Alamo Area Council

 
Boy Scouts of America

Unified Focus On Youth

Linda Dieguez

Specific Donations or Collections for NYLT and Cub Scout Day Camp – Please Read

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National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) Donations:

Every year we evaluate the quality of the program materials and equipment that we have on hand and identify some that need replacing.  This year for NYLT we are focusing on replacing broken, missing or worn out items in the chuck boxes that the patrols use to prepare their meals. To replace these items we are asking for NEW items and for them to be of a size that will fit in a large plastic tub or able to be used on a regular Coleman dual burner camp stove.

  1. 8 BBQ Forks
  2. 8 Can Openers
  3. 8 Cutting boards
  4. 8 frying pans (no teflon or coating on them)
  5. 8 Griddles
  6. 8 Ladles
  7. 16 Large serving spoons
  8. 8 sets of measuring cups
  9. 16 pot holders
  10. 8 slotted spoons
  11. 16 spatulas
  12. 8 sets of tongs
  13. 24 wash bins
  14. 8 Coleman Stoves

If you are interested in donating any of these items, please SIGN UP HERE so we know you will bring them.

Due to the amazing generosity of volunteers who made direct donations we are no longer in need of equipment for NYLT, Please see below for what to collect for Day Camp…

 

Day Camp Collections:

Please collect these items for Day Camp 2020.  We will be collecting them up until June 1st.  Please bring you collected items to the Outdoor Adventure Office at the Alamo Area Council by June 1st.

Pringle Lids (need 500)

Pickle/Spaghetti Jar lids (need 250)

Empty Paper Towel Rolls (need 250)

Magazines (as many as possible)

Newspapers (as many as possible)

Straws

Skewers (wooden – for grilling)

Baking soda (need 10lbs, can be smaller boxes)

Glue Bottles (need 25)

Markers (need 20 boxes)

Glue Sticks (need 50 sticks)

Paint (acrylic, any color)

 

Camperships are NOW available for Youth wanting to register for National Jamboree 2021

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Now is the time to register.  The Campership application process is available through the application process online at https://jamboree.Scouting.org/ The deadline to apply for a Campership is April 30, 2020.

Registration is now open for the adventure of a life time.

About National Jamboree:  Every four years, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America organizes the ultimate Scout experience, the National Jamboree! It is a National encampment that brings together Scouts and adult leaders from throughout the country, along with visiting Scouts from other parts of the world. It is the ultimate in Scouting experiences where you will be able to take part in mountain climbing, kayaking, rafting, shooting, SCUBA and many, many more activities, while meeting Scouts from around the world.

Youth Requirements: In order to attend the National Jamboree, youth must meet the follow criteria;

Scouts BSA Scouts

  • Must be at least a First Class Scout and at least 12 years of age by July 21, 2021, but have not turned 18 by July 30, 2021
  • Participate in pre-Jamboree training experiences in our council, file a BSA Health and Medical Record by deadline, and submit all fees by the council payment schedule

Venturers and Sea Scouts

  • Must be registered with a Venturing Crew or Sea Scouts Ship and be at least 14 by July 21, 2021 or 13 and have completed 8th grade but have not turned 21 by July 30, 2021
  • Participate in pre-Jamboree training experiences in our council, file a BSA Health and Medical Record by deadline, and submit all fees by the council payment schedule

Cost:  $2,600 per person; will include Jamboree fee, transportation, meals, hotel stay, shirts, patches, patrol and troop equipment, training camp before the jamboree, insurance, contingent mementos and a activities at the US White Water Rafting Center in Charlotte NC.  Your expenses will be personal equipment, uniforms and spending money.

A $200 deposit required to reserve a spot in the contingent and a full payment schedule is available on the Council Registration Page.  All fees must be paid by February 1, 2021.

Fundraising opportunities will be available.  We will participate in the 2020 Camp Card and Popcorn sales along with the 2021 Camp Card sales. Find more information at the Alamo Area Council Contingent Page

Registration:  Registration for the National Jamboree is a 2 Step Process that must be completed in this order.

Step 1 – The first step in the process is to register with the Alamo Area Council Contingent and pay your deposit.

Step 2 – The second step is to register your Scout on the National Jamboree Website.  In order to register with the national, your Scout will need THEIR OWN my.Scouting account.

Question and more information: For questions and more information about this exciting adventure,  reach out to the Jamboree team by email at jamboree@alamoareabsa.org.

 

Last Chance to Register for NRA Training this Spring coordinated by the AAC Shooting Sports Committee

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The Alamo Area Council Shooting Sports Committee has coordinated to offer NRA Training for multiple shooting sports, but these empty spots won’t last long. Registration closes January 20, 2020, so don’t delay!

This opportunity allows Troops, Crews and Ships to run a shooting program at the unit level or join our Shooting Sports Advocates and help run council level events!

Any Cub Scout leaders/parents that are interested are welcome to participate, as well.  If your Scout loves this part of the program, get involved now and help us provide more opportunities and better opportunities for them to do what they love.  Get trained now and help us grow!

BSA Shooting Instructor Schedule Spring 2020

To become an instructor, individuals must take the basic course in each discipline, BIT and the Instructor course. To take the Pistol course, you must take at least one of the other disciplines.
You must sign up by 1/20/20 so there is time to get materials for BIT. Classes may be paid on an as you go basis but payment must be received by two due date. Students are responsible for range fees, ammunition, and firearm rental if needed. Sign-up URLs included.

You must be able to pass the written exam and shooting proficiency test to become an instructor.
Basic Shotgun 8 Feb $50 due by 1/20/20
https://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseDetails.aspxCourseid=560169&seats=10&State=n&zip=78230&radius=50.1&id=56%2c21%2c1%2c22%2c3%2c24&b sa=Y&youth=&women= BIT: 17-18

Feb $30 due by 1/20/20
Must be signed up for other instructor courses to take this class. There is no way to just sign up for this Course Payment can be made by mailing a check for $30 to Craig D. Porter PO Box 782329 San Antonio TX, 78278. The fee by credit card is $40.
paypal.me/sal3coach/40

Shotgun Instructor 22-23 Feb. $50 due by 1/20/20
https://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseDetails.aspxCourseid=560172&seats=10&State=n&zip=78230&radius=50.1&id=56%2c21%2c1%2c22%2c3%2c24&b sa=Y&youth=&women=

Basic Rifle 14 March all day $50 due by 3/1/20
https://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseDetails.aspx?Courseid=560174&seats=10&State=n&zip=78230&radius=50.1&id=56%2c21%2c1%2c22%2c3%2c24&b sa=Y&youth=&women=

Rifle Instructor 28-29 March all day both days $50 due by 3/1/20
https://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseDetails.aspx?Courseid=560176&seats=10&State=n&zip=78230&radius=50.1&id=56%2c21%2c1%2c22%2c3%2c24&bsa=Y&youth=&women=

Payment can be made by mailing a check for $50 to Craig D. Porter PO Box 782329 San Antonio Tx, 78278. The fee by credit card is $60
paypal.me/sal3coach/60
BSA Shooting Instructor Schedule Spring 2020
YOU MUST BE SIGNED UP FOR AT LEAST ONE OTHER DISCIPLE TO TAKE THIS COURSE:

Basic Pistol 11 April $50 due by 3/21/20
https://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseDetails.aspx?Courseid=560177&seats=10&State=n&zip=78230&radius=50.1&id=56%2c21%2c1%2c22%2c3%2c24&b sa=Y&youth=&women=

Pistol Instructor 25-26 April all day both days $50 due by 3/21/20 https://www.nrainstructors.org/CourseDetails.aspx?Courseid=560178&seats= 10&State=n&zip=78230&radius=50.1&id=56%2c21%2c1%2c22%2c3%2c24&b sa=Y&youth=&women=

Payment can be made by mailing a check for $50 to Craig D. Porter PO Box 782329 San Antonio Tx, 78278. The fee by credit card is $60
paypal.me/sal3coach/60

Cub Scout Day Camp Staff/Counselors and Counselors in Training Needed – Apply Now

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Each year as we recruit more Cub Scouts into our units we give what is called a “cub talk”, which is designed around sharing with the youth all the fun and exciting things they can do if they join us.  We promise them that they are going to get to shoot BB Guns, Archery, and Slingshots.  That they will fish, learn new games, and be able to focus on STEM activities that are hands on.  All year long they work to complete rank requirements and learn new things, but it is at CAMP that they truly get to experience everything we promised them in that Cub Talk.

We are looking for the right people to join our Day Camp team and help us to KEEP THE PROMISE.

Our Camps are led by two Directors that are National Camp School Trained.  We are looking to fill both of those positions, the Camp Director and Program Director.  Both positions require someone who is 21 years of age or older.

The Camp Director is ultimately responsible for the administrative side of the camp including managing health and safety, recruiting staff, staff training, and supervising the personnel and operating details of the day camp.

The Program Director is responsible for the fun the kids have at camp. The amazing program design, the training and quality of the staff, and the added special things that the kids will always remember when they think of camp (songs, dances, costumes, all that jazz!)

Both positions work in sync with the Camp Quartermaster and the Council Staff Adviser to lead the staff and provide an exceptional experience for youth in our movement.

To Apply to be the Camp or Program Director, CLICK HERE

Our most important team members are our Camp Counselors.  They are the heart and soul of what happens at camp. They are the number one reason why a camper falls in love with camp.  You can be a Counselor and be given the opportunity to impact somebody’s forever! This year, you will be mentoring and working with groups of 8-10 Cub Scouts all week, and will get to know them, help them grow, and keep them safe at camp with us.  Camp Counselors will be traveling each week with us on our field trips (San Antonio Zoo, the Witte Museum, The Planetarium, and Sea World).  We are looking for high energy team members that are willing to sing, dance, and do everything they can to bring our theme alive.

We offer a Counselor in Training (CIT) program, as well.  A CIT works closely with the staff members and Camp Counselors to ensure a quality and safe program while learning what it means to be a Camp Counselor.  This is a great way to get that on the job training for when you reach the age to be on Camp Staff, while introducing you to the different roles and areas so you can decide where your heart leads you in your Camp Career. CITs are not paid staff, but receive credit for their volunteer hours.

To Apply to be a Camp Counselor or a Counselor in Training (CIT) click on the respective link.

Area Directors and Program Staff are another part of our Camp Staff.  We are always looking for qualified team members to help us run our Shooting Sports Activities, Aquatics, Games, Crafts, and other areas.  Some of these areas have age requirements but all who apply should be 16 years or older. To apply to be on Aquatics, Shooting Sports, or General Camp Staff CLICK HERE

PARENTS who are interested in attending camp the week their Scout is attending camp, and would like to VOLUNTEER at camp the same week may receive one free Scout admission to that camp.  In order to be considered for this, you must apply to be on camp staff and go through the interview process.

ALL CAMP STAFF AND CITS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A TRAINING SESSION JUNE 10TH AND 11TH AT THE PARK. Any camp staff that is interested in being a part of the planning of the camps may join our Cub Scout Day Camp Planning Meetings held at 6:30 pm in the Council Conference Room on the following dates:

February 20, March 19, April 16, and May 28

 

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me directly at Linda.Dieguez@Scouting.org or you may text me at 210-740-9370

 

Why Wood Badge?

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Whether you are a seasoned Scouting veteran, or new to the program, Wood Badge will teach you skills that will benefit every aspect of your life.

What is Wood Badge?

Wood Badge is a 5-day leadership course held by Councils across the country and led by some of the most knowledgeable leaders in the area.  The course is broken into two weekends where you will be teamed with other Scouters of varying experience and unit types in a blended learning environment.  It won’t teach your role in Scouting, but it will teach you how to do that role better.  That and it is just plain fun!

If you have 3 minutes, this video does a great job of explaining Wood Badge.  http://www.WoodBadgeVideo.com

What will I learn?

As part of my job, I spend a lot time in training every year, both training being trained.  I have attended two-day Dale Carnegie courses held in stuffy hotel ballrooms on leadership costing upwards of $2000, and have to say that among all the courses that I’ve ever taken, Wood Badge was one of the most instructive and empowering

As an executive manager, I have built teams around the globe and I can promise you that Wood Badge is intensely thought-provoking!  It exposes and explains by demonstration elements of social and behavioral science that we’re all sort of familiar with but choose to ignore when we need them.  It’s so compelling that grown adults are routinely reduced to laughter, tears, and sometimes even anger.  I have taken training that covered these topics before and never thought the level of intensity was possible until I was a participant and then on staff.  Some of the overarching themes that are explored are Servant Leadership, Vision/Mission/Values, Communicating Effectively, and Including and Optimizing Diverse Talent.

The course was most recently re-written by Ken Blanchard, one of the 25 best-selling authors of all time, and is continuously updated with the modern pedagogy of leadership science. This is not just another Scout training. I can’t say enough positive things about this experience, and I can’t underemphasize the course’s broad applicability to all adults, regardless of your role, if any, in Scouting.

In my case, it helped that I had some outstanding Scouters in my course with me. We had two Den Leaders from our Pack sign up and it was wonderful to bring back what we learned and tag team improvement in the Dens and the overall Pack.   We rolled out some fun and exciting meeting plans and our Pack has grown 100% in the last 2 years.   I credit that to Wood Badge.

I have used the lessons learned in Wood Badge to help in my career.  As a Quality director, managing conflict and communicating effectively have help me improve the bottom line by building teams to remove the cause of defects in the manufacturing process.

Who should attend?

In short, everyone!  Wood Badge is intended for all leaders in Scouting: Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Sea Scouts, Venturing and council and district leaders. The focus is on leadership, not any one aspect of the Scouting program.  Like I said at the top of this article, it won’t teach you how to do your role in Scouting, but it will make you better at that role.  The object is to demonstrate the aims and methods of Scouting through the presentation of leadership skills, organizational tools, and a variety of activities based on the best of Scouting traditions and the latest in team development theory. In addition, participants will enjoy the fellowship of sharing the experience with volunteer and professional Scouters while having a great deal of just plain fun.

By signing up for Wood Badge, you will have a tremendous opportunity to:

  • Understand Scouting as a family of interrelated, values-based programs providing age-appropriate activities for youth.
  • Recognize contemporary leadership concepts used in America and discover how those concepts are relevant to our values-based movement.
  • Apply the skills you learn from your participation as a member of a successful working team.
  • Revitalize your commitment to Scouting by sharing in an experience that helps to provide Scouting with renewed leadership to accomplish its mission.

Wood Badge revitalized my commitment to Scouting and was one of the best decisions I have made in the last decade.  It has served as a source of training and inspiration to thousands. In return, Wood Badge participants have positively affected the lives of millions of America’s youth.

When is Wood Badge?

The course will be conducted at Bear Creek in Hunt TX, the jewel of the Councils camps in two weekend sessions: Friday March 20 through Sunday March 22nd and Saturday April 18th through Sunday 19th.

You must attend and participate all five days, and after the course you will do some projects to help your unit and Scouting in general. You design the projects and complete them within the 18 months after the course.

 

If there’s any way you could possibly fit this experience into your schedule, you’ll be exceptionally pleased that you did!

 

If you have any other questions or would like to talk about how it can help you, send me an email at colbyclay@yahoo.com.  If you are ready to sign up, follow this link and do so before the course fills: https://www.alamoareabsa.org/leadership-training/wood-badge-training/

New Year’s Resolution: Go to Powder Horn 2020!

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Here’s a simple, fun way to better yourself & your unit in 2020 – Register and go to POWDER HORN!

Powder Horn is an action-packed, hands-on, six-day course which helps Scouters learn how to implement High Adventure activities into their Troop, Crew or Ship.

Do you have young adults in Venturing who are looking to canoe or kayak?  What about Scouts BSA who are ready to maximize shooting skills of all kinds?  Or Sea Scouts that want to go geocaching? Do you want to know what’s involved with putting together a safe, fun backpacking or canoeing experience, or developing confidence and team building with low and high COPE activities? Would you and your Scouts enjoy challenging activities that test skill or build experience like pioneering, climbing & rappelling, and land navigation? How about learning about a wide variety of other high adventure skills like wilderness survival, wilderness remote first aid, water treatment, outdoor cooking, and astronomy? Would you like to expose your Troop, Crew or Ship to Forest Ecology, Ziplining, and an Intro to National High Adventure Programs, and more?

This awesome Course spans two, three-day weekends:

Weekend #1 is March 27-29, 2020 (@ Bear Creek Scout Reservation)

Weekend #2 is April 17-19, 2020 (@ Bear Creek Scout Reservation)

Powder Horn is ONLY offered once-every-other-year, so do not miss this chance to attend!  Set your sights on a Course that maximizes Scouting skills, while bringing adrenaline, new activity ideas and leadership to your Unit.  Powder Horn is designed to introduce and expose all adult leaders to the activities, training and resources necessary to run a successful outdoor or high adventure unit-level program.  It is intended to help leaders get ‘out of the box’ in finding and using resources, and in the way they lead their unit-level outdoor and high adventure programs.

Register NOW at: http://legacy.alamoareabsa.org/Event.aspx?id=9830 and improve yourself and your unit in 2020!

Adult leaders from all Scouting programs are eligible to attend; there are no restrictions on attending the Course a second time. The Course has a limited capacity and fills up early, so don’t wait to register!  The cost is $270 per person.  Powder Horn won’t be offered again until 2022; do not miss this chance to attend!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of us.

Happy New Year,

Hugo Chavez                                      Ryan Harris

Course Director                                 ACD-Program

(210) 862-7544                                  (210) 284-5053

hvcjr@satx.rr.com                           ryan79260@icloud.com

Scouting Adventures