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Southwest Florida Council’s New Scout Executive Gets Busy
The Southwest Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America is pleased to announce the arrival of J. Gregory Graham as the Council’s new Chief Executive Officer, officially called Scout Executive.
Graham has many years of experience in Scouting and has successfully served for the past seven years as the Scout Executive in the Central North Carolina Council.
The Selection Committee unanimously selected J. Gregory Graham after a national search for the Scout Executive. The Committee consisting of Mike Lyster, Gary Bull, Bob Clarke, Judge Josephine Gagliardi, Gary Hoyt, Chris Lombardo, Sandy Robinson, Judge Gilbert Smith, and Cliff Walters represented volunteers from across the seven county service area.
 Pictured left to right is Mary Lisa (M.L.)Graham, Greg Graham, the new Scout Executive and Mike Lyser, Council
President
Scouting Is Big
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is the largest youth organization in the U.S. with nearly 3 million youth members and 1.1 million registered adult leaders. These members make up the 122,582 local Scout units that in 2005 logged more than 34 million hours of community service, also known as Good Turns.
Scouting is Popular!
Since our founding in the U.S. in 1910, over 110 million Americans have been members of the Boy Scouts of America. Everybody knows a Scout!
Southwest Florida Council to Honor Joseph Catti as the 2009 Distinguished Citizen of the Year
 Joseph Catti President and CEO of FineMark National Bank in Fort Myers has been named the 2009 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 include a silent auction, scheduled for Monday, November 23, 2009, 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 and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp.
The committee will be co-chaired by Dan Dannenhauer & Dennis Pearlman and sponsorships are available. To inquire about the Distinguished Citizen Dinner contact Paul Penttila at 239-936-8072 or ppenttil@bsamail.org. The proceeds will be used to help fund the Boy Scout Programs in the seven county Southwest Florida Council area.
What Is Lunch and Learn?
At its simplest, a Lunch and Learn is an opportunity to spread the word about Scouting. It is a way to learn more and brain storm about Scouting in Southwest Florida. It can be scheduled during the lunch hour, or over breakfast. Community members attend one-on-one informal meals with a Southwest Florida Council Board member and a Council professional. The professional gives a broad overview of the program in Southwest Florida and the board member buys everyone’s lunch. The community member attends the lunch learns more about their community and Scouting, asks questions and shares experience and knowledge.
Typical Lunch and Learn topics include:
- What do you think about what we are doing?
- Who else deserves to hear our story?
What Learn at Lunch is Not
- A request for money.
- A long drawn out meeting. It usually lasts an hour or so.
Are you interested in a Lunch & Learn? If so, contact Paul Penttila at 239-936-8072.
 “Scouting Teaches Values” LICENSE PLATE
There are certainly many ways for you to support Scouting in Southwest Florida, but a meaningful and effective way is through the State of Florida specialty license tag program for the Boy Scouts of America. Prior to your next birthday, when you receive notice to renew your auto tag, please present a birthday gift to the Southwest Florida Council by purchasing the “Scouting Teaches Values” specialty tag. It’s easy to do! Simply add a small fee to your annual tag renewal notice and ask your tag agency for the Boy Scouts of America specialty tag. Not only will your financial gift help to sustain Scouting in our community, you will raise awareness of the strength of Scouting wherever you drive. For more information about this program contact the Department of Motor Vehicles about the tag, click here.
The Boy Scouts are Celebrating 100 Years!
Here’s what is planned........... and how you can participate!
2010 National Scout Jamboree – Do you want to go?
One-hundred years of Scouting will come to life at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, July 26–Aug. 4, 2010. Approximately 45,000 Scouts, leaders, and staff from all 50 states, territories, and foreign countries will have the opportunity to live, work, and play together in an atmosphere of Scouting fellowship. The setting for the quadrennial jamboree is Fort A.P. Hill, near Bowling Green, Va. Be aware the Southwest Florida Council Contingent will depart on July 23, 2010.
The Southwest Florida Council is looking for a few more good Scouts to fill out the Council contingent for the National Jamboree. We have 16 slots for youth from the Southwest Florida Council This is a once in a lifetime chance!
If you want to be in one of the troops from the Southwest Florida Council you need register on the national website at www.bsajamboree.org. Then fax your registration confirmation to the Council Service Center at 239-936-7864 with your Scoutmaster’s signature.
Anyone registering with payment in full by January 1, 2010 will receive a $100.00 discount. For more information call the Council Service Center at 239-936-8072 or 800-269-8072 and speak with Brad or Kathy Lou Walden.
Most Scouts visit areas close to Fort A.P. Hill before or after attending the National Scout Jamboree. Popular visiting sites have been Washington, D.C.; New York City; Williamsburg, Va., to visit the Jamestown Settlement; and various Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields. The United States Military Academy at West Point and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis are also popular sites.
Many units are having a special recognition to mark the 100th Anniversary. The closing arena show will be unlike any other jamboree arena show in history. It will be big, bold, interactive, and unforgettable! You won’t want to miss it! Plans are to Webcast the show, allowing anyone with Internet access to virtually join in this huge celebration.
New Boy Scout Handbook is 21st Century Guide for Life
 The Centennial Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook unveiled by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) prepares the 21st century Scout for new technology while celebrating the organization’s rich heritage. The 475-page paperback features nostalgic illustrations from the previous 11 editions alongside references to emerging technology and expanded online information.
Touted by some Scouts as the ultimate adventure manual, the 12th edition Handbook teaches preparedness and responsibility in both traditional and new ways: think compass and GPS devices, tying a knot as well as a necktie, and first aid and Internet safety. For the first time, the printed Handbook is accompanied by an online site, www.bsahandbook.org , which contains expanded content and illustrations on handbook topics and advancement requirements.
“The Handbook – like our organization – adopts new and modern methods while maintaining the message of preparedness, responsibility and self-reliance,” said Boy Scouts of America Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca. “Earlier Scouts earned merit badges in bee farming, blacksmithing, and signaling, but now our Scouts work on 21st century subjects like composite materials, nuclear science, and oceanography.”
Other features of the 12th edition Boy Scout Handbook include:
- A first-ever iPhone application of the iconic guide available in September
- 100-percent recycled paper printed using environmentally friendly processes, creating the first-ever “green” edition
- Tips on long-term personal financial management and budgeting
- Expanded sections on nutrition and physical fitness
- Updated information on bullying, hazing, physical violence, and avoiding Internet dangers
- A nostalgic look of past handbooks with 21st century technology
- A Spanish version will be available in December
The 12th edition Handbook was written by Robert Birkby, an Eagle Scout and former conservation director at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Birkby also authored the previous two editions and the BSA Fieldbook. A lifelong Scouting and outdoor enthusiast, Birkby has traveled the world on mountaineering expeditions and backpacking adventures. Birkby is a respected outdoor leader, writer, and expert in trail construction and maintenance. He is also the author of Lightly on the Land and Mountain Madness.
In celebration of the BSA’s centennial, the new edition of the Handbook models the first edition in its three main categories:
- Scoutcraft —Preparing for Scouting’s adventures and for life
- Woodcraft —Understanding, appreciating, and caring for nature
- Campcraft —Learning skills useful along the trail, in camp, and beyond
The 12th edition Boy Scout Handbook is available in Scout shops across the country and online at www.scoutstuff.org. Since its first printing in 1910, the Boy Scout Handbook has sold more than 40 million copies. Additional information about the Handbook is available at www.bsahandbook.org
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COUNCIL ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
The Council’s Annual Business Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at the Southwest Florida Council Conference Center located at 1801 Boy Scout Drive in Fort Myers at 6:30 p.m. The 2010 council officers, executive board members and advisory board members will be elected at this meeting. 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 and received at the council service center at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting. All voting members and Chartered Organization Representatives are encouraged to attend. Due to seating requirements, you must RSVP your attendance plans to Kathy Walden at 239-936-8072 or kwalden@bsamail.org The RSVP date is: December 3, 2009.
COUNCIL PROPERTIES CLOSED
Camp Miles is closed for Hunting Season from October 31st through November 8th, 2009.
All Council properties will be closed November 26 through 29th in observance of Thanksgiving. The Scout Shop will be closed November 16 & 27th. Have an enjoyable and safe holiday!
SCOUTING FOR FOOD
There are more than 20 million Americans, including 4 million children who go hungry at some time each month. There are more hungry people in America now than at any time in the last century. For many years now our Council’s Good Turn has collected tons of food and delivered it to local agencies for distribution to the needy. The purpose of Scouting for Food is to help us meet the needs of the hungry, expose our 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 helps us to generate positive publicity for Scouting. Mark your calendars now as Scouts will be passing out bags on Saturday, Nov. 7th, in Lee, Hendry Charlotte, Sarasota and Desoto Counties and collecting them the following Saturday, Nov. 14th.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COUNCIL UPDATES PROCEDURE ON THE REPORTING OF SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE
As of 9/15/2009
Florida Statues 39.201 contains the requirement for reports of child abuse or neglect. This law provides that “Any person…who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a child is an abused or neglected child shall report such knowledge or suspicion to the department…” This is done by contacting the Child Abuse Registry (800) 962-2873 (96ABUSE). For more information click here.
Celebrating 100 Years - National Hall of Leadership
Leaders are those who see possibilities and inspire others to see them too. Over the past century, Scouting leaders have inspired millions of Americans to dream more, do more, and become more. They have shaped our nation’s youth by modeling Scouting virtues. And now we have a way to thank them.
The BSA 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership provides a one-time opportunity for you to honor and recognize a Scouting leader who positively impacted your life, or the lives of others. To be nominated, a person must be a living Scout or Scouting volunteer who may or may not be officially registered with the BSA. They must have served as an active Scout or Scouting volunteer for at least one year. A nominee may be young or old — there is no age limit — and you can submit as many nominations as you'd like.
The nomination period is open for one year, from February 8, 2009 to February 8, 2010. One inductee will be selected from each local BSA council in the country along with one from the national office. Inductees will be announced at the BSA National Annual Meeting in Dallas in May 2010.
Our country will never outgrow the need for thoughtful leadership. And, so it will never outgrow the need for those dedicated individuals who live their lives by the Scout Law and teach others to do the same. Please, take some time to tell the story of a leader who inspired you.
SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION here
Celebrating 100 Years - All Alumni Connection
If you are—or have ever been—active in Scouting, we invite you to reconnect. Join us as we prepare to celebrate our biggest milestone yet, our 100th Anniversary. The goal of the program, according to Bill Steele, director of alumni relationships, is to have people whose lives have been positively influenced by Scouting demonstrate their “dedication and commitment to the next generation of Scouts.”
“This is an opportunity for our alumni to impact the next century of Scouting,” Steele says. Reconnected Scouts and Scouters represent a potential boon to current leaders. According to Steele, a surge in alumni involvement could mean more volunteers, ambassadors for Scouting, and even donors.
The invitation to participate in the Alumni Connection program extends to former Scouts and also their family members, BSA volunteers, professional Scouters, community leaders, and the tens of millions of Americans who benefit from Scouting every day.
Scouts and Scouters wishing to reconnect can go to www.bsaalumni.org. Alumni can search the site for old Scouting friends and mentors, upload photos and stories to an online scrapbook, and learn how to get involved in centennial activities.
Celebrating 100 Years - Generations Connection
Was your grandfather a Cub Scout, mom a Den Mother, uncle a Merit Badge Counselor? Or are you the first in your family to go down the Scouting trail? No matter what your Scouting legacy, we invite you to celebrate your family with the 100th Anniversary Generations Connection program. 
For 100 years, Scouting has given American families opportunities to build memories, share experiences, and develop strong values. We invite all Scouting families to share your stories and continue the tradition. For those without a long history of Scouting, you can start today!
Share Your Family Story!
Tell us about your family. Print a special (and free) BSA 100th Anniversary Generational Scouting Family certificate!
Trace Your Scouting Ancestry
Download a Generations Connection Family Tree! Fill in names and—if you can find it—something special about that person's Scouting experience.
Plan a Family Celebration
Order your official BSA 100th Anniversary Tree from The Arbor Day Foundation. Plant it together as a family, as a lasting memory of your commitment to Scouting. You can also make or order a tree marker to designate its importance.
Create a Group Activity
Are you a Scout leader? Whether at the unit, district, or council level, you can build fun Generations Connection activities that inspire Scouts and their families.
BSA 100th Anniversary Trees
The tree is an important symbol of the family—a family tree, the life of a tree that spans generations, the belief that a tree will continue to provide, long after we're gone.
Because of that symbolism—and a shared mission for service and environmental stewardship—we could think of no better Generations Connection partner than the Arbor Day Foundation! Arbor Day has designated official BSA 100th Anniversary trees for anyone to enjoy. Order yours at http://www.arborday.org/boyscouts.
For every BSA 100th Anniversary tree purchased from Arbor Day, another will be planted in Montana at the newly created Boy Scouts of America Centennial Forest. The Centennial Forest will aid replanting of the Flathead National Forest following recent fires.
Contact Josh MacGrail at 239-218-7400 or kerri@darkhorsemktg.com to join the local effort.
Celebrating 100 Years - A Year of Celebration Commemorative Patchs
For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has created a strong foundation of leadership, service, and community for millions of America’s youth. Through A Year of Celebration, A Century of Making a Difference, we will demonstrate the incredible impact of a century of living the Scout Law.
Program participants will earn recognition for making a difference in their communities due to their dedication to five of Scouting’s core values: Leadership, Character, Community Service, Achievement, and the Outdoors. Participants will be able to earn our 100th Anniversary commemorative patch.
A Year of Celebration will take place from September 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. The program is open to all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Scouting alumni. Read the patch requirements to learn more.
Celebrating 100 Years - Powell Family Reunion in Southwest Florida (Local 2010 Anniversary Camporee)
Plans are well underway for the Powell Family Reunion, 2010 Anniversary Camporee which is a joint effort between the Southwest Florida Council and the South Florida Council. The event will be held at the Seminole Reservation located in Big Cypress. The Camporee will be start on April 22nd and end on April 25th. Planners estimate the attendance at the camporee to be between 5,000 to 6,000 participants.
The weekend will be filled with numerous activities, games, contests, Merit Badge Midway, demonstrations and two campfire shows. Also opened for the weekend will be the Seminole Museum which will be free to all participants. Billy Swamp Safari will be open for any troop or Venture crew to schedule on a first come basis (Call the Safari for a fee schedule). The Friday night show will be highlighted by the nationally recognized band Native Rocks. The band recently played at the Presidential Inauguration. Throughout the weekend there will be displays of Seminole crafts, food, story tellers and the Raptor show. There will also be Native American dance demonstrations. Saturday will be Cub Scout Day with a special program for Cub Scouts.
The Powell Family Reunion came about as unique intersection of history.
The Founder of Scouting and the famous Seminole Chief both share the same last name. Chief Osceola and Robert Baden Powell share the same last name, Powell. Osceola’s father was Scottish. Both leaders have had a profound influence on history.
Complete information on program, activates, registration, and a leaders guide will be provided at the August program kickoffs in each council and district. A website will also provide information for everyone to review and to receive updates.
Council Four Function Update
UNIT SERVICE REPORT
Submitted by Bob Clarke, 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, and part of Hendry 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- Panther- Art Coon, Two Rivers- Dana Narring, Manatee- Rick Langford, and Alligator is Ken Engler, 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, Bob Clarke, Council Commissioner, via e-mail at; rclarke331@gmail.com.
In the Southwest Florida Council, we have been having a good year in our commissioner efforts. Our focus in 2009 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 2009 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 the number of new adults recruited, have 60% of Scouts advancing, etc. In 2008 we qualified as a Centennial Council.
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.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
 Submitted by Dr. Robert Pritt, Vice President of Membership
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 answer 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 third 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.
Words to Live By, is our new National Campaign for recruiting Scouts and Scouters into our great program. This fall we will be utilizing new recruiting flyers hopefully with local pictures of Scouts in action. New flyers, banners, yard signs, bill boards, electronic communication, and other techniques are being developed in anticipation of new members and families joining our ranks. Our four districts are preparing for the School Night for Scouting starting in August and September, so be on the look-out for the brand new BSA.
The membership committee is also looking to start a Hispanic Initiatives Committee to review all of the great opportunities at our doorstep. If you know someone who may be interested, please contact Paul Penttila, at ppenttil@bsamail.org.
Soccer and Scouting continues to be a great tool in expanding our program in underserved areas. 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.
We have a Religious Relationships committee that is comprised of and Latter Day Saints Committee, Lutheran Committee and a Catholic Committee. The next Religious Relationships committee is June 28th, 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 serving over 28,000 students in our council. 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.
PROGRAM REPORT
 Submitted by 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. As we move into our third quarter exciting Training information is being prepared to be provided to the leaders of the Southwest Florida Council. Preparation for Woodbadge and National Youth Leader Training is under way. University of Scouting Arts was a tremendous success and plans are being made for our 2010 event. We wish to express a special thanks to Ken Engler and his 2009 staff for the fantastic Training that was provided. All of the Districts have scheduled their Training dates for the fall. This information will be available at the District Program Kick-offs.
The number of unit Advancement reports continue to exceed last years. 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 compeletion of Day Camp and Summer Camp. As of May 28, 2009 we have 42 new Eagles and are on pace for another record breaking year. The location and date for the 2010 Gathering of Eagles will be announced soon. Jim Fetterman and his staff have scheduled the dates for the Argosy Merit Badge University and that information will be available at the District Program Kick-offs. Florida Gulf Coast University is also planning to conduct a Merit Badge University with emphasis being placed on the areas of ecology and conservation.
Cub Scout Day Camps are being conducted at Camp Miles, Camp Flying Eagle, Fort Myers High School and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples. The Camps have 572 Cub Scouts registered with 254 staff members. A special thanks to Eric Flesher of the Alligator District, Lyzza Archipov Panther District, Tom Tanner Two Rivers District and Lisa Odaffer of the Manatee District for serving as the Day Camp Directors and the Tremendous staffs that assured our Cub Scouts a great program. 76 of our Boy Scout Troops are registered to attend a longterm camp this summer. Our Philmont contingent gets underway June 19th. Plans for the 2010 National Jamboree is well underway. Information will be available at the District Program Kick-offs in August.
All of our Units are should be registered on the Good Turn for America web site. 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 will be presented at the District Program Kick-offs in August.
FINANCE REPORT
Submitted by Gary Hoyt, Vice President of Finance
 The Southwest Florida Council is funded through Friends of Scouting, Popcorn Sales, Special Events, United Way and the Endowment Fund.
Who can be a Friend of Scouting? Well the answer is anyone who is willing to invest financially into the Scouting program. Without dedicated, loyal, contributors, our program would not be able to continue to grow and expand across our great Council. As we enter the 3rd quarter of 2009, we continue to seek to expand the base of volunteers and givers at every level. Our Scouting program requires a commitment from the community to support the program that guides our youth. Your support is needed now more than ever and your leadership gift is very much welcomed.
As of May 31, 2009 The Council has raised over $375,000 of the $1,050,000 goal. If you k, ,, , , , , now of someone who has the ability to contribute, please notify your district committee, district executive or contact Paul Penttila at 239-936-8072 about your prospect. Congratulations to the Manatee District leadership in surpassing their Family Friends of Scouting Campaign goal.
Thanks also to the many Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops and Venturing crews who have participated in the Family Friends of Scouting campaign. Those units that have achieved Silver and Gold status are listed here.
District Four Function Updates
Alligator District Report– Collier Coun
Membership – The Alligator District just held their annual School Night for Cub Scouts. Marie Janasik and Mark Sunyak headed up the district’s efforts and trainings for this event. Preliminary tallies had numbers in the ballpark of 230 Cub Scouts recruited, but the district expect that number to grow as units have their follow up meetings next week and bring the families in to hear and see more about the program. The district is also exploring the possibility of bringing the Soccer and Scouting program to the areas of East Naples and Golden Gate Estates.
Unit Service - Under the leadership of District Commissioner Ken Engler, Alligator is recruiting new commissioners and working to get them all trained and prepared for the 2009 – 2010 program. Ken plans to have a quality program, more advancement, and many fun adventures. Ken and his team of Commissioners are already sprucing up Round Table and making it a fun and inviting place to go to gather and share information. Ken’s goal is to ensure that every unit has the support and guidance they need to provide quality programs to their youth.
Program – Throughout the summer units were camping around the state and the southern region of the country. The kids had a great time, got to earn advancements while meeting new people and experiencing new activities. Some of the camps attended include Woodruff, La No Che and Shands.
This summer, Dave Durante ran an introduction to Cub Scouting program at Grace Place in Golden Gate City. The kids had a great program and really enjoyed themselves; the district will be holding a recruiting day out there this fall to meet with parents and possibly have a pinewood derby race with the kids.
In August, Mary Tatigain chaired our Program Kick-off Dinner for which Carrabbas donated an incredible meal! Randy Rosal made a fun and exciting presentation about all the great activities and events coming up for the year. Some of the exciting events coming up begin on Saturday, September 26th, which is the United Way’s Walk for the Way at North Collier Regional Park on Livingston Rd. This is a great community event where the district get to meet and interact with other non-profit agencies in the community. Then on Saturday, October 17th is Alligator District’s SCOUT FEST 2009 at Sugden Park on the East Trail. This event will include a kinetic sculpture race, art bikes, fly fishing demonstrations, and various interactive activities with each unit. This fun interactive day is open to the public and the district encourage anyone interested in what Scouting is about to join us on this occasion.
Judy Wheeler has trainings planned for the coming months, beginning on October 3rd with Youth Protection, New Leader Essentials, Safe Swim/Safety Afloat and Cub Scout Specifics. October 10th will be BALLOO at Camp Miles & Scout Master Specifics will be held in town, check the website for an update on the location. Oct. 23 – 25 will be OLSI at Camp Miles.
Finance – The district is making plans for the 100th Anniversary Friends of Scouting Campaign at this time. Bob Sandy has agreed to chair the committee that will be recruiting a fundraising chairman for the anniversary campaign. If you have any suggestions please contact the Scout Office and they will direct your call.
Alligator District is always looking for volunteers in the area to either serve on a District Committee or to help on the unit level. Whichever way you choose to participate, you will find your time well spent and rewarding. Please contact the Scout Offices if you are interested and tell them you’d like to get involved in Alligator District!
The district are working on a new way to “spread the story of Scouting” with what the district have tagged “Lunch and Learns.” This is an occasion where a professional will meet with the volunteer and their guest for lunch, or coffee, etc., to tell the story of scouting to someone outside the Scouting family. It is a successful method for to seeing where this person may see themselves getting involved with the organization.
Manatee District Report - Manatee County
Committee Positions - Manatee District Committee is still looking to fill important positions on the committee including finance chairman and membership chairman. The Nominating Committee process is to begin October 15, 2009. Cliff Walters is the Chairman and all meetings will take place at his office. Manatee’s Annual Business meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 18, 2009 location and time to be determined.
District Committee Workshop – The chairman is organizing a working group to discuss ways to build support of the scouting program in Manatee County. The group will be composed of some committee members but the majority of the group will be community leaders in Manatee County who will be willing to sit down and talk about ways to build up support of the scouting program in Manatee County.
School Night for Scouting- The District battled poor weather and other distractions to register 133 new Cub Scouts and 6 new Boy Scouts. A meeting with the Director of Elementary Schools of Manatee County School District was held with an outcome of vastly improved support from the individual school administration. The majority of the Elementary Schools in Manatee County will be revisited and many new youth registered.
Slide Show – The Manatee District Committee is creating a slide show which shows the history of scouting in Manatee County since the early 1900’s. This slide show will be used as an educational tool to be used to build support and enthusiasm in Manatee County for the scouting program. At this time, the committee is collecting photographs from current scouts and those members of the community who were in the scouting program. The photographs of local citizens will be a personal touch.
Manatee Educational Television Program – The Manatee District Committee is writing a script for a program to be shown on METV in Manatee County. The program will include a panel with scout executives and volunteers on building support for the scouting program in Manatee County. In the next year, the committee hopes to put on several programs on METV on the scouting program.
2010 Manatee County Fair – The Manatee District Committee is already working on several projects for the Manatee County Fair on January 14 through February 24, 2010. The slide show being created will be shown as a continuous slide show in the Boy Scout booth. By having a slide show which shows citizens of the Manatee County who have been scouts in the past, the district hope to generate more interest in the booth and obviously in the scouting program. The district also hope that the district have a finished program by METV to also run in the booth. The district have also been invited to create an exhibit in the Arts and Crafts Building which the district hope will be a demonstration by scouts. There has been some interest in an outdoor demonstration at the fair. That is being considered at this time.
Speakers Bureau – The Manatee District Committee is creating a speakers bureau to speak to civic clubs in Manatee County to generate interest and support for the scouting program in Manatee County. The speakers bureau will be comprised of members of the committee and other leaders in Manatee County who have an interest and background in scouting. The goal is to educate the public and bring new people into the committee and build support in the community.
Manatee Chamber of Commerce – The Manatee District Committee has invited the annual Leadership Class of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce to make the scouting program a part of the community service day for the class. The district have invited the class to visit Camp Flying Eagle when they are touring community agencies that day. They will also be invited to participate in the new Leadership course.
Manatee Task Force Against Violence – The Manatee District Committee has invited the Task Force to have leaders from the district committee involved in panels and forums to discuss the programs for boys in the Manatee County to teach citizenship and other principles of scouting.
Centennial Programs – The Manatee District Committee is looking forward to participating in the Centennial programs planned by the Southwest Florida Council in Sarasota and raising awareness and support for the Scouting program in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Several members of the district committee have joined the subcommittee being formed for the Host Committee for the Rockwell Exhibition.
Panther District Report - Lee and Hendry Counties
Membership
The district had a fine School Night for Cub Scouting with 400 new members recruited. Since the evening another 100 have come aboard. Let’s keep the momentum going. More youth and families are waiting to be asked to join your pack. Keep recruiting in the forefront. There are several events that a unit can do to bring new families to them such as; bring a buddy to a meeting, a lock-in complete with food, movies, games, activities etc. The admission is each unit member brings a new person to the lock it with them. Don’t forget a mom to mom campaign where mom’s in your unit talk to moms of potential new recruits. Let’s make sure every family gets an opportunity to join.
The District is updating its records on date, time, contact person and number and location for each units meeting place. The front desk gets numerous calls for people wanting to join and times and places they can attend. It is difficult to recommend if the district don’t have accurate records. So please help us by sending this information to Cathy Potts in the council Service Center.
Unit Service
District Commissioner Art Coon is now accepting resumes to join the commissioner staff. The commissioners play a vital role in helping units provide the best program possible. A unit commissioner is responsible for two to three units or chartered partners and is the go to person for units who have questions, need information, and can help advise on problem solving opportunities. If you know of someone interested, just send a one page resume to the Service Center for Art. The basic requirement is the person is interested in helping a unit succeed.
Program
The Panther District is now accepting applications for the District Award of Merit. This award is the most outstanding award that a district can bestow on one of its volunteers. The nominee needs to have been active in their unit and participate in district activities. It is also suggested in the narrative if they have participated in non scouting volunteerism so also mention that. Applications may be picked up at roundtable or at the council service center or on the unit program disk that was given out at program kickoff. Please send applications to the council service center, attention Lori by November 20.
Finance
The family FOS committee will begin its phone calls to schedule your unit for 2010’s Family Friends of Scouting campaign. Please set your date when they call. The team only needs 10 minutes to complete the task and then moves on. Family FOS is an important component to our overall fundraising. As we all know economic times are still difficult. It is important that we all pull together to help the families who are less fortunate to insure that they can continue to be active. The Family team is also asking that each unit appoints one person to be their chairperson for the campaign. This will help speed up the campaign and more importantly have someone who can provide information directly to members of the unit. Lets get started on a great 2010. You can help.
Popcorn
Popcorn is going amazing well with 51 units participating, a new Panther record. This year there are even more incentives for people to sell. Indications are that popcorn sells are up with more “fill it up” forms being sent in for the first drawing for the laptop computer which by the way was won by a Cub Scout in the district. There is still plenty of time to sell so continue. It is always difficult to turn down a young person in uniform with a story to tell. Remember the district are selling Scouting with a tasty treat as the prize.
Nominating Committee
The district nominating committee has the task of nominating the district’s members at large and the district slate of officers. The committee is now taking suggestions on who should be considered for being a member at large. Please send them to the Service Center attention Ron Barbour. He will bring these suggestions to the Committee for their consideration. The Nominating Committee will make its report and present the slate of officers at the Annual Business Meeting which will be held on November 19, 7:00 pm at the Conference Center. All Charter Representatives are encouraged to participate as they are the voting member for their Charter.
The process is fairly straight forward. The committee provides recommends the slate for members at large which is voted on. Then they recommend the slate for District officers which are voted on. All votes are up or down. There are no nominations from the floor.
Training is one of the most critical segments of an active unit that is providing a quality, fun program. National statistics show that a youth stays in a program 18 months longer if the leader is trained. With fall roundup in full swing, it is imperative that all new leaders come to training. A new leader can take their Youth Protection, Fast Start and Essentials training on line. All they need is their membership card number. Specific, BALOO, Outdoor Leader Skills Instruction (OLSI) put on by the district training team. All direct contact leaders( Cubmasters and assistants, Scoutmasters and assistants, Crew Leaders and assistants, committee members, den leaders and Webelos leaders) are strongly encourage to become trained. The district also encourage parents to join in. Check the district calendar for all training dates and register online. Also, if someone can’t make it to Panther training because of date conflicts they certainly can register and attend another district’s training.
Scout Show will be held on Saturday, October 10, beginning at 9:00 am at Lakes Park. There is still time to register a unit by going online and doing so. This is an excellent opportunity for new members and parent to attend a fun and easy event. Also what better way to portray Scouting to potential new members. Invite new families to attend the Show.
Scouting for Food
The district are making an all out effort this year to have an outstanding Scouting for Food Drive. The communities more than ever need our help to make sure no one goes hungry. It is going to take everyone to give it a good effort. The district has the potential of being one of the largest food drives in our counties if everyone pitches in. This year’s dates are bag drop on November 7 and bag pick up on November 14. Each unit will have a general territory to cover. Just a reminder the location for Popcorn Pick up is the same location for food drop off and is on the same date. So drop off your food pick up your popcorn. Also if a unit wishes to put in each bag for drop off the date, location of when the unit holds its meetings plus a person to call, Scouting for Food can be an additional recruiting drive.
Two Rivers District Report - Sarasota, Charlotte and Desoto Counties
Membership – Two Rivers District held their annual Cub Scout fall recruitment campaign in Charlotte, Sarasota, and DeSoto Counties on August 20th and September 10th and 17th. When all pack orientation meetings are complete, the district will have added between 375 to 400 new Cub Scouts along with many parents as new pack leaders. This represents an 8% to 10% gain over school night numbers from last year. Congratulations to John Vetri, Two Rivers membership chair and all of his volunteer staff for their effort and success. In addition to new members, the focus in membership for the balance of the year will be targeted toward developing new units throughout the District.
Unit Service - The number 1 priority facing Two Rivers District concerning commissioner service – recruit a new District Commissioner to provide organization and leadership to this critical function of the District. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please contact Mr. Jim Braun, Two Rivers District Chairman. Thank you in advance for your effort.
Program - Scheduled events coming up soon in Two Rivers District includes Cub Scout Breakfast Hike, October 10th, Tiger Tumble, October 24th, and adult leadership training, October 31st.
Finance – Two Rivers and Manatee Districts held a joint FOS Event sponsored and hosted by John Saputo, owner of the Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Co., on Thursday, September 10, 2009. The location was outstanding, and the hospitality was warm and receiving. A total of $5700 was raised toward FOS as part of the closing for the 2009 campaign. Building a relationship/partnership with Gold Coast Eagle Distributing will certainly enhance for future benefit the fundraising capabilities in the two Districts. Action underway for the 2010 campaign includes recruitment of key Chairpersons for the Steering and Prospect & Evaluation Committees along with research for new prospects to participate in the 2010 campaign.&nbs, p;
Gathering of Eagles
The Southwest Florida Council held the second Gathering of Eagle Scouts on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the Royal Palm Yacht Club, in Fort Myers. The event was sponsored by AT&T, Owen-Ames-Kimball, Johnson Engineering, Kiwanis Club of Naples-On-The-Gulf, Joseph Anglim, and Kathy and Michael, Taylor. All Eagle Scouts in Southwest Florida were invited to celebrate the 2008 class of Eagle Scouts and to connect with Eagle Scouts now living in the area. David E. Carter, the key note speaker gave an entertaining message on the importance of giving back to the 120 attendees.
Be a part of Simply Scouting, the 2011 World Scout Jamboree on the fields of Rinkaby, not far from the town of Kristianstad, in the province of Skåne, southern Sweden. Hosted by The Swedish Guide and Scout Council, the 22nd World Scout Jamboree will run from July 27-August 7, 2011. The purpose of the event is to bring together Boy Scouts, Venturers, leaders, and staff to share international friendship and adventure for personal growth and development.
The upcoming World Scout Jamboree in Rinkaby, Sweden, promises to be one of the best ever. With 40,000 Scouts expected to attend from six continents and more than 114 countries, it’s going to be a world-class event, one you can be a part of if you start planning now.
At Rinkaby, you will get to live and learn with fellow Scouts and leaders from around the world. You’ll be housed in tents along with the BSA contingent, but you’ll soon venture out to mingle with tens of thousands for two weeks of activities and adventure. That’s right, a world fellowship exercise on an enormous scale!
What is a World Scout Jamboree?
Every four years, tens of thousands of Scouts, from every corner of the world, gather in a tented city for two weeks of activities and adventure!
This is a fantastic event where up to 40,000 Scouts live and learn together. This is an amazing first-hand experience of multiculturalism in action, an opportunity to interact and participate with others from different cultures and to build solidarity and understanding across cultural and geographical boundaries. This is a World Scout Jamboree!
Aimed at 14 to 17 year olds, Scouts attend the event in national groups, called Contingents. There is one contingent from each country where there are Scouts recognised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and currently there are 160 member countries in WOSM! The event is supported by thousands of international adult volunteers, and a special Scout solidarity fund helps to ensure that representatives attend from as many countries as possible. This is a peace building exercise on an enormous scale!
The World Scout Jamboree truly is an amazing unique experience: for participants, for staff, and even for the visitors who come to see the camp in action! For more informatioin go to www.worldscoutjamboree.se/.
The Scout Message
The Boy Scouts of America builds the character and integrity of America’s youth. Our Oath teaches a dedication to duty, God, country, others, and self. The Boy Scout Law describes how to live lives of honor by being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. We prepare young Americans to become adults by cultivating in them a sense of community, family, ambition, leadership, and priority so that they will make the world a better place.
Scouting is more than what we do–it’s who we are–and what we will be.
We are the Boy Scouts of America.
Staff Directory
|
TITLE
|
NAME
|
EXTENSION
|
|
Director of Field Service
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Paul Penttila
|
EXT - 111
|
|
Marketing Director
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Margie Byers
|
EXT - 140
|
|
Program Director
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Brad Walden
, |
EXT - 110
|
|
Receptionist - Secretary
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Kathy Walden
|
EXT - 101
|
|
Comptroller
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Annie Tibble
|
EXT - 105
|
|
Finance Secretary
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Dick Klein
|
EXT - 104
|
|
Registrar
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Cathie Potts
|
EXT - 106
|
|
Program & Advancement Secrtary
|
Lori Laumeyer
|
EXT - 127
|
|
Alligator - District Executive
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Jacquelyn Shea
|
EXT - 112
|
|
Manatee - Senior District Executive
|
Steve Williams
|
EXT - 109
|
|
Panther - District Director
|
Ron Barbour
|
EXT - 115
|
|
Panther - Senior Learning For Life Executive
|
Tina Pegler
|
EXT - 107
|
|
Two Rivers - District Director
|
Mel Moore
|
EXT - 111
|
|
Ranger - Camp Miles
|
,
Ed Miller
|
Voice Mail - 126
|
|
Ranger - Camp Flying Eagle
|
Todd Greene
|
Voice Mail - 129
|
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