Great Trails Council Blog

Tragedy At Scout Camp

The nation's Scouting community continues to keep in thought and prayer the friends and families of those Scouts killed or injured during an F3 tornado on June 11 at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Iowa.

Families of the deceased Scouts established memorial funds. Information on contributing to them is available at the Mid-America Council's website, www.mac-bsa.org. 

Many stories were published on this event, but one of the best commentaries was on National Public Radio's Weekend Edition. Below is a link where you can listen to the story:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91514659

Click here to read stories from the Omaha World-Herald that profile the Scouts who lost their lives.

Boy Scouts of America Names New President

John Gottschalk to help lead organization into the next 100 years

SAN DIEGO, May 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boy Scouts of America has selected
John Gottschalk, chairman of the Omaha World-Herald Company, as president at
the organization's National Annual Meeting in San Diego on May 23.

During his two-year term as the BSA's top volunteer, Gottschalk will
direct the National Executive Board, which guides the national youth-service
organization. One of his top priorities will be to assist Chief Scout
Executive Bob Mazzuca in moving the organization toward the BSA's 100th
Anniversary Celebration in 2010.

Great Trails Earns Quality Awards

The Great Trails Council recently received a 2007 Centennial Quality Council Award plaque. Pictured above (L-R) are Rick Stritzinger, Scout Executive; Joe Case, Council Commissioner; Bill Johnson, Area 1 representative; and Rich O'Brien, Council President. The Appalachian Trail District was also recognized as a 2007 Centennial Quality District.

Council Executive Board Votes On Cosolidation

The Great Trails Council Executive Board voted on April 29 in favor of the consolidation of the Great Trails Council and the Pioneer Valley Council.  The Pioneer Valley Council had previously voted to consolidate.  The next steps are information meetings for voting members of the Councils (notably, Chartered Organization Representatives) and the scheduling of a final vote.

Read more about the consolidation Study

Volunteers and Background Checks

Important Information: Some dedicated volunteers who have been consistently registered prior to April 2003 in the same position may not have ever had a criminal background check (CBC) conducted by the BSA. In the continued efforts for youth protection, the National Council will address this situation by providing a vehicle for having a CBC conducted on those volunteers. Please read the information sent to Scout Executives across the nation. The Great Trails Council and the National Council are dedicated to making this as easy as possible for everyone involved. If you have questions, please contact your D.E. or the council service center.

Richards Credits Scouts With Making Him A Leader

ROLLING STONES rocker KEITH RICHARDS has credited a stint in the Boy Scouts as a child with nurturing his leadership skills.
The guitarist quickly moved up through the ranks in the youth organization, and insists the experience honed his ability to guide others.
He tells British magazine Esquire, "I got to be patrol leader within six weeks - I just shot to the top. That was the first time I realized I might have that (leadership) possibility. I'm like, 'Hey, I'm just going to duck and dive.' "Once I had a bunch of guys together, it doesn't matter if it was the Scouts or a band, I could see my way clear to pull all their various talents together."

The above article appeared on PR-inside.com.

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Participate In Our Poll

We are currently conducting a poll on the Great Trails web site to find out how our scouters feel about the possible consolidation between the Great Trails and Pioneer Valley Councils.  You can get more information by reading the Consolidation Committee reports and minutes. 
You will find these at: http://www.greattrailsbsa.org/consolidation/consolidationinfo.htm
Be sure and vote.

Not Just Another Toolbar

Maybe you've noticed the "Stay in Touch, Download Our Toolbar" link on the Great Trails web site.  There are a lot of toolbars out there on the net, but the Great Trails Toolbar is customized especially for Great Trails Scouts and Scouters.  If you are not a current user of our toolbar you are missing out on a simple tool that packs a big wallop.  Features include:

• Direct link to greattrailsbsa.org
• A Google search box that allows you search the web or just Great Trails sites
• A special 'Scout Links' menu just for Great Trails
• A special tools section with useful gadgets
• A weather link
• An Online Radio Player
• Pop-up Blocker
• A special 'Council News' link and more ...
  

Unlike many toolbars, the Great Trails toolbar has no irritating advertising and it's virus free.  It's easily removed and  easily customized  to suit your purposes, If you don't like or need a particular feature, simply remove it using toolbar options.
Download and try the Great Trails toolbar today! 

"MyScouting"

Have you created your "MyScouting" account?
Do you know what it is?

"MyScouting" is the portal for our members to access to the following resources:

• E-Learning (BSA Online Training)
• Online Advancement
• Online Re-charter

Visit MyScouting.org