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Scouting for Food: A Fresh Approach to Fighting Hunger

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 This year, the Alamo Area Council is rolling out a new and flexible way for units to participate in the Scouting for Food campaign—using door hangers instead of bags.

We know every unit is different, and this change is designed to empower YOU to serve your community in the way that works best for your Scouts and families.

📬 New This Year: Door Hangers

Instead of printed pickup dates on bags, your unit can now use versatile door hangers that allow you to write in your own collection date with a Sharpie.

  • Want to do pickups on a Saturday morning?

  • Prefer to collect food in lieu of a regular den or troop meeting?

  • Need flexibility for multiple neighborhoods or charter partners?

Now, it’s all up to you!

Each door hanger has two sides:

  1. One side explains the food drive and includes space to write your pickup date.

  2. The other side promotes Scouting and invites new families to learn more about your unit and our program.

📅 Council-Wide Drop-Off Dates

While your unit can collect food on your schedule, the Alamo Area Council will host two official drop-off dates to consolidate donations:

  • Fall Collection Day: Saturday, October 18, 2025

  • Spring Collection Day: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Drop-off location:
📍 Alamo Area Council Service Center Parking Lot

You’re welcome to participate in one or both campaigns—collect in the fall, the spring, or both, depending on your unit’s schedule and goals.

🌎 What If We’re in an Outlying Area?

No problem! If your Chartered Organization has a food pantry, you can donate directly there.
👉 Just remember to ask them to weigh the donations your Scouts collect so we can include them in our Council-wide total.
This is a powerful way to:

  • Show how Scouts are helping in your community

  • Celebrate your impact

  • Promote Scouting’s values to new families

🧭 How to Be Prepared

  1. Complete this Jotform for the Scouting for Food event and let us know how many door hangers you need to get started.

  2. Pick up your door hangers at:

    • September Roundtable (for the fall event)

    • March Roundtable (for the spring event)

    • Or stop by the Council Service Center after Roundtable

⚠️ Please only take what your unit is prepared to use.
A Scout is thrifty—and that includes making the most of our supplies.

Why It Matters

Scouting for Food is more than a service project—it’s a way to live the Scout Oath and Law.
Your Scouts are making a tangible difference in the lives of people right here in San Antonio and the surrounding area.

This year’s door hangers also double as a recruiting tool. Leave a positive impression of Scouting on every doorstep you visit.

Thank you for being part of the solution. Let’s show our community what Scouting can do!
If you have questions, contact your District Executive or email us at ScoutingForFood@AlamoAreaScouting.org.

Scouting Membership Renewals

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Can you believe it’s already been two years since Scouting America introduced the 12-month membership program? Before this change, Scouts and leaders who joined in the fall paid prorated dues and then had to turn around and pay again during the big December renewal. Thankfully, those days are behind us! Now, families simply renew once a year—on the anniversary month of when they first joined.

That means if you joined in 2023 or 2024, now is the perfect time to double-check your membership expiration date so you don’t miss out on the adventure.

How Renewals Work

To help families stay on track, Scouting America sends out multiple reminders before memberships expire:

  • Emails go out every couple of weeks, starting two months before expiration and continuing until one week after.
  • Text reminders are new this fall! Expect a friendly nudge at 45 days before your membership ends.
  • Unit reminders may also come your way, depending on how your local unit communicates.

If you’re not seeing any of these messages—and you joined during the fall—reach out to the Council office. We may just need to update your contact information so you don’t miss important notices.

Why It Matters

Once a membership expires, a Scout is no longer registered with the program. That means no participation in campouts, popcorn sales, troop meetings, or exciting Council events like Beast Feast or Let It Glow. Even though you’ll stay on the roster for two months after your expiration date, that doesn’t mean you’re covered—you’re technically not an active member until your renewal is complete.

Don’t Miss Out!

Scouting is all about adventure, friendship, and growth. Make sure your family stays part of it by renewing today. If you have questions or need help, call the Council office at 210-341-8611. Our team can walk you through the process and even take payment over the phone.

Thank you for being part of the Scouting journey—we’re excited for another great year together!

Scouting Service Opportunity: Supporting Flood Recovery in Kerr County

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Scouting is built on service. When disaster strikes, Scouts step forward to help their communities rebuild. Just miles from our own Bear Creek Scout Camp, Kerr County continues to recover from devastating flash floods that have claimed more than 100 lives and damaged thousands of homes.

ReachGlobal Crisis Response, a disaster relief organization, is mobilizing efforts in the Texas Hill Country to meet the needs of affected families. Their work includes:

  • Coordinating with local churches to create a long-term response plan.
  • Preparing opportunities for short-term volunteer teams to serve in the recovery process.
  • Equipping area churches with trauma care and preparedness training.

This is an important opportunity for Scouts and Scouting families to live out the values of the Scout Oath and Law by providing meaningful service to those in need.

How Units Can Get Involved

If your unit is looking for a service project that makes a real difference in Hunt, consider participating in the Kerr County flood recovery efforts. Projects may include cleanup, rebuilding support, and community care, depending on the needs at the time of your service.

Contact: For more information or to schedule a trip to serve at the Texas Hill Country site, please email respond@efca.org

For Bear Creek Scout Camp property service opportunities, contact the Ranger at Mike.Weide@Scouting.org

Important Safety Reminder

All Scouting units interested in serving must reference the Guide to Safe Scouting when planning their activities, no matter the specific location or project. This ensures that every project is conducted safely and in accordance with Scouting policies.

Guide to Safe Scouting: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/

Safe Project Tool List: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/healthsafety/pdf/680-028.pdf

Why This Matters

Disasters leave behind more than physical damage—they leave lasting emotional and spiritual wounds. By engaging in this work, Scouts not only help restore homes, but also bring hope and encouragement to families and communities struggling to recover.

Together, we can demonstrate what it truly means to be Helpful, Friendly, and Kind.

Recruiting: Be Visible After Meet The Teacher Night

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If you want Cub Scout recruitment in schools to be more visible and engaging, the key is to show Scouting’s fun, skill-building side in a way that makes kids curious and parents feel confident.

School-Based Events Where a Cub Scout Pack Could Be Present

Here’s where you can set up a table, activity, or even run part of the event:

STEM Night / Science Fair – Showcase Scouting’s hands-on STEM activities.

Literacy / Reading Night – Tie in with badge requirements related to reading or storytelling.

Family Fun Night – Bring a kid-friendly activity.

School Carnival / Fall Festival / Spring Fling – Outdoor, high-energy environment perfect for Cub Scout challenges.

Field Day – Run a station with a Scout-related skill or game.

Book Fair – Set up a “Scout Stories” corner with books about adventure, camping, or animals.

Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31) – The theme for 2025 is “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.”

Career Day – Let Scouts share about careers they’ve explored through badge work.

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) Events – Any family event can have a Scouting presence.

Veterans Day Assembly – Cub Scouts can participate in flag ceremonies or assist with distributing programs.

Multicultural Night – Showcase international Scouting traditions.

Community Service Day – Lead a mini service project with kids at school.

Booth Ideas & Interactive Activities

The goal is to make kids want to drag their parents over. Activities should be quick (1–3 min), visual, and give a take-home item.

STEM / Craft Booths

  • Build-a-Mini Catapult (popsicle sticks & rubber bands) – test-launch pom-poms.

  • Marshmallow & Toothpick Towers – tallest one wins bragging rights.

  • Balloon-Powered Cars – quick builds with straws, tape, and balloons.

  • Make-a-Paracord Bracelet – take-home craft.

  • Host a holiday craft night at the school – easy build ornaments are great fun.

Outdoor Skills Booths

  • Rope-tying Challenge – simple knots, timed.

  • Compass Treasure Hunt – short course to find a “prize.”

  • Mini Tent Setup – race to pitch a small pop-up tent.

Fun & Silly Booths

  • Pinewood Derby Test Track – let kids race a car.

  • Nerf Target Range – aim at Scouting-themed targets.

  • Photo Booth – dress up in Cub Scout hats, hold adventure props.

  • Trunk or Treat – make a Scout-themed candy stop

Service & Values Booths

  • “Good Turn” Jar – kids draw a random act of kindness to try that week.

  • Service Opportunity – seed bombs for conservation, sandwiches for the homeless, making dog toys for the local shelter…find something people can stop and participate in, or even host a community service project!

Pro Tip for Any Booth

Always have flyers with meeting times and a QR code to BeAScout.org.

Have actual Scouts in uniform running the activity—peer-to-peer excitement works wonders.

Give out small “pocket invitations” that kids can take home and give to parents.

Keep it loud and fun—cheers, photos, and movement attract more kids!

Nominate a Deserving Scouter Today!

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Scouting wouldn’t be possible without the incredible volunteers who lead with heart, inspire youth, and serve their communities with dedication. The Alamo Area Council is now accepting nominations for several of Scouting America’s most prestigious awards, to be presented at the 2026 Council Awards Banquet.

Now’s your chance to recognize a standout volunteer who has made a lasting impact in your unit, district, or across the council.

🗓️ All nominations are due by October 1, 2025.

Council Duty to God Award

This award recognizes Scouters who demonstrate transformational leadership in promoting the spiritual foundation of Scouting. Open to individuals of all faiths, this award honors those who prepare youth for life through faith, fellowship, and service.
📥 Download the Duty to God Award nomination form

District Award of Merit

This is the highest honor a district can bestow on a volunteer or professional. It recognizes outstanding service to youth at the district level. Remember, in our council, the 583 is a single district!
📥 Download the District Award of Merit nomination form

BSA Alumni Award

Presented to those who have demonstrated exceptional involvement in alumni programs, NESA activities, and alumni engagement efforts.
📥 Download the Alumni Award nomination form

Silver Beaver Award

Introduced in 1931, the Silver Beaver Award is a council-level distinguished service award. It recognizes registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through exceptional service to Scouting, their community, and non-Scouting youth.
📥 Download the Silver Beaver nomination form

Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award

Recognizes efforts to bring Scouting to youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds.

🔗 Whitney Young Award Info

Asian American Spirit of Scouting Service Award

Recognizes those who’ve expanded Scouting for Asian American communities.
🔗 Asian American Award Info

¡Scouting…Vale la Pena! Service Award

Honors service to Hispanic/Latino youth and communities through Scouting.
🔗 Vale la Pena Award Info

Torch of Gold Award

Recognizes extraordinary service to Scouts with special needs.
🔗 Torch of Gold Award Info

How to Submit Nominations

Each award has unique criteria—be sure to review the application thoroughly and submit your nominations before the listed deadlines. Turn completed forms in to the Alamo Area Council Office or online through our form submissions portal.

Let’s celebrate the volunteers who keep the Scouting flame alive. Start your nomination today!

What Happened at Bear Creek: A Message of Heartbreak, Hope, and Help

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Just a few days ago, Kerr County — the home of our beloved Bear Creek Scout Camp — experienced one of the most devastating flash floods in recent history. In the middle of the night, torrential rains overwhelmed rivers and ravines, sweeping through homes, roads, and lives with unthinkable force.

At Bear Creek, we were spared the worst — but we were not untouched.

What We’re Facing at Camp

Though no campers or staff were harmed, the flood caused significant and widespread damage to Bear Creek Scout Camp. We are still assessing the full impact, but here’s what we know so far:

  • Roads are impassable. Even before the storm, our roads needed attention—but now entire sections have washed away. Temporary fixes are already showing signs of failure. We estimate repairs will cost over $300,000.
  • The Slide Tower has shifted. The force of floodwaters physically moved the entire structure several inches, and debris tangled the slide cables beyond safe use. We’re awaiting a full safety inspection from our vendor.
  • The floating dock is gone. Our swimming area centerpiece was ripped from its moorings and destroyed. It must be rebuilt from scratch.
  • COPE and climbing elements need full inspection. Vendors will be assessing these high-use areas for structural integrity and repair estimates.
  • Silt and debris are everywhere. The natural swimming area in the upper valley is now buried in mud. Ravines have deepened, exposing pipes and infrastructure that must be repaired. Debris—natural and otherwise—now litters our trails, activity zones, and campsites.

And yet…

Bear Creek Is Still Serving

Even in crisis, Bear Creek is a home for those in need.

Right now, our summer staff housing is being used by search-and-rescue teams, cadaver dog units, EMTs, and crisis response professionals. Our Camp Ranger and his wife have opened their kitchen and hearts, preparing meals for the teams working to help our community recover.

This is what Scouting is all about—being prepared, stepping up, and serving others.

How You Can Help

We are committed to rebuilding Bear Creek Scout Camp—and we can’t do it alone.

Over the coming weeks, we will share specific service opportunities for Scouts, Scouters, and community members to join in the cleanup and restoration. We will also continue to assess repair needs and share project costs transparently.

But right now, we need your help in three key ways:

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive real-time updates and service opportunities

Make a donation to support the immediate and long-term repairs: Text BCRepairs to 41444

Share this message with your network. Awareness fuels action.

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