Alamo Area Council

 
Scouting America

Live Scouting

Jennifer Arntson

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!

What you need to know about the Combined Federal Campaign and the Alamo Area Council

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What is the Combined Federal Campaign?

Overseen by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Combined Federal Campaign is the official workplace-giving campaign for federal employees and retirees. Since its inception, the CFC has raised more than $8.6 billion for charities and people in need. CFC pledges make a real and meaningful difference to a countless number of individuals throughout our communities, our nation, and the world. Some people might say it takes an extraordinary person to care enough to give, but it’s more common than you think, and it’s easy! Anyone can be a changemaker through the CFC.

The Alamo Area Council is a Charity Recipient of the Campaign.

CFC Giving System is online

The 2023 CFC online giving system has all the giving options, is easy to renew each year, meets all federal security standards, and reduces paper waste. Visit https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/offerings for more information and ways to donate.

Ensuring Safety and Privacy: Introducing Encrypted Applications

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We, at the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, are committed to maintaining the utmost safety and privacy for all individuals associated with our organization. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance data security, we have implemented a new policy regarding application submissions. Effective immediately, we will only accept Membership Applications and Eagle Applications via email if they are encrypted. This change is designed to protect both the sending party and the individuals represented in the application itself.

Why is this change important?

In today’s digital landscape, ensuring the privacy of personal information has become increasingly crucial. With the rising prevalence of cyber threats and data breaches, we cannot afford to compromise the safety and confidentiality of our applicants. By requiring encrypted applications, we are taking proactive measures to safeguard sensitive data and protect the trust placed in us by our Scouts, Scouters, and their families.

What does it mean to encrypt a file?

Encryption is a method used to scramble information so that it is unreadable to unauthorized individuals. It adds an extra layer of protection by encoding the contents of a file, ensuring that even if intercepted, the data remains secure. When an application is encrypted, it can only be accessed and deciphered by the intended recipient who possesses the decryption key.

How can you encrypt your application?

We understand that encryption may be unfamiliar territory for some, which is why we are dedicated to providing you with the necessary tools and resources to securely submit your applications. To help you get started, we have curated a series of instructional videos that will guide you through the process of encrypting your files.

  • Choosing the right encryption software. The first step is to select a reliable encryption software that will allow our office to view and print applications once received.
  • Encrypting your application. The videos above will walk you through the encryption process step by step. You will learn how to encrypt your application files effectively, ensuring they are protected during transmission.
  • Send the encrypted file.

Unencrypted applications will not be opened by our office.
This strict requirement is in place to prioritize the safety and privacy of everyone involved in our organization.

At the Boy Scouts of America, we are steadfast in our commitment to providing a secure environment for our Scouts, Scouters, and all stakeholders. We believe that by implementing encrypted application submissions, we are taking a proactive stance against potential threats to your privacy.

We encourage you to access our video tutorials, follow the instructions, and reach out to your District Service Executive if you have any questions or concerns. Together, we can ensure that your applications are transmitted securely, protecting your personal information and upholding our collective dedication to safety.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to strengthen our commitment to privacy and security.

Press Release: Alamo Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America Distributes over $95,000 Worth of Popcorn to Local Military Organizations

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/23/23

Alamo Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America Distributes over $95,000
Worth of Popcorn to Local Military Organizations

San Antonio, TX – The Alamo Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is pleased to announce that it has distributed more than $95,000 worth of popcorn products to local heroes and military organizations including the USO and Fisher House. The Pecatonica River popcorn products were generously donated by patrons during the BSA’s annual popcorn sale, which raises funds for various scouting activities.

The BSA’s popcorn sale is an annual fundraising event that enables Scouts of all ages to raise support for their units, summer camp, equipment and supplies, and fees. Each year, patrons have the option to donate their purchases to military and community heroes, and with their help and the support of our popcorn vendor, Pecatonica River, the BSA was able to provide a significant amount of support to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving others.

Scouts are proud to have a long history of supporting military personnel, and this year’s distribution is a testament to the commitment of our local community in sharing that support with those who need it most. The USO and Fisher House are both well-known military organizations that provide valuable services and resources to military families and veterans.

The Fisher House is a residential facility that offers a comfortable, supportive environment for military families to stay while their veterans receive care in VA hospitals. The USO, on the other hand, offers various services and programs that aim to uplift and support the morale and welfare of service members and their families. Both organizations are vital to the well-being of military personnel, and the Alamo Area Council is honored to be able to contribute to their efforts.

The Boy Scouts of America is grateful to everyone who donated to this year’s popcorn sale, and would like to thank the USO and Fisher House for their continued dedication to supporting our military families and veterans.

Photos are available below, or you can visit our Flickr account at https://www.flickr.com/photos/alamoareabsa/albums/72177720306887032
Video clips of the distribution at https://youtu.be/Ym31lYJzeC4

Contact:
Jennifer Arntson, Publicist
Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, Inc
(210) 394-9915
Jennifer.Arntson@Scouting.org

        

About Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, Inc.: Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the Alamo Area Council serves a 13-county area imparting the Scouting program to over 16,000 youth and 2,400 volunteer adults in South Texas. The Boy Scouts of America continue to prepare young people for life by providing the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, utilizing outdoor activity, citizenship, and fitness. The Alamo Area Council manages over 1,500 acres of outdoor adventure for boys and girls from 5-20 years of age at three premier camps – Bear Creek Scout Reservation, Mays Family Scout Ranch, and McGimsey Scout Park. Learn more at www.AlamoAreaBSA.org.

 

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Scouting Adventures