012. Bring out your families and spend the day at camp doing odd jobs. There will be jobs for every age and skill level. We have the tools and you have the people, so let’s get them together with a day of fun, fellowship, and a little work. Lunch will be served for all workers.

For more information or if you have a professional skill to offer, contact Ranger Chuck Turner at 765-337-4439.

Sagamore Council Welcomes

Scout Executive Chris Mehaffey

A native Alabamian, I have had the privilege both as a child and adult to live and experience different areas. I especially enjoyed the part of my childhood growing up in Zionsville, IN and am excited about the coming to Sagamore Council and of raising my own family in the great Hoosier State.  

I first joined the Scouting program as a Cub Scout in Knoxville, TN, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1993 from Troop 307 in Montgomery, AL. Scouting has always been my passion. While working and attending college at Auburn University, I became a local volunteer helping conduct school nights and continued to spend my summers on staff at Camp Tuckabatchee in Prattville, AL. After graduating from Auburn in 1999 with a degree in Human Resources, I became a Professional Unit Serving Executive with the Chickasaw Council in Memphis, TN, where I also became a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow. In 2003, I joined the Circle Ten Council, Dallas, TX, as a District Director and then in August 2005, was promoted to Field Director over the Council’s largest service area. In February 2008, a promotion gave my family and me the opportunity to move back to Alabama to work for the Black Warrior Council in Tuscaloosa as a Program Director and then as a Sr. Development Director in 2009 to present.  

My wife, Jennifer, and I met in college and have been married for 12 years. We have three beautiful little girls: Lacy (5), Ellie (2), and Avery (10 weeks). When I am not Scouting, my family and I spend as much time as we can in the outdoors, especially on the water during the summer months. My personal hobbies include golfing, fishing and camping. We are active members at our church, and are becoming more involved in our girls’ school and extracurricular activities as they grow.

You Are Invited To Join Us For The

2012 Sagamore Council Recognition Dinner

And Annual Business Meeting

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

6:30 PM – Gathering 7:00 PM – Dinner

Continental Ballroom

920 Millbrook Lane, Kokomo, IN 46901

$25.00 Per Person  

All Scouters, especially Unit Leaders and District Committee members, are invited to attend the Annual Recognition Dinner.  All Executive Board Members, Members-at-Large, and Charter Organization Representatives are expected to attend the Annual Business Meeting and Recognition Dinner to elect the Council Officers and Executive Board members for the 2012-2013 program year. The Sagamore Council Nominating Committee Chairman is Kevin Bowditch. Nominations are now being accepted from all active members of the local council for consideration.  Recommendations need to be submitted in writing to the committee at least 30 days prior to May 16, 2012. Bring your spouse for a great evening with your Scouting friends!!! Highlighting the evening will be the ceremony honoring those selected to receive the Silver Beaver Award – the highest award bestowed upon a volunteer at the Council level!

Click here to access Registration form for this event.

Showcase Your Scouting 2012

 Scouting is the best youth-serving program in our communities, and to help our academic partners understand that, we’re pleased to present the 2012 “Showcase Your Scouting” campaign! Showcase Your Scouting is an opportunity for every Pack, Troop, and Crew to build a display case in their local school to demonstrate the great opportunities Scouting has to offer our communities’ youth!  

“The Rules”:  

• Display cases must be in an elementary school in an area your Pack serves, or a middle/high school your Troop or Crew serves. If your unit shares a school with another Pack, Troop, or Crew, you may share the display.  

• Permission must be obtained from any youth whose photo will appear in the display (we don’t need you to submit this, just make sure you do it!).  

• Display must include prominent information on HOW TO JOIN your Pack, Troop, or Crew, including a phone number (must be visible in a photo).  

• Submit up to 6 Photos of your showcase to the Scout Service Center by September 30, 2012. include the unit number of all participating Packs, Troops, or Crews if it’s a shared display. File attachments of up to 5 MB each can be emailed to jeremy.burke@scouting.org, or print them and send by regular mail to:  

              Showcase Your Scouting

              c/o Sagamore Council, BSA

              P.O. Box 865

              Kokomo, IN 46903 

One winner per district will receive mention in the Sagamore Signals newsletter, posting on the sagamoresignals.com website, and a certificate for one free cabin rental at Cary or Buffalo! That’s a free weekend event for your Pack’s or Troop’s families!

 Ideas for your display case:  

• Include photos from exciting Pack/Troop/Crew events, especially photos with smiling faces! 

• Use posters, t-shirts, and hats with a Scouting theme or logo in your display! 

• Don’t forget Pinewood Derby cars, camping gear, model rockets, trophies, climbing rope, or other “3D” elements  

• Include Merit Badge books or other awards/patches that appeal to a wide range of Scout interests—sports, academics, outdoors, and career exploration are all elements of Scouting! 

Click here to access printable flier (including example photos) about "Showcase Your Scouting 2012."

Don't Forget!

Campership Application Submission

Deadline April 30th

Campership Application forms are available at the Scout office or can be retrieved via the "Forms" page in the "Camp Related Forms" area of this website.

Forms must be completed by the parent, signed by the unit leader, and submitted to the Council office by April 30th.

Update - Adult Leader Fees for Summer Camp

and Summer Camp Leaders Meetings

The adult leader's fee for Boy Scout Summer Camp at Camp Buffalo 2012 has been reversed to $100.00 each provided that there is 2-adult representation of the troop at one of the three Leader's Meetings schedued. Please select one of the following dates to attend a Summer Camp Leaders Meeting:

Friday, May 4th After Check-in for Council Camporee at Camp Buffalo

Friday, May 18th 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Sagamore Council Office, Second floor)

Saturday, May 19th 2:00 – 4:00 PM (Cary Camp) 

Wednesday, May 23rd 7:00 – 10:00 PM (Camp Buffalo)

Note:  Leaders should print the Leader Guide and bring it with them to the meeting.  It is available on Forms page under Camp Related Forms. 

2012 Cary Adventure Camp

Join us for a “Wet and Wild” time at Cub Scout and Webelos Adventure Camps in July 2012. Take your Wolf, Bear and Webelos Dens to the great outdoors and let them experience camping at its finest. Wolves and Bears attend with parent or guardian for 3 days and 2 nights. Camp will include crafts, BB guns, archery, climbing, swimming, fun and games. Webelos are encouraged to attend with their den. Webelos may also attend as individuals with a parent or guardian. Webelos attending as a den need 1 leader/adult for each 6 boys with a minimum of two adults. The Leaders Guide, Health forms and registration forms can be found on line at www.sagamoresignals.com.  

Cub Adventure Camp: (Boys Entering Second and Third Grade)

Session 1: June 29 - July 1 Session 2: July 20-22

This camp is for teams that consist of one boy and at least one adult (over 21) with no exceptions.

Plan to arrive at camp between 1:00 and 3:00 the afternoon of the first day.

Cub Adventure Camp fees are per pair (youth and adult).

Fees: Early Bird Fee (Commitment by May 18, 2012): $105

Regular Fee (Commitment after May 18, 2012): $115

Webelos Adventure Camp:  (Boys Entering Fourth and Fifth Grade)

For this camp there must be two deep leadership for every six boys and must include at least one adult over age 21.

Session 1: July 5-8

Session 2: July 8-11

Session 3: July 12-15

Session 4: July 15-18

Plan to arrive at camp between 1:00 and 2:00 the afternoon of the first day.

Fees for Youth:  

Webelos Den Incentive* (Registered by May 18, 2012): $110

Early Bird (Commitment by May 18, 2012): $120

Regular (Commitment after May 18, 2012): $130

* The Webelos Den Incentive price is available to all Webelos in a Pack that Registers 75% of its Webelos for Cary Adventure Camp by May 18, 2012. The number of Webelos is based on the number of 3rd and 4th grade boys rechartered at the end of 2011.

Fees for Adults:

Early Bird (Commitment by May 18, 2012): $65

Regular (Commitment after May 18, 2012): $75

* The Webelos Den Incentive price is available to all Webelos in a Pack that Registers 75% of its Webelos for Cary Adventure Camp by May 18, 2012. The number of Webelos is based on the number of 3rd and 4th grade boys rechartered at the end of 2011.

National Jamboree Price Slashed!

The Sagamore Council is excited to announce exciting new arrangements for the 2013 Jamboree! The NEW price for the Sagamore Council’s 2013 Jamboree Trek is only $1375, a reduction of $325 from the last Jamboree, and $525 less than we had projected this trip to cost! That’s more than 25% off the original price We’re able to offer this because with the new location, transportation is now possible in one day instead of two. Also, without the cost of a two-night hotel stay with meals and tours in Washington D.C., we are able to offer the Jamboree experience at a much reduced expense!  

We’re very excited about how this high-quality-but-lower-cost experience can make the Jamboree acces­sible to many more families! With the proceeds from your Troop’s popcorn sales (2011 AND 2012, if you banked your 2011 sales), as well as a Jamboree patch sales fundraiser (details forthcoming), you can easily reduce your family’s cost well below even $1375!  

Since the Jamboree is still 16 months away, details are still being planned, but we expect to depart the morning of Monday, July 15, 2013, and return the evening of Wednesday the 24th.  Scouts who have already made their deposit and are paying on their fees will, of course, still have their reserved place on the contingent! But for everyone else, a spot on the Jamboree is first-come, first-served! If you want to sign up for the FIRST EVER Jamboree at the new Bechtel Summit, submit your fees as follows: 

With application: $100 

March 31, 2012: $300 Total

August 1, 2012: $750 Total

December 1, 2012: $1200 Total

April 1, 2013: $1375 Total  

Waiting list and refund policies will be mailed to you as soon as your registration is received. Our contingent is limited to 36 Boy Scout youth and 8 or 16 Venture youth. Half of each of these contingents are already filled, so be sure to register today! The ONLY WAY to register for the Jamboree is to visit www.BSAjamboree.org and complete the online form.

We look forward to having you join us as a member of the Inaugural Bechtel Summit Jamboree!

The Sagamore Council Jamboree Committee

Welcome Matt Bender!

Sagamore Council would like to welcome Matt Bender as our newest Scouting professional!  Matt will be the District Director for the Peshewa District.  Matt joins us with five and a half years of professional Scouting service from the Crossroads of America Council, most recently as a Senior District Executive serving the Anderson area.  Matt is an Eagle Scout, has attended the National Jamboree, Philmont High Adventure, and Boundary Waters.  Matt has also served as an intern at Philmont Scout Ranch and a Program Director at Webelos Adventure Camp.  A very friendly and capable executive, Matt says that he is "excited to be a part of Scouting in the Peshewa District and Sagamore Council!" We look forward to his enthusiasm and experience to strengthen Scouting in our communities!  Please welcome Matt when you meet him!

Webelos Adventure Camp Incentive

Packs who send 75% of their incoming first and second year Webelos (based on reregistered 3rd and 4th grade boys) will again receive a $10.00 per person discount for Webelos Adventure Camp.  Now is the time to plan which of the four sessions your Webelos will attend and then start a Pack savings plan to start collecting the fees for Webelos Adventure Camp.  It has been proven over and over again that boys who attend camp stay in the program longer than those who attend a September to May Pack.  Start the program year off right by taking your Webelos to Cary Camp for four days and three nights of fun and adventure as “The Ancient World Awaits.”  On top of this savings they still qualify for the $10.00 Early Bird Discount if they register by May 11, 2012.  That is a $20.00 savings.

Quality Time with Your Son  

Cub Scout Adventure Camp is an excellent time to spend quality one on one time with your son.  It is also an opportunity to meet other parents who hold the same family values that are taught in Scouting.  Boys grow up so fast that you will regret later in life that you didn’t take the small opportunities to get to spend this type of one on one time with him.  Adventure Camp helps you build common experiences that will last his life time and shows that you cared enough to put the world behind you and spend a weekend with him in the great outdoors.  Register now for you and your son to attend one of two Cub Scout Adventure Camps.

Summer Camp Promotion  

If you need help exciting your Cub Scouts and Webelos into attending camp this summer, contact your District Executive to set up time for someone to come and talk to your families about camp.  The presentations are short and contain action packed video presentations.  Presentations should be made at your March or April Pack meetings and take around 10 minutes.  Find out when and where your local Day Camp will be held as well as the latest information on Cary Adventure Camp.  

Schedule your presentation today!

National Youth Leadership Training 2012

The 2012 NYLT course is scheduled for June 10 - June 15th at Camp Buffalo. Cost is $150.00 until May 14. ($50 deposit due with application and $100 balance is due May 14th.) Total registration fee will increase to $175 after May 14, 2012.  Application deadline is May 25, 2012. 

This course is designed to provide Scouts with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops as well as any situation demanding leadership roles.  Each participant should be a troop leader, or express a desire to be a leader, in order to receive the full benefit of the program.  To be eligible to attend, Scouts must have attained the rank of First Class and be develop the leadership skills of youth to help them carry out a successful Scouting program.

Click here to access NYLT flyer.  Click here to access NYLT registration 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

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.

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.  

Click here for additional information about 2012 Adventure Camp including arrival and departure times, camperships, etc.

          Camp Buffalo

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. Check out www.bsajamboree.org and register to hold your spot for the 2013 National Jamboree!

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.  

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)

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! 

Click here to view pdf of May-June 2012 Sagamore Signals Newsletter

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:

There are many ways to acquire the needed training; this is detailed below:

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.)