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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.

The Airforce Partners with Bear Creek Summer Camp – Click here to learn of volunteer opportunities.

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HQ AETC Public Affairs has approved 5 positions to help staff Bear Creek Summer Camp.  These will not only be members of the Bear Creek Summer Camp Staff but they will also be representing the Air Force in an effort to connect Airmen with recruitable age scouts.  For this reason, they are authorizing PTDY for 5 airmen to volunteer with us.  We are in need of a Medic and various program support.  Below you will see the authorization emails and the details from HQ AETC Public Affairs.  If you are an active duty airman or know of someone who is, and you fall under this command, please consider representing the Air Force and joining our Bear Creek Summer Camp Staff! For questions related to positions available – please reach out to Linda.Dieguez@scouting.org or 210-740-9370

Permissive TDY Boy Scouts (1)

dafi36-3003

Notification Sent out on April 13, 2023:

Subject: ACTION:// PTDY Opportunity for Medical Volunteers

Greetings,

The Boy Scouts of America are in dire need of a medical volunteer and are asking if the Air Force can find a volunteer Airman to go PTDY to support the summer camp. The dates would be from June 4th to July 2nd, the location is Bear Creek Scout Camp, 125 Bear Creek Scout Reservation Road, Hunt, TX 78024. Please share opportunity for widest dissemination:

The BSA is in need of a medic with the following qualifications, if this is not filled the camp will close:

At least 18 years of age, lives on-site while camp is in session (dates above).

Qualifications, must be one of the following:

  1. Licensed Physician
  2. Licensed Nurse Practitioner
  3. Nurse (RN, LPN, or LVN)
  4. Licensed physician assistants
  5. Paramedic
  6. Emergency medical technician (basic, intermediate, or paramedic)
  7. Emergency medical responder, i.e. current state license from the state in which the camp is located or current Nationally Certified First Responder listed on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

They would prefer a female Airman but will take any volunteer that meets the qualifications. BSA will provide lodging and food for the duration of camp and ask the volunteer wear appropriate military summer uniforms. 

Names of volunteers are needed by 1 May. Please share opportunity for widest dissemination

Permissive TDY:

Current legal review describes the PTDY limits at each level of command for a boy scout camp; 10 days at the squadron CC level, and 30 days at the wing CC level (or equivalent positions).  Camp days (4 June – 2 July) is 28 days, so a wing CC or equivalent could approve the PTDY. 

Attached is DAFI36-3003, 3.2.4. for questions regarding PTDY.

Purpose:

This is part of a recruiting effort to connect Airmen with recruitable age audience. The camp supports 350 youth each week, plus adults and parents. This is an AETC command priority to connect Airmen with the community.

POC

AETC Public Affairs Ms. Jennifer Gonzalez, jennifer.gonzalez.17@us.af.mil, Comm: 210.652.8377; DSN: 487.8377

Notification Sent out on March 23, 2023 (Some of these position needs have changed, but please reach out if you are interested in a program role):

What: Searching for five Airmen to volunteer for permissive TDY to support Boy Scouts of America

Who: Any interested Airmen over 21-years-old, in good standing with the Air Force and with commander approval

Supporting Organizations: AETC/Public Affairs in support of Boy Scouts of America

Deadline to Volunteer: Commander approved names due to AETC/PA by noon Tuesday 11 April

Open Volunteer Positions:

  1. Aquatics Director – 21 years of age or older.  Experience as a lifeguard. Required to attend National Camp School to be certified as an Aquatics Instructor for the BSA (BSA will pay for this training and certification is good for 5 years). This position has high visibility as the aquatics areas of the camp are high traffic areas during Texas summers.
  2. Climbing Director – 21 years of age or older. Not afraid of heights and good at knot tying.  BSA will certify volunteer as a Level 1 BSA Climbing Instructor and then they are required to attend National Camp School to be certified as a BSA Climbing Director (BSA will pay for this training and certification is good for 5 years).
  3. COPE Director – 21 years of age or older.  Not afraid of heights and good with team building, confidence building.  We will certify volunteer as a Level 1 BSA Climbing Instructor and then they are required to attend National Camp School to be certified as a BSA COPE Director (BSA will pay for this training and certification is good for 5 years).
  4. Rifle Instructor x 2 – 21 years of age or older holding a current Military Range Control Card. This person will teach our Rifle Merit Badge and run our ranges during open shooting time periods.  This person has high visibility for youth and adults as our ranges are always in demand.

These staff members would be in charge of a team of youth staff that are assigned to them to run their areas for the camp. Volunteer Airmen would work with specific youth for an entire week teaching them skills and working with them daily. Volunteer Airmen would be present for all large group presentations in front of the entire camp.   

Food and Lodging will be provided for the time periods they are with BSA.

Dates:

  • National Camp School training
    • May 13-19, 2023
    • Location: Coldspring, TX (Camp Strake)
    • Required for the Aquatics Director, COPE Director, Climbing Director*

*Climbing director will attend Camp School in Osceola, MO, travel will be provided.

  • Summer Camp Staff at Bear Creek Summer Camp
    • June 4 – July 9
      • Move in on June 4th by noon
      • Run camp through July 2nd
    • Location: 125 Bear Creek Scout Road, Hunt, TX 78024.

Purpose:

This is part of a recruiting effort to connect Airmen with recruitable age audience. The camp supports 350 youth each week, plus adults and parents. This is an AETC command priority to connect Airmen with the community.

POC

AETC Public Affairs Ms. Jennifer Gonzalez, jennifer.gonzalez.17@us.af.mil, Comm: 210.652.8377; DSN: 487.8377

 

 

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