If you have problems with the links or pictures, Click here

The Scout Shop and Council Service Center will be closed Monday,
September 7, 2009 for Labor Day observance.

This Week's Contents

• popcorn sale  new
• 65th Lincoln pilgrimage new
• your photo and video new
• winter sports safety - helmets
• fire safety month
• race to cub Scouting
• recruitment materials
• membership fee increase in 2010
• white sox scout night
• eagle scout scholarship program
• eagle applications 
• council strip patches available
• mountain puzzle patch is back
• Chartered Organization Representative Training new
• den chief training 
• cub scout leader specific training
• introduction to outdoor leader skills
• outdoor leader skills for Webelos leaders
• GREAT LAKES CENTENNIAL JAMBOREE!
• ORDER OF THE ARROW – PACHSEGINK #246
• LEARNING FOR LIFE
• TALL GRASS DISTRICT
• TWIN LAKES DISTRICT
• VOYAGEUR TRACE DISTRICT

POPCORN sale

POPCORN PICK-UP
Anyone who is selling show and sell popcorn should schedule a pick-up time with their District Executive by Tuesday  Please call the council office.  The time slots are filling up much faster this year.

Return to Index

65th Lincoln Pilgrimage

Mark April 23-25, 2010 on your calendar now for the 65th Lincoln Pilgrimage in Springfield, Illinois.  A variety of supporting activities is being planned.  For more information view an information sheet on line at: www.alincolnbsa.org

Return to Index

YOUR PHOTOS AND VIDEO

Would you like to see your unit in the next FOS or Camp Promotions video? If you have great photos or videos from your pack, troop, crew, or post outings from this year, please contact Vicki Sanchez at: vicki.sanchez@Scouting.org or
Jessica Dillon at: jessica.dillon@lflmail.org.   We will return all videos by December.  Thank you for your support!

Return to Index

WINTER SPORTS SAFETY - - HELMETS

Based upon a recommendation of the National Risk Management Advisory Panel, and input from the National Health and Safety Committee a change is being made to the Guide to Safe Scouting regarding use of helmets for winter sports.  

The Guide to Safe Scouting will now read:  "Appropriate personal protective equipment is required for all activities.  This includes the recommended use of helmets for all participants engage in winter sports such as sledding and other sliding devices.  The use of helmets is required for the following activities:  downhill skiing, snowboarding, and operation of snowmobiles (full-face helmets)." 

When units engage in winter sports, they should only use designated areas where rocks, tree stumps, and other potential obstacles have been identified and marked, cleared away, shielded, or buffered in some way.

Return to Index

FIRE SAFETY MONTH

There is a Fire Safety Awareness initiative during Fire Safety Month in October of 2009. Our “Good Turn” goal is for Scouts to distribute fire safety door hangers to raise the awareness of the importance in having a fire escape plan and fire safety check list.  More information is available on our website at:
Fire Prevention Month

Door hangers are available at the Council Service Center reception area.

Return to Index

RACE to cub scouting

RACE TO CUB SCOUTING PIT STOP UPDATE
All packs are welcome to participate in Race to Cub Scouting contest.  Earn laps, and check your status on our website.  The winning pack in each district will receive a free sheet cake at their Blue and Gold banquet!  To learn more on how to race, please contact your District Executive at 708-354-1111 or go to www.bsa-dpvc.org/cub_scouting/rtcs.  So far, one pack has already earned 6 laps, so hurry up!

Return to Index

RECRUITING MATERIALS

Please note that the council has created boxes for units to check out for their school curriculum nights/open houses.  We also have created boxes for your pack recruitment nights with everything you could possibly need!  We have table tents for  each grade, sign-in cards, parent info guides, applications, Boys Life mini magazines and more!  All you have to do is call Mary at Ext. 24 to reserve one.  In addition, we have free flyers, brand new yard signs, and posters.  Fill out a recruitment request form which you can find online under forms and at the council office.

Return to Index

MEMBERSHIP FEE INCREASE IN 2010

Starting on January 1, 2010, membership fees will increase to $15.00 per youth and adult.

Why is the membership fee being increased, especially now, during such difficult economic times?

The National Council is committed to providing added benefits to local councils and volunteers to support the delivery of high-quality Scouting programs in every community. A key investment continues to be in providing more user-friendly Web-based resources. For example, via MyScouting, volunteers will be able to complete even more training requirements on their own schedule, 24 hours a day, via online resources. This will complement their current ability to recharter and manage advancement records online, complete and submit tour permits, and participate in the Scouting Community social network, which continues to grow. Also, in the future, new-member registration will be available online.

As good stewards, we strive to keep costs to a minimum. And, we are proud that, even with this increase, youth can receive the full benefits of Scouting membership for only $1.25 per month.

The National Executive Board reviewed revenue and expense projections along with the planned initiatives over the next several years, recognizing that the annual registration fee would not meet expenses. The Board decided that the fee could be increased each year or every other year to keep pace with the expected expenditures, or that it could be raised to the level chosen and held in place over the next several years.

When was the last registration fee increase?

In 2003, the registration fee increased to $10 from $7-an increase of 43 percent. The new registration fee will be implemented a full 7 years since the last increase and at 50 percent, only slightly higher than the 2003 increase.

How long do you expect this fee to be in place?

The National Executive Board, in its approved resolution, noted that it would endeavor to hold this new fee level at least three years.

How do we implement this fee increase? When will the materials be available?

The Membership Resources Team within the Membership Impact Department is preparing a detailed project plan that will implement this change across all the information systems, the applications, and other documents. Early information will be shared with council registrars via the News & Notes newsletter. Other detailed information will be available early in the fourth quarter to ensure a smooth transition on January 1, 2010. Fortunately, the National Executive Board made an early decision so that all this could be planned and implemented over the next several months. Note, too, that a larger increase at this time will forego the costs that would be incurred by implemented several smaller changes more frequently.

Return to Index

white sox scout Night

Head out to see the Sox take on the Tigers  September 26th at 6:05pm!
More information is available at:
www.bsa-dpvc.org/whats_happening/news/090926_SoxGame.pdf

Return to Index

EAGLE SCOUT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Illinois Society Sons of the American Revolution in conjunction with the National Society sponsors an Eagle Scout Scholarship program.  Illinois state winners of this competition receive a $500 scholarship and are then eligible to participate in the national competition for three additional scholarships as follows:
National winner receives $8,000
First runner-up receives $4,000
Second runner-up receives $2,000

More information is available on their national website at www.sar.org/youth/eagle.html

Return to Index

Eagle Applications

Effective August 1, 2009, the national office will no longer accept Eagle applications prior to the 2009 printing.  The new Eagle Scout application
(512-728) can be found on scouting.org at: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/512-728_web.pdf

Return to Index

COUNCIL STRIP PATCHES AVAILABLE!

For all patch collectors and admirers, the special edition 2009 Japan Contingent Council Strip Patch is now available for sale at the Council Service Center.  The black version is available for $10.00/patch.  The numbered bold mylar version is available for $15.00/patch.  Both versions are of limited quantity, so be sure to pick up yours today!

Return to Index

Mountain Puzzle Patch is back

Mountain Puzzle Patch Is Back The Duty to God Puzzle Patch series has come full turn and has rotated back to the Mountain/Sunset segment. If you were missing the Mountain, here’s your chance to complete the puzzle. The Puzzle Patch series is on a four-year cycle to encourage Scouting units to put a constant focus on “Duty to God” and to promote the religious emblems programs. Puzzle patches may be earned by both youth and adults. The requirements are simple: learn about the religious awards and make a commitment. Information on religious emblems and sample presentation resources are available from P.R.A.Y. For these and other resources or to purchase a segment of the puzzle, visit www.praypub.org

Return to Index

CHARTERED ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE TRAINING

Are you serving as a Chartered Organization Representative for one or more BSA units? If so, thanks for your service but have you been BSA trained for your position? If not, here's your chance to fully understand your role and responsibilities in the important relationship between the Chartered Organization you represent and the BSA unit(s) it sponsors. Help us improve our program for the Scouts by completing this training on Saturday, October 24th. The registration form will be on the website early next week.

Return to Index

DEN CHIEF TRAINING

Den Chief Training teaches a Boy Scout how to help Cub Scout Den Leaders and Webelos Leaders with the den meetings and Pack meeting. A Den Chief helps plan, prepare, and run the den meetings. This course is required to qualify for the Den Chief Award. Serving as a Den Chief also fulfills Boy Scout rank advancement requirements. Attend this course on Saturday, September 12 by submitting the form found at:
http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/Training/Training_Fliers/090912_DenChiefTrng.pdf

Return to Index

CUB SCOUT LEADER SPECIFIC TRAINING

Be a fully trained Cub Scout leader because our Scouts deserve trained leaders to receive maximum benefit from the program. Cub Scout Leader Specific Training provides position specific instruction for all leadership roles in the Cub Scout Pack. This course is required along with Cub Scout Fast Start, This Is Scouting, and Youth Protection Training to be a fully trained Cub Scout Leader. Sign up now for the course on Tuesday, September 22 by completing the form found at:
http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/Training/Training_Fliers/090922_CSLST.pdf

Return to Index

INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR LEADER SKILLS

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) is a hands-on program giving adult Boy Scout leaders the practical outdoor skills needed to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. This training is required for recognition as a "Trained" adult Boy Scout Leader. Other elements of this recognition include Boy Scout Leader Fast Start, This Is Scouting, and Youth Protection Training (all available at the BSA Online Learning Center at http://olc.scouting.org) as well as Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training (offered by our council several times per year), all of which are taken separately. These courses may be taken in any sequence. Register now for IOLS on Friday evening, October 2, through Sunday afternoon, October 4, by using the form found at:
http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/Training/Training_Fliers/091002_IOLS.pdf.
Attendance is required the entire weekend to complete the course.

Return to Index

OUTDOOR LEADER SKILLS FOR WEBELOS LEADERS

Outdoor Leader Skills for Webelos Leaders training is designed to provide Webelos Den Leaders the basic knowledge they need to deliver a successful outdoor program to Webelos Scouts. This course is required along with Cub Scout Fast Start, This Is Scouting, Cub Scout Leader Specific Training, and Youth Protection Training to be a fully trained Webelos Den Leader. Sign up today for this course on Saturday, October 3, by completing the form found at:
http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/Training/Training_Fliers/091003_WLOT.pdf

Return to Index

GREAT LAKES CENTENNIAL JAMBOREE!

Great Lakes Centennial Jamboree September 25 thru 27 2009

Boy Scouts from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Northern Illinois will join together and camp on the grounds of the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin (about 3 ½ hours north from council)

This exciting event will feature a Merit Badge Midway, Pumpkin' Chunkin', Adventure Area, Extreme Area, Arena Show, Fireworks, and more.....

This event is $45 per participant (Scout leaders and scouts) for the full weekend. You can register online at www.GLCJ.org. To checkout a video to give you an idea of what the event is about click. Great Lakes Centennial Jamboree Promotional Video.

Return to Index

ORDER OF THE ARROW – PACHSEGINK #246

Summer is over and it’s time to get back in swing of Scouting.  The lodge did an excellent job of Brotherhood conversion at camp.  If you weren’t there, now is the time to convert yours at our Fall Fellowship, Registration Form here.

Come and join your brothers for our last Section C3B Conclave, get the form here.

The summer Pachsegink Press is now available online.  This Pachsegink Press includes information about the upcoming fellowship events. Get the Pachsegink Press.

Scoutmasters and Troop Representatives circle October 21 for our annual Scoutmaster Dinner.  More information to follow.

Return to Index

LEARNING FOR LIFE

Word of the Month:

Courage

Quote: “Yesterday I dared to struggle. Today I dare to win." ~Bernadette Devlin~

New Exploring Posts!

We are currently only offering opportunities to youth in four of twelve career clusters. If you know anyone interested in sharing their knowledge with youth ages 14-21 please call Jessica at (708)354-1111 ext 18. We need to grow opportunities in skilled trades, engineering, science, aviation, law and government, arts and humanities, social services and business.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining an Exploring post please contact Jessica Dillon at (708) 354-1111 ext. 18 or email Jessica.Dillon@LFLmail.org for details on the post near you.

Return to Index

TALL GRASS DISTRICT

NEW! 
Tall Grass District Pinewood Derby, November 14, 2009

Come and race your pinewood derby car at the Tall Grass District Pinewood Derby. All Cub Scouts in the Tall Grass District can race (Boys do NOT need to “qualify” by winning a pack derby). Boys who have just crossed over in Boy Scouts this year can race as Second Year Webelos.

The event will be Saturday, November 14th, 2009 from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon at the Old Quarry Middle School Cafeteria (Door 5), 16100 W 127th St. Lemont, IL.

See the registration form for more details at: http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/district_pages/tall_grass_files/091114_TG_Pinewood.pdf

TALL GRASS PROGRAM KICKOFF
If you were unable to attend the Tall Grass program kickoff, please contact your District Executive for your 2009 -2010 materials.  Including: a calendar of events, training information, advancement information, program materials, and much more.  Email: ciara.crowther@scouting.org

WERE YOU UNABLE TO ATTEND PACK ROUND-UP TRAINING?
If you were unable to attend Pack Round-Up Training on July 30th, please contact your district executive for you packet of recruiting materials. (Including information on the new recruitment plan, as well as this years contest at the Tall Grass Speedway!)

LOOKING FOR YOUR TALL GRASS DAY CAMP PATCHES?
If you don't have your participant patches from Day Camp, they are still waiting to be picked up in your unit mailbox at the council service center. 

TALL GRASS SEPTEMBER ROUNDTABLE!
It's that time of year again, and September Roundtable is right around the corner!  If you've never experienced Roundtable, you owe it to yourself and your unit to attend!  Roundtable is the 2nd Tuesday of every month, 7:30 at Hamburger University, McDonald's Corporation in Oakbrook, IL.  Next Roundtable is September 8, 2009. Come as early as 7pm to Meet-and-Greet with other Boy Scout and Cub Scout leaders.

Cub Scout Session: September Theme Cub Scout Pockets

Boy Scout Session: Troop Recruitment (Crossover and Community)

LIFE-TO-EAGLE PROGRAMS
If any youth, parent, or leader is interested in learning about the Life-to-Eagle Program, please contact Tall Grass District Advancement Chair, Matt Schmitz via email m.schmitz@comcast.net

SERVICE HOURS!
Don't forget to record your hours on the Good Turn for America website!

SIGN UP FOR E-MAIL
Please sign-up for e-mail on the Des Plaines Valley home page @ www.bsa-dpvc.org Give your name, district, address, unit number, phone numbers, and E-mail address.

Return to Index

TWIN LAKES District

2009-2010 ROUNDTABLE SCHEDULES
Roundtable meets at 7:30 pm  on the second Tuesday of the month
at Grace Lutheran Church  7300 West Division Street, River Forest

August 11, 2009
Twin Lakes District Kickoff 

September 8, 2009
Cub Scouts:  Welcome New Den Leader!  (Intro to Fast Tracts, Training)

Boy Scouts:   Put the SIZZLE in your program. 
(Program Goals, Planning, and Calendar) 

October 13. 2009:  JOINT – Religious Awards 

November 10, 2009
Cub Scouts:  S.O.A.R. to Year’s End
(Summer Camp, Outdoors, Advancement, and Retention)

Boy Scouts:  “FOOD” for Thought!  (Bring a Zip Drive or CD along with your favorite Dutch oven recipes, let’s exchange food ideas)

December 8, 2009
Cub Scouts:  Blue and Gold; Scouting’s Anniversary

Boy Scouts:   “Utilize Youth Leadership”
(Recruitment/Cross-over programs/Den Chiefs, NYLT) 

January 12, 2010
Cub Scouts:  Setting Goals (Bring Centennial Quality Unit Award Application)

Boy Scouts:   S.O.A.R. to New Year
(Summer Camp, Outdoors, Advancement, Retention) 

February 9, 2010
Cub Scouts:  Moving on to Boy Scouts (Who/ What/ When/ Why/  How)

Boy Scouts:   High Adventure is knocking at your door. 

March 9, 2010
Cub Scouts:  Advancement (Schedule, Options, Ceremony)

Boy Scouts:  “Venturing/Learning for Life” Who are they?  What do they do?

April 13, 2010
Cub Scouts:  Cub Scout Cooking (Pack Outings, Boy Recipes, Safety)

Boy Scouts:  “Transitioning Leadership” (New Leaders, Trained Leaders, and other Council Volunteer Opportunities) 

May 11, 2010: 
JOINT – Let’s Celebrate Our Accomplishment
(YEAR END PARTY)

LIFE TO EAGLE
Do you want to be an Eagle Scout, or do you have questions about the process? If you do, this is the meeting for you! 

On THURSDAY, October 15, 2009 The Twin Lakes District of the DesPlaines Valley Boy Scout Council is conducting a program at the River Forest Library 
(735 Lathrop Avenue, N E corner of Chicago Ave & Lathrop Ave.) River Forest, IL 60305, starting at 7:00 p.m. There is a parking lot on the south side of the building.  The River Forest Public Library is about one block south of Chicago Avenue, on the East side of Lathrop Ave.  

All (Twin Lakes) Scouters that are close to starting their Eagle project or are interested in learning about the process are encouraged to attend along with parents/guardians, Scout Leaders, Mentors, and Eagle Coaches.  

Questions?  Contact John Dzuryak at: DZZIGN@Yahoo.com

POPCORN  SHOW AND SELL DISTRIBUTION
The Popcorn show and sell distribution is September 12th Mark your calendar! Please call to schedule your pick up  time before all the good ones are taken. Contact Bart Zona  at Bart.Zona@scouting.org or 708-354-1111 ext 16.

Congratulations to Pack 31 and 690 and Troops 16, 20, 28, 66, 142, 152, 158, 687, and 690 for increasing the size of their units already this year!

RACE TO CUB SCOUTING!
It is a GREAT time to start planning for fall recruitment to increase membership with the Packs and Troops.   Win a prize for the Pack by earning laps and  sending them to the Pit Crew Chief (Your Unit Commissioner or your District Executive). You can also contact your DE to set times and dates at your school. Contact Bart.Zona@Scouting.org or 708 354 1111 ext. 16

2009 QUALITY UNIT COMMITMENT FORMS DUE
Attention Committee Chairman! Please remember that all Packs, Troops, and Crews need to turn in completed 2009 Quality Unit Commitment and Achievement forms to the Council Service Center. There is still time to turn in the form or contact your DE with goals. Sixty percent of the units have already turned their forms in.

Please contact your District Executive with any questions: Bart.Zona@Scouting.org or 708.354.1111 ext. 19.

VENTURING ANYONE? Surveys were recently completed from potential Venturing candidates in the Twin Lakes District. This information will be used to ascertain the need for new Venturing units. A new venturing crew focusing on fishing will be starting soon. Any current Scouters’ interested in this process please contact Bart Zona at 708-354-1111 ext. 16 or Bart.Zona@Scouting.org

SOS _FOS PROGRESS CELEBRATION The Twin Lakes District conducted a Phon a thon on July 29th which was headed by  Tom Nelson. n The Phone A Thon along with grant pledges and donation helped raise over $3000 for  Twin Lakes District for the 2 week period ending August 8th. Also, Fred Crancich has donated many hours of labor to the council which has helped put the District over last Year Final Figures . Congratulations to all the units who have had their Friends Of Scouting presentations already. SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE UNITS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXCEEDED THEIR TOTAL PLEDGES OF LAST YEAR .

GREAT JOB! PACKS: 14, 18, 20, 23, 31, 39, 65, 67, 143, 158, 687, 690

GREAT JOB TROOPS : 16, 22, 28, 65, 66, 142, 152, 158, and 690

Even in a tough economic period you have shown the true heart of a Scout!

A Champion One!

Return to Indexx

VOYAGEUR TRACE DISTRICT

The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
-Boy Scouts of America vision statement

RACE TO CUB SCOUTING!
It is a GREAT time to start planning for fall recruitment to increase membership with the Packs and Troops.   Win a prize for the Pack by earning laps and  sending them to the Pit Crew Chief (Your Unit Commissioner or your District Executive). You can also contact your DE to set times and dates at your school. Contact
Chisit@bsamail.org 708-354-1111 ext 14.

Come to the first district roundtable September 9th, 7:30 pm. at Ideal Elementary School, Countryside.

FALL CAMP-O-REE
Please keep the weekend of October 23-25 open for the Voyageur Trace Fall Camp-0-Ree at the IL Beach State Park.  Enjoy sessions by the park staff and the Shedd Aquarium. 

VOYAGEUR TRACE FIRST AID MEET, 3/6/10
Patrols compete in demonstrating their knowledge and skill with first aid as they are presented with challenging emergency scenarios. It will be at Brodnicki School, 8641 W. 75th. Street, Justice, IL 60458 form 9:00 am to noon.

For more information see registration form on our webpage at:
First Aid Meet

SIGN UP FOR OUR DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
Please sign-up for Voyageur Trace e-mail Newsletter @ Newsletter

Return to Index