Council News

May/June 2013 Sagamore Signals

Click here to access electronic copy (pdf) of the latest issue of our newsletter,  the May-June 2013 Sagamore Signals!

Dear Sagamore Family,

Last week was a very difficult week for our Nation. With all that happened last week I have waited to share with you the resolution that the National Executive Committee has drafted to be voted on in May at the annual meeting. I know that once you read the resolution, you are going to have questions and there will be a wide range of reactions and opinions expressed by you and others over the next few days and weeks. Please take a few minutes and share your thoughts with our voting members. All of your feedback will be considered by them before the vote takes place on May 23, 2013.

During the listening phase of this process, nearly 100 members of our Council submitted feedback. That leaves nearly 4,900 other households whose opinion is not known. We need to hear from all of you.

Please submit all comments and thoughts to feedback@sagamoresignals.com

Click here to view the Proposed Membership Standards Resolution

Your opinion matters, please share it with us.

Sincerely,

Chris Mehaffey

Scout Executive

Sagamore Council

Reminder:

2013 Sagamore Council Recognition Dinner

& Annual Business Meeting

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Gathering at 6:30 PM & Dinner at 7:00 PM

Purdue Memorial Union, North Ball Room

Highlighting the evening will be the ceremony honoring our 2012 Eagle scouts and those selected to receive the Silver Beaver Award.  Bring your spouse for a great evening with your Scouting friends!  $27.00 Per Person; Reservation Deadline is Friday, May 2, 2013.

Click here to access details and registration form.

You may also find details, register and pay via Campmaster website!

A Message From Chris Mehaffey

This time of year every Scouting unit should be talking about and making plans for a summer camp experience. Whether your unit plans to attend any one of our Cub Scout Adventure Camps, Day Camps, Boy Scout Summer Camp, High Adventure Trek or the Jamboree, these trips make memories that last a lifetime because of their impact on the youth who participate! I mention this because a camping experience is the single greatest experience that aids in delivering the promise of Scouting and what keeps youth coming back to your meetings! Don’t let this summer go by without all your boys getting a summer camping experience.

In the May issue of the Sagamore Signals I will address the differences in insurance since there is a tremendous amount of confusion. Make sure to read each issue of the Sagamore Signals and the Friday Blast / Updates that are e-mailed to you.

Stay tuned to www.sagamorebsa.org for the launch of the new website the first of May.

Thank you for what you do for Scouting.

Sincerely,

Chris Mehaffey, Scout Executive

2013 Day Camp Information "Space Academy"

               Cost: $65 If Paid 2 Months Prior to Start Date of Camp

                    $70 If Paid Within 2 months of Camp Start Date

Northwest Location: Lake Banet, Rensselaer - June 24 - 27

     Monday - Wednesday  8:00 am – 3:00 pm

     Thursday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (CDT)

     Director: Frank Zussman (219) 261-4234 or (219) 208-9058 

                  or  fzussman@embarqmail.com 

     Advisor: Nick Losekamp (513) 519-1571 or

                  nicholas.losekamp@scouting.org 

North Central Location: Camp Buffalo, Buffalo - July 15 - 18 

     Monday - Wednesday  8:00 am – 4:00 pm

     Thursday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (EDT)

     Director: Frank Zussman (219) 261-4234 or (219) 208-9058

                  or  fzussman@embarqmail.com 

     Advisor: Nick Losekamp (513) 519-1571 or

                   nicholas.losekamp@scouting.org 

West Location: Cary Camp, Lafayette - July 29 - Aug 2

     Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 4:40 pm 

     Director: Jeff Rooze - jsrooze@gmail.com 

     Advisor: Dylan Melling (765) 560-3323 or dylan.melling@scouting.org 

East Location: Grant County Fairgrounds - July 22 - 26 

     Monday - Thursday  8:30 am – 4:30 pm

     Friday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm 

     Director: Heather Wolfe (260) 563-8630 or  heatherwolfe@cinergymetro.net 

     Program: Leslie Henthorn (260) 571-6634 or  froghopper360@yahoo.com

     Advisor: Matt Bender (765) 452-8253 matt.bender@scouting.org South

Central Location: Oakbrook Valley, Kokomo - June 24 - 27 

     Monday - Wednesday  8:30 am – 3:30 pm  

     Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm

     Director: Diane Carman (765) 883-8221 or  ddcarman1@aol.com 

     Program: Billy Rood (574) 722-2047 or  bill_rood@yahoo.com 

     Advisor: Matt Bender (765) 452-8253 or  matt.bender@scouting.org 

Activities may include crafts, archery, BB gun shooting, sports, physical fitness, swimming and more. (Activities will vary by location.) 

Soon you will be able to register and pay for day camps via CampMaster at:

https://sagamore.camp-master.com/

Cub Scout Adventure Camp 2013 at Cary Camp

"Wild West Adventure"

                           Session 1: June 9 - June 12 

                                  Session 2:   June 12 - June 15 

   $105 per Scout Till May 17   &   $120 per Scout After May 17 

     All Adults $35 Till May 17   &   $45 After May 17 

Wild West Adventure Camp is open to all BSA registered Cub and Webelos Scouts from any District or Council. Boys of all ranks will camp together but will break off for individual programs. Cub Scouts will experience a program especially designed for their ages and experience. New Webelos I (boys who have just finished third grade) will follow a more challenging program including canoeing and more advanced climbing. Webelos II, (those who have finished the fourth grade) will separate out and will have an overnight especially for them. 

Reserve a session for your Pack by sending a $35.00 non-refundable deposit per Scout and adult. The deposit is due no later than April 15, and final payment is due May 17. 

Each unit must have 2 registered leaders, plus 1 additional adult for every 10 Scouts. Cub Scouts must have 1 adult with them at all times. Campers may only stay overnight with a parent, legal guardian or other related adult age 21 or over. No Scout may stay in a tent with a non-related adult. All Scouts and adults must have Class A & B medical forms completed to be turned in to the Health Officer the first day of camp. 

The Cub Adventure Camp Leaders Guide is available online via the forms page of the council web site www.sagamorebsa.org. 

Register for Adventure Camp at: http://sagamore.camp-master.com/

2013 Campership Application Now Available Online 

An updated Campership Application is now available for Sagamore Council youth attending 2013 Sagamore Council camps. Only this form should be used this year. There are some changes from prior years’ campership applications. Click here to access 2013 Campership Application.

Deadline for Submission of Campership Applications is Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Call the Scout Service Center at 765-452-8253 or 800-844-0537 if you have questions concerning camperships.

Volunteers Needed

for 2013 Indiana State Fair

Boy Scouts of America Site on August 4th

See Progress Being Made

at Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve in Virginia

Team Summit has created a flyover video to show the progress of construction at the site for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree! Access this video online at: https://twitter.com/boyscouts/status/292327249779245056

Do We Have Your Current Email Address?

In an effort to keep our Scout families, volunteers, and friends abreast of Council and National Boy Scout news, a few months ago we began sending out weekly "News Blast" emails. If you are not receiving these, the reason may be that we do not have a current, valid email address for you in our database. You may provide your current email address to us via one of the following:

     a) Send an email including your name to the Council office at shbrady@bsamail.org  

     b) Call the Scout Service Center at 800-844-0537 or 765-452-8253  

     c) Update your email directly via www.myscouting.org 

Click here to access step-by-step instructions for adding or editing your email address directly via your MyScouting account. 

You may also add your BSA ID number via MyScouting. While logged on, click MY PROFILE, enter your member ID and select the appropriate council and click ADD. 

If you do not have a MyScouting account, create one at www.myscouting.org and acquire access to very useful tools. MyScouting Tools give you the ability to update your primary address, phone number, email address, view your most recent Youth Protection compliance completion date, and even print your membership card for positions for which a registration fee has been paid.  New features will be introduced every three to six weeks, so there is more to come!  

To view support material on MyScouting Tools, click the links below:

MyScouting Tools PowerPoint

MyScouting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)   

The BSA’s National Membership Policy

Know the Facts:  Click here to access BSA Membership Policy Frequently Asked Questions. 

You may Email your views on the BSA Membership Standards:

As a way to collect feedback the BSA national office set up an email address so that you can send your thoughts and opinions there:  feedback@scouting.org

For the Sagamore Council family, our local council leadership has also set up a way for your to express your viewpoints.  Send an email to:  feedback@sagamoresignals.com

February 8, 2012:  Click here to access a new communication from Chris

Mehaffey, Scout Executive, concerning the BSA National Membership Policy and

information.

CampMaster Event Reservation Website

We are pleased to provide Unit Leaders and Scouts the opportunity to register for upcoming Sagamore Council events and Scout camps via our CampMaster website!

Click here to access Sagamore Council's CampMaster website.  You will find several events listed.  As additional events are added they will be listed on the home page.

Registrations for 2013 Boy Scout Summer Camp will be processed via this website as will registrations for Cub Scout Camps this summer. Check out CampMaster using the link above and set up a log-in account so that you will be ready to use this website for online event and camp registrations! 

(Update:) Click here to access Unit Leader Training slides to get familiar with CampMaster website and how to set up log-in account, make reservations, pay fees online, and much more. Once you have set up your account you will have your own personal home page on CampMaster.

Click here to access instructions for exporting data from Packmaster or Troopmaster into CampMaster.

Updated Merit Badge Counselor

Application Available

This form replaces the previous Merit Badge Counselor Application used by Sagamore Council. Please use this updated 2013 version form.  Click here to access this form.

Order Your 2013 National Jamboree

Commemorative Council Shoulder Patch Soon!

The Sagamore Council is excited to announce its 2013 National Jamboree Commemorative CSPs! Only 100 of each set will be made, and each set will be officially numbered. In thanks for your donation of $40, you will receive a "standard set" of patches, which includes all five designs in a standard color scheme (see the patches via a link in article on home page of www.sagamoresignals.com). A $60 donor will receive the deluxe

version, where the patches are inlaid in a "native blanket" color palette (see these patches, as well, via a link in article on home page of www.sagamoresignals.com), with the "blanket" in the shape of the State of

Indiana. Only 100 of each will be made, and no reprints will be ordered!

Your donation helps keep down the cost for the boys attending the Jamboree with our council contingent—without your donations, the Jamboree

experience would cost them much more!

Individual patches of only the standard color Miami patch will be available soon. These will initially be sold only by Jamboree Scouts, to help them earn their own way to the Jamboree! For a full six weeks, you will only be able to purchase those patches from those 36 Jamboree Scouts! All patches—the standard sets, the deluxe sets, and the i ndividual Miami patches—will be ordered as soon as enough pre-orders are received to fund their purchase.

To access order forms, visit www.sagamorebsa.org Forms page or Service Center in Kokomo at 765-452-8253 or 800-844-0537.

Click here to view standard 2013 Jamboree patch set and access order form ($40 per set).

Click here to view deluxe 2013 Jamboree patch set and access order form ($60 per set).  

New Council Support Incentive

Effective January 2013

The Council Board is excited to introduce a new incentive program to show its appreciation to those units that support the overall operations of our organization.  

Beginning in 2013, any Sagamore Council unit that actively and willingly participates in the three key areas of:  Family Friends of Scouting, Sagamore Council sponsored long-term camping, and product sales will be eligible to benefit from a new incentive program. See the link below to access the specific criteria that are to be met to qualify.  Any unit who meets these criteria will receive four free weekends of camping at either of our two Council camp properties or one free weekend cabin rental.  This incentive waives the per person and per night fees for a campsite.  (This incentive cannot be used for Council sponsored events at either camp.)

Units who qualify for this incentive will contribute to the overall health of our Council and the longevity of the Scouting program in North Central Indiana.

Click here to access details of this new incentive program.

Big News from Cary Camp Trading Post!

We are pleased to announce that beginning February 4th, Cary Camp will be carrying advancement awards in the Trading Post for your

convenience. The Cary Trading Post will be opening one hour prior to scheduled monthly Roundtables at camp so that you may shop or pick up advancements before these meetings. Payments may be made with cash, check or credit card. You may contact Chuck Turner to make special arrangements if you need assistance on other dates or at other times.

Call or Email Chuck Turner at Cary Camp - Phone: 765-447-1990             

                                                               Email: chturner@bsamail.org

District Boundary Adjustment

Approved in January 2013

The Sagamore Council’s goal is to provide the best possible Scouting experience for the greatest number of youth in our 16 counties! Two years ago, we completed a major redistricting project in support of that goal. As we’ve lived with our new districts, we’ve kept a close eye on aspects that work well, and also on things that would work better if they were adjusted. Unit and district leaders gave us a significant amount of feedback, and we also learned a great deal from the day-to-day operation of the districts. As we expected, in order to achieve a higher quality Scouting program, some adjustments deserved to be made.

In support of this need, at the December Executive Board meeting the Sagamore Council approved an adjustment to the new district lines. Tri-County, Frontier, and Twin Lakes School districts will move to the North Star District, and North Miami and Peru Community School Districts will move to the Peshewa District.

This change affects the following units:

    3501   Main Street United Methodist Moves to Peshewa

    3577   LDS Ward Peru Moves to Peshewa

    582     North Miami School Moves to Peshewa

    501     Main Street United Methodist Moves to Peshewa

    577     LDS Ward Peru Moves to Peshewa

    590     Moves to Peshewa

    3126   Federated Moves to North Star

    3137   First Baptist Church of Moves to North Star

    3154   First Presbyterian Moves to North Star

    3158   United Methodist Church Moves to North Star

    126     Moves to North Star

    154     First Presbyterian Moves to North Star

    158     United Methodist Church Moves to North Star

We are pleased with this change, and look forward to an even stronger Scouting program throughout the 16 counties that we serve. We anticipate that this arrangement be the standard for five years before any additional adjustment be considered by the Sagamore Council Executive Board.

For information on your new District’s key leadership, please refer to your district page.You can find your district’s Roundtable and District Committee dates on the calendar page of this website.

Thank you for your support of this project! We look forward to continued long success of Scouting in our communities.

Change in Terms of Trails End Scholarship Program

Effective January 2013

Interest Rate - Interest will accrue on a participating Scout’s accumulated Scholarship Credits. The annual interest rate will be equal to the 1-year LIBOR rate from the close of business on January 2nd of each year.

Submitting Previous Years Sales - Trails’s End will accept up to 1 year of previous sales/enrollment forms. Sales forms older than 1 year will not be accepted. To access more info. about Trail’s End Scholarship program,. go to:  www.trails-end.com/trailsend.

Sagamore Signals Newsletter Update Regarding Printing 

The Sagamore Council will continue to provide the Sagamore Signals electronically but the May/June issue will be the last issue that will be printed and mailed to volunteers. If you do not have access to internet to receive or view, then contact the Service Center and request a printed copy to be mailed directly.

ATV Program To Be Included

in 2013 Boy Scout Summer Camp in 2013

Boy Scous age 14 and up who attend Summer Camp at Camp Buffalo in 2013 will be able to participate in a new ATV program!  Additional info. will be available soon.

Scouting's Nova and Supernova Awards

Click here to learn about these badges that are designed to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) achievement amount Scouts.

UPS Ends Grants to Boy Scouts

Click here to access this article.

Boy Scouts of America Discover Card Is Now Available!

Click here for more information!

Boy Scout Jamboree 2013

Click here to access the latest info. about the 2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree!

Message from Chris Mehaffey, Scout Executive

In the first six months of my time here in the Sagamore Council, I have had the opportunity to meet a number of volunteers and community leaders. It is refreshing to see and hear the passion Hoosiers have for Scouting here in Central Indiana. There are a few things I would like to share with you about my conversations with individuals so far.

Improving Communication

The number one thing people have said is communication needs to improve. This comes from Scouting leaders and people in the community. Communicating with members of any organization in today’s world of technology is a challenge. Making sure that as an organization we are reaching people the way they prefer to receive information requires a number of different approaches. As a start, we have taken a look at the Sagamore Signals newsletter and website. As of the October issue, you can now opt out of the print version of the newsletter and receive an electronic copy only if you prefer. Because of a generous gift, we now have access to Constant Contact, which will allow us to send weekly emails to registered leaders containing current information about upcoming Council events and activities. If you would like to receive these email alerts, please make sure we have your email address on file by sending it to cvannoy@bsamail.org.

We are also committed to utilizing social media tools in particular Facebook and Twitter as a method for disseminating information. Make sure you are a fan of the Sagamore Council and

follow us on Twitter.

http://www.facebook.com/sagamore.council

https://twitter.com/SagamoreBSA

A number of you also expressed concern about being able to pull current information and

resources from the Council website. I am excited to announce that through a partnership with Purdue Technical Assistance Program we will have a new website up and running by year-end. One thing specifically asked for by a number of people is who do they call/ e-mail when they need something? To help answer any questions you may have, we will have a staff directory with photos, a brief list of responsibilities and contact information. These are just a few initial steps we are implementing to help improve communication within our Council.

What’s Ahead

Two other concerns I have heard I will address in future newsletter issues. One is on insurance -- why we charge for it and what it covers. The other revolves around Professional staff. If you have anything you would like to discuss and/or have concerns about, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me. My schedule permitting, I try to return calls and emails the same day. We are all part of the Scouting family here in the Sagamore Council, and we each want to ensure that the youth we serve receive the best program possible.

Friends of Scouting

Annually, the Sagamore Council relies on direct cash donations to pay for the things that are not too glamorous, but necessary to ensure Scouting grows in our area. Just like you do at home, we have to buy light bulbs, diesel, paper, Internet service and pay light bills. Your Friends of Scouting contributions pay for all these types of needs, in addition to keeping the cost of camp fees down and providing camperships for 150 youth. Without Friends of Scouting donations, summer camp and resident camp fees would on average be $78 higher per person. So as we begin to close this year and prepare for 2013, would you please consider a Friends of Scouting gift in the last quarter of 2012 and a pledge for 2013? Every dollar counts towards building a stronger Scouting program in the Sagamore Council.

Yours In Scouting,

Chris Mehaffey

Scout Executive

To access documents relating to the release of Ineligible Volunteer Files, utilize the following links:

 Ineligible Volunteer Files Press Release October 18, 2012

Warren Report Summary

Warren Report

BSA Youth Protection Timeline

Child Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention in America Timeline

Youth Protection Information Graphic

Philmont Scout Ranch 2014 Unit Registration Packet Available

Click here to access the 2014 Philmont Scout Ranch Unit registration packet.

Boy Scouts of America

Prepaid Discover Credit Card Is Now Available

With the Scout Prepaid Card, parents will be teaching their Scout how to manage money wisely.  This is NOT a credit card, but a prepaid, reloadable card that can be replenished from any bank account.  It's a great way for Scouts to manage their daily spending, and it's safer and more convenient than carrying cash.  

With the Scout Prepaid Card, Scouts will show their support of our iconic organization while learning important lessons of money management. Get your Scout a BSA Discover Prepaid Card today by clicking on the Order Now button at www.ScoutsAreThrifty.com

Also, be on the lookout for more information regarding the new Boy Scouts of America credit card. In addition to all of the existing rewards and benefits Discover offers, this card will offer a Scouts Rewards section where cardholders may donate their points to a council or purchase Scout Shop products with their points. This card will be available on November 15, 2012, for anyone to apply.  Visit www.BoyScoutCreditCard.com and stay tuned for additional information as this date approaches..

2013 Commemorative National Jamboree

Council Shoulder Patches

The Sagamore Council is excited to announce its 2013 National Jamboree Commemorative CSPs!    Only 100 of each set will be made, and each set will be officially numbered.  In thanks for your donation of $40, you will receive a “standard set” of patches, which includes all five designs in a standard color scheme (see attached).  A $60 donor will receive the deluxe version, where the patches are inlaid in a “native blanket” color palette (see attached), with the “blanket” in the shape of the State of Indiana.  Only 100 of each will be made, and no reprints will be ordered!  

Your donation helps keep down the cost for the boys attending the Jamboree with our council contingent—without your donations, the Jamboree experience would cost them much more! 

Individual patches of only the standard color Miami patch will be available soon.  These will initially be sold only by Jamboree Scouts, to help them earn their own way to the Jamboree!  For a full six weeks, you will only be able to purchase those patches from those 36 Jamboree Scouts!  All patches—the standard sets, the deluxe sets, and the individual Miami patches—will be ordered as soon as enough pre-orders are received to fund their purchase.  

Please note that there are still youth slots available for our Sagamore Council contingent!  We must have those slots filled by October 30 in order to secure our contingent’s place with the National Jamboree… so visit www.BSAjamboree.org today and complete your online application!

In Scouting,

The Sagamore Council Jamboree Committee

Click here to view standard 2013 Jamboree patch set and access order form ($40 per set).

Click here to view deluxe 2013 Jamboree patch set and access order form ($60 per set).

Click here to access statement regarding the Camp Buffalo Chapel.

Charter Fee Increase & Name Change Beginning 2013

Click here to access important information concerning the charter fee for all units beginning January 1, 2013.

BSA Adopt-a-School Program

Connects Scouts with Local Schools

BSA Adopt-a-School connects Scouts with a school in their community, offering volunteer services that meet the school’s needs. It is a program designed to begin proactively addressing community and school relationships. Implemented, it will be a win-win situation for both Scouting and our schools. How does it work? Units start with four volunteer projects agreed upon by the unit and school. The unit pledges to complete one of these projects per quarter over a year-long period and registers them using an online pledge form. The unit then posts project hours and completion on the Internet so that this is counted toward their Journey to Excellence service hours.

All youth will benefit from the advancement opportunities Adopt-a-School presents, and the recognition elements range from patches to certificates of participation and Progress Toward Ranks advancement. Various Cub Scout achievements (e.g., Wolf achievement 7d, pick up litter,) could be earned by participating in a project to benefit a Scout’s school. Elsewhere, a First Class Scout taking part in service projects totaling at least six hours could use his Adopt-a-School time to achieve the rank of Star Scout. Units benefit in many ways, as well. Participation will show the community that Scouting is alive and well and will share the value of Scouting with the schools and the local community.

District and council advancement committee members should encourage unit advancement committees to explore these opportunities. Explain how teaming up with local schools can benefit advancement and increase community awareness of the rewards of Scouting. To learn more, see stories and pictures of successful projects at the Adopt-a-School website, www.bsaadoptaschool.org to register and complete an electronic pledge form. When projects are completed, return to the site and leave a blog about the accomplishments.

Advancement Record Updating

The National BSA’s Internet Advancement system is designed to accept electronically-submitted reports from Troopmaster and Packmaster. Recently, we learned that some units who are submitting their advancement reports in this way are not seeing their advancements properly recorded in the ScoutNet system. The Sagamore Council wants to make sure that your Scouts—who have worked hard to earn their advancement—are properly recognized for their efforts! If you are one of these affected units, we request that you print out and submit to our office a complete paper copy of your unit’s 2012 advancement records—anything submitted/earned by your Scouts since January 1, 2012 . Our office staff is prepared to do a hand audit of your Scouts’ records in order to maintain the highest possible integrity of your advancement records. Please mail your report to P.O. Box 865, Kokomo, IN 46903-0865. If you have any questions about this project, please contact Jeremy Burke, Field Director at 765-452-8253.

BSA Announces New Cyber CHIP Program

Because today’s youth spend more time than ever using digital media for education, research, socializing, and fun, this program has been developed to help families and volunteers keep youth safe while online. Topics include cyberbullying, cell phone use, texting, blogging, gaming, and identity theft. The Cyber Chip can be earned by any youth in the BSA programs. Material is tailored at each level for age-appropriateness. 

Click here for additional information.

Fantastic High Adventure Opportunity!

Imagine 40,000 Scouts from all over America— and from dozens of foreign countries— gathering for ten days of mountain biking, SCUBA diving, zip-lining, rock climbing, shooting sports, kayaking, and much, much more! The Sagamore Council is making this a reality for YOU! The 2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree will be held at the BSA’s newest High Adventure Base— the Summit Bechtel Reserve— along the banks of the New River in West Virginia. We’re taking a bus of 36 Scouts to this awesome adventure, and we want YOU to be a part of it! Here’s how to register:

1) Go to www.bsajamboree.org and click on the big graphic where it says "sign up today!"

2) Create a login for the site. You’ll need your BSA ID number, which is found on your membership card. If you do not have your card, your number is available from your Scoutmaster or the Scout Service Center.

3) Complete the information and print out the "request to attend" form.

4) Have your parents and your Scoutmaster sign the "request to attend" form.

5) Submit the form to the Scout Service Center along with your $200 deposit.

The Sagamore Council contingent will be leaving for the Jamboree early in the morning on Monday, July 15, in a comfortable chartered bus! After ten days of excitement and adventure, we’ll return in the evening on Wednesday July 24. Cost will be just $1375, a savings of more than $300 since the last Jamboree! Jamboree participants must be at least First Class Scouts. They must be at least 12 years of age by the first day of the jamboree, or an 11-year-old that has graduated the 6th grade. They must not have reached their 18th birthday by the last day of the jamboree.

Twenty Scouts are signed up so far, from every district and nearly every major town! We still have space for a dozen more— including YOU! Visit www.bsajamboree.org today and check out all the awesome things you’ll experience as part of the 2013 National Jamboree...the incredible adventure of which you’ll be a part. There are several informative videos to give you a better understanding of the incredible experience you’ll be a part of! For more information on the Jamboree, visit www.bsajamboree.org. For Sagamore-Council-Specific questions, please contact Cory Wentz, Contingent Scoutmaster, at 765-883-5688, or Jeremy Burke, Staff Advisor, at 765-452-8253. We look forward to having YOU as part of the fantastic Jamboree 2013 experience!

Greeting Scouters!

My name is Cory Wentz. I have the honor of being the Scoutmaster for Sagamore Council's 2013 National Jamboree Contingent. On behalf of myself and the entire Sagamore Council Jamboree Committee, I have to say that we are really excited about the upcoming National Jamboree in 2013!

With slightly less than one year before the big event, it's time to select the adult Troop leadership positions. We are working to fill three Assistant Scoutmaster positions, and if you or any adult leader in your unit is interested (and you meet the qualifications outlined in the link below), we invite you to submit your name for consideration! Please note that one of the Jamboree positions requires a leader who is between the ages of 18 and 21, so don't forget to ask your younger leaders too!

The time commitment for Jamboree is July 15th through July 24th, 2013...the cost is just $1375...the memories are completely priceless!

In order for us to make our selections in a timely fashion, we need your application by Friday, August 31. To apply, please send us a personal "resume" of your Scouting experience along with a statement explaining why you would like to take on a leadership responsibility for the Jamboree contingent. Please sent these to:

     Jeremy Burke, Staff Advisor

     Sagamore Council Jamboree Contingent

     P.O. Box 865

     Kokomo IN 46902

or email to jeremy.burke@scouting.org.

If you have any questions please email or contact me at cwentz409@comcast.net or 765-210-9051.  Thank you for all you do in Scouting!

Cory Wentz, Scoutmaster Troop 527

2013 Jamboree Contingent Scoutmaster

Click here to access Scoutmaster & Assistant Scoutmaster Requirements and Position Descriptions.

Vehicle Donations Support Scouting

The Boy Scouts of America has instituted a vehicle donation program supported by a national agreement with Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. and One Car One DifferenceTM. The Boy Scouts of America is the recipient of all proceeds from the sale of vehicles donated to One Care One Difference when the vehicle donation is specifically designated by the donor to support the Sagamore Council. With your help, Scouting will continue to help provide character development, citizenship training, personal fitness, and leadership skills for youth across America.

For more information, visit the Boy Scouts of America Donation website:

www.OneCarHelpsScouts.com or call the toll-free BSA Vehicle Donation Hotline:1-855-272-1227 to donate your vehicle to help support Sagamore Council Boy Scouts of America!

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

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.

  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.

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! 

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.

Join Scouting Night Presentation

Leaders:  Click here to access the 2012 Join Scouting Night Power Point Presentation!

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!")

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.  

Watch 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 Boy Scout Summer Camp video.

Click here to watch Sagamore Council Cub Scout Day Camp video.

Sagamore Signals Archive

Click here to view pdf of the May/June 2013 Sagamore Signals Newsletter 

Click here to view pdf of the April 2013 Sagamore Signals Newsletter

Click here to view pdf of the March 2013 Sagamore Signals newsletter

Click here to view pdf of February 2013 Sagamore Signals Newsletter

Click here to view pdf of January 2013 Sagamore Signals Newsletter

Click here to view a pdf of the November/December 2012 Sagamore Signals Newsletter

Click here to view pdf of October 2012 Sagamore Signals Newsletter

Click here to view pdf of September 2012 Sagamore Signals Newsletter

Click here to view pdf of July-August 2012 Sagamore Signals Newsletter

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

Click here to view pdf of April 2012 Sagamore Signals Newsletter

Click here to view pdf of March 2012 Sagamore Signals Newsletter

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

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.