Alamo Area Council

 
Scouting America

Live Scouting

News

Outdoor in ’24

by

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?

by

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

by

 

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.

Personal Management Merit Badge

by

Understanding the value of money, the cost of debt, and how to develop and follow a budget are all key skills for success in life. Youth often learn about money first within their families when they receive an allowance, are paid to do chores; or listen to their parents talk about paying bills and saving for retirement. To prepare them further, the Scout program has multiple opportunities for youth to engage in practical, hands-on, real-life practice with money, all within a safe space and with adult supervision.  

 Beginning with the foundational recitation of the Scout Law, youth learn that “a Scout is thrifty”, an overarching tenet that directs activities and discussions about the value of money. Cub Scout meetings can be organized around financial management topics and Scouts BSA members plan camping or other group trips and calculate the costs involved; calculate how much money needs to be raised for the group to be able to camp; and plan their meals and shop for groceries within a budget. In addition, many Scout Units raise money to support their skill-building and activities by engaging in fundraising activities. This provides real-world experience for Scouts to learn sales skills, including how to set up goals, add up orders, make changes, and calculate sales per hour.  

 Three times a year, the Alamo Area Council offers the Personal Management merit badge.  The comprehensive requirements help Scouts develop an understanding of core financial literacy concepts including  

  • annual percentage rates; 
  • budgeting;  
  • credit reports and scores;  
  • credit and debit cards;  
  • types of insurance;  
  • types of investments;  
  • return on investment and risk;  
  • savings/emergency reserves; and  
  • loans.  

 The merit badge process teaches youth about mapping a plan for their life, including setting short-range and long-range goals, and leads them through the process of exploring different ways to reach those goals. Working on this badge is engaging and requires youth to participate, discuss, and share as items are presented during three class meetings. Along the way, youth talk with their parents, fellow Scouts, and Merit Badge Counselors to gain additional insight and to be held accountable. The requirements are infinitely customizable, allowing Scouts to create and follow a budget based on their own income and expenses for 13 weeks and research and budget for a major family expense that fits their life and their family’s values. The merit badge exposes Scouts to the concepts and terminology of finances, banking, insurance, investments, and more to help prepare them for financial decisions down the road. 

Helping future generations understand how to manage money and avoid debt are invaluable life lessons that positively impact those individuals as well as the community in which they live. 

For more information about the Merit Badge, see https://www.alamoareascouting.org/camping/merit-badge-university/personal-management-merit-badge/. 

Links to resources are shared on the website at https://www.alamoareascouting.org/news/personal-management-merit-badge-information/. 

The Personal Management Merit Badge promo video can be found at  https://youtu.be/sBnOUhCp5p8. 

Ensuring Safety and Privacy: Introducing Encrypted Applications

by

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.

Scouting Adventures