Alamo Area Council

 
Scouting America

Live Scouting

News

Congratulations to Ship 26 for earning the Sea Scout National Flagship Award!

by

In 2002, to honor the 90th anniversary of Sea Scouts, BoatUS, the nation’s largest recreational boating organization, instituted the annual Sea Scout National Flagship Award. This recognizes the Sea Scout Ships that excel in all areas of Sea Scouting. Additional ships that exhibit excellence in their Sea Scout program can be selected for the National Flagship Fleet. This year, Ship 502 “Invincible” from Sam Houston Area Council was awarded the National Flagship. For the first time in Alamo Area Council history, a Ship was awarded the honor of being selected for the National Flagship Fleet with three other Ships from across the United States. Sea Scout Ship 26 “Alamo” was awarded this honor. Ship 26’s Charter Organization is the Texas Transportation Museum.

Selection of the National Flagship Fleet was for the activities of the Ship from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. Boatswain Eirik Sutton, under the leadership of Skipper Shawn Sawyer, spearheaded the effort to apply for this distinction. The criteria follow the Journey to Excellence scorecard and emphasizes excellence in on-the-water activities, advancement, training, recognition, community service, leader professional development, growth and recruiting. Along with the application, the Ship must submit a video, a picture of the Ship in The Official Sea Scout Uniform, and obtain a signed authorization from the Council Executive.

For the first half of 2023, Ship 26 was under the leadership of Boatswain Franky Johns and then Boatswain Eirik Sutton for the latter half. The efforts of the entire Ship contributed to the success of the Ship.

Below are some highlights of activities that contributed to us achieving the award:

General

  • The ship conducted regular membership meetings
  • Contributed to Council events
  • Monthly or more on-the water activities
    • Sailing
    • SCUBA
    • Paddle boarding
    • Power boating
    • Swimming
    • Fishing
  • Frequent attendance at nautical events
    • First annual Council event, Weekend on the Water
    • Sailboat races
    • The annual territory-wide practical skills competition, Minto, where they placed 3rd overall
    • Eliza Sutton’s Quartermaster Cruise where she had to plan, fund, and lead a crew of 5 through practical skills and drills for 40 hours
    • Texas 200 where a crew of 3 youth and 4 adults attempted to sail 200 miles through the Intercoastal Waterway from Port Isabel to Magnolia Beach. Successfully sailed 100 miles, had to pull out due to equipment failure.
    • Sea Base Florida

Ship 26 by the numbers:

  • Over 60% increase in membership
  • 79% advancement within the Ship
  • 5 long cruises of a week or longer
  • Service to other Scouts BSA units (Small boat sailing MB, Water safety, Sea Base prep, Kayaking BSA teaching, rain gutter regattas)
  • Extensive community service hours
  • Multiple recruiting events
  • 16 adults attended Sea Badge
  • 100% of the adult leaders took some form of additional professional development (STCA, Aquatic Supervisor, Powderhorn, Lifeguard BSA, SCUBA certification, Range Safety officer, Shooting sports instructor, outdoor ethics, EDGE, commissioner’s university)
  • 100% of the youth took some form of leadership training (ILSS, NYLT, NYLT Academy)
  • Over 60% of the youth participated in additional practical skills training (CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard, NASBLA Boating Safety, SCUBA certification, Aquatics School

Check out this video about Ship 26!

Interested in Scouting? Start your adventure today!

Be Prepared for the National Day of Prayer

by

As we approach the first Thursday in May (5/2/24), we stand on the brink of a significant occasion deeply rooted in the fabric of American history and tradition—the National Day of Prayer. It is a day when our nation collectively turns its thoughts towards the divine, seeking guidance, solace, and unity through prayer.

Understanding the Significance

Dating back to 1775, the Continental Congress initiated the first National Day of Prayer, urging colonists to beseech the Almighty for the fledgling nation’s well-being. This tradition has since evolved, culminating in 1988 with the U.S. Congress enacting a law to designate the first Thursday in May as the official National Day of Prayer.

How Scouts Can Participate

As Scouts, embodying values of reverence, duty to God, and service to others, our participation in this significant day is not only encouraged but vital. Here are some ways you can engage:

23rd World Scout Jamboree in Kirara-hama Japan
  1. Personal Reflection and Prayer: Take a moment to retreat into quietude, whether alone or with fellow Scouts, and offer prayers of gratitude, reflection, and supplication. Express thanks for the privileges and freedoms we enjoy as citizens of a nation that values religious liberty.
  2. Community Outreach: Consider organizing a prayer gathering within your troop or with other local scout troops. This can be a time of collective prayer for the well-being of our communities, nation, and the world at large. Engage in discussions about the values of unity, understanding, and empathy.
  3. Acts of Service: Use this day as an opportunity to serve others in your community. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, assisting the elderly, or participating in environmental cleanup efforts, let your actions be a manifestation of your prayers for a better world.
  4. Educational Endeavors: Take time to delve into the history and significance of the National Day of Prayer. Explore the diverse religious traditions within Scouting and how they intersect with this observance. Foster understanding and respect for differing faiths and beliefs.

Saint Teresa of Avila once said, “For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.” Let this sentiment guide our interactions on this National Day of Prayer as we forge deeper connections with our Creator and with one another. As Scouts, let us embrace the spirit of this day by embodying the principles of reverence, service, and unity. Together, let us offer our prayers for the well-being of our nation, our communities, and our world.

Did you know?

To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed religious emblems programs. The Boy Scouts of America has approved of these programs and allows the emblems to be worn on the official uniform. The various religious groups administer the programs.

For more information about Religious Emblems Programs, see the following links to BSA resources:

Additional resources:

Cub Scouts of Pack 55: On a Mission to Meet Governor Abbott

by

Texas Governor Greg AbbottThe tradition of scouting has long stood as a beacon of character-building and adventure. Recently, the eager Cub Scouts of Pack #55 embarked on a unique journey—to meet none other than the esteemed Texas Governor, Greg Abbott. As the dust settled on their memorable encounter, Cubmaster Nick Desnoyer shared insights into the pack’s remarkable experience.

For Nick, connecting with public servants isn’t just a matter of chance—it’s a deliberate pursuit. Year after year, he diligently sends speaking requests to various political figures. “I just send emails and make phone calls until someone says yes,” Nick explains with a hint of determination. This annual ritual, initiated every January, serves as a testament to the pack’s persistence and commitment to engaging with their community.

The process isn’t always straightforward. Nick acknowledges that not every politician responds to their requests. Nevertheless, he remains undeterred, ensuring that Pack #55 explores every avenue for meaningful encounters. “Flexibility is key,” he emphasizes, noting that opportunities to meet with politicians often arise at the eleventh hour, sometimes with just a few days’ notice.
But why go through the effort? Because the benefits extend far beyond a mere handshake and photo op. Engaging with public officials aligns seamlessly with the ethos of scouting, providing Scouts with invaluable experiences that fulfill merit badge requirements and broaden their horizons. “There are many adventures in Cub Scouts and BSA merit badge requirements that can be satisfied by doing this,” Nick affirms, underscoring the educational value inherent in these encounters.

Texas Governor Greg AbbottWhen the long-awaited moment finally arrived for the Cub Scouts to meet Governor Abbott, it proved to be nothing short of memorable. Describing the Governor’s demeanor as “gracious,” a heartfelt exchange between the civic leader and the kids transcended mere formalities. The Governor regaled the young Scouts with anecdotes from his own scouting days and reminisced about his fondness for San Antonio—a testament to the lasting impact of scouting on leaders at all levels.

The story of Pack #55’s visit to offers a refreshing reminder of the power of community engagement and the enduring spirit of scouting. As these young Scouts continue on their journey of growth and discovery, one thing remains certain: with determination and persistence, no summit is too high to reach, and no opportunity too elusive to grasp.

 

Do you have a story to share? Send your story and photos to enews@alamoareabsa.org

Eclipse is happening April 8th!

by

Do you have the special glasses so you can see the eclipse without hurting your eyes?! You can purchase them from the council office! ONLY $1.50/piece

Order them online and pick up at the council office

These glasses are both ISO and CE certified safe for direct solar viewing anytime.

Click here to buy the glasses!

ALSO!!!

Get ready for the awe-inspiring April Solar Eclipse at the scenic Bear Creek Scout Camp! Imagine a weekend campout under the stars, with the chance to witness this celestial spectacle from the comfort of our captivating location. Don’t miss out on this exclusive weekend-only camping opportunity. While other places in the hill country are filling up fast, and traffic chaos looms, why not opt for the tranquility of Bear Creek? Get set for an unforgettable experience without the stress.

 

Click here for more info about view the Eclipse with us!

Meet Staff SGT Jacob Whitlock this Saturday at our CWC! – Scavenger hunt for a door prize!

by

This weekend’s Council Wide Campout is all about first aid, emergency preparedness and medical services.  It spotlights the opportunities scouts can find in the U.S. Army in many different medical associated jobs.  Hopefully the scouts that are attending are aware of this new program and theme and are just as excited as we are about what is being offered this year.

Did you know that high school students can find scholarship opportunities while attending CWC this weekend?  We will have an area set up that will focus on the scholarships the military offers each year and information on how they can qualify for them. More information about this will be shared at the leader’s meeting tonight and the opening ceremony tomorrow morning.

Did you know we have someone special staffing our Council Wide Campout tomorrow? Read all about it here: Army medics adapt, evolve as service needs change

Then let’s have a scavenger hunt for a door prize! What do you have to do?

  1. Read the article about Staff SGT Jacob Whitlock (above).
  2. Like or follow the Alamo Area Council on Facebook (while you are at it, if you want to know everything, join our Scouts BSA Alamo Area Council Group – The Group is a bonus but not required for the Drawing.)
  3. Locate Staff SGT Jacob Whitlock at the Council Wide Campout, introduce yourself to him and then submit your name and unit number on a piece of paper (there will be a container located at his station).

Who can participate? Leaders and youth members, both!

What will you win?  A free campout at anyone of our local Scout Camps to be used during in 2024 for your unit and a $50 gift certificate to the scout shop for the name called.  $50

We will do the drawing early next week and will announce the winner on our Facebook page! So keep an eye out!

Hiring Day Camp and Aquatics Staff Members for Summer 2024! – Interviews start soon!

by

Our Camps operate differently but require some of the same staffing. When you are looking at opportunities, please consider the following: 

  • McGimsey Scout Park Pool Seasonal Aquatics Staff: operate on a paid staff and volunteer structure. Supports the Day Camps and Bear Creek Summer Camp Aquatics Programs, as required. Training may be provided for these positions if you apply early enough to attend (early April training). 
  • Boerne and Canyon Lake Day Camps operate strictly on a volunteer basis outside of our Camp Director and Program Director positions. We offer opportunities for Program Staff Positions to work for us and receive 1 scout entrance fee free. This does not include Den Walkers provided to meet the unit supervision requirements.  
  • McGimsey Cub Scout Day Camp operates on a Paid staff and volunteer structure. The opportunity to hold a position and receive 1 scout entrance fee free is available for program positions as well as paid hourly positions.  
  • Please ensure you know which camp you would like to apply for and which positions. This Document is broken down by Camp, then available positions with a quick description and details of each position.  

Once you have determined the camp you want to apply for and the position you are interested in, please use this link to submit your application to be on Cub Scout Day Camp Staff: https://form.jotform.com/232136588963164 

 

Boerne Day Camp: June 25 through June 27, 2024 (plus one day prior to this for staff training – TBD). Located at the Agricultural Heritage Museum, Boerne, TX. Camp time is from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, staff time will be approximately 7:30 am to 4:30 pm each day. Camp attendance averages 30 to 50 scouts each day.  

Positions: 

  • Range and Target Sports (Archery or BB Ranges)*: Must be 19 years of age or older and willing to attend training to be certified for Archery or BB Rangemaster (8-hour training). We can operate in a 1 to 8 ratio, so we will want a minimum of 2 to 3 people on each range – Volunteer positions.  
  • Program Area Leads*: Must be 16 years of age or older. Responsible for leading the program area assigned for a group of 10 to 12 scouts for each rotation. Program areas include Crafts, Games, Sports, Nature, etc. – Volunteer position.  
  • Program Area Assistants*: Must be 14 years of age or older. Assists the Program Area Leads in providing the designed programming for the area assigned. May be asked to participate in activities such as leading songs, chants and other themed activities to create the most exciting and engaging environment possible.  

*this position qualifies to receive 1 scout entrance fee free if able to staff the required dates for the camp and the camp training.  

Canyon Lake Day Camp: June 3 through June 6, 2024 (plus staff required training day on June 1, 2024). Located at Fischer Park in New Braunfels, TX. Camp time is from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, staff time will be approximately 7:30 am to 4:30 pm each day. Camp attendance averages around 100 scouts each day. 

Positions: 

  • Camp Director: Must be 21 years of age and willing to attend a weekend National Camp School to be certified for the Administration of a BSA Branded Cub Scout Day Camp. Responsible for personnel, all administrative activities of the camp including tracking expenses, supplies, NCAP standards, etc. Works directly with the Program director to ensure an amazing and outstanding camp is developed and implemented for our scouts. Required to attend monthly planning meetings on the last Wednesday of each month on zoom and any additional meetings internally with their camp staff. Works with Program Director to run the staff training held on June 1, 2024. This position is a paid position at $150 per day for the week of camp ($600.00)  
  • Range and Target Sports (Archery, Sling Shot or BB Ranges)*: Must be 19 years of age or older and willing to attend training to be certified for Archery or BB Rangemaster (8-hour training). We can operate in a 1 to 8 ratio, so we will want a minimum of 2 to 3 people on each range – Volunteer positions.  
  • Program Area Leads*: Must be 16 years of age or older. Responsible for leading the program area assigned for a group of 10 to 12 scouts for each rotation. Program areas include Crafts, Games, Sports, Nature, Fishing, etc. – Volunteer position.  
  • Program Area Assistants*: Must be 14 years of age or older. Assists the Program Area Leads in providing the designed programming for the area assigned. May be asked to participate in activities such as leading songs, chants and other themed activities to create the most exciting and engaging environment possible. Volunteer position.  
  • Aquatics Director*: Must be 21 years of age or older and hold a current National Camp School Aquatics Instructor Card with a current BSA Lifeguard and CPR/AED/FA/CPR PRO certification. Is responsible for supervising the aquatics area during canoeing activities offered during the programming. May not be an everyday required position. This is a volunteer position.  
  • BSA Lifeguard*: Must be 16 years of age or older and hold a current BSA Lifeguard certification with current CPRAED/FA/PRO certification. Supports the Aquatics director in supervising the boating area during canoeing activities at the camp. May not be an everyday required position, based on program design.  This is a volunteer position.  

*this position qualifies to receive 1 scout entrance fee free if able to staff the required dates for the camp and the camp training. 

McGimsey Day Camp: June 10 through June 28 – in addition staff training – TBD and Camp Clean up days.  through June 29, 2024 (plus staff required training day on June 1, 2024).  Camp attendance averages around 100 scouts each day. 

Positions: 

  • Camp Director: Must be 21 years of age and willing to attend a weekend National Camp School to be certified for the Administration of a BSA Branded Cub Scout Day Camp. Responsible for personnel, all administrative activities of the camp including tracking expenses, supplies, NCAP standards, etc. Works directly with the Program director to ensure an amazing and outstanding camp is developed and implemented for our scouts. Required to attend monthly planning meetings on the last Wednesday of each month on zoom and any additional meetings internally with their camp staff. Works with Program Director to run the staff training held on June 1, 2024. This position is a paid position at $150 per day for the week of camp (3 weeks at $750 per week). 
  • Range and Target Sports (Archery, Sling Shot or BB Ranges)*: Must be 19 years of age or older and willing to attend training to be certified for Archery or BB Rangemaster (8-hour training). We can operate in a 1 to 8 ratio, so we will want a minimum of 4 to 5 people on each range – This is an hourly position – $16/hour 
  • Program Area Leads*: Must be 16 years of age or older. Responsible for leading the program area assigned for a group of 10 to 12 scouts for each rotation. Program areas include Crafts, Games, Sports, Nature, Fishing, etc. – This is an hourly position $15/hour  
  • Program Area Assistants*: Must be 15 years of age or older. Assists the Program Area Leads in providing the designed programming for the area assigned. May be asked to participate in activities such as leading songs, chants and other themed activities to create the most exciting and engaging environment possible. This is an hourly position $12/hour 
  • Den Walkers*: Must be 15 years of age or older. Is fully responsible for a group of 6 to 8 scouts and moving them from one program area to another. Provides mentorship and leadership to the group. Sets the example with songs and chants and keeps the scouts engaged. This is a paid position $12/hour 
  • Aquatics Director*: Must be 21 years of age or older and hold a current National Camp School Aquatics Instructor Card with a current BSA Lifeguard and CPR/AED/FA/CPR PRO certification. Is responsible for supervising the aquatics area during canoeing activities offered during the programming. May not be an everyday required position. This is an hourly position – $20/hour 
  • BSA Lifeguard*: Must be 15 years of age or older and hold a current BSA Lifeguard certification with current CPRAED/FA/PRO certification. Supports the Aquatics director in supervising the aquatics program at camp to include the after camp swim lessons. This is an hourly position – $16/hour  

*this position qualifies to receive 1 scout entrance fee free if able to staff the required dates for the camp and the camp training. For McGimsey Day Camp this would be instead of receiving payroll.  

 

Counselors in Training – All camps offer a Counselor in Training Program. This is for youth 14 to 15 years old that want to learn more about being on summer camp staff. This position supports the camp as extra hands and overall takes time to experience all the different areas so that they know where they would like to apply to work in future years. If you are interested in being a CIT at any of our Day Camps, apply here: https://form.jotform.com/232119257860154 

 

Seasonal Aquatics Staff: This staff supports the operations of the McGimsey Scout Park Pool. This includes McGimsey Day camp, Swim Checks, Swim Lessons, and Pool rentals during the season the McGimsey Pool is open (May to September). Minimum age is 15 to be a BSA Lifeguard and over 21 to be an Aquatics Director. You can be certified as an Aquatics Instructor (lifeguard trainer) at 19. If you are interested in any of these positions, please apply through the Day Camp Staff Application, select the McGimsey Day Camps and select the Aquatics Section. We will host interviews for the Aquatics section separately from Cub Scout Day Camp through our Aquatics committee. We can provide training to get you the required certifications if you are committed to supporting us as a full season aquatics staff member. You apply to work as seasonal staff from May 1 to June 7 and then July 8 to September 30 if you want to work at Bear Creek Summer Camp from June 8 to July 7. Just apply for both camps.  

  • Aquatics Director: Must be 21 years of age or older and hold a current National Camp School Aquatics Instructor Card with a current BSA Lifeguard and CPR/AED/FA/CPR PRO certification. Is responsible for supervising the aquatics area during canoeing activities offered during the programming. May not be an everyday required position. This is an hourly position – $20/hour 
  • BSA Lifeguard: Must be 15 years of age or older and hold a current BSA Lifeguard certification with current CPRAED/FA/PRO certification. Supports the Aquatics director in supervising the aquatics program at camp to include the after camp swim lessons. This is an hourly position – $16/hour 

For questions, please reach out to Adventure@AlamoAreaBSA.org  

Scouting Adventures