A Scout is Friendly

 

A Scout is Friendly... What does it even mean to be "friendly"?  

Friendly can be defined as a characteristic of or befitting a friend; showing friendship; like a friend; kind; helpful; favorably disposed; inclined to approve, help, or support; not hostile, amicable; able to coexist with something without harm or trouble.

I've been in restaurants that have said they are "family friendly" and I've met a dog that I would describe as being "friendly" but never really thought about why I gave it that label. Was it, perhaps, because it was happy to see me, wagged its tail, eagerly awaited my interaction? Would I be as liberal at handing out that label to a person, perhaps, that was a little shy and wouldn't so readily engage?   

Whoa!  That's a lot.  But, think about it.  Think about the image Scouting has on the world at large.  A group of leaders and youth who are ready and willing to step in and help and who are a friend to all. Treating others as they'd wish to be treated.  Joyful servant hearts.

Friendly.

The Scout Handbook states: 

“A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.”

An interesting takeaway is that it certainly exemplifies that a Scout's friendliness shouldn't be limited to his family or even his inner circle but to everyone.  

Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Ever heard "A friend in need is a friend indeed."  To be a friend, you must be... friendly!

John 15:12-17 – My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

The Scout Law seems to be an enormous Venn diagram where every characteristic overlaps the next which completely begins to embody exactly what it is to be a Scout: loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, cheerful.... think about it.

A Scout is Helpful

 

The very definition of helpful is "giving or ready to give help." Additionally supported as stating that someone is obliging, eager to please, kind, accommodating, supportive, cooperative; More useful. Synonyms are: useful, of use, beneficial, valuable, profitable, advantageous, fruitful, worthwhile, constructive.  The BSA asks all scouters to "do a good turn daily."  What does that even mean?  

In short, it's everything you'd look for in someone when you need assistance.  You want to look for someone who is ready to render aid and who does so with a joyful manner.

Stated differently -- do a good deed daily.  BE HELPFUL! 

Cub Scout Resident Camp Q&A Zoom Call

 

There's been lots of questions about Cub Scout Resident Camp taking place over Spring Break -- please come to the Zoom Q&A Session on Sunday, January 30 at 6:30 pm.  The event and link have been added to Scoutbook.

A Scout is Loyal

A Scout is Loyal.  Talk is cheap.  You have to do more than just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk.  The one thing that came to mind was the relationship between a man and a dog. Dogs are loyal to a fault. 

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to be loyal means to be unswerving in allegiance. Thing is… many of us spend so much time being loyal to other people, that we often forget the need to be loyal to ourselves. Add the daily, hectic routine we go through, and it’s easy to see why we forget to focus on doing the things that make us happy, or move us towards those things we deserve out of life. We forget to stop, even just for a moment, to stick to our plans.  Learning to be loyal -- especially in leadership opportunities, means that your focus stays where it needs to be -- on you. 

But also, on your friends, your faith, your family, your teams, your, favorites, your fans, etc. So, knowing you NEED to be loyal, just HOW do you make that happen?

Well, just be honest!  Be honest with yourself. Be faithful and follow the rules. Follow the girl code (or bro code) about relationships.  Learn to suck it up to take one for the team. Alternatively, learn to speak up.  Especially if you hear things being said about a friend. Speak in their defense. And finally, they suggest sticking to your principals.  Don't you dare betray your own beliefs just to avoid making waves with your group.  Trust your gut.  Rarely, if ever will this instinct be wrong.  Shop local.  Volunteer local.  Build those foundations with your communities  -- they can't develop overnight otherwise.  Build a tribe around you.  A tribe of like-minded loyal people.  They are the ones who will circle the wagons when you need them. And you WILL need them!

A Scout is Trustworthy

The first point of the Scout Law is Trustworthy.  Just how can you demonstrate this most important point of the Scout Law in your daily life?  It's simple really...

• Tell the truth.
• Be sincere. Say what you mean and mean what you say. 
• Keep your word.
• Be reliable.
• Return things you borrow.
• Keep private information private.
• Don't gossip.
• Don't ask a friend to do something wrong to keep your friendship.

Photo Source

David Wolfe has said that the four traits of a trustworthy person are:

1. They are their true selves.  They're not leading their lives under false pretenses. They are who they are and that's who they are.  The good, the bad and the ugly. They're not afraid of who they are and don't lead on they're more than they're cracked up to be.
2. They always keep their promises.  Talk is cheap.  Keeping the talk you utter is priceless.
3. They do the right thing.  It's not always the popular or easy path to take -- doing the right or the easy thing... but knowing it'll be weighing on your consciousness outweighs the need to bend to be part of the sheeple.
4. They never make you feel inferior.  

Check out what else he has to say about these traits here.

Photo Source

Pinewood Derby Theme

 The theme for the 2022 Pinewood Derby has been selected and it is...

With our Blue & Gold Banquet in February themed the same, we thought what a great way to bring the fun into our cars so try to tie in your car's color, design or name into Marvel some how!

Cars were distributed at the December Pack meeting. If you haven't received yours yet, please contact Alison Ford. For those dads that have an extra super competitive spirit, we will have an OPEN (also called an "outlaw") class for you and any siblings wanting to enter a car. Those may be purchased at the Scout shop on Cannon in Hurst. 

Get your creative ideas flowing now!  All Scouts are given a car kit to build.

Rules packets were shared via Scoutbook from Mr. Ford.  There are height/length/weight requirements all cars must follow in order to race for awards.  We hope to have at least two workshop dates but need willing hosts. 

Updated BSA Covid-19 Protocol for All Units / Members

  

Today the Longhorn Council came out with and update regarding the Covid-19 safety protocols and they are as follows:

Longhorn Council Statement on COVID-19

The safety of our Scouts, volunteers, employees, and communities is our top priority.

Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be informed by expertise from agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Texas Department of State Health Services and the local health departments and agencies within our service area.

On March 2, 2021, Gov. Abbott issued Executive Order GA-34, relating to opening Texas 100% and the removal of the statewide mask mandate. On May 18, 2021, Gov. Abbott issued Executive Order GA-36, prohibiting government entities from mandating masks.  On Dec. 27, 2021, the CDC updated its recommended isolation and quarantine period for the general population.  In part, it reduced the required quarantine from 10 days down to 5 days, provided no symptoms exist and there is strict adherence to wearing a mask days 6 through 10.  It also highly recommended completing a COVID test on Day 5 of quarantine. While the State of Texas has lifted the mandate for mask-wearing and the CDC has altered its guidance, these guidance changes do not eliminate personal responsibility, nor the responsibility of Longhorn Council employees and volunteers to protect the health, safety and well-being of the youth placed in our charge.  For this reason, combined with feedback and guidance from our Health and Safety team and our program staffs, we are reducing the quarantine period after exposure/close contact to 10 days and updating all COVID-related forms. This change allows programs and events to continue without masks required while outdoors.  Our policies and protocols collectively make up a disciplined, multi-layered approach to safety while conducting Scouting activities at all levels.

We expect everyone in Scouting to follow the measures listed below, which are based on CDC and State of Texas guidance. Members, staff, and volunteers must also follow all federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. In addition, Scouting units of all program types must consult with their charter partner for any special rules, both on and off charter partner properties.

Unit meetings and unit-based Scouting activities:

• Isolate if you are sick, and do not attend any activity/meeting/event if you, anyone you live with, or anyone you have recently been around feels unwell.
• Do not attend any activity/meeting/event if you or anyone you live with has been tested for COVID-19 or another illness and does not have the results back yet.
• If you are not fully vaccinated, including any recommended boosters, while indoors wear a face covering or mask that covers your nose and mouth and stay at least 6 feet apart from people you don’t live with.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Until further notice, international travel is not considered an official Scouting Activity.

Units are encouraged to continue using the following forms in conjunction with their meetings and activities, which have been updated effective Jan. 3, 2022:

• COVID-19 Pre-Event Medical Screening Checklist   rev. 01/03/2022
• COVID-19 Event Arrival Screening Checklist    rev. 01/03/2022
• COVID-19 Participant At-Risk Statement   rev. 01/03/2022

Units attending a District or Council event or an event at one of our council camps will be required to use these forms.  The forms will be provided to you along with your reservation confirmation.

District and Council committees may meet in person, provided all members follow the guidelines listed above.  Committees are encouraged to provide a hybrid meeting option to accommodate those individuals who cannot attend in-person. If assistance is needed providing a hybrid meeting setting, please contact your assigned staff partner or District Executive.

District and Council Events:

Given the geographically diverse attendance and the nature of the programs offered, District and Council events have additional requirements.  Spread of any communicable disease, including COVID-19, could jeopardize the ability of our camps to remain open and provide the great outdoor experience for all registered to attend.  Until further notice, the protocols listed below will be enforced for all District and Council events, and all events with multiple units at a Longhorn Council facility, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS:

• Masks will generally not be required while outdoors. There are several exceptions in programs where staff will be working individually with participants or in close, small groups.  Participants in these programs should listen to and follow the directions of staff regarding any modifications to the general rules. Program areas with outdoor mask requirements include, but are not limited to:
  • Rifle and shotgun ranges while on the firing line
  • Archery while on the firing line
  • Other program areas as marked and identified during the event(s)
• Masks will be required, regardless of vaccination status, while indoors, including in the dining hall, trading post(s), museum and other enclosed facilities, unless eating. While eating, units should remain within their assigned group(s) and be mindful of physical distancing requirements.

The mask policy above is just one layer in a multi-layered approach we have instituted to ensure the safety of the youth entrusted to us at camp.  The use of modified cohorts/groupings, our enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols, our pre- and during-camp screening processes, and the diligence of our Scouts and Scouters will allow our programs to remain open and available to all the registered attendees.

Longhorn Council does not require a COVID-19 vaccine to attend one of our events.  However, we may ask whether you have been vaccinated and record proof of vaccination to aid us in contact tracing, should exposure occur during camp.

All are expected to be Courteous and Kind to Scouts and Scouters who choose to wear a mask in any setting.

As always, please embody the Scout Oath and Law as we all continue to navigate a safe return to the activities we enjoy.

For more information, or to review the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Texas Department of State Health Services, please use the following links:

Calendar Updated

 

Please note the link for the Pack 12-month calendar has been updated. If you have an old QR code, it will take you to a broken link.  We may find the updated calendar by clicking HERE or on the icon below.

January Parent / Committee Planning Meeting

 

PLEASE ATTEND TUESDAY'S COMMITTEE MEETING TO HELP THE PACK MAKE PLANS AND DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR SCOUT'S ACTIVITIES.


The Pack Committee helps ensure that our Cub Scouts are offered fun-filled and meaningful events through the year.

Parents are encouraged to attend and help enrich and strengthen our Pack. Topics include Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold, Spring Campout, fundraising as well as plans for our upcoming Pack meetings and events.

RSVP on Scoutbook and then call in on your cell phone or log in on your computer. It will be a ZOOM meeting so download the app now if you haven't already! The link to the meeting agenda will be posted in the Comments field below the event on the ScoutBook calendar. 

The meeting is at 7pm in the convenience of your own home, Tuesday, JANUARY 4, 7:00 pm. 

12 Days of Scouting

 

The 12 Days of Scouting has begun. Help us to spread the positive message of Scouting this holiday season.

Don't have time to do an activity each day? That's okay. Post a photo of your completed activities and post to social media post on the listed day. Be sure to include #12daysofScouting or tag the Longhorn Council in your posts!

BREAKING NEWS

 

Hey Pack 1910 families!  I have BREAKING NEWS...the Blue & Gold Theme for 2022 has been determined... it is... MARVEL!

So everything around our Blue & Gold will be themed around the world of Marvel 

AND

the theme of our Pinewood Derby will ALSO BE MARVEL!

Wreaths Across America

  

On Saturday morning, December 18, 2021, a wreath laying ceremony will commence at the Arlington National Cemetery to honor those veterans laid to rest there.  The Wreaths Across America story began over 25 years ago when the Worcester Wreath Company from Harrington, Maine initiated a tradition of donating and placing wreaths on the headstones of our nation’s fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Worcester Wreath Company continues to be a major supporter of the project donating over 25,000 total wreaths each year. Although well over 100,000 wreaths will be sponsored by individuals, businesses and groups from communities nationwide. Wreaths will be placed in all 50 states, at several locations in Iraq, and at 24 national cemeteries on foreign soil.

In 2016, when Texas State Cemetery in Austin, was added as a Wreaths Across America participant, Governor and Mrs. Abbott joined for the ceremony and wreath placements on veteran graves. His remarks to the volunteers gathered truly captured the patriotic mission of this program's mission:

“We're called on today and every day to remember our fallen heroes. ​We must remember their names, we must remember their lives and we must remember their sacrifice, because we are each entrusted with their legacy of faith in this great nation. May we always remember our troops in harm’s way still today, and may we never forget the price they pay so that we can be free.”

While we have Veterans Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring, our servicemen and women sacrifice their time and safety every single day of the year, to preserve our freedoms. And in many homes across the U.S., every day there is an empty seat for one who is serving, or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Pack 1910 has the amazing opportunity to be part of this movement recognizing our veterans this holiday season at the Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Irving while similar ceremonies occur at over 400 other participating locations nationwide – a solemn tribute to those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Oak Grove Memorial Gardens began working with the Wreaths Across America project in 2010 with over 300 wreaths donated that first year and placed on the graves of veterans buried throughout the cemetery. 

It is my understanding that there will be a formal ceremony again this year led by the fire department and police honor guards.  As such, upon arrival, please park and make your way near the tent on the west side.  You won't be able to miss it.  After that takes place, we will be present to do what we are tasked with -- placing wreaths on the graves of the designated veterans and throughout the cemetery. 

What's asked of our participants is a small prayer of thanksgiving and remembrance be said as each wreath is laid upon the headstones and make an active gesture by reading the name of the veteran buried there. Honoring our commitment to never forget.

Pack 1910 was proud to be a part of this event the last several years and made a commitment to honor those who have served by continuing to participate each year as our  Duty to Country. A Scoutbook event notification was e-mailed to the Pack. Please RSVP there and include in the comment section your family's full head count so we know if we should expect you. Scouts should be in full field uniform, but dress for the weather, obviously. We're going from 80 to 30 in a mere hours so who knows what the forecast will be.  

We hope you consider participating in this community event of remembrance. What's 60 minutes out of the Christmas season, compared to our veterans’ years of service in locations far from home?

Happy Thanksgiving

 

As families come together near and far to celebrate with food and fellowship while counting their many blessings, we would like to take this opportunity, too, to wish our Pack 1910 family a Happy Thanksgiving.

The first Thanksgiving was a celebration of the culmination of a successful partnership and harvest between different groups of people and was a further testimony that people of all creeds can live in harmony.

So, this Thanksgiving, we give thanks to children of all beliefs who have joined into the brotherhood and sisterhood of Scouting for the purpose of the greater good. We are united in a common purpose to be a different breed of person... the leaders of the future.

Thankful are we for the opportunities presented to us through the Scouting movement and the ability to serve our chartered organization, our community, our family, our unit and our country.

Thankful are we for the opportunity to Do A Good Turn Daily by acts of selfless service to those in our family, school and community.

Thankful are we for the blessings of leaders and volunteers who give of their time and their many talents to lead these Scouts with purpose.

Thankful are we for the bright-eyed enthusiasm as we witness young boys and girls take on greater responsibilities and meet challenges they didn't know they could overcome.

Thankful are we for the freedom afforded to all Americans and for those who are willing to fight for it... whatever the cost.

Thankful are we to not get everything we want, but to continue to be grateful for what we have.

Thankful are we for the partnership with nature and the outdoors as we learn to live in harmony with our earth and protect it for the generations that will follow.

Thankful are we for the gift of a merciful and gracious God that hears our prayers. Oh great Scoutmaster of all, please be with all of our Pack families until we can join together again.

Until that time... Happy Thanksgiving one and all!

Register for CUB-O 2022 Now!

Save the date and make plans to join us January 8, 2022 at CUB-O, the annual Cub Scout orienteering event held at Sid Richardson Scout Ranch.

Cub-O is probably the most popular Cub Scout orienteering event in North America. A fun day of hiking and friendly competition for Cub Scouts, parents, and leaders. Orienteering (the use of map and compass to find locations) lets Scouts plan a journey and has been a vital skill for humans for thousands of years. Thousands of people participate in the sport each year in local clubs and competitions. Longhorn Council has two events annually for orienteering. One is for Cub Scouts (Cub O), and one is held for Scouts BSA (SCORE-O).

Early Bird Registration is $20 per scout and adult and includes a patch, liability insurance and a Cub-O keepsake map. T-shirts are available to purchase at registration. Additional attendees (attending, assisting or camping but not competing) can pay $8 for liability insurance only but must register and be paid.  

***We are required to have 2 registered adults for every den we have attending. If there is a doubt we will need you as a walking chaperone, please register!

Lunch is NOT included so please bring your lunch with you to eat before the race. Each team of 3-6 Cubs gets a Cub-O map half an hour before the race starts. Your goal is to hike in the woods and find as many of the orange and white orienteering flags as you can.  The more difficult they are to access, the higher the point value.

Plan your strategy to score the maximum point total possible in 2 hours!

Map training sessions for Cub Scouts and parents are held all morning. Not sure if they'll be virtual again this year. That will be communicated shortly.

This is a rain or shine event: extreme inclement weather (ice or snow) may cause a one week postponement. Weather announcements will be made on the Longhorn Council Website and on our blog as well.

Sound like something you want to do? REGISTER ONLINE HERE.  Early bird registration ends DEC 11. 

It’s fast, exciting, and FUN. And it’s all Cub Scouts. The locations of 40-50 orange and white orienteering flags are marked on the map and you and your team will go hiking in the woods to find them – or most of them! Each flag has a hole punch that you use to mark your scorecard. Flags are worth 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 points, depending on how hard they are to find. Your Den team will get a Cub-O competition map 20 minutes before the race starts. Then you plan a hiking strategy to find the most flags and score the most points in just 2 hours! You’ll stay warm ‘cause you’ll stay moving!

Cub-O is a team event for teams (Dens) of 3-6 Cub Scouts and at least 2 adults. Each team must have at least two adults registered for Cub-O. Be sure to dress warmly in layers and bring lots of water! Bring a compass and a watch so you’ll finish on time. All registered participants will get a Cub-O patch, our latest 5-color competition map, and a great day of orienteering.

Plan on about a 15-20 min drive from where Google shows the entrance to be.

We did not plan on this being a camping event but if the need exists, we can make it happen. Be sure to contact April.

T-Shirts Orders are LIVE!

We are ready to take orders for our new Pack 1910 t-shirts.  

These shirts are great for Pack events, camping or just wearing out to show your Pack pride. Anytime an outing calls for "activity shirt" or a "scout shirt" (especially at camp outs) or even  a "Class B" shirt -- this is what we are talking about. 

Shown above, the official Pack 1910 t-shirts are royal blue with red and white ink. Scouts are provided one t-shirt when joining the Pack from whatever inventory is on hand for their desired size (which could be different designs from whatever inventory we have in stock). Additional t-shirts for your scout, siblings or parents are priced as marked on the order page. Note -- larger sizes and moisture wicking shirts do have an upcharge. 

For new families - if your scout has NOT received their shirt yet, send an email to Stephanie Earnhardt at Smb1218@gmail.com . She is coordinating our Unit t-shirts.  She will make sure that your Scout gets a shirt ordered no charge to you.  However, if you want ADDITIONAL shirts, you will need to order those yourself.

Our official design is ALSO available in long sleeved, sweatshirt AND hoodies!  If you want to purchase one of these as a Christmas gift for your scout, be sure to indicate that on your order and she will insure that it's packaged so that your Scout won't see.  (Photos below)

  

Please note -- we do not order anything other than the 50/50 to keep in inventory. Additionally, we only place one order every couple of years due to minimum order requirements, so be sure to order your shirts now and maybe an additional one to size up to for when they grow. 

We are also offering for the Scouts the option of a moisture wicking NEON shirt!  Great way to find those Scouts at a campsite or Scouting event!  

And it gets better -- we have a NEW PARENT SHIRT!

DEADLINE TO ORDER IS NOVEMBER 28.

T-SHIRTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP AT THE DECEMBER PACK MEETING.

 ****PLEASE NOTE:  At the current time on the website there is the option for a white tribal design on a cammo shirt. Due to supply issues, we were unable to source YOUTH SIZED shirts and this was a design FOR the Scouts. As such, we are going to be removing this option since most of our scouts don't wear adult sizes. If this option become available at a later date, we may do a special order for anyone that wants those. However, even if the design is still up as an option on the site -- DO NOT PURCHASE THOSE AS THEY ARE NOT YOUTH SHIRTS.

Place your order by clicking the icon below. You will be taken to our storefront on Kim's Kloset.

Recharter - Deadline December 1

 

It’s time again to recharter our Pack with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). As part of this process, each Scout and registered leader must renew their membership for the upcoming year (which includes payment of registration dues and ensuring your Health Form (Part A and B) is current). While our Pack operates on a SCHOOL calendar of June - May, registration dues for everyone are paid on a January-December basis.

Recharter dues for returning scouts for the 2022 calendar year are:
$150 without Scout Life magazine; or 
$162.50 with Scout Life magazine  

Leaders are $60 and require a new Background Authorization Form

FEE EXPLANATION

1) National Dues - This fee is paid directly to the Boy Scouts of America and registers your Cub Scout for the period January through December. Youth fees are $72, paid annually, prorated monthly ($6 per month) from month of joining.

2) Longhorn Council Insurance Fee - This $15 fee is paid directly to the Longhorn Council for the period of January through December. The annual Longhorn Council Insurance Fees are paid annually, prorated monthly ($1.25 per month) from the month of joining.

3) Scout Life Magazine - $12 per Scout, prorated monthly ($1 per month). Boys' Life is the monthly magazine for the Boy Scouts of America. It’s a fantastic read that reinforces Scouting and the good family values that are part of our program. This is totally optional.

4) Pack Fees - $63 (about $5 per month) The Pack charges an annual Pack Fee to help cover the cost of running the Pack. This fee includes all program costs and is set each year by the Pack Committee. At the very basic level, this covers your scout's rank specific neckerchief slide and neckerchief at bridging each May, advancement, awards, badges, patches, pins, adventure loops, hiking awards, ceremony supplies, and the like. As you can see, there are a great deal of tangible goods that each scout receives annually just for doing what they do! This doesn't even begin to cover the other costs... just what our scouts receive.

Thus, we rely heavily on fundraising to ensure an awesome program for our youth. Simply stated, our Pack is POWERED BY SCOUTS and it will take us all to ensure we can have a successful fundraiser!

Membership renewal commitments are due no later than DECEMBER 1.

Our charter expires December 31 and there is a GREAT DEAL of paper chasing to take place before then. 
PLEASE do not make us chase you for filing your paperwork.

Say it with me now... ya didn't file your paperwork... 

Checks should be made payable to Pack 1910. If you would like to pay via credit card, that can be done through Paypal on our Payment page.  If you choose to utilize the payment page which is processed through PayPal, the processing fees are passed onto you rounded up to the nearest $0.25.

Without registration commitments, we cannot recharter you (as a registered leader) your Scout. Awards and rank cannot be recorded for unregistered Scouts.

While we try to streamline this as much as process, there IS paper involved -- we need a new health form for anyone that hasn't submitted one within the last year. We need completed YPT certificates for all parents with their Scouts if you have not supplied those via e-mail.  All leaders must be trained for their positions prior to recharter. All registered leaders need to have their YPT renewed THIS YEAR. 

Please know we NEVER want finances to be a reason that a child cannot participate in Scouting. If you have a need for a scholarship, please reach out to April Driggers. She will have you complete a scholarship form. Our request of you is that you actively participate in our Unit and our fundraising programs.  If you are waiting on one for the 2022 Scouting year, they will be emailed this weekend. Thank you for your patience.

Thank you for your assistance in making this as painless and streamlined of a process as possible. I appreciate everyone's prompt attention to this matter. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact Alison Ford who handles all things Membership.

PAYMENT PAGE IS HERE

Scout Salute to our Veterans

 

Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Today we pay homage and give thanks to all of those who have served this great nation of ours from the United States Navy to the United States Army to the United States Air Force to the United States Marine Corps to the United States Coast Guard and each branch of reserves.

Scouting has a history rich in military service as well.  Robert Baden-Powell, the father of Boy Scouts, was a British officer with a long military career.  Much he learned along the way in his military career directly correlated with how he established scouting.  As it stands, many of our current military academies are home to a considerable amount of Scouts - over 1/3 of the cadets at West Point were involved in scouts and 16% are eagles; over 20% of the Air Force cadets were in scouting and 12% are Eagles; and 25% of the Naval Academy midshipmen were in Scouts and 11% are Eagle Scouts.  Though it's not the only way, it's definitely a great path to being a part of something much bigger than yourself.

So, today, we humbly give thanks to those who have signed their name on the line and said, "Whatever it takes... I'm here for America."  Those are the kind of courageous men and women we honor today.

Some interesting facts from History.com about veterans:


The brave men and women who serve and protect the U.S. come from all walks of life; they are parents, children and grandparents. They are friends, neighbors and coworkers, and an important part of their communities. Here are some facts about the current veteran population of the United States.

There are approximately 21 million military veterans in the United States.

• 16.1 million living veterans served during at least one war.

• 5.2 million veterans served in peacetime.

• 2 million veterans are women.

• 7 million veterans served during the Vietnam War era (1964-1975).

• 5.5 million veterans served during the Gulf War (representing service from Aug. 2, 1990, to present).

• Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II (1941-1945), about 620,000 are still alive.

• 2 million veterans served during the Korean War (1950-1953).

• 6 million veterans served in peacetime.

• As of 2014, 2.9 million veterans received compensation for service-connected disabilities.

• As of 2014, 3 states have more than 1 million veterans in among their population: California (1.8 million), Florida (1.6 million), Texas (1.7 million).

• The VA health care system had 54 hospitals in 1930, since then it has expanded to include 171 medical centers; more than 350 outpatient, community, and outreach clinics; 126 nursing home care units; and 35 live-in care facilities for injured or disabled vets.

We remember your sacrifice. We honor your patriotism. To quote President Coolidge, "The Nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”

You are all invited tonight at 7pm to the North Texas Field of Honor at Keller Town Hall for a flag retirement ceremony conducted by Troop 1910.  

Coat Drive Turn in TOMORROW

 

Don't forget TOMORROW is the turn in date for the One Warm Coat Coat Drive that we are doing for our Scouts to earn his or her Messengers of Peace. 

Please be sure if you've asked your neighbors for donations, you follow up with them for donations. Great time to clean out those closets!