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MARCH 2010 - Thunderbird eNewsletter

Submitted by deb on Fri, 03/05/2010 - 2:42pm.

TBird LogoTHUNDERBIRD DISTRICT NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2010
Three Fires Council - BSA

This Scout eNewsletter is being sent blind copy to the Troops, Packs, Teams and Crews of Thunderbird District, Three Fires Council, from the District & Commissioner Service Teams. Please share this time sensitive information with the other adults in your units. To change your email address, or sign up to receive the monthly newsletter, or to opt off this list, please send your request to the following link, or drop off changes at any Roundtable. Thunderbird Email List

DISTRICT CALENDAR: - Click here for a link to the Thunderbird district calendar page of our website. There is a printable 2 year calendar on this page which can help you with your planning.


DISTRICT PHOTO GALLERY - Click here to view photos of our events.

Thunderbird DistrictDISTRICT CHAIR'S CORNER:
A Month to Remember! February was a busy month and one to remember! Hat’s off to all of those Packs holding Blue & Gold Dinners and conducting Crossover Ceremonies! Onward Webelos and welcome to the Boy Scouts! A huge thank you to Kevin Doyle for once again spearheading the Scouting for Food Drive. All participating units should be congratulated for a job well done and for having an impact on those who are in need of food.

Finally, congratulations to Jason Ball who coordinated our “Scouts Own” Sunday. It was a wonderful service with fellowship and will hopefully be an ongoing tradition for years to come. Oh, yes and to all those units who sang Happy Birthday BSA and for all of you who wore your scout uniform on February 8th to work, school and around town. Way to go! - Tim Seeden, Thunderbird District Chairman

Roundtable News ROUNDTABLES


THUNDERBIRD ROUNDTABLES: Thunderbird Roundtables & the OA Chapter Meeting meet on Thursday, March 11th at 7:30pm at the LDS Church on 1320 Ridgeland Ave., Naperville.


CUB SCOUT ROUNDTABLE: Theme: Spring Into Action! As winter weather gives way to warmer temperatures, it's time to head outside and spring into action! Come to March Roundtable for ideas on how your dens and packs can spring into action! Den Leader Topic: Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program / Webelos Topic: Cub Scout Academics and Sports Program, Sportsman and Family Member activity badges / Cubmaster Topic: Transition Ceremonies / Administration Topic: Local Activities and Awards
TEMPORARY STAFF ASSIGNMENTS: Opening Ceremony and Flags - Pack 66 / Game - Pack 565 / Skit or Ceremony - Pack 513 / Song - Pack 362


BOY SCOUT/VENTURING ROUNDTABLE: Theme: Planning - the basis for unit success! Having a well thought out and published plan for the year is crucial to your unit's success. This month we will work through the steps of planning a year's activities using roundtable as an example. "Be Prepared" by bringing your ideas for future roundtables topics and how roundtable can better serve the needs of you and your units.

Things to do! ACTIVITIES NEWS


THUNDERBIRD DISTRICT DINNER: This year's Thunderbird adult appreciation dinner will be held on Friday, April 9th at the Lisle Hilton Hotel and Betty Danker will be our Chair for this great event! Stay tuned for details but here are a few forms to get you started.


SCOUT-O-RAMA: Join 5,000 of your fellow Three Fires Council Scouts & Scouters as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of Scouting at Camporall. Camporall is an entire weekend of camping at St James Farm. This event is being held in conjunction with Scout-O-Rama. Scout-O-Rama is an entire day of Scouting activities, displays, games and FUN designed for Scouts of all ages, parents, siblings, and the general public to CELEBRATE, PARTICIPATE, and EXPERIENCE Scouting at its best in the Three Fires Council.

Camporall is open to all registered Three Fires Council Scouts, their units and their leaders; Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews (NO FAMILY CAMPING!). ONLINE REGISTRATION has begun. We are limited to 5,000 campers at St. James Farm and therefore, we ask that one person from each unit do the registrations. We are are unable to accommodate siblings or other non-Scout youth. Use the Scout-O-Rama/Camporall Guide to assist you with your planning!

To learn more, click on the Camporall or Scout-O-Rama page links. The online registration has begun & slots are going fast. The TFC Online Store is now open for business on the left sidebar of the Three Fires Council Website, below the calendar. The TFC Online Store is where you can:

1. Register units who wish to camp at Camporall at St James Farm on May 14-16, 2010. Register & pay between now & March 15th & receive a $10 discount per camper. (Each camper will also receive a Scout-O-Rama ticket.)

2. Purchase Scout-O-Rama tickets. Order & pay for them in advance between now & March 15th & receive $1 off each admission.

SCOUT SPORTING EVENTS: Lots of Sporting events are planned. Make sure that you check out the Sports Page of the Three Fires Council Sports Page. Teams like the Chicago Storm, Rush, NIU Huskies, Kane County Cougars, Milwaukee Bucks plus many more, have Scout Days. You can get tickets to attend these games & participate in lots of great special activities. Don’t miss out on the FUN!

2010 WEBELOS OVERNIGHT: Mark your calendars for our annual Webelos overnight which will be held on June 5-6, 2010 at the Thunderbird Youth Campground in Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville. Jennifer Griffin & her staff have been hard at work planning this event. Here are the two information packets for both Webelos & Boy Scouts.


SCOUTING FOR FOOD THANKS: The Boy Scouts of Thunderbird District thank their neighbors for their response to our recent Scouting for Food collection. More than 15,400 pounds of food were collected by almost 1,000 Scouts, leaders, adults, and siblings, and donated to the Lisle Township Food Pantry, Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry in Naperville, St. Thomas the Apostle Food Pantry in Naperville, and the Woodridge Community Pantry.
Approximately two-thirds of the Scouts distributed fliers to more than 19,000 homes in the Lisle, Naperville and Woodridge areas, and then picked up donations of food and paper goods on February 20. The other third of the Scouts picked up donations at Pack and Troop events during February.
Participating this year were thirty-four units from Thunderbird District: Lisle’s Pack 89, Pack 108, Troop 108, and Pack 504, Naperville’s Pack 66, Troop 68, Pack 70, Pack 87, Pack 99, Troop 100, Troop 107, Pack, Troop and Team 198, Troop 222, Pack 362, Troop 501, Pack 503, Troop 505, Pack 506, Pack 507, Pack 513, Pack 562, Pack 565, Pack 567, and Pack 5556, and Woodridge’s Troop 67, Pack 104, Troop 109, Troop 133, Pack 367, Pack 511, Pack 512, and Troop 516.
Jody Bender of the Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry emailed us “WOW! Your wonderful Scouts collected 10,111 pounds of food for us in the last few days, which is enormous!”
Scouting for Food made a significant difference in the community, providing food and personal care essentials to our neighbors in need. For more information regarding the Scouting for Food program in the Thunderbird District contact Kevin Doyle doyle-bsa@att.net.

Eagle Scout ADVANCEMENT NEWS


A new 12th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook (34622) was issued in the summer of 2009. That book contains new requirements for each rank listed below, which did not officially take effect until January 1, 2010. Scouts working toward ranks in 2009 could use the new requirements, or could continue to use the old requirements, at their option. If a Scout started work toward a rank before January 1, 2010, using the requirements that were current before January 1, 2010, he may complete THAT RANK ONLY using the old requirements. Any progress toward a rank that is begun after January 1, 2010, must use the requirements as they are presented in the Boy Scout Handbook (34622) or in the 2010 Boy Scout Requirements book (34765). The fact that a Scout can work on the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class simultaneously does NOT mean that he is "working toward all three ranks". He can NOT use the old requirements for all three. Similarly, if a Scout has multiple merit badges, he is NOT "working toward Star, Life, and Eagle". He may only use the old requirements for the NEXT rank he completes.

The Boy Scouts of America has also issued a definitive definition of "Active":
A Scout will be considered "active" in his unit if he is
1. Registered in his unit (registration fees are current)
2. Not dismissed from his unit for disciplinary reasons
3. Engaged by his unit leadership on a regular basis (informed of unit activities through Scoutmaster conference or personal contact, etc.
4. In communication with the unit leader on a quarterly basis.
(Units may not create their own definition of active; this is a national standard.)
If the Scout does not initiate communication, the unit leader is to contact the Scout and ask if the youth wishes to remain in Scouting. If the answer is negative, then the unit leader should no longer communicate with the Scout. If the answer is affirmative, the unit leader should provide the unit calendar. After six months of non participation, the unit leader may cease to contact with the youth and drop the Scout from the unit at recharter time.
The Scout may return to the unit at any time while on the unit charter. At any time a Scout is dropped from a charter, the youth may re-apply to a unit for readmission; the acceptance of the application is at the discretion of the unit. The youth would be reinstated at the rank and level that can be documented by either the Scout or the unit.

Camping is Fun CAMPING CORNER


CAMP FREELAND LESLIE NEWS: On-Line Payment is now available for those Webelos, Troops Teams & Crews attending CFL Boy Scout Camp & Webelos Resident Adventure Camp this summer. Please Click on the appropriate link below to make your total or installment payments for your Scouts. You may return to this system as often as you need to, as you add Scouts going to camp. If you have not yet registered to attend CFL & wish to reserve a spot, please contact Pete Dillenburg to select your session or campsite BEFORE using this payment system.


CFL OPEN HOUSE:Does Your Troop want to Camp at CFL for FREE? Try our CFL Open House!
Where: Camp Freeland Leslie, Oxford Wisconsin
Date: April 23-25, 2010 OR August 20-22, 2010 - Come for the day (Saturday) or the weekend!
Cost: No charge for tent camping (this weekend only). Your Troop provides its own transportation, camping equipment and food.
Who: All Troops – Three Fires Council Troops and out of council Troops!
Has your Troop ever been to beautiful Camp Freeland Leslie (CFL)? Or perhaps it has been a number of years since you have been to Camp Freeland Leslie. You can come up for the day on Saturday, with your leaders and SPL or bring your whole Troop for a relaxing weekend to explore the facilities and beauty of camp. Come up for the camp tour on Saturday (starts at 10 AM) or feel free to camp with your unit Friday and/or Saturday nights. Refreshments, a brief overview of our summer camp program will be offered on Saturday morning, followed by tours of camp. Otherwise enjoy the camp setting and plan your own program for the weekend. Program areas will be open for use Saturday and enjoy a Saturday night campfire.

Space is limited so call today to reserve your spot. Let us know the approximate number of campers you will be bringing and if you will be camping or just visiting on Saturday.

Open House Reservation Form - And Information Flier

Tiger to Boy Scouts MEMBERSHIP NEWS


SPRING ROUNDUPS: Despite the snow and cold weather, the time for Spring Roundups is just around the corner. We encourage you to chose a date in March or early April. Boys in the community have many opportunities to participate in group activities, including team sports etc, and we want to ensure they consider scouting. While the focus of Spring Roundups is usually Kindergarten and 1st grade, don't forget to include 2nd through 4th graders in this recruitment activity. It is not unusual for packs that include these age groups to recruit almost as many Wolves and Bears as they do Tiger Cubs.

When you have chosen your Spring Round-Up date, please forward me the information (date, time, location, and contact persons email & phone number). We want to schedule a member from the district to be there as part of your team to support you and help answer parent's question etc.

Don't forget the Council has wall posters and press releases/fliers that can be personalized for your event, as well as yard signs, parent orientation guides, short parent talent surveys, and application forms. These items are provided at no cost and can be ordered online.

Go to the Thunderbird website, click on "Membership" and the link is under the heading "Useful Forms for Membership". Once you have filled these out please forward them to me at the email below and I will submit it to the Council. We ask that you allow 2 weeks for processing. If you need any help ordering these please contact me, Pauline Paulus at peg0554@gmail.com .


BOY TALKS: Our District Executive Rob Siebert requests your assistance scheduling "Boy Talks". This is an effective way to get boys and their parents to come to your Round-Up meetings. You can contact Rob at rsiebert@bsamail.org .

Be Trained TRAINING CORNER


NEED TRAINING? See the Council Training Calendar for your training needs. There should be a course to meet your busy schedule as well as everyone else in your unit! Courses are being added each month, so check out the Three Fires Council Training Page to find one that meets your needs, or click on the training page on our T-Bird site to download the local registration forms! BE TRAINED!

TRAINING EVENTS & FLIERS: Need Training? This is just a small selection! BE TRAINED


OA ArrowheadOA CHAPTER NEWS



OA CHAPTER MEETING: The OA Chapter Meeting is Thursday, March 11, 7:30 pm at the LDS Church in Naperville


OrdealBOWLING: Lowaneu Allanque Lodge #41 - 2010 Bowl-A-Thon at Brunswick Zone
1515 W. Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL
March 26, 2010 (11:30PM – Midnight Arrival) to March 27, 2010 (6:00AM Departure)
Doors will be locked at Midnight and no one will be allowed to leave until 6:00 AM. Any group bringing 3 or more youth must bring a paid adult to stay for the event Non-Scouts and Scouts that are not OA Members can attend the Bowl-A-Thon.

Schedule: 11:30 PM – Midnight - arrival
Midnight – 6 AM - Bowling, Video Games, and Rides
1 AM -3 AM - Unlimited pizza and pop
6 AM - Departure
Cost: Registration Fee $40.00 / Discount (by 3/12/2010) -$5.00
Registration Fee includes pizza, pop, Video Games, Rides, and Unlimited Bowling.
Mail to: Arrowman Registration, c/o Lowaneu Allanque Lodge #41, 415 N. Second St. St Charles, IL 60174


BROTHERHOOD CEREMONY: T-Bird will be having a Brotherhood ceremony on April 9 at the Thunderbird Youth Campground at Greene Valley Forest Preserve. Exact times are no known yet, but participants will need a coat, flashlight, and water, in addition to the letter required for Brotherhood advancement.

Thunderbird DistrictDISTRICT COMMISSIONER CORNER

MARCH COMMISSIONER NOTES: As leaders, thanks for building the foundation of scouting! It’s all about providing opportunities for growth for our youth. Along the way, adult leaders also grow, and build lasting friendships.

In 2009, 79 % of our units participated in the Centennial Quality Award program, an improvement over 2008. Nearly all of the units that participated, received the award. Congratulations! This program gives us an opportunity to reflect on the quality of our program, and set goals for improvement, or to maintain our program, depending on where we are at. I would ask for 100 % participation in 2010! Attached, please find the 2010 Centennial Quality Unit Form for your review and completion. We ask for these to be completed and turned in at the March Roundtables. You will be receiving a reminder note from your commissioner.

Units should have received their recharter packets by now. Commissioners will be available at the March Roundtables to answer your questions. Completed packets are due by mid-April.

There are many training opportunities coming up this spring. Please look at the training section of the council web-site, and pencil in a date to complete the training required for your scouting responsibilities. If you have questions, please contact your commissioner. Have a wonderful celebratory year as we join scouting’s centennial celebration! - Wes

DE PATCHROB'S DISTRICT EXECUTIVE CORNER


NOTES FROM ROB - 100 YEARS: A lot has happened in since the beginning of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910. 100 Years later we are still instilling life long values into our youth and creating leaders that will help shape our nation. It is a great year to be part of the Scouting movement. There is so much going on this year I don’t even know where to start! In April we will have our Annual Mayors’ Breakfast to support Scouting and the District Volunteer Recognition Dinner. Once the April showers are over and the May flowers start to bloom Three Fires Council brings to you the Centennial edition of Scout-o-Rama/Camporall which will be an event you don’t want to miss! The Adventure Base 100 will also be making a stop in the Chicagoland area at the beginning of May. At the end of June and beginning of August over 43,000 Scouts and Scouters will converge on Fort AP Hill in Virginia to partake in the Centennial Jamboree and what a celebration it will be! It will be webcast and we have some plans to have some type of showing of it so stay tuned! We are also having a Centennial Challenge during our Friends of Scouting campaign and will have a special recognition at Scout-o-Rama.

Check back often the Thunderbird District Website and Three Fires Council Website to stay current with all of the upcoming activities and opportunities. Thank you for choosing to be a leader of our future leaders and teaching by example. It is a great responsibility as well as a great honor to work with such impressionable lives. Without your contribution this is not possible.

“In all of this, it is the spirit that matters. Our Scout law and Promise, when we really put them into practice, take away all occasion for wars and strife among nations.”
Sir Robert Baden-Powell

THE FLAME: is Three Fires Council's newsletter & it has a new look. If you are not receiving this wealth of information via email, please go to the TFC FLAME and sign up for the email list. You can also view it on line while you are there, or access it any time you want from at the Thunderbird District Website. Sign up! Keep informed & know what is going on in our Council! Don’t miss out on the fun stuff.

EARN SPECIAL 100TH ANNIVERSARY AWARDS: A Year of Celebration – A Century of Making a Difference is an awards program developed specially for the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. There are five awards, each based on one of the five core values of the Boy Scouts of America: one for Leadership, Achievement, Community Service, Character and the Outdoors. The award is a uniquely designed patch of the 100th Anniversary emblem with slots to hold special award markers for each pillar of the program. Individuals will be able to display all earned awards at the same time on their uniforms by attaching award markers to the patch.

Each award has different requirements depending upon age. Cub Scouts have a set of requirements, as do Boy Scouts, Venturers, adult volunteers and alumni. Yes, even adults can earn awards for a change. There are five requirements for each age group for each award. All you have to do is accomplish at least three of the five requirements to earn the award. You may want to do all five requirements, but three is all that you’ll need to qualify for the award. Awards may be earned from September 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. This program is open to all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and Scouting alumni. This program provides every Scout, leader and alumnus a fun and meaningful way to participate in the 100th Anniversary.


CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS AWARDS: Would you like to learn how to help Boy Scouts or Girls Scouts earn religious recognitions? Come and learn how at the Adult training session for Catholic Religious Moderator (Girl Scouts) or Religious Emblems Counselor (Boy Scouts) to be held:
Saturday, May 15, 2010 / 8:30 a.m. - Noon at St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center, 402 S. Independence Blvd., Romeoville, IL 60446
Contact Diocesan Chaplain Rod Accardi at (630) 933-6634 for additional information.