Alamo Area Council

 
Boy Scouts of America

Unified Focus On Youth

scouting

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! 

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.

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!

Baseball Scout Night at Nelson Wolff Stadium

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Come join us, Saturday, August 1st, as we cheer on The Flying Chanclas de San Antonio Baseball team at Nelson Wolff Stadium for some fun summer tradition. Tickets include access to all you can eat HEB tailgate (one-hour before game), seating for an exciting Texas Collegiate League game, a newly designed Commemorative Scout Night Patch, and parking pass. 

The San Antonio Missions will be hosting the Texas Collegiate League (TCL) team, The Flying Chanclas de San Antonio, that consist of the college athletes that live in and around San Antonio. This is a wooden bat league and most of these players are right here from our hometown!

The league comprises 10 total teams made up of active college players (rising sophomores to seniors) from different colleges and universities across the nation. Four teams already affiliated with the TCL include the Acadiana Cane Cutters (Lafayette, LA), Brazos Valley Bombers (Bryan-College Station, TX), Texarkana (TX) Twins and Victoria (TX) Generals. Joining the league in 2020 are five MiLB organizations, including Double- A Amarillo (two teams), Frisco and Tulsa, and Triple-A Round Rock and San Antonio, which will play as the Flying Chanclas.

By purchasing a ticket to this game the purchaser agrees to follow the safety and health guidelines set forth by stadium staff. Wolff Stadium can operate at 50% capacity, this number could increase contingent upon State Reopening Guidelines.

In order to keep our fans, employees, players, and coaches safe we ask that you follow social distancing practices throughout your visit to Nelson Wolff Stadium. Seating will be general admission style. At the conclusion of the pre-game activities we ask that as you find seats in the upper bleacher area you leave 2 seats in between your party and another. We also ask that unless part of your party you do not sit directly behind or in front of other parties. We will have ushers available to assist in seating as needed by fans. We want to provide an exceptional experience for you and your families and are excited to continue our partnership with the Alamo Area Boy Scouts!

REGISTER TODAY!

Alamo Area Council Response to Coronavirus COVID-19

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Alamo Area Council UPDATED Response to Coronavirus COVID-19 as of
Thursday, July 9, 2020

Council Covid-19 Response Guidelines as of 6-23-2020Download

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 Centers are open normal business hours – Monday through Thursday 8:30 am – 6 pm, Friday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, and the first Saturday of every month 10 am – 1 pm.

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/

The Musselman Scout Shop is open 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday through Friday and 9 am – 3 pm on Saturdays (closed on Mondays).

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

BSA MEMBERSHIP FEE INCREASE DETAILS AND FAQ – UPDATED 6/1/2020

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Information updated on 6/1/2020.

Over the last few months, we have seen the Scouting community come together, even while physically apart, to bring solutions, relief and comfort to those in need. From making masks to supporting food banks, Scouting has been a vital partner for communities across the country.

The value of Scouting is undeniable for those within the program and the greater public, and we are committed to continuing to offer this unmatched opportunity to young people and families nationwide.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has worked to keep the membership fee as low as possible. Unfortunately, operating costs have continued to rise and COVID-19 has compounded the need to increase the fee to maintain the program.

To ensure we have the resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting, the updated national membership fee is

  • $66 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts participants
  • $42 for Exploring participants
  • $30 for council-paid memberships
  • $42 for all adult volunteers (includes the cost of background check)
  • $75 for a unit charter fee

The membership fees will take effect August 1, 2020, for new members in the 2020-2021 program year. For renewing members, the new fee will take effect on October 1, 2020. The updated unit charter fee will take effect August 1, 2020, for all new and rechartering units.

Starting August 1, 2020, there will also be a one-time $25 joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts; however, there is no joining fee for Exploring participants, participants previously registered in any BSA program, those transferring from one program to another, council-paid memberships, or adult volunteers.

See an infographic explaining these updates.

The national membership fee helps pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources.

National BSA will also continue to develop and improve resources that support our volunteers and youth members through online registration, Scoutbook, and national initiatives that bring us all together like the National Camp-In and the Scout Salute partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Across the country and in each of our communities, we know that Scouting remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in young men and women today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow.

Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and Scouting families make this possible. Thank you for continuing to support one of the most valuable opportunities available to young people today.

FAQ

Q:        Why are the fees increasing? 

A:         The national annual membership fee is increasing by $6, about 50 cents per month, because the costs associated with Scouting, including the cost of liability insurance, continue to increase and the organization is not able to subsidize the increased costs as it had in the past.

Q:        When will this increase take effect?

A:         The updated membership fees will take effect August 1, 2020, for new members in the 2020-2021 program year. For renewing members, the new fees will take effect on October 1, 2020.

Q:        Is Scouting still a good value?

A:         Absolutely! While most extracurricular activities are seasonal, Scouting is a year-round program that remains one of the most valuable investments we can make to support young men and women today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow. For most of our participants, the new national membership fee amounts to $5.50 a month, which is an enormous value when you consider that many seasonal extracurricular activities often start at $100 for programs that last a few weeks.

Q:        Does the fee increase apply to council-paid memberships?

A:        Council-paid memberships will be $30 annually for youth members in fully funded council-paid units for low-income communities.

Q:        What will the money be used for? 

A:         The annual national membership fee and new-member joining fee help pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources.

Q:        Is this increase being implemented to cover the cost of the additional background checks? 

A:         While the cost of background checks is paid for by the national organization, that is not the driver of this increase.

Q:        Will membership fees go toward funding a victims compensation trust?

A:         No. The national annual membership fee and the new-member joining fee will help pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources.

Q:        What measures has the national organization taken to offset its financial challenges?

A:         In addition to ongoing efforts to streamline and simplify the organization, the national organization has taken a number of steps to address its financial challenges, which include recent furloughs and three rounds of reductions over the past year. These were in addition to ongoing consolidation of departments and elimination of some significant vendors for the most effective utilization of resources in support of Scouting.

Q:        In addition to the national membership fee, my council is implementing a council fee. Is that allowed?

A:         Starting August 1, 2020, councils can also choose to charge a fee up to, but no more than, the national membership fee – up to $66 for participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts; up to $42 for participants in Exploring and up to $42 for adult members. The council fee can include local insurance costs (i.e., accident, property, etc.), as well as the cost to administer unique local programming. Units can continue to assess activity fees.

Q:        Will the national membership fee continue to increase?

A:         Although no decision about future increases has been made, the cost of operating our organization and services increases every year. Should it be necessary to increase fees in the future, the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America has agreed to evaluate the needs and make such decisions, whenever possible, at the National Annual Meeting so that decisions can be announced with as much lead time as possible to allow councils and units to plan accordingly. 

Scouting Adventures