Friends of Scouting Campaign

Friends of Scouting is the Council's annual campaign that secures funds needed to provide services and support to unit programs, such as training, insurance, program materials, advancement materials, camping facilities and programs. Out of a $2,350,000 campaign for 2011, we are just $44,000 away from reaching our goal. If you haven't made an investment in Scouting for 2011, you can make a gift today that truly makes a difference! Click here to support your Scouts! 

Sporting Clays Classic (Nov 11)

The 6th Annual Sporting Clays Classic will be held on November 11, 2011 at Barnsley Gardens Resort. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. and includes game clays, the sporting clays course, and a reception including hors d'oeuvres, beverages, a silent auction, and tournament awards. Teams of 4 start at $3,000 and individual slots are available for $750. Contact Jenna Knight, Senior Development Director, for more information. Click here for the 2011 brochure. Only a few spots remain!

Auction Benefit (Nov 9)

The Auction Benefit to kick-off the Sporting Clays Classic will be held on November 9, 2011 at Coca-Cola world headquaters. The evening includes hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and some amazing deals at the auction!  Tickets are ony $50! Click here to reserve your spot today! Contact Ben Buckelew, Senior Development Director, for more information or to make a donation.  

Jamboree on the Air (Oct 15)

The North Fulton Radio League invites you to "Jamboree on the Air". This year's theme is: Peace, Environment and Natural Disasters. An exciting activity that focuses on the strength of Scouting: to act and support in unforeseen circumstances. Scouts are prepared. Since 1958, the JOTA is an annual event in which Scouts and Guides all over the world speak to each other by means of amateur radio contacts. Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared, via the radio waves. When Scouts want to meet young people from another country they usually think of attending a World Jamboree or another international gathering. But few people realize that each year about half-a-million Scouts and Guides "get together" over the airwaves for the annual Jamboree-on-the--Air (JOTA). Boy Scouts who visit will be able to meet the requirements for the Radio Merit Badges. Click here for more information and to sign up.  

American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basic Training (Nov 10, Nov 15, Nov 19)

Planning a trip to the back country where a 911 call cannot get through? Or where rescue may be hours away? Going to Philmont, Northern Tier, or Sea Base? Hiking the Appalachian Trail with your Troop or Crew? You might find yourself in a situation requiring not only first aid, but also care until evacuation or rescue. Take your standard first aid skills to a higher level. The Atlanta Area Council Health and Safety Committee will sponsor several American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basic courses this fall. Click here for more information or visit the Council Calendar to register.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (Oct 15)

B.A.L.O.O. is a one-day training event that introduces Den Leaders, Cubmasters, other Pack leaders, and parents to the skills needed to plan and conduct safe and age appropriate Pack outdoor activities, particularly camping. Join us at Bert Adams to better understand the focus of the Cub Scout level of the BSA outdoor program. At least one BALOO certified adult is required at all Pack overnights. Click here to register.

Staff Updates

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Andrew Gast as the Atlanta Area Council's new Program Director. Andrew is a native of Athens, Georgia, where he first joined Scouting in the 3rd grade as a Bear. He is an Eagle Scout, recipient of the Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow, and 12 year alumnus of the Camp Rainey Mountain staff. He began his professional service to Scouting in 2005 as a District Executive in Orlando, Florida, and was promoted to Senior District Executive in Daytona Beach, Florida.  Andrew was selected as Director of Camping and Properties for the Flint River Council headquartered in Griffin, Georgia in 2009.  Andrew holds a BSEd in Administration of Recreation & Leisure Services from the University of Georgia and a MBA in Hospitality and Tourism from Columbia Southern University.

Don't Miss Out on Scout Days this Fall

Be sure to join us at Scout Day with the Atlanta Falcons on November 20th as they play the Tennessee Titans. Click here to purchase your discounted tickets starting at $40! Join us November 5th for Scout Day with Georgia State Football, or on December 4th for Scout Day with the Atlanta Hawks! Click here for more information.

Silver Beaver Nominations Due

The Silver Beaver Award is a national award presented by the local council. The award is given for noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth over a sustained period by registered adult volunteers within the territory under the jurisdiction of a local council. The award is limited to adults 21 years of age or older. The deadline to submit a nomination is October 31. Please make your nomnations today! Click here for a nomination form. If you have questions or need more information, contact Glenda Shivers.

Summit WV in the News

Game-Changing Boy Scout Facility

2013 National Scout Jamboree

The time is now to be part of the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. This is your opportunity to gather with over 40,000 other Scouts and Scouters from across the Nation to celebrate the 19th National Scout Jamboree. The Jamboree will be held in the new Scout property at The Summit - Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. The dates of the Jamboree will be July 15 - 24, 2013. The Atlanta Area Council will be taking 6 Troops of Boy Scouts (a total of 216 Scouts) and 2 Patrols of Venturers (a total of 16 Venture Scouts) to represent the Council at the 2013 Jamboree. We will need 28 Adult Volunteers to be part of the leadership team of the Council Jamboree Contingent.National will need many more Youth and Adults to be part of the National Staff for the Jamboree. Read more

Learn to Swim (Oct 29)

Beginners and Non-Swimmers, join us at Learn to Swim at the Washington Park Natatorium in Atlanta to start swimming! Instruction will be geared toward building confidence in the water, learning basic skills, passing the Boy Scout beginner or swimmer test, and having fun! Click here to register or for more information.

Duty to God Encampment (Oct 28-30)

Come out and experience the beauty of Bert Adams Scout Reservation while learning about the Religious Emblems Program, Leave No Trace, and more! Activities include orienteering, crafts, cracker barrel, campfire, and worship of your choice! Click here to register or for more information.

Project COPE (Oct 7-9)

Troops and Crews come out and enjoy a weekend of Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience at the Project COPE Course. Project COPE is a national program of the Boy Scouts of America composed of group initiative games, trust events, low-course events, and high-course events. Click here for more information.

Don't Miss Out on Scout Days this Fall

Be sure to join us at Scout Day with the Atlanta Braves on September 18th.  Click here to purchase tickets!  Click here for a listing of other Scout Days. 

Popcorn Fundraiser

Do you know the benefits of selling popcorn online? First off, no deliveries! Trail's End ships the product directly to your consumers. It's easy! Scouts create their own accounts on www.scouts.trails-end.com to sell online. All online sales August 1 through October 14 count toward Scout Rewards from our Council and bonus rewards from Trail's End ($100 Military Club, $600 Club, $1,500 Club, College Scholarship). You can also sell nation-wide.  Send an email through your scout account to Aunt Kathy in Oregon! Lastly you will find on the website a diverse national product line, different from our paper order form. Visit Trail's End today!

CPR Saturday (Dec 10)

"Be Prepared" is more than just the Boy Scout Motto. Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are getting ready to participate in and volunteer to help run Scout CPR Saturday in coordination with the American Red Cross on December 10th. CPR Saturday is open to the community. Classes will be held at the Volunteer Service Center. Registration will be available shortly through the Council Calendar

SOLO Wilderness First Aid Training (Oct 22)

Do you ever hike or sail where a call to 911 is impossible? Are you ever out of cell range or more than 2 hours from help? If so, you need to know more than what is taught in standard first aid classes designed for places where 911 brings emergency assistance. How good are your first aid skills? A well-trained Scout with the first aid skills taught at this course will be an asset. Read more

Wood Badge (Oct 17-23)

Wood Badge training was begun by Baden Powell in 1919 as a way to assure that the leaders of Scout Troops were properly trained. Over the past 92 years, Wood Badge has been held worldwide providing advanced leader training to thousands of Scout Leaders. Wood Badge for the 21st Century is available to registered leaders of all levels of the Scouting program. It concentrates on providing training on modern leadership skills needed in today's world for Scout leaders. Wood Badge will not only make you a better Scout Leader, it will also assist you in improving your personal and professional life as well. Read more

Project COPE (Oct 8-9)

Troops and Crews come out and enjoy a weekend of Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience at the Project COPE Course. Project COPE is a national program of the Boy Scouts of America composed of group initiative games, trust events, low-course events, and high-course events. Click here for more inform

Staff Updates

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to three new Atlanta Area Council Staff Members. Adrienne Vinson will be serving as District Executive in the Hightower Trail District. Adrienne graduated from Emory University with a degree in Sociology. She was a Venture Scout and worked at Bert Adams for 4 years as a shooting sports and climbing instructor. Eagle Scout Mathias Jackson will be serving the Button Gwinnett District. Mathias graduated from Webster University in St. Louis with a B.A. and M.B.A. in International Relations. On September 19th, Jason Volz will join the Council as the Director of Field Service. Jason has been a Field Director in the San Houston Council. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri. Field Director Ben Buckelew has joined the Development Department as a Senior Development Director. Ben will oversee the Sporting Clays Auction, the Metro Classic Golf Tournament, Eagle Scout Alumni Relations, among other responsibilities.       

Scout Memorabilia Show & Trade-O-Ree (Sept 23-24)

Join us at the Volunteer Service Center! Purchase hard to find Scouting gifts from some of the nation's top memorabilia dealers, have your old Scouting items appraised for free, purchase items for your collection at the silent auctions - all for a good cause! Proceeds go to the Campership Fund! Click here for more information.

Don't Miss Out on Scout Days this Fall

Be sure to join us at Scout Day with the Atlanta Braves on September 18th as they play the New York Mets. Scouts that come early can participate in the Scout Parade around the field. Click here to purchase your discounted tickets online starting at $8! Join us on September 24th for Scout Day with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, on November 5th for Scout Day with Georgia State Football, or on November 20th for Scout Day with the Atlanta Falcons! Click here for more information.  

Eagle Scout Service Project Maker

Mark your project with pride! Handsome rectangular plate is fitted with two counter-sunk holes for easy mounting. Plate is solid brass with antique finish and features the Eagle Scout medal design in full detail. Includes "Eagle Scout Service Project" lettering beneath logo. A final, protective coating helps to maintain marker's appearance, indoors or out. Includes two mounting screws. Available in your Scout Shop!

Whitney M. Young Banquet (Oct 20)

The 5th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Recognition Banquet will be held October 20, 2011. Given in honor of Whitney M. Young, Jr., the award is presented to volunteers or organizations who have made an outstanding contribution in implementing Scouting opportunities for rural or low-income youth.  Click here to view the 2011 brochure which includes the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Class of 2010 and sponsorship information. Contact William Bryant, Senior Development Director for more information or if you are a volunteer interested in attending. 

Learn to Swim Class (Oct 29)

Beginner and Non-swimmers who are ready to start swimming, mark your calendars for the Learn to Swim Class on October 29. Open to Boy Scout and Venturing age youth or older. Read more  

Popcorn Fundraiser

The Atlanta Area Council's annual Popcorn Fundraiser is an opportunity for Scouts to learn salesmanship, build self confidence, earn rewards - all while raising the necessary funds for your Pack, Troop or Crew to have the Ideal Year of Scouting.  It is not too late to sign up to sell popcorn! Contact a District Kernel today if you have not yet confirmed that your unit will be participating in the 2011 Popcorn Fundraiser. Read more 

SOLO Wilderness First Aid Training (Oct 22)

Do you ever hike or sail where a call to 911 is impossible? Are you ever out of cell range or more than 2 hours from help? If so, you need to know more than what is taught in standard first aid classes designed for places where 911 brings emergency assistance. How good are your first aid skills? A well-trained Scout with the first aid skills taught at this course will be an asset. Read more

Wood Badge (Oct 17-23)

Wood Badge training was begun by Baden Powell in 1919 as a way to assure that the leaders of Scout Troops were properly trained. Over the past 92 years, Wood Badge has been held worldwide providing advanced leader training to thousands of Scout Leaders. Wood Badge for the 21st Century is available to registered leaders of all levels of the Scouting program. It concentrates on providing training on modern leadership skills needed in today's world for Scout leaders. Wood Badge will not only make you a better Scout Leader, it will also assist you in improving your personal and professional life as well. Read more

Project COPE (Sept 2-4) (Sept 23-25)

Troops and Crews come out and enjoy a weekend of Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience at the Project COPE Course at the Woodruff Scout Reservation. Project COPE is a national program of the Boy Scouts of America composed of group initiative games, trust events, low-course events, and high-course events. Click here for more information.

Staff Updates

Congratulations are in order for several Atlanta Area Council staff members. Director of Field Services Jason Pierce has been selected as Scout Executive for the Del-Mar-Va Council in Wilmington, Delaware. Jason, who has been with the Council for 18 years, will report to his new post on September 1. Jay Stoecker, Director of Annual Campaigns, has been promoted to serve as the Director of Development for the Daniel Webster Council in Manchester, New Hampshire.  Jay has been a valued member of the Atlanta Area Council team since 1999. Jason Eiermann, Activities Director, will serve as a Field Director for the Black Warrior Council in Tuscaloosa.  Jason began his career in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and joined the Atlanta Area Council in 2004. These three will be dearly missed, but we wish them all the best in their new positions!  

United Way Funds Atlanta Scouting

On July 19, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta approved allocations for the Atlanta community from the $80 million United Way campaign. This distribution is through the Community Impact Fund. The fund represents discretionary dollars disbursed by the United Way, through their process of identifying community needs and directing dollars to address those needs. This year, grants totaling $15.2 million went to 124 community agencies including the Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. For the 2011/2012 grant cycle, United Way is funding local BSA programs through a grant of $404,019 from the Community Impact Fund; this is a 30% decrease from the previous year, and a 55% decrease over the past three funding cycles. In addition to these funds, the Council will receive $295,082 through the United Way Specific Care program, where donors direct their gifts to a specific nonprofit organization of their choosing. These funds have been stable on a relative basis. The total United Way investment in the Atlanta Area Council for the 2011/2012 cycle is $713,545. Thank you for your support of the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. This funding is a crucial component of financing the Scouting program. We encourage you to contribute to the United Way and to be fully informed of United Way priorities, decisions and funding patterns. Click here to find out more about the United Way.

School Night for Scouting

August 1st marks the first day of school for youth in the Atlanta Area Council so School Night for Scouting has officially begun! BeAScout.org is a great site to share with parents that want more information about Scouting. Make sure to check with your District School Night for Scouting Chair for your school's recruitment dates. Let's make sure to ask all boys to "Be One With the Wild" and join Scouting this fall. Read more

Journey to Excellence

Get on board...Scouting is a journey and the route is to Excellence! Every unit has the opportunity to strut their stuff by completing the requirements for the new Journey to Excellence program that has replaced the Quality Unit and Centennial Quality Unit awards. There are three levels that your unit should strive for: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Each focuses on items that your unit can achieve such as 100% trained leaders, summer time activities and camps for Cub Scouts, high adventure for Boy Scouts, and community service for all. Don't get left behind! Start now on this fabulous Journey to Excellence in Scouting! Read more  

Journey to Excellence

Get on board...Scouting is a journey and the route is to Excellence! Every unit has the opportunity to strut their stuff by completing the requirements for the new Journey to Excellence program that has replaced the Quality Unit and Centennial Quality Unit awards. There are three levels that your unit should strive for: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Each focuses on items that your unit can achieve such as 100% trained leaders, summer time activities and camps for Cub Scouts, high adventure for Boy Scouts, and community service for all. Don't get left behind! Start now on this fabulous Journey to Excellence in Scouting! Read more  

New Scout Days Scheduled

New Scout Days for the fall have been announced. Cheer on the Braves, Yellow Jackets, Falcons, and Silverbacks or attend Scout Day at Cirque du Soleil or Uncle Shuck's! Ticket prices have been reduced just for Scouts and their families! Click here for more information.  

Friends of Scouting Campaign

Friends of Scouting is the Council's annual campaign that secures funds needed to provide services and support to unit programs, such as training, insurance, program materials, advancement materials, camping facilities and programs. Out of a $2,350,000 campaign for 2011, we are just $75,000 away from reaching our goal. If you haven't made an investment in Scouting for 2011, you can make a gift today that truly makes a difference! Click here to support your Scouts! 

Council Strategic Plan

Implementation of the Council Strategic Plan is well underway. The plan has been communicated to Scout Families, Volunteers, Board Members and community stakeholders. Leaders have been recruited to spear-head each of the plans 16 planks that will ensure that Scouting is the Premier Choice in Atlanta for youth and families, volunteers and staff, and for community stakeholders. We are on track for timely implementation of the plan which has generated quite a bit of excitement and enthusiasm for the Scouting program in Atlanta. Click here to view the Strategic Plan.

The 38th Annual Corporate Classic Golf Tournament

The 38th Annual Corporate Classic Golf Tournament will be held at the AtlantaAthletic Club on September 26, 2011. This year we are excited to be at the Atlanta Athletic Club, which is also the home of the PGA Tour Championship.Click here for more information. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $3,000. If you are interested in sponsorships or other levels of participation, then contactWilliam Bryant at 770.956.3177.

Eagle Scout Recognition Ceremony

On August 21, 2011 the Atlanta Area Council will host the Annual Eagle Scout Recognition Ceremony at the Buckhead Theatre to recognize the accomplishments of this year's class of Eagles. The ceremony will feature keynote speaker Jerry Wilson, Senior VP and Chief Customer and Commericals Officer for The Coca-Cola Company. 

Click here

for more information. Sponsorships start at $1,000. Contact Jenna Knight

at 770.956.3178 for more information. 

NYLT

National Youth Leadership Training will bring new skills and greater enthusiasm to your youth leadership. Scouting recognizes that Unit Leaders have the primary responsibility for training their youth leaders. The purpose of NYLT is not to assume that role, but rather to support it. This week-long course features instruction in skills that can be used at home, at school, on the job, and in particular, at the Scout unit level.

Two Course Dates:

June 5  - June 10 at Camp Jamison, BASR (COED option)

June 12  - June 17 at Camp Jamison, BASR (COED option)

Training Opportunity

Week Number 2 at Philmont Training Center is the Commissioners' Week. Go to the following link to see course descriptions and to enroll. No advance permission is required. This is a great opportunity to receive advanced training, visit Philmont and include your family members on this unique Scouting experience.

The Trainer's Egde

The Trainer's Egde replaces the Trainer Development Conference.  This new course provides and helps develop the platform skills of a trainer with a focus on the participant, while raising the level of a skill trainer brings to training courses.  This course "trains the trainer".

Click here to register

CAAB Programs

Are you preparing to visit Northern Tier or need your Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge? If so, click here  to register for Camp Allatoona Aquatics Base Programs.

The Training Times

Did you know that the National Council, Boy Scouts of America publishes a quarterly newsletter with all of the new training information? Click here to check out the Spring edition of The Training Times.

  

Summer Camp Countdown

Bert Adams Summer Camp

Are you ready for summer camp at Bert Adams and Woodruff? Check out this video of our Scouts having fun at camp!

  

Staff Updates

Congratulations to the following staff members that just joined the Atlanta Area Council: Tab Brown, District Executive for the Soapstone Ridge District, and Chelsea Denson, District Executive for the Yellow River District.

Marketing Awards

At this past week's National Meeting, it was announced that the Atlanta Area Council won two National President's Awards for Marketing Excellence in the Friends of Scouting brochure and e-Newsletter categories! Please join us in congratulating Mark Phelan, who designed the 2010 Friends of Scouting brochure.

District Day Camp

Are you registered for your district day camp? Spots are filling up fast, so be sure to sign up today! Contact our Program Center at 770-989-8820 for information on how you can participate in your District's Day Camp.

Scout Day at the Georgia Renaissance Festival (Apr 16- Jun 5)

Order your discounted tickets today for Scout Days at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. Click here to order tickets.

Proposed Legislation would tax Boy Scout Popcorn and Girl Scout Cookies in Georgia!!!

Scouting Friends:
 
Proposed Georgia legislation would require a sales tax on Popcorn fundraisers for Cub - Boy Scouts and on Cookies for Girl Scouts.  This significant financial impact would take money directly from each boy's efforts to go to camp and pay for their Scouting activities.
 
This issue is being considered RIGHT NOW, so please contact your State House Representative and State Senator TODAY and express your concern in a courteous, Scout-like manner about our Scouts being taxed. Please reference House Bill 385.
 
House Bill 385 is a part of the 2010 Special Council on Tax Reform eliminating various nonprofit sales and use tax exemptions, targeting popcorn and cookie fundraisers by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
 
The consequences of this legislation:
 
Requiring our young Scouts to collect sales tax is not fair and not feasible.
A portion of the funds earned by our Scouts for their camping experience would need to be diverted to pay a sales tax.
Hundreds of children especially in hard to serve areas will not be able to participate in Scouting due to reduction of services resulting from the sales taxes.
Camps are likely to be stressed due to reduced funding.
Please voice your opinion on this issue.  Contact your State Representative and State Senators TODAY in a courteous, Scout-like manner regarding House Bill 385.  See the left column for a link to find your elected officials.  Thank you for your support of Scouting.   
 
Yours in Scouting,
 
Tracy A. Techau
Scout Executive/CEO
Atlanta Area Council, BSA

 

When Tradition Meets Tomorrow Capital Campaign

Our gratitude goes out to our campaign chair Gary Fayard, Executive VP & CFO for The Coca-Cola Company, and his cabinet: Dennis Love of Printpack, Tim Bentsen of KPMG, Ken Ashley of Cushman & Wakefield, Ed Heys of Deloitte, and Randy Rizor of the The Physicians' Pain and Rehabilitation Specialists of Georgia.
 
Thanks to the leadership of the Council's Board of Directors, foundations, corporations, and of course the numerous Scout parents and volunteers that contributed, we have made great progress to providing our Scouts with one of the best camping facilities in the nation.  
 

 

 

 

Scout CPR Saturday, Saturday, March 5th, 2011

It's time to check your CPR Certification for 2011.

When: Saturday, March 5, 2011

Choose from six class times with the first starting at 8:00 a.m.

The course takes about 3.5 hours to complete.

Where: Volunteer Service Center

1800 Circle 75 Pkwy - Atlanta, GA 30339

770-989-8820

Register on-line at www.goodturn.net

Why: CPR Training is required for BSA tour permits, rechartering
and summer camp adult leadership. Please check you unit's
certification.

Why: This course will help Scouts satisfy numerous outdoor skills
merit badge requirements to demonstrate CPR knowledge. Save time
at summer camp by learning CPR now!

How you can help: We need to get the word out to get everyone to
sign-up for Scout CPR Saturday. Parents, friends, Scouts, and Girl
Scout leaders are all welcome! Be sure to foward this email to
anyone that might be interested in joining us.

Pricing:
Adult Skills: $35.00
Adult and Child Skills: $45.00
C-Pro training: $55.00
* Includes manuals, skill cards, and supplies