General Programs
"To improve the QUALITY of program in every unit in America"
Each level of the organization will establish annual goals to accomplish in key areas of quality program delivery through 2010. When a unit, district, or council earns this award, it makes a statement that they improved their program and have provided their youth members with the highest quality program experience.
Today, set your goals and work toward achieving the award. Your youth members are counting on you! Good luck as you work toward celebrating our 100th anniversary by achieving this award.
2008 Centennial Quality Commitment
and Achievement Form for Unit Award
Good Turn for America is a national call to service by the Boy Scouts of America that will help provide adequate food and shelter and to develop good health habits in our nation. To address these issues, we are collaborating with some of the most respected service organizations working in each of these areas. These lead organizations, and thousands of other local groups, will work to provide volunteer opportunities for youth and adults to fight hunger, provide shelter, and teach the habits of healthy living.
From 1/1/04 through 12/31/07 127,110 hours of service have been
recorded by units of the Gulf Stream Council.
10th in the Nation!
To: All Unit, District and Council Scouters:
It is important for everyone to have an awareness, that the "2008 Centennial Quality Unit Award," now has a requirement for each unit (Pack, Troop, Crew, or Ship) to not only conduct a service project, but to report projects on the "Good Turn for America" web site - www.goodturnforamerica.org. All "Service Hours" should be logged in, regardless if they be "Eagle" or other Individual, Unit or District service.
A service patch can be earned by giving service to Tanah Keeta Scout Reservation. These service hours will be of great benefit to our camp and provide an volunteering opportunity for all ages and skill levels. (Click here for more info)
Don't forget to log all of your unit service hours and Boy Scout rank service projects.
Norm Ginsberg
GTFA Council Chair
Unit ID Numbers needed to report your service online at www.goodturnforamerica.org are on THIS LIST.
Are you one who will make a difference? Get involved, schedule a service project for your unit.
For more information please visit www.goodturnforamerica.org
Top of page
PLEASE VISIT THE "HOME PAGE" FOR UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS ON THE SALE CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS AND NAMES OF SCOUTS WHO HAVE EARNED PRIZES AND WON CONTESTS.
Annually the nation's Boy Scout Councils hold the "Trail's End Popcorn Sale" to assist fundraising efforts at the Unit and Council level.
Unit's brainstorm with their Scouts in the Spring to develop a Calendar of Events and Activities for the coming year. Once a calendar is approved, it then becomes the task of the Unit Committee to fund the plan without going to the families to write checks. No Scout in a unit, should be unable to participate due to lack of funds. It is the responsibility of the unit committee to hold fundraiser's allowing the Scouts and their families to earn the cost of the unit program.
The Popcorn Sale is a fundraiser approved by the National Office and administered by the Council, allowing the Scouts to conduct the sale in their uniform. This sale has the potential to fund the unit's entire annual program. In 2008, units have the potential to earn up to 42% commission on retail sales. Scouts can also earn additional prizes by meeting goals set by the Council and Trail's End. Boys can earn prizes, gift cards, and even college scholarships.
The Council also benefits from the sale, approximately 22% of retail sales after expenses, which assists with maintenance expenses at the Council camping facilities.
The sale is conducted in three phases: Show & Deliver - reserve those store front locations now, Take Order, and On-Line Sales. If your unit wants more details about this year's sale, please contact the Popcorn Chair in your District from the list below:
Osceola -Cindy Rondino, crondino@bellsouth.net
Manatee - Donna & Steve Sattely, DSattely@bellsouth.net
Trade Winds - Devon Mayo, devon.mayo@scouting.org
Lighthouse - Cindy Okolichany, cindyokolichany@hotmail.com
Sailfish - Randy Porch, randy.porch@scouting.org
Treasure Coast - Joan Field, d2jfield@bellsouth.net
Indian River - Brenda Carley, carleycrew@bellsouth.net
Okeechobee - Elvin Manges, elvin.manges@scouting.org
SCOUT PRIZES
-1 container - Patch OR Pin
-Trail's End Prizes or Gift Cards for additional sales
-Boy Scouts can choose cash prize
-Fill It Up! If you have filled up your order form completely with
25
different customers, fax (561.694.9050) or email
(bsagsc@bsamail.org) it
to the Council Service Center
by Friday 10/3/08. If you fill additional cards in
the next weeks , fax in the new cards the next Friday
(10/10, 10/17). Each order card
can only be
submitted one time. On Monday, one card will be selected at
random for a iPOD shuffle.
-Sell $1500 or more and receive a $50 gift card from Trail's End.
-Sell $2500 or more and join the Trail's End
Scholarship Program.
(If you have qualified for the scholarship program in any prior
year, all sales in additional years can be added to your account
regardless of totals.)
-District Highest Sellers $3000 or over will receive a Carabiner
Digital
"Green Bean" Camera
-Council Highest Seller, $5000 or over will receive a Remote
Control Helicopter
UNIT PRIZES
NEW: All Unit goals and prizes are based on
average sales per Scout.
-District Highest Selling Units $350 or more average sales
per Scout will receive a BSA Library of Unusual Reference Books
-Coucnil Highest Selling Unit $500 or more average sales
per Scout will receive their choice of a Unit size
Leatherworking Kit, Camcorder, or Camp Stoves/Equipment.
Double Your Unit Profit! Video Contest from Trail's End
Scout Photo Contest from Trail's End
Forms for 2008
Five Steps to Success
How Well Do You Sell?
Support our Military Troops
orderpopcorn.com -Online Sales
Unit Guidebook for the 2008 Sale
Unit Case Order
Unit Master Record of Scout Sales
Unit Prize Order
$1500 Trail's End Prize Form
$2500 Trail's End Prize Form (Revised 08/26/08)
The religious emblems programs are programs created by the various religious groups to encourage youth to grow stronger in their faith. The religious groups - not the Boy Scout of America - have created the religious emblems programs themselves.
The Boy Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the recognition to be worn on the official uniform, but each religious organization develops and administers its own program.
The program should be presented to youth members and their families as an optional program for them to complete through their religious organization. Religious instruction should always come from the religious organization, not from the unit leader. Parents need to be informed of these programs and told where to get the information for their particular faith.
Many materials are available through our local M.E. Rinker Scout Shop, 561-691-3929 or directly from P.R.A.Y at www.praypub.org.
ACTIVE IN A FAITH COMMUNITY?
ENCOURAGE YOUR CONGREGATION TO OFFER A RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS COURSE
Chances are that if you are reading this bulletin, you are active in a faith community. Does your congregation offer a religious emblems class? Whether or not your congregation sponsors a Scouting unit, perhaps it is time for your congregation to consider teaching a religious emblems course. And maybe YOU are just the right person to start the ball rolling. It is good to make presentations to other groups and encourage Scouts to fulfill their Duty to God, but it is even better if you organize a class and announce specific dates with a target deadline to receive the actual emblem. Start by getting the religious emblems booklets and talking with your clergy. When Scout Sunday/Sabbath comes along, you’ll be glad you did!
UPDATES FROM PRAY
- FOUR-STAR RECOGNITION - The Four-Star recognition was implemented by P.R.A.Y. in 2005 to recognize God and Country recipients who have earned all four levels of the series. The recognition is a pin, which can be worn on its own, but the original intent was for the pin to be worn on the ribbon of the God and Life medal. See image at right.
- PRICE INCREASE - A new price increase for God and Country recognitions went into effect July 15, 2008. Although P.R.A.Y. has reprinted the books with these new prices, there are many old books still out there. Please refer to the website for current price information. The new downloadable program for electronic registration is the best way to ensure the most up-to-date ordering information. It’s also the fastest: electronic orders submitted by noon CST are processed and shipped the same business day.
- Discover credit card – P.R.A.Y. has recently expanded its credit card service to accept Discover.
- Sample Tabletop Display – Here are some resources to assemble a tabletop display to promote the religious emblems programs available to BSA. The display can be as simple as a cardboard “science project” board available in most office supply stores. All the printouts are posted on the P.R.A.Y. website.
- Duty To God t-shirts are once again available from P.R.A.Y. The navy blue T-shirt features the puzzle patch on the back and “Duty to God” on the front left chest. Shirts are $20 plus $3.50 shipping
The following is information is from local religious committees on Scouting.
Jewish Religious Emblems Program
w.w.w. j e w i s h s c o u t i n g . o r g
The following Religious Awards are available for Cubs and Scouts of the Jewish Faith:
Maccabee- Tiger Cubs and Cub Scouts, grades 1-3
The Maccabee emblem was developed to help a Tiger Cub or Cub Scout who is Jewish to learn more about Judaism. It will also help to earn the other Jewish awards as you grow older and advance.
Aleph was developed to increase the youth's knowledge of Judaism and also to learn more about hid Rabbi and Religious School Teacher, This is from 3rd grade up.
Ner Tamid - Youth grades 6-9.
It helps to build yourself spiritually and morally. It will aid you to practice duty to God, to be reverent and to be faithful in your religious duties.
Etz Chaim award is designed for Boy Scouts in High School and registered Venturers ages 14-20. The purpose is to encourage the young adult to explore adult Jewish roles in the context of family, community and Jewish People.
The Shofar Award is given to recognize outstanding service by adults to the promotion of Scouting among Jewish Yough. An individual must be nominated by others and approved by the Jewish Committee of the Council.
For further information contact
John R. Halpern, Chairman
Jewish Committee on Scouting
at 561.965.3731
jrhbsa@yahoo.com
Catholic Religious Emblems Program
"A Scout is Reverent"
The Palm Beach Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting is dedicated to promoting "Duty to God" at each level of Boy and Girl Scouting. The purpose of the CCOS is to provide Scouts and Scouters spiritual enrichment in the Catholic Faith using individual recognition in the Scouting Program, exploring religious themes during several events to promote Catholic Scouting. These events include an annual Day of Recollection, annual Catholic Scout Retreat and annual Recognition Ceremony Mass presided over by our Bishop.
The CCOS also provides support to parishes to help Catholic youth participate as a Youth Ministry. Our vision is to prepare young people to make ethical choices and to build strong values by encouraging them to be the leaders of tomorrow, both spiritually and socially.
Scouts must be: Catholic and living within the Diocese of Palm Beach, registered with a Scout Council and recently invested or re-chartered and receiving regular religious instructions, either by attending a Catholic School or CCD classes. The Bishop requires that religious training be mandatory.
Scouts have a responsibility to: complete all requirements for the particular award / emblem. check each requirement, corrected if necessary, signed by Counselor / Coordinator and then signed by a parent. Signed work is to be inserted in the proper section of the logbook (if logbook is required)
To attend a Day of Recollection or Scout Retreat. The Day of Recollection - Wear full Class A uniform. The Scout Retreat ~ weekend event for older scouts. Full Class A uniform, see calendar for details and date. The purpose is to encounter a prayerful experience with God and a sharing experience with other scouts.
To appear before a Board of Review, a completed application and logbook to be submitted to the Parish coordinator or Counselor at least two weeks prior to the Scout’s appearance a the Board of Review. The Board of Review is not meant to be an inquisition but is a general question / answer session about the award / emblem requirements. Logbooks will be returned to the Scout at this time. Full Class A uniform is required to be worn to the Board of Review.
To attend the full Mass celebration at the Recognition Mass in June.
* NATIONAL AWARDS / ** DIOCESAN AWARDS
* Light of Christ - Must be a registered Tiger Cub or Wolf Scout; all requirements must be completed before starting the third grade. The award helps the scout develop a personal relationship with Jesus and sees Him as a real person and friend.
* Parvuli Dei - Recommended for Cub Scouts who have achieved the rank of Bear or Webelos Scouts. The award purpose is to help the boy discover God in his daily life, to develop a good positive self-image and to aid the Scout in his awareness of the responsibilities that grow out of God’s love for him.
** Bishop Award - Recommended for second year Webelos and first year Boy Scouts. It’s purpose is to help the scout learn to communicate through prayer and devotion with Jesus and Mary and become “SOCIUS CHRISTI” (companion of Christ) as he grows closer to them. His scouting ideals are given religious emphasis along with service to family and Church.
* Ad Altare Dei - Designed for 13 / 14 year olds. The committee suggests the scout be preparing for Confirmation. The purpose is to better equip the scout to take his place in the world with an understanding of his Christian commitment, recognize his advancement in the spiritual content of Scouting and to help him fully live the Scout Oath and Law. This program is based on the seven Sacraments and is the most intense of all the awards. MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE 6th GRADE
** The Word and The Way - Recommended for scouts who have earned the Ad Altari Dei and before doing the Pope Pius XII. The purpose is to urge the scout to find time alone talking to God through prayer and scripture gaining a better knowledge of the Mass and to follow “The Word.”
* Pope Pius XII - For High School Boy Scouts or Boy or Girl Venturers. It is recommended (not required) that Boy Scouts previously have earned the Ad Altari Dei Award. The program was developed in recognition of the need for Catholic lay leaders in the Church and Community affairs. The emblem contains the “Keys of St. Peter” with the words: Dignity, Respect, Humility inscribed around the periphery. It reflects the ideal of youth’s growing concern with God and his people.
Catholic Committee on Scouting is a joint committee for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Yours in Catholic Scouting,
Pat Key
Catholic Committee on Scouting
Diocese of Palm Beach
561.622.2713
grannykey@aol.com
"Giving EVERY boy the opportunity to join the
FUN and ADVENTURE of Scouting !!
Each Fall, shortly after school begins, experienced Cub Scout Pack leaders conduct Open Houses throughout the Council where families can come and learn about Scouting and register for the Program. The Open Houses are conducted in most public elementary schools and many private schools and will be on Thursday, August 28, at 7:00 pm. Information fliers will be sent home from schools for all first through fifth graders in the week prior to the date. A list of locations will be provided here as details are finalized over the summer.
Security of volunteer Social Security information here
Welcome to Cub Scouting for new leaders
School Night for Scouting leader manual
Among many references to the Good Turn in BSA literature is this comment from the Boy Scout Handbook: "To people who know about Scouting, the daily Good Turn is one of the finest features of our movement. The record of Good Turns, small and large, that have been done by Scouts since the day Scouting was founded is truly impressive."
In 1988, the first Scouting for Food collection was completed. One million Scouts collected an estimated 65 million cans of nonperishable food. This "Good Turn" continues to be help annually across the nation and on the first two Saturdays in November in the Gulf Stream Council.
On the first Saturday, door hangers are distributed in neighborhoods throughout our seven counties, alerting the residents that Scouts will return the following Saturday to pickup non-perishable food left outside. When collected on the second Saturday, the food is brought to District collection sites and transported to pre-arranged local food banks. In 2007, 20,000 tons of food was collected by our local Scouts.
The Boy Scouts of America has launched its Soccer and Scouting program as an outreach to Hispanic youth and families. Soccer and Scouting will teach soccer skills and provide exiting competition, and at the same time boys will be Cub Scouts and learn the life-long values taught in the Scouting program. All material is published in English and Spanish.
Parents also get involved in our Soccer and Scouting program, as parent helpers, and a soccer coaches. Like Cub Scouting everywhere, most of the involved adults are the parents of the boys benefiting from it. In the case of Soccer and Scouting, the practices and games are usually family events, fun for everyone, and everyone learns a better way of life through Scouting.
