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Scout Lines ~ Fourth Quarter 2008
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Fourth Quarter 2008

 

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS:

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COUNCIL IN THE WINNER’S CIRCLE AGAIN

SCOUT EXECUTIVE'S COMMENTS - STANDING OUT

100TH ANNIVERSARY PLANNING

NATIONAL BOY SCOUT JAMBOREE

TV'S OUTDOOR CHANNEL FEATURES SCOUTING 

BOY SCOUTS TO HONOR JEFF KOTTKAMP AS 2008 DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN

NUTS FOR SCOUTING

LIVE UNITED

WHAT IS GEOCACHING?

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COUNCIL TO HOLD ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

SILVER BEAVER AWARD

SCOUTING FOR FOOD

WINGS ‘N THINGS

EAGLES TO GATHER

POPCORN & MAGAZINES SALES

2008 MEMORIALS

CATHOLIC SCOUTING

COUNCIL FOUR FUNCTION UPDATE:  

  MEMBERSHIP

  UNIT SERVICE  

  PROGRAM

  FINANCE

DISTRICT FOUR FUNCTION UPDATE

Alligator District-
Collier County

Manatee District-
Manatee County

Panther District-
Lee & Hendry Counties

Two Rivers 
District
-Sarasota, Charlotte
& Desoto Counties

AWARDS OF MERIT

 


 

2008 COUNCIL OFFICERS:

Mike Lyster -
President

Bill Granger - Commissioner

Bob Clarke -
Treasurer

Gary Hampton - Secretary

2008 VICE PRESIDENTS:

Gary Hoyt -
Finance

Marvin Thomas - District Operations

Bill Barrett - Endowment

Darlene Grossman - Marketing

Dr. Bob Pritt - Membership

Ted Sottong -
Program

Jim Toale -
Physical Resources

Josephine Gagliardi - Administration

2008 DISTRICT CHAIRMEN:

Chris Lombardo - Alligator

Frank Brunner - Manatee

Brad Pollins -
Panther

McLeroy -
Two Rivers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southwest Florida Council in the Winner’s Circle Again

During the recent Boy Scouts of America National Top Hands meeting in San Diego, California, the Southwest Florida Council was again recognized as a Chief Scout Executive's Winners Circle Council for achieving mid-year growth in membership and in total units over the same period last year.

Additionally, Gary Hampton, the Southwest Florida Council's Scout Executive continues to serve on as one of 12 Scout Executives from across the country elected by their peers to serve on the National Chief Scout Executive's Advisory Board. The mission of this committee is to serve as a sounding board for the Chief Scout Executive to represent peers with concerns, issues and ideas from the field to the National Council. "It truly is a great honor to serve on this advisory committee. Moving into the next century of Scouting is an exciting and challenging time for the Scouting movement." says Mr. Hampton.

A topic for discussion at the Top Hands meeting was the upcoming plans for 100th Anniversary which will take place during 2010. The Top Hands meeting is a gathering of Scout Executives and key managers from local councils across the country. The annual meeting was conducted by the National Council to roll out new programs and update these top managers of the latest programs and methods.

The Southwest Florida Council is a proud partner agency with the United Ways of Lee, Hendry, Collier, Charlotte, Sarasota, South Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto Counties. For more information

on any of the Scouting programs contact the Scout Service Center at 1-239-936-8072, or go to www.swflcouncilbsa.org or www.scouting.org.

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Standing Out

Success is related to standing out not fitting in! The Osceola Lodge has done this in 2008 as it took the leadership role at the Section conference.

Our Learning For Life Program is such a success that the National office filmed our programs to be used as a National training module for potential Learning For Life programs throughout the nation. Your council membership development was recognized with the mid-year Chief Winner Circle Award.

School nights are going well. The people of our community appreciate all that our youth, volunteers and professionals do for Southwest Florida. The Scouting Program has done a great job in good times. However, in 2008 we find ourselves with some financial challenges. Your council needs your support and the people of the seven counties your Council serves need your support. Martin Luther King once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

In the next few weeks you will receive a letter that will give you the chance to financially stand up for Scouting. In the church I grew up in we called this a “love offering”. Many people doing a little can make the difference. The support of today’s citizens will determine the relevance of Scouting in the next 100 years.

Remember the difficult we do immediately, the impossible takes a little longer. Now is the time!

I am proud to be a Scout Gary T. Hampton

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100th Anniversary Planning

Today, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) are preparing for the next century of service with a multi-year 100th Anniversary celebration: "100 Years of Scouting -- Celebrating the Adventure, Continuing the Journey."

"Our purpose driven 100th anniversary represents much more than a date on the calendar," Robert J. Mazzuca, Chief Scout executive, said. "It represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tell the story of Scouting in America -- to celebrate our rich heritage and the role that Scouting plays in shaping our nation's culture and our future."

"Boy Scouts has created a strong foundation of leadership, service and community for millions of America's youth," Mazzuca continued. "As the organization moves toward the next century, we look forward to connecting with everyone whose life has been touched by Scouting. We will implement initiatives to reaffirm our commitment to instill a pride for what Scouting has been, is, and will be, and to inspire and prepare future generations of leaders."

Over the next three years, BSA will reintroduce to America the contributions Scouting makes in communities across the country and the positive impact Scouting has on millions of young lives. The purpose driven celebration will include major national events, activities, and initiatives to engage more than 4.6 million youth and 1.2 million volunteers; an estimated 50 million Scouting alumni; and the general public.

The celebration focuses on a number of key strategic areas:

1) Nationwide Focus -- Leadership, resources, and infrastructure to deliver a consistent nationwide program.

2) Membership Connections -- Activities to engage millions of Americans in the celebration, re-kindle memories of Scouting experiences, and reconnect alumni with the Scouting program.

The 100th Anniversary engagement effort began last year as more than 4,000 Scouts participated in a national contest to develop the logo for the celebration. Eagle Scout Philip Goolkasian, of Fresno, Calif., was recognized for designing the official 100 Years of Scouting campaign logo at the National meeting in San Diego, CA.

3) Recognizing Leadership -- Future engagement activities include a community service and achievement program; a major national gathering  in conjunction with the 2010 National Jamboree; a national Hall of  Leadership recognizing outstanding Scout volunteers; and a new alumni outreach program.

Additional program initiatives will include strategically targeted advertising, public service announcements, and proactive communications. In connection with the celebration, an expanded search is underway to find a permanent home for the National Jamboree starting in 2013. More information about 100 Years of Scouting can be found at www.scouting.org/100years.

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National Boy Scout Jamboree

The 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree will be held July 26-Aug. 4 at Ft. A.P. Hill in Virginia with over 40,000 Scouts and leaders from throughout the United States and world camping together, sharing fellowship and experiencing one of Scouting’s highest adventures. Our council has been allotted two troops of 36 Scouts and four leaders each for this Jamboree. Our council planning committee will start leadership selection and announce our council contingent plans in the next several months. To attend the Jamboree, Scouts will need to be at least First Class and completed sixth grade or be at least 12 years of age (but not yet 18).

The Scoutmaster and first Assistant Scoutmaster will be required to have had at least one year registration as a Scoutmaster in the three years prior to the Jamboree and have completed Wood Badge for the 21st Century. The second Assistant Scoutmaster must be at least 21 years old and have at least one year of adult troop experience. The third Assistant Scoutmaster must be at least 18, but not yet 21, by September 1, 2010 and have served in a troop leadership role. Anyone interested in applying for one of these positions should send their resume to the council service center, c/o Jamboree Committee. Staff positions are also available and can be applied for through the Jamboree website—bsajamboree.org. Details of our council contingent will be announced as available.

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TV's Outdoor Channel features Scouting

 Big high adventure thrills await Boy Scouters on the small screen. The BSA and Boys’ Life magazine have teamed up with the Outdoor Channel to produce “Scouting for Adventure -- Presented by Boys’ Life.” An original, youth-oriented series, filmed at the BSA’s national high adventure bases and Scout camps across the United States, the cable show’s six episodes feature explorations of wilderness areas designed to depict Scouts in action.

“The Outdoor Channel offers BSA the ideal platform to introduce millions of homes to the exciting world of Scouting,” says Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca. “By bringing our Boys’ Life to life, we aim to share the spirit of adventure that is the foundation of Scouting programs and encourage viewers to get out and experience the great outdoors.”

Cameras track Scouts as they tackle challenging outdoor activities such as coral-reef sailing and mountain trekking. How-to elements teach vital lessons on safety and team building. “I’m most proud that the shows incorporate many of the BSA’s core values that transform young Scouts into grounded, hard-working men,” says Lloyd Bryan Adams, executive producer at the Outdoor Channel. Adams also notes that everyone on the production team has been a Scout.

For broadcast times, check your local TV listings.

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Boy Scouts to Honor Jeff Kottkamp as 2008 Distinguished Citizen

Jeff Kottkamp has been named the 2008 Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Southwest Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America. The award will be presented at a gala community event, which will nclude a silent auction, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs. 

The Distinguished Citizen Award, presented each year in Southwest Florida since 1991, recognizes individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the community, state or nation. Former honorees include George Sanders, Jim Newton, Jody Hendry, Miles Schofield, Leo Wotitzky, T. Wayne Miller, Dr. Abbott Kagan, Chet Perry, Congressman Connie Mack, Congressman Porter Goss, Dr. David Brown III, David Lucas, Gary Trippe, Steve Shimp, Dr. W. Bernard Lester, Lou and Steve Pontius, Rusty Whitley, Dr. Kenneth Walker and Dudley Goodlette.

“Throughout his career, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp has epitomized the extraordinary integrity, character and civic-mindedness that this award is intended to recognize,” said Mary Jo Walker, chairwoman of the Distinguished Citizen Committee for the Southwest Florida Council. “What a terrific role model he is for today’s Scouts.”

The Distinguished Citizen Award ceremony will bring together civic-minded individuals and business leaders from throughout the Southwest Florida community in an event that recognizes and celebrates the importance of scouting in guiding and developing today’s youth.

Platinum, Golden and Silver Eagle corporate sponsorships are available, which provide reserved seating and recognition. For sponsorship opportunities and additional information, please contact Paul Penttila at the Southwest Florida Council at 239-936-8072, or ppenttil@bsamail.org.

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Nuts For Scouting - An Executive and Advisory Board Fundraiser

It is time to select that perfect corporate gift for associates, clients, customers, and employees for the 2008 holiday season! You need look no further than this package. Enclosed you will find the Virginia Diner Nuts for Scouting program and now is the time to place your order!

The Virginia Diner has a variety of gift items that for decades have been well received in the business community. When you order 12 cans or more the tops can be customized with your own corporate logo. You can impress your clients and customers with an unforgettable gift...a treat-filled tin customized with your own corporate logo or name. For orders of 24 cans or more they will also ship them for you anywhere in the world.  Go to www.swflcouncilbsa.org/nuts to learn more about this opportunity.

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LIVE UNITED

United Way is working to improve the quality of life for all people in our community by coordinating the local human service network and providing resources to United Way supported programs. Their goal is to create long-lasting change.

We invite you to be a part of the change. The United Ways in Southwest Florida support programs that positively changed the lives of families, children, seniors, and individuals right here in our community. Almost Eighty-nine cents of every dollar collected goes directly back into the community. United Way is one of the most effective and efficient resources for making a philanthropic investment. With administrative and fundraising costs at 11.3 percent, they are well below the national standard for nonprofit organizations, which is around 25 percent.

Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all.

That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED.

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What is Geocaching?

According to www.en.Wikipedia.org Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook and "treasure," usually toys or trinkets of little value. Today, well over 800,000 geocaches are registered on various websites devoted to the pastime. Geocaches are currently placed in over 100 countries around the world and on all seven continents, including Antarctica.

For the traditional geocache, a geocacher will place a waterproof container, containing a log book (with pen or pencil) and trinkets or some sort of treasures, then note the cache's coordinates. These coordinates, along with other details of the location, are posted on a website. Other geocachers obtain the coordinates from the Internet and seek out the cache using their GPS handheld receivers. The finding geocachers record their exploits in the logbook and online. Geocachers are free to take objects from the cache in exchange for leaving something of similar or higher value, so there is treasure for the next person to find.

You gave me coordinates to a specific cache location. Seems pretty easy.  It is deceptively easy. It is one thing to know where a location is shown on a map; it is another to actually try to arrive at that location. Sometimes you cannot navigate directly to a cache by going straight in the direction your GPS receiver points - there might be a river or other obstacle in the way. It is up to you to find the best route to the cache, remembering to respect the environment and practice “Cache In Trash Out” along the way.

“Cache In Trash Out” is an ongoing environmental initiative supported by the worldwide geocaching community. Since 2002, geocachers have been dedicated to cleaning up parks and other cache-friendly places around the world. Through these volunteer efforts, they help preserve the natural beauty of our outdoor resources! Other rules in Geocaching are:

1. If you take something from the cache, leave something of equal or greater value.
2. Write about your find in the cache logbook.
3. Log your experience at www.geocaching.com.

For more information go to www.geocaching.com

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Southwest Florida Council To Hold Annual Business Meeting

The Council’s Annual Business Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 at the Council Service Center in Fort Myers beginning at 6:30. A highlight of the meeting will be the election of the 2009 Council officers, executive board and advisory board members. Active members of the Council may make recommendations of possible nominees to the Nominating Committee for its consideration. Recommendations to the committee shall be made in writing at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting. Please submit your nomination via e-mail to Nominating Committee Chairman Jim Wilson at JameswW551@aol.com with the name, addresses, phone numbers, and a biography. All voting members, chartered organization representatives and board members should mark this date on their calendars and plan to attend.

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Silver Beaver Award

The Silver Beaver Award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a volunteer. A small, select group is chosen each year based upon their service to the community, young people in general, and Scouting. If you would like to nominate someone, click here to download an application. Applications must be received by December 1, 2008. 

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Scouting for Food

Studies confirm that more than 20 million Americans, including 4 million children, go hungry at some time each month. There are more hungry people in America now that at any time in the last 25 years. For years now our Council's Good Turn has collected tons of food and distributed it to local agencies. The purpose of Scouting for Food is to help meet the needs of the hungry, expose youth members to the highest ideals of the Scouting movement through practical experience in the principle of the "Daily Good Turn" and to spotlight the public service aspect of the Scouting program. This also helps generate positive publicity for Scouting. Mark your calendars now as Scouts in Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee Counties will be distributing bags on Nov. 8th, and picking them up on Nov. 15th in. Collier County Scouts will be Scouting for Food next March.  

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Wings ‘n Things

For many years the Florida Air Museum at Sun ‘n Fun has hosted a Scouting weekend, Wings ‘n Things. The event, attended by approximately 2,000 Scouts and their leaders from all over Florida, is geared toward aviation education and allows Scouts not only to camp on the Sun ‘n Fun campus, but also to earn specific merit badges. Make plans now to attend this fun-filled weekend of activities in Lakeland on November 7-9. There will be many hands-on activities such as flight simulators, balsa planes, kites, rocket building, weather station experiments, NASA exhibits, radio controlled aircraft flying and much more! Merit badge classes will be available in astronomy, aviation, and space exploration. For a registration packet or more detailed information, visit www.sun-n-fun.org, or call 863-904-4073, you can e-mail educate@sun-n-fun.org.

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Eagles To Gather

All Eagle Scouts are invited to attend the 2009 Eagle Gathering & Lunch to celebrate the 2008 Eagle Scouts and to connect with Eagle Scouts now living in Southwest Florida on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the newly renovated Royal Palm Yacht Club, 2360 West First Street in Fort Myers.

Reservations are required and invitations will be mailed out early in 2009.    If you are an Eagle Scout, or know an Eagle Scout who has recently moved to the area please e-mail or call with the following information: Scout’s name, address, city state zip, phone and e-mail address to Margie Byers, 239-936-8072 or mbyers@bsamail.org

2007 was a record year with 117 young men attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Southwest Florida Council Area and 2008 is on track to break that record. “We are proud of these men and their dedication to completing the rigorous tasks and milestones to attain this rank,” says Mike Acosta, Advancement Chairman for the Southwest Florida Council. The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also as he enters higher education and the business world. The 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 5 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 1.7 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1912. 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.

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Popcorn & Magazines Sales

Scouts need , your support and your purchase of popcorn and magazines gives them the boost they need. The purpose of the product sales is to provide a means of raising money for Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops, with which they can expand their programs and give boys the best Scouting experience possible. More than 70% of your purchase goes to help boys in the Southwest Florida , Council. It pays for their activities, the camps they attend, and for necessary equipment. Each Scout is responsible, along with his family, for raising , money for his Pack or Troop. Your assistance through your popcorn or magazine purchase is appreciated very much. To purchase or inquir, e about the popcorn and magazine sales call the Service Center at 800-269-8072. You may purchase popcorn directly from the OrderPopcorn.com website and the Council will receive credit. Thank you for your continued support of Scouting.

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2008 MEMORIALS 

We are honored to provide a service that treasures and shares the memories of those we have loved and lost.

FRANK BIRELEY
ALPHUS CLARK
PRISCILLA CRAIG
PAUL CREUSO
PAUL FLYNN
ALEX ROY GALLI
DAVID A GIES
RALPH GOLDMAN
AL JOHNS
ELOISE LYSTER
SCOTT MCINTYRE
SEYMOUR SAUNDERS
PHIL SQUICCIARINI
JIM TROY STEVENS
JAMES L TARR
HAROLD WATSON

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Catholic Scouting

It is time to focus on events coming up and on nominees for adult religious awards. The first item to focus on is the St George Trek for 2009.

ST. GEORGE TREK

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting® is pleased to annou, nce its high adventure leadership program for older Catholic Boy Scouts and Venture Crew members at Philmont Scout Ranch. Designed to develop organizational and relational skills for leadership as well as nourishing the scout's spirituality, the program will bring Catholic high school youth from around the country toge, ther with selected clergy religious and seminarians for eleven days of backpacking on the trail including three days of intensive leadership training at a back country base camp. There will be a separate Crew for young women, with religious women serving as the adult advisors.

Dates and Itinerary

The 2009 Saint George Trek begins on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Albuquerque, New Mexico where the participants meet, get to know one another, train, have fun and pray. Then it's off to Philmont Scout Ranch where they will hike the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains. While hiking, they will experience a program that is designed to encourage the integration of morality, values, spirituality, faith and scripture in their lives as Christian leaders. Before returning home on August 5, 2009, they will be asked to commit themselves to bring what they have learned home to their respective dioceses where they can become effective peer leaders and role models for their fellow scouts.

Fees- The Saint George Trek includes more than a Philmont Trek, consequently, it costs more. The 2009 fee for the Saint George Trek is $725.00 per participant. The fee covers: all Philmont Scout Ranch fees, all other lodging, food and chartered bus travel. It does not cover transportation costs to and from Albuquerque, NM.

Fee Schedule (if selected)

$100.00 deposit fee per participant, payable to NATIONAL CATHOLIC COMMITTEE ON SCOUTING (NCCS) must accompany the application. Add to Check Memo Field: Acct # 67017 – 4810. Payment dates are: February 1, 2009 - $ 250.00; March 15, 2009 - $ 250.00, final payment, $ 125.00 is due May 1, 2009.

NOTE: Philmont has a policy that all fees are non-refundable. NCCS will refund all fees paid if it is able to fill the vacancy with another participant.

The Diocese must submit nominations no later than the end of this calendar year so that appropriate candidates can be selected, and they have the opportunity to meet the first and second payment schedule that is due on February 1, 2009. No payments are required until the Scout has been notified of his/her selection.

St. George Religious Award and Bronze Pelican Religious Award.

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting®, acting through the Diocese, may award the St. George emblem to members of the clergy, religious or laity, Scouters and non-Scouters alike, who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through Scouting. The nomination forms should give a detailed description of how the nominee provides outstanding contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through Scouting in the Catholic Church. Some examples of the type conduct to be mentioned are:

·   Promoting the religious emblems programs for Catholic youths or serving as a counselor, moderator or coordinator. Encouraging non-Catholic youths to participate in the religious emblems programs of their own faiths.

·   Giving notable service in promoting Catholic activities and service projects for the church and being willing to serve on committees for those purposes.

·   Actively participating in and promoting Scout retreats and days of recollection.

·   Giving notable service in organizing and maintaining Catholic-chartered Scouting units including multiple units where needed.

·   Giving notable service in bringing the Catholic program to those youths not in Catholic-chartered Scouting units.

·   Using fully one's general Scouter training as well as "Scouter Development" to provide an outstanding Catholic Scouting program for youths.

·   Arranging opportunities for Mass and other Catholic worship services at camporees and summer camps. These must be consistent with the documents of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Providing also for the spiritual needs of non-Catholic Scouts.

·   Encouraging appropriate ecumenism and Catholic leadership within the various Catholic-chartered Scouting units.

·   Using the Catholic press and other communications media to create a better understanding of the aims and ideals of Scouting as an apostolate to youths.

·   Educating clergy, religious and laity about Scouting as a youth apostolate in the Catholic Church.

·  Giving leadership in promoting Scouting for all youths regardless of race or creed. Helping organize Scouting units for minority and disadvantaged youths.

The winner of the St George Religious Award is presented with a medallion in Vatican colors, and is authorized to wear the Adult Religious Award ribbon on the Boy Scout Leader uniform.

The Diocese of Venice may award the Bronze Pelican to individuals whose contributions may have been more limited, or of a shorter duration than for the St. George Religious Award. The winners of either award may only be awarded each award once. Upon request, a person submitted for the St. George Award, but not selected, may be considered for the Bronze Pelican. Attached to this is a form to use to submit your nominations for both. If nominating for the Bronze Pelican, please strike through the words St. George, and pencil in ‘Bronze Pelican.’ Nominations must be received at the Catholic Center no later than November 1, 2008.

Priesthood Sunday

1 . What is "Priesthood Sunday?"
Priesthood Sunday is a special day set to honor Priesthood in the United States. It is a call for parishioners to honor Christ as Priest and the men who were called to be his priests on earth. It is also a day to honor all religious and to focus on the importance of vocations. Catholic Scout Packs, Troops and Venture Crews are encouraged to make a special effort to involve the youth in programs of making appreciation cards to be presented after Mass on Priesthood Sunday, or at an event planned in your parish.

2. When is "Priesthood Sunday?" OCTOBER 26, 2008
Frankly, there are many times such an event could be marked – on Good Shepherd Sunday in the Spring, or on Marriage Encounter's World Priest Day in September. The last Sunday in October was originally chosen because of the readings and the fact that there were no other major national events scheduled.

3. Who is sponsoring "Priesthood Sunday?"
The board of the National Federation of Priests' Councils, the voice of parish priests in the U.S., first declared Priesthood Sunday, but the event is now sponsored by USA Council of Serra International and is supported through the NCCS Vocations Committee, World Wide Marriage Encounter and other Church vocation support organization.

4. Why have a "Priesthood Sunday"?
The first reason for proposing a Priesthood Sunday is to affirm the priesthood in the life of the Church. With the phenomenon of fewer priests, people see fewer priests therefore young people are not offered the opportunity learn about the vocation of priesthood and the life of their pastors. Priesthood Sunday seeks to reaffirm the priesthood of Jesus Christ and its central place in the life of the Church.
Second, some organizations and some parishes have attempted to counteract this negativity. "Priesthood Sunday" sends a message to Catholics and non-Catholics everywhere that the parish priest as the instrument of Christ’s Priesthood on earth, is loved and respected by those in the parish community.

5. What will take place?
The lay faithful of each parish are asked to develop their own special way of marking the day and honoring their parish priest(s) both at Mass and in the parish.

6. Are there any suggestions?
A special website has been established (www.priestsunday.org) to provide ideas for liturgies, social celebrations, preaching, school activities and other events. In some dioceses there will be special Catholic newspaper sections devoted to honoring priests.

7. What can I do?
If you are a parishioner, a member of the parish staff, a lay minister/leader or a Catholic Scouter, call some friends and organize a group to spearhead the celebration. Go to the website for some ideas, then plan your own way of honoring the priest(s) of your parish, or contact Homer Radford, Coordinator of Priesthood Sunday program, for sample appreciation cards in a Microsoft Word Document. 816-356-1760 or hradford2@comcast.net.

World Youth Day

There is a program for Scouts to participate in on World Youth Day. The Religious Activities Committee of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting has been actively involved in the preparation of suggested Youth Day Activities which have been published in the 1998 World Youth Day Resource Manual. All Diocesan Leaders and Committees are urged to actively promote unit involvement. The Manual, which includes a special section dedicated to Boy Scout Participation, is available for purchase from NFCYM for only $10.00 and can be ordered by phone at 202-636-3825.

Thank you for your time, your interest, and your perspective in advancing Catholic Scouting.

JAMES C. FETTERMAN, Scouting Coordinator Diocese of Venice

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 Council Four Function Update

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Membership Report

Dr. Robert Pritt, Vice President of Membership

There were plenty of great opportunities for new young men to join the ranks of Sc, outing during the months of August and September and thanks to the hundreds of volunteer leaders in 7 counties, we recruited over 1300 new Cub Scouts!

Youth and families who experience the Scouting program do indeed have fun and the goal of the membership committee is to offer every young person the opportunity to join our program. Do we have enough service stations, or Scouting units, in every community? Well, the nswer is not yet, but we continue to make strides in the right direction. The Membership function is one of the four functions of the council and districts. The membership function strives for growth through the organization of new Scouting units and growth through new members joining existing units.

As we move into the final quarter of the year, we will continue to reach out to new youth and extend them an invitation to join one of our many exciting programs. Cub Scouts for boys in 1st – 5th grade, Boy Scouts for boys in 6th grade through 12th grade, Venturing, a co-ed program for boys and girls who have completed the 8th grade and are not yet 20 years of age, and Exploring, a career education based program for high school age boys and girls

As I mentioned before we have another exciting element of our Scouting program is called Soccer and Scouting. Our Soccer Scouts in Immokalee are gearing up for another season and we are adding another program in Manatee County.

You can find more information on Soccer and Scouting at: www.soccerandscouting.org    we are looking to expand the program in the Sarasota county area and maybe you know an area that would benefit from the Soccer and Scouting program, if so, please contact your district membership chairman or your district executive.

Our council wide membership/ relationships committee continues to expand as well. We now have a Religious Relationships committee that has been surveying local charter organizations on the effective use of the Scouting program along with promoting the Religious Emblems – Duty to God program. The next meeting of the Religious Relationships committee is October 15, 7:00PM via conference call. Please call Paul Penttila at 239-936-8072 or e-mail him at ppenttil@bsamail.org for more details or you can contact your local district membership chairperson for more information.

Learning for Life, a character education program that is operated by the Southwest Florida Council, is already gearing up and serving over 19,000 students in Lee County. This grade specific, age appropriate program, operates in local school districts to focus on ethics based training developed by and for educators. Respect, responsibility, honesty, and do the right thing, are all great character traits. Career based mentoring is our Exploring Program for co-ed youth age 15-20. This is a great program for young people to discover career fields. Police, Sheriff’s Dept., Fire Fighting, First responder, Civil Air Patrol, Law, Dance, are all examples of the programs we offer to young people.  

Please remember that our Scouting movement cannot achieve its purpose of character development, physical and mental fitness, and citizenship development, without the involvement and the enrollment of youth in our Scouting programs. Our membership drives our organization, and it is for the youth that the program exists.

Membership growth is a part of our 2007-2014 Long Range Plan, and as our local communities continue to grow and expand in population exponentially, our Scouting program needs to grow exponentially as well. That means more charter partners, more Scouting units and of course, more Scouting youth and adults, to benefit from our dynamic program.

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Unit Service Report

Bill Granger, Council Commissioner

Unit Service is one of the four functions of the district and is carried out by unit commissioners. In the Southwest Florida Council, there are four districts that serve specific geographical areas. Alligator District- Collier County, Panther District- Lee, Hendry and part of Glades County, Two Rivers- Sarasota, Charlotte, and part of DeSoto Counties, and Manatee District- Manatee County.

Commissioners are district leaders who help Scout units succeed. They coach and consult with adult leaders of Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews. Commissioners help maintain the standards of the Boy Scouts of America. They also oversee the unit charter renewal plan so that each unit reregisters on time with an optimum number of youth and adult members.

 Each district has a District Commissioner- Alligator- Jim McGarity, Panther- Gus Fruauff, Two Rivers- Dana Narring, and Manatee- Rick Langford, you can find their contact information on the district pages.     If you are unsure of whom your unit commissioner is, please contact your respective district commissioner. If you need help and do not know who to turn too, you can contact me, Bill Granger, Council Commissioner, via e-mail at wwg@grangermortgage.biz

In the Southwest Florida Council, we have been having a good year in our commissioner efforts. Our focus in 2008 continues to ensure that every Scouting Unit has a strong Scouting program. One way to measure the effectiveness of the program is in the achievement of the 2008 Centennial Quality Unit Award, the goal of which is “To improve the QUALITY of program in every unit in America”. Some of the benchmarks to reach include: increase % of direct contact leaders trained, increase % youth retention, increase # new adults recruited, have 60% of Scouts advancing, etc.   In 2007 we qualified as a Centennial Council. More information can be found at this link http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=cm.

One of the greatest ways to serve youth through Scouting is to volunteer as a district Scouter, and one of the best ways of service is the Commissioner Service.

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Program Report

Ted Sottong, Vice President of Program

Everyone involved in the areas of program for the youth of the Southwest Florida Council should be tremendously proud. Great programs are being provided to our youth because our leaders are trained, or are planning to be trained.  Training information has been distributed to all the key leaders of the Southwest Florida Council and preparation for Woodbadge and National Youth Leader Training is under way.

The number of unit advancement reports continue to exceed last year's. It is very evident that our youth are getting a quality program based on the number of rank advancements being submitted. These figures traditionally grow even more with the return of our troops and packs from summer break.  At this time we have 62 Eagles for 2008 and are on pace for another record breaking year. The Royal Palm Yacht Club is being discussed as the location for the 2009 Gathering of Eagles. Florida Gulf Coast University is planning to conduct a Merit Badge University with emphasis being placed on the areas of ecology and conservation.

Plans for the 2010 National Jamboree is well underway. Information has been received from leaders throughout the Council that wish to be selected as leadership for the three Council contingency troops. For more information on the 2010 National Jamboree please visit our Council web site.

All of our Units should be registered on the Good Turn for America web site. If you need your code please call Lori, 239-936-8072 ext. 127.  Scouting for Food and any other projects that you are doing in our communities need to be logged in to the web site. All of the Districts are in the process of planning their fall activities. All of this information along with information on the Council activities can be accessed on the Council web site.

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Finance Report

Gary Hoyt, Vice President, of Finance

Scouting principles are timeless and their impact on youth is immeasurable. Shaping the lives of our youth and building character is essential as internal and external forces seek to destroy the moral and ethical character of our youth. It is not a cliché to state that our nation’s future depends upon strong leadership with integrity and ingenuity.

For this reason, we are asking for your support in the 2008 Friends of Scouting Campaign for the Boy Scouts of America, Southwest Florida Council. This campaign is designed to allow you to partner with the Southwest Council to help insure that a quality Scouting program is delivered to the young men and women in the program.

To date we have raised $622,000 and we must raise an additional $638,000 by December 15th to meet the responsibilities required to continue and expand our Scouting programs and to balance the 2008 budget. The more than 32,000 youth we serve in the seven counties of the Southwest Florida Council area are counting on your continued support.

We hope you will consider a gift to the Southwest Florida Council.

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District Four Functions

Alligator District - Collier County 

Membership - Year to date through September, 2008  Alligator District will have a + 6.7% gain in traditional membership, and a +20.8% gain in traditional units. School Night recruiting has been completed in the Naples area with Immokalee scheduled for October. Thanks to all the unit and district volunteers for making the fall round-up successful. 

Unit Service - Alligator District needs more unit serving commissioners. If you wish to serve, or know someone who might, please contact Jim McGarity, District Commissioner, @ 825-9605.          

Program - An exciting schedule of events is just around the corner. Coming up in October is the new Scout Show, additional training for new leaders and Tiger Tumble for all the new tiger cubs recruited in September. Refer to the program calendars for specific information.

Finance - Currently, Alligator District has achieved 57% of its 2008 FOS goal. The District still needs $120,000 to complete this year's campaign. Any organization, business, or individual you might think would qualify as a prospect, please notify Susan Maurer @ 239-690-4866 or Chris Lombardo @ 649-6555.

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Manatee District - Manatee County

Membership - Manatee District held their annual fall recruitment in September. There were 190 new youth recruited establishing balanced growth with a 5.6% increase in traditional membersh, i, p above last yea, r. Manatee’s overall increase with Learning for Life/Exploring is 35%. There are grants being considered by foundations to allow additional growth in Learning for Life. Manatee District has been diligently working to increase the involvement of the Latino and Hispanic community through a Soccer and Scouting program. This program is a result of a partnership with the Latino Soccer League of Palmetto. Word is traveling fast and many youth are anticipated to join.

Unit Service - Manatee District Commissioner Rick Langford and the Assistant District Commissioner Wendy Langford have recruited 6 new Unit Commissioners. That has met the requirements of the Centennial District goal!! Wendy developed a New Unit Commissioner Orientation s, eminar that has proven to be quite effective. A Unit Commissioner recruitment plan is under way which will assist future recruitment. A prospect list of nearly 100 individuals was created and the event will take place in late November.

Program - The District held two events in September which provided an outdoor experience for over 200 youth; for some youth it was their first. A fishing tournament will be held on the Green Bridge in Palmetto on October 4, 2008. This event has had over 200 youth participants in past years.

Many adult volunteers and youth members are preparing for the Cub/Parent Overnighter at Camp Flying Eagle. This event will be held November 22-23 with an anticipate, d crowd exceeding 600 participants. Please review the Southwest Florida Council website for registration and further information.

Finance -  A Poker Run is being planned for November 8, 2008. This event is being co-hosted by the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post # 24. This event will include a cross county motorcycle ride culminating at the American Legion for a banquet, live entertainment, auction, and a raffle by the Legion. The Manatee District Family campaign raised $23,000.00 of its $25,000.00 goal. A renewed partnership with the Manatee County Boy’s Development Association (BDA) has been established. The BDA has submitted an editorial to the local newspapers stating their support and will assist in raising funds. This will be a, major help.

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Panther District - Lee & Hendry Counties

Membership - The Panther District had great School Night for Cub Scouting with 609 new Cub Scouts joining. Since then another 150 Cub Scouts have sign, ed, up school along with approximately 100 adults became leaders plus three Cub Packs. We extend our appreciation to Bill Barbuto, district membership chairman and his team for a great job organizing this year’s School Night. Most importantly thank all the leaders who made this year one of the best.

We are starting a new project. “Bring a buddy to Scouting.” The premise is to invite friend to a meeting. Each unit sets a date for everyone to bring a friend to their troop meeting, pack meeting or crew meeting. The unit has a special program and recognizes all the new families. Every person who brings a buddy and who then signs up will receive an ice cream coupon from Sonic  for him and the new Scout. This is a great way to add more members and their families to the program.

Unit Service - Under the leadership of District Commissioner Gus Fruauff, Panther commissioners are working with their units to earn the Centennial Award this year. By earning the award units will have a quality program, more advancement, and many fun adventures. The district will also have a Charter Night in November so that every unit will be able to get ahead and be prepared to turn their chart, ers on time during January. Through the commissioners we are asking every unit to re check their old rosters and give any boy who dropped out earlier in the year an opportunity to re-join. Most of them will if ask, ed again.

The Commissioners are also planning a new recruiting night to be held in October. As the district grows, more commissioners are needed to meet the needs of new units. Our plans are to have a 2.5 unit to commissioner ratio. This will be far above the national average and also provide better service.

Program - The district has already held its first training sessions. Over 60 new Scouters came to essentials and specifics. This fall there will be two evening training sessions for essentials and specifics, another all day session p, lus, BALOO, OWLS, and OLSI. Leaders will have ample opportunity to get trained.

Volunteer staffs are already planning many more activates for the fall. Check the council website for all the most updated information and flyers.

Finance - We continue to work on raising our FOS goal. One of Panther district’s volunteers has set up a telethon so that we can contact families and donors who have not made a gift this year. There will be a group of Scouts who will take two Saturday’s to make over 2,000 phone calls. During the telethon there will be food, drinks, prizes, noise makers and other fun activities for the Scouts to do as they make their calls. A letter has been sent to all of the potential families and donors. All monies raised will go toward the family campaign.

We are also working with other volunteers on hosting social hours to invite you friends to participate in Scouting by providing funds and give us the opportunity to tell the story of Scouting. Another approach is asking volunteers to ask one person they know to match their personal gift to Scouting. This is another great way to spread the story of Scouting. Every dollar raises make sure we provide a quality program to members who are participating now and the future members who are waiting to join.

Our Panther goal for Popcorn this year is $175,000.00. It will be challenging but very attainable. Remember that 72 percent of folks in the Panther District have not had the opportunity to buy popcorn from one of our members. We are encouraging our units to branch out, ask new people, go to new neighborhoods, and push corporate popcorn. Most of our businesses need a way to thank their customers. What better way than Scout popcorn? With all the new incentives this year, Panther units have an excellent opportunity to add a great deal of money to their unit accounts and members to earn great prizes.

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Two Rivers - Charlotte, Desoto and Sarasota Counties

Membership - The new school year provides the opportunity for new Scouts to join the exciting programs of the Boy Scouts of America. In the Two Rivers District, we held our School Night for Scouting in conjunction with the Girl Scouts of the Gulf Coast and had an increase in youth participation and sign-ups over 2007. Our Boy Scout and Venturing programs are doing well and we continue to seek growth opportunities in every community. The Boy Scouts of America has a program for boys from 1st grade through age 20 so there is plenty of opportunity to find new members.

Unit Service - The Commissioner Service team provides the vital link between a local Scouting unit: Cub Scout Pack, Boy Scout Troop, Venturing Crew and the local district operations.   This “Unit Commissioner” provides a friendly face, and a warm contact to the key leader of every unit. It’s this service that is often paramount to the success or failure of a Scouting program because the commissioner provides help and support in service to Scouting. Dana Narring, our District Commissioner is looking for interested adults, willing to take training for commissioner service, to help be part of this special corps of individuals. Dana can be reached via e-mail at bsacommish@hotmail.com. There is no better place to serve in Scouting than in the commissioner service.

Program - Mike Acosta our Program Chairman and his team of volunteers are well under way in the program schedule for this 4th quarter. Some of the great activities that have taken place are the Tiger Tumble and Day Camp, and upcoming are the Breakfast hike, Adult Leader training, Scouting For Food. The annual business meeting will take place in November to elect the 2009 district committee.

The New Year will bring awesome programs like the District Camporee in January, our Leader Recognition Banquet, United Way Walk, Cub Scout Day Camp, and more extensive adult leader training. The quality Scouting programs do not occur without the dedicated volunteer leadership providing guidance and direction of the Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing youth programs.

Finance - The Finance arm of the Two Rivers District plays an integral role in the smooth operation of the Scouting program and membership development of our 3 county service area. Membership growth and development takes tremendous volunteer and youth participation and the financial support of the community to expand our programs. Over 65,000 promotional flyers were printed and distributed to over 50 public and private school locations in three counties just to recruit new Cub Scouts. Those flyers were provided from the support of Friends of Scouting. To Date, the Two Rivers District is at 30% of its Friends of Scouting goal. One of the goals for 2009 is that every pack, troop and crew will have a Friends of Scouting presentation. We know that 2 out of 3 people give when asked to support Scouting, the key is ‘the ask”.

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Awards of Merit!

Boy Scout Troop 316 (Panther District) received the award of Honor Troop from Camp Lumpkin for their outstanding efforts at summer camp.  Troop 316 attended week 3 of summer camp at Camp Lumpkin in LaGrange, Georgia.  To achieve the award of Honor Troop, Troop 316 conducted a camp conservation project, participate in flag ceremonies and campfires, attended all SPL and leader meetings, constructed a Troop gateway and camp gadgets, and received near perfect daily camp inspection scores.  Other awards received include Honor Camper (1), Honor Leader (1), and Mile Swim (2).  Many merit badges were earned and an outstanding time was had by all!  Troop 316 meets every week at St Cecilia's Parish Hall in Fort Myers on Mondays at 7:00 p.m.

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Southwest Florida Staff 

TITLE

NAME

EXTENSION

Scout Executive

Gary Hampton

EXT - 102

Director of Field Service

Paul Penttila

EXT - 111

Marketing Director

Margie Byers

EXT - 140

Program Director

Brad Walden

EXT - 110

Receptionist - Secretary

Julia Bueno

EXT - 101

Comptroller

Annie Tibble

EXT - 105

Finance Secretary

Dick Klein

EXT - 104

Registrar

Cathie Potts

EXT - 106

Program & Advancement Secretary

Lori Laumeyer

EXT - 127

Alligator - District Director

Mel Moore

EXT - 119

Alligator - District Executive

Jacquelyn Shea

EXT - 112

Manatee - Senior District Executive

Steve Williams

EXT - 109

Panther - District Director

Ron Barbour

EXT - 115

Panther - District Executive

Zak Bradley

EXT - 118

Panther - Senior Learning For Life Executive

Tina Pegler

EXT - 107

Two Rivers - District Director   

Paul Penttila

EXT - 111

Ranger - Camp Miles

Ed Miller

Voice Mail - 126

Ranger - Camp Flying Eagle

Todd Greene

Voice Mail - 129

Southwest Florida Council
Boy Scouts of America
1801 Boy Scout Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33907

www.swflcouncilbsa.org
Phone 239-936-8072
800-269-8072
Fax 239-936-7864
 

 


    

 




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