NWSC 5-Year Strategic Plan Approved As reported 6 months ago, a Strategic Planning Workshop was held to start the examination of Council goals and to arrive at the strategies and tactics necessary to achieve those goals. We may now report that the months of research, data evaluation, goal and priority setting, action items, document writing (and re-writing) have been completed. At the November Board meeting, Marie Diffley, V.P.-Strategic Planning submitted for approval a workable, realistic strategic planning document, "Building Leaders for Tomorrow." The plan, stated Diffley, focuses on our 4500 Scout leaders and board members to be "on the same page," and to work in the same direction to face three critical issues: money, Scouting power and message. "We need adequate operating funds to deliver a quality program by growing our annual budget to $2.8 million," she said. "As part of the long-range plan, we must conduct a successful capital and endowment campaign over the next three years. And, the selection of the right leaders in the right positions, active involvement and individual accountability are crucial to achieving success." Included in the Plan are eight definitive goals: improving marketing/communications; development of effective membership campaigns; enhanced community visibility; an effective structure for Scouting Power; be financially self-sustaining; develop an effective data base for multiple information needs; improve quality units; and, expand the Scouting program to youths from diverse backgrounds. The Strategic Plan was approved by the Executive Board unanimously. At the upcoming "Coordinated Meeting" on Jan. 29, all operational groups within the council will be given additional details on the strategies and tactics necessary to meet the Plan’s 5-year goals. NWSC to hold 1st "Coordinated Meeting" The Council’s "Get On Board" slogan really applies to its first Council-wide, semi-annual, "Coordinated Meeting" to be held on Saturday, Jan. 29, at the L.D.S. Ward Bldg, 2035 N. Windsor, Arlington Heights, from 8:30 to 11 A.M. This will be the first time that all Council and District volunteers and the professional staff will gather at one place, at the same time and leave with the same message. The purpose: to improve intra-communications and planning by reviewing ‘04’s results, outlining the goals and charting the course for ’05; and then, reviewing individual strategic goals and begin implementing tactical approaches to achieve those goals. Who should attend? All members of operational groups, i.e., Program (Camping, Advancement, Activities and Training); Membership; Marketing; Finance (Operating, Capital and Endowment); Risk Management; ScoutReach; Learning For Life; Strategic Planning and Relationships. Included also are Council Vice Presidents, Committee Chairs, Commissioner and Ass’t. Commissioners; all District Chairmen, Vice Chairs (Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, Advancement, Training, Camping, Finance and Activities); Commissioners, Ass’t. and Unit Commissioners. Plans call for an 8:30 A.M. gathering, a general opening session at 9:00, followed by group/specific program breakout sessions at 9:45. The L.D.S. Ward Bldg. is located on Windsor, about a block north of Palatine Rd. Attendees are requested to please refrain from caffeine beverages during the meeting. So, plan to "Get On Board" on Jan. 29 and at the next Coordinated Meeting scheduled for June 25, 2005 Baxter Int. to host NWSC Annual Meeting Jan. 19 A reminder for all Board Members, Advisory Members and Charter Organization Representatives: The Council’s Annual Meeting is being hosted once again by Baxter International on Wed., Jan. 19. All Board Members, Advisory Members and Charter Organization Representatives are requested to attend. Included on the agenda are reviews of the ‘04 Scout year, the ’05 budget, the election of ’05 Council officers and Council/District Commissioners. The Annual Meeting will follow a 6:00 P.M. reception. Baxter International is located at 1 Baxter Pkwy., Deerfield, off Saunders Rd., west of Milwaukee and north of Lake Cook Rd. 3 Month Memo for Council events JANUARY: Cub Scout Summer Program Kickoff --- Jan. 8 Signal Hill District Dinner --------------- Jan. 16 NWSC Annual Business Meeting ------ Jan. 19 New NWSC “Coordinated Meeting” -- Jan. 29 FEBRUARY: Pathfinder District Dinner ---------------- Feb. 4 Pathfinder Re-Charter Clinic ------------- Feb. 5 BSA Anniversary Week ------------ Feb. 6 – 12 - Scout Sunday ------------------ Feb. 6 - Scout Sabbath ----------------- Feb. 12 Signal Hill Re-Charter Clinic ----------- Feb. 12 Executive Committee Mtg. ------------- Feb. 15 Scouters’ Swap Meet ----------------Feb. 19 - 20 Wood Badge Dinner --------------------- Feb. 19 FOS Leadership Breakfast ------------- Feb. 25 North Woods District Dinner ---------- Feb. 25 MARCH: Blackhawk District Dinner -------------- Mar. 4 Lord Baden-Powell University -- Mar. 11 – 13 After 9 years.It’s BACK! Swap Meet—Feb. 19 & 20 So, now’s the time to look in your favorite Scout Stuff hiding place and dig out those old Scouting books, photos, patches, neckerchiefs, coins, O/A flaps, mugs, slides, belts, buckles, Jamboree items, etc., if you wish to trade, sell or donate such items. Donations of Scouting items for a Sunday auction are solicited. Tax deductible proceeds of auctioned items will benefit NWSC or may be shared with the donor and the Council. Table reservations (including 2 admissions) are $20.00 ea. for Saturday or Sunday; or $30.00 for both days. General admission is $2.00 each day. Plan now for some fun and call Betty Wurster (847-699-0449 or 847-989-3746) for additional information. Scout Executive's Minute Scouter of the Month Scout Sunday Just a reminder – February 6th is Scout Sunday. Make sure that you share this anniversary with those in your house of worship. Scout Shop Scoop Cub Scouting is now 75 years old. Stop in for all of your Anniversary decorations including balloons, napkins, placemats and patches. We are stocked up for all of your Pinewood Derby needs. A Cub Scout Gives Goodwill When Marine Lance Corporal Sean Beatty wanted to spread a little Christmas cheer with his comrades in Bravo Company on duty in Iraq, he sent his wish list to Santa. Mom then responded by bringing 120 Christmas stockings to roundtable and the wish list. Packs 269, 247, 347, 140 mobilized and took on the service project. The response to this service project was overwhelming. Pack 247 drew handmade cards and held a community wide drive, with bins, door hangers and pickups and soon there were not enough stockings to fill. Pack 140 collected donations and solicited gift certificates from Dominick's, Target, Wal-Mart and other local businesses to buy whatever they didn't have enough of. When all their stockings were filled one of the Den Leaders, a former Army nurse suggested they prepare packages to be distributed to soldiers in the field hospitals. Soon more than thirty cartons were filled but they were not prepared for the shipping costs to Iraq. Sears came to the rescue and covered the shipping cost. At the November Roundtable the packs reported on what they had done some expressed the desire to make this an ongoing project. Lets hope next year they would not have to send the packages so far. Food + Fun + Fellowship = Wood Badge Dinner Come hear about what possibilities Wood Badge has to offer and enjoy some great fellowship, plus a free dinner to boot! There is no obligation to join and previous Wood Badge attendees are also encouraged to come share your wonderful stories. The dinner will be held February 19, 2005, 6:00 PM at St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, 717 W. Kirchoff Rd. in Arlington Heights. It is FREE to anyone who has not yet taken the course. All you have to do is register for the dinner. A registration form can be obtained at the NWSC. If you don’t register beforehand, and for folks who have already taken the course, there is a $5.00 donation. Still pretty cheap for food, fellowship and fun!!! So if you’ve ever wondered about all those leaders wearing little wooden beads around their necks, this is the time to get your questions answered. Wood Badge offers an opportunity to enhance your personal skills, revitalize your commitment to Scouting and provide a positive inspiration to our youth as well. Please contact Patty Polites in the evenings at 847-438-4047 for additional information. VAC is Alive in 2005!   by Kevin Keyes, Crew 10 & VP, VAC  The Venturing Activities Committee is proud to announce the following 2005 events for Venturing: Operation Snowstorm, Photo Scavenger Hunt, Whirlyball Tournament, Frisbee Golf, Indian Events, Whitewater Rafting, Trap Shooting/Archery, Canoe Race, Paddleboat Ride, Blue Catfish Angling, Windy Cruise, Halloween Party.  These events are being hosted by Crew 401, Crew 399, Crew 275, Crew 476, Crew 601, and SSS 361.     All crews in the council are invited to the events hosted by individual crews.  See http://venturing.nwsc.org for specifics.  Additional activities will be added as the year progresses & crews volunteer.  Be sure to attend the Venturing Activities Committee meetings at 7pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month at Galyan's - Schaumburg for up-to-date information.  The council is also planning two summer weekends at Camp Napowan; a Venturing COPE weekend and a Venturing Camping weekend. Philmont 2005 There are still openings for Philmont 2005. The big event is July 10th through the 24th. Contact Marty Schultz at the Council office for more information. Reservations will be taken for Philmont 2006 beginning Thursday February 3rd. From that date to the 24th of February, sign ups will be limited to six people per unit. he cost is $1100/person., and sign-ups must be accompanied by a $100/person deposit which is transferable but non-refundable. "Restoring Paradise"  by Erica Juris, Crew 175  To help other people at all times. Venturing Crew 175 along with the Saint John Brebeuf Youth Ministry took this to heart. On December 3, 2004 they hosted a fundraiser dance called " Restoring Paradise."    In October, Crew 175 took note that our neighbors in the south were being devastated by recent hurricanes and needed help. A fundraiser in the form of a dance was setup for this very purpose. Through the efforts of many, the dance took  flight.    On the night of the event, approximately 100 people showed up to lend their support and to have a good time. The food was plentiful and the music was great. The night was an all around success, taking in $1310 for the people of Florida. Along with other generous donations, the final total taken in reached just over $2000. All of this money will be sent to a contact in Fl, who will then distribute the money as needed. Many thanks are owed to everyone who donated to the event and especially to those who attended. None of this would have been possible without them.