Alamo Area BSA

 
Boy Scouts of America

Live Scouting

Angel Zuniga Martinez

Bear Creek Scouts BSA – Summer Camp 2021

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Did you miss summer camp this year?  Really looking forward to getting back out there in 2021?

Register now to attend Bear Creek Scouts BSA Summer Camp 2021.

Since 1957, Bear Creek Scout Reservation has been a summer home to thousands of Scouts. Providing unforgettable camping memories, Bear Creek has afforded many boys their first opportunity to experience self-reliance in a beautiful natural setting in the Texas Hill Country.

The Ranger Program is designed for first-year campers, teaching basic skills, while allowing the camper to get off and running on the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks.

Merit Badges cover aquatics, ecology, field sports, handicrafts, and Scout skills. Some preparation is recommended and best done before camp to ensure the ability to complete certain merit badges.

Older Scout Program: Bear Creek is famous for offering challenging programs for older Scouts. The C.O.P.E. (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) course is a well-rounded, fun program with low and high element activities (confidence building and group dynamic team challenges). Also available are mountain biking, rappelling, rock climbing, black powder rifle and canoeing on the Guadalupe River. An additional fee will be charged for some of these programs.

Scouting Celebrates GivingTuesday 2020 thru Good Turns

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Scout Mom and Leader shares why she supports #GivingTuesday

A Good Turn is a volunteered kind act of good deed. Scout youth have always been encouraged to watch for things that need to be done, and then do them without being asked.

“Good turns are doing daily acts of kindness, big or small, to individuals or the community and this is a core part of Scouting’s value system…the Alamo Area Council is proud to celebrate GivingTuesday and encourage others to do the same,” said Michael de los Santos, Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. GivingTuesday will kick off the generosity season this year by inspiring people to give back on December 1, 2020, and throughout the year.

“Over the years, we’ve had so many opportunities to experience adventures, to learn new things, and we’ve made friends that will last a lifetime…so, for GivingTuesday, my family is supporting the Alamo Area Council in Scouting in San Antonio Texas…and I’m asking my family and friends to do the same,” said Penny Ludy, Scout mom and leader in Scouts BSA Troop 226 and Cub Scout Pack 226, sponsored by Community Bible Church.

People demonstrate generosity in many ways on GivingTuesday. Whether it’s helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving to causes we care about, every act of generosity counts. GivingTuesday has raised billions of dollars for critical causes around the world and gets 14.2 billion impressions on social media from people and organizations speaking up for the causes that matter to them and encouraging others to get involved, like Scouts.

In 2019, over 66,000 service hours were logged by over 360 Eagle Scouts working on their Eagle service project that had an economic impact valued at over $1.4 million for local churches, parks, community centers, and other nonprofits.

“GivingTuesday inspires people all around the world to embrace their power to drive progress around the causes they care about, not just on one day but throughout the year.” said Asha Curran, GivingTuesday’s CEO, and co-founder. “With country and community leaders, millions of organizations, and countless givers of all kinds, GivingTuesday is creating a shared space where we can see the radical implications of a more generous world.”

If you’d like to support local Scouting, visit www.AlamoAreaBSA.org/WaysToGive.

About GivingTuesday

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eight years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.  For more details about the GivingTuesday movement, visit the GivingTuesday website GivingTuesday.org.

Veterans Day and a Tribute to an Eagle Scout

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Veterans Day Meaning

Veterans Day is a holiday where we honor and pay our respects to all those who have served in our armed forces. We recognize the importance of military service, and honor the sacrifices made by past and active duty, Guard, Reserve troops, and family members.

So when you come upon a veteran today, what should you say?

Here’s a good template to use when talking with all veterans of all branches: “Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all. In short, thank you for your service! Happy Veterans Day!”

What’s the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? Hope this helps:

  • Memorial Day is, as the name implies, a time to pay respect and honor those who have died either while serving their country, as a result of military service, or after they have finished serving as a retired or separated veteran.
  • Veterans Day honors those who have served in the past, present, and even pays tribute to those who will serve in the future.

Scouting and the Military

Scouting and the military have always shared a connection. According to one source, upwards of 25% of all Eagle Scouts enter the military. Which makes sense because Eagle Scouts get an automatic rank bump. In the Army, Air Force, and Marines, they are automatically promoted to E-2; in the Navy, it’s E-3. According to a Bryan on Scouting new article in 2017, approximately 20% of cadets at the nation’s military academies were Scouts, with 10–15% of those being Eagle Scouts.

A Story About a Veteran. An Eagle Scout.

Recently, I had the privilege of learning about a veteran and Eagle Scout who spent time as a Scout and volunteer within our Council. I’d like to share part of his story as shared with me by his son, Michael Flowers:

Daniel Flowers Sr was born in Corpus Christi, TX., in January of 1930. He graduated from Corpus Christi High School. Even at a young age, he was “a born leader and mentor” to his peers. That’s when he became involved with the Boy Scouts of America and in time, earned the highest ranking of Eagle Scout. He was the first in his family to also pursue higher education and knew the importance and significance of this and to always pay it forward. To do his Good Turn and always give back to the community and never forget where one comes from. To always show empathy, compassion, accountability, and respect…To motivate, inspire, and guide others. It is at this time that Daniel’s college organization (The Civic Group with Del Mar College) sponsored his own Troop when he was a young man.

Daniel served in the United States Air Force with the ranking of Staff Sergeant and successfully served in the specialty of Cryptology. After the military, he pursued his college education and graduated with his B.S. degree in Secondary Education and his M.S. degree from Texas A&I Kingsville. He served in many organizations during his college years, including the Pre-Med Organization.

It is during this time that Daniel, met the love of his life, Leonila (Lena), and it was a beautiful, fairytale romantic courting that took place until they finally married on January 6, 1957. From this passionate and constant love for each other, came four beautiful children that would finally complete their family.

From the humble beginning of a teacher at Burbank High School, he felt a higher purpose to help those in need. It is then that he started a stellar career in counseling. In his career, he has genuinely and passionately helped thousands of people with intellectual and physical disabilities as a Rehabilitation Vocational Counselor with the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. With a stellar 27-year career, Daniel was even selected as the best Rehabilitation Vocational Counselor and received recognition from “the then-governor” of Texas.

Daniel’s accolades were not only with the military but also from The State of Texas, receiving the prestigious Kenneth Mills Memorial Award in 1969, The Texas Rehabilitation Commission Recognition Award, The Knights of Columbus for Outstanding Service to the Community, Outstanding President of the PTA for John Jay High School, Outstanding Service as President of the West Wood Terrace Little League and the Lifetime Honorary Membership Award from the Vocational-Industrial Club of Texas. He also received a prestigious award “for starting the very first vocational rehabilitation program” at the San Antonio State Hospital.

There was a young man, whom Daniel mentored, as a scoutmaster; and, it was in the last few years that this man sought him out to thank him for being a father figure to him. Because of Daniel’s commitment, unselfishness, empathy, and compassion, this fellow Eagle Scout said that he was the father he never had. Daniel saved his life as a child (as he described) and gave him encouragement, support, love, those life lesson tools that the person never received from his own father. This person was positively affected and passed these values down to his own son, who is now an Eagle Scout. 

Daniel has always stood for integrity, honesty, accountability, respect, family, honor, faith in God, community, and a love for his country. This was Daniel Flowers, Sr. – A veteran. An Eagle Scout.

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
Monday, December 14, 2020

December 14, 2020 – The Medical Advisory Committee of the Alamo Area Council has determined, in concert with local guidelines, that beginning Wednesday, December 16th, all indoor meetings are prohibited and outdoor meetings and campouts should be limited to sizes of 10 or less. We encourage our units that choose to continue to camp to do so at the Patrol or Den level and to continue to social distance and wear masks while adhering to the following guidelines:
– 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, create a safe location that is away from everyone that scouts can use to remove their mask and catch a breath, if needed.
– 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

Scouting Adventures