Alamo Area Council

 
Boy Scouts of America

Unified Focus On Youth

Angel Zuniga Martinez

Virtual Scouting Expo 2020 Event Successful

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Thank you for all who attended the 2020 Virtual Scouting Expo hosted by the Alamo Area Council and sponsored by H-E-B. Although some participants vocalized some uneasiness with the new virtual format, all those surveyed expressed they found the event successful and were happy it happened despite COVID-19 challenges.

Congratulations also to our H-E-B gift card password scavenger hunt winners: Maribel Vogell, Brittany Bernhardt, Brain McGinnis, Ken Kilcoin, Paul Pearson, Jon Cantu, John McAllister, Francesca Barajas, Blake Desbien, Becky Bounds and to Alexis Edgington for winning the Sea World 4-pack. 

The Alamo Area Council is one of few Councils across the country who are working hard alongside volunteers to provide virtual and hybrid programming to our Scouts and Scouts beyond our territory. For us to be able to continue to provide services like the Virtual Scouting Expo, Virtual Cub Scout experiences, and online merit badge classes, we need the support of our community.  We know families in these trying times need extra ways to keep their kids, motivated, uplifted, and engaged. If you value what the Alamo Area Council is doing, please consider a family donation to the Give the Adventure campaign. 100% of your donation helps us continue to provide services to all Scouts. 

Donate Now

To find new Scouting-at-Home resources, classes, and experiences, continue to check our website:  www.AlamoAreaBSA.org/ScoutingAtHome.  We add new opportunities daily! 

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.

National Scouting Jamboree 2021 Postponed

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Dear Scouting family,

During its history, the Boy Scouts of America has had to adapt its programs to respond to events that have affected our country, our communities, and our Scouting participants. Scouting has endured World Wars, economic downturns, and a previous health epidemic– remaining an organization where fun and adventure are used to deliver the character, citizenship, fitness, and leadership skills for which it’s known.

In the face of current challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 National Jamboree. The unpredictability of the pandemic and the impact it’s had on councils this year are the two main reasons for this difficult decision.

The Boy Scouts of America is committed to the safety of all youth in our programs. Planning, preparations, and decisions regarding National Jamborees take place months, and even years, in advance. The unresolved issues surrounding the pandemic make it exceedingly difficult to plan and prepare for a premiere event of this size in a way that continues to keep the safety of Scouts, volunteers, staff and communities at the forefront. 

We also recognize that the pandemic has dramatically impacted local councils, which are vital to the delivery of local Scouting and the success of any National Jamboree. 

Circumstances surrounding COVID-19 prompted the closure of 70% of council summer camp programs this year, caused office closures, reduced key funding sources, and forced many councils to temporarily or permanently reduce their staff size. We believe postponing the 2021 National Jamboree will help bolster much-needed attendance at council camps next summer – by which time we hope the spread of COVID-19 has significantly subsided – and will give councils the opportunity to focus their limited resources on maximizing incredible local Scouting opportunities for families in their communities. 

This decision was not made lightly, and we recognize that it may mean some Scouts will not have a Jamboree experience they had looked forward to. We believe, however, that it is the best path forward, and we are committed to hosting this incredible event at a future date. 

Leaders were confronted with a similar decision when planning for the 1935 National Jamboree as our country faced a polio epidemic. Our leadership rallied then, as they have now, and postponed the 1935 Jamboree until 1937. That Jamboree started a legacy of high quality and impactful events that lives on today and will continue in the future. 

As this decision is recent, there are many details surrounding the National Jamboree that we are working diligently to resolve. The attached FAQ was developed to help answer preliminary questions, and we will keep you posted on our progress through direct communications and at  https://jamboree.Scouting.org. Questions can be directed to the National Jamboree team at 2021Jamboree@Scouting.org. Scouting changes lives. It has, it does, and it will continue to do so because of the dedication of our Scouting family. 

Thank you for your support and for all you do!

Al Lambert, Assistant Chief Scout Executive

National Director of Outdoor Adventures, Boy Scouts of America

 National Jamboree Postponement FAQ 

General 

Q. Why has the 2021 National Jamboree been postponed? 

A. The safety of Scouts, volunteers, staff members and communities is at the forefront of every decision the BSA makes. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have wide-ranging implications for events across the country, and the Jamboree is no exception. Planning, preparations, and decisions regarding National Jamborees take place months, and even years, in advance. 

Given the current situation and the uncertain nature of future conditions, we determined we could not prepare in a manner that would provide the safest possible environment for all those involved. We look forward to holding this incredible event at a future date. 

Q. When will the next National Jamboree be held? 

A. A Jamboree task force of volunteers and staff, appointed by national Boy Scouts of America leadership, will recommend a new date for this event. We will inform all currently registered participants once that date is selected. 

Refunds and travel plans 

Q. I am a registered youth participant or the parent of a youth participant; how will I receive my refund? 

A. Council contingent members should work directly with their local council regarding refunds. Please contact the Alamo Area Council Outdoor Adventure Director by email at jamboree@AlamoAreaBSA.org or by calling 210-740-9370 or 210-341-8611.

Q. I am a registered Jamboree Service Team member; how will I receive my refund? 

A. The Jamboree Department at the National Service Center will process refunds. 

Q. I am a Jamboree Service Team member and have already booked my flight, what should I do? 

A. Jamboree Service Team members should work directly with their airline to inquire about refunds or flight credits. 

Other High Adventure opportunities 

Q. Will the Summit have other high adventure programs next year? 

A. At this time, the Summit Bechtel Reserve is taking reservations for 2021 Summit Adventure programming with councils and Jamboree contingents. BSA High Adventure Base programs, including those offered at the Summit, can be found at https://www.Scouting.org/outdooradventures/. 

Q. Can my unit still attend the Summit as part of the James C. Justice National Scout Camp in the summer of 2021? 

A. Yes, you can review options for an adventure at the Summit here: https://www.summitbsa.org/programs/Scout-camp/ 

Q. What other adventure opportunities will be available next year? 

A. Council camps offer incredible opportunities for adventure of all kinds and levels. While some may not be open now, be sure to consider your local council camp when planning for next year. 

Other 

Q. I am a participant who applied for a scholarship to attend the Jamboree, will I need to apply again when the Jamboree is rescheduled? 

A. Yes. Unfortunately, you will need to apply again given that the situation, available funds, and allocation process may be different. 

Q. If I have already accepted a staff assignment, what happens to my position? 

A. The BSA will inform key stakeholder groups of plans and decisions regarding positions for a future Jamboree as soon as that information is available. 

Q. Can I still buy 2021 National Jamboree merchandise and apparel? 

A. No. Official BSA 2021 National Jamboree merchandise and apparel are no longer available. 

Q. My council is planning a pre-Jamboree trip for a few days before the Jamboree (Ex: Washington, D.C.), is that still going to happen? Will we still get the local contingent merchandise we ordered? 

A. Council contingent members should work directly with their local council to inquire about pre-Jamboree trips and locally ordered merchandise. 

Q. I am a youth participant but may be over 18 for the new National Jamboree date, can I still go as a participant? 

A. Yes. There will be opportunities to attend a future Jamboree within the participant structure and the Jamboree Service Team structure. 

Q. Where is the best place to go for the latest information? 

A. As new information becomes available, we will include it on the 2021 National Jamboree Website at www.jamboree.Scouting.org. 

Q. What if I have questions that aren’t answered here? 

A. Some details are not available yet. However, we will do our best to answer your question if you send an email to 2021Jamboree@Scouting.org. 

Rev: July 14, 2020 / 10:30 AM EDT 

Family Camp at AAC Properties – July Updates

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Scouting families at Mays Family Scout Ranch learn about S.T.E.M. through volcanos!

Family Camp at AAC Properties – Updates in July for Families!

Did your unit decide not to go to summer camp? Come out to Family Camp with us and invite your friends to reserve the campsite next to you. You can spend time together with friends, at camp, while maintaining an appropriate distance. There’s plenty of space!

There’s nothing quite like camping with your family. At our Family Camps, you can enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer and take advantage of our Newly Added Programs, which ranges from the pool at McGimsey Scout Park, Archery Range, and arts and craft projects, Scout skills, dance parties, outdoor movies, crazy games, and relay races.
If you want to truly sleep under the stars and experience all that nature has to offer, there’s no substitute for camping. Our sites include private picnic tables and fire rings or pits so you can spend your evening cooking over a fire (and making s’ mores of course) after spending your day taking advantage of all of the amazing activities. After all, s’mores taste just a little bit better after a day full of swimming in the pool, shooting at our ranges, fishing, hiking, or laughing around a campfire with those you love most.

Reservations are limited and offered with requirements like signing Assumption of the Risk and Waiver of Liability Relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19. Please read all policies and restrictions before registering. VISIT www.AlamoAreaBSA.org/FamilyCamp today!

FAQ for Summer Merit Badge Extravaganza

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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are out of council Scouts allowed to register for these classes? Yes!

2. When and how will we receive the link to our class? Check your email the morning of the class,
they are sent out at night before each class so they should be in your email the morning of your class. They are not sent out earlier than noon the day prior to the event as registration closes for each class at noon the day before each class.

3. How will I receive my results? All of our results will be entered into the registration system after the class and as you send in your homework/prerequisites. Once completed, you can download them directly from the system.
a. Log into your MyCouncil Account

b. Click on Current events
c. Click on the class you are attending
d. Click on your name
e. On the left, choose the “requirements” option
f. To download click on “you can” and select “download results”
g. *Note, this is a PDF that has all the elements of a blue card, it is not a blue card exactly.

4. When should I receive my results? Please give the counselors at least a week to input results.

5. What is a mycouncil account? A mycouncil account is a free account through our Council Website that allows you to track your order history and see your results. Go to www.AlamoAreaBSA.org and click on “mycouncil” in the upper right corner, then click on Create an Account.

6. I am registering for a class, can I use the Check out as a Guest option? No, please make sure you are logged into your account before you register or make sure you login during the registration process. This is the only way you will be able to see your results online.

7. I followed the instructions but when I click on the event it goes back to the homepage. One of 2 things happened:
a. The results have not been published yet, please wait until the day after your class to check your results. (if they are published and nothing is entered, you will see a completion status of 0%)
b. You might have accidentally checked out as a guest when you registered. Please see Question 7 for how to backwards link to a mycouncil account.

8. I accidently checked out as a Guest, how can I fix this to see the results? The system will identify and backwards link a registration to a mycouncil account through the email address entered for the participant. What this means, if you entered the Scout’s email address under participant, you will need to create a new mycouncil account using the Scout’s email address.

If you have any other questions, please email adventure@alamoareabsa.org

Scouting Adventures