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Scout Uniform Drive!
Have an old (but still nice) Scout uniform? We invite you to donate* your clean and lightly used uniforms to support a less fortunate Scout! You can drop-off your uniform donation at your closest Greater Alabama Scout Service Center or at Roundtable. We hope to gather as many donated used or new uniforms as possible to help our youth and families in need. Cub Scouts shirts, Scouts BSA shirts, Venturing shirts, Scout pants, Scout shorts, any part of the uniform is a welcome donation.
*Please wash your uniform components prior to delivering them to the Scout Offices
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The unit re-charter system opened on October 1st! Units MUST complete and submit their re-charters before December 16th. This process is completed online by a member of the unit key 3 or their delegate through my.scouting.org > Internet Advancement.
Before beginning the process please ensure that the currently registered unit Key 3 leaders are correct in My.Scouting so they can approve member and charter renewals. This is essential and must be done prior to beginning the process since changes at this step can delay the subsequent steps.
United Methodist Church Units:
If your UMC will be going with the new Affiliation Agreement than these instructions are VERY IMPORTANT. Before beginning the online re-charter process, you MUST get your new Chartered Organization Representative (COR) assigned by our Council. After this person is assigned the MUST be registered in your unit as the COR via an Adult Leader Application (this can be completed through the online application system). Only after the COR is assigned, registered, and is showing up on your online roster, should you begin the online re-charter process.
If this is not completed in this order, your online re-charter will not be able to be approved and will require significant time and energy to fix.
Please contact your District Executive to request a new COR for your unit.
More information is available at www.1bsa.org/umc
Membership Fees: $75 a year, plus $25 one-time joining fee. Adults $45. Scouts Life $15. Charter insurance Fee $100.
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Scouting for Food 2022
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 37 million American and 11 million children suffer from food insecurity each year.
Your unit can join the fight against food insecurity and help your local community by participating in our annual Scouting for Food Drive held in November.
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Scouts BSA Rank Requirements Updates and Revisions
In 2021, all outdoor-related rank advancement requirements were reviewed and realigned based on guidance from the National Outdoor Ethics and Conservation Subcommittee. These adjustments will help more effectively build a Scout’s outdoor ethics knowledge and align with the information in the Scouts BSA Handbook and Fieldbook. The requirements now build in a logical way through the ranks, with Leave No Trace (LNT) and the Outdoor Code (OC) used as references throughout.
Beginning August 1, 2022, these minor modifications to the Scouts BSA requirements for the ranks of Scout through Star will take effect. Scouts may continue using the existing requirements for the rank on which they are currently working, or they may choose to use the new requirements. Scouts must use the new requirements once they advance to their next rank. On January 1, 2023, all Scouts must use only the new requirements.
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National Scout Jamboree Early Bird Pricing ends 10/31/22!
The National Scout Jamboree is coming fast! The GAC already has 40 Scouts from across our Council registered, and soon, we’ll be starting a THIRD troop for our Council Contingent! The Jamboree is Scouting’s flagship high-adventure experience with activities and events for everyone, all in one place! From mountain biking, to zip lining, to fishing, to rock climbing, and world-class shooting sports programs, you don’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Early bird registration pricing for the Jamboree ends at midnight on October 31st, so be sure to get your treat and register with the National Jamboree before midnight on Halloween! Once November 1st rolls around, early-bird pricing is gone. Don’t wait! Register today! To register with the Jamboree and complete the first of the two-step registration process, follow the Jamboree “Registration Step 1” button below!
Want to know more about the Jamboree, learn about the two-step registration process, and watch the recording of our Jamboree Informational Webinar? Follow the “GAC National Jamboree Website” button below.
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NEW RESOURCES FOR CUB SCOUT LEADERS!
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Cub Haunted Weekend 2022 IS HERE!
Every Halloween ghosts and goblins are on the prowl at our council camps! This exciting overnight campout experience for Cub Scouts and their families is packed with events and activities! It’s fun for the entire family! Games! Crafts! Food! Hay Rides! BB-Guns! Archery! Costume Contests! Haunted Trails! Face-Painting! Campfire Programs! Haunted Houses! and so much More!
Registration is now open for Cub Haunted Weekend! Paper registration forms are available for download. Be sure to scan and email those paper forms to the Birmingham office as soon as possible! You can email them by clicking this link.
New in 2022- Troops, Crews, Ships, and Posts who want to volunteer and help support this annual event now have an easy way to sign-up to support either Camp Westmoreland or Camp Comer! Just follow the link below to register your unit to help out!
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Cub Scout Shoot Out 2022
Earn your Cub Scout Shooting Award at this fun-filled day at Camp Sequoyah! Learn knots! Complete leatherwork projects, go fishing, earn your Bobcat Badge, and more!
· Saturday, November 12th,
· 10am to 4pm.
· Cost: $20 a Scout, $10 an Adult.
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Updates from the Order of the Arrow!
Make plans to join your fellow Arrowmen at Fall Fellowship, this November 4-6 at Camp Comer! The theme for Fall Fellowship is 'Tailgating" and the plans for this weekend are out of bounds! This year, Chapters will compete in a tailgate competition for the bragging rights of "Tailgate Champion"! Check with your chapter leadership for details and how you can help your chapter bring home the win!
Need to update your Coosa gear? The Lodge Trading Post will have a ton of new items in stock just in time for Fall Fellowship!
Have you not yet paid your 2022 Lodge Dues? For a limited time, you can take advantage of our special offer and pay your 2022 AND 2023 dues at the same time! This will make sure we have you counted in our membership for 2022 for our annual re-chartering process- the same process that determines the number of Founder's Awards we can offer, and the number of Arrowmen we are allowed to recognize with the Vigil Honor- the highest honor that a Lodge can bestow on its members not just for their service to the OA but to Scouting as well. To take advantage of this limited time offer, click on the button below!
Now is the time to begin planning when your unit wants its 2023 Unit Election Visit conducted. Has your Troop or Crew's OA Unit Election not been done? Click on the following link for Information and guidelines on Unit Elections by clicking on this link.
To stay up-to-date on all the latest with Coosa Lodge, follow the links below!
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JOTA/JOTI 2022
October 14 - 16, 2022
It’s time to reach out and connect with the World of Scouting! Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, and Jamboree-on-the-Internet, or JOTI are held annually the third full weekend in October. There are no official hours, so you have the whole weekend to make contacts.
JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. JOTI uses Internet-enabled devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. Over 1.5 million Scouts and leaders participate in the program annually, representing more than 160 countries!
Scouts of any age can participate, from Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. Registration is now open, so don't delay in signing up for this unique Scouting experience!
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Winter Camp 2022
Join us December 27-31 at Comer Scout Reservation for Winter Camp 2023. All the excitement of summer camp can be found in this cold-weather long-term camping opportunity. From merit badges, rank advancement, and overall Scouting fun this is the event for your Troop! For more information click the button below:
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Summer Camp 2023
It’s not too early to make your plans for your units 2023 summer camp experience. We invite you to join us at Camp Comer or Camp Sequoyah next summer for a world-class Scouting experience. To make your reservation today visit https://1bsa.org/summer-camp/ or click on the button below:
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Cub Family Jolly Jamboree
December 27, 2022
Save the date for the return of the Cub Family Jolly Jamboree at Camp Sequoyah! Come join us at beautiful Camp Sequoyah and have a day of Scouting fun in one of the most beautiful camps around! Things you can look forward to include:
- Shooting Sports
- Fishing
- Crafts
- Nature Program
- And More!
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SAVE THE DATE: February 24-26, 2023!
Greater Alabama Council Silver Anniversary Camporee
Mark your calendars for February 24-26 and join us for the Greater Alabama Council Silver Anniversary Camporee at Camp Westmoreland. This action-packed weekend will offer incredible opportunities for exciting programs for Scouts BSA troops across our council. Look for more information and registration link in the November Digital Eagle.
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The History Committee of Coosa Lodge Invites you to join them on the 4th Thursday of each month for a Virtual Cracker Barrel! Beginning at 8pm CT, join members of the Lodge for a brief information session focusing on some historical aspect of Scouting across North and Central Alabama and a roundtable discussion following the featured topic.
The Virtual Cracker Barrel is open for all who wish to join in. To keep track of the sessions, you can follow the History Committee online on Facebook or by joining the email list. Just click on the buttons below to get set up. The only requirement is that you bring your best Scout Spirit, and your own snacks.
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Disabilities Awareness Training and Merit Badge Day
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Asbury United Methodist Church
6690 Cahaba Valley Rd, Birmingham 35242
Join Scouts and Scouters in a day of advancement and training centered on disabilities awareness and Scouting.
Scouts will be able to make significant progress towards earning the Disabilities Awareness and Citizenship in Society merit badges through small-group discussions, presentations by subject matter experts, and more.
Adult Scouters will receive training and information from subject matter experts on topics such as:
Neurodiversity Myths and Misconceptions
Disability Ettiquette
Access, Inclusion, and Attitudes
BSA Advancement Requirements: Substitutions and Alternative Requirement Requests
Check-in begins at 7am, and the cost is $20. Hotdog lunch is provided. To register, click on the button below.
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Upcoming Adult Leader Training Options
Every Scout deserves to have a trained leader. Every leader needs training to help them deliver the promise of Scouting! Here are some upcoming essential Leader Trainings that you should make sure are on your calendar:
Leader Specific Training: October 15, 2022
An in-person, instructor-led day of training to help you stock your tool box for whatever your Scouting position may be. Classes start at 8am at Huntsville First United Methodist Church and will run until early afternoon. For address, registration, and general questions, click the “Leader Specific” button below.
Wilderness First Aid: November 12-13, 2022
An intense, instructor-led first aid training experience for Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scout leaders. This training will equip adult leaders and youth ages 13 years old and older to handle medical emergencies that may arise on outings where definitive medical care is an hour away at best. To learn more about the upcoming course and options for other courses, follow the “Wilderness First Aid” button below.
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Climbing Instructor Training- Nov. 11-13
Do you want to enhance your climbing skills? Do you want to work toward the path of being able to provide a climbing program to your youth? The first step toward that is Level 1 Climbing Instructor Training. The Greater Alabama Council will be offering a L1 Climbing Training at Comer Scout Reservation November 11-13
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National Youth Leadership Training Course
Winter & Summer Courses 2023
Attention Scouts, Scouters, and Parents: Registration for the Winter 2023 NYLT Course is now open!
NYLT is a six day, five night course that gives Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, Explorers and Venturers methods, skills and experiences to become better leaders in their unit. The course centers around the concepts of what a leader must be, what they must know, and what they must do – with a clear focus on how to accomplish all this.
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Wood Badge 2023
Wood Badge is advanced Scout leader training that began in 1919 by Lord Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting and Wood Badge’s first director. It came to America in 1948 and has been updated to reflect current BSA policies and programs. Incorporating the best techniques available, Wood Badge has become the most advanced leadership training course in Scouting!
Any Scouter who has attended basic training for their registered position and serves in a leadership role in Scouting or in a position that directly supports a unit can attend.
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University of Scouting and Merit Badge College 2023
Save the date: March 4, 2023!
Mark your calendars for March 4, 2023, for our University of Scouting and Merit Badge College. Join us for a great day of training, advancement, learning, and fun. Make sure you don’t miss this important Scouting event. Look for more information this fall.
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Powder Horn 2023
October 6 - 8, 2023
November 3 - 5, 2023
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. Take part in fun and exciting adventures from expert consultants, join in an awesome campfire program in a novel location, create new friends and bring back thrilling ideas and resources to your Units. Some of the sessions that you might participate in: Astronomy, Scuba, Fishing, Caving, Biking, Climbing, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Shooting Sports, Geocaching and so much more.
Weekend 1: October 6 - 8, 2023 at Camp Jackson
Weekend 2: November 3 - 5, 2023 at Camp Comer
For course details, pricing, and more, go to the website by clicking on the button below.
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Sons of the American Revolution Eagle Scout Scholarship Competition
All Alabama Eagle Scouts, ages 18 and younger, are invited to compete for our chapter and state society’s Eagle Scout Scholarships. Winners at the state level will go on to the national level competition in the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest. The winner at the chapter level receives cash and a medal. All participants receive a pocket patch. Awarded to the state winner is $750 and a trophy, and the national winner is awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Second and third place also receive awards.
Applications are accepted year-round, with cut off dates established at the local chapter level for processing. To apply for the award, applications must be submitted through one of the seven SAR Chapters in the GAC's Service area. For more information, click on the link buttons below for documents or to email your local chapter.
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Flag Retirement Request
As Scouts, we are trusted by our fellow citizens with properly retiring American flags. This solemn trust and responsibility isn't one that we take lightly or for granted. While Coosa Lodge of the Order of the Arrow handles a lot of flag retirements each year, we need your help in properly and respectfully retiring American flags that have been entrusted to our stewardship. To facilitate this, we have developed a request form where you or your unit can request a flag or flags that you can retire. These are available for pick-up at either the Birmingham or Huntsville offices, or you can work with your District Executive to get the flag(s) to retire.
Additionally, we have provided several informative links that you can view to plan your retirement ceremony. We strongly encourage you to read the Scouting Blog link as it contains information on the safe retirement practices for retiring modern, "all weather" flags which are made of highly combustible materials like nylon or polyester.
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Scout Day at the Birmingham Zoo
October 8, 2022
Come enjoy a day of educational opportunities, fun exhibits, and "Eagle Talks" from Eagle Scouts who have completed their Projects at the Birmingham Zoo! Scout Day at the Birmingham Zoo is open to Scouts of all ages!
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Save the Date!
Scout Day with the UAB Blazers- November 5th!
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Engineering Merit Badge
Sign up to participate in the Engineering Merit Badge Program at the Barber Museum! This program is on the move from start to finish and includes a hands-on Build-a-Bike activity, a tour of the largest motorcycle collection in the world, and a short film. With stunning views of the Barber Motorsports Road Course, vehicle exhibits, and restoration shop, the museum offers a thrilling environment in which to learn about the field of engineering.
The opportunity costs $18 per Scout, and it includes all materials needed for the program, including the Barber Museum BSA Patch. We ask that Scouts be prepared by reading the Engineering Merit Badge book prior to their troop’s scheduled visit. To show pride in your troop and demonstrate your participation as a Scout, we ask that Scouts wear their uniforms.
Reserve a spot for your Scout or their whole troop today!
The Engineering Merit Badge Program, sponsored by Yamaha and Big #1 Power Sports, will be offered at the Barber Museum on the following Saturdays, at 9:30 am. Spaces are limited, so please contact us to reserve your spot.
Register to attend our Engineering Merit Badge Program. When you arrive at the registration link close the login box to enter your information. The form on the first page is where you'll enter parent information, and the form on the second page is where you will enter the Scout's information. You can register multiple attendees/scouts at one time.
If you have questions, email the Education Department at the Barber Museum by clicking the link below.
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KEEPING SCOUTS SAFE
The safety and protection of children is our most important priority. The Boy Scouts of America has established a multi-layered process of safeguards, including the following, all of which help to act as barrier to keep our Scouts safe.
The BSA expects leaders to follow the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program:
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Supervision. Youth are supervised by qualified and trustworthy adults who set the example for safety. At least two youth-protection trained adults must be present with youth at all times. One-on-one situations where adults would have any interactions alone with children either in person, online, or via text is prohibited.
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Assessment. Activities are assessed for risks during planning. Leaders have reviewed applicable program guidance or standards and have verified the activity is not prohibited. Risk avoidance or mitigation is incorporated into the activity.
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Fitness & Skill. Participants’ Annual Health and Medical Records are reviewed, and leaders have confirmed that prerequisite fitness and skill levels exist for participants to take part safely.
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Equipment & Environment. Safe and appropriately sized equipment, courses, camps, campsites, trails, or playing fields are used properly. Leaders periodically check gear use and the environment for changing conditions that could affect safety
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The BSA Has Launched a New Site for Recruiting Resources and Information
It’s time to help families discover Scouting, and this new landing page has resources to share with anyone who will be recruiting. The page offers easy access to recruitment marketing materials, social planning tools, details and registration information for upcoming webinars, and much more!
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Stay up-to-date on Scout days |
One of the best parts of Scouting is the outing! We're actively building a list of Scout Days at various events near and far that you and your Scouts will love to attend! For more information, click on the Scout Day image, or the button below. | | | | | |
