July 17, 2020
The Digital Eagle: Weekly Talon
Welcome to the July 17, 2020 edition of the Digital Eagle: Weekly Talon! This is a weekly publication of the Greater Alabama Council, BSA to help keep you and your family on the Scouting Trail.

The CDC has produced a series of factsheets for young adults, ages 15-21. The factsheets cover a variety of topics, including what test results mean, how to stay safe at the pool or beach, how to wear a face covering and other preventive measures. To learn more and access the sheets as well as those regarding the Alabama mask mandate and resources from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, click on the links below.
Heading off to the last week of Camp?
COVID-19 has made for some interesting times, especially at camp. If your Scouts BSA troop is preparing to join us at Camp Comer for camp, it is of utmost importance that you read the COVID-19 Letter, and sign page 2 of this letter and bring it to Camp with you. A signed page 2 is required of all participants to be able to participate in our camping program at Camp Comer this summer.
August OA Induction Weekend CANCELED
Due to rising COVID-19 cases and to the unpredictability of the COVID Pandemic, Coosa Lodge's Executive Committee made the decision to cancel the August Induction Weekend. At present, the OA is looking at other dates and possibilities for conducting the induction weekend. Candidates elected in 2019 have been granted an extension to complete their Induction into the OA due to the pandemic.
National Scout Jamboree Postponed!

Due to uncertainty about the course of COVID-19 as well as other logistical issues, the Boy Scouts of America has made the decision to postpone the 2021 National Scout Jamboree. This decision, announced on July 14th, was made with the focus squarely on the safety and welfare of the participants and the staff of the largest event in Scouting in the United States. To learn more about the rationale as well as find answers to some frequently asked questions, please click on the link below.
Save the date: Family Fun Fest n August 8th!
Join Scouts and Scouters from across the country for a Facebook Live event on August 8th and on September 12th! Family Fun Fest is a wonderful opportunity to see everything that Scouting has to offer and can even help you when you talk to your friends about the adventure of Scouting! This is an event you don't want to miss!
Its time to Join Scouting!

Its time to get ready for fall recruiting by joining the National Recruiting Webinars happening this summer. These regular, one-hour sessions will cover topics important to recruiting in 2020, including geofencing,  BeAScout.org , Zoom 101, online registration, and much more. Plus, the hosts will answer your questions!

All Webinars begin at 7pm Central on Zoom. The schedule and links for each webinar are on the buttons below.
Details on eKnowledge SAT/ACT Test Prep for Scouts

The eKnowledge and the SAT/ACT Donation Project remains in effect for Scoutfamilies – both current and former – enabling them to access SAT and/or ACT test-prep computer programs for a reduced rate. The test prep includes multiple hours of video instruction, several lessons and drills, hundreds of practice questions, and numerous automatically graded tests. 
Find additional details at  http://eKnowledge.com/BSA  and by viewing the flyer.
Fish Camp POSTPONED!
Due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greater Alabama Council has made the decision to postpone Fish Camp, originally scheduled for August 28-30th. Please check back often on the Council's Facebook page, the Council Calendar, and in your own district's newsletters to stay up-to-date on when we announce a new date for this exciting event.
Restart Scouting Checklist- Safety Guidance
As always, the safety of our Scouts, volunteers, and communities is our top priority. The Restart Scouting Checklist has been developed to assist you, your units, and chartered organizations plan for a SAFE return to in-person Scouting activities. This checklist outlines several minimum guiding protocols that adult leaders/volunteers must consider while working with local and state health departments, chartered organizations, and Scouting families on when and how to resume meetings, service projects, camping and all other official Scouting activities. 
Looking for ways to help keep the Scouting adventure going at home? The Greater Alabama Council has put together a web page where you can find 30 Day Challenges, Helpful hints and activities, and more! To access the page, just click on the button below and keep on Scouting!
GET TRAINED!
Every Scout Deserves a trained leader!
The Scouting program thrives with trained leaders, like you! Now is a great opportunity to refresh your skills, learn new methods, and update your training on things like Weather Hazards or Youth Protection Training. Click on the image to the left or the button below to take part in training that will help you be the best leader for our Scouts.