COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
April 2017
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PTAC NEWS
Report to the State
A delegation of outstanding Scouts delivered the  Pathway to Adventure Council 2016 Annual Report  to Governor Rauner

Click here to view our Report to the State and read a short bio on each Scout in the delegation!

  New CEO appointed to lead Boy Scouts of America in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana

The Boy Scouts of America Pathway to Adventure Council is thrilled to announce the selection of Jeff Isaac as its CEO effective April 1, 2017.

Isaac takes the helm of PTAC equipped with over 30 years of relevant experience. He has worked in Scouting in Montgomery, AL; Memphis, TN; and Flint, MI. Most recently, Isaac served as CEO of the Gulf Stream Council in Palm Beach Gardens, FL where he successfully led for over 11 years. Isaac holds a strong record of implementing effective and innovative programs geared toward inner-city youth and aims to carry that through to his work in Chicagoland. Read full article>>

The 13th Point of the Law
A note from Council President Stephen Schwab
Scouting has three aims - that is, three goals - which every member strives to achieve through our programs: good character, participating citizenship, and fitness (emotional, physical and mental).  There are eight methods for accomplishing these aims. During the course of this year, we will explore the meaning of the aims and the methods in this space.
 
The first method is the “ideals.” They are spelled out in the  Scout Oath and  Law. The ideals are universal truths about how to conduct our lives: by doing our best to do our duty to God and the United States and to obey the 12 points of the Scout Law, from being trustworthy to being reverent; as well as by helping others and being prepared to make moral decisions and take right actions. Some of these truths are common to other movements, but they are uniquely joined in the Scouting movement. Every Scout youth and Scouter adult promises to abide by them. We measure ourselves against them and continually strive to improve. “Showing Scout spirit” means living up to the ideals.  >>Continue reading
CALL TO ACTION: 
The residents of East Chicago, IL are plagued with lead-contaminated drinking water.

If you would like to help families in need, please drop off cases of bottled water at  The Robert J. Welsh Center for Scouting, 8751 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321, during normal business hours now through April.

Together we can make a difference in our community!
CEREMONY SCOUTS NEEDED

Our industry dinners are the largest fund-raising events of the year for the Council. This is a great opportunity to showcase your Scouting participation in the opening ceremonies in front of prominent community and business leaders. These events will be held on Thursday April 27th and Thursday May 18th. Both will be at the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, in the International Room. Ceremony Scouts dressed in Class A uniform (absolutely no jeans) and their leaders will need to arrive at 4:45 P.M. Dinner will be provided to Scouts and their accompanying leaders. Parking will be validated as well. Interested units should return the commitment form and will be contacted to confirm their participation.

2017 CIDS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS – APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 7TH
Reminder, the  application  and support documentation are due April 7th to Myriam Herrera’s attention at 1218 W. Adams, Chicago, IL address. 
TRAINING
New Online Training
COUNCIL TRAINING DATES -  Get Trained!
The list of courses for downloading and printing is at  2017 Training Courses
Cub Scout Leader Training: 
(BALOO) Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation
 4/8/17,  4/15/17,  4/22/1 7,  4/29/17

Scout Training:
National Youth Leadership Training - Registration now open
June 18-23, 2017 at Camp Betz, Berrien Springs, MI
June 25-30, 2017 at Camp Big Timber, Elgin, IL
July 9-14, 2017 at Camp Sol R Crown, Wilmot, WI​

   
All Leaders:  
Wood Badge: Two 3-day weekends each
4/28-4/30/17 & 5/19-5/21/17
Training Awards for Unit Leaders
The training awards and keys are designed to recognize unit Scouters for tenure, training, and performance in their leadership roles. Progress recording forms with the requirements for these awards can be found at the links below. Once the form is complete it should be sent to your District Training Chairman who in turn will sign off and forward the form to the local service center for processing. Once approved, the District Commissioner will be notified and present the award to the applicant.
Shooting Sports Training now available!
NRA Range Safety Officer Training
https://scoutingevent.com/456-11112

NRA Shotgun Qualification & Instructor Training
https://scoutingevent.com/456-11114

NRA Rifle Qualification & Instructor Training
https://scoutingevent.com/456-11113
 
NRA Basic Instructor Training
https://scoutingevent.com/456-11110
 
USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Training
https://scoutingevent.com/456-11116
National Youth Leadership Training Registration is OPEN!

Follow a new pathway and find adventure. It’s time to get that NYLT registration in! Slots are limited. You will want to be sure you don’t miss out on a space in one of the three courses offered in PTAC. See the NYLT training page on the Pathway to Adventure website for details.  

This is your chance to improve your leadership skills if you are a Scout. If you are a Scoutmaster, Crew Adviser or Skipper, it is your chance to enhance your youth-leadership experience. Encourage your Scouts to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to BE, KNOW and DO.  

SCOUTS IN THE NEWS
Crown Point teen meets president, congressional leaders, for Scouting honor
by Times Staff - NWI Times

Tyler Schutt, of the Pathway to Adventure Council Boy Scouts of America, was one of 10 Scouts chosen nationwide to hand-deliver the Boy Scout of America’s Report to the Nation, an annual report to our nation’s leaders detailing Scouting’s impact on communities across the country.

Schutt traveled to Washington, D.C. and visited President Donald Trump, cabinet officials, and leaders of the House of Representatives, among others.

>>Read more

Photo credit:Jason Shipinski / Handout
Elmwood Park student's backpack project gets a lift from other kids
by Pioneer Press

Elm Middle School student Magnus Shipinski received strong local support Saturday in his project to bring new backpacks and school supplies to the children of Rattlesnake Ridge, Ky.

Shipinski was joined by youngsters from throughout the area in the backpack assembling session at the Elmwood Park Public Library, reported his father, Jason Shipinski.

>>Read more

  Photo credit: Kimberly Fornek / Pioneer Press 

Hinsdale Cub Scouts showcase speed, creativity of Pinewood Derby cars
by Kimberly Fornek - Pinoeer Press

CuScouts from Hinsdale held their Pinewood Derby Sunday with homemade wooden cars racing on a modern track.

The boys start with an official kit for the Boy Scouts of America, that includes a block of wood about 7-by-3 inches, the tires and axles, said James Lobraco, Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 10, which meets in the Union Church of Hinsdale. The boys design their cars and with the help of adults cut and carve the block. >>Read more

  Photo credit: Amy Hill / HANDOUT
Shout Out: Justin Hill, an Eagle Scout who attends Barrington High School
by Todd Shields - Pioneer Press

A senior at Barrington High School, Justin Hill earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America in 2013. Hill also is a member of the Order of the Arrow — a national honor society in the Boy Scout organization.

The Hoffman Estates resident also has held leadership positions, including assistant junior scoutmaster, senior patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader.

Hill also has worked on several area community projects, including work to remove invasive plant species from forest preserves, building fish habitats, building bike racks for schools and digging irrigation ditches for churches. >>Read more
Photo credit: Kevin Corotis
Shout Out: Kevin Corotis, an Eagle Scout hopeful
by Steve Schering - Pioneer Press
Kevin Corotis, 17, of Oak Park Boy Scout Troop 2, recently collected used bikes for Working Bikes, a nonprofit organizations that refurbishes old bicycles and gives them to new homes in underserved areas. The bike drive took place Feb. 18 at Beye Elementary School. >>Read More
Photo credit: Boy Scout Troop 608 / Handout
Beverly Boy Scout troop turns 100
by Matt McCall - Daily Southtown

St. Paul's Bible Church in the city's Beverly neighborhood has been home to Boy Scout Troop 608 for 100 years.

On May 21 at St. Paul's, the troop will celebrate its history, beginning with an Eagle Scout ceremony and ending with a presentation of historical photos and scout gear. The troop at 1960 W. 94th St. is one of the oldest continuously running in the country with traditions that go back decades — from winter camping at the Michigan Dunes and summer camp at Camp Owasippe in Whitehall, Mich., to skiing on Super Bowl weekend.
>>Read More
ADVANCEMENT
Save the dates for Summer Merit Badge Clinics
Registration for summer Trading Tech 300 merit badge clinics will open June 1st. Save the dates for three week-long sessions:
• June 26-30
• July 17-21 
• August 14-18

Multiple registrations are limited to siblings only; mass registration of Scouts in a unit will be NOT accepted. Availability is on a first come first served basis. Seating will be limited. Selection of merit badges must be done per class or day not by week.
MERIT BADGE CLINIC
Saturday, May 6, 2017
9 a.m. to Noon (check in at 8:30am)

Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road - Fellowship Hall
(on Algonquin Road, East of IL 59 and West of the Palatine Road intersection)

Counselors for over 65 merit badges, including all three Citizenship merit badges, will meet with Scouts and sign off on requirements completed. Online registration opens Monday, April 3rd. Reserve the date and prepare now.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

The Pathway to Adventure Outdoor Committee would like to invite you to a free day of program to introduce you and your Scouts to what we offer at short and long-term camping programs at our beautiful camping facilities. Click here for dates and details!

For more information and questions contact: [email protected]

Summer Camp is one of the integral parts of the Boy Scout program. If your troop has not yet signed up, please visit www.BoyScoutCamping.org .

Venturing and Exploring Summer Camp Week
This year we are offering a Venture Crew and Exploring Post week at Owasippe’s Camp Carlin July 23-July 29. For more information, please contact Joe Stocchero at [email protected]

Outdoor Adventure Resource Page
All camp-related documents can be found on the camp resource page at www.PathwayToaAventure.org/camping/resources .



And as always, don’t forget to visit our Camping Resources page for more information on ALL of our Summer Camp opportunities and sign up today! 
Our PTAC Summer Camp Staff was the most critical ingredient in our ability to deliver Scout Summer Camp to over 5,000 Scouts. This past summer our campers earned over 10,000 merit badges, made friends, built lasting memories, and had unforgettable adventures. We are aiming to build on this great success in 2017 and to do so we need the finest summer camp staff talent available. 
ACTIVITIES
SPECIAL EVENTS
  Kemper Lake Golf Course
24000 N. Old McHenry Road |  Kildeer, IL 60074

Monday, July 10, 2017
Driving range opens at 9:30 a.m.

The beautiful Kemper Lakes Golf Club held the 1989 71st PGA Champion and will hold the 2017 Women’s PGA Championship.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Shrine of Christ Passion Visit
As we near the end of the season of Lent, join fellow Scouts for a guided tour of the Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John, Indiana 

When: Saturday April 8, 2017
Time: 10 AM -1 PM
Cost: $2 per person

Questions? Contact  [email protected]
Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Committee Religious Activities for Scouts
There are several Religious Activities scheduled for 2017 in the Council which interested youth will find fun and interesting. The activities will help development a better understanding their faith in the Catholic Church and help serve as role models and become more aware of the faith community. Any Scout and Scouter are welcome to attend.

Questions? Contact  [email protected]
St. George Dinner
Sunday, April 23, 2017
The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Committee on Scouting invites you to join us at the European Chalet 5445 S. Harlem Ave. Chicago, IL 60638 on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 5 PM for dinner and an evening of fellowship and support for the 2017 St. George Trek at Philmont Scout Ranch.

Come out and see old friends and congratulate this year’s St. George recipients.
We have planned a family style dinner and silent auction.
Tickets are $35 per person reservations by mail through April 10th
Checks to:
Chicago Catholic Scouting 2617 Lancelot Ln, Dyer, IN 46311.
Make your Reservations by email to: [email protected] or by phone
708-363-6547
SCOUT SHOP DEALS
*Calumet Scout Shop promotions may vary.
STAY CONNECTED!