January 21, 1918

The West Suburban District Council is formally chartered and its constitution filed, originally with 16 troops.  E. P. McKenna is the first Council President and Robert Petter is the first Treasurer.  The Council met for the first time in 1917, prior to chartering.

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Helping Our Council Celebrate 100 Years of Scouting – Nominations for the National Hall of Leadership

Over the past months you have probably seen the articles in CyberNews and the information on our Web Site on the National Hall of Leadership, part of the Boy Scouts of America’s 100^th Anniversary Celebration.  It provides all those active in Scouting with an opportunity to recognize Scouting leaders who see possibilities and inspire others to see them too. Over the past century, such leaders have inspired millions of Americans to dream more, do more, and become more. They have shaped our nation’s youth by modeling Scouting virtues. And now we have a way to thank them.

Information on the National Hall of Leadership is available on the front page of our Web Site: http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/

To be nominated, a person must be a living Scout or Scouting volunteer who may or may not be officially registered with the BSA. They must have served as an active Scout or Scouting volunteer for at least one year. A nominee may be young or old — there is no age limit — and you can submit as many nominations as you'd like.

The nomination period is open until February 8, 2010. One inductee will be selected from each local BSA council in the country along with one from the national office. Inductees will be announced at the BSA National Annual Meeting in Dallas in May 2010.

Our country will never outgrow the need for thoughtful leadership. And, so it will never outgrow the need for those dedicated individuals who live their lives by the Scout Law and teach others to do the same. Please, take some time to tell the story of a leader who inspired you or others.

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SCHEDULE YOUR FRIENDS OF SCOUTING PRESENTATION TODAY!

Make sure to talk to your FOS chairman or you District Executive about our Centennial Friends of Scouting campaign.  Thank you, in advance, for scheduling a presentation to your unit.  Also, if your company would like a presentation to their employees, we'd be happy to send out a presenter.  Happy 100th Birthday!

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POPCORN CLEARANCE ITEM OF THE WEEK

For the week of January 25th only, you can puchase a small caramal corn bucket for only $6 compared to the orginal $10 price!  Just come on into the council office or ask your DE to bring some to your next district meeting.

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SILVER BEAVER AWARDS

We are pleased to announce the selection of four outstanding Scouters for this year's Silver Beaver Awards.  They were nominated and selected by their Scouting peers:

Karin H. Anderson
Michael E. Kilgore
Greg A. Pechous
Bruce W. Torgler

Please join us in honoring these outstanding volunteers during the Des Plaines Valley Council's Annual Recognition Banquet on February 18, 2010, at the Riverside Country Club.  For more information or to register for the banquet go to: 2010 Annual Banquet registration form.

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NUCLEAR SCIENCE MERIT BADGE OFFERED

 In conjunction with National Engineers Week, the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is hosting an engineering fair and other activities at its Rice Campus.  The purpose of the engineering fair is to communicate what engineers do, and attract young people to careers in science, technology, and engineering.  The fair’s open house will consist of presentations and hands-on demonstrations by local professional engineering societies and businesses.  Visit www.dupageeweek.iit.edu for more information. A Nuclear Science merit badge class for Boy Scouts will be offered on February 13, 2010.  The open house and other activities will be held on February 20, 2010.  The open house and the merit badge program are free. 

 The merit badge class will run from 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 pm.  Scouts need to bring "blue cards" and a copy of the merit badge book with them.  Registered counselors, Pedro Kong and B. J. Andrews, from the Calumet and DesPlaines Valley Councils respectively will sign the blue cards.  Registration will only be accepted from 7:00 pm February 1 through 7:00 pm February 2, 2010.  Registration is required due to the limited spaces in the class.  For more information and to register, send email to AtomicEnergyMB2004@hotmail.com
Please provide the name of those attending, phone number, council name, and troop number in your email. Registration will be processed within three days and you will be informed if you are accepted or not. 

IIT Rice Campus is located in Wheaton at 201 East Loop Road.  Take the Naperville Road Exit off the East-West Toll way (I-88) going north towards Wheaton.  (You will cross Warrenville Road.)  Proceed north on Naperville Road to Butterfield Road (Rt. 56).  Turn east on Butterfield Road and proceed to East Loop Road (about one mile).  Turn north on East Loop Road.  IIT Rice campus should be visible within one block.

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100^th Anniversary Event – Rededicating Ourselves to Scouting Values!

 On February 8, 2010, Scouts and Scouters all over America will celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of Scouting in the United States.  In the Des Plaines Valley Council we plan to mark this milestone with a noontime Rededication Ceremony at our Council Service Center in La Grange, recommitting us all to the advancement of our Scouting Program, the Values Scouting is based on, and the Scout Oath that provides the foundation for all we do.

Council Commissioner Michael Harkins, a dedicated Scouter with a widely recognized gift for communicating Scouting Values and inspiring Scouts and Scouters alike, will make a short inspirational presentation.   All Scouts and Scouters who can attend are urged to join us in this Rededication Ceremony.  For those who cannot participate directly, the Rededication text will be sent out shortly and all Council units and elements are encouraged to plan their own ceremonies when they can, on or around the February 8 Anniversary date.   

This is just the first of our planned Anniversary events for 2010, as spelled out by Council President James Honan in his last “President’s Corner” in CyberNews, but it is our hope that everyone in the Des Plaines Valley Council family will participate in some way in this Rededication Ceremony, either at the Service Center or in their own Units. 

Watch CyberNews for more details on this key Anniversary event as plans develop.

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CHICAGOLAND WHITE SOX SCOUT NIGHT!

Get ready white sox fan, because Saturday, May 22 is going to be all about scouts at US Cellular Field.  Get your specially priced tickets ranging from $15-$32.  Additionally, the first 1,800 orders will get the chance to parade on the field before the game and the first 1,500 Scouts will receive a scout patch.  Join thousands of families at this annual event that celebrates two great American traditions, Scouting and the White Sox!  Flyers are available at the council office,  Roundtables and the website: http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/whats_happening/news/100522_WhiteSox.pdf

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NEW 2010 CENTENNIAL CALENDAR

When looking for the perfect gift for your favorite scouter, look no further than the council office! It includes 12 months of historic images and artifacts, a timeline of Scouting milestones, and 2010 Scouting events including Adventure Base 100 tour stops. We have a limited amount of 2010 collector's calendars for $10. You can buy one from a district leader or from the council office.

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DATE CHANGE FOR TRAINER'S EDGE

Please note that the date for Trainer's EDGE has been moved from the original Saturday, January 23, 2010 to now correspond with Merit Badge Academy on Saturday, March 13, 2010.  This BSA course will be included with the other adult training opportunities offered at Merit Badge Academy.  Trainer's EDGE is a required course for those selected to staff either National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) or Wood Badge.  It is also highly recommended for those serving as trainers for our various council courses.  More details concerning registration to follow in 2010.

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CAMP STAFF APPLICATION

Hey Scouts, what are you doing next summer? We’re looking for experienced and dedicated Scouts to help staff our summer camps. Click here for an application.

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SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION

DISCOUNT COUPONS, FEES AND REGISTRATION

New this year we are providing $25.00 Discount Coupons for Weekend In Illinois, 4 Days/3 Nights, Camp Shin Go Beek, and Camp Mach Kin O Siew Boy Scout Camp. The coupon may be applied toward fees for sessions of camping at the above listed camps. Multiple coupons may be used by the same youth/adult if they camp more than one session and/or at different camps. Coupons expire on 2/27/10. (There is a coupon for our graduating Webelos for Boy Scout Camp that expires on 3/27/10). Coupons can be found on the website at:
http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/forms/2010_coupons.php

Fees for the 2010 Summer Season of outdoor programs are as follows:

Boy Scout Summer Camp:
Youth Fee $280.00 Adult Fee $210.00.

You can access the Boy Scout Summer Camp page at:
http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/boy_scouting/boys_camp_summer.php

Cub Scout Summer Camping:

Four Days/Three Nights in Wisconsin
Camp Fees: $190 per person (youth of adult)
More information can be found at:
http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/cub_scouting/cub_camp_4d3n.php

Weekend In Illinois
Camp Fees: Youth $125 and Adults $95.
More information can be found at:
http://bsa-dpvc.org/cub_scouting/cub_camp_wii.php
Information sheet:100619_WIIFlyer.pdf
Leaders guide: 100619_WIIParentGuide.pdf

Discount Coupons and Registration forms for all programs are also available at the Council Service Center.

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World Scout Jamboree

Have you planned your Scouting adventure for 2011? You may want to mark these dates July 27-August 7, 2011, on your calendar. After you experience a national Scout jamboree, why not plan the World Scout jamboree for your next Scouting adventure!

In 2011 the World Scout Jamboree will be held in Rinkaby Sweden. For more information check out their website: World Jamboree

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Wood Badge Scholarships for vfw members

The Veterans of Foreign Wars strongly supports the Scouting program and a substantial number of its members are actively involved in Scouting. The VFW Wood Badge Scholarship Program assists these members in obtaining training that will better prepare them to serve youth.

The application should be completed in accordance with the instructions thereon, and must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2010.

Wood Badge courses scheduled for 2010 are listed at http://www.woodbadge.org

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Celebrate Scouting Stamp Unveiled

The U.S. Postal Service gave scouting 'a stamp of approval' to honor 100 years of the U.S. scouting movement. The Celebrate Scouting stamp, which will be sold in the summer of 2010, coincides with the Boy Scouts of America 100th anniversary. To read more to go: Centennial Stamp

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MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR LIST

To view a complete list of approved Merit Badge Counselors go to:
Merit Badge Counselor List 2009.php

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2010 national boy scout Jamboree

The 2010 Jamboree is not only a celebration of the 100^th anniversary of scouting wrapped into a national jamboree – it’s the last BSA National Jamboree that will be held at Fort AP Hill, VA. Whether you’re signed up or thinking about signing up, the road to jamboree starts now!

Questions can be emailed to the Des Plaines Valley 2010 BSA National Jamboree Committee at (danamjrick@yahoo.com ).

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Good Turn for America

Good Turn for America
Congratulations Des Plaines Valley Council,  in 2009 we recorded a total of 28,193 service hours on the Good Turn for America website at www.goodturnforamerica.org, our highest total ever. Tall Grass led the way with 195 projects totaling 13,542 hours thanks to Packs 2, 5, 48, 54, 57, 80, 149 and 227 along with Troops 8, 9, 49, 51, 52, 55, 56, 57, 80, 89, 95, 97, 99, 149 and 181. Voyageur Trace came in second with 135 projects totaling 8,593 hours thanks to Packs 33, 59, 66, 73 and 172 along with Troops 3, 12, 13, 24, 31, 32, 41, 59, 73, 90, 92, 111, 172, 216, 337 and Crew 1. Twin Lakes finished a respectable third with 73 projects totaling 6,058 hours thanks to Packs 23, 158, 411 and 687 along with Troops 16, 20, 22, 65, 66, 142, 152, 158, 167 and Crew 160. A special recognition goes to the scouts and leaders of Tall Grass Troop 181 who posted over 4000 service hours in 2009, an awesome accomplishment. Thank you to all the units that participated. 

Eagle Projects on Good Turn for America
Thank you to all the units that posted Eagle Projects on Good Turn for America in 2009. Tall Grass posted 25 Eagle Projects thanks to Troops 8 (2), 9 (1), 49 (2), 52 (1), 55 (1), 56 (1), 57 (2), 80 (1), 89 (6), 95 (2), 97 (3) 149 (1) and 181 (2). Voyageur Trace units posted 15 Eagle Projects thanks to Troops 3 (2), 12 (2), 24 (1), 31 (1), 32 (1), 59 (2), 73 (2), 92 (1), 111 (2) and 337 (1). Twin Lakes units posted 16 Eagle Projects thanks to Troops 20 (1), 65 (1), 66 (8), 152 (3), 167 (2) and Crew 160 (1). Thank you again to all the units that participated and helped to make this our best year ever.

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FIRE SAFETY patches

Additional Fire Safety patches are in! Cost $1.00 per patch.

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EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING AWARDS

FIRST EXCELLENCE IN TRAINING AWARD OF 2010 

CONGRATULATIONS to Pack 80 - Tall Grass District, chartered by American Legion Post 80 in Downers Grove, for becoming the council's first unit in 2010
to earn the Excellence in Training Award for having 100% of their direct contact leaders fully trained.  The unit received an immediate recognition certificate at their January roundtable meeting and will receive a plaque at their 2011 district dinner.  They will also start the 2010 list of award winners shown on the training page of the
council web site (see www.bsa-dpvc.org/Training/ExcellenceAwards.php). 
Pack 80 is a repeat winner having earned in 2009 the Excellence in Training Award flag streamer for having 75% of their direct contact leaders fully trained.  Your unit can earn either the 75% or 100% award by taking advantage of the various adult leader training opportunities offered by your council and then completing the award application found on the training page of the council web site.  See the list of upcoming training sessions in this newsletter and on the training page of thecouncil web site at:
http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/Training/training_events.php

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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, February 16 by completing the form found at: http://www.bsa-dpvc.org/Training/Training_Fliers/100216_CSLST.pdf

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NEED DEN CHIEFS TO HELP YOUR CUB SCOUT DENS?

IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR DEN CHIEF TRAINING

Boy Scouts desiring to serve as Den Chiefs in Cub Scout dens need to be trained to do their best. Den Chief Training will be conducted on Saturday morning, January 16, 2010. Boy Scouts learn how as a Den Chief to assist a Cub Scout den with their meetings and activities while also earning leadership credit for rank advancement in their troop. Completion of this training is required to earn the Den Chief Award. The Den Chief Training module available on the BSA Online Learning Center is only a "fast start" version of the detailed training at this in person course. Course registration forms are available at the service center or on the web site at: Den Chief Training.

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ORDER OF THE ARROW – PACHSEGINK #246

A whole-hearted thanks to every member of the lodge, whose effort we needed to achieve the status of Quality Lodge for 2009!

Registration forms for next year have been passed out or mailed out. Check with your troop to ensure that you get registered as a member for next year.

The Fall Pachsegink Press is now available at: Fall Edition.

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TALL GRASS DISTRICT

TALL GRASS CENTENNIAL RECOGNITION DINNER
AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED!
Tall Grass District is proud to announce the recipients of the 2010 District Award of Merit:  Mark Huegelmann, Darlene Svoboda, and Rhonda Floros!  Please join us on this special occasion to recognize their outstanding service to to Scouting and the District! Other outstanding leaders to be recognized that night:
Den Leader of the Year: Molly Hebda, Pack 149
Cubmaster of the Year: Jason Hancock, Pack 6
Scoutmaster of the Year: Jordan Schroeder, Troop 89
Committee Chairman of the Year: Mike Villwock, Pack 149
Venturing Advisor of the Year: Calvin Christy, Crew 57
Distinguished Service Awards: Frank Benda, Troop 149 and Dave Dickerson, Troop 10
And many more!
February 8, 2010 is an evening to celebrate! Join us for the 100th Anniversary of Scouting and to recognize the outstanding Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leaders of the Tall Grass District.  Registration deadline has been extended to Friday, January 29th at 5:00pm.  The registration form can be found at: Dinner 

CENTENNIAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Don't forget about becoming a 2010 Centennial Quality Unit!  Commitment forms are due February 15, 2010, but you can turn them in with your Rechartering Paperwork! Contact your Unit Commissioner or District Executive for more information! 

TALL GRASS FEBRUARY ROUNDTABLE!
Whoa! If you didn't attend the January Roundtable, you missed quite the program!  But not to worry, the February 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 February 9, 2010. Come as early as 7pm to Meet-and-Greet with other Boy Scout and Cub Scout leaders.

VENTURING CREW 57 INVITATION!
Join us for the Family Fun Winter Show at St. John Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 9AM-3PM. See operating model railroad layouts including the Downers Grove Baden Powell Venture Crew 57 modular train layout.  Plus other operating layouts, model railroad vendors, food and family fun for all! Suggested admission donation is $5.00 for adults. Children and Scouts in uniform are free!  St. John is located at 7214 Cass Ave in Darien, IL.  The building is handicapped accessible and elevator equipped.  Proceeds will help the St. John Youth Group attend the National Youth Gathering in 2010.

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! Please remember to start logging your hours before the end of the year!

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.

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TWIN LAKES District

DISTRICT RECOGNITION DINNER
Please come join the District celebration on Wednesday January 27th. Sign up today! Registration form can be found at: Recognition Dinner

WINTER BLAST!
The exciting winter spectacular event will be held Saturday, February 6th. This is a can't miss event!  Sign up today! Register at:  Winter Blast

Looking for an opportunity to provide cheerful service to the Cub Scouts of Twin Lakes District? Bring your troop to the World-famous 2010 Cub Scout Winter Blast! We are looking for a few good boys (and men) from every troop to volunteer to help us run this event.

The event is Saturday, February 6, 2010 in Thatcher Woods Forest Preserve (Chicago & Thatcher Avenue in River Forest). It starts at 9:00 am and is complete at 12:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for your Scouts to provide leadership to younger boys!

There are many ways you can help. We need Troops to run games (4-8 people). We need a setup crew (10 people). We need a cleanup crew (10 people). We also need a Troop to help our Quartermaster during the event.

Show your Scout Spirit and help show the Cub Scouts what Scouting is all about. Volunteer now to participate in the World-famous Twin Lakes District Cub Scout Winter Blast! Questions to Chairman, Mike Stewart at: Mikeandmolly@yahoo.com

 or at 708-386-3801. (Working closely with the famous Mike Carioscio). For more information and to register go to: Winter Blast

Congratulations are in order!  Tom Wetzel and Wanda Banks  worked with members of Rock of Ages Baptist Church to start Pack 4078! Patience Nelson, Ken Wiese and John Jenks  assisted new Cub Master Don Emery, 

SPRING CAMPOREE

Please mark your calendar and plan to join the Twin Lakes District in a 1ooYears in Scouting Camporee! April 23 -25th at Oh' DA Ko' Tah near Burlington. More details to come.

2009-2010 ROUNDTABLE SCHEDULES

Round table meets at 7:30 pm on the second Tuesday of the month

at Grace Lutheran Church 7300 West Division Street, River Forest)

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), 5 of the scouts received the Gold award (100 hours last year), and 3 of them received the Silver (50 or more hours last year). Four of the adults received the Gold award (200 or more hours last year) and two received the Lifetime achievement award (more than 4,000 tracked hours). The troop was recognized at the GOLD level, which represents 1,000 hours for the past two years.

Community Service

Troop 22, of the Boy Scouts of America, sponsored by St. Edmund, Roman Catholic Church of Oak Park, Illinois has a long history of volunteer service, and more than 20 volunteers perform community service each year on behalf of the organization. In the past 2 years, the Troop has completed more than 2000 man-hours of community service, with most of the scouts completing more than 100 hours per year. This year  5 of the scouts received the President's Gold award (100 hours last year), and 3 of them received the Silver (50 or more hours last year). Four of the adults received the  President's Gold award (200 or more hours last year) and two received the Lifetime achievement award (more than 4,000 tracked hours). The troop was recognized at the GOLD level, which represents 1,000 hours for the past two years.

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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

SNOW REMOVAL
The senior center in La Grange (called Aging Care Connections) is seeking students and adults to assist with snow removal for older adults in the greater Lyons Township area which covers 22 communities. If leaders and troop members are interested in helping seniors have snow removed from their sidewalks and driveways, please contact Annette McClain immediately at 708-354-1323 x19. Your name will be added to a referral list. When called for assistance you will have the option to assist or not if available and willing. Thank you for your consideration. Web sites for more information on our efforts can be found at: www.agingcareconnections.org  and www.agingwellpartnership.org

VOYAGEUR TRACE KLONDIKE DERBY
The Klondike will be held at Bemis Woods South, Western Springs on February 13th.  More information and registration form click Registration
and Klondike Guidelines

VOYAGEUR TRACE FIRST AID MEET,
Will take place on March, 6th, 2010.
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 web page at: First Aid Meet.

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