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eScouter Newsletter June 2017
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2017 Cub Day Camps start June 5
It's a jungle out there. This year, Day Camp will be a Safari Adventure. Cub Scouts and their families will go wild, learn new skills, and make new friends. Day Camp is a Council camp hosted by districts for Scouts entering 1st - 5th grade for the 2017-2018 school year. No matter what camp you choose, you can be sure it will be loaded with BB guns, archery, sports, games, and crafts, rank advancements, Scout skills, fun and more. Most camps welcome siblings (ages 3+) and Boy Scouts, so you can make this a great summer for your entire family. Participants receive a t-shirt, patch, and lots of FUN! For more information and to register click
here.
Popcorn season is just a few months away. The Sam Houston Area Council is proud to be partnering with Trail's End Popcorn. When units sell popcorn, 73 cents of every dollar returns to Scouting here in the Sam Houston Area Council. By selling popcorn, Scouts learn how to earn their own way and how to be effective communicators.
New this year, all units that register to sell by June 15th will receive a free drone! This drone can be used to promote popcorn at unit meetings and unit popcorn kickoff. Every Scout that sells at least ten take order item can be entered to win your unit's drone. We look forward to helping your Scouts Fund Their Adventure!
Register to sell popcorn
here.
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Leader's News
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McNair Cub Summer Camp
Online Registration is NOW OPEN!!! All newly chartered Cub Scout Packs in the Sam Houston Area Council will receive 25% off your registration to attend the 2017 McNair Cub Summer Camp. For more information click
here or contact Geno Aguilar (713-756-3304)
geno.aguilar@shac.org
Camp Staff
McNair Cub Summer Camp is currently looking for 2017 Cub Summer Camp Staff. McNair Cub Summer Camp has a great working environment. Summer Camp Staff will consists of working closely with youth and parents at different program areas that we call them outpost. The camp will furnish summer uniform, food, and lodging. The positions available are Trading Post Manager, Camp Staff (Male or Female), and Kitchen Support/Cooks. For more information contact Vincent B. Manning at 713-756-3380
vincent.manning@scouting.org or Geno Aguilar at 713-756-3304 or
geno.aguilar@shac.org
Fall Recruitment 
As we look forward to an exciting summer, we ask that you look within your unit for someone who is cheerful and exemplifies the face of Scouting who can be your Fall Recruiting Champion for your unit. Someone who can help "Launch the Adventure of Scouting" in the lives of future Scouts. We want to invite as many future Scouts as possible to join in the amazing fun of Cub Scouting. Look for your
District's Fall Recruiting Training in August, where a representative from your unit will learn the 2017 recruitment plan and receive all of the exciting recruitment materials. Every new Cub Scout will receive a special 2017 "Launch Your Scouting Adventure" patch along with an Estes Rocket!
Every district will have a district wide Rocket Event, where Scouts from all over come to launch their rockets and have a BLAST!!!
We look forward to seeing from your unit at the August training!
El Rancho Cima Decommissioning Ceremony
For anyone who wants to see El Rancho Cima before it closes, there will be a camp staff alumni activity and decommissioning ceremony for El Rancho Cima on July 15, 2017. Please click
here for more information and to register for the El Rancho Cima Decommissioning Celebration activity.
Join the Eagle Scout Hunt!
The SHAC Eagle Scout Association is looking for all Eagle Scouts in our area - active or not. Please encourage any Eagle you know, particularly those not currently active in Scouting, to register at
www.iamaneagle.org
to receive more information as plans progress.
Camp Strake - Patsy & Stan Stanley Arena
Stan Stanley was a loving father and husband, businessman, community leader and a dedicated Scout volunteer. His service to the Boy Scouts includes Scoutmaster of Troop 209, District Commissioner for the Mustang District, numerous council committee positions, Council Commissioner for the Sam Houston Area Council from 2007-2012, Co-Chair of the 2014 "A Century of Service Celebration", and Co-Chair of the site selection committee for the new Camp Strake.
Stan would have not been able to do what he did for Scouting and his community without the involvement and support of the love of his life, and his head cheerleader, Patsy Stanley. Patsy is a retired Texas school educator. She continues to be involved and supportive of Scouting. She is a very active volunteer with Stanley Elementary and St. Peters United Methodist Church.
When Patsy and Stan met, Patsy was involved in outdoor education. On their first date Stan was asking Patsy about her job. She said "If you are familiar with the Boy Scouts of America, I use the Boy Scout manual as my curriculum guide". Stan replied that he indeed was familiar with Scouting and that he was an Eagle Scout and a Scoutmaster. The rest is history. Patsy believes that she and Stan were made for each other.
In honor of the example of service that Patsy and Stan Stanley have provided, the Sam Houston Area Council has plans to raise $500,000 for the naming rights of the Council Arena at the new Camp Strake. The arena will be named the Patsy & Stan Stanley Arena.
Patsy and Stan Stanley Arena at Camp Strake
To help the Sam Houston Area Council with the goal of naming the Camp Strake Arena in honor of Patsy & Stan and to support the Leaders of Tomorrow Campaign please complete a Leaders of Tomorrow Pledge form and identify Patsy & Stan Stanley Arena on the Other / Additional Instructions line. This will also qualify your gift to be matched at 50% by the Mabee Foundation. For more information call Jim Rees at 713-756-3315 or visit here.
Friends of Scouting
As many of you know, the foundation of any great organization lies in its people and we have the best people you could ask for in you and those around you. We also know that in order to continue to help the Sam Houston Area Council grow and impact more lives with the Scouting program, we need to grow our resources. Resources come in many forms and in Scouting your gifts of time and talents are foremost to our efforts. However, we cannot continue to grow, reach more youth, and provide world class programs without the financial backing of donors and supporters like you.
In the coming weeks and months, a volunteer or staff member will likely come visit your unit and ask for your financial support of Scouting for 2017. Your contribution will make it possible for the Sam Houston Area Council to keep our camps at the highest quality this summer, it will allow for us to keep camping and activity prices low, so every Scout can afford to participate, and it will make Scouting possible for a child in need who otherwise wouldn't have an opportunity to be part of this program we love so much. If your unit hasn't yet signed up for a presentation, please reach out to your District Executive today, so we can arrange to have a volunteer presenter at your next meeting.
We ask that you please consider making a contribution to the 2017 Friends of Scouting campaign to ensure that the Sam Houston Area Council remains the very best in the country for you, your family, and your neighbors. Thank you for all you do for Scouting and we can't wait to have another outstanding and life-changing year in 2017!!
Summer Camp 2017 - REPUBLIC OF CIMA (Last Year to Attend Summer Camp at El Rancho Cima)
You will not want to miss what we have planned for summer camp 2017. We are busy updating our program and merit badges list. We will continue to make improvements to our program and facilities. To register, click
here.
Do not miss out on our 2017 Boy Scout Summer Camp Incentive Program:
1. Any Troop that is paid in full currently, each participants will receive a special council shoulder strip that will only be made available to participants attending El Rancho Cima.
2. Troop Flag Streamer for each unit attending El Rancho Cima
3. Special Gift for each Senior Patrol Leader attending El Rancho Cima
4. For Troops that attend El Rancho Cima with a 5% increase over 2016 Scout participation* will be provided with an Ice Cream Party in their campsite.
5. For Troops that attend El Rancho Cima with a 10% increase over 2016 Scout participation* will be provided with 2 tumbler mugs with Special Council Shoulder Patch design.
6. For Troops that attend El Rancho Cima with a 25% increase over 2016 Scout participation* will be provided with 2 steel vacuum sealed mugs.
*If your Troop did not attend El Rancho Cima in 2016, percentage is based on 25% of your December 31, 2016 recharter.
Unit Finance
Do you want to know about how to open a checking account for unit? How state sales taxes work? While the topic of finance is not the most interesting topic to most people it is very vital to the operations of your Scouting unit. The Sam Houston Area Council has a great portion of its website dedicated to helping units work through unit finance topics. Please, click here to review page. Even if you are an "expert," to ensure that you are current on BSA policies as it relates to unit finance.
Wood Badge Adult Leadership Course
Wood Badge is a six-day advanced leadership course offered at Bovay Scout Ranch three times in 2017. This training course is for Scout Leaders involved in all program levels- Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, and Venturing. Participants will learn techniques to become better leaders. Click here for more information.
S3-576-17-2 -
September 8-10 and October 6-8, 2017 (begins Friday at 7:30 am, ends Sunday at 5:00 pm)
S3-576-17-3 -
September 14-16 and October 12-14, 2017 (begins Thursday at 7:30 am, ends Saturday at 5:00 pm)
The Sam Houston Area Council is Now Hiring!
We continually search for potential career employees who would like to work in a profession that has a meaningful, rewarding purpose. Bring to the BSA your varied life experiences, education, and perspective, and in return you will have an opportunity to combine those skills and experiences in a career that values and respects others. Scouting is a profession with a purpose!
Check out our current openings
here
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Be A Scoutreach Volunteer 
-Use your experience to help Scouting's neediest youth
-Help expand Scouting into new parts of Southeast Texas
-Volunteer according to your schedule and availability
Scoutreach is the Sam Houston Area Council's program to build scouting in traditionally under served communities. 7,000 Scouts participate in this program, which are primarily led by paid employees. Most unit activities are held in elementary and middle schools throughout Houston. The goal of the Scoutreach program is for all participants to have the same experiences and opportunities as those in traditional, volunteer led, programs. Scoutreach parents are not typically available to provide the support enjoyed by traditional volunteer units. Experienced Scout Volunteers are needed to bring the skill components to the Scout's experience.
SHAC's new Scoutreach Volunteer program will fill this gap and ensure a high quality program is delivered to these Scouts. Volunteers are needed to help in ScoutReach Boy Scout Camping and Merit Badge Classes, and Cub Scout Day Experiences. Campout assistance is generally needed for day only classes, although leaders that can stay over night are needed from time to time.
Volunteers must be registered Scouters and have completed youth protection training. Please contact Lionel Jellins at
lionel@jellins.ne
t to volunteer to let us know your areas of interest and knowledge. Scoutreach will develop a calendar of events where volunteers are most needed and we will be happy to match you with an opportunity to serve.
Opportunities will include:
-Scoutreach Summer Camp - Teach Tenderfoot through 1st Class Skills. Conduct Boards of Review (over 200 Scouts) - July 19 through July 22.
-Spring and Fall Overnight Camping - Teach Tenderfoot through 1st Class Skills
-Spring and Fall Merit Badge Event - Conduct a One Day Merit Badge program
-Pinewood Build and Race Derby - Assist Scouts in building a Pinewood Derby Car, assist in conducting a ScoutReach Wide Pinewood Derby
-Training and Roundtable Events for Program Specialists - Help teach our Program Specialists the skills they need to implement a high quality program
Scouts with Disabilities
Summer presents some different challenges for Scouts with disabilities. Changes in schedules, routines and structures can be difficult for a youth with autism or learning difference. Please make sure your Scout is prepared for their summer camp experience- from Day Camps to Summer Camps near and far. Here are few quick tips to help with success.
Unit Leaders, please help your Scouts be prepared; make sure all youth and adult leaders have had the opportunity to review the Leader's Guide, and go over appropriate content with the Scout prior to the activity. Then, encourage the Scouts to organize a unit informational meeting about the upcoming camp out. It is important the Scout and parents have a schedule in advance they can review together in order to plan for the trip. This enables them to discuss how to plan and prepare for possible changes to the schedule while at camp.
There are other things to consider. Will the length of the trip have implications for fatigue or emotional outbreaks? Will the Scout require a quiet car? Will frequent stops be necessary along the way? Always make sure that both youth and adult leaders have a pre-planned duty roster.
Leaders should ensure the Scout has all prerequisites completed before leaving for the camp-out. This will help to avoid potential challenges that could occur along the way, but more important, ensure the Scout has a smoother, successful advancement experience.
Utilize a Peer Buddy (Note: This is NOT the same as the Buddy system which ensures no Scout is alone for safety reasons.) A peer buddy is someone known to have worked with that specific Scout. He or she often has specific knowledge about the Scout's special needs, and how to interact with him.
For further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Disabilities Awareness Committee.
Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training every two years is a requirement for all leaders to be registered with the BSA. The classroom version (per Texas law) is required within the past 2 years for all adults participating in a long-term camping experience in the State of Texas. (This includes day camp scheduled over consecutive days, Cub Scout/Webelos Scout resident camp, summer camp, and winter camp.) Adults must complete the test with a score of 70% or higher to be considered trained and will receive a training card. A copy of each test will be on file for two years.
Classroom Facilitated Youth Protection Training will be available in districts leading up to summer camp and day camp. You may also check websites of neighboring districts and click
here for more information.
Enterprise Risk Management
The purpose of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) committee is to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner.
Tour and Activity Plans have been discontinued, to and review FAQs, please click
here.
Safety Moments
are exactly what the name implies: opportunities to prepare for an activity, review safety measures, and report incidents correctly. Topics of this new series include incident reporting helps, safe use of medication in Scouting, the tour and activity plan, weather-related safety, winter activity, and winter sports.
Read about Texas Trailer Inspection updates
here
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To view the ERM Guide for Units, which includes revisions to the Tour and Activity Plan, please click
here.
To learn more about Incident Reviews, click
here
(scroll down to the bottom of the page). There are three documents that walk you through real-life incidents that have happened in Scouting. It provides you with key points (lessons learned) and discussion questions.
For information regarding general health & safety questions, please click
here.
For information about creating an emergency preparedness plan, click
here.
For more information about Enterprise Risk Management, including First Aid/CPR/AED trainings, please click
here.
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| Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Exploring |
McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch
You are invited to explore and enjoy all the wonder and beauty of the east Texas rolling hills and lakes at McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has a variety of camping opportunities for everyone from Cub Scouts to Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has year round camping program opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouts including Weekend Adventure Camps and the new Webelos Coyote Trail Xtreme Adventure Camp. McNair Cub Adventure Camp has a great swimming pool and an air conditioned dining hall (closed on Weekend Camping dates). The Trading Post will be open on some Weekend Camping dates.
Please reserve your attendance now, by contacting Geno Aguilar at Geno.Aguilar@scouting.org for 2017 dates at McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch because many dates are getting full or are closed.
McNair Cub Adventure Camp at Bovay Scout Ranch is an overnight, full program camp for all family members. Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos and their families will enjoy an exciting variety of activities at several program areas that is subject to change and food service in the camp's air conditioned dining hall (The kitchen offers a Vegetarian and Turkey patty substitute as requested during your registration). All the program activities are open every session during Cub Resident Camp. A staff member in each area will provide program supplies and support the parents who will be invited to assist in leading the activities. Pack, Dens, and individual families may register. For more information click
here.
Venturing
Click
here to find all the Venturing news including, Venturing Forums, upcoming events calendars, and Crew Committee Challenge Training.
Venturing Leadership Award nominations are due NOW. The nomination form is online and can be accessed
here.
Venturing Banquet - August 12, 2017
Want to Know More?
Follow the SHAC VOA on Twitter @shacventuring
Instagram @shacventuring
Or FaceBook @ SHACVenturing
Sea Scout Fleet meeting: May 17, 2017, 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Cockrell Scout Center
SCUBA Camp
Dates: June 5th - 8th
Time: 3:30pm- 7:00pm,
Location: Lakewood Pool,
233 Greenbriar, Baytown, Texas,
Cost: $300
Mini Cruise
Dates: June 9th - 11th
Location: Windy Point, Lake Travis, Austin, Texas
Cost: $60/ person
Long Cruise
Dates: June 30th - July 8th
Location: Big Lagoon State Park, Pensacola, Florida.
Cost: $170 / person
For more information regarding Sam Houston Area Council Sea Scouts and these activities, please click
here
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 United Way of Greater Houston's 211 Helpline and THRIVE
2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE
If you need help finding child care, food stamps, care for an aging parent or a haven from domestic violence, 2-1-1 is the number to call when you don't know who to call. The United Way of Greater Houston's trained HELPLINE specialists are good listeners, blending understanding and expertise to provide information and referrals drawn from a comprehensive database of social services. annually, the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE answers over 957,600 calls for help. Basic needs, like food, utilities and health care, topped the list of requests last year, followed by rent assistance and help finding shelter.
Additionally, other resources such as United Way THRIVES's workforce development offerings, financial coaching and education opportunities and financial products and services can be accessed through 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE.
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Scout Days, Scout Nights
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Scout Night and sleepover with the Sugar Land Skeeters 
Saturday, June 10th
Calling all Scouts! Join the Sugar Land Skeeters for the 6th Annual Scout Night Sleepover at Constellation Field on Saturday, June 10th. The game starts at 6:05 PM and the sleepover will run from the end of the game until 8:00 AM on Sunday morning. The sleepover package includes: a field box ticket to the Skeeters game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, pre-game parade on the field, post-game fireworks, one of a kind Skeeters patch, midnight snack, movie on the Texas-sized video board, campout on the field and complimentary breakfast the following morning. Tickets are officially on sale!
Ticket Prices:
$26.00 - Sleepover, Game Ticket, Food Voucher
$20.00 - Sleepover & Game Ticket
$19.00 - Game Ticket & Food Voucher
$13.00 - Game Ticket Only
This event sells out each season, so act quickly to participate in 2017. For more information or to reserve your Troop or Pack's spot, contact Skeeters representative Sunny Okpon at 281-207-9120 or sokpon@sugarlandskeeters.com.
Welding Merit Badge Days
June 16, 2017 (Class room session) and June 17, 2017 (Hands on session)
Elite Pipe Welding Academy
7119 Village Way
Houston, Texas 77087
This opportunity is limited to 30 Scouts, ages 15 and over. Limited space means that it is first come-first serve basis. Only (5) five scouts per Troop. Alternate names can be taken and if space comes available they will be called. A fee of $20 per scout will be collected to cover the welding safety equipment. If alternate scouts are selected they can pay then. The scouts will be able to keep the welding jacket, gloves and glasses.
Long sleeve shirts, full length pants, and closed shoes are required
Lunch and drinks will be provided.
Cut-off date is May 31st, 2017.
Scout Days with the Houston Astros
Secure Your Spot Today!
Join us at Minute Maid Park on Sunday July 16, 2017 and Sunday August 20, 2017 for Scout Day with the Houston Astros. The event will include pregame parade with postgame run the bases.
Scout Days will be held Sunday, July 16 and Sunday, August 20 (First Pitch for both games will be 1:10 p.m.)
For more information or to purchase a group, contact Brent Broussard at 713-259-8316 or broussard@astros.com
Scout Days at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a variety of classes for Scouts. Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos can work towards Adventures in two-hour classes. Up to two classes can be taken in one day and entrance to the general exhibits is included. Classes are offered throughout the school year on Saturdays.
18 merit badges are available during the school year for Boy Scouts at HMNS, including five Eagle Scout required badges: Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, and Emergency Preparedness.
All Scouts can spend the night at the museum during the Scout Overnight! Scouts can all have an exclusive adventure through the museum exhibit halls, with activities and a special program in the Burke Baker Planetarium, where Scouts have a clear night adventure under the stars!
For more information, contact scouts@hmns.org, to register, please click here. For a full list of catalog of classes, please click here.
Scout Day at The Harlem Globetrotters 
Saturday, July 8 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm
NRG Arena
AND
Sunday, July 9 at 3:00pm
Berry Center
The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, will bring their spectacular show to a city near you during their 2017 World Tour. The famed team will feature a star-studded roster that includes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm - plus female stars TNT Lister and Ace Jackson - the Globetrotters' one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction.
Special Scout Offer - SAVE up to $13 on tickets!
Includes Official Harlem Globetrotters Scout Patch!
PLUS Exclusive Pre-game Meet and Greet for the First 100 Scout Tickets Purchased!
Or purchase tickets online by clicking here for NRG Arena, or here for Berry Center. U
se the password CBSCOUT under "Offer Code". Note that service and handling fees will apply for online purchases.
Deadline to order tickets is Friday, June 30, 2017.
 Scout Day at Typhoon Texas
July 20th
Typhoon Texas excited to announce the 2017 Scout Packages!
Scout Day Prices (Scout Supreme) - $30.00
Includes: Admission, Hamburger Meal, Typhoon Texas Fun Patch, unlimited drink pass
Leaders can collect the Fun Patches for your Scouts in your group at our Groups & Will Call window. Leaders will need to have the exact number prepared for the amount of scouts who have purchased a ticket for the waterpark and our Front Gate Specialist will give them the allotted amount of patches. Leaders will be responsible for distributing these patches to their Scouts. Please email your groups representative to Andrew.Boettcher@typhoontexas.com with your Unit number and the number of Scouts getting the Fun Patch prior to your event. We will have a package prepared at Groups & Will Call ready to go! Please pick up patches the day your visit!
To purchase your tickets please, click here. Print off the temporary ticket from your purchase and bring it to the waterpark on your visit to redeem your wrist band and meal ticket for the day. This can all be done at our Groups & Will Call Window.
Scout Day with the Houston Dynamo
Saturday, September 30
7:30 p.m.
Join the Houston Dynamo as they take on the Minnesota United FC for Scout Day with the Houston Dynamo. Tickets are $25. The first 100 purchasers will recieve a Houston Dynamo Patch, post match movie at the stadium and participate in the Rally tunnel.
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| Support Scouting |
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Donate your vehicle
To donate a car, truck, RV, trailer, boat or motor to the Sam Houston Area Council, please visit One Car One Difference, found
here. For more information about One Car One Difference, the Boy Scouts of America's Vehicle donation program, please click
here.
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| Order of the Arrow |
Boy Scouts who were elected into the Order of the Arrow (OA) by their troop must complete an Ordeal within one year, in order to become a member of Colonneh Lodge. If a candidate does not attend an Ordeal during 2017, then the candidate has to be re-elected by their unit. There are several Ordeal opportunities in 2017. A candidate can only complete his Ordeal in Colonneh Lodge. For more information, click
here.
Pay Your Dues Online
Colonneh Lodge dues are renewed annually. An active member in Colonneh Lodge is someone who is a currently registered Scout or Scouter in the Sam Houston Area Council with current dues paid. With active membership, you are entitled to attend all functions of the lodge appropriate for your honor level. It also entitles you to wear your OA flap. Technically, if you don't pay your dues, you are not a member, and the flap should be removed from your uniform. For more information please click here
The Order of the Arrow is the Scouting National Honor Society. For 101 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, developing leaders, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich, support, and help to extend Scouting to America's youth. For more information, contact your
OA chapter
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