Alamo Area Council

 
Boy Scouts of America

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Jennifer Arntson

Eagle Scout Project of the Month (June 2024)

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Eagle Scout Project of the Month: Building a Better Future for San Antonio’s Children

The Boy Scouts of America Council is proud to announce June’s Eagle Scout Project of the Month. This month, two different, yet similar Eagle Scouts have been selected for their outstanding efforts in leading projects with a shared mission: providing beds for needy children in San Antonio. We are honored to recognize Emilio Edwards of Troop 163 in New Braunfels and Travis Ghormley of Troop 226 in Stone Oak for their dedication and hard work.

Emilio Edwards: A Community United

Sleep In Heavenly Peace – San Antonio Chapter estimates that more than 70,000 San Antonio children lack beds to sleep in every night. Inspired by his parents’ previous volunteer efforts with the organization, Emilio aimed to address the ever-pressing issue of child bedlessness himself. “I thought this project was a great way to work with the community to help raise funds to purchase materials and raise awareness about children without beds to sleep in.” Emilio and his team of 27 volunteers constructed 22 1/2 beds, 95 headboards, and collected 7 bed-in-a-bag sets, demonstrating the impact that one individual can make.

Travis Ghormley: Immediate Impact for Families in Need

Travis Ghormley partnered with First Baptist Church San Antonio (FBCSA) and the South Texas Alliance for Orphans (STAO) to build beds for families in need. His project specifically focused on kinship care families and those within the CPS system, addressing the urgent need for safe sleeping spaces for children. According to SATO, Bexar County faces significant child welfare challenges, including 21,897 cases where children need to be removed from their homes due to abuse. Providing beds for extended family members’ homes allows children to stay with their biological relatives rather than being placed in foster care, emergency shelters, or sometimes even with caseworkers. This initiative not only prevents family separation, but also reduces the strain on the city’s foster care system. “I chose this project because of the immediate impact it would have on the community and how urgent the need for beds was,” Travis explained.

Byron Pitts of FBCSA delivered the beds shortly after they were made. When Travis and his troopmates learned how quickly the beds they built were put into homes, they reconvened to construct more beds, even after Travis had earned his Eagle Scout rank. Reflecting on the need, Pitts stated, “We could build 1,000 bunk beds and never have enough. The need is so great that every church and every Scout troop could build beds, and we would still have a need.” To help address this ongoing demand, Travis is collaborating with these organizations by sharing the information he gathered during his Eagle Scout project planning and execution phases—specifically his notes and budget details—so that others may work together to meet the community’s need for beds.

The Importance of These Projects

Most people are unaware of this specific need in our community and are surprised by the number of children who often lack necessities such as a bed. Though Emilio and Travis may not have known about the other’s project, they approached the need to directly address urgent issues, providing much-needed beds for children of families in desperate situations.

Emilio’s and Travis’s projects exemplify the values of Scouting, demonstrating leadership, community service, and a commitment to helping others, embodying the true spirit of Scouting.

Stay tuned for more stories of exceptional Eagle Scout projects, and let these inspire you to make a difference in your community. Together, we can build a better future for all.

The Scouting Edge: A Study of Ethics and Character in America

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The Scouting Edge: A Study in Ethics and Character in America was conducted by Scouting America in partnership with the Harris Poll. This study delves into American’s ethical and character dimensions, comparing and contrasting Scouting vs. non-Scouting populations.

Read the PDF Report for yourself.

Key Findings

Americans report a wide satisfaction gap between their personal lives and the state of the country/world. Despite this, Americans express general pride in living in the USA, and several key ideals bind people together.

  • Hard work is a shared “American” and “Personal” value.
  • There is strong agreement that civic duties such as voting and fighting for our country are important – those who can do these … should.
  • Americans are overwhelmingly positive about what lies ahead; at least 7 in 10 adults and youth share feelings of hopefulness, optimism, or excitement about their future.
  • More than half of Americans report that the values instilled in them growing up match the current values of most Americans today.
  • Parents play a critical role in instilling values in their children, leading to a strong consensus that older people should be respected.
  • Reverence continues to be relevant to Americans today as more than 7 in 10 Americans claim a primary religion, although fewer report attending religious services regularly.
  • A strong majority of Americans report a belief in God or a higher power, and they connect with something bigger than themselves.
  • Selflessness and kindness towards others are celebrated and viewed as important components of being a good citizen.

The Scouting Edge…

The connection is clear between Scouting and the perception that Scouts and alumni act ethically and morally in their attitudes and behaviors. People who are Scouts as well as those who have never been Scouts believe that Scouts and Scouting alumni are more likely than their counterparts to act in ways that are described as ethical and moral. They believe that people with an affiliation to Scouting realize benefits beyond those who have never been in Scouting.

  • Scouting alumni report teaching their children about values and ethics at an earlier age than their peers, and Scouts report learning about values and ethics from their parents at an earlier age than their peers.
  • There is a strong link between Scouting and religion, as alumni and Scouts are more likely than their counterparts to indicate a primary religion, and alumni report attending religious services more frequently.
  • Additionally, alumni and Scouts are more likely to indicate that “reverence” is both an American value and a personal value.
  • Furthermore, alumni and Scouts express, in higher proportions than their counterparts, that voting in every election, volunteering time in the community, participating in youth-related organizations, and taking an active part in charitable organizations are somewhat to extremely important traits in being a good citizen.
  • Scouts and alumni express a greater willingness, if necessary, to fight for their country.
  • Scouts and alumni are more likely than their counterparts to identify negative behaviors as being “mostly” or “absolutely” wrong, including tossing out trash while driving, not declaring income to the IRS, exaggerating education/experience on a resume, or smoking cigarettes/vaping.
  • Scouts and non-Scouts, alumni and non-alumni, agree that Scouting improves our country across a variety of vectors – in particular, they recognize the “somewhat” or “extremely” positive effects Scouting has on one’s leadership abilities and the competency to help others accomplish their goals.

Local Scout Soars to National Success: Ricardo Awarded Top Eagle Scout in the Country

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San Antonio, TX – In the heart of Texas, amidst the bustling cityscape of San Antonio, a young Scout has emerged as a beacon of dedication and achievement. Ricardo L. has not only made his mark locally but has soared to national recognition, clinching the prestigious title of Top Eagle Scout in the country.

Just a month ago, Ricardo received news that he had secured the top spot in the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest at the state level, representing the state of Texas. His application, forwarded by the local San Antonio Chapter, stood out among the rest, earning him the first-place position.

But Ricardo’s journey didn’t stop there. His excellence transcended state borders when he was selected as the First-Place Winner to represent Texas at the national level by the Sons of the American Revolution.

This past weekend, at the Sons of the American Revolution State Convention, Ricardo received news that would further solidify his status as a standout Scout. He was informed that he had been chosen as the Top Eagle Scout in the entire nation.

The accolades didn’t end with recognition; Ricardo is set to receive significant scholarships as a testament to his hard work and dedication. He will be awarded a total of three scholarships, amounting to an impressive sum:

  • $250.00 – Local Chapter 1st Place Winner
  • $3,500.00 – State-Level 1st Place Winner
  • $10,000.00 – National 1st Place Winner

With the national title under his belt, Ricardo’s journey continues as he prepares to embark on an all-expenses-paid trip to Lancaster, PA, on July 13th. There, he will be honored with the national $10,000.00 scholarship, marking a remarkable achievement in his scouting career.

The 583 extends heartfelt congratulations to Ricardo, expressing immense pride in his accomplishments! As he prepares to receive his well-deserved recognition on the national stage, the community stands in awe of his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to service. Ricardo’s success not only highlights his individual achievements but also serves as an inspiration to Scouts across the country, showcasing the transformative power of determination and hard work.

 

 

Do you have a Scout story to share? We want to hear from you! Email eNews@AlamoAreaBSA.org

Be Prepared for the National Day of Prayer

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As we approach the first Thursday in May (5/2/24), we stand on the brink of a significant occasion deeply rooted in the fabric of American history and tradition—the National Day of Prayer. It is a day when our nation collectively turns its thoughts towards the divine, seeking guidance, solace, and unity through prayer.

Understanding the Significance

Dating back to 1775, the Continental Congress initiated the first National Day of Prayer, urging colonists to beseech the Almighty for the fledgling nation’s well-being. This tradition has since evolved, culminating in 1988 with the U.S. Congress enacting a law to designate the first Thursday in May as the official National Day of Prayer.

How Scouts Can Participate

As Scouts, embodying values of reverence, duty to God, and service to others, our participation in this significant day is not only encouraged but vital. Here are some ways you can engage:

23rd World Scout Jamboree in Kirara-hama Japan
  1. Personal Reflection and Prayer: Take a moment to retreat into quietude, whether alone or with fellow Scouts, and offer prayers of gratitude, reflection, and supplication. Express thanks for the privileges and freedoms we enjoy as citizens of a nation that values religious liberty.
  2. Community Outreach: Consider organizing a prayer gathering within your troop or with other local scout troops. This can be a time of collective prayer for the well-being of our communities, nation, and the world at large. Engage in discussions about the values of unity, understanding, and empathy.
  3. Acts of Service: Use this day as an opportunity to serve others in your community. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, assisting the elderly, or participating in environmental cleanup efforts, let your actions be a manifestation of your prayers for a better world.
  4. Educational Endeavors: Take time to delve into the history and significance of the National Day of Prayer. Explore the diverse religious traditions within Scouting and how they intersect with this observance. Foster understanding and respect for differing faiths and beliefs.

Saint Teresa of Avila once said, “For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.” Let this sentiment guide our interactions on this National Day of Prayer as we forge deeper connections with our Creator and with one another. As Scouts, let us embrace the spirit of this day by embodying the principles of reverence, service, and unity. Together, let us offer our prayers for the well-being of our nation, our communities, and our world.

Did you know?

To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed religious emblems programs. The Boy Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on the official uniform. The various religious groups administer the programs.

For more information about Religious Emblems Programs, see the following links to BSA resources:

Additional resources:

2024 Baden Powell Award 

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Baden Powell has challenged all of us to deliver “the promise of Scouting”. 

We can all deliver that promise by operating a quality unit. A unit that has a well-funded budget, so that Scout can go and do and experience all that Scouting has to offer. A unit that has a strong and challenging program. A program that is fun yet truly educational. A unit with trained leadership that knows how to keep our Scouts safe and how to make the most of any hike, campout, or service project. These are all qualities of a strong unit, a Baden Powell Unit! 

For 2024, Council 583 is happy to give you the 2024 Baden Powell Award, now with two new checkpoints to give your unit more opportunities to grow and become a stronger unit.  This year’s worksheet has a new system of point accumulation that will allow your unit to work your own pathway to earning this award. 

The 2024 Baden Powell Award has been updated and will soon be available on the Council website. In the meantime, we encourage you to take this worksheet. Look it over and take it back to your unit and use these nine benchmarks to guide your unit throughout your Scouting adventures in 2024. In November when you turn in your 2024 re-charter it will then be a few keystrokes for you to complete your online Baden Powell Award worksheet and turn it in with your re-charter. 

Baden Powell units will receive the following recognition and benefits: 

  • Adventure Guide magazine announcement 
  • Council website and newsletter shout out.  
  • FREE Baden Powell unit recognition streamer 
  • Facility Rental Voucher for FREE Unit Weekend Campout in the following calendar year at an Alamo Area Council Property* 
  • 5% Discounted pricing to all Alamo Area Council camping events 

Baden Powell Unit Recognition

Cub Scouts of Pack 55: On a Mission to Meet Governor Abbott

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Texas Governor Greg AbbottThe tradition of scouting has long stood as a beacon of character-building and adventure. Recently, the eager Cub Scouts of Pack #55 embarked on a unique journey—to meet none other than the esteemed Texas Governor, Greg Abbott. As the dust settled on their memorable encounter, Cubmaster Nick Desnoyer shared insights into the pack’s remarkable experience.

For Nick, connecting with public servants isn’t just a matter of chance—it’s a deliberate pursuit. Year after year, he diligently sends speaking requests to various political figures. “I just send emails and make phone calls until someone says yes,” Nick explains with a hint of determination. This annual ritual, initiated every January, serves as a testament to the pack’s persistence and commitment to engaging with their community.

The process isn’t always straightforward. Nick acknowledges that not every politician responds to their requests. Nevertheless, he remains undeterred, ensuring that Pack #55 explores every avenue for meaningful encounters. “Flexibility is key,” he emphasizes, noting that opportunities to meet with politicians often arise at the eleventh hour, sometimes with just a few days’ notice.
But why go through the effort? Because the benefits extend far beyond a mere handshake and photo op. Engaging with public officials aligns seamlessly with the ethos of scouting, providing Scouts with invaluable experiences that fulfill merit badge requirements and broaden their horizons. “There are many adventures in Cub Scouts and BSA merit badge requirements that can be satisfied by doing this,” Nick affirms, underscoring the educational value inherent in these encounters.

Texas Governor Greg AbbottWhen the long-awaited moment finally arrived for the Cub Scouts to meet Governor Abbott, it proved to be nothing short of memorable. Describing the Governor’s demeanor as “gracious,” a heartfelt exchange between the civic leader and the kids transcended mere formalities. The Governor regaled the young Scouts with anecdotes from his own scouting days and reminisced about his fondness for San Antonio—a testament to the lasting impact of scouting on leaders at all levels.

The story of Pack #55’s visit to offers a refreshing reminder of the power of community engagement and the enduring spirit of scouting. As these young Scouts continue on their journey of growth and discovery, one thing remains certain: with determination and persistence, no summit is too high to reach, and no opportunity too elusive to grasp.

 

Do you have a story to share? Send your story and photos to enews@alamoareabsa.org

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