Sharon Attends Special Court of Honor
I get invited to many Eagle Court of Honors which I love attending, but this one wasn't for an Eagle Scout.

On May 15, 2011, the Scoutmaster of Troop 166, Bill Montgomery, was honored for serving as Scoutmaster for the Wedgwood Presbyterian Church Scout troop for 50 years! Yes, 50 years. Also, during his tenure as Scoutmaster, Bill has had 100 boys reach the rank of Eagle Scout. And he isn't done yet! He is planning on being the Scoutmaster for years to come.

It was a nice ceremony; there were testimonials from Dell Loder and Phil Smart, Sr. Even Bill's Scoutmaster was in attendance. Theodore Roosevelt said, "Success – the real success – does not depend upon the position you hold, but upon how you carry yourself in that position." Bill Montgomery used his position of Scoutmaster to teach, engage, encourage and develop young men into leaders. He has created a legacy of leadership in those he led.

This is just one example of how outstanding our leaders are. Every adult that serves in a leadership position, no matter how long, assures that our youth will grow up to be participating citizens.

Thank you to all of you who work with our Scouts. Thank you for brightening the future.
-Sharon

Project Popcorn!
Dreaming of all those fun adventures, camps, overnights, activities and awards for your pack, troop, team or crew? We have the perfect way to pay for it! Scouts that participate in the annual popcorn fundraiser for one month this fall can pay for the entire year of Scouting.

In a 2010 survey of Scouts, parents and consumers found that:
- 2 out of 3 consumers purchased popcorn when asked
- Only 29% of consumers surveyed were approached by a Scout
- 92% of consumers rated the price as positive or neutral knowing that 70% goes back to Scouting

Don't get caught up doing multiple fundraisers, just do THIS one. Over $600,000 in checks were sent to just 270 units, were you in on it? Here are some perks of popcorn:
- No risk, all payments due after items are sold
- Council coordinates everything for you
- LOTS of cool prizes!
- Unlimited ways to spend your commission



Click here today and sign up for the one council fundraiser that will help your Scouts, unit, community and council. Still not sold? Read through our Popcorn FAQ's. Have questions? Contact us at popcorn@seattlebsa.org.

Adult Leader Training - Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader
Are you trained for your current Scout position? Take advantage of our numerous scheduled training courses and visit our online learning center at www.myscouting.org.

For a complete list of training courses scheduled in all districts, click here. To access the BSA online learning center, click here. To find out what training is required for your current Scouting position, click here.

Training Validation Feature on MyScouting.org: Do you need to know what trainings you have taken or what other leaders in your Scout unit have taken? Check out the new "Training Validation" feature at www.myscouting.org. Simply enter the BSA ID number of a volunteer and you will see a complete list of their training history. For more details, contact your local district executive or Andrea Watson at (509) 325-4562.

Boy Scouts of America Join with NCMEC
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) announced it is making available its internet safety program, NetSmartz®, to the Boy Scouts of America to teach Scouts and their families how to make responsible decisions both online and in real life. The BSA is asking all Scout leaders to incorporate the NetSmartz materials into their programs and to distribute information directly to parents.

While the internet provides vast educational and informational resources, it has also given predators a new opportunity to prey on children– even in their own homes. Talking to children so they understand the dangers is vital to their safety. Prevention is key. NCMEC offers a free internet safety program called NetSmartz at www.netsmartz.org. It uses interactive resources such as animated characters, games and videos to empower children of all ages to make responsible decisions both online and in real life.

With a click of the mouse, parents can also get answers to their questions at www.netsmartz411.org about the internet, computers, and emerging technology. Among the most frequently asked: What is a mash-up? How do I find my child's MySpace URL? What do online abbreviations mean? Not only can they review answers already provided, but they can call 1-800-NETS411 and talk to an expert.

Commissioner's Corner
I had a great opportunity to attend the BSA National Meeting in San Diego this past week. "Branding" was emphasized in every way possible and stressed why this is so important. Branding is about our personal identity, who we are and what we stand for. "Prepared. For Life" This national tagline is more than a theme. It's a promise. And it fits superbly with our council's marketing statement… "Scouts Meet Here". I attended general sessions on the Journey to Excellence as well as specific sessions devoted to unit service. What I found is that we all have the same challenges when it comes to providing the best program possible for the youth in our respective councils. We all want what's best but the implementation can be really tough. Everyone is so busy! We ask ourselves how we can add any more to our busy schedules. But you know what…if we want it badly enough we will find the time. We know that one of the best investments of our time is for the youth of our community. Look for my next edition of the "Commissioner's Corner" on the council's web site. I'm looking forward to sharing more about my experience at the national meeting.

Yours in Scouting,
Kevin

Play the Round of His Life - The Scoutreach Golf Tournament

Rededication of Tolt-John MacDonald King County Park
Your unit is invited to participate in the rededication of Tolt-John MacDonald King County Park and Campground later this month! All districts are encouraged to help and to be part of making history.

What: 35th Anniversary/Re-dedication of Tolt-John MacDonald King County Park and Campground, in Carnation, WA

When: Sunday, June 26th, at 2:00 p.m.

Why: The Tolt- MacDonald Park project was spearheaded by the Scouts of Chief Seattle Council as a Bicentennial project in 1976. It turned out to be one of the biggest in the nation, involving the efforts of over 20,000 Scouts, leaders, parents, and other volunteers from all 12 districts and 339 troops, converting undeveloped park land on the western side of Snoqualmie River into campsites and trails, including a suspension footbridge over the Snoqualmie River. Volunteer Scout leader John MacDonald led this project and led much of it before his untimely death in May of 1976. The park was later named in his honor.

Who: We'd like to see current and former Scouts come out as to see what the efforts of Chief Seattle scouts has created. Guest Speaker will be Dow Constantine, current Executive of King County and Former Scout who worked on the MacDonald Park project when he was in Scouting. Other elected officials; Army Reserve Unit that built the bridge; John MacDonald family; and more.

Where: Fall-City Carnation Road at NE 40th Street Carnation, WA

Contact: Alan Sinsel: alan.sinsel@kingcounty.gov.

Eagle Banquet Recap
We held the 50th Annual Eagle Recognition Banquet on May 12th at the Bellevue Hyatt, and it was a great success! There were about 600 people at the event, including 195 new Eagle Scouts from the Eagle Class of 2010-2011. The council would like to extend a special thanks to all the hosts and sponsors for making the event possible.

The program was led by event Chairman Glenn Johnson, President of Horizon Airlines, and featured Jeff Renner of King5, a video appearance by Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs (also an Eagle), and an extremely funny keynote presentation from local resident and Eagle Robert Birkby, who has authored 3 of the most recent editions of the Boy Scout Handbook.

The Banquet Scholarship Committee awarded five scholarships to Eagle Scouts headed for higher education, including the "new" ESWW scholarship from donors within this group. In addition, Phil Smart Sr. awarded two $1,000 grants as part of the "Smart Challenge". The first was awarded to new Eagle James Norris of Troop 331. The second was awarded to ESWW's Andrew Hunt, to help support his work with Career Assistance for Student Eagles (CASES). We also heard reports from last year's Smart Challenge winners, Aldin Pope and Brad Wilke for their work with establishing a memorial fund and expanding volunteerism with the internet site "Flash Volunteer", respectively.

Flying High with Aviation Day
Alaska Airlines has done it again, over 180 volunteers from Alaska Airlines, the Port of Seattle, Boeing, and the Oregon National Guard with representatives from the Air Force Academy and the Civil Air Patrol collaborated to make an incredible 3rd annual Aviation Day.

Youth and adult chaperone attendance was at an all time high with 617 total guests including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and CAP cadets! Approximately 300 Scouts have completed the requirements to earn the Aviation Merit Badge and more are coming in.

A big thank you to Alaska Airlines President and Eagle Scout, Brad Tilden for supporting such an incredible event and a very special thanks must be made to Captain Tom Rogers who has put countless hours into organizing all three aviation days. We appreciate all that you do for Scouting!

Scouting News and Highlights
Do you have a story to share? E-mail us! council@seattlebsa.org.

Scouts place flags on Memorial Day: KING 5 News

Aaron Amort, a Life Scout at St. John the Evangelist's Troop 121 in North Seattle wins Boys' Life Magazine video contest. Check out this unique and entertaining short video.

Buckley and Enumclaw Cub Scouts from Packs 300, 302, 302, 304 and 305 show off their Lego skills. Check out a preview with Boy's Life.

Cub Scout Pack 680 has been recognized by the Issaquah Press in the Gold Star section of the newspaper for our Scouting for Food drive!

Youth of Sunyakwa Chapter and Crew 898 did a great job helping everyone at the Cascade District Camporee during a flooding event that occurred in the middle of the night. Click here to read the full story written by Daniel Bladow.

Troop 575 Celebrates Four New Eagles:

Wilderness First Aid Training
June 17-18, 2011 -- 1512 Scout Hall - Bremerton, WA

This course is for all Scouters and Scouts 14 years old or older who are attending a National High Adventure Base or traveling outside the immediate response of emergency crews.

Upon successful completion of the Wilderness First Aid training, each participant will be better prepared to mitigate a first aid emergency in the backcountry where immediate professional response will be delayed. Topics include: Patient assessment, Chest injuries, Shock, Head (brain) and spinal injuries, Bone and joint injuries, Wounds and wound infection, Abdominal problems, Hypothermia, Heat problems, Lightning, Altitude illnesses, Submersion incidents, Allergies and anaphylaxis, and Wilderness first-aid kits

Participants must attend all 16 hours of the training and have a current CPR/AED certification to receive credit for this course.

Cost: $50.00 - Registration: online at www.seattlebsa.org
For more information, contact: Jason Carson, Sinclair District Trainer, carsonjd1@gmail.com, 360-627-7773