Scouter May-June 2010
| Blue Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America...serving Abbeville, Anderson, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Newberry,Oconee, and Pickens Counties |
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May-June 2010 Scouter Newsletter |
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Dear Leaders:
The 2010 Popcorn Sale is just around the corner. Clemson University and the University of South Carolina have once again agreed to conduct a 5th annual Sports Clinic with Coaches and Student Athletes. Last year's clinic was a tremendous success with approximately 1,800 in attendance at Clemson. Participants spent time doing activities with numerous First String Athletes, toured the Clemson Athletic Building in its entirety, ran drills on Death Valley field, played basketball and took an in depth tour of the Little John Colliseum.
Please give your Scouts an opportunity to attend this unique event by signing up for the 2010 Popcorn Sale and encouraging your Scouts to sell. Qualification for attendance is easy; each Scout only has to fill up 1 Popcorn Take Order Form using the Take Order Method or the ONLINE sales method. The net result will be more money generated for your unit and local Scouting efforts. The 2010 Commission Contract & Popcorn Sign Up Form will be mailed the week of June 1, 2010 to all top Unit Leaders. Please support the 2010 Sale and take time to fill out this form and return it to the Blue Ridge Council Scout Service Center no later than June 24, 2010
We will have five Adult POPCORN Trainings throughout the council service area within the month of August. This meeting will show you as a leader and your popcorn chair how to get your unit prepared to sell and to teach you how to make the sale as easy as possible. All Unit Leaders and Popcorn Chairs are encouraged to attend. Great prizes will be distributed at the training meeting. Most aspects of the Trails-End sale have changed and we need your attendance more than ever before. We have many new plans for the year that you must attend to find out about. For example, each unit will receive a NEW SALES KIT IN A BOX that will include banners and items that will not just kick your sale off right but they will keep your sale going strong and keep your dens organized!
Your District Executive will be setting up your school night soon. Please make sure that when you receive the new boys for the year you get them excited about selling. Your meetings this Fall may start before you sign up new boys so please make sure you have a second meeting where you inform your new boys and parents about how to sell. The best method to do this is having a large and exciting UNIT POPCORN KICKOFF. More information will follow about this plan, but in the mean time be thinking of who will be able to help from your Pack or Troop to keep your boys excited about popcorn. This person will be your unit's Popcorn Chair.
We sincerely appreciate all you do to support local youth. Please remember to return your Popcorn Sign Up Form/Contract to the Scout Service Center.
5th Annual Sports Clinics with Clemson University and University of South Carolina Coaches and Players for all Scouts who fill up 1 order form! Don't Miss Out on your opportunity to qualify this year!
Click here for our popcorn flyer. Click here for our weekly drawings. |
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| Don't Delay! Sign up today! Day Camps Begin the 2nd week of June!
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 BLUE RIDGE COUNCIL
2010
CUB SCOUT DAY CAMPS
"100 YEARS AND COUNTING"
Day Camp is where you find Archery, Advancement, Spirit, Sports, Knots, knick-knicks, Widgets, Wisdom, Chuckles, Cheers, BB's, Belt-Loops, Compasses, Campfires, fitness Swimming and Fun Fun Fun!!!!!!!
The registration brochures have been mailed and posted on the website for your convenience, if you have not received the mail out or cannot access the web contact the Scout Office at 864-233-8363 for a registration form .All day camps could still use some adult assistance contact the camp directors below if you can help or if you have questions. Click here for Day Camp registration forms. |
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 Fourth Annual
Boy Scout Classic on
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The Cliffs at Keowee Falls is proud to host the Fourth Annual Boy Scout Classic on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, benefiting the Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America. All proceeds from the event will provide support to programs of the Boy Scouts of America throughout the Upstate.
Keowee Falls is the second Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at The Cliffs. Opened in May 2007, this challenging course is designed to follow the natural contours and elevation changes of the land, and features impressive views including Falls Creek, various lakes, and a mountainous backdrop.
The first 24 teams to register for the Third Annual Boy Scout Classic will be accepted to participate in the 4-person Captain's Choice event. Sponsorship levels are detailed on the enclosed form, and the various sponsor options include hole signage recognition, single and team players registration and player gifts.
We appreciate your support of the Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America and look forward to hosting an outstanding day of golf, including fabulous food prepared by our Club's chef at the newest course of The Cliffs Communities. Click here for sponsorship opportunities.
For additional information, please contact Mike Bernhard at 864-233-8363 x.211
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Cub/Webelos Resident Camp
"100 Years and Proud Of It"
August 4 - 7, 2010
The clear choice for your Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts this summer is Resident Camp at CampOld Indian. The Camp will be held August 4th-August 7th.
This year's theme, "100Years and Proud of It" will provide a look at the history of Scouting and a glimpse into the future!
HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS WHY:
- You can't take the outing out of Scouting. The outdoor program is one of the biggest features about Scouting that appeals to boys, and a stay at Cub Scout/Webelos Resident Camp is a mountaintop experience. No young man has ever forgotten the fond memories and experiences from summer camp!
- The program, activities, and facilities can't be beat. Our camp provides a variety of programs and facilities to match your unit's needs and desires. BB guns, archery, swimming, crafts, hiking, and special events are all part of the camping experience.
- Advancement opportunities are second to none. Boys work on rank advancement, arrow points and just having a good time that they can't get anywhere else. An enthusiastic, well-trained staff is provided to give our campers an ultimate camping experience.
- Not all Scouts are alike; we know that meeting their individual needs will bring our campers back year after year!
HOW TO SIGN UP:
- Every registered Cub Scout and Webelos Scout will receive in the mail a registration form in early March. Simply fill it out and return it to the Scout Office. You can register as a pack or individual.
- Packs should hold camp promotions at every pack meeting to talk about Resident Camp.
- Resident Camp fills up quickly so get your registrations in early to avoid being left out.
- The camp will only take 300 reservations!
HOW TO MAKE RESIDENT CAMP A SUCCESS FOR YOUR PACK:
- Begin by informing all of your parents and boys about Resident Camp at the next pack meeting.
- Posters with pictures from past year's participants are great to display.
- Have a sign up table available at all meetings (include Cub Scout Day camp).
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 Cub Scouts 2010
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Cub Scouts 2010 Delivery Changes
New for the 2010-2011 program year-changes in how Cub Scout programming is delivered. The new initiative is Handbook-based and has been through five years of pilot testing, resulting in increased leader confidence, more fun for boys, and enhanced retention. Additional information will be coming soon....
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Adventure Base 100 Highlights
On April 3 & 4 the Adventure Base 100 rolled into Greenville, SC.This semi-truck is an innovative way to experience Scouting like never before! It was created specifically for the 100th Anniversary Celebration; Adventure Base 100 is traveling the country to give people an exciting, hands-on view of the history and future of the Boy Scouts of America. This 10,000 square foot campus made its 14th stop out of 43 in Greenville, SC on Easter weekend and featured an immersive Scouting experience including a ropes course and zip line, interactive digital exhibits, a multi-sensory IMAX-like dome, and tons more! It housed a traveling museum that showcased real artifacts from the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas. We had dutch-oven cooking demonstrations, live radio broadcast, music, trivia, as well as karate, archery and fencing instruction. At the conclusion of the weekend, we counted over 1,800 visitors. The Blue Ridge Council thanks every AB 100 volunteer and would like to extend a special thank you to our event chairman, Jeff Crump, from Pickens District.
Link below to the AB100 Greenville tour stop webisode. Excellent story! It is posted under the "Tales from the Trail" section of the Adventure Base 100 web site. Thanks for the incredible job the BRC volunteer team did with AB100!  |
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ARE YOU READY FOR SOME CAMPING and TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES!!
Leaders, need Training?
Youth Opportunities
NYLT- June 6-11, 2010
Upcoming Events
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 Southern Region Silver Antelope Recipient.. Jean Sylvia Dukes
The Blue Ridge Council is pleased to annouce Mrs. Sylvia Dukes as the Southern Region's Silver Antelope Recipient.
Mrs. Sylvia Dukes has been active in Scouting for more than 50 years. Her tenure with the Boy Scouts of America actually started at the age 16 when she began helping her soon-to-be husband, Dr. William E. Dukes, Sr., with Troop 47 training activities in Honea Path, South Carolina. Those who witnessed these early and seemingly insignificant contributions while she was 16 to 18 years of age could have never imagined how fruitful her investments would become over the next five-plus decades.
She and Dr. William E. Dukes, Sr., her husband of more than 58 years, are the proud parents of three children, Gene, Dwight, and Maria (deceased), and they have three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They are also very active members of Clemson First Baptist Church, where they have served since 1962. |
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Thank you Wendy's for being our 2010-2011 School Night Sponsor!! |
Council Calendar
May 2010
8 OA Workday
9 Mother's Day
15 Staff Reunion
31 Memorial Day - Office Closed
June 2010
6-11 NYLT
6-11 Staff Week
13-19 COI Week 1
18 Camp Inspection
20 Father's Day
20-26 COI Week 2
22 Boy Scout Golf Tournament
24 Council Executive Board Meeting (6:00 pm)
27- July 3 COI Week 3
July 2010
4 Independence Day
5 Office Closed (Independence Day Observance)
4-10 COI Week 4
11-17 COI Week 5
18-24 COI Week 6
21 OA Vigil Callout
25-31 COI Week 7
26- Aug. 4 National Jamboree
31 Shining Light Across America
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 100 Years of Scouting Celebration
In February 2010, the Boy Scouts of America will celebrate 100 years as an organization. Founded as an outlet to prepare every eligible youth in America to become a participating citizen and leader, BSA has more than fulfilled its mission. Today, as we celebrate our first 100 years, we not on only reflect on our rich history, but lay the foundation for a strong future, as well. Click here to view the Blue Ridge Council's Calendar of events and Unit Leaders' Toolbox celebrating 100 years of Scouting!! Click here to view the National Website 100 Years of Scouting.
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OA in the NEWS
LODGE CALENDAR
May 8 - Lodge Work Day - Camp Old Indian
July 21- Lodge Cookout, Vigil Call-out and Reception - Camp Old Indian
September 24 - 26 -Fall Fellowship - Camp Old Indian
More OA News....... |
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Blue Ridge Council Sponsors... Thank you for supporting Scouting in the Upstate!
Hollingsworth Funds, Inc. |
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Greenville Scout Shop
864-288-1560
Mon- Fri: 8:30 a - 6 p
Sat: 10 a - 2 p
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 Scouting Programs
The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated to provide a program for community organizations that offers effective character, citizenship, and personal fitness training for youth.
Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.
Cub Scouting:
The Cub Scouts program is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or 7, 8, 9, and 10 years of age). Cub Scouts serves as a great introduction to the world of the Boy Scouts of America.
Boy Scouting:
The Boy Scouts program is the next level, and is available to boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10, or who are 11, but not yet 18 years old. The program achieves the Boy Scouts of America objectives of developing character, citizenship, and personal fitness.
Eagle Scouts:
The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in the Boy Scouting world, but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The Eagle Scout award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 4 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 1 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting-citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness-remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank
Venturing Program:
Venturing is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age. Venturing is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth, adult leaders, and organizations in their communities. Local community organizations establish a Venturing crew by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of exciting and meaningful activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, develop leadership skills, and become good citizens. |
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2010 Boy Scout Patron Dinner Highlights |
Founder & Chairman, Chick-Fil- A, Inc. -S. Truett Cathy
The 4th Annual Boy Scout Patron Dinner was held Thursday, April 15 at the CarolinaFirstCenter. Our guest speaker was S. Truett Cathy, Founder/Chairman of Chick-fil-A, Inc. Over 1200 of Greenville's finest business and community leaders came out in support of Scouting in the Upstate. After two young Scouts and dinner chairman, Seabrook Marchant, addressed the audience, Mr. Cathy and his son came to the stage and delivered remarks to the crowd which were both inspiring and motivational. As a result of the hard work by council staff and over 200 members of the dinner leadership team, contributions made prior to the event and at the dinner totaled $519,000. We appreciate each individual who contributed to this event and look forward to making this event a success in 2010. |
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FREEDOM WEEKEND ALOFT
May 28-31, 2010
Need Service Hours? Want to get into Freedom Weekend Aloft for FREE?!
This year the Blue Ridge Council has been asked to partner with Freedom Weekend Aloft at Simpsonville's HeritagePark. This event will be going on from Friday, May 28th through Monday, May 31st.
We are looking for youth 13 years and older to help with clean-up and to provide general assistance at this year's event. Those who volunteer will be provided with admission on the day they volunteer; a commemorative patch and a t-shirt. Your Troop will also have an opportunity to showcase yourselves at our Scout tent inside Freedom Weekend Aloft! What a great way to introduce new boys to Scouting and Venturing!!
We will have shifts ranging from 8am-12pm; 12pm-4pm; 4pm-8pm and 8pm to 12am.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Andrew Dilliner at 233-8363 or ADilliner@blueridgecouncil.org.
The Blue Ridge Council was the only group asked to help out with this event, let's show Freedom Weekend Aloft what Scouts can do! |
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 Scouting for Food
Blue Ridge Council's annual Good Turn collected over 20 tons of non-perishable food items which were delivered to local food banks. Units have been asked to report to their District Executive the total poundage collected. See below our 2010 Scouting for Food Report from the Council Districts. Don't forget to report your service hours on the Good Turn for America web site.
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Reedy Falls* |
285 |
250 |
6120 |
United Ministries/ GRV food bank |
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Southbounder |
197 |
118 |
7116 |
God's Pantry/Golden Strip food bank |
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Pickens |
314 |
101 |
2609 |
United Christian Ministries/Golden Harvest |
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Six & Twenty |
245 |
120 |
13450 |
Anderson Interfaith ministries |
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Long Cane |
248 |
135 |
3125 |
Greenwood & food bank |
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SaludaRiver |
200 |
50 |
5000 |
United Minstries Laurens |
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Oconee |
135 |
68 |
4800 |
Salvation Army |
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Reedy River |
215 |
100 |
3154 |
GRV Food bank |
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LFL |
58 |
10 |
1100 |
United Ministries/Safe Harbor |
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Total |
2792 |
1188 |
51608 |
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 Take The Field With Greenville Drive Players!!
Throw Out The First Pitch!!
Get A Souvenir Cup And Soft Drink!!
And A Limited Edition "Pitch For Scouting" Patch!!
August 9th is a "Pitch for Scouting" with the Greenville Drive!
The Blue Ridge Council, BSA and the Greenville Drive are partnering together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Scouting. The Drive will be hosting us on August 9th for their home game at Fluor Field at the West End at 7pm versus the Rome Braves. Tickets are $7.00, which includes admission to the game, a free soft drink voucher and souvenir cup and a special 100th anniversary "Pitch for Scouting" patch that will only be available at this event!
The deadline to take advantage of this special deal is June 25th. After that date we cannot guarantee seating along with the soft drink vouchers and patches. Those who reserve seating by June 25th will be entered into drawings to take the field with Drive players in the first inning and also have a chance to throw out the first pitch! So get your reservation form in early! This special price is not limited to Scouts. Parents, siblings and anybody in your family can attend. Scouts and Leaders are encouraged to wear their uniforms but it is not mandatory.
You do NOT have to purchase your tickets as a unit to sit together. But you must have your correct unit number (Pack/Troop/Crew) on your order form in order to be seated together. Tickets will be available to pick up the day of the game starting at 5:30 pm at a special Scout table at the Field Street entrance to the field. Gates open at 6pm. Click here for the reservation form.
Questions? Contact: Andrew Dilliner at 864-233-8363 or ADilliner@blueridgecouncil.org |
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Venturing Corner
In addition to rank advancement, there are a variety of individual awards are available to Venturers.
Looking for more information to help you navigate your way through Venturing?
The BSA offers the traditional spruce-green uniform shirt for Venturers. It is recommended that crews adopt a charcoal-gray casual pants and/or backpacking-style shorts for their uniform. However, each crew may determine what, if any, specific uniform pants or shorts they will wear based on crew activities.Check out where to put all of your patches on your uniform.
Did you know there are college scholarships available to Venturers? Would you be interested in working on a camp staff in Europe? Find out more here. 
Sea Scouting is adventure on sea and land -- for you. Sea Scouting is a co-educational program offered to young adults (male and female) between the ages of 14 and 21. It's a chance to learn and have fun at the same time.
Note:
Effective May 1, 2010, the minimum age requirement to join and participate in Venturing/Sea Scouting will be changed to 14 years of age, or 13 years of age and completion of the eighth grade. The maximum age for participation remains under 21 years of age.
Blue Ridge Council Venturing Committee
It is the goal of the Venturing Committee to provide proper training, exciting activities, and helpful information to all Districts and existing Venture Crews. There will be a Venturing article to keep all of our volunteer leaders and parents up to date, as well as, special e-mail blasts sharing specifically important information throughout the year.
It is the desire of the Venturing Committee that at least one adult and one youth representative from each Venture Crew would attend the monthly committee meeting which are scheduled for 7:00pm on the fourth Monday of each month at the CouncilServiceCenter in Greenville. If you would like to be on the Venturing Committee's email list please email Dan Glass at dglass@bsamail.org.
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Blue Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America
1 Park Plaza
Greenville, SC 29607
864-233-8363 (office) 864-233-2424 (fax) |
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