Alamo Area Council

 
Scouting America

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Jennifer Arntson

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:

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

FAQ’s for AAC’s New Organizational Structure

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Greetings, Alamo Area Council members! We understand that you may have questions about the recent restructuring within our Council. Here are some frequently asked questions that address key aspects of our vision, staffing structure, volunteer engagement, and more:

What is our vision as a Council?

  • The Alamo Area Council seeks to provide resources to support and encourage Scouting programs in our community with the goal of facilitating higher-quality programs for an ever-increasing number of young people.

Are we keeping Districts or just restructuring the District Executive role?

  • We are re-organizing the staff so as to be able to provide quality service to our Scouts, parents and leaders, as well as to be able to better introduce Scouting in the Alamo area to new families.

Are we still going to get the same support from the staff as we did before?

  • The intent is for unit leaders to receive more support. Instead of one professional staff member to reach out to, leaders now have multiple options. Leaders and parents can reach out directly to our Growth Team for recruitments, Engagement Team for Unit Service, Retention Team for struggles with keeping members, and Outdoor Adventure Team for any type of event or activity support. The Development Team along with the Engagement Tram can help with Camp Cards and Popcorn. We are all here to help you.

Are you adding or subtracting paid employees?

  • In order to best serve the future of Scouting in the Alamo Area, the council is constantly evaluating the staffing structure. At this time, the council is shifting staffing resources from some areas to others. New staff members are being added, while some vacant positions are being eliminated.

What type of input do units have on these decisions?

  • Decisions about the best way to organize staff within the Alamo Area Council ultimately rest with the council’s Scout Executive. The Scout Executive has a volunteer board that he meets with regularly for input and feedback on the direction of the council and on the various decisions made with regards to its management.

What is the ratio of paid staff to volunteers? And units? 

  • The Growth, Engagement, Retention, Outdoor Adventures and Development Team staff number 14 individuals at this time. This amount may change as needs are identified. In 2023, the council ended with 2,664 registered adult volunteers and 222 units.

Is the New Unit Team (NUT Squad) a part of the future growth plans?

  • Yes, these volunteers are crucial to the success of the Growth Team.

What is the plan to recruit more volunteers?

  • Every new young person recruited into Scouting brings one or two (maybe more?) parents into contact with Scouting in the Alamo Area Council. It is the responsibility of existing unit leaders and commissioners as well as Growth Team and Engagement Team staff members to engage those new parents and other family leaders with unit and council level volunteer roles. Every new family should be given the opportunity to be involved in some capacity with at least one project within the unit a year. For many people, that one project can evolve into a more permanent volunteer role.

What is the role of a commissioner?

  • The role of a Unit Commissioner is to act as a ‘friend’ and resource to the leadership of the units that he or she works with. The Commissioner is a conduit of communication between the council and the unit leadership, as well as a coach and voice of experience. He or she can also act as an independent third party voice to help resolve disputes. This person should be a unit leader’s first contact when facing a challenge or problem that they don’t know how to handle.

What qualifies a unit as successful?

Why is there an assumption that all units are suffering?

  • Not all units are suffering, but some do from time to time. It is important to the success of local Scouting programs that every unit have the resources needed to operate effectively and efficiently. That is why it is critical that the staff and volunteers of the Alamo Area Council be available to help units quickly.

Why are some committees acting under the old district structure?

  • In a few specific instances, physical geography concerns dictate that council committees still operate much as they did under the old district structure. As an example, Eagle Scout Boards of Review will continue to operate in various parts of the council much as they did before. This is because of the realities of meeting in person, often on weeknights, dictate that there is no one central location that will be convenient for everyone across the council’s 13,000 square miles. However, it is important to note that any Eagle Scout candidate may attend a board of review in any of the areas offered across the council. The committee will work under the guidance of the Alamo Area Council’s Advancement Committee.

What’s So Great About a Scout Night?

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So glad you asked!

You see, I thought it was an event at a local event venue for packs and troops. I was wrong.

Then, I thought it was something that individual Scouters signed up for and attended with their families.

…Annnd that buzzer goes again, telling me I’m wrong a second time.

Well, not totally wrong, but not completely accurate either. Yes, Scout Nights (or days) could be something that your unit participates in as a group or a family event, but it’s so much bigger than that!

Scout nights are a chance to partake in some really cool activities that have partnered with the Council to offer exclusive experiences at a lowered rate, but anyone – yes anyone – can get tickets, no matter if they are Scouts or not.

It’s like a special something you can share with your friends and extended family.

So, invite your neighbors, your cousins, or think bigger: let your child’s class, youth group, or all your co-workers.

While you’re doing it, you’re also supporting Scouting in a BIG way. Remember how I said that these businesses partnered with the council and offered reduced rates? Well, they then take a percentage of the proceeds and give it back to Scouting!

Rare, top-notch, community-inclusive, value-priced activities that pay the Council to do it?

Sign. Me. Up. (And a few of my friends too!)

Check out the Alamo Area Council’s Scout Nights HERE!

 

 

Outdoor in ’24

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There’s lots to do in 2024, including our Outdoor in 24 challenge, provided by our UK Scouting friends.

This is a great recruiting tool, and something that can be shared with non-Scouting friends, too!

The aim is to get Scouts outside, so we’ve put together a list of 24 exciting things to do outdoors throughout the year. They’ve even created a blank bucket list to come up with your own challenge! You could complete 24 new outdoor activities, have a sleepover over for 24 hours, or learn 24 new skills. It’s up to you!

Download the graphic for social media, or use this template to add your unit’s information to and pass out.

To see the original article from our friends in the UK, visit their website here.

What, or Who is the 583?

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The BSA’s diverse programs are overseen nationwide by local councils, each responsible for a geographic range spanning from a single city to an entire state. Scouting extends its offerings to youth across the country via local council service centers, like ours, and just like your unit has a number to distinguish it from other units, our Council has a number to identify us from other Councils.

As you may already be aware, Councils play a pivotal role in assisting chartered organizations in effectively utilizing the Scouting program and broadening its application to serve the needs within our neighborhoods. The trained and registered leaders within these chartered organizations act as mentors to youth as they progress through the program – and the youth are the sole reason we do what we do. Building character, leadership skills, and creating strong communities is what drew us into the Scouting movement in the first place.

So, if you’re wondering who is The 583, the answer is simple: We all are!

Scouting Adventures