California Inland Empire Council                      Monday Memo

Welcome to our January 30th, 2012 Monday Memo

A Message From The Scout Chief Executive

I always look forward to what the new year will bring. As you know, 2012 will be a year of leadership change for the National Council, both at the staff and volunteer levels. At our National Annual Meeting in May, we will elect our new president and thank Rex Tillerson for his exemplary leadership, service, and passion given since becoming national president in 2010.

This year, we will also welcome a new Chief Scout Executive. The selection process will begin at our February board meeting with the announcement and first meeting of the selection committee. For me, parting company with this wonderful organization after more than 40 years of service will not be easy. At the same time, I am incredibly excited about what we have achieved together, and what is to come.

Think of the strides volunteers and staff, together, have made this past year alone:

• Councils across the country began to measure success through Journey to Excellence, a new initiative that helps each council deliver a quality Scouting experience and build a sustainable future for our movement.
• Through our relationship with ExxonMobil, we are preparing Scouts for the careers of tomorrow by further integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) into our programs. We launched the Robotics merit badge in 2011 and will introduce the NOVA award later this year.
• We launched SCOUTStrong—our initiative to keep Scouts healthy in mind, body, and spirit—with Let’s Move! and the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. We continue to work with leaders in child development, health care, fitness, and nutrition.
• We laid the foundation for our jewel in the mountains of West Virginia, the new Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, and continued to receive an outpouring of support from the local community, members of the BSA family, and generous donors.
• Over the summer, nearly 1,700 Boy Scouts built 16 miles of hike and bike trails, rehabilitated 12 miles of ATV trails, and removed four acres of invasive plants at the New River Gorge National River. One of the largest youth-service projects in National Park Service history, it further established our commitment to be a good neighbor to the region.

In addition, while we all know and understand the value of Scouting, soon we will get external validation. An independent research study conducted by Baylor University and funded by the John Templeton Foundation will release findings this year that show how young men involved in Scouting for more than two years report closer relationships with family and friends. They also have a greater likelihood to vote, volunteer, give to charity, and sit in leadership positions at work and in their local communities.

I’m optimistic about recent trends in membership recruitment and retention. Our traditional membership was 2.7 million strong at the end of 2011. While that was down about 0.6 percent from 2010 (about 15,000 members), the numbers aren’t as stark as they seem.

• Retention increased 1.4 percent, from 69.2 percent in 2009 to 70.6 percent. This equates to an average of about 38,000 more youth re-registering annually.
• Fifty-nine percent of our councils had growth in membership in 2011, compared to 53 percent in 2010.
• Cub Scout membership loss was reduced from 2 percent in 2010 to 1.2 percent in 2011.
• Boy Scout membership continues to be the shining star. It moved from a loss of 0.6 percent in 2009 to positive growth of 1.2 percent in 2011, the highest percentage increase since 1997. This program is also trending in the right direction, as we saw 0.01 percent growth in 2010.
• The Venturing program loss was cut in half, from 7.2 percent in 2010 to 3.2 percent in 2011.
• We made tremendous progress in closing the gap in Exploring, from a loss of 17 percent in 2009 to a loss of only 0.24 percent (279 participants) in 2011.
• In addition to these achievements we also celebrate the enrollment of 201,000 Hispanic young people in Scouting across the country this past year – a significant milestone in our efforts to reach and engage a diverse youth population!

So, we weathered the storm of a down economy without falling too far behind. But we must continue working toward “The Main Thing” of sustaining youth membership growth through quality programs and find new and innovative ways to continue our mission to serve America’s youth. As we begin our final lap together, much like runners in the final strides of a race, let’s redouble our commitment to the great task ahead and pick up the pace, because we still have much to do! 

An important “P.S.” to this 2011 Year in Review message. I also want to give credit and express my thanks and admiration to the members and leadership of the Order of the Arrow. Through the New River Gorge trail project mentioned below, OA members demonstrated the best of Scouting service and servant leadership for the benefit of others. Even more, they deepened the bonds of friendship between the BSA and the people, agencies, and organizations of the State of West Virginia. The quality of their work and service were exemplary. We are grateful and fortunate for this brotherhood of cheerful service!

On behalf of myself, Rex, and Tico, best wishes in the new year. We look forward to seeing you in February.

Robert J. Mazzuca, Scout Chief Executive

 

University Of Scouting 2012

On Saturday, January 28th, over 150 Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders met at Norte Vista High School in Riverside for University of Scouting. Leaders were able to take a number of different classes to get ideas and methods to deliver a fantastic Scouting program to youth. In addition, a special Jamboree Rally was held to provide information about the 2013 National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia. Special thanks to Training Chair Sheila Armstrong and her committee for putting together a great event. Plan on attending next year!

 

Journey To Excellence Award Order Forms

Be sure to recognize your Scouts and volunteers who worked hard over the past year to provide a fun and adventurous program and achieved on their Journey to Excellence. Be sure to attach the order form with payment to your completed Journey to Excellence application and submit to your district executive or to Volunteer Services. Click Here to Download

 

Robotics Merit Badge Winner

My son, Evan F. of Troop 318 in Murrieta, won one of the coveted Robotics Merit Badges that flew on the final shuttle mission. We were thrilled because Evan has had a lifelong passion for Robotics.
Sincerely, Tracy F.

 

 

ScoutNet & MyScouting Blackouts 

In an effort to keep you informed and to allow you to schedule work and resources accordingly we have attached a tentative schedule of system maintenance hours for the first half of 2012. On most weekends during the months of January through March systems availability will be impacted.

During these system interruptions the National office will be facilitating multi council mergers, consolidations and the creation of a new council structure in the state of Michigan.

If you are a council employee, you will have no access to PAS and Fiscals applications during these hours. Some data in MyBSA may not be updated during this period; however your ability to use email should not be impacted.

If you are a BSA volunteer using MyScouting you will be unable during these hours to upload membership information to begin processing Internet Advancement and Internet Rechartering. Volunteers may continue online by loading the unit information prior to 9:00 PM, CST, on Friday. Submittals may still occur if the membership information was uploaded.

Thank you for your support and cooperation as we continue to support our mission to ensure that all councils are highly effective in support of their units.

Below is the current tentative schedule.

Dates Maintenance Hours: 

February 10 - 12 Friday at 9:00 PM, CST, through Sunday at 6:00 PM, CST February 17 - 18 Friday at 9:00 PM, CST, through Saturday at 8:00 AM, CST February 24 - 25 Friday at 9:00 PM, CST, through Saturday at 8:00 AM, CST

March 16 - 17 Friday at 9:00 PM, CST, through Saturday at 8:00 AM, CST March 23 - 24 Friday at 9:00 PM, CST, through Saturday at 8:00 AM, CST *System will be down an additional 10 hours this weekend, compared to other weekends.

 

Scouts Can Earn Badges At Museum

Boy Scouts, Webelos, and Cubs can earn badges by attending fun Scout programs at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands. Registration for badge workshops is now open.

“We have been offering opportunities for Scouts to earn badges at the county museum for nearly a decade,” said Nancy Kirkwood, museum educator and certified merit badge counselor. “What better place to work on skills in cultural and natural history than the museum, a place where real scientists, geologists, historians, and archaeologists work and where you are surrounded by real specimens and real artifacts?”

On Feb. 4, Webelos will explore rocks, minerals, and fossils using authentic specimens and replicas to earn their Geologist Activity Badge and the Academic Belt Loop and Pin. The geologist workshop runs from noon until 2 p.m. The cost is $13 for each boy, $10 per sibling or adult, age 4 and under are free, and the cost includes museum admission that day.

Boy Scouts can earn their Mammal Study merit badge on Feb. 4 from 3 to 6 p.m. observing some of the furry specimens in the museum’s Mammal Hall as well as the live animal Exploration Station. Scouts will also learn about animal classification, habitats, and how species are catalogued and prepared for preservation at the museum. Mammal Study is $22 per Scout. Parents are welcome to participate, but this program is not appropriate for siblings. Read More.....

 

Arrowhead District Annual Recognition Dinner

Arrowhead District held its annual recognition dinner last weekend at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rialto. We had a Totally Tubular time rocking out to the 80”s theme. Our radical MC’s “Cherry Bomb” a.k.a. Christa Jensen and “Bent Axel” a.k.a. Mike Bentley keep us engaged throughout the night with their 80’s enthusiasm and wicked guitar licks. At one point in the evening they were joined on stage with Pinky, Triple Nickel, and Def Awesome Hair, causing everyone in the room to relive their greatest 80”s concert memories, but the highlight of the evening was recognizing all the volunteers who gave above and beyond service last year.
In addition to the numerous Unit Scouter of the year and Unit Husband & Wife Teams of the year we had the following awards:
District Award of Merit was presented to Joe Gallegos, Kyle Gonering, Christa Jensen and Brent Rolf.
District Scouter of the Year was presented to Ken Bennion.
District Husband and Wife Team of the Year was presented to Byron & Lubia Morales.
District Commissioner's "Volunteer of the Year" Award went to Terry Bryan.
Unit Commissioner of the Year was awarded to John Pedrosa.
Community Award went to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rialto.

 

1937 Boy Scout Uniform

Dear Scout Friends,

You may know that last year around this time my husband and I began a search for vintage Cub & Boy Scout uniforms for our den to wear at our Pack 421's Blue & Gold event. It was a great success and everyone in our den got to wear a piece of Scout history. We acquired some fascinating items and so began our new love and appreciation of scout history. Most uniform pieces we purchased on eBay averaged about $10 each. Some came with stories of a young boy that had worn the article and others came with deep admiration for a fellow leader that had retired or passed.

I admit, the search was very intriguing. It was a quick, new obsession, however financially we had to put an end to our search. Well . . . until we saw a 1937 Boy Scout Uniform that was supposed to be worn at the first National Jamboree in Washington DC. The story on eBay was that the young man was not able to go the the Jamboree because he had to help his father on the farm.

We new this uniform would be the last and greatest piece of our collection. But it was pricey, as are all items from the first Jamboree. We were torn. But deep inside we new we had to have this. So, instead of celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary, and decided we would bid on the uniform. On February 20, 2011, we won the auction for the uniform and paid $261.79 + 16.95 shipping.

The uniform arrived in the original box labeled "1937 Jamboree." It was breathtaking . . . military-style pants, shorts, a long-sleeved shirt with the fancy removable buttons, a campaign-style hat, long socks with garters, a gold & black neckerchief, a small back woggle, a council name patch that hadn't been sewn on the shoulder, a doctor's note and Milton Willin Harper's official BSA membership card from 1934 - 1936.

We enjoyed it for many days and then tucked it away. Until last weekend.

We looked again at the uniform and membership card. We made some calculations and then . . . searched his name. Milton Willin Harper, Seaford Delaware.

We found three pieces of information. The first, a college graduation Epitome Yearbook photo from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, and notation stating that he was a Chemical Engineering Major and a member of the Alpha Phi Omega honorary scouting fraternity. It was him. It was really him!

The second piece of information related to land in Delaware.

The third, an article from the University of Delaware, dated December 21, 2011. There he was . . . now represented in an interview, a photograph of a 90 year old man . . . very alive.

The tears began streaming down my face. Brian began the scenarios of "what if . . . ."

So, we called. . . The University of Delaware, Chemical Engineering Department. It was a Saturday afternoon, hence a message machine. I was so emotional, I couldn't even get through the message I was trying to leave. Brian called again.

He called again today, Tuesday, January 24, 2012 and spoke with a secretary who was excited to hear the story.

It wasn't long until Brian's phone rang at work, "Is this Brian Park?" Somewhat jokingly he answered, "Yes it is" . . . and then he paused . . . "Is this Mr. Harper?"
YES.

So Mr. Harper, from the bottom of my heart, and the top of the bucket full of tears I cried writing this . . . Thank You.
And if you'd like to tell us more about your story, we'd love to hear it.

Faithfully Yours In Scouting,
Susan Park, Pack 421, Corona, CA

 

Voice Of The Scout Here's What to Expect An email survey sent twice each year to measure the value of Scouting for your family. Survey recipients include Scouts (over 14 years old), parents, and volunteers. Scouts under 14 will have a chance to share their experience through their parent's participation. Chartered organization representatives are also included. A unique opportunity to highlight issues you believe are important for improving your family's Scouting experience.

 

Basic Leader Training

For Boy Scout Leaders In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

This course is designed to provide basic training for Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, troops with Venture patrols, Troop Committee members, interested parents, Bishopric members, Ward and Stake Primary Leaders, Ward and Stake Young Men leaders, Stake Presidencies and High Councils. The course will be taught by LDS Scouters in the Council, and will be hosted by the Fontana Stake. Course includes, “New Leader Essentials,“ “Scoutmasters/ Assistant Scoutmasters Specific Training.” “Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills” and meets the requirements for the “Trained” patch for Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, leading to the Church’s adult “On My Honor” award.

Organizing a successful Troop Planning Troop Activities Fund raising, or not?

11 year old scout program Funding the program Organizing a Troop Committee

Duty to God Program Health and Safety Cooking Demonstrations

Venture Patrols

Opening Indoor Session: Saturday, Feb 4, 2012, 8:00AM - 6:00PM (Lunch Provided)
Second Indoor Session: Thursday Feb 16, 2012, 7:00PM - 9:30PM

Cost: $15.00 includes lunch on Feb 4th, and all payments will be handled at the door.
Location: Fontana Stake Center

To Register: Please send an email to fontanascouter@gmail.com, include your name, address, phone number and the stake you are from. You will be receiving a regiatration packet in the mail. Be prepared to pay $15 on Saturday Feb 4th when you arrive.

 

Scout Night 2012 Joins us March 3, 2012 @ Citizens Business Bank Arena for an exciting night of Hockey as the Ontario Reign takes one the Utah Grizzlies. Proceeds from each ticket support the California Inland Empire Council. The first 3,000 fans receive a free bobblehead (doors open at 5PM and subject to availablity) For more Information contact Joanne Higgins jhiggins@bsamail.org 909-983-4534 or Mike Kim Mkim@ontarioreign.com 909-941-7873 Click Here for Order Form

 

News & Tidbits

• Grayback District, Leader Specific Training for all Scout, Varsity, and Venutre Leaders. Click Here for more Information
• The Buzz Bi-Weekly Video! An annual program plan is key to having a successful Scouting unit. Marianne Elden shares information on new interactive tools to make unit program planning quick and easy. Click Here to View 
• NRA Range Safety Officer Class! Saturday March 10, 2012 Click Here for more information 
• Scout Sunday & Sabbath Activities: February 5th, Holy Name of Jesus, Redlands, 8:00AM Catholic Mass, February 10th, Scout Shabbat at Temple Beth Sholom, Sun City, 7:30 PM, February 12th, Church of the Valley, Apple Valley

 

Boy Scout Summer Camp Registration

Camp Emerson		Week 1			Week 2			Week 3			Week 4
Campsite	Tr #	Youth	Adult	Tr #	Youth	Adult	Tr #	Youth	Adult	Tr #	Youth	Adult
Big Oak (50)								Transition		HD-356	10	2
Bridger (20)							5N-T100	10	2
Broken Arrow (40)
Coil (30)	SU-T77	17	2	OB-T644	24	6	AH T89	20	6
	SU-T50	6	2	Full			Full
Dan Boone (20)										SGT461	7	2
										HD-T956	5	2
Eagle Nest (25)
Firestone (25)	LA T927	25	5	SU-T262	30	3
				Full
Freemont (20)										OB-T66	8	2
Goldware (14)	GB T15	7	2	TQ T934	8	2	MR-141	12	2	HD-T156	8	2
				Full
Harris (30)	OB-T634	16	3	HD-T470	10	2	SDI-T260	20	10
				3P-T424	8	2	Full
	AH T512	10	2	MR-T506	4	2
Hayes (20)
Lewis & Clark (10)	SD T608	10	3	HD-T159	8	2				5N-T395	6	2
	Full			Full
Mellor (40)	GB-T11	20	4	SDI-T148	16	4	GB-T226	20	4	TQ-T633	11	4
	MR-T156	12	2	HD-T53	16	3				HD-526	10	4
										MR-T286	3	2
Owl's Roost (20)	TQ - T734	15	2	SU-T105	12	3	MR T806	13	2	TM T220	20	5
	Full									Full
Swartzel (20)				3P-T585	10	2				HD-T656	8	2
				3P-T185	3	2				OC-T49	10	2
E Team
Capacity 255/ wk		Youth	Adult		Youth	Adult		Youth	Adult		Youth	Adult
		138	27		149	33		95	26		106	31
	Youth	Adults
GRAND TOTAL	488	117

 

Positive Quote
----------------------

"What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the dog."

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 - 1969), speech to the Republican National Committee, January 31, 1958

 

Have a great Scouting week!
Yours in the Spirit of Scouting,

Joe Daniszewski Scout Executive/CEO California Inland Empire Council, BSA 1230 Indiana Court Redlands, CA 92374 909.793.2463, Ext. 120 877.732.1450 909.793.0306 Fax

Monday Memo is from Scout Executive Joe Daniszewski and contains his reflection on what is happening within the Council. The purpose of Monday Memo is to communicate information about the week ahead, to acknowledge the good things happening around the Council and to address specific issues that the Scout Executive wants to bring to your attention. Joe welcomes any comments, suggestions or recommendations on how to make this memo as helpful as possible. If you have something you want publicized in the Monday Memo, please send it to his attention c/o Monday Memo: Joseph.Daniszewski@scouting.org for Monday Memo Archives Click Here