Scouting Fact of the Week

Scouting has flourished in times of national hardship, assisting the nation in many occasions to help people in their time of need. In 1934, during the heart of the Great Depression, Scouts performed a nation-wide "Good Turn." This was in response to President Roosevelt's radio address on February 10. Scouts collected 1,812,284 items of clothing, household furnishings, foodstuffs, and supplies for the distressed and needy. 
In 1941, after the declaration of war, the government requested Boy Scout service for the distribution of defense bonds and stamp posters; collection of aluminum and wastepaper; defense housing surveys; victory gardens; distribution of air-raid posters; and, by joint agreement with the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization, services in three capacities- messengers, assisting emergency medical units, and fire watchers.

Here in 2009, Scouting also has a role to play. As Oregon’s unemployment rate has risen to 12%, families are looking for value for their dollars. Scouting is a program that 1- allows families to participate with their boys in Scouting, helping families become closer; 2- Scouting allows boys to continue to learn strong values such as leadership, strong morals, and basic skills, to develop into young men and later fathers; at a time when these values are needed the most; 3- Scouting can often times be more affordable then other similar summer camping programs or youth programs.

Important Dates

Tuesday, May 5^th- BALOO Training

Thursday, May 7^th- District Committee Meeting

Saturday, May 9^th – Cub Scout Fishing Day

Sunday, May 10^th- Mother’s Day

Thursday, May 14^th, Roundtable

Thursday, May 14^th, Safe Swim, Safety Afloat at Roundtable

Friday – Sunday, May 15^th-17^th, Camporee

Saturday, May 30^th- Cub Scout Fun Day

Monday, June 1^st- Current Kindergarteners are eligible to join CS as Tigers

Friday, June 5^th- District Dinner

Saturday, June 13^th- Community Graffiti Eradication Day (Service Project Opportunity)  

Friends of Scouting- District Status

I was reading the paper yesterday, and the author of an article was talking about the recession we are in. Instead of saying “recession,” he wrote “tough economic times,”- in quotation marks. I laughed silently to myself. But it wasn’t a “oh, that’s funny” laugh, it was a “I can’t believe he used quotation marks” laugh. It was almost as if he was trying to say that these times aren’t so bad at all. Or maybe he was trying to be funny on a topic that’s not funny at all. Some of you have either lost your jobs, or know someone that has. And if you ask them, I don’t think anyone feels the need for quotation marks.

This year, non-profits of every shape and size who depend on large part of donations from others, are feeling the pinch. Here is where we sit as a district. The district’s goal is $101,330 in FOS, assigned to us by the Finance department. That is broken down into two categories. First is the family campaign, and that is the one most of you are familiar with. That goal is $82,000 between 102 units in our district. The other side of our campaign is the Community campaign. That is where our district’s volunteer finance team and I reach out to the community for support. That goal is $19,330.

As of today, we have collectively contributed $55,000 to support the council and the Scouting program on the family side, and the District Finance team has raised $14,261 in the community. Overall, we are sitting at about 68% of our total goal. When compared to other districts in the council, we are doing rather okay. As we move forward, the District Finance team will begin our telefunding campaign that we do a couple times a year. As a council, all districts have had to redevelop their entire FOS strategy, because of this year’s recession. I just wanted to share with you some things that you can do to help if you can.

The first thing you can do to help, is to donate. The cost to support one scout in our council is $150, so that’s what we tend to ask people for, but that is only a guideline. If everyone in the District donated $20 this year for example, it would be a phenomenal increase in our campaign. I know that some of you though wont be able to donate this year, and we understand. After all, we’re human too. My own father is out of work, so I know how tough it is.

If you can’t donate, there are some other things that will help our district. Do you shop at Albertson’s? Do you use an Albertson’s card? You can support us just by shopping there and using your card. If you fill out the attached form entitled “Albertson’s Form,” and mail it back to me or directly to them, Albertson’s donates to our district a portion of your purchase. Another way you can help is information. We are constantly trying to identify people in the community who can support the Scouting program. If you know someone who might be willing to, or work for a company that can, see if they are willing to contribute. I can even come with you to make the ask. It can count towards your unit’s FOS contribution (by simply writing the unit number on the card) or it can go to our community campaign.  

Those units wishing to reach Presidential Status for 2009, need to have all of their paperwork turned into the office no later then Thursday, April 30^th. There will be people in the building until 7:30ish. I can come to pick up things in the district, during the day this afternoon, and tomorrow if you give me a call.

The following units are at Presidential status as of 12:00pm on April 29th:

PACKS: 272, 466

TROOPS: 174, 544, 586, 606, 662, 664, 740

CREW: 174

WARD: 171, 187, 276, 286, 298, 657, 680, 712  

Camporee, May 15^th-17^th

Sign-ups/payments can be made at the May Roundtable. Please download the Camporee Packet for complete details.

Program Planning Packets to be handed out at May Roundtable

Program Planning Packets will be available for this next year at the May Roundtable. We know from experience that units that conduct long-term planning are more successful. Please take advantage of this opportunity.

Cub Scout Fishing Derby, May 9^th

Cub Scouts- Please join us on May 9^th, out at Salish Ponds in Fairview for a day of fun fishing. Download the Fishing Derby Flier for complete details.

Cub Scout Fun Day! May 30^th

On May 30^th, from 10am – 3pm, up at Camp Discovery, we will be having a Cub Scout fun day. There will be BB Guns and Archery, and some other fun activities to do. There are only three rules- 1) Try and wear your uniform if you’re a Cub Scout. 2) Bring a parent if you’re not coming with your unit, 3) Have fun.

2009 District Dinner, June 5^th.

This year’s District Dinner will take place on June 5^th, at Glen Otto Park in Troutdale. Sign-ups and tickets will be on sale at Roundtable in May.

Who are invited? District Level volunteers and unit leaders. This event is typically not for youth, but families of those being recognized are welcome. At this event, we will be awarding Spark Plug Awards, District Award of Merit, Family Award, and others.

Safe Swim Defense/Safety Afloat, and BALOO Training coming  up

Safe Swim Defense/Safety Afloat Training will be offered at Roundtable in May, in one of the breakouts after announcements. Questions, contact Dan Lebrun at 503-668-8533.

BALOO Training for Cub Scout Leaders will be held on May 5^th, 6-9pml, at the Community Presbyterian Church in Sandy. 39290 Scenic Street, Sandy, OR. If you would like to attend, please RSVP with Ken Hall at 503-668-3038.

Cub Scout Spring Recruitment