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SCOUT EXECUTIVE'S MINUTE WARM HEARTS AND COOL HEADS Dear Scouting Friends: 
When America has been in need, Scouts and Scouters have been amongst the first to help. Directly following Hurricane Katrina we received a message from our Chief Scout Executive directing the Scouting family to lend a hand by sending individual cash contributions to two of our national chartered partners, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Shortly thereafter, we learned that nine local councils had been affected and that six of these councils had suspended operations. A second message went out asking that donations be sent to the BSA Foundation to help local council employees in the affected areas along with the rebuilding efforts to get whole councils back onto their feet. As I write this article, we have posted onto our website a notice asking that those who would like to contribute food, water, and clothing be directed to a local company that is coordinating trucking of the donated goods to a staging area in central Mississippi. Over the coming months there will be additional requests for support as the situation stabilizes, the need changes, and our ability to respond is clarified. The effects of this storm will be with us for the months and years to come. Within the context of our primary mission, our local focus, our strategic plan, and our tactical efforts Scouts in the Northwest Suburban Council are responding to the call for action now and into the future. Our website allows us the fastest way to communicate our planned response to you our volunteer leaders. Civic Service is an important part of the overall Scouting Program, but it is not the totality of the Scouting Program. Along with it come Advancement, Camping and Outdoors, Training, and Activities. Presenting the overall balance through Youth Membership Growth (especially Cub Scout Growth), New Units, Adequate Financing, and Unit Service TOGETHER is the comprehensive Scouting Program. Do not lose site of presenting the overall Scouting Program, of as quickly as possible returning to the normalcy of FUN, ADVENTURE, and CHALLENGE of an action-packed program of CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, CITIZENSHIP TRAINING, and PERSONAL FITNESS for local youth. There are kids right here in our area that need Scouting, that need to join Cub Scouts, that should have the fun of making a new Pinewood Derby car, that should have the thrill of making their first Popcorn Sale and earning a patch and prizes, and that need to know the excitement of camping out. Don’t deprive our youth the experience of Scouting this fall. Embrace those who have moved to our area as the result of relocation from this disaster.. Stephen J. Taylor, CFRE Scout Executive Northwest Suburban Council |