April 2008

The National Eagle Scout Association is conducting a nation wide Eagle Search. I have had several individuals comment that they had been contacted. I mention this to you to make you aware in case you are asked. It is part of the 100th BSA Birthday Celebration.

Jeff Peters has announced some very exciting new programs for the 2008 camp season. Check it out and see if it will help your program. It should excite your Scouts about summer camp.

Mark your calendars for the Council's Big Event of 2008. It is the Council Camporee that will be held at Texas Motor Speedway on November 14-16, 2008. We will begin the celebration of our 100th Anniversary of Scouting. Everyone will want to be a part of this super activity. Get your engines ready for the big Council Camporee.

Our Accounting Specialist is out on medical leave. In her absence, contact Denise Bain with your questions. She is our Accounting Manager and will be able to help you. Denise is located in the Waco Service Center.

For Cubs and their Families, Day Camp is just around the corner. Make your plans to attend one of our Camps. If you have a conflict for your District's Day Camp, you can attend any of the Day Camps in the Council. We want to make sure that all Cubs have a Day Camp experience.

Michael Wright, Director of Finance announced the Spring Sale. This year the units will have the opportunity to sell peanuts in conjunction with the Scout Show. Many units have signed up to participate. Take a serious look at this opportunity. It is a good way to help Cubs and Scouts earn funds for summer programs.

It appears that a change in the law now requires units to file a 990 with the IRS. The National Council has requested additional information and has asked if they really want all our Packs and Troops to file the report. As it stands now, Units will be required to do so. Stay tuned for additional information.

Like you, we are suffering from the increase in energy costs. It impacts many of our programs and activities. Back in June we signed a contract for 5 years, which increased our electricity rates by 54% over the last contract, which had expired. As a result, it has impacted the prices we have to charge for the use of buildings at camp. Like you, we need some relief in our energy costs.

In a recent car accident Mike Rambo was on a family camping outing with his family in New Mexico. He was killed in the accident. Let's remember Mike and especially his family. We have a posting on our Web Page for any who would like to help in their time of need.

While it is refreshing to see that we are positive in our traditional membership, we must stay focused on the challenge. Each year we lose all or part of the access to some school systems. We all must do all we can to spread the word and work in every way possible with our individual elementary schools. Many of you are doing your best and we certainly appreciate your diligence.

Keep Scouting and provide a strong program for our youth.

Sincerely,

Dan