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Scouting for Food Collection May 16, 2021

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Scouting for Food is a region-wide food drive led by local Boy Scouts with the goal of collecting 25,000 pounds of food for those in need, with a focus on teaching youth how to give back to their communities. We are proud to continue this partnership with HEB, USAA and The San Antonio Food Bank. 

Food insecurity is a persistent need for the San Antonio community. As such, collection will be held throughout the year to help meet this need. Please join your fellow Scouters and add these dates to your unit calendars for 2021:

Planned Food Drives for 2021

Front Yard Canned Food Drive
May 1 – May 16

The Front Yard Food Drive began during the pandemic in 2020. Proving to be a easy, successful event, the council adopted the method for 2021. Download the graphic below, print, and attach it to a collection container placed at the end of your driveway. You’ll be surprised how many of your passing neighbors will make an effort to contribute! Scouts should check the bin several times a day, and collect contents so they don’t spend too much time out in the Texas sun. Conduct your food drive the week of May 1, and on May 16, bring the donated items to the Council Service Center to be weighed and added to the annual total.

  • Drop off Date: May 16, 2021
  • Location: Castle Hills Location: 2226 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78213
  • Time: 10AM – 1PM
  • Download the graphic HERE

Scouting for Food
October 1 – October 16, 2021

This Scouting for Food campaign has been the Alamo Area Council’s cornerstone for food collection for decades. Our community partners provide us with pre-printed paper bags for Scouts to leave at residential homes with instructions of how to participate with the food drive. Participants will then return to the visited neighborhoods, collect the bags, and bring them to the Council Service Center to be weighted and added to the annual total.

  • Collection bags available at the Alamo Area Service Center between October 1 and October 9, 2021
  • Location: Castle Hills Location: 2226 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78213
  • Drive Through Drop Off: 10/16/2021: 10AM-1PM

Did you know…

Your unit can conduct food drives whenever it fits in your yearly schedule. If these dates don’t line up with your Scouting schedule, create your own event. Scouts that want to contribute additional food to the Food Bank can drop of at the San Antonio Food Bank at any time – just tell them the donations are from the Boy Scouts and request the poundage to be added to the annual total! Contact ScoutingForFood@AlamoAreaBSA.org for questions.

Scoutbook Update

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Leader Access Change as of 4/12/2021

In an effort to provide an excellent Scouting experience, Scoutbook and the BSA National office have made changes to the accessibility to the application’s functions. This does not affect parent connections to their Scouts – parents will continue to receive unit messages and have non-revocable access to their Scouts as they always have. However, any adults not registered as a member in the BSA will not have access to Scouts, and will be removed from the adult leader roster in Scoutbook. 

As such, adult leaders listed in Scoutbook must be registered adults within the BSA to hold leadership abilities within the application. This helps to reinforce our commitment to the youth in our community that all adults acting in BSA leadership positions are properly trained, hold updated Youth Protection certificates, and have completed background checks . These fundamental requirements are necessary to provide the best for our Scouts. If you have adults in your unit that are not registered, please encourage them to be. We believe every Scout deserves a trained leader. Likewise, only registered adults will have access to unit rosters in Internet Advancement from here forward.

I Have Leaders with a Yellow Triangle – What does that mean?

On the unit roster in Scoutbook, unregistered adult leaders will appear having a yellow triangle with an “!” next to their name. This is often caused by the wrong BSA member ID in their Scoutbook profile. You will find your correct member ID under Manage Member ID or your unit’s Roster tool at http://my.scouting.org. The discussion forum found at http://discussions.scouting.org is helpful for may unit volunteers. If you still have trouble finding your ID, or need assistance, contact the Alamo Area Council Service Center at (210) 341-8611.

*Note: Some Executive Officers (IH) may have a unregistered indicator next to their name because of how they are included in a unit’s registration. Even though they have an indicator, they will not be removed.

…But this leader is registered for 2021

If someone thinks they are registered in the unit and their name on the Scoutbook unit roster has a triangle on it, they probably are not registered correctly, and they should have their unit committee chair check the unit roster in my.scouting.

If there is a discrepancy between the leader’s name or member ID in Scoutbook, and their registration number, a caution icon may appear. The leader should find out their official member ID as it appears on the unit roster in my.scouting.org. Once logged in, click on the menu in the upper left and select manage member ID. From there, add the correct member ID and make it primary.

After exhausting these resources, please email the council’s Registrar, Melissa Moore, at melissa.more@scouting.org for resolution.

Additional Assistance

Do you have a question about this change or need help with Scoutbook, Internet Advancement, myScouting, program information and other Scouting topics? Ask your question on the forums, there are volunteers ready and willing to help you. The forums are here: https://discussions.scouting.org/https://discussions.scouting.org/…/unregistered…/231509

SPURS Tickets Support Alamo Area Scouts

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As a member of the Boy Scout Community, the San Antonio Spurs want to provide you with an exclusive offer on our last remaining home games of the season. We are providing all members with an exclusive rate on tickets.  Thank you and Go Spurs Go!  See link below to access the link.

Spurs Ticket Link: https://fevo.me/38G2rlG

Additionally, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spurs Sports & Entertainment has instituted a number of new policies and preventative measures to ensure that your experience at one of our facilities is safe, enjoyable, and alleviates any concerns you may have.

Learn more about Spurs Sports & Entertainment’s Commitment to you and what it means when you are ready to attend your next live event at the button below.

Our Commitment | ATT Center

2021 Summer Guide is HERE

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Ready for fun this summer? So are we! Check out what’s happening in San Antonio this Summer in our 2021 Summer Activities Catalog and experience the adventure!

CHECK OUT THE SUMMER CATALOG HERE

Additionally, reservations are currently open for the McGimsey Pool, canoeing on the lake, hammock camping at Mays, and campouts at all of our fabulous Scouting properties. Come as a family, or come with your unit, either way bring your camera to capture the memories you’ll make together!

Unit Leader Promotional Materials for Summer Activities 2021

Catalog Poster 8.5×11 with QR Code
Cub Scout YouTube Video for Camp Promotion
Cub Scout / Webelos Social Media Graphic
Generic Social Media Graphic_1
Generic Social Media Graphic_2
Scouts BSA YouTube Video for Camp Promotion
Scouts BSA Social Media Graphic

Scout Youth Honored at Virtual Brunch

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

SCOUT YOUTH HONORED AT VIRTUAL BRUNCH

Alamo Area Council’s Annual Fundraiser Recognize Youth

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (March 16, 2021) Community leaders and Scout supporters will gather virtually on Thursday, March 18, 2021, to hear youth and adult members of the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council share their stories, including a keynote from Eagle Scout Jim Syring, President of Property and Casualty at USAA. Young men and women will be honored for their outstanding achievements, lifesaving efforts and resilient through the hurdles of 2020.

The Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council will host the event on Zoom, YouTube and Facebook streaming services @AlamoAreaBSA. Media is invited to attend the event beginning at 10:15 a.m. and concluding at 10:45 a.m., pre-show begins at 10:00 a.m.

“The goal of the Scouting Movement is to teach our youth to have good judgement and a good head on their shoulders by experiencing positive outdoor adventures. So please ‘Give’ to help fund the tradition of adventure and character development for all boys and girls,” said Michael de los Santos, Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council.

Tyler Syring with Scouts BSA Troop 18 will emcee the brunch; announcing many special honorees. Eagle Scout Harry “Quint” Bowers of Troop 119 will be honored with the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award for his ‘Mighty Mitts’ in support of children diagnosed with cancer.

Lane Mokry of Pack 22, Christopher Bowling of Troop 381, and Therren Beetner of Troop 119 will be honored for their significant acts of service that demonstrate unusual heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save another’s life.

Scouts BSA youth Michelle Bourland of Troop 496, Angel Gonzales of Troop 2222G, Medwyn Guajardo of Troop 361, and Gayle Hende of Troop 346G will be highlighted as the nation’s first female Eagle Scouts – a prestigious achievement attained by some of the country’s most noteworthy figures.

The annual event helps support Scouting programs and camps council wide. The counties served by the Alamo Area BSA include Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Frio, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, La Salle, McMullen, Medina, and Wilson.

To learn more or attend the Virtual Brunch visit www.AlamoAreaBSA.org/VirtualBrunch. To support local Scouting, donate online at www.GiveTheAdventure.org or text GIVEADVENTURE to 41444.

To join Scouting visit www.AlamoAreaBSA.org/Join or contact membership team by phone at 210-341-8611.

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 14,000 youth and 3,500 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 fitness. The 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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Be The Change Inaugural Female Eagles

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It was just February 1st, 2019 when female youth were invited to join Scouts BSA, the new name of the Boy Scout program for youth ages 11-17. Today, we are excited to announce the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts in the Alamo Area BSA! These amazing youth have worked nonstop for the past two years, despite the numerous challenges they were presented. Their perseverance and dedication have led them to achieve the highest award for youth in Scouts BSA – the Eagle Scout award.

Scouts BSA youth Michelle Bourland of Troop 496, Angel Gonzales of Troop 2222G, Medwyn Guajardo of Troop 361, and Gayle Hende of Troop 346G will be one of the featured stories celebrated on March 18, 2021 during the Alamo Area BSA’s Virtual Brunch.

Michelle, Angel, Medwyn, and Gayle are also among hundreds of young women recently featured during a Virtual Be the Change live streaming celebration of service, leadership and the groundbreaking accomplishments of the first female Eagle Scouts in the nation. View the celebration here – http://www.scouting.org/BetheChange. 

Young women have been part of Scouting for decades in co-ed programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), including Sea Scouts, Venturing, Exploring and STEM Scouts. The BSA expanded that legacy further in recent years by welcoming girls into Cub Scouts and then into Scouts BSA in February 2019. Scouts BSA is the program for youth ages 11 to 17, previously known as Boy Scouts. Since then, tens of thousands of young women throughout Texas and across the country have joined the organization’s most iconic program with many, including Michelle, Angel, Medwyn, and Gayle, working their way toward the rank of Eagle Scout.

‘Earning the rank of Eagle Scout takes hard work and perseverance, and we are honored to recognize Michelle, Angel, Medwyn, and Gayle for this significant accomplishment,” said Michael de los Santos, CEO / Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council.

“Along the journey to Eagle Scout, young people gain new skills, learn to overcome obstacles and demonstrate leadership among their peers and in their communities. These benefits are invaluable for everyone and we are thrilled that they are now available to even more youth,” continued Michael. 

“I plan on helping ‘Be The Change’ by becoming an anthropologist…I want to better understand the past so that I can help to build a better future,” said Eagle Scout Angel Gonzales, Scouts BSA Troop 2222G

“I plan on helping ‘Be The Change’ by becoming a veterinarian and helping pets and families in my future,” said Eagle Scout Michelle Bourland, Scouts BSA Troop 496.

“I plan on helping ‘Be The Change’ by becoming a neurosurgeon and helping people heal,” said Eagle Scout Medwyn Guajardo, Scouts BSA Troop 361 and Venture Crews 360 and 357. 

“I plan on helping ‘Be The Change’ by becoming a law enforcement officer and serving justice without being biased on any fronts,” said Eagle Scout Gayle Hende, Scouts BSA Troop 346G.

Eagle Scout is the program’s highest rank, which only about 6% of Scouts achieve on average. To earn it, an individual has to take on leadership roles within their troop and their community; earn a minimum of 21 merit badges that cover a broad range of topics including first aid and safety, civics, business and the environment; and they must research, organize and complete a large community service project. 

Locally, 200 Scouts BSA youth attained the rank of Eagle in 2020 out of 3,139 Scouts BSA youth. The Alamo Area BSA currently serves 192 female Scouts in 17 all-girl Troops. Within all program offerings, over 2902 female Scouts were active in 2020 of the 13,975 youth served in the Alamo Area BSA’s 13 county service area. In fact, over 1.3 Million youth have been served by the Alamo Area Council since our chartered date of May 16, 1912.       

In addition to gaining skills that last a lifetime, individuals who earn the esteemed Eagle Scout rank can reference it for academic, vocational, and military recognition, including scholarships and advanced enlistment grade.

Scouting makes the most of the little time parents have in positively impacting their children. To find out more about Scouting, visit www.AlamoAreaBSA.org/Join or call 210-341-8611.

About the Eagle Scout Award

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. The Eagle Scout rank has been earned by over 2.5 million youth.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouts BSA, a Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks—Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Scout must meet specific requirements ranging from tenure in a unit and leadership positions to the earning of merit badges.

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 14,000 youth and 3,500 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. 

About the Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” The Scouting organization is composed of more than 2.1 million youth members between the ages of 5 and 21 and approximately 800,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.Scouting.org.

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