Leaders Evaluate Camp Napowan
For all of the fun, learning and memories that Camp Napowan provides our Scouts every summer, we’re always looking for ways to make that experience even better. That was the design behind two Napowan evaluation meetings at summer’s end. Scoutmasters and Senior Patrol leaders from nearly half of the troops that camped at Napowan this summer offered up their opinions on what went well and what needs improvement.
Food
Item one – food. Yes, the message from campers was abundantly clear. There needs to be a change in food preparation at Napowan. Some unit leaders said the food simply tasted bad, while others felt the portions were too small. Whether a matter of quantity or quality, the council staff has decided that there will be a change in food service at Napowan next summer. Program Director Randy Toland says that Napowan may return to doing business with a previous food service provider, or the council may hire its own cooking staff for Napowan – a practice used at many other Scout camps. The decision on which option to choose, Toland says, will be made this month. Staffers are also reviewing suggested changes in how the meals are served, and how clean-up is carried out.
Merit Badge Counseling
The SPLs and Scoutmasters gave camp staff generally good reviews, but there were concerns that the merit badge process needs better record-keeping, more attention to detail, and an increase in the training of merit badge counselors. Toland says the intent is to try to meet those needs with a recruiting effort aimed at building an older, more experienced camp staff. A focus will be on attempting to attract college age students to join the Napowan team in leadership roles. Clearly, that will be a challenge with great competition from other summer jobs, but it’s an effort that could pay important dividends with just a few key hires.
Looking for Youth Leaders
Scout leaders are being urged to recommend qualified youth leaders in their units to serve on camp staff. Those applications should be accompanied by a signed note of recommendation from an adult leader. Applications for staff are being accepted now (copies are available at www.nwsc.org/forms/campstaffapp.pdf) and interviews will begin this month. The names of those who are hired as part of Napowan staff and their assignments will be posted at the Council Service Center. A listing of all the units and their scheduled weeks at Napowan is also being posted. In addition, new Napowan leader manuals are being mailed out this month – a month-and-a-half earlier than in years past.
We have many things to be proud of at Napowan. The SPL and Scoutmaster reviews gave high marks to aquatics, shooting sports, COPE, the CAP program, and the opening and closing campfires. Those compliments were accompanied by nearly 100 suggestions for various improvements – all of which are being carefully considered. Thanks for the ideas. The NWSC’s mission is to take a good thing and – with your help – make it better still.
NWSC Scouts participate in Arlington Million
No, they didn't ride the horses, but they came in first with Scout spirit by participating in the Arlington Million's formal ceremonies at Arlington Park on August 14.
As part of a color guard, 17 NWSC Scouts, carrying flags representing the participating countries, marched onto the track in front of thousands of race attendees.
"We are really happy that the Arlington Park officials called us and that we were able to be of service at this famous event," said North Woods District Executive Chris Zarata, who coordinated the Council's arrangements. "Our Scouts looked really sharp in their uniforms. It was a fine example of community service and I wish to thank them."
Scouts participating were: T- 32: Stan Dulkoski, E.J. Horstman, Derek Kleinschmidt and Nick Zyskowski; T-140: Eric Carver; T-166: Karl, Richard and William Rittmeyer, James Soderlund and Jim Wizniak; T-235: Alex Compton and Mike Russo; T-468: Mike Hannan, Brian Jaeger, Andrew Panzer, Nate and Dean Ray, Ryan Smith and Jim Thomas.
Jambo Troops To Form on Nov. 7
All 2005 Jamboree Scouts and Leaders! The first joint session of NWSC's 6 Jambo troops will be held on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the main gym at John Hersey High School, 1900 E. Thomas Ave., Arlington Hts.
The anticipated 90-minute meeting will: introduce the troop leaders; form the troops; review equipment, schedule, logistics and specific preparations for each troop. This is a mandatory meeting for all Jambo participants. Parents are encouraged to attend with their son and receive vital orientation information.
Vacancies for troop leaders and youth still exist in our 6th troop. Don't miss the 2005 National Jamboree at Ft. A. P. Hill, VA. Contact Randy Toland or Marty Schultz at the Service Center at 847-635-9404.
A quick look at Council events
for the next 90 days!
NOVEMBER:
Shop & Share Days --------- Nov. 8-10; 15-17
Popcorn Take-order Pick-up --------- Nov. 13
ScoutFest'04 ---------------------------- Nov. 13
Popcorn final payment due ------- Nov. 19-20
Christmas Wreath Pick-up------------- Nov. 20
DECEMBER:
North Woods Recharter Clinic --------- Dec. 4
Wreath money due --------------------- Dec. 10
O.A. Winter Banquet ------------------- Dec. 27
Blackhawk Recharter Clinic ---------- Dec. 28
JANUARY:
NWSC Annual Business Meeting ----- Jan. 19
Commissioners' Semi-Annual Mtg --- Jan. 31
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What is an
"Extreme Scouting Makeover?"
Sounds like it might hurt, but it won't. Attend ScoutFest04 on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Notre Dame High School, 7655 Dempster St., in Niles, and find out just how much fun a "makeover" can be.
ScoutFest04 is a 1 day, supplemental training extravaganza for all adult Scouters. Although not a substitute for basic training, it offers fun and interesting ideas and activities to bring back to your Packs, Troops and Crews.
Visit www.nwsc.org/scoutfest/ , read the course descriptions and choose your 5 five classes. Remember to leave one class period open so you may visit the Midway exhibits. For money-saving, early registration and other details, visit the Service Center soon.
Scout Shop Scoop
The new Northwest Suburban National Scout Shop has been operational since its initial opening on August 16th. In its first full month of operation it generated $101,000 in gross retail sales, about double of the same month last year.
The new National Scout Shop also has a new phone number (847-759-9082) and a dedicated fax line (847-759-9125) for your orders. Scout Shop hours of operational remain the same.
Inventory has been sigificantly increased. New items are generally placed in the display area where customers first enter the store. Outdoor and camping gear has also been dramatically increased along with seasonal items.
If you have not yet been to the new National Scout Shop please drop in and "explore the store."
Nominating Committee
Any suggestions for individuals who should be named to the 2005 Council Executive Board, Council Advisory Committee or other key volunteers positions should place those suggestions in writing and mailed to: BG Nick Halley, Nominating Committee Chairman, Northwest Suburban Council, 600 Wheeling Road, Mount Prospect, IL 60056.
Resolutions Committee
Any suggestions for resolutions should be placed in writing and mailed to: John Frieburg, Council President, Northwest Suburban Council, 600 Wheeling Road, Mount Prospect, IL 60056.
Learn About Venturing!
November 13 - Four special Venturing supplimental classes will be held at ScoutFest. You'll also find Venturing Crews and the Venturing Activities Committee in the midway. Stop by, check out what they are offering their peers. You just might want to sign up for Venturing yourself!
November 20 - Venturing Leader Specifics at Galyan’s, Schaumburg from 9AM – noon. Just $6 gives you one of the classes you need to be considered 'trained' in Venturing.
Third Thursdays (Nov. 18 & Dec. 16) - Venturing Activities Committee meets at Galyan's, 7PM
See venturing.nwsc.org for information on upcoming activities.
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