Signal Hill District

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2019 04 Flash News
2019 03 News and Flyers

2018 Signal Hill District Adult Recognition Results

Reconvened 2019 PTAC Annual Meeting:

The annual Council meeting will be reconvened Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. via video conference from the Pathway to Adventure Council service centers. The slate of PTAC officers and resolutions will be presented by the council leadership for consideration and vote by Charter Organization Representatives. CORs must be present at one of the service centers to participate and vote. The local video conference location is the Northwest Suburban Center for Scouting at 617 E. Golf Road, Suite 101, Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Units Now Print Charter and Membership Cards

Units will no longer have to wait to get their Charter document and membership cards. Effective January 1, 2019 a self-service function has been included in My.Scouting.org enabling all units to print their own Charter document and membership cards. More information about this change and how to print the Unit Charter and Membership Cards is available under “Reference” with the Roundtable flyers.

PTAC Key 3, and BSA Scout Executive Comment on Recent WSJ Article

The Boy Scouts of America Chief Scout Executive and PTAC Key 3 commented on the Wall Street Journal article reporting consideration being given to filing for bankruptcy to address litigation and protection of the Scouting program. More
Update from the Council President, Council Commissioner, and Scout Executive regarding the news story on National BSA
What every leader needs to know.

Jennifer Lennon Named Signal Hill District Executive

Jennifer Lennon assumed the role of Signal Hill District Executive in August 2018. As District Executive Jenniver supports units and unit leaders in bringing the best possible Scouting program to youth in our district. Previously Jennifer was District Executive for the PTAC Twin Lakes District. Prior to becoming a Scouting professional Jennifer was associate professor for 16 years in vocal performance with UIC, NIU and several community colleges. A music graduate of NIU she also studied at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Jennifer performed and recorded music as well as coached and directed music in the UK, Ireland, South Africa, and across Europe. Growing up in Chicago and graduating from Elgin High School, Jennifer was a Girl Scout and participated in Scouting activities with her Scoutmaster father and Scouts BSA brother. Jennifer has been a volunteer with the American Indian Center of Chicago bring awareness of and opportunities to Native Americans.

As Signal Hill District Executive, Jennifer looks to strengthen the Commissioner force, engage millennial families in Scouting, build membership, and partner with unit volunteers to successfully deliver Scouting as we move to family Scouting.

Jennifer asks that volunteers reach out to unit leaders, commissioners and her whenever they have questions, needs, or news of a success. She can be reached at Jennifer.Lennon@Scouting.org or 312 421-8800 ex 231.

Lake Zurich Troop aids morocycle victims
Great job Lake Zurich Troop 93 Scouts in responding and providing aid to the two motorcycle crash victims while hiking in South Dakota. Scouts’ first responder thinking, team work, and first aid skill made a big difference. More.

Signal Hill Pack makes front page news in Sunday Herald with Family Scouting program.

http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180609/5-barrington-area-girls-become-some-of-the-first-female-cub-scouts?utm_content=article%20column

Congratulations to Pack 168 and Troop 168 in Rolling Meadows for helping "Stamp out Hunger."

The units coordinated with the postal carriers in their annual Mother's Day weekend "Stamp out Hunger" food drive for local food pantries.

Scouts from Pack 168 collected food donations from homes in Rolling Meadows while Scouts from Troop 168 helped receive and sort donations at the Arlington Heights post office. Great service for our community and collaborative effort to make a positive impact on those in need.

Scouts BSA formation was reported in the Daily Herald with Mike Gutschick of Signal Hill quoted extensively with photo of Pack 229 in the article by Burt Constable. Great job Mike in presenting the changes being made to the Scouting program. Read the full article.

http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20180503/constable-you-can-take-the-boy-out-of-boy-scouts-and-be-just-fine

Lodge name, number & totem

Congratulations to Daniel Yu, Eagle Scout from IllinoisTroop 209

He will reprsent the National Boy Scout organization in Washington DC for the presentation of the annual BSA report to congress and the president.

More https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2018/02/23/report-to-the-nation-2017-preview/

Congratulations to the following Signal Hill Scouters!

Brad Epstein recipient of the PTAC President's Award

Tom Herb and David Sheppard on appointment to the PTAC Advisory Council

Jerry Brand on nomination to serve as a PTAC member-at-large and Treasurer

David Sheppard on nomination as PTAC representative to the National BSA Council

Congratulations to Doug Ahlgrim and Mark Niggemann who were presented with
the James E. West Award and the Founders Award by the OA Lakota Chapter!

Signal Hill District Outstanding Volunteer Recipients 2017

Jeff Isaac is the
Scout executive/CEO of the Pathway to Adventure Council.
He assumed the position April 1, 2017.
Look for more news and communications about and from
Jeff Isaac.

Northwest Community Newsletter

Communications, Program, Unit Support

Connect with us

Sign up for The Signal Hill Distribution lists (a.k.a. Signal Hill Post Office)
both leaders and parents are welcome to join these lists
Subscribe to our All SH adults distribution list
Subscribe to our SH Cub Scout Pack distribution list
Subscribe to our SH Webelos distribution list
Subscribe to our SH Scout Troop distribution list
Subscribe to our SH Venturing Crew distribution list

If you are a CM, SM, ASM, CC, or COR for a Pack or Troop,
contact Signal.Hill.NWSC@gmail.com to be added to one of those lists.

To have a flyer sent out through the Signal Hill Post office:
Troop invitations to Webelos – email Signal.Hill.NWSC@gmail.com
All others – email ScoutNews.SignalHill@gmail.com

Sign up for The Signal Hill Newsgroups
Sign up for the Signal Hill Newsgroup
and for the Signal Hill facebook group

Sign up for The NWS Venturing Newsgroups
Sign up for the discussion list
and the NWS Venturing Facebook group

Always refer to your unit Committee Chairman, unit Commissioner, or a District Leader for more information not included in this website.

The Scouting Program is different from other youth programs. Properly delivered the Scout Program provides youth the chance to develop in an age appropriate way to become a self-reliant member of society with positive personal character.

Scouts BSA Leaders
Do you have the knowledge and understanding to deliver the Scouting program the way it was intended for your Scouts BSA volunteer position?

Specific training sessions will be provided for:

Troop Committee Members and Chairman (https://scoutingevent.com/456-26287)
Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters (https://scoutingevent.com/456-26289) (see also IOLS)

March 30, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon

Our Saviors’ United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, Illinois

There is no fee for these instructor-led courses, but participants should bring their own copy of the appropriate position leader book to the course.

More information and registration on the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee courses

(https://scoutingevent.com/456-26289) (https://scoutingevent.com/456-26287)

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills – IOLS

(https://scoutingevent.com/456-25521)

Friday, April 26, 2019, through Sunday April 28, 2019

(Friday evening campfire, food and fellowship to be ready for Saturday morning 8:00 a.m. course start)

Camp Lakota, Woodstock, Illinois

Alternatively the course is offered April 12-14 at Camp Sol R Crown in Wilmot, Wisconsin

IOLS introduces Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, and Crew Advisors to the outdoor skills learned by Scouts BSA through First Class rank in a hands-on outdoor instructor-led setting. Interactive sessions include cooking, fire building, orienteering, knot tying, camping and much, more! More information and registration are online (https://scoutingevent.com/456-25521 )

This course is part of the required training to be considered trained for the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster positions. The other required training is Scoutmaster Specifics course offered March 16 in Schaumburg or online, and the online weather hazards course available through My.Scouting.org.

Cub Scout leaders
Do you have the knowledge and understanding to deliver the Scouting program the way it was intended for your Cub Scout volunteer position?

Specific training sessions will be provided for:

March 16, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon

Our Saviors’ United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, Illinois

There is no fee for these instructor-led courses, but participants should bring their own copy of the appropriate position leader book to the course.

BALOO - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation Training

Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 7:30 a.m., through Sunday, May 5, 2019 Noon

St. Peter Lutheran Church & School, 202 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, Illinois

Camping is the heart of Scouting. For the Cub Scout Pack to go camping there needs to be one or more BALOO trained adult leaders in attendance. BALOO provides Cub Scout leaders the understanding of how to provide Scouts a safe and exciting outdoor camping experience. BALOO training is comprised of two components—an online component and this practical, hands-on component. Both components must be completed to qualify as a “TRAINED” Cub Scout outdoor leader. Registration closes April 19.

More information and registration (https://scoutingevent.com/456-26291)

Every Scout deserves a knowledgeable and trained leader so they received the best Scouting experience possible.

Wood Badge 2019

This intense 6-day advanced Scout leader training course is all about leadership and proven leadership tools to deliver a higher quality of program to Scouts and improve your professional capabilities.

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August 3 or 6, 2019, orientation meeting, Libertyville, Illinois

August 16–18, 2019, and September 13–15, 2019, Camp Sol R Crown, Wilmot, Wisconsin

Registration opened January 2, 2019. Early registration discount ends April 2. Questions, email the NEIC Wood Badge Course Director Chris Fardoux at chrisfardoux@yahoo.com More

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August 11, 2019 1:00 p.m. Orientation, August 23–25, 2019, and September 21–22, 2019

Camp Big Timber, 37W955 Big Timber Road, Elgin, Illinois

Registration is open. Register and pay in full by April 30, 2019, for discount. Questions, contact Dan Bettison, TFC Wood Badge Staff Adviser at 630-797-4613 or dan.bettison@scouting.org More

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August 28, 2019 Orientation, September 20–22, 2019 and October 26–28, 2019

Camp Frank S. Betz, 3858 E Snow Road, Berrien Springs, Michigan

Registration is open online and limited to 48 participants. Early registration discount ends July 21, 2019. Scholarships are available with applications online due by July 20, 2019. Questions, email the PTAC Wood Badge Course Director, Paul Kurtzner at PTACWoodBadge2019@outlook.com or 708 354-7924. More

Pathway to Adventure is offering a limited-edition Council Wood Badge Shoulder Patch to support the Wood Badge Scholarship Fund. More

Online Position-Specific Training

The BSA online training courses are being updated and new versions launched on January 2, 2019. The new courses feature closed captioning, updated content and a mobile-friendly format. Also, new position-specific learning plans are to take less time to complete. More

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

National Youth Leadership Training, NYLT, is a one-week advanced leadership training experience for Scouts who want to become more effective in leading and teaching.

The 2019 PTAC course will be held at Owasippe Scout Reservation in Twin Lake, Michigan. There will be two sessions, one beginning June 16 and one beginning June 23. Registration opened online on January 1.

Fees for the 2019 NYLT course will be $280, which includes transportation from one of several locations within the borders of the Pathway to Adventure Council to and from the Owasippe Scout Reservation. “Camp Cash” may be applied and Scholarships are available.

To be eligible to attend a course Scouts must be 14 years old or 13 years old and have completed 8th grade. Members of a Scouts BSA troop must also be First Class rank or above. In 2019 only, girls registered in Scouts BSA may attend NYLT without first achieving the First Class rank if they meet the age requirements and complete Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST). Girls registered as Venturers do not need to achieve the First Class rank, but must complete Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC) prior to participating in NYLT.

Scoutmasters, identify Scouts who should attend NYLT and encourage them to take the next leadership training step. Registration opened online January 1, 2019 More Questions: email nyltptac@gmail.com

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All payment types are accepted for district events, e.g. camporees. The Website honors credit cards as part of the online registration. Other types of payments can be made at the PTAC NWSC service center in Arlington Heights or any other PTAC service center. If the payment is to be mailed, mail the payment to the NWSC service center at:

617 E. Golf Road Suite 101

Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Include the registration form with PTAC activity accounting code with all payments.

Always refer to your unit Committee Chairman, unit Commissioner, or a District Leader for more information not included in this website.

Resources
BeAScout
Troop Profiles
Preface to Troop Selection
Webelos transition flyers are found on the Roundtable tab
BeAScout Unit Pin Management v1 (8-2018)

Family Scouting success for Packs 2018 11 01
Family Scouting - Continuity & Change for Troops
Family Scouting success for Troops 2018 11 01

Catch the Adventure resources:

Bookmarks (pdf)
Catch the Adventure postcard (pdf)
Catch the Adventure poster (jpg)
Scout Me In sticker (jpg)
To order resources, contact our District Executive at Jennifer.Lennon@scouting.org

Spending time outside helps you live longer

https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2018/08/08/study-verifies-what-scouters-already-knew-spending-time-outside-is-good-for-you/

BSA Today
– a new series of short videos featuring information and updates on timely topics in Scouting.
Each installment will provide you with news you can use.
https://scoutingwire.org/marketing-and-membership-hub/bsa-today/?utm_source=scoutingwire

Family Scouting program

Here are two one page flyers with information about the Family Scouting program and the roll out timeline.

http://pathwaytoadventure.org/media/upload/Family%20Scouting%20Changes.pdf

https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Family-Scouting_Infographic_v10-1.pdf

Here is a link to two videos explaining the transition to family program.

https://scouting.webdamdb.com/bp/?utm_source=scoutingwire&utm_campaign=swvolunteer7182018&utm_medium=email&utm_content=#/folder/4549987/

Making millennial families welcome to Scouting

Membership appeals and program features that attract and retain millennial families was the subject of the presentation by Dan Gille, marketing professional and Central Regional volunteer on the National Camping Task Force Outdoor Program Support Committee, given to the Signal Hill District. See what Dan Gille has to say.

Dan Gille interview

Here are the take-a-way's from Dan Gile's session:

Welcoming millennial families to Scouting

Scouting experiences millennial families find attractive

Outdoor – parents want ways to have their children outdoors.  Parents feel their children spend too much time with indoor activities. Scouting is about camping and outdoor activities.  Let parents know of your outdoor activities when introducing them to Scouting, post pictures and videos of unit outdoor activities to build awareness of the unit and your outdoor activities.

Values –This generation of families’ feels ethical standards is important, accepts and feels comfortable with diversity in family structure, heritage and other ways, and desires to be socially responsible.  Let parents know the values Scouting promotes and develops, e.g. courteous, kind, respectful, self-reliant and confidence; and how opportunities for developing and showing these traits are part of the unit program, e.g. monthly meeting programs and unit activities.  Unit postings on social media should show how Scouts are making a positive impact on themselves and the community.

Service – making a positive impact on the environment and society is a value and activity of interest for millennial families. Many Scouting activities align with this desire to be of service; e.g. unit and Scout service projects that contribute to the community or those in the community; would appeal to families. Including a food drive or cleanup day in the program are ways for Scouting to be of service to community and others.  Let families know about community service program elements that your unit has in the schedule.  Post photos and results of the projects on social media and share with peers.

Millennial families are frequently single parents or parents with two careers therefore they value their time and are careful how they spend their time.  They have had technology exposure all their life and find it a tool for making the most of their time.  They use mobile devices to accomplish tasks and maintain contact with their peers.  They respect and value the experiences of peers more than advertising. Video through social media, e.g. Facebook, YouTube, Instagram; are ways to communicate on a peer basis with millennial families.  Units should be active in generating photos and stories about their Scouts among the unit members and sharing them with other they know.  In this way awareness of the Scouting unit and the values it delivers will become known. Awareness can be translated into Scouting engagement for a family by personally asking them to attend and join the Pack or Troop.

Question to ask in evaluating and designing your unit programs and operations practices to appeal to millennials:

Are the unit programs and operations compatible with an understanding that parents make decisions for their family and their children based on what they desire for their family; i.e. outdoor activities, personal values, positive community impact; consistent with their financial resources, i.e. provides value for the money (not necessarily cheap), and respectful of their time; i.e. time spend is felt useful and unnecessary activities eliminated, e.g. online registrations and payments available, meetings conform to announced schedules, accommodate the schedule of a single parent or parents with two spouses working.

Transparency is important to parents.  They want to know what is involved in the Scouting program.  What will their children be doing and learning as Scouts, what is done to fund the program, what time commitment is needed to be part of the unit?  Transparency means being honest about the program, finances and time commitment when communicating with parents.  If the program has value and presented so the value is apparent, being transparent will help engage families and provide positive peer recommendations.

These session take-a-way's from the session provided by Dan Gille are a result of extensive research on what interests, attracts and retains millennial families to Scouting.  He presented the results of those studies, and actions all units and Scouters can use to attract and retain membership. If you desire to improve membership appeal, build your volunteer base, and retain new families in your Scouting program, review the presentation and Session Take-a-way's then apply the information to your unit new member initiative.

Millennials and Scouting 2018 05 03 (ppt)
Millennials and Scouting 2018 05 03 (pdf)

Recruiting Resources

Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops can now create their own recruiting flyer using the editable PDF template. There is a flyer for Cub Scouts and one for Boy Scouts, select the one you need, enter the information desired; e.g. recruiting event, time and location; then print your full color flyer for distribution. Here are the editable PDF templates: Boy Scout editable recruiting flyers 2018 04 11 / Cub Scout editable recruiting flyers 2018 04 11 (1)

Online recruiting flyer ordering is available too.  Provide unit and contact information, quantity of flyers needed, when needed, any notice to appear on the flyer, and they will be delivered to you.  Here is the link to order your custom recurring flyers

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeru5ml7Ek7fQn9lXtUCsPGzFgAz6BG6vqQTpQmago09b3aiA/viewform?usp=sf_link

If your unit needs help in gaining school access, organizing a recruiting event or holding school boy and girl talks; contact David Tafur, Field Director, at david.tafur@scouting.org. Please provide two weeks advance notice.

Recruiting is more than handing out flyers, so here are some helpful tips on how to make your recruiting efforts successful. More information

Signal Hill District Membership Chairman Brad Epstein, email bepsteinsx666@aol.com

EXPOSURE TO NATURE KEY TO DEVELOPMENT

A new study shows regularly experience with the outdoors, such as provided by Scouting, boosts children’s brain development.

The study from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health and the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health has found that long-term exposure to green space during childhood is associated with structural changes to the brain that lead to improved memory and less distraction. Additionally, children who grew up in environments with more exposure to nature had more activity in the regions of their brain associated with learning and social skills. More at https://scoutingwire.org/exposure-nature-key-development

Proof that Scouting and sports can coexist

from Bryan on Scouting: http://eepurl.com/bV50pv

New video could be the greatest Scout recruiting tool yet

Always refer to your unit Committee Chairman, unit Commissioner, or a District Leader for more information not included in this website.

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Signal Hill District

Welcome

2019 Signal Hill Officers and MAL

2018 Signal Hill District Adult Recognition Results

2019 Leadership Contact Information: (in process of update)

Roundtable

Roundtable is usually the first Thursday of each month

Next RT:

Flyers

The Scouting Program is different from other youth programs. Properly delivered the Scout Program provides youth the chance to develop in an age appropriate way to become a self-reliant member of society with positive personal character.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills – IOLS

BALOO - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation Training

Wood Badge 2019

Online Position-Specific Training

EXPOSURE TO NATURE KEY TO DEVELOPMENT

Signal Hill District

Welcome

2019 Signal Hill Officers and MAL2018 Signal Hill District Adult Recognition Results

2019 Leadership Contact Information: (in process of update)

Roundtable

Roundtable is usually the first Thursday of each month

Next RT:

Flyers

The Scouting Program is different from other youth programs. Properly delivered the Scout Program provides youth the chance to develop in an age appropriate way to become a self-reliant member of society with positive personal character.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills – IOLS

BALOO - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation Training

Wood Badge 2019

Online Position-Specific Training

EXPOSURE TO NATURE KEY TO DEVELOPMENT

2019 Signal Hill Officers and MAL

2018 Signal Hill District Adult Recognition Results