Expression of Thanks from the Council Executive:
What a wonderful time of year it is! It seems very appropriate to me that we have just enjoyed a time of reflection for our many blessings and for giving THANKS. It seems even more appropriate that this opportunity is provided to us prior to the season and holiday celebration that comes with Christmas.
I want to THANK each of you for your service, time, leadership and commitment to serve the young persons in our Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Varsity Scout Teams, Venturing Crews, Explorer Posts, Sea Scout Ships and Learning for Life Groups. Over 8,000 registered volunteer leaders in our Council are serving the needs of over 47,000 young persons who are registered and active as members of the Boy Scouts of America. Without your influence, guidance and leadership it would be impossible to deliver a quality Scouting experience to the young people and families that are active in the Scouting programs.
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. So today, I want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, and THANK YOU for helping to fulfill the mission of the Boy Scouts of America in the lives of the young people who we serve.
May God bless you as the dedicated volunteer leaders of the Chief Seattle Council with adequate time and resources to continue in this great work of helping young people along their way of life. May you find joy, peace and increased love for others during the upcoming Christmas season. May you have a Merry Christmas and enjoy a happy holiday season.
With my deepest gratitude for your service,
C. Bradford “Brad” Allen
Council Executive, Chief Seattle Council.
2007
Popcorn Closeout Due December 7th
Just a friendly reminder that the due date for on time take order unit settlement paperwork is Friday, December 7th by 5:00 PM at the Chief Seattle Council Service Center. If you have any questions about your unit’s closeout form, please contact your district kernel. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication this past popcorn sale!
Rechartering Proceeds at a Record Pace
Unit re-registration is progressing well, thanks to commissioner involvement and the new online chartering, which has cut down significantly on common errors.
Currently, more than 600 units have either completed or begun the online process, a sizable increase over previous years.
A new national policy requires the charter be signed by the unit’s executive officer, and the roster must be approved with the signature of the unit leader. Charters not properly validated cannot be processed.
All charters must be submitted by 12-31-07 to avoid lapsing. Those not received by that date may lose their tenure, summer camp reservations and the ability to process Eagle Scout paperwork.
If your unit still needs to complete its internet recharter, you can do so by clicking here.
Centennial Quality
Unit Program Improves Unit Strength
Now is the time to evaluate your unit’s qualifications for the 2007 Centennial Quality Unit Award and set goals for 2008. Each unit should have received a Centennial packet through their commissioner or directly in the mail. If you have not received this information, please contact elast@seattlebsa.org.
The goal of this incentive, which replaces the old Quality Unit recognition, is to improve the quality of Scouting programs in every unit in America in preparation for the 100th anniversary of Scouting in 2010. To qualify, do the following:
- Using your Centennial information, evaluate 2007 performance and record it on the enclosed form found in the CQ Unit packet.
- Complete the order form for units request for Centennial recognition. Ribbons, pins and patches are available.
- Complete the 2008 CQ Unit commitment form
- 2007 achievement and order forms are due to the Chief Seattle Council no later than Dec. 14th.
- Turn in your 2008 commitment forms to your district commissioner at your roundtable or to the Chief Seattle Council by 1-31-08.
James E. West Matching Program a Great Success
The James E. West matching gift program has been a tremendous success. This fall, 21 Scout volunteers have become James E. West Fellows. It now takes just $500, rather than $1,000, to secure “the knot” and support Chief Seattle Council’s endowment fund.
In addition, thanks to a new gift of $25,000, this program will continue.
If you are interested in supporting endowment, and want to leave a lasting legacy to Scouting, please contact Jon Harthun at jharthun@seattlebsa.org or call 206-902-2321.
2008 Winter Camps
Snow has arrived at Camp Sheppard! Our winter camps are a great opportunity to combine outdoor fun with advancement opportunities. Activities include day hikes, snow tubing, snowshoe hikes, Webelos activity pins, Boy Scout rank advancement, and handicraft merit badges.
Cost for 2008 winter camp is based on your length of stay. There are three options, click here for more information.
For Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts: We are all full for this year. Sorry!
For Webelos Scouts: There is one session still open: a combination Boy Scout/Webelos session on March 14-16.
For Boy Scouts: The sessions that are still open are February 1-3, February 29-March 2, and the combination Boy Scout/Webelos session on March 14-16.
The sessions are filling quickly, so register right away! For more information or to register, click here. Flyers are also available online at www.seattlebsa.org, at your district roundtables, and at the council service center. If you have any questions, contact the Camping Department at (206) 725-0361 or campingdept@seattlebsa.org.
Philmont International Scouting Trek
The International Division of the Boy Scouts of America is planning the first Philmont International Scouting Trek for June 18-29, 2008. The ages of eligible Scouts are 16-19 years old by the date of the trek. This is an opportunity for 20 Scouts from around the globe to participate together in a Philmont trek experience.
Interested Scouts must submit a written essay on the topic, “As a Scout, I could convince more young people from my community to join Scouting by organizing a membership recruitment plan that included these important elements.” Essays must be limited to 1500 words. All essays received will be reviewed, with the top Chief Seattle Council essay forwarded to the BSA. The International Division will then select the top 10 essays from the USA and the top 10 from around the world. This will comprise the 20 member team that will be invited to Philmont. All expenses for the Philmont experience will be paid by BSA, including all domestic travel.
This special Scouting event will be conducted in conjunction with the International Scouting Conference at Philmont. At the conclusion of the trek, the Scouts will give a report to the conference attendees based on the discussions they had during their time together.
Essays must be received by the Seattle Council Service Center, by January 20, 2008. You can mail them to: Chief Seattle Council, PO Box 440408, Seattle, WA 98114.
2008 Friends of Scouting Breakfast Season is Just Around the Corner
The Chief Seattle Council’s first breakfast this season is the 2008 Seattle Mariners FOS Breakfast at the SeaTac Doubletree Hotel on Friday, January 25, 2008. The breakfast chaired by John Creighton, President, Port of Seattle, and the Seattle Mariners as the title sponsor with Kenworth Truck Company as the corporate sponsor. Event goal is $120,000 with 400 guests.
The 2008 Downtown FOS Breakfast is on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. The breakfast co-chaired by Todd Zarfos of The Boeing Company and Fred Grimm of Triad Development. The Boeing Company and Triad Development are both corporate sponsors of the breakfast. Event goal is $350,000 with 1,500 guests.
The 2008 Seattle Seahawks Eastside FOS Breakfast is on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. Seattle Seahawks are the title sponsor and will provide the program. Event goal is $350,000 with 1,200 guests.
All our breakfasts begin at 7.00 a.m. and end by 8.30 a.m.
The 2008 Scoutreach Lunch and Golf Social is on Friday, May 9, 2008 at the Golf Club at Newcastle. The luncheon is chaired by former Governors Gary Locke & Dan Evans. Event goal is $150,000 with 400 guests.
Lunch & program - 12:00 p.m.
Driving range practice - 1:45 p.m.
Shotgun start - 2:30 p.m.
If you would like further information please contact the development department at developmentdept@seattlebsa.org
Become a Scouting mentor and get paid
Make a difference in the lives of young men through Scouting leadership. Use the training and skills you have learned as an adult leader to impact youth, organizations and families with no Scouting experience.
The Chief Seattle Council is hiring program leaders to serve agency-based Scouting units throughout the Council. Rate of pay is $10 an hour, up to 30 hours a week, as well as 26 cents per business mile reimbursement. Several partnership locations to choose from and a team approach.
Qualifications include:
- Reliable transportation
- Clean criminal background check
- Willing and energetic attitude
- Love for the Scouting program
- Must be over 21 and be willing to be a registered and approved adult leader
Email your resume and contact information to Laura Cook. lcook@seattlebsa.org. or call 206.902.2310
Scout Shop Corner
The holiday season is upon us. Don't miss this chance to grab those seasonal stocking stuffers from your local Scout Shop. Holiday cards, gift wrap, and ornaments are just a few of the gifts you can find only at the Scout Shop, but only 'til the end of the year.
Some of our offerings include recognition gifts such as certificates, plaques, coins, or statues for that special Scouter or volunteer. For the booklover, we have Alvin Townley’s critically acclaimed book Legacy of Honor which tells the story and achievements of America’s Eagle Scouts. For the younger reader, the Pinewood Derby Speed Secrets book will hold their interest straight to the finish line! For those wanting their derby car to cross the finish line in style we have the Pinewood Derby Designs and Patterns book. Have a Scout needing a knife to complete his ten essentials? The Boy Scouts have put out a whole new line of pocket knives this year. Whether you’re a collector or just in need of a new knife, come see us! For those looking for a one of a kind gift, get a Class B unit t-shirt. We can do both custom embroidery or screen printed shirts. Send in the artwork along with approximate quantity and we will quote you a price. Just call the Puget Sound Scout Shop in Seattle at (206) 721-5945 or Scout Shop West in Bremerton at (360) 373-2569 today! Happy Holidays!
Council President: Del Bishop
Council Commissioner: Rick Cordray
Council Executive/CEO: Brad Allen
District News
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Renton Highlands.
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Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila, Vashon Island, West Seattle,
White Center.
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Forest Park, North Seattle, Shoreline.
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Cascade-
Bellevue, Mercer Island, North Renton.
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Foothills-
Auburn, Black Diamond, Covington, Maple Valley, Pacific.
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Green River-
Kent, Newcastle, Renton, Skyway.
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Mt. Olympus-
Clallam and Jefferson Counties.
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North Lakes-
Bothell, Carnation, Duvall, Kenmore, Woodinville.
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Orca- North
Kitsap County.
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Kirkland, Redmond.
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Sinclair-
Belfair, Bremerton, Port Orchard and surrounding communities.
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Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, Central & South Seattle.
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Congratulations New Eagle Scouts!
Scout Memorial Fund
Scout Memorial fund gifts recognize special occasions or memories of extraordinary people.
News & Information
Find out more about community service projects, read the popular editorial "The Right Stuff," or gain insight about Scouting from Council Commissioner, Rick Cordray.
TOTEM E-Newsletter
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e-mail to them.
New subscribers for this FREE publication can Sign-up Here.
How to go Long Term Camping
The true excitement of Scouting happens in the great outdoors. The pinnacle experience of an boy's Scouting experience is to accomplish a long term camping or hiking trek! On December 8th, 2007 the council will be hosting a long term camping seminar led by renown Scoutmaster and avid outdoorsman Kent Brooten. Adults and youth are invited to learn all they can about how to make their summer camping and trekking experiences safe, fun, and productive. Cost for this is event is $15 and includes lunch and materials. For further information and/or to register for this class contact Brian Lenhart at 206.902.2327 or blenhart@seattlebsa.org.
Learning for Life
Exploring is part of the Chief Seattle Council's Learning for Life career education program for young men and women ages 14-20. Exploring, a worksite based program, serves 60 chartered partners such as police departments, fire departments and community businesses. For more information about Learning for Life and career Exploring opportunities, click here.
2008 Spring Wood Badge Registration
The 2008 Wood Badge classes are now open for registration. Classes will be held April 24-26 and May 15-17. For more information click here. To register online click here. Reserve your spot today, space is limited!
For All Your Scouting
& Camping Needs
Puget Sound Scout Shop
3120 Rainier Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 721-5945
1-800-262-0133
Scout Shop West
1900 Austin Drive
Bremerton, WA 98312
(360) 373-2569
Vehicle Donations
Donate
you vehicle to the Boy Scouts of America to support more than 47,000 youth
in the Scouting program and get an IRS tax deduction! If you have a car,
van, motorcycle, boat, truck, RV that you would like to donate, call the
Scout office at 206-902-2345 or fill out an online form by clicking on
this link.
Trainer Development Conference
February 8th-9th, 2008
When James E. West, the Fist Chief Scout Executive, was asked to identify the three most important needs of the Scout organization. Mr. West Responded; “Training, more training, and still more training!” This conference is designed to improve the skills of beginning and advanced trainers, both adult and youth. Additional information is available on the council website.
GOOD TURN CORNER
Good Turn for America
For almost 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has taught the principles of the Scout Oath and Law through community service and “helping other people at all times.” Good Turn for America (GTFA) is the name under which all that Scouting service happens across the nation and provides a structure in which unit service is recognized and recorded.
Service projects may include, but are not limited to: planting trees, sending care packages to military units overseas, collecting food in Scouting for Food, picking up garbage around your community, etc.
If your Scouting group has participated in a service project and would like to report back to us the details of your service project please click here and fill out this short form.
Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration
Save the Date
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
7:00 PM
Town Hall Seattle
Save the date for the Chief Seattle Council Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration. It will be an evening of celebrating the past and looking forward to the future. The program will include recognition of the Silver Beaver recipients, Quality District Awards, election of council officers and board members, a dessert reception, and much more.
Your Volunteer Time is Money
Numerous local companies recognize volunteer time through the donation of cash grants to non-profits in which their employees volunteer. This means that for each hour of your volunteer time, your employer may donate money to the Boy Scouts of America. Listed below are companies who participate in this type of program, with a link about their program:
Adobe - Volunteer Request Program
AT & T Wireless - AT & T CARES
Bank of America - Volunteer Grants Program
Citigroup - Volunteer Incentive Program
Home Street Bank - Community Partner Volunteer Grant
KPMG - KMPG CARES
Medtronic, Inc. - Volunteer Match Program
Microsoft- Time Matching Program
Motorola - Volunteer Grants Program
Nike - Employee Involvement
Qwest - Employee Matching Time
Safeco - Matching Time Program
St. Paul Travelers - St. Paul's Travelers Foundation
State Farm Insurance - Good Neighbor Grant Program
If you do not see your employer listed and they participate in this type of program, please notify us at council@seattlebsa.org or 206-725-5200. Check with your human resource department for more information about your employer's program.
Help more than 47,000 young men and women who
participate in Scouting programs. FORWARD THIS MESSAGE to all Scouting
volunteers and families in your district, pack or troop!