DATES & PLACES:

Looking Ahead:

February

3       Scout Sunday

3       OA Chapter

8       Scouts in Government Day

8       District Adult Recognition Dinner

12      District Committee

14      Commissioner Meeting

14      Cub & Boy Scout Roundtable

14      Troop, Team, Crew and Post Recharter Packets Turn-In

18      Presidents Day Offices and Shops Closed

SILVER BEAVER AWARDS

17 new Silver Beaver Award recipients were selected by the Crossroads of America Council. Congratulations to our Golden Eagle new Silver Beavers:  Karen Goth and Pat O'Hern Jr.

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Please join me in welcoming the following folks to the district:

Jeff Howe ............................ Muncie Community Friends of Scouting Chair

Tammy Gruwell.......................................... Cub Scout Advancement Chair

CAMP RED WING COMMITTEE CHAIR Mike Dowd

The CAC       Properties Committee approved camp improvements on the south side of White River.  The project will be coordinated by Aaron Craig, T25 and supervised by the Camp Red Wing Committee.  The plan for primitive camping was one of Aaron’s Wood Badge projects.

Spring Do-It To-It Workday is Saturday, April 19.

DISTRICT COMMISSIONER Karen Goth

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Have you ever considered having one of your own unit leaders join our commissioner staff?  That is exactly what we are planning on asking you to do.  Plans are in the making for us to “revamp” the commissioner staff in our district to better serve all of the units, and going back to the “old way” of doing this just might be the ticket to our success.  We have found it very difficult to communicate with area units and leaders, and that most of them have no idea as to who their unit commissioner is, let alone what a unit commissioner does.  Simply put, we are THE resource FOR YOU from the council.  We are in the planning stages for this endeavor, so please send any suggestions you have to me.  This can include anything including ideas on how we can best serve you, how best to communicate things, or any questions that you may have.  Let’s show the rest of our council just how great Golden Eagle District really is.

Upcoming things to do:

1.       Membership inventories – simply make a list of your active registered youth and leaders for the district office and commissioner staff.

2.       Quality unit 2007 – we will be going over the quality commitment sheets for 2007 in the next few weeks to see who met their commitments.  Please expect a phone call or visit regarding this.

3.       Quality unit commitment for 2008 – yes, the new sheets will be available soon.  Use your membership inventory this fall to start thinking about what you want to accomplish next year, or how you can improve on what you currently do.  Remember – this is a tool for you to use to make your unit better.

4.       Schedule a Family Friends of Scouting presentation to be done before March 2008.  

5.       Troops and Crews – recharter is not far away; use your membership inventory to help get this started so you can be early this year.

6.       Training – check to see which of your leaders still need to be trained.  Cubs can do all of their training with the exception of BALOO and WOLS online.  Boy Scouts and Venture leaders can do complete trainings with the exception of OLS at University of Scouting , or we can help to find a district training somewhere.  Trained leaders are an important part of a great unit.

Need some help?  Call your unit commissioner!  We are here to help, and the above mentioned things are part of what it takes to make a successful unit have a successful year. 

I would like to challenge each unit to nominate one of their leaders for our Golden Eagle District awards this year.  Fill out a nomination form (available at the scout office) and turn it in by late December.   This can be someone that you think does an outstanding job in Scouting for your unit, for our District, or just in general.  There are several awards that may be given, and we know there are many deserving leaders out there.  We need nominations.  This is a great way to say thank you – we really do appreciate everything you do!

Everyone have a safe and happy holiday season.  My best wishes for you all.

Karen Goth , Golden Eagle District Commissioner

765-282-4759

Email:  kgoth@iquest.net

Why Do I Keep Doing This?

When thinking about your position as a scout leader, when was the last time you asked yourself “Why do I keep doing this?”  Perhaps more importantly, when was the last time you answered your own question?  Until a few weeks ago, my answer would have focused on the personal satisfaction I receive from being part of a process that helps a youth grow into a young adult who is prepared to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime.  Experiences in my life the last few weeks have now expanded my answer a bit.

A few weeks ago, I found myself unemployed for the first time in twenty-eight years.  Obviously, one of the first things on which I worked was my resume.  It was the process of working on my resume that helped me realize I needed to expand my answer to the “Why do I keep doing this” question.  “Personal satisfaction” and “ethical and moral choices” are still significant parts of my new answer.  However, I’ve come to realize that I’ve received a lot more from scouting during the last dozen years than simply “personal satisfaction”.

I realized that a lot of the skills I put to use at work when working with and managing employees have been learned from scouting and the training opportunities it provided me over the years, especially the leadership and planning skills.  I realized that not only could I list that I am an Eagle Scout on my resume, I could also show community service and leadership at the same time by listing my leadership roles in the White Stag National Youth Leadership Training program, and serving as Fall 2007 Camporee Chair.  These are just a couple of examples of the many opportunities I’ve been afforded in scouting as an adult.

If you were to ask me now why I keep doing this, you’ll still get my “personal satisfaction” answer, but you’ll also likely hear something about it still preparing me for life – even at the age of fifty!  It’s never too late to learn something new.

David Largent

DISTRICT EXECUTIVE Megan Luecke

Family Friends of Scouting 2008!

Can you believe it is that time of year already?! The annual Friends of Scouting Campaign is starting up! The Family portion of the campaign plays a very vital part in the overall success of the campaign, and keeps Scouting alive and well in Golden Eagle!  Please schedule a presentation as soon as possible.  Get your dates to jmbaker@bsu.edu or to shunt@geaarchitects.com as soon as possible! Please schedule dates for November 2007 – March 2008 at a Court of Honor, Blue and Gold or other meeting where parents attend. Thanks to the following units for already scheduling theirs: Troops 1, 9, 37, 39 and 287, and Packs 9, 15, 20, 30, 31, 35, 50, 58, 303, 463, and 477!!

Roundtable

Please make an effort to attend Roundtable. It is a great continued training for all adult leaders. Please send a representative to the First Presbyterian Church on Riverside in Muncie on the second Thursday of every month at 7pm . This is a great resource for ideas and information, not to mention a great avenue to talk to other leaders in the district about concerns, issues and how they have done things. The district leaders strongly encourage all leaders and units to attend and take advantage of this opportunity. Any questions contact the Scout Office at 765-288-0223. Thanks!

Leader Recognition Dinner

This year’s Leader Recognition Dinner will be held on Friday, February 8, 2008 , place is TBA. We hope that all leaders and families will put this on their calendars now to attend this event. This is a great place for the District to recognize all of the leaders for their hard work, hand out district awards, recognize our 2008 Silver Beavers and our 2007 Eagle Scouts, among other wonderful awards. Mark your calendars for this event and watch for more information coming soon!

District Annual Meeting

Our 2008 District Annual Meeting will be held on January 8, 2008 at the People of Praise Church in Muncie at 7pm . We will be voting on the key leadership of the district, so please plan on attending. The following people are eligible to vote on the new slate of officers: 2007 district committee members, members at large, chartered organization representatives, nominating committee members, and any council board members living in Golden Eagle District.

Winter and Spring Camporee

This year’s Winter Camporee will be held on January 18-20 at Red Wing and will be hosted by the Camp Red Wing Committee. The theme is the Paul Bunyan Award. Mark your calendars for this fun event. Also, the Spring Camporee will be a Medieval Theme sponsored by Troop 39. Mark your calendars for May 2-4, more information will be arriving soon!

Rechartering!

Can you believe that rechartering is almost here? Well, you better get ready! At the December and January Roundtable we will be providing ALL units with their Recharter Packets and with a training on how to complete them! Like last year, 2008 Recharter will be done online. Please plan on attending either the December Roundtable (for Troops/Teams/Crews) or the January Roundtable (for Packs) to receive this valuable information and your packet. Rechartering is an annual process where we make sure that all youth and adults are registered (adding and dropping if needed, also changing positions and addresses-but not grades for youth!) and renewing the contract with the charter organization and the Boy Scouts of America. This is a process that has to be completed each year and it is very important that someone from your unit attends the appropriate Roundtable to pick up the packet and find out more information.

For Troops/Teams and Crews we will be collecting the recharter packets at the February Roundtable and for Packs we will be collecting recharter packets at the March Roundtable so please make sure all proper signatures are on them, money is correct and bring them with you on that night!

Webelos Transition

Cub Scout packs should be crossing over their second year Webelos into Boy Scout Troops. There are far too many Cub Scouts lost in this transition. Scoutmasters: make it a goal to talk personally to every Webelos and their parents to see just what their intentions are after Cub Scouting, and invite them to join your Troop! Cub Leaders can also play a roll by encouraging their boys and parents to give Boy Scouting a try, and to visit several troops. The best relationship is one that lasts all year with joint activities over a long period of time to form a familiarity with the Boy Scout troop that the boys will move into. Earn the F.O. Belzer Award by crossing over 75% of the 2nd year Webelos! If there are any questions concerning Webelos to Scout Transition or you would like a Den Chief, please feel free to give Chris Dudley a call at 765-289-5661 or Leslie Anderson or Megan Luecke at the office (765-288-0223).

Internet Advancement

Advancement is now available online! Recording advancement is very important! You can use the internet advancement to: add ranks, merit badges and awards, and to update information on existing advancements (excepting the Eagle Scout rank). You can still fill out the form that you are used to filling out and turning into the office, but the process can also be done online and then printed out and given to the office. In order to complete online advancement you will need to go to www.crossroadsbsa.org. From the home page there is a link called Internet Advancement, click on that and it will bring you to a page titled “Internet Advancement: Process ranks and awards for packs, troops, teams, crews, ships and posts.” There are five steps in order to complete the advancement online, and they are:

1. Select the unit advancement processor. This person must have Internet connectivity and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
2. Obtain a unit ID code from the council. The unit advancement processor attends an April roundtable, and can obtain the unit ID code there. (or you can contact the Scout Office)
3. Gather information for advancement, including merit badge applications and advancement records with dates.
4. Click Internet Advancement on this page. Follow the instructions in Internet Advancement to process advancements and print an advancement report.
5. Have the appropriate people sign the printed unit advancement report and submit it to the council. Make sure there are 2 additional signatures when Board of Reviews are held. Save a copy for your files.

It is suggested that units submit monthly before the end of each month, or more often if needed. In December, submit a report before the end of the month to update unit and council statistics. If you have any questions about the process please don’t hesitate to call the office, 765-288-0223, and ask Leslie Anderson, Megan Luecke or Megan Guajardo.

Popcorn Update

The 2007 Popcorn Fundraiser is almost complete! We are wrapping up Take Orders, which will be delivered to units on December 1. All money will need to be to the district by December 14. We are going strong and as a district have sold over $100,000.00 without including the Take Orders! We are so excited about all the youth selling popcorn and all the hard work that the units are doing to raise money to send kids to fun events and even camp this summer. Keep up the great work!

Quality District Update

As the 2007 year draws to a close please remember to empty out your briefcases and find all of those applications that you have been holding on to, both youth and adult, and turn them into the office. We are so close to being a quality district for 2007 but we need all of your help to do so. So, please make sure you don’t have any applications that you haven’t turned into the office. We can be a Quality District for another year in a row, but we need your help to do that!

Frequently Asked Questions about Training

How often is Youth Protection Training for adults required/encouraged?

We encourage all leaders to take the course every 2 years to refresh their memories. It can be taken online or be watching the video that you can check out from the Scout Office. This training covers types of abuse, two deep leadership and reporting requirements.

What training is required/strongly encouraged for new Cub leaders?

We encourage all leaders to take Cub Scout Fast Start, which gives leaders the information they need to plan and conduct their first meeting. New Leader Essentials, which will help leaders understand the Boy Scout organization, its values, aims, history, funding and methods. It addresses how these aims and methods are reached through age appropriate activities in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting and Venturing. We also encourage Leader Specific training for job specific training for leaders and assistants, which includes: Tiger Leader/Assistant Tiger Leader, Den Leader/Assistant Den Leader, Webelos Leader/Assistant Webelos Leader, Cubmaster/Assistant Cubmaster, Pack Committee/Committee Chair. The Boy Scouts of America has adopted a number of policies aimed at eliminating opportunities for abuse within the Scouting program. These policies focus on leadership selection and on placing barriers to abuse within the program, therefore we also encourage Youth Protection Training for Adults. This training covers types of abuse, two deep leadership and reporting requirements.

What training is required/strongly encouraged for new Boy Scout leaders?

We encourage all leaders to take Boy Scout Fast Start, which gives leaders the information they need to plan and conduct their first meeting. New Leader Essentials, which will help leaders understand the Boy Scout organization, its values, aims, history, funding and methods. It addresses how these aims and methods are reached through age appropriate activities in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting and Venturing. We also encourage Scoutmaster Specific training for job specific training for leaders and assistants.  This training covers advancement, patrol method, outdoor program and program planning.  Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills is the required outdoor training for all Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters and Varsity Scout coaches. The skills taught are based on the outdoor skills found in The Boy Scout Handbook. The course is also ideal for Venturing leaders because it focuses on skills that build confidence and competence in leaders conducting outdoor camping experiences. Troop Committee Challenge training is for all troop committee members. This training should be facilitated within the troop by the troop trainer. This two and a half hour training with a game focus together with New Leader Essentials gives trained status to all registered troop committee chairs and troop committee members. The Boy Scouts of America has adopted a number of policies aimed at eliminating opportunities for abuse within the Scouting program. These policies focus on leadership selection and on placing barriers to abuse within the program, therefore we also encourage Youth Protection Training for Adults. This training covers types of abuse, two deep leadership and reporting requirements.

What training is required/strongly encouraged for new Venturing leaders?

We encourage all leaders to take Venturing Fast Start, which gives leaders the information they need to plan and conduct their first meeting. New Leader Essentials, which will help leaders understand the Boy Scout organization, its values, aims, history, funding and methods. It addresses how these aims and methods are reached through age appropriate activities in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting and Venturing. We also encourage Venturing Specific training for job specific training for leaders and assistants.  This six hour training is for all Venturing crew Advisors, their assistants, Venturing crew Committee Chairs and members of the committee. Topics covered include understanding youth, resources and program planning, recognition and how to do a Program Capability Inventory.  The Boy Scouts of America has adopted a number of policies aimed at eliminating opportunities for abuse within the Scouting program. These policies focus on leadership selection and on placing barriers to abuse within the program, therefore we also encourage Youth Protection Training for Adults. This training covers types of abuse, two deep leadership and reporting requirements.

What training is required in order to earn the trained patch on your uniform?

The Trained Leader Emblem is for all leaders who have completed Fast Start and basic training programs appropriate to their positions. Basic training begins with New Leader Essentials and includes a leader specific training. Scoutmasters and assistant Scoutmasters also need to complete Outdoor Leader Skills to complete their training. The emblem is worn immediately below and touching the emblem of office for which it was earned. Boy Scout Junior Leaders who have completed Troop Junior Leader Training, Varsity Scout Team Leaders who have completed Team Leader's Seminar, Den Chiefs who have completed the Den Chief Training conference, elected Venturing officers who have completed crew officer's seminar may wear the Trained emblem beneath their badge of office.

The Trained Leader Emblem may only be worn in connection with the emblem of office for which basic training has been completed.

What is Roundtable?

Just what is this Scouting thing anyway? Well, it's The Program! And you can learn all about The Program at Roundtable, a monthly meeting held by each district to cover the highlights of the national plan for Scouting, (Program Helps ) published in the magazine for adult Scouting volunteers, SCOUTING . Once a month, Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturing leaders within a district meet to discuss, plan and prepare for their units’ programs. Some districts and troops follow the national plan a little more closely than others, but there's still plenty for every unit adult leader to glean from years of experience and connection to your fellow Scouting leaders in your community. Roundtable is a great place to learn about upcoming events, get information for your program and talk to other leaders about what is working for them and what challenges they are having, plus get ideas! Golden Eagle holds their Roundtable on the 2^nd Thursday of every month at 7pm at the First Presbyterian Church on Riverside Ave. on the heart of Ball State ’s campus in Muncie . The schedule for the next year is:

December 13, 2007

January 10, 2008

February 14, 2008

March 13, 2008

April 10, 2008

May 8, 2008

August 14, 2008 (at Camp Red Wing)

September 11, 2008

October 9, 2008

November 13, 2008

December 11, 2008

Why is training important/encouraged?

We encourage all leaders to be trained. It has been proven that a leader who is trained provides better programming for the youth. Better programs for the youth means that they will stay in the program longer and remain active. Offering quality programs is what the BSA aims to do, and training the leaders on what they are supposed to do is key in being able to offer quality programs. Trained leaders are also a part of the Quality Unit Awards. The training for the BSA is no different than if you were a brand new employee of a company, they would have to train you so you would know what you are doing, that is exactly what we are doing. The more trained leaders a unit has the more likely the Scouts are to succeed and eventually go on to get their Eagle.

What is University of Scouting ?

For all leaders, this seven hour council – led event will help you be a better Scout leader. Participants choose from a variety of classes in Membership, Finance, Service, Program and General Studies areas. Those attending the first year and choosing a field of study will receive a bachelor's degree in that area. A master's degree in Scouting may be earned the year after earning a bachelor's degree. A Doctorate may be earned in Scouting by attending the university at least two more years and by completing a thesis project. The university is based on the nationally recognized Four-Function Plan. The Four Functions of the council and its districts are: Program, including training, camping/outdoor, advancement, and activities/ civic service; Unit Service, the commissioner function; Finance, which also includes the marketing aspect; and Membership/ Relationships. The four colleges of the University are organized according to these four functions. In addition to the four colleges of the University, we have a very diverse selection of courses in General Studies.

What is Pow Wow?

Pow Wow is supplemental training for all Cub Scout leaders. Workshop style training usually held on a Saturday with 6 one hour sessions chosen by the participant. Fun classes on the outdoors, crafts, ceremonies and many more topics are offered.  It is an exciting day filled with adventure for any adult associated with Cub Scouting. Pow Wow can turn you on to the wonders your Cub Scouts expect!

What is Wood Badge?

Almost one hundred years of tradition, the message is the same. Never underestimate the power of "Keeping the Promise." Wood Badge is advanced Scout leader training that began in 1919 by Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting and Wood Badge's first director. It came to America in 1948 and has been updated to reflect current BSA policies and programs. Incorporating the best techniques available, Wood Badge has become the most advanced leadership training course in Scouting!

Wood Badge is the highest level of Scout leadership training and provides you with the tools to be a superior leader. The leadership skills taught are for leaders from all Scouting areas including Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing and the district and council. The 1st half of the course utilizes a classroom environment and practical exercises to teach the essentials of leadership. You’ll learn what makes leadership work for you in Scouting and your personal life. The 2nd half offers classroom and outdoor experiences to help you learn the application of leadership skills. Finally, you will write and complete a “Ticket”. The “Ticket” consists of five written goals. These goals connect your new leadership knowledge to your role in Scouting.

Any Scouter who has attended basic training for their registered position and serves in a leadership role in Scouting or in a position that directly supports a unit can attend.

What is a Den Chief and is there training for it?

A Den Chief is a Boy Scout who has been trained and comes back to the pack to work with the Webelos Dens and assist the Webelos Leader or any other grade level. All Boy Scouts serving as a Den Chief should attend the seven hour training. Cubmasters and den leaders working with Den Chiefs may also attend to understand how to use a Den Chief most effectively. Time is spent teaching how to get along with Cub Scout and Webelos Scout age boys as well as how to lead den activities such as games, songs and contests. Den Chiefs are a very valuable resource in encouraging all boys to cross over into Boy Scouting. Cubmasters: If your pack would like to utilize a Den Chief but don’t have one, please contact the troop that your pack feeds or contact the Scout Office.

Where can I go to get trained? How do I get the training I need?

There are five methods used to deliver training. These include:

In-unit training is the most effective method of delivering training. In-unit training provides immediate and people friendly delivery. Group training is another way of filling in the gaps for units that do not have an in-unit trainer. Group training provides more information to share between people. There are times when in-unit or group training does not work, however, and personal coaching or self-study becomes the only method to train leaders. Online training provides immediate access to information.

Some training courses may be completed through online study: Cub Scout Fast Start, New Leader Essentials, all five job specific Cub Scout Specific Training, Youth Protection training for all Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders, Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat are all currently available through http://olc.scouting.org/ or http://www.crossroadsbsa.org/Training/cub_scouts.htm. With the exception of Youth Protection you must report the completion of the training to your local council office to have the training placed on your record of training. Take or send a copy of the certificate at the end of online training to your local council office. Youth Protection training is automatically placed on your training record if you successfully complete the training. Please remember to download the local reporting procedures/resources when you take Youth Protection online; successful completion is only possible after the local procedures are downloaded.

Our goal is to train leaders, not just holding training events. For more information about trainings coming up or to schedule one for your unit contact Tim Underhill , the District Training Chair at 765-747-5102 or Leslie Anderson or Megan Luecke at the office at 765-288-0223.

In today's world, leaders need to know how to do their jobs immediately, not 6 months after they start the job.

What do I need to do once I have completed training?

Once you have had a training class you will receive a card stating so. You will need to bring that card into the Scout Office so that we can update our records. We will make a photo copy of the card and give it back to you. This is the only way for the Scout Office to know that you have been trained, for any class, this list includes but is not limited to: Fast Start, New Leader Essentials, Cub Leader Specific, Scoutmaster Specific, Venture Leader Specific, Varsity Specific, Outdoor Leader Skills, Troop Committee Challenge, Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation, and Webelos Leader Outdoor. Please make sure that you do this step to ensure that our records are accurate.

What is White Stag Junior Leader Training?  It is White Stag National Youth Leadership Training!

White Stag is a seven-day outdoor experience for youth leaders in support of the Scoutmaster's responsibility for the training of troop junior leaders. The council leadership training committee conducts White Stag using an outline approved by the Boy Scout Division of the Boy Scouts of America.

Scouting recognizes that Scoutmasters have the responsibility of training their own junior leaders. The purpose of White Stag is not to assume that role, but to support it. The objectives of White Stag are:

The next White Stag Training is:

Location:   Camp Red Wing, Muncie , IN

Date:           June Session:   June 8th - 14th 2008

               July Session:    July 20th - 26th 2008