The Digital Eagle

Welcome to the January 2023 edition of the Digital Eagle.

This is a monthly publication of the Greater Alabama Council, BSA.

Happy New Year!

It's the start of the New Year, and we thought there was no better time to thank you - our Scouting families, supporters, alumni, and friends. Thank you for being with us and being a part of our movement. Together we will reach new heights and your support makes all the difference. We wish you wellness, adventure, and all the best for the year ahead!

Scouter Code of Conduct

As we prepare to begin the new year, this is an excellent time for adult leaders to review the Scouter's Code of Conduct and the 10 commitments each adult leader makes to ensure Scouts are safe.

Silver Anniversary Camporee

Join us as we kick-off our Council's 25th Anniversary on February 24-26 at Camp Westmoreland with a Camporee for all Scouts BSA and Venturing youth. This will be an action packed weekend with games, competitions, demonstrations, and more! Click Here for the registration and information guide.

Scouts BSA Troops are Gender Separate

Reminder that our Scouts BSA program is for boys and girls in gender-separate units. Male and female Troops cannot be combined into a single unit and each unit must provide its own adult leadership. Please review Scouting's Barriers to Abuse and FAQ which outlines these policies.

Friends of Scouting

Friendly reminder that during the first few months of each year our volunteers work together to raise the funds required to provide the Scouting program to our local youth and families. We invite all members of our Scouting family to make an annual charitable contribution to support Scouting. Thank you for helping forward the Scouting movement!

Register for Scouts BSA Summer Camp

Scouts BSA Summer Camp is just 6 months away and we hope that your Troop will consider spending a week with us at either one of our AMAZING Summer Camps! Both Camp Comer and Camp Sequoyah offer a mountain-top Scouting experience! Visit our website for more information. Submit your troops reservation online today.

Summer Camp Staff 2023

Attention Scouts (14+), open interviews to work at summer camp will be happening soon! Apply today! Make new friends! Spend your summer in the great outdoors! Teach merit badges! Lead camp programs! Provide selfless service! Gain leadership skills and undertake meaningful challenges. Camp Staff is a life changing experience that you won't want to miss!

Save the Dates and Reminders:

• April 28-30 at Camp Comer is Cub Adventure Weekend.
• Cub Scout Day Camp Registration is new open. Held in June.
• National Jamboree July 19-28. We still have spots available.
• July 16-19 at Camp Comer is Webelos Camp
• July 20-22 at Camp Comer is Cub Scout Summer Camp.
• Our Scout Uniform Drive continues, we invite you to drop off clean and lightly used uniforms at one of our local offices to support a less fortunate Scout.

Visit our Activities & Programs page for more information.

Scout Days are unique opportunities for Scouts and their families to attend museums and sporting events typically at a discounted price. Click Here for all Scout Days

Birmingham Bulls Hockey

Scoutnight with the Birmingham Bulls will be at 7pm on January 27th at the Pelham Civic Center. Scouts will receive a patch. Click Here to request tickets and information.

Huntsville Havoc Hockey

Scoutnight with the Huntsville Havoc will be on February 3rd at Roto-Rooter Ice at Propst Arena. Patch and meal voucher add-on available. Click Here to reserve your tickets!

All Scouts are welcome to attend any Merit Badge Day or advancement event hosted by any District. Click Here for all Scouts BSA merit Badge Days

• Shelby District Merit Badge Day on January 28th
• Three Rivers District Merit Badge Day on February 4th
• Mulberry-Arrowhead Joint Merit Badge Day on February 18th
• Council Merit Badge College on March 4th

Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills

For Scouts BSA and Venturing Leaders, the IOLS training will provide you with basic outdoor skills that will allow you to help your Scouts with their outdoor program. The course is held in conjunction with the District Camporee on February 10-11 at Tannehill State Park. Click Here to Register.

National Youth Leadership Training

NYLT is a six day, five night course that provides Scouts (13+ in age) with methods, skills and experiences to become better leaders in their unit.

Winter NYLT Course: Jan 14-16 / Feb 18-20

Summer NYLT Course: June 25-30 at Camp Westmoreland.

Woodbadge 2023

Woodbadge is the best and most advance leadership training course offered in Scouting. It will provide you with the tools to be a superior leader in every aspect of your life. The course is especially helpful to those who are new to Scouting.

March 24-26, April 22-23 at Camp Comer

University of Scouting

March 4th is our annual University of Scouting and Council Merit Badge College at Jefferson State University in Birmingham. Join us for a great day of training, advancement, learning, and fun. Over 100 classes will be offered from Dutch oven cooking to how to hold an amazing Pack Ceremony.

Powder Horn

Powder Horn is a High Adventure Resource Management Course open to all Scouting Adults and Youth age 14+. Participants will learn the necessary skills to oversee a high adventure program and learn of local resources available for your group’s program. 

Oct 6-8, Nov 3-5 at Camp Jackson and Camp Comer.

Wilderness First Aid

This is an intense instructor-led first aid training for adults and youth ages 16+. Participants will learn to handle medical emergencies that may arise on outing where definitive medical care is an hour away.

February 18-19 at Camp Westmoreland

April 1-2 at Camp Jackson

Winter Induction Weekend

Attention elected Scouts and Scouters! February 3-5 at Camp Westmoreland you can complete your induction process called the Ordeal. Service will include preparing the camp for the Silver Anniversary Camporee. Click Here to register as an Ordeal Candidate. To register as an OA member Click Here.

Lodge History Virtual Cracker Barrel

Join us at 8pm on the 4th Thursday of each month for a Virtual Cracker Barrel to learn about our lodge's history followed by a group discussion. Follow us on Facebook or join our email list. Bring your best Scout Spirit and your own snacks!

Information Flyer

2023 Winter Banquet

Make plans to join us on Saturday, January 28th at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Decatur for the 2023 Winter Banquet! This annual event is a highlight of the year as we recognize our new Vigil Honor class, and recognize our 2022 recipients of the Founder's Award. To register, click this link.

OA Events and Reminders:

• Reminder to pay your 2023 OA Dues.
• OA Troop Elections for 2023 can now begin. Click here to request a unit election visit.

Visit the Coosa Lodge Website

Amazon Smile - You Shop, Amazon gives

We invite you to support Scouting by adding our Amazon Smile to your Amazon account. After completing this, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchases to support our Council. You receive the same prices. Your can support The Greater Alabama Council or our Council's Endowment. Select a link to add it to your account.