Looking Ahead:

April

6 OA Chapter

8 District Committee

10 Commissioner Meeting

10 Cub & Boy Scout Roundtable

19 Do It To It Workday

26-27 Voyageur Canoe Training

Quality District

Congratulations to Golden Eagle for being a Quality District for 2007! It could not have been done without the help and dedication of all of you wonderful Scouters! Thanks for all you are doing to serve and affect the lives of so many youth!

Fastest Pinewood Derby track in history

It was an exciting weekend at the Indiana State Museum on January 5-6, 2008 as 630 Pinewood Derby racers competed for the best time down the tallest, longest, and fastest Pinewood Derby track in history.

The event was a collaboration between the Indiana State Museum and the Boy Scouts of America Crossroads of America Council, with additional help from Ratio Architects, Inc.; F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company, Inc.; and Associated Controls + Design.

The track at the Indiana State Museum was more than two stories tall and 125 feet long and is the tallest, longest and fastest known track in the 55-year history of the Pinewood Derby, according to Boy Scouts of America’s national headquarters.

Scouts and non-Scouts competed toe to toe and the top five finishers took home some great trophies. Each racer got three runs down the track to turn in their top time. There were cars of all shapes and sizes. Some of the cars were so new the paint was still wet while others were built in the early 60s. It was truly an event for everyone to enjoy.

The boy with the fastest time was Golden Eagle Troop 25 scout Cory Warfel. His time was 4.4860 sec with the second place time at 4.4870 sec. Congratulations to Cory Warfel from Troop 25 for this exciting finish and race!

Hi Mike, my grandfather in-law visited the kick off meeting last Aug. at Redwing.
Howard Breedlove was the Scoutmaster for High Street Church and a Scouter for several years. He was in town last summer for his 75th wedding anniversary and I invited him to come along with me to the kick off meeting. He has been talking about it every since. We are going down to French Lick this weekend to celebrate his 90th birthday with him. One of the things he could not remember was the troop number. He did remember Charlie Largent. I have talked to Charlie since but I forgot to ask him about the troop number. So if you could get Howards name in the next news that would be wonderful and I will get him a copy.

Thanks, Frank Turner Troop 60

Does anyone know the old (1960s) troop number for High Street UMC?

DISTRICT PROGRAM CHAIR Jack Spears

The Golden Eagle Winter Camporee was a great success again this year. The Scouts had an opportunity to earn the Paul Bunyan Woodsman Award. This award is based on the use of wood tools to cut-up trees and, of course, requires the Scout to have their Toten’ Chip card.

Cold weather was the big factor at this year’s event as the temperature got down to zero with a wind chill factor nearing 20 below. This didn’t stop the Scouts from having a great time with their activities. Besides working for the Paul Bunyan Woodsman Award the Scouts took a 5 mile hike to Reese Cemetery (home of “Indian Jim”) and by the old Reese Farm entrance into Camp Red Wing. They were also were challenged with a First Aid contest and a compass course, a game of Broom Hockey and walking the 6 foot Snowshoes. It was obvious Sunday morning that the Scouts were very pleased with themselves that they were able to sleep and cook in such adverse conditions.

Thanks go out to the Firecrafter who prepared the annual Friday evening Chili Supper and to all the volunteers that put this event together. Special thanks go to the leaders that made sure their units were able to attend – First Aid Explorer Post 101, T-1, T-9, T-22, T-27, T-60, & T-465.

Medieval Times

Spring Camporee - May 2-4, 2008 . – Camp Red Wing

A great event with a different theme. More information will follow.

Put this exciting event on your CALANDAR.

Join Our Crusade Now,

Adventure Awaits

CAMP RED WING COMMITTEE CHAIR Mike Dowd

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

9:00 am to 4:00 pm

DISTRICT COMMISSIONER Karen Goth

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!! WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO NEXT TO MAKE THIS YEAR AWESOME?

RECHARTER – It is that time of year again. Online rechartering takes a lot of the pain out of the process. Go to the CAC website (www.crossroadsbsa.org) and click on the Internet Rechartering button, register as a user and get started! You can use the information that is in Scoutnet for your current charter, or load what you have in your computer program. Either way, a lot of the work is done for you. The Muncie Scout office has print outs of the entire process if you would like to pick one up, and your unit commissioner is more than willing to help if you need it.

BOY SCOUTS AND VENTURE CREWS – YOUR CHARTERS ARE DUE AT FEBRUARY ROUNDTABLE

CUB SCOUTS – YOUR CHARTERS ARE DUE AT THE MARCH ROUNDTABLE.

Remember that a COMPLETED RECHARTER PACKET has the printed charter that is at the end of the online process, with the appropriate signatures, and include payment of all fees indluding the 1.00 insurance fee . REMEMBER TO INCLUDE COMPLETED APPLICATIONS FOR NEW MEMBERS YOU ARE ADDING TO YOUR CHARTER. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR 2008 CENTENNIAL QUALITY UNIT FORM, COMPLETED AND SIGNED WITH YOUR RECHARTER PACKET. THIS IS VERY IMORTANT AND IS REQUIRED. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need help.

ROUNDTABLE – Every unit should be sending at least one person to roundtable each month. We conduct trainings, give out information on upcoming events, and have a great time. PLAN ON ATTENDING!! We have a program for anyone. If there is something you would like to see in particular, please let us know.

Riverside Presbyterian Church at 7:00pm – February 14, March 13, April 10, and at Camp Redwing on May 8

SUMMER CAMP – Are you signed up for camp yet? We would like to see 100% of our units attend summer camp this year. Plans should be in the works now for your summertime plans. If you are attending a long term summer camp or activity out of council or a high adventure trip (troops , crews and posts) please let the District Scout office know that – we record it, and it does count towards your quality commitment. Boys can earn achievements or advancements and merit badges while they are having a great time. SIGN UP NOW!

TRAINING – If you have leaders who still need to be trained, please let us know. EVERY UNIT SHOULD HAVE A UNIT TRAINER LISTED ON THEIR RECHARTER. There is a form to fill out – available at the Muncie Scout office. That person is not responsible to train everyone, only to help make sure that everyone gets trained somewhere, somehow. LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE LEADERS WHO STILL NEED TRAINING. There is an award your unit can get from the Council when you have every leader in your unit trained – “FROGGY’S 100% TRAINED AWARD”. Ask about it – it is easy to get, and helps your unit succeed.

NEW WEB PORTAL FROM NATIONAL BSA - Plan to visit the National BSA website and check out the volunteer portal they are starting. http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=ms This site is called MyScouting and will give you access to Tour Permit Applications, E-Learning (and it works – I have already done one and printed my certificate!), Rechartering, Advancement, My Account (where you can update your own address or contact information for Scoutnet), and more in the works for the future. We are trying to keep resources at your fingertips!

WE NEED COMMISSIONER STAFF! Is there anyone in your unit who would like to serve as a liaison between the council/district and your unit? A parent or grandparent who may not be one of your registered leaders but helps out a lot or wants to? We are looking to recruit as many of these people as we can to make all of our lives easier. There will only be 3 – 4 meetings per year that would need to be attended, but the improvement of communication should be major. Knowledge is a good thing and we all need more of it. Keep informed, keep active, and keep it simple.

Karen Goth , Golden Eagle District Commissioner

H 765-282-4759 (Cell 765-730-1549)

kgoth@iquest.net

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 now! 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. To get your presentation on the calendar please contact John Baker at jmbaker@bsu.edu or Shannon Hunt at shunt@geaarchitects.com. Thanks to the following units for already scheduling their presentations: Packs 6, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 31, 35, 40, 43, 44, 45, 49, 50, 58, 62, 84, 85, 88, 189, 303, 463, 477; Troops 1, 6, 9, 10, 22, 37, 39, 43, 44, 45, 49, 84, 88, 189, 287, 387; Crews 6, 44, 49, 50, 86, 194, 195, 295; Teams 17, 86, 191, 192, 193, 194, 291, 293, 295, 296, 297, 393!

Leader Recognition Dinner

This year’s Leader Recognition Dinner will be held on Friday, February 8, 2008 , Noll Hall St Mary’s Catholic Church.

. 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!

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!

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:

	To give participants the confidence and knowledge to run the troop program.
	To give participants a basic knowledge of the eleven skills of leadership and help them relate these skills to their home troop responsibilities.
	To give participants the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with Scouts from other troops.
	To create an atmosphere where Scouts will experience Scouting at it's best.
	To enhance the relationship between the Scoutmaster and the participant.
	To have fun.

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

SCOUTING IN THE EARLY DAYS

BE PREPARED – it’s the Boy Scout Motto!

February 10, pizza, popcorn, and movie fellowship after meeting,
February 24
March 14-15, Native American Saturday for Boy & Cub Scouts Arrowmen will meet Friday night to set up and have fellowship.
April 6
May 2-4, during Spring Camporee
May 9-11, Spring Ordeal
September 14
October 3-5, during Fall Camporee
November 9
December 7

On Saturday, March 15 at Camp Red Wing, Wahpekamekunk Chapter of the Order of the Arrow will host a Native American Day for Boy and Cub Scouts. Boy Scouts will have the opportunity to earn the Indian Lore merit badge. Cub Scouts will have activities pertaining to their various ranks. This event is still in the planning stages and more information will follow at Roundtables and the Scout Office. Listed below are the requirements for the Indian Lore merit badge:

Indian Lore Merit Badge

1. Give the history of one American Indian tribe, group or nation that lives or has lived near you. Visit it, if possible. Tell about dwellings, kind of life, tribal government, religious beliefs, family and clan relationships, language, dress, food preparation, means of getting around, how they played, if they were warlike or peaceful, where descendants of the group now live, and how they live.

2. Do TWO of the following. Use information about a specific group or tribe to complete the requirements:

a. Make an item of clothing worn by members of the tribe.

b. Make and decorate three items approved by your counselor used by the tribe.

c. Make an authentic model of a dwelling used by any Indian tribe, group, or nation.

d. Visit a museum to see Indian artifacts. Talk about them with your counselor. Identify at least 10 artifacts by tribe or nation, their shape, size, and use.

3. Do ONE of the following:

a. Learn three games played by a group or tribe. Teach and lead one game with a Scout group.

b. Learn and show how a tribe cooked or prepared food. Make three food items.

c. Give a demonstration showing how a specific Indian group hunted, fished, or trapped.

4. Do ONE of the following:

a. Write or briefly describe how life would have been different for the European settlers if there had been no Indians to meet them when they came to this continent.

b. Sing two songs in an Indian language. Explain their meaning.

c. Learn in an Indian language at least 25 common terms and their meaning.

d. Show 25 signs in Indian sign language. Include those that will help you ask for water, food, and where the path or road leads.

e. Learn in English an Indian story of at least 300 words, or any number of shorter ones adding up to 300 words. Tell the story or stories at a Scout meeting or campfire.

f. Write or tell about eight things adopted by others from the Indian.

g. Learn 25 Indian place names. Tell their origins and meanings.

h. Name five well-known American Indian leaders, either from the past or people who are alive today. Give their tribes or nations. Describe what they did or do now that makes them notable.

i. Learn about the Iroquois Confederacy, including how and why it was formed. Tell about its governing system, and its importance to the framers of our Constitution.

BSA Advancement ID#: 64 Requirements last updated in: 1995 Pamphlet Stock Number: 33360A Pamphlet Revision Date: 2003

Troop/Team OA Representatives

Every Troop/Team should have an OA Representative. This is an official BSA position that fulfills the leadership requirement for rank advancement.

The Order of the Arrow Troop Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local OA lodge or chapter and his troop. In his unit, he helps meet the needs of the unit and will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. He will do this in a fashion that strengthens the mission of the lodge, purpose of the Order and the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. By setting a good example, he will enhance the image of the Order as a service arm to his unit.

OA Troop Representative Duties:

Serves as a communication link between the lodge or chapter and the troop.

Encourages year round and resident camping in the troop.

Encourages older Scout participation in high adventure programs.

Encourages Scouts to actively participate in community service projects.

Assists with leadership skills training in the troop.

Encourages Arrowmen to assume leadership positions in the troop.

Encourages Arrowmen in the troop to be active participants in the lodge and/or chapter activities and to seal their membership in the Order by becoming Brotherhood members.

Sets a good example.

Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly.

Lives by the Scout Oath, Scout Law and OA Obligation.

Shows Scout spirit.

 Qualifications:

• Under 18 years old • Appointed by SPL with SM approval • OA Member in good standing

Reports To:  • Assistant Senior Patrol Leader 

Flow of Information

The following is a list of information that needs to flow between the OA Troop Representative and the Lodge or Chapter:

Lodge/Chapter to Unit:

• Lodge/Chapter Calendars • Unit Elections visit • Camp Promotions visit • Community service project opportunities • Invitations to Ordeal members to obtain Brotherhood membership • Invitations to candidates to attend their Ordeal • Resource lists • OA Representative Registration Forms • Encourages OA members to be active in their Lodge and Chapter

Unit to Lodge/Chapter:

• Does the unit conduct monthly campouts? • Does the unit attend a long-term camp? • Do the unit’s older scouts participate in high adventure programs? • Does the unit need assistance with its outdoor program? • Does the unit need assistance with community service projects? • Does the unit need assistance with training? • Do the unit’s OA members participate in Lodge and Chapter functions? • Name of the new OA Troop Representative • Reaction of the Troop members to the Lodge and Chapter program

OA Dues

Do you know when your dues expire? Several years ago you were able to pay for 5 years at a time. Now you can only pay for a year at a time. To be considered active you must have a paid BSA registration and have your dues current. Dues expire at the end of every year, December 31. You can contact me if you have any questions about your dues.

Yours in Brotherhood, Jon Fischer, WPK Chapter Adviser, jefischer@iquest.net,, Home: 288-9051, Work: 284-8511