SCOUT EXECUTIVE'S MINUTE

Dear Fellow Scouters:

Having just returned from the BSA Top Hands Conference in Anaheim, California, I am excited about the remaining part of 2006 that is planned for the Northwest Suburban Council. So what is some of the news from Top Hands? First, from Supply Group…”Switchbacks” (nylon, easy care pants that convert into shorts with the flash of a couple of zippers with huge cargo pockets, made from fast drying material, Velcro closures, and a built-in belt). This may actually mean that all of our leaders and Scouts could really be 100% uniformed! Rugged for the trail or dress-up for the Court of Honor --- they work both ways. Second, from Supply Group…”Den Meeting in a Box”. This item contains all of the materials in one spot for a Cub Scout Den of ten boys. Reggie Lithgow’s idea actually “took root” with BSA and they did it!

Membership. It’s that time of the year to add new youth into our program. This can be done through school rallies for the “Race to Cub Scouting” or “Troop Open Houses” for new Boy Scouts or graduating up Webelos into Boy Scouting or “First Nighters” for Venturing. We have flyers at the Volunteer Service Center that can be customized for your local unit’s needs. Just call your District Executive to order and arrange for pick-up. We have “Pit Kits” for new Cub Scouts and those who recruit them or “Recruiter” patches for Boy Scouts and Venturers. And Fall is a GREAT time to recruit those new parents into becoming new leaders for your Pack, Troop or Crew. All school principals within the NWSC have been mailed a letter from me encouraging their support and cooperation with your youth membership recruitment efforts.

Money. Likewise it is also Popcorn and Wreath sales time. Make money for your unit, win valuable prizes, and help the council to keep other programs low cost by increased sales and participation. We also host a Distinguished Citizens Award Luncheon in mid-October as a council fundraiser. You are invited to participate as you are able. Help us to help you in return. Family FOS for 2007 will also begin in late October 2006 with Family Presenter Training. Yes, we’ll have mugs, patches, brochures, and pledge cards ready this year “on time” and not late like last year. Contact Council Finance Director Darwin Walk at 847-824-6910 for detailed information on all items financial.

Quality. Between now and year-end please review the Quality Unit criteria that is specific to your program. Pack, Troop or Crew. Figure out which item(s) you are missing and then meet or exceed the item in order to become a Quality Unit for 2006. It’s not too late. You don’t have to wait to re-charter time. Fix the problems or challenges now and get credit or recognition for your good work.

Program. Take advantage of the wide variety of program offerings like camp, activities, events, good turns, advancement, and sporting events. Boys stay in an active quality program and drop out of a unit where the offerings are limited or non-existent. The more you do as a unit, the more boys you will attract and retain. The same goes for parents and leaders. Who wants to join a program that doesn’t happen? People join when they are having fun, advancing in rank, making a difference, and are being recognized for their efforts --- a nice balance is what is called for and that’s where the Quality Unit Award comes in. Look for changes in early 2007 with the Centennial Quality Unit Award!

Best regards,
Stephen J. Taylor, CFRE
Scout Executive
staylor@bsamail.org