Alamo Area BSA

 
Boy Scouts of America

Live Scouting

Angel Zuniga Martinez

Scout CARDS FOR A CAUSE Supports Local Heroes

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Angel Martinez, PR Director
(210) 394-9915
Angel.Martinez@Scouting.org

The Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council offers end of year sales opportunity to support Scouting youth while showing their appreciation to local heroes like teachers and first responders. In its eighth year, the Council’s discount card fundraiser called Camp Cards, can be purchased online and donated to our local HEROES with an attached personalized message of encouragement thanking them for their service. All cards will be delivered by Alamo Area Council representatives to local hospitals, fire stations, police stations, schools, grocery stores, and essential worker businesses. Media is invited to schedule a zoom video conference with local youth to hear their positive story of Scouting during COVID-19.

“Please help us encourage our heroes that keep our communities safe during COVID-19. At the same time, you help Scout boys and girls earn Scouting at Home virtual merit badges or you give them support to get outdoors,” said Aaron Elizondo, CampCard Development Director for the local Alamo Area Council, BSA.

Visit www.AlamoAreaBSA.org/CampCards to buy Scout Cards for a Cause, today! Over 260 Cards have already been donated to first responders, frontline workers, teachers, and essential workers. Help the Scouts reach 5000 donated cards by October 31st.

“We are here to show support for our front line workers during COVID-19, because without a positive, unified community, the Boy Scouts of America can’t maximize our positive effect into the lives of our youth,” said Michael de los Santos, Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council.

The Camp Card, an award-winning fundraising program, is a risk-free way for Scout units to earn their way to summer camp, day camps, virtual merit badges, high adventure outings, or other activities. The Alamo Area Council Camp Cards, which first sold in 2013, sells for only $5 to the public and offers discounts at several area businesses, including restaurants, entertainment venues, and service vendors for the customer to use and reuse throughout 2020. Each participating Scout unit will keep 50% commission of the sales total for each Camp Card sold.

Camp Cards may also be purchased at Council Office located at 2226 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, Texas 78213 to benefit under-served youth in the program.

The Vendor Partner offers for 2020 include (valid until December 31, 2020 unless otherwise stated at participating locations):

  • 7-Eleven– Small coffee, Gulp drink or Slurpee for only 50 cents.
  • Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort – Buy online save up to 50% off admission at New Braunfels location.
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods – $10 off purchase of $50 or more
  • Church’s Chicken – 8pc legs & thighs or tenders with large mashed potatoes for $7.99 (one-time use) AND Free 2pc. Tender biscuit w/purchase of regular priced combo 1-4.
  • San Antonio Zoo – $3 off full priced single admission.
  • Jiffy Lube – save $10 on signature service oil change.
  • Dave & Buster’s – Buy $10 of game-play, get $10 of free game-play.
  • Las Palapas– 15% off breakfast, lunch, and dinner plates.
  • Andretti Indoor Karting & Games – Buy one race, get one laser tag free.

For more information on supporting local Scouts by purchasing an Alamo Area Council Camp Card, email Campcards@AlamoAreaBSA.org or visit www.AlamoAreaBSA.org/CampCards.

About the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council

The Alamo Area Council, BSA, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, serves a 13-county area imparting the Scouting program to over 17,000 youth and 4,000 volunteer adults in South Texas. The Boy Scouts of America continue to prepare young people for life by providing the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, utilizing outdoor activity, citizenship, and sports fitness. The Alamo Area Council manages over 1,280 acres of outdoor adventure for boys and girls from 5-20 years of age at three premier camps – Bear Creek Scout Reservation, Mays Family Scout Ranch, and McGimsey Scout Park. Learn more at www.AlamoAreaBSA.org.

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About BSA Ads You May See or Hear

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Hi Scouting parents, leaders, and community supporters,

I am constantly impressed by the dedication of our Scouting Movement and the way we band together as an organization in challenging circumstances. Amid these great difficulties, Scouting has continued to build character, confidence, leadership, and hope in families and communities across the country, and your efforts have helped make some incredible things possible:

  • 80 Facebook Live events, open to all family and youth (Scouting and Non-Scouting alike)
  • 226 Merit Badge Classes held online using video conferencing
  • 4,000 Scouts attended virtual Scouts BSA merit badge classes
  • 42 Underprivileged Schools have received the virtual Scoutreach program for their students
  • 28 virtual Cub Scout classes and growing by the day

Now more than ever, families are looking for what Scouting offers. When asked what they want from youth-serving organizations this fall, parents overwhelmingly said they want to give their children a sense of normalcy, as well as something to do as a group, even if socially distant, or something productive to do with peers, even if it’s online. Scouting delivers what parents are asking for. Together, we need to stand ready to bring Scouting to even more youth and families this year.

As we promote Scouting in our community, some people may have questions about our youth protection policies and how we keep kids safe. Each question is an opportunity to shed light on the important policies and procedures we’ve put in place that make Scouting safer than ever before.

It is important to emphasize that the safety of children in our programs is our absolute top priority. That’s precisely why, over many years, the BSA has developed some of the strongest expert-informed youth protection policies found in any youth-serving organization.

If you are a volunteer, you’ve taken youth protection training, undergone a criminal background check, and play an integral role in the BSA’s commitment to keep kids safe. At the Alamo Area Council, and at all councils across America, adhering to and upholding these policies is a duty we take very seriously. I encourage you to view and share this  video and infographic about the BSA’s youth protection measures and resources that make Scouting safer than ever before.

Conversations about safety will be especially relevant over the next several weeks when those in Scouting and other members of the public will likely see and hear print, TV, social media, digital and radio advertising from national BSA’s Chapter 11 noticing campaign. Although only the national organization has filed for Chapter 11, you will likely come across these ads in the coming weeks, so I wanted to make sure you knew their purpose and had the necessary information to address questions or concerns they may raise for you or others.

These noticing ads are different than those many people have seen so far that have been sponsored by plaintiffs’ attorneys trying to solicit clients. The BSA’s ads are instead designed and sponsored by national BSA to ensure that victims have the opportunity to come forward and apply for compensation from a proposed Trust by filing a claim by the November 16, 2020 deadline set by the court. This advertising effort underscores the BSA’s commitment to the dual objectives of its bankruptcy proceeding: equitably compensate victims of past abuse and continue the mission of Scouting.

If you would like additional information about the BSA’s outreach to victims of past abuse, see this FAQ.

For questions about local Scouting, please visit us at www.AlamoAreaBSA.org or contact Jason Gates and his Scout Service team by email at Join@AlamoAreaBSA.org or by phone at 210-341-8611.

 

Yours in Scouting,

 

 

 

Angel Martinez, PR Director

Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council

Council Asks for Feedback on Musselman Scout Shop

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The Alamo Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America would like your feedback on The Musselman Scout Shop. Your feedback is highly appreciated to better serve our Scouting community.

The Musselman Scout Shop is a National BSA Scout shop providing everything from uniforms, handbooks and leader materials to craft items, gifts, and Scouting apparel. The Musselman also carries items for Pinewood Derby, Space Derby, Rain Gutter regatta, and banquet items. Eagle Scout gifts and all your camping needs can be found here. The knowledgeable staff has many years of experience in Scouting and can help provide Scouts young and old with just what they need.

START SURVEY

Alamo Area Council Response to Coronavirus COVID-19

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Alamo Area Council UPDATED Response to Coronavirus COVID-19 as of
Wednesday, September 30, 2020

September 30, 2020 – The Medical Advisory Committee of the Alamo Area Council has determined, in concert with state regulations, that units may immediately begin camping in groups no larger than 50 provided that the following guidelines are adhered to:
– Pre-outing screenings, including temperature checks, will be conducted on all participants
– Temperatures of all participants will be re-checked at least twice daily
– Frequent hand washing will be encouraged
– Social distancing of at least 6 feet will be enforced whenever possible
– Masks are to be worn whenever possible and especially at times when social distancing is not possible
– Continue to follow the Tenting, Food Preparation and Transportation guidelines laid out in the AAC Unit Restart Guidebook previously distributed.

A reminder that attending any in person event or using any of our council facilities or properties will require the signing of a waiver form. This form can be downloaded here
Council Covid-19 Response Guidelines as of 9-2-2020Download
AAC Unit Restart Guide BookDownload

UPDATE: Governor Greg Abbott has issued Executive Order 29 requiring all Texans to wear a face-covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces, with few exceptions, in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases. Open Texas checklists are now updated consistent with this order. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10.

~ Executive Order No. GA-29, July 2, 2020, https://open.texas.gov/

Dear Scouting family,

Under the updated developments regarding COVID-19 through the State of Texas Governor’s Office, Bexar County in coordination with San Antonio Mayor Nirenberg’s Emergency Declaration and Orders, and nationally through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Alamo Area Council strives to safely and strategically support local Scouting activities in our 13-county service area.

Scouting Adventure is a balance of Scouting at Home, Family Camp, and safe in-person meetings and activities. 

With safety protocols that include social distancing and with required face masks, the Alamo Area Council Service Center has the following in person business hours –

THE COUNCIL OFFICE IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 9 AM – 5 PM. The Musselman Scout Shop is open 9 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am – 2 pm on Saturdays.

Council staff is available for support by phone, email, or website chat from Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 6 pm.


All units can have in-person meetings and any Scouting activity, provided they follow all guidelines as set forth using the ReStart Scouting Checklist AND by The Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas and your local authorities. 

If indoors, meetings and activities must be in groups of ten or less, cloth face coverings must be worn and all individuals must maintain social distancing of six feet or more. People over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay home as much as possible. 

Outdoor meetings and activities must follow the Governor’s “Open Texas” Checklists which set minimum standard health protocols for Youth Clubs and Youth Club Participants (revised June 3, 2020):

Please check with your sponsoring organization’s guidance if you plan on utilizing their meeting spaces. Unit meeting facility rental opportunities within Alamo Area Council properties are available.

Patrol meetings over the phone or video conferencing, merit badges delivered online, webinar training for leaders, and virtual Roundtables and District meetings continue to be an effective and encouraged part of Scouting.

Scouting at Home www.AlamoAreaBSA.org/ScoutingatHome will continue successful programming and Scout TV News will grow as a resource – www.AlamoAreaBSA.org/ScoutTV.

A complete listing of event changes will be published on our Council calendar, within our Digital Adventure Guide magazine, and posted to our social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Youtube.

Should you have any questions or concerns about a specific upcoming event or activity, please reach out to your local district executive or email the Council Leadership team at Safety@AlamoAreaBSA.org or the Outdoor Adventure department at Adventure@AlamoAreaBSA.org.

We will do everything we can to answer your question using the information available to us to evaluate the situation and make decisions in the best interest of our members, volunteers, and employees. With safety in mind, we are happy to encourage you and your Scouting family to SCOUT ON! 

Please check back on our website www.AlamoAreaBSA.org for the latest guidelines as this is an evolving situation and any of these guidelines are subject to change. We will take additional steps as needed.

Our most updated Council response to Coronavirus COVID-19 can be found online at www.AlamoAreaBSA.org/Covid19. 

Yours in Scouting,

Angel Martinez, PR Director 
Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council

Scouts Rescue Lady out of River

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We never know when conflict or tragedy may strike us or our family. All we can do is strive to be prepared and safe AND pray a Scout is nearby with courage and skills to jump into action. This is the story that unfolded for a New Braunfels woman navigating the Guadalupe River several months ago. Luckily, Sue Ellison, 73, was not far away from Scouts BSA Troop 381 boys Therren Beettner, Nate Coehen, and Christopher Bowling, having lunch on the riverbank alongside their kayaks.

Below is the story as told by Therren Beettner:

“On May 20, 2020, Christopher Bowling, Nate Koehne, and I were kayaking on the Guadalupe River. We do a kayak trip about once every week. That week we did a six-hour trip starting at Riverchase Park and ending at Cypress Bend Park. We stopped at the rapids right after Huaco Springs. The last time we did this route, Huaco Springs rapids were the most challenging rapids, so we decided that we would stop right before the rapids to take a break and eat lunch. While eating lunch we saw some tubers going down the rapids. There is one rock that sticks up out of the water. It will flip you if you’re unlucky enough to hit it.

Ms. Sue and her daughter hit the rock, deflating Ms. Sue’s tube. I saw them take a tumble then watched their silhouette move down the river and around a group of trees. I decided to get up and make sure they were ok. When I arrived, Ms. Sue’s daughter was holding her mom’s head above the water and they had stopped themselves on some rocks in the Rapids. I yelled and asked if they needed help. They replied, “yes”.

I ran over to Christopher and Nate farther up on the riverbank. I proceeded to grab my lifejacket and told them to unload the smallest kayak and carry it down to where Ms. Sue and her daughter were. I then waded into the Rapids and wrapped my life jacket around Ms. Sue. Christopher, moments later, showed up with the kayak. I instructed him to bring it up next to Ms. Sue and hold onto it. I then proceeded to lift Ms. Sue out of the water and onto the kayak and then held the boat steady while she regained her balance. I walked the kayak through the rest of the rapids. After the rapids, it suddenly drops off deep. I then tied a bowling knot, wrapped it around my waist, and swam her to shore. When we got her on land, I gave instructions to Nate to get my first aid kit and a cell phone. I gave some Neosporin to Ms. Sue’s daughter to apply to her knees. She was bruised and lost her strength in her legs. Her family wanted to get her to the rental property they had farther down on the river as soon as possible.

They gave her the tube from their cooler. We put the cooler on one of our kayaks. I towed Ms. Sue for about 90 minutes downriver, through two more groups of rapids before we got to where she believed was her rental property. The riverbank was steep and rocky so Christopher, Nate, and I assisted her up the riverbank to a metal staircase going up to a house on top of a very tall hill. We followed behind Ms. Sue to make sure she didn’t slip or fall and make it up the stairs safely. When we got to the top of the staircase there was a gate with a lock on it. Ms. Sue still believing this was the correct rental property, I crawled over the gate to knock on the door. Turns out this was not the correct rental property. This was a man’s private residence. The owner was a little upset about us trespassing especially since there were three no-trespassing signs at the riverbank. I explained to him the situation and what we had just done for Ms. Sue. The owner calmed down and understood the situation. He unlocked the gate and gave Ms. Sue a ride to her rental property; which was only two houses down. It would’ve been largely difficult to get her out there by the water. Once we saw she got in the truck safely, we hopped back on our kayaks, dropped off the cooler at the right rental property, then proceeded to finish off our kayak trip.”

On behalf of the Alamo Area Council, I’d like to thank the Scouts Therren, Nate, and Christopher for their bravery.

“These boys are little heroes,” Ellison said. “I honestly think I would have died without them. I couldn’t get my footing and no one could get me out.”

Reporter Lauren Corbell of the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung News wrote a nice article “Teen uses Scout Skills to Rescue Senior from River” on June 4, 2020 that also describes the event – http://herald-zeitung.com/community_alert/article_c85b9ce4-a6c2-11ea-b7cc-1b8a6349365d.html?fbclid=IwAR3l1h4VgHeDp5ggas4RMmfWvLfcBor23VkLLSIejLqednKYZ5dl0oiejy4

Update on National BSA Chapter 11

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The national organization of the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy earlier this year to equitably compensate victims of past abuse and ensure that Scouting’s mission continues.

The bankruptcy case recently reached a milestone when a bar date was set for November 16, 2020 – the deadline for submitting claims in the case. You may have received or may soon receive a notification and/or notice to file a claim. These notices were sent out to individuals and groups (Scouts, parents of Scouts, alumni, and volunteers) who have been part of the BSA within the last eight years.

This notification process is part of an effort to ensure that the BSA reaches as many potential claimants, survivors of abuse, as possible. In addition to these email and mail notifications, which will reach more than 10 million individuals, the BSA will run targeted advertising this fall as a required part of the bankruptcy noticing process.

To be clear, receiving a notice does not mean that you have a claim or that your child was harmed while in Scouting. The BSA is just being as thorough as possible. The BSA encourages all survivors of abuse to file a claim by November 16, 2020. More information about how to file a claim is available at www.BSArestructuring.org.

Although the national organization is navigating through bankruptcy, the Alamo Area Council’s local programming, like Scouting at Home, is continuing – subject to current COVID-19 policies.

Nothing is more important than the safety and protection of children in our programs; It is our top priority. The BSA has developed and implemented some of the strongest expert-informed youth protection policies found in any youth-serving organization. Our volunteers and employees take youth protection seriously and do their part to help keep kids safe. To learn more about how the BSA keeps kids in Scouting safe today, I encourage you to visit www.scouting.org/youth-safety.

At the Alamo Area Council, we remain as committed as ever to delivering Scouting’s unparalleled experiences to young people throughout our communities. Please feel free to reach out to our safety committee by email at safety@alamoareabsa.org or reach us by phone at 210-341-8611 or online chat at www.AlamoAreaBSA.org.

Thank You.

Scouting Adventures