Scouter January-February 2010
| Blue Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America...serving Abbeville, Anderson, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Newberry,Oconee, and Pickens Counties |
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January - February 2010 Scouter Newsletter |
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Council 100th Anniversary Recognition Banquet! You don't want to miss out!!!
 The Blue Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America 100th Anniversary Recognition Banquet will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2310 Augusta St., Greenville. An outstanding program is planned that includes Silver Beaver Award presentations, the Council Annual Report, and presentation of the 2009 Class of Eagle Scouts.
This is a special Scouting night in Upstate South Carolina, and we know that you and your spouse or guest will want to attend. Tickets are only $20.00 each. Click here for the ticket reservation form. Please make checks payable to the Boy Scouts of America, and return your check or your information for Visa or Mastercard charge along with the reservation form by February 3, 2010(reservations are limited and will be accepted on a first come first serve basis). Your banquet tickets will be mailed immediately upon receipt of your reservation. |
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Highlights from the Upcountry History  Musuem 100th Anniversary
Kickoff held January 9, 2010
The first local anniversary event in 2010. Scouts in vintage uniforms and the room filled with Scout memorabilia and the two Norman Rockwells were worth the trip. Over 1300 people turned out for this awesome event. The Rockwells and one of the Scout exhibits are still there. The 100 years of Scouting Video (36 min long) shown at the Museum would be great to show at a Court of Honor or Banquet.
Tico Perez, a national leader for Boy Scouts of America, said Saturday in Greenville he wanted to focus on the future while speaking to about 1300 Scouts and their guests about the founding of what he called "a youth movement" - Scouting - which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
"It celebrates the history and the future of a movement," said Perez, the National Commissioner for BSA. He said "a movement is something inside of you," not just an organization.
Perez said he wanted the Scouts to appreciate the past, but also spend time thinking about their futures and the future of Scouting.
Every eye in the room focused on Perez, who spoke from an elevated stairway at the Upcountry History Museumnear downtown.
"This 100 years is the chance to re-invent who we are," he said. "We're going to take this time to re-introduce Scoutingto America."
Perez said the celebration will last all year, adding that both a U.S.stamp and a minted coin are to be introduced to mark the century.
Boy Scouts in the Upstate fall under the umbrella of the Blue Ridge Council, in which the Council President is Russell Smart, 51, who said his Council was among the first in the country to celebrate the centennial celebration.
Brad Farmer, a BSA Assistant Chief Scout Executive, said the Blue Ridge Council has existed for 86 of those 100 years. He said that the Council has had 23 years of continuous growth.
With a nod to Smart, who has been involved in Scouting for 23 years, he said, "This Council has a stellar record." Jimmy Ehney, 71 of Liberty,has been a part of Scouting for 60 years. "It's really made me grow and stay out of trouble," he said.
Ehney said he continues to volunteer in Scouting.
"I'm really putting back in the community what the community gave me."
Fred Hyslop of Greer, a Scout for 40 years, wore a vintage Scouting uniform
During the ceremony at the Upcountry History Museum, U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis presented an American flag to Smart and the Blue Ridge Council.
Smart said he wanted Scout Stewart Crandall, 10, who was wearing a vintage Scout uniform from 1910, to accept the flag. While watching her son, Jennifer Crandall of Greer said she and her husband, Scott, a Scout leader, especially support the morals and honor of Scouting.
Radaka Williams, a Retired Educator, said she got involved in Scouting in 1978 when her son joined. As a teacher and later an Assistant Principal in Easley, she said she could easily transfer Scouting to school. "Some of the material I could use in the classroom," she said.
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In an outdoor ceremony, Scouting leaders planted three trees on the grounds of the museum.
Today, there are two Scouting exhibits at the history museum, one of which will be up for a few months.
Plan your visit to the Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe Street in Greenville, SC to see the Blue Ridge Council's Scouting exhibits! |
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 Special Historic Merit Badges offered during 2010Historical Merit Badges: Carpentry, Pathfinding, Signaling, and Tracking
Three of the four Merit Badges have been discontinued for 58 years; one for 18 years. Earning these Merit Badges in 2010 is truly a unique opportunity.
The four Historic Merit Badges can be earned ONLY during calendar year 2010, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. The basics of the 2010 Historical Merit Badge program include:
· The merit badges (MBs) will closely resemble the original designs of the MBs with the exception of the borders. The borders will be embroidered with a shiny gold thread that will be immediately identifiable as a Historical Merit Badge.
· The original MB requirements will be used wherever possible. Exceptions will be made when current safety or social standards dictate. Adaptations can also be made for special needs Scouts.
· The MBs will count towards a Boy Scout's rank advancement as elective MBs.
· Only work begun after 1-1-10 and completed by12-31-10 will count towards the requirements.
· BSA Supply Division will not create or reprint pamphlets for the MBs. Links to any and all material will be posted to a special section of the 100th Anniversary web site.
· BSA Supply Division will be the source for the patches.
· See Scouting Magazine's blog for updates to this information and the requirements shown below. The blog will be the root source for this info.
· The BSA plans to post final requirements by the end of Jan, which will show a BSA ID#.
· The BSA plans to deliver a guide by the end of Jan that will help councils & districts host a historical Camporee or similar event to offer these MBs.
Click here to view the list of special historic merit badges being offered. |
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ARE YOU READY FOR SOME CAMPING and TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES!!
Leaders, need Training?
Youth Opportunities
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Family FOS Enrollment
The Character 2010 Family Membership Enrollment process is the annual opportunity for a parent to support the big picture of Scouting in the Upstate by making a pledge to Scouting. Again, this year our intention is to reach each parent through presentations at Pack, Troop, Team and Crew gatherings from December 2009 through March 2010. The Character 2010 presentations will make a dramatic impact on our ability to continue the implementation of the capital improvements for Camp Old Indian. Parents will have an opportunity to truly make a difference in the future of Scouting in the Upstate. Click here to view our fully embroidered recognition items parents and leaders will receive. |
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Council Calendar
January 2010
16 Pow Wow
18 MLK Jr. Holiday-Office Closed
23 Boy Scout Specific Training
23 Merit Badge University
30 OA Winter Banquet
30 Pre-Camp Inspection
February 2010
5-7 Winterfest, Gatlinburg, TN
6 Scouting for Food-Bag Pick-Up
6 Staff Weekend 1
7 Scout Sunday
7-13 100th Anniversary Week
11 Council Annual Banquet (6:30 pm)
13 Camp Staff Interviews
13 Scouting for Food
13 Staff Weekend 2
14 Valentine's Day
15 President's Day - Office Closed
20 Trainer's Edge
March 2010
10 Council Budget Committee Mtg
12-14 OA Spring Fellowship
13 CPR Saturday
17 St. Patrick's Day
19-20 Boy Scout Leader Skills |
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Winterfest 2010
The 2010 Explorer/Venturer Winterfest is scheduled for February 5- 7, 2010 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee,located in the heart of the GreatSmokeyMountains. This is an exciting competitive event activity for all Explorers and Venturers. It is sure to be the highlight of the year for your Unit! This year's event is expected to have over 3,000 participants! Activities include: skiing, dancing, kayaking, water volleyball, swimming, shopping, scuba diving and more! In addition, there will be many competitions that include: fire fighting, law enforcement, mock trial, shooting range, venturing roundtables, backpacking, water basketball, climbing tower, and much more. Click here for additional information or please contact Tia Pendleton at 864-233-8363 x204 or tpendleton@blueridgecouncil.org . |
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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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 2010 BLUE RIDGE COUNCIL
MERIT BADGE UNIVERSITY
Scoutmasters and Venture Crew Advisors don't miss out on the 2010 Blue Ridge Council Merit Badge University, which will be held on Saturday January 23, 2010.
The MBU is an opportunity to earn a Merit Badge. Scouts will be evaluated on the content of the MB. Scouts should have read the MB pamphlet and should be ready to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. (Be Prepared!)
Merit Badges offered for 2010 include:
Architecture, Aviation, Auto Mechanics, Chemistry, Cinematography, Cit in the Community, Cit in the Nation, Cit in the World, Climbing, Communications, Composite Materials, Computers, Crime Prevention & Fingerprinting, Dentistry, Electricity, Emergency Prep, Engineering, Environmental Science, Fire Safety, First Aid, Genealogy, Horsemanship, Journalism, Law, Lifesaving, Medicine, Personal Management, Photography, Pioneering, Plumbing, Public Speaking, Railroading, Rifle Shooting, Surveying, Truck Transportation, Veterinary Medicine, Woodwork.
Paul Winston is the 2010 BRC MBU Director. |
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OA in the NEWS
LODGE CALENDAR
January 30 - LLDC and Winter Banquet - Buncombe St. United MethodistChurch
March 12 - 14 - Spring Fellowship - CampOld Indian
March 27 - Dixie Prep Work Day - Camp Old Indian
April 10 - Dixie Prep Work Day - Camp Old Indian
April 23 - 25 -AKK Hosts the Dixie Fellowship - Camp Old Indian
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
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Blue Ridge Council Sponsors... Thank you for supporting Scouting in the Upstate!
Hollingsworth Funds, Inc. |
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2010 Boy Scout Patron Dinner with Guest Speaker....S. Truett Cathy |
Founder & Chairman, Chick-Fil- A, Inc.
2010 Patron Dinner Speaker
~Creator of the original chicken sandwich in 1961
~1,428 restaurants in 38 states
~40 consecutive years of sales increases
~Mr. Cathy and his wife, Jeannette, have 2 sons, 12 grandchildren and over 150 foster grandchildren
Boy Scout Patron Dinner
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Carolina First Center
6pm-Reception/ 7pm-Dinner
Please be our guest at the 4th Annual Boy Scout Patron Dinner to benefit the Boy Scouts of America. Funds raised at this dinner will provide the Scouting program to over 18,700 young people in the Upstate of South Carolina. Scouting continues to thrive due in large part to friends like you who provide the funds necessary to support our mission, "to instill values in young people that will last a life-time."
We hope you will be able to join us at this important event. There is no ticket cost for the dinner, instead, during the program you will be asked to pledge your financial support to Scouting. In addition, companies are encouraged to become corporate sponsors of Scouting.
All adult volunteers are encouraged to be a Table Captain. Please fill one table of eight (which includes yourself). Please contact Brandon Smith to discuss details at 864-233-8363 ext.209. |
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 Scouting for Food
Scouting for Food is when Scouts go out into the community and collect food items to donate to local food banks for those less fortunate. All Scouts should participate in this Food Drive. Scouts should do a good turn daily, and this is a fantastic way for us to gain community service hours, and for the Scouts to be seen out in the community doing good things for people who need it.
We always participate in Scouting for Food on the two Saturdays surrounding the Birthday of Scouting in February (February 6 and February 13, 2010). Not only is it an appropriate way to celebrate Scouting's Birthday, but food pantries really need a boost after the holiday rush. Scouts do a great job every year of helping to restock those empty pantries.
In past years we have provided bags for units to use, but this year we are asking that you use your own bags or boxes to collect food. Everyone has plastic bags laying around the house, and most people would love to get rid of them. The Blue Ridge Council has developed a flyer that can be passed around neighborhoods indicating which day Scouts will be in your area to pick up food.
In 2010 we will again collect soup, beef stew, chili, canned fish, canned meats, canned vegetables, canned fruit, peanut butter, and many other food items. We only ask that you not collect anything perishable or frozen.
There are several ways to participate in Scouting for Food. You can go out on a day and drop the flyers off in neighborhoods, and pick food up on a specified date. You can go out and collect the food as you go. You can stand outside a grocery store and collect food. The important thing is to collect the food so we can give it back to those less fortunate.
So, how do you get involved with this great activity? You can pick up the Flyers at your Round Table Meeting in February. Call your District Executive to get additional details.
Please plan on participating in Scouting for Food. Together we can do a Good Turn for America. |
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 National Hall of Leadership Nominations
Do you know of an outstanding Scout or Scouter in the Blue Ridge Council? Nominate them for the BSA's 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership.
Nominations to the National Hall of Leadership are now being accepted and close on February 8, 2010. The final inductees to the National Hall, a total of 303 - one representing each BSA Council and one selected by the National BSA Council -will be announced at the BSA National Annual Meeting in Dallas during May 2010.
The 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership is an opportunity for anyone to recognize outstanding leadership by a Scout, registered Scout leader, or Scouting volunteer who made a significant difference in the lives of others by the extraordinary service they have given and the Scouting virtues they have modeled.
A nominee must be:
* A living Scout or Scouting volunteer, who may or may not be currently registered with BSA. However, all youth nominees must be a registered member of the BSA.
* Must have served as an active Scout or Scouting volunteer within Scouting for at least one year. Those nominees recommended to the Blue Ridge Council do not have to be individuals involved with our Council but must currently live within our boundaries. Otherwise, they should be nominated in the Council where they now reside.
* Nominees may be young or old; there are no age criteria. Nominations will be submitted using a form available online and consists of a story that is 450 words or less describing why the person is worthy of induction into the National Hall of Leadership. Through a panel of judges, the Blue Ridge Council will choose 12 local nominees. Those 12 persons selected by the Council will then be considered by the judges of the National Council who will select one inductee from the Blue Ridge Council for the BSA's 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership. Just being nominated is an honor!
If you have any questions in this regard, please contact Michael Thompson at Thompson1994@msn.com.
Beginning now, nominations are entered through the National Hall of Leadership section of the 100th Anniversary website at http://ww2.scouting.org/100years/100years/NHOL_NominationForm.aspx or www.scouting.org/100years |
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POPCORN! POPCORN!! USC and Clemson Sports Clinics 2010!!! Save the NEW Dates!!!! |
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Due to Clemson and Carolina's Junior Recruitment day and NCAA regulations CLEMSON DAY has been moved! IT WILL NOW BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 27th 2010 and UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA DAY WILL CONTINUE TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 13th! We apologize for any planning inconveniences, but to insure that we are able to have student/athletes there from any sport, this change was made. We are looking forward to exciting sports clinics and we know that you can't wait to check out this year's new hats!
Below you will see the LATEST MASTER LIST as of 1/19/10 for CLEMSON and the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA! CONGRATULATIONS to all the Scouts for all their outstanding sales effort filling up their form(s). We just recently sent this list out over the Scouter Email Blast and received great feedback to update the list. Please take a second look to make sure all of your updates have been made.
If any of your Scouts names are not listed, or on the wrong list, please contact Janet Harvey at 233-8363 x. 215 to make an update or switch lists. You must be on a list to receive your mailed invitation from both the Blue Ridge Council and Indian Waters Council.   Click here to see the Clemson List. Click here to see the USC List.
Congratulations and Thank you for all that you do for the youth in the Upstate!
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 2010 Cub Scout Camp Promotions Dinner
February 23, 2010 6:30pm
Scout Service Center
Dear Cub Scout Leaders,
Time is rapidly approaching for our Cub Scout Camp Promotion's Dinner. This year the dinner will be held on February 23rd 6:30pm at the Scout Service Center. This year's kick-off will feature a hot dog supper, door prizes and all the information that you will need to plan your summer camping experiences.
We will discuss our Resident camping program at Camp Old Indian and help you with promotions material for you pack of den. Our day camp flyers will also be available along with leaders from each camp to help answer questions. This is the time of the year to start making plans for the summer and this is the perfect opportunity to get all the information for the upcoming camping season.
On the attached reservation form (click here), please fill in the leader's name that will represent your unit at the kick-off dinner and return it by February 16th to 864-233-2424 or Blue Ridge Council, 1 Park Plaza, Greenville, SC 29607. It is important to give us your attendance information so that we will be able have the proper registration information and plenty to eat.
Thank you for what your are doing for our young men and we look forward to having you with us at the kick-off for the 2010 camping season!!!! |
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 CAMP OLDINDIAN STAFF INTERVIEWS
FEBRUARY 13,2010 at the SCOUTSERVICECENTER
A SUMMER CAMP STARTS WITH A GREAT STAFF!!!
In order for you to be considered for a position on camp staff, you must attend a staff interview. Staff interviews will be held on Saturday February 13, 2010 at the ScoutServiceCenter. Please wear your Class-A uniform. If you have any questions or need directions, please fee free to call Matt Kubler at 233-8363 or email mkubler@blueridgecouncil.org. If you are unable to attend on this date please contact Matt for an alternate interview date. Applications are available on the website or at the Scout Office and will be accepted prior to the interview process. Without knowledge of your interest all available positions will be filled.
Mail your application to: Blue Ridge Council, ATTN: Camp Director, 1 Park Plaza, Greenville, SC 29607.
Upon receipt of your completed application you will be contacted and given an exact time slot within the above allocated times so you will not have to wait. Each interview will take 10 to 15 minutes. Click here for application.
TIMES FOR INTERVIEWS: Saturday February 7, 2009
· RETURNING STAFF 9:00AM-11:00AM
· NEW APPLICATIONS 11:00AM-12:30PM DON'T WAIT APPLY TODAY!
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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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Council 100th Anniversary Calendar
The Blue Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America 100th Annviersary Calendar of Events.
National Events
A variety of activities will include participants from across the Nation: Blue Ridge Council will also participate in projects also happening across the nation. Get involved- Join us in these eight National Celebration Programs.
Unit Leaders' Tool Box
Important Council Updates and links promoting the celebration of 100 Years of Scouting to engage your Scouts, parents, friends and Scouting alumni in the 100th Anniversary Celebration.
Alumni Connection
Through the BSA Alumni Connection, you can find Scouting friends and mentors, add your story to the growing BSA 100th Anniversary online scrapbook, and find out how you can re-engage with Scouting programs.
Generations Connection
For many, Scouting is a tradition that is handed down generation to generation. Scouting provides the opportunity to strengthen ties between family members, create great family memories, and develop a shared family foundation of worthwhile virtues and values. The Generations Connection encourages Scouts to explore the positive impact of Scouting on families through a program centered around the enduring symbol of the tree.
100th Anniversary ...
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