August 21, 2020
The Digital Eagle: Weekly Talon
Welcome to the August 21, 2020 edition of the Digital Eagle: Weekly Talon! This is a bi-monthly publication of the Greater Alabama Council, BSA to help keep you and your family on the Scouting Trail.
Save the date: Family Fun Fest September 12th!
Join Scouts and Scouters from across the country for a Facebook Live event on September 12th! Family Fun Fest is a wonderful opportunity to see everything that Scouting has to offer and can even help you when you talk to your friends about the adventure of Scouting! This is an event you don't want to miss!
Dear Scouting Family, 

Each year we offer several opportunities to support scouting financially, through our Friends of Scouting program.   The dollars raised help the council provide program, staffing, camperships, and handbooks for new scouts, etc.  This year, because of COVID-19, we are going virtual with our largest fundraising event. We hope that you and your friends and family might consider supporting scouting at this virtual event. 
NFL great Terry Bradshaw will join us for the virtual American Values Luncheon on Wednesday, September 9 at 12:00 p.m.   

Typically, we offer tables of eight at the American Values Luncheon as well as individual seats, but the virtual experience allows you to invite an unlimited number of friends and family. You will hear from NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who was once the National Boy Scouts of America Popcorn Sales Chairman, and we will recognize outstanding community leaders with the Heart of an Eagle Award. Again, you are not limited to the number of seats at your virtual table(s) and we are excited to share the motivational stories of how scouting impacts local youth and families.  

2020 has provided a unique and challenging environment but because of our great Scouting leaders, Scouting has continued. This would not be possible without Friends of Scouting, so get your ticket to the American Values Luncheon today! 

Please contact Caitlyn Harris (205) 969-4272 [email protected] or Heather Mayfield (205) 969-4255 [email protected] with any questions. 

Beascout.org Pin Giveaway!

Updated BeAScout pins are crucial to the success of this recruiting season, and to help encourage units to take this vital step, we’re giving away some great prizes. 
Units that update their BeAScout pin anytime between June 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2020, will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $500 Scout Shop Gift card, or one of five $100 Scout Shop Gift cards. See the full rules for the giveaway at the link below 
It's Popcorn Time!

Spend less time fundraising and MORE time Scouting! Our Council’s annual Scout popcorn sale is a turn-key fundraiser that provides our units with the funding they need to deliver an amazing Scouting Program! Click on the link below to learn more about our annual popcorn sale, and sign up to get started! Need help? We've included helpful training videos to help turn you into a popcorn-selling master!
Join Scouting Marketing Materials

Looking for flyers or stickers for your unit's Join Scouting Night? Look no further! Just fill out the form at the link below, and we will produce the flyers and stickers for you! Just click on the link, fill out the form, hit "submit" and we'll take it from there!
Fall Recruiting Webinar!

Its time for the final Fall Recruiting training webinar of the summer! This webinar will cover topics important to recruiting in 2020, including geofencing, BeAScout.org, Zoom 101, online registration, and much more. Plus, the hosts will answer your questions!

This final webinar will begin at 7pm Central on Zoom. Click on the link below to register for the webinar.
Marketing Resources!

Are you looking for photos, logos, and other tools to make your Join Scouting promotional materials pop? The BSA Brand Center has a wealth of tools for you to use to take your promotional efforts to the next level! Just click on the link below to learn more!
Details on eKnowledge SAT/ACT Test Prep for Scouts

The eKnowledge and the SAT/ACT Donation Project remains in effect for Scoutfamilies – both current and former – enabling them to access SAT and/or ACT test-prep computer programs for a reduced rate. The test prep includes multiple hours of video instruction, several lessons and drills, hundreds of practice questions, and numerous automatically graded tests. 
Find additional details at http://eKnowledge.com/BSA and by viewing the flyer.
New NOVA Awards!
The Boy Scouts of America’s NOVA Awards program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA members, and Venturers. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulates interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them.
Restart Scouting Checklist- Safety Guidance
As always, the safety of our Scouts, volunteers, and communities is our top priority. The Restart Scouting Checklist has been developed to assist you, your units, and chartered organizations plan for a SAFE return to in-person Scouting activities. This checklist outlines several minimum guiding protocols that adult leaders/volunteers must consider while working with local and state health departments, chartered organizations, and Scouting families on when and how to resume meetings, service projects, camping and all other official Scouting activities. 
Looking for ways to help keep the Scouting adventure going at home? The Greater Alabama Council has put together a web page where you can find 30 Day Challenges, Helpful hints and activities, and more! To access the page, just click on the button below and keep on Scouting!
The CDC has produced a series of factsheets for young adults, ages 15-21. The factsheets cover a variety of topics, including what test results mean, how to stay safe at the pool or beach, how to wear a face covering and other preventive measures. To learn more and access the sheets as well as those regarding the Alabama mask mandate and resources from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, click on the links below.
GET TRAINED!
Every Scout Deserves a trained leader!
The Scouting program thrives with trained leaders, like you! Now is a great opportunity to refresh your skills, learn new methods, and update your training on things like Weather Hazards or Youth Protection Training. Click on the image to the left or the button below to take part in training that will help you be the best leader for our Scouts.