Important Dates at a Glance
- Super Saturday Training Event........................December 1
- Welding Merit Badge Workshop.....................December 1
- District Holiday Party......................................December 3
- STEM University UMSL................................December 15
- Spark Plug Nominations due...........................December 15
- OA Winter Fellowship.....................................December 16
- Eagle Board of Review.....................................December 18
- Roundtable.......................................................January 7
- STEMtastic Weekend......................................January 11-13
- District Commissioner Meeting.......................January 14
- Eagle Board of Review.....................................January 22
- District Appreciation Dinner ..........................January 25
- University of Scouting......................................January 26
- Committee Meeting.........................................January 28
District News:
Congratulations! Membership not only met its goal, but we are 2% above! Well done!!
Count up hours for Scouting for Food and report. These need to be recorded by year-end for Journey to Excellence.
Please send a representative to Roundtable each month. It does not have to be the same person, and it is actually better if you all take turns so that new ideas can be brought to the table.
REMINDER: Keep track of your unit contacts. It is important for our Journey to Excellence numbers.
2072 total cases of cans collected for our 3 firehouses
Spark Plug Nominations due by December 15th.
Here is a link to the nomination form: https://stlbsa.org/thunderbird/2018/11/15/spark-plug-award-nomination-form/
Activities and Camping
Lead Needed for Spring Camporee
A Unit needs to take the lead on the Spring Camporee at Shippey. The date is set for April 26-28. If no one takes lead, there won't be a camporee! Contact Matt Meyer if you are willing to take this on at 314-295-4777 or mmeyer6724@gmail.com
Klondike Date set-
To be held February 7-10 at Beaumont - Laemmli camp area. Each group will need a backpack grill. Matt Meyer offered to help - contact him at 314-295-4777 or mmeyer6724@gmail.com
Cub Scout Overnight Camp Registration is OPEN for 2019
Summer camp is fun with a purpose, and Scouts will find adventure in the outdoors while learning and advancing through the Cub Scout program. Click here for more information and to register
Wanted: Summer Evening Camp Director
If you are interested in taking on the summer evening camp program, please contact Matt Meyer: 314-295-4777 or mmeyer6724@gmail.com or William Humphrey: william.humphrey@scouting.org
Ozark Adventure Trek
Back by popular demand, GSLAC will offer a 9-day Ozark Adventure Trek in 2019. Explore S bar F Scout Ranch and the nearby Ozark Trail over the course of this backpacking adventure. The Ozark Adventure includes support services such as logistics, crew gear, food, staffed program, and more. This program requires similar preparation to a Philmont trek, so please plan and train accordingly. Click here for more information.
Pinewood Derby Time!
Please send information and pictures from your local Pinewood Derby events. The District Pinewood Derby is scheduled for March 23rd at St. Gabriel's. For more information, go to the District Website and download the flyer: https://stlbsa.org/thunderbird/district-pinewood-derby/
Advancement and Recognition
MERIT BADGE RENEWAL TIMELINE
12/01/2018: An email will go out to all Merit Badge Counselors explaining the merit badge renewal process.
12/21/2018: Letters will be mailed out to all current Merit Badge Counselors. The letter will contain the current merit badge that they are approved to teach. They will be able to renew in the current badges or remove the badges they no longer want to teach. If counselors want to apply for a new merit badge they will need to fill out an application and have the required signatures.
01/21/2019 (week of): An email will be sent out to counselors who have NOT returned their renewal.
02/08/2019: Deadline for renewal
Once the renewal form has been processed counselors will be mailed their 2019 merit badge membership card (Registration will mail out cards). Merit Badge counselors must be current with their youth protection. If counselors do not receive a letter or need any follow up contact: Donna.Baer@scouting.org
Upcoming Badge Workshops:
Merit Badge Skill Centers
Reptile & Amphibian Study - Dec. 15 | Poplar Bluff Merit Badge University - Dec. 1 | Welding - Dec. 1 | Truck Transportation - Jan. 12 | American Labor - Feb. 9 | Scuba Diving - Feb. 19
December 1: Welding Merit Badge Workshop
- 8:45am - 2:00pm Iron Workers Local 396 Construction Training Center (6301 Knox Industrial Dr., St. Louis, MO, 63139)
- With the help of Welding professionals and apprentices, Scouts can work toward earning this skillful badge. Watch the sparks fly and get educated on this rewarding trade. Space is limited to 20 Scouts, so register today!
- register here: https://scoutingevent.com/312-WeldingMBIronWorkers396
OA Report
23 members attended the November meeting at Epiphany Lanes.
Tuesday, November 27th, Shawnee re-write By-law meeting
Chapter Banquet will be in February. Mike Lohff will send out more info later.
Misc
Troop 281 helped with a service project for Second Wind that raises funds for lung transplant patients.The Fun Run was held at Forest Park on October 20th.
Troop 4 Scout, Justin King, earned his Eagle Scout Award at his Eagle Court of Honor on 11/18/18. Three generations of scouts were celebrating. (Left) Floyd King, Justin King's grandfather and a retired Scoutmaster (approximately 1978 - 1981) from Troop 51, was present along with Justin's father, Brian King (pictured on the right).
- Justin's father, Brian King, is also an Eagle Scout (1979), and Justin's Scout Master.
- Justin's grandfather, Floyd King, was Brian King's Scout Master and traveled from California to pin the Eagle award on his grandson, Justin.
STEM
STEM University at UMSL December 15th
Boy Scout College: https://scoutingevent.com/312-stemuumslbs18
Cub Scout College: https://scoutingevent.com/312-umslstemucubs18
STEM University at SEMO on January 5th
Cub Scout College: https://scoutingevent.com/312-stemusemo19cubs
Boy Scout College: https://scoutingevent.com/312-stemusemobs19
For more information on STEM, go to the GSLAC website: https://stlbsa.org/activities/other-activities/stem/stem-university/
Training
STEMtastic Training Weekend
January 11-13, 2019 (starts 7pm on Friday, ends at noon on Sunday)
Beaumont Scout Reservation - Emerson Center 6480 Beaumont Reservation Dr, High Ridge, MO 63049
$75 fee includes: course materials, meals, sleeping on-site, shirt and patch
Adult leaders and parents: Please join us for this inaugural event led by the National STEM in Scouting Committee!
- Find out about the STEM in Scouting and the BSA STEM Nova program
- Learn how to assist Scouts to earn Nova and Supernova awards
- Become a trained Counselor and Mentor
- Gain experience doing science experiments and demonstrations
- Meet others interested in STEM and Scouting
To register: https://scoutingevent.com/312-centralregionstemtasticweekend
University of Scouting
Class is back in session Jan. 26 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. University of Scouting is a supplemental training opportunity for every adult involved in Scouting. Many required BSA trainings are offered, as well as a wide variety of courses that can enhance your ability to deliver an outstanding program. Click here to view the class catalog or register.