“What is on the horizon?”
With that challenge, Mr. William Howard, an independent facilitator, kicked off a 6-hour Strategic Planning Workshop at the Service Center on Saturday, June 6. After being introduced by Council President John Frieburg, Howard stated that the meeting was only the beginning of a 7-month process of research, data evaluation, goal and priority setting, action items, document writing and finally Executive Board approval to arrive at a 5-year plan for the Northwest Suburban Council.
Sixteen Scouting volunteers and four professional staffers were in attendance. Following outlining of workshop objectives, Howard stimulated the group's visionary thinking by moderating a spirited, inter-active period ---S W O T --- an acronym standing for Strengths - Weaknesses - Opportunities --- Threats --- all pertaining to NWSC and its future. Over 80 topics surfaced during this intense, two-hour session. But that was just the first of the solicited inputs.
By the end of the lively workshop, attendees had listed their visions for numerous Council programs, finances, facilities and administration; listed potential obstacles; set an intermediate, 3-year goal timetable; established specific strategic goals and formed 8 teams to complete the tactical or action items necessary to meet the goals.
The June 6th workshop was the third phase of the Strategic Planning beginning. On May 1, Council Vice Presidents submitted their preliminary benchmarks and, on May 26, Unit and District Leaders submitted their ideas on a variety of subjects all designed to improve NWSC.
Combining and augmenting all ideas is the job of the Workshop teams. These functions are: Marketing/Communications, Membership, Community Visibility, Manpower, Data Base Useage, Quality Units and Youth Involvement in Programs. All teams are scheduled to meet in September with completed Action Plans and/or completed results.
At the workshop's conclusion, Scout Executive Steven Taylor summed up the enthusiastic attendees' attitudes with "That was the fastest 6 hours I've ever been through!"
Make Wood Badge Plans now
Now is the time to sign up for the '04 Wood Badge Course, the advanced leadership training for Scouters. This is a fun/learning course that teaches management skills for use not only in Scout units but also in everyday life.
Two weekends at Camp Lakota and intermittent patrol meetings are involved. The first weekend is scheduled for 8 a.m., Friday, Aug. 20 through 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 22, and the second session will be held on Sept. 11 through Sept. 13.
Especially valuable for unit leaders, the course emphasizes team forming, motivation skills and problem solving, using both classroom instruction and hands-on techniques. Basic Leader Training is a prerequisite. Start now to get your Wood Badge beads. For more details and an application, go on-line to the Council website, www.nwsc.org, or visit the Service Center.
Venturing Presidents Plan
Venturing Presidents and Advisors from the entire council met for the first time at NWSC on May 25. The focus was to introduce the cabinet and welcome the presidents to the committee, share the vision of the Venturing activities in NWSC, and initiate a plan for the rest of 2004.
Two events have already occurred. On June 8, Venturing Leaders Training was held for the youth interested in learning how to run their crews. And on June 12, climbing the tower at Camp Lakota was hosted by the Venturing Activities Committee. Individual Crews will be acting as Activity Chairmen for monthly activities through the remainder of the year.
The rest of the summer schedule includes
June 29 - next Presidents meeting hosted by VAC (no cost)
July 10-11 - Backpacking trip hosted by Crew 297 (no cost)
July 30-Aug 1 - Napowan Venturing weekend ($25 by 7/1)
Aug - climbing Devil's Lake event hosted by Crew 490
The cabinet would like to invite everyone ages 14 and up to attend these activities - whether you are in Venturing or not. Detail information and contacts can be found at http://venturing.nwsc.org
General Tommy Franks addresses National Scout Meeting
General Tommy Franks, commander of coalition forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom, gave the keynote at the annual National Scout Meeting, held May 21-23 at the Chicago Marriott.
With "The Values of Scouting" as his theme, Franks addressed nearly 2,000 Scouting volunteers and professionals from around the country, including NWSC attendees: Jacque Anderson, Dan Bettison, Kevin Chapman, Marie Diffley, Jason Erpelding, Patty Polites, Rich Politowicz , Ron Schagrin and Steve Taylor.
In addition to an exhibit area featuring new materials from various BSA divisions, attendees took part in workshop sessions devoted to unit service, program, membership, finance, the new Good Turn for America and the high adventure bases. Another highlight was the presentation of the national Silver Buffalo and the Young American Awards.
For Midwest Scouters, our Central Region held a luncheon that focused on the achievement of the National Quality Council Award and the priority of recruiting new Cub Scouts.
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Volunteer Opportunity
Northwest Suburban Council seeks volunteers to assist office personnel. Duties include answering the phone, labeling and stuffing envelopes for mailings, and miscellaneous clerical tasks. Training and support will be provided. Volunteers are needed for a minimum of 1 day per week for a 4-hour shift between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Day and times are flexible.
If you or someone you know would be able to assist us, please call Kari Webb at (847) 759-2999.
First Aid Anyone?
First Aid is a constant in Scouting. We’re always teaching, and we’re always looking for good instructors. This year the NWSC is setting out to grow a group of instructors trained in the first aid teachings of the American Red Cross. Those instructors, in turn, will be able to teach Red Cross-based CPR and first aid courses throughout council.
We’re proud of the NWSC’s relationship with the Red Cross. We share teachings and values, and our council is ahead of the curve nationally in building that relationship. We’d like you to consider becoming an instructor. Two sessions are being planned for your information – Saturday, Aug 21st at 8 a.m. and Monday, Aug 23rd at 7 p.m. – both at the Council Service Center. For more information, please contact Kevin Chapman at madpiper@bh.nwsc.org.
6th “Jambo” Troop is a possibility
Because of the tremendous response by our Council Scouts to the recent Jamboree presentations, the Jambo Committee is considering requesting the National Council for permission to form a 6th troop.
At press time, 200 Scouts are signed up for the July '05 national event at Ft. A. P. Hill, VA. , and 216 registrants, plus stand-bys, are needed to fill 6 troops. Youth applications are still being accepted. Any "fence-sitters" should apply ASAP.
As a result of the early registrations, Jambo Scouts have been interviewed for their interests, abilities and leadership positions; and planning for the formation of our five troops is in progress. The troop formation and youth assignments are expected to be completed in August, 5 months ahead of schedule.
The "shakedown" campouts for our five troops will take place next year at Camp Lakota. The dates are: April 29 - May 1 and May 20 - May 22. All Jambo Scouts and Leaders are requested to note these dates. Attendance is mandatory.
A reminder: Adult and older youth are needed as staffers at Jambo. For additional details, call Randy Toland or Marty Schultz at the Service Center (1-847-635-9404).
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