Alamo Area Council

 
Scouting America

Live Scouting

News

Veterans honored at Pleasanton City Cemetery

by

In observance of Veterans Day, the Cub Scouts Pack 194 and the Boy Scouts Troop 194, both from Pleasanton, along with the members of the Catholic Life Insurance Pleasanton Branch #63 honored fallen Veterans by placing over 400 flags on their graves at the Pleasanton City Cemetery on Sunday, November 10th.

The flags were provided by the Catholic Life Insurance Pleasanton Branch #63 as part of their “Make a Difference Day Project” where they join with other local groups to do a joint community service project, this is the fourteenth annual joint venture for the two groups. The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts participate in community service projects throughout the year as part of their “Good Turn for America” efforts. Annually, Catholic Life Insurance Pleasanton Branch #63 donates to Project Graduation, CAM, and Catholic religious education programs in Atascosa County. The group also donates flags to local schools and gives monetary donations to area fire departments. The Pleasanton Lions Club is the charter sponsor for both the local Cub Scouts Pack 194 and Boy Scouts Troop 194.

Article courtesy of Joett Morrison, photos courtesy of Cristal Ramirez.

Scouting America’s Guide to Recycling Right: Best Practices for a Cleaner Tomorrow

by

Recycling rules vary across cities, and this inconsistency can make recycling feel challenging. It’s common for families and individuals who want to help the environment to feel uncertain about the “do’s” and “don’ts” of recycling. But with some basic know-how and a commitment to keeping it simple, we can make a big difference.

Recycling has so many guidelines, and the rules often change depending on location, and it’s important to know what your local recycler accepts and doesn’t. Many recycle bins have instructions listed right on top.

Here are Scouting America’s recycling tips to help you recycle smarter and more confidently:

1. Skip the Plastic Bags – Always

Plastic bags are a major contaminant in recycling facilities. They act as “tanglers,” getting caught in sorting machinery and forcing shutdowns. Some places, recyclers even discard entire bags of recyclables if they arrive in plastic bags.

Tip: Avoid tossing any plastic bags, bubble wrap, or clingy films into curbside bins. Instead, bring them to dedicated drop-off bins at your local store. Better yet, use reusable shopping bags and containers.

2. Keep Small Items Out

Anything smaller than a credit card (like bottle caps, coffee pods, and straws) is likely to get lost in the sorting process or jam equipment. A good rule of thumb: if it’s smaller than a business card, keep it out of the bin.

Tip: For plastic bottles, replace the cap after emptying, making it easier for recycling facilities to process. For metal caps, see if local scrap facilities accept them.

3. Clean, Empty, and Dry

Food waste contaminates recyclables, sending them straight to the landfill. To prevent this, make sure your recyclables are clean, empty, and dry. If you wouldn’t reuse it yourself, it’s probably not clean enough.

Tip: If you’re recycling pizza boxes, remove the greasy parts. Only the clean sections belong in the bin.

4. Combined Materials are a No-Go

Recycling requires the separation of materials. Items like paper-bubble mailers or plastic-lined coffee cups can’t be effectively separated and should be disposed of as trash.

Tip: Try to buy items with minimal packaging, especially those with one material type. Supporting local businesses can also reduce the packaging waste associated with online shopping.

5. Learn Your Plastics

Not all plastics are recyclable curbside. Generally, plastics labeled #1 or #2 are widely accepted, but beyond that, things can get tricky. As a rule, if the plastic feels flimsy or easily tears (like chip bags), it’s likely not recyclable.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with your city’s guidelines for plastics. Aim to reduce overall plastic use by choosing glass or reusable options when possible.

6. Avoid “Wishcycling”

“Wishcycling” is the act of tossing questionable items in the bin, hoping they’ll be recycled. Unfortunately, non-recyclable items in a load can send the entire batch to a landfill.

Tip: Stick to known recyclables. When in doubt, keep it out of the bin. Check your local recycling website for specifics.

7. Keep Learning

Every city has unique recycling regulations, and items like batteries, electronics, and paint have specific recycling requirements.

Tip: Bookmark your local recycling center’s website. The more you know, the more you can contribute to a sustainable future.

Demand a Cleaner Future

Reducing, reusing, and recycling are just parts of the solution. As a Scout and as part of the Scouting family, you’re empowered to use your voice. Push for policies that reduce single-use plastics and encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices.

Scouts, let’s be the change. By following these practices, we set an example for others and help pave the way to a more sustainable world.

Stay safe this Halloween!

by

Halloween Safety Tips from KidsSafe.org

As Halloween approaches, Scouting America encourages families to have fun while staying safe. This spook-tacular season is all about costumes, treats, and thrilling adventures, but it’s also a time to keep safety top of mind. With a few simple tips, you can make sure Halloween is both exciting and secure for all trick-or-treaters and their families. Whether it’s costume safety, street smarts, or treat precautions, we’ve got you covered for a fun and safe Halloween night!

Walk Safely

  • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
  • Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
  • Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
  • Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
  • Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
  • Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well-lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Costumes for a Safe Halloween

  • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
  • Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
  • Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
  • When selecting a costume, ensure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

  • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
  • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
  • Get rid of any distractions – like your phone – in your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
  • Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
  • Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Find the full article at https://www.safekids.org/tip/halloween-safety-tips

Looking to complete Range and Target Adventures?

by

As you know, changes to the Cub Scout program took effect on June 1, 2024. With these updates, the requirements for the Range and Target Activity adventures—Archery, BBs, and Slingshot—have been modified. Each is now a belt loop adventure, and according to the Guide to Safe Scouting, Cub Scouts can only earn these adventures at council-sponsored events or day/summer camps.

This fall, we are offering two exciting options for Cub Scouts to complete these adventures: Let it Glow and Dashing Through the Woods.

Let it Glow:

Date: November 9-10 (one-night camping event)

Cub Scouts and parents will get to enjoy a range of glow-in-the-dark activities! The event will feature three rotations of activities on Saturday, four in the evening, and four more on Sunday morning before departure. Activities include:

  • Space Derby Competition
  • Glow-in-the-dark/black light Archery & BBs
  • Campfire Dessert
  • Nighttime Nature Hike
  • Fishing Competition
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Crafts
  • And much more!

What’s Included:
With your registration fee, the youth and adult will receive a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt, three meals (dinner, breakfast, and lunch), and all program supplies to make your night shine.

Additional Opportunity: If you’d like to complete the Range and Target Activity Adventures (Archery and BBs) before Let it Glow begins, be sure to select that option during registration. Each adventure costs an additional $10 and will take place from 12:30-3:00 PM before the event starts. Spaces are limited, so sign up early! There will be no Slingshot available at this event.

Remember, once the event begins, all activities are just for fun and not related to any specific adventure.

Feel free to check out the event guide for more information —Event Guide – Let it Glow

The 100 participants by 30 days out date is October 9th.**

Dashing Through the Woods: 

Date: Saturday, December 7 (one-day event)

This event, formerly known as Cub Scout Shooting Sports Day, offers not only the opportunity to complete the Range and Target Activity Adventures (BBs, Archery, Slingshot) but also includes a variety of other activities. Scouts will work on much of the Champion for Nature adventure for all ranks, participate in a conservation project, do crafts, and more!

  • Nature Walk
  • Cub Scout Crafts
  • Cub Scout Six Essentials in Practice
  • Camp Oh-No!
  • Map Reading and Orienteering
  • Leave No Trace
  • Endangered Animal Lessons
  • Recycling and Resources

Important Note:
Range and Target activities are available only if you register specifically for them during registration. Space is limited, so sign up early! If you don’t sign up for the range and target activities, there will still be plenty of other activities for scouts and parents to enjoy throughout the day.

What’s Included:
Your registration fee covers lunch and a patch!

Range and Target Activity Adventure Option:
For those wishing to complete the Range and Target Activity Adventures (BBs, Archery, Slingshot), there is an additional fee of $10 per activity (up to $30 for all three). Spaces are extremely limited, so be sure to register early!

Feel free to check out the event guide for more information —Event Guide – Dashing Through the Woods

The 100 participants by 30 days out date is November 7th.**

 

**Our organization is built on the backs of our volunteers (volunteer led). To host an event, it takes a lot of time and resources, mainly the time and effort of some very special people that have been working on this event for the past year.  Putting value on this effort from our volunteers and staff, we have a policy in place that basically says we expect to have 100 participants by 30 days prior to the event.  Why 30 days? Because within that 30-day time frame before the event happens is when we begin to spend actual funds towards event supplies, patches or t-shirts, food, etc.  Why 100 participants? At 100 participants, we are only asking for 4% of our Cub Scout youth members to participate in an event. When we don’t even hit 4% of our target audience membership registering for an event, that tells us that our membership is not interested in the event we have planned for whatever reason.  We do the research to find out why and try to fix it for the future. We cancel the event and turn our focus and our resources to our next event. We are committed to providing quality events for you, our customers

Join Us for The Big Give: Empower Youth Through Scouting!

by

The Big Give is just around the corner, and we are excited to be part of this monumental day of online giving! As the BIGGEST day of charitable contributions in South Central Texas, the Big Give has raised more than $45 million for local nonprofits over the past decade. This year, during a single 24-hour period, residents from across our 15-county region will come together to make a difference by supporting over 400 organizations providing essential services to our community. We thank you in advance for your generosity as we work together to create a brighter future.

Why Support the Alamo Area Council?

For over 100 years, the Alamo Area Council has been a beacon of adventure, character development, and leadership for youth in San Antonio and surrounding areas. Through Scouting, our youth learn life skills, build friendships, and engage in the outdoors, all while developing a strong sense of community. In fact, Scouts in our council provide over 33,000 hours of community service annually, valued at more than $1,000,000 in labor. From beautifying parks to organizing food drives, our Scouts are making an impact—collecting over 7,200 meals for local families in need.

This Year’s Big Give Focus

For this year’s Big Give, all funds raised will go directly to families who need assistance covering the cost of joining the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council. We believe every youth and family deserves the opportunity to join Scouting, no matter their financial situation. By supporting the Alamo Area Council, you’re not only investing in a young person’s future—you’re investing in the next generation of community leaders.

For every $50 donated, one more youth will receive the financial assistance needed to start their Scouting adventure. Let’s give these young people the opportunity to gain life-changing experiences that will help them develop into responsible citizens.

How You Can Help

We need your help to spread the word! Please visit our social media pages, like, share, and encourage your friends and family to join the cause by visiting https://www.thebiggivesa.org/organizations/alamoareabsa. Your voice can make a difference in reaching even more members of our community who are eager to support our mission.

Thank you for your support of the Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council, and for investing in the future leaders of tomorrow. Let’s make this Big Give the best one yet!

Together, we can empower youth, strengthen families, and build a better community.

Pack 601’s Hiking Club: A Fun, Active Adventure That Builds Skills and Confidence

by

At Pack 601, getting outside and staying active isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life. Their innovative hiking club has become a key strategy not only for fitness but also for building strong bonds, teaching leadership, and inspiring new recruits to join the adventure.

The Hiking Club: How It Works

Every new member of the hiking club starts their journey with a simple yet meaningful symbol: a leather cord adorned with a wooden slice, engraved with “Pack 601 Hiking Club.” As Scouts rack up miles on the trail, they earn colorful beads to thread onto their cord, marking their progress and achievements. Here’s the breakdown:

  • 5 miles: Yellow bead – Representing the warm heart that lifts weary feet.
  • 10 miles: Orange bead – Symbolizing the meek but powerful tiger, mindful of its strength.
  • 20 miles: White bead – Celebrating the cheerful snow lion, bounding from peak to peak.
  • 30 miles: Red bead – The outrageous garuda, soaring beyond limits.
  • 40 miles: Blue bead – The dragon, wise and one with the Universe.

When a Scout reaches 50 miles of cumulative hiking, they are awarded a prized engraved hiking stick, a badge of honor for their perseverance and dedication.

What’s the Hiking Experience Like?

The pack alternates between guided and unguided hikes, balancing structured learning with self-discovery. Whether it’s a 1-3 mile adventure close to home, like Fredrich Wilderness Park, or more challenging treks such as Enchanted Rock or Old Baldy, these outings are packed with excitement. Last year, the pack hiked a combined total of 142 miles!

Scouts are actively involved in tracking their mileage. A shared trifold board is proudly displayed at pack meetings, giving everyone a visual reminder of their achievements. The hikes are also logged digitally in Internet Advancement.

Leadership and Learning on the Trail

One of the unique elements of Pack 601’s hiking club is its focus on youth leadership. Each hike is led by two Scouts of any rank. The pathfinder is responsible for navigating the trail using a topographical map, often learning on the spot with guidance from leaders. The flagbearer carries tall windhorse flags, defining the front of the group and leading the way.

This hands-on leadership approach not only teaches map-reading skills but also instills confidence as Scouts make decisions about breaks, trail navigation, and ensuring the buddy system is followed. It’s all about being Scout-led and learning by doing.

Adults serve as safety guides, with one positioned at the back to ensure no one is left behind.

Why It Works

The hiking club offers something for every level of ability, from easy hikes to more challenging climbs. By introducing leadership roles, engaging challenges, and meaningful recognition, the club helps Scouts develop a sense of responsibility, perseverance, and teamwork. The miles they log are much more than just physical accomplishments—they’re lessons in resilience and leadership.

For families considering joining Scouting, the hiking club is an enticing opportunity for youth to get outdoors, stay active, and grow in a supportive environment. It’s no wonder these Scouts look forward to every hike, and their favorite trails are the ones that challenge them to climb higher, both literally and figuratively!

 

Scouting Adventures