A 2009
Centennial Quality
Council


  



Cope Course Construction
Gorham Scout Ranch


Featured Video
"100 Years of Scouting"





Scouting's Values

Scouting is a values-based program with its own code of conduct. The Scout Oath and Law help instill the values of good conduct, respect for others, and honesty. Scouts learn skills that will last a lifetime, including basic outdoor skills, first aid, citizenship skills, leadership skills, and how to get along with others. For almost a century, Scouting has instilled in young men the values and knowledge that they will need to become leaders in their communities and country.

Read about the "Values of Americans - A Study of Ethics and Character" and the  "Values of Scouting - A study of Ethics and Character" by Harris Interactive.  The Boy Scouts of America commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct the Values of Americans study to examine the ethics and character of Americans young and old, and to see if values have changed over time. The Boy Scouts also wanted to determine how Scouting has influenced the values of adults over their lifetimes and the lives youth members.




Hot Items!

Cub Scout Pow Wow
Celebrating 100 Years of Scouting

When:  Saturday, November 7, 2009
Time:  Registration @ 8:00 am, Program starts at 8:30 am
Where:  Seven Bar LDS Stake Center (4500 Seven Bar Loop Rd NW, Albuquerque)
Cost:  $20 if paid by October 26, $25 if paid after October 26, $30 at the door

WHAT IS POW WOW?  It's more than just another training course.  It is a Leader Training Extravaganza!  It is an annual get together, a conference, a convention.  It's a big fun-filled experience where Cub Scout leaders increase their knowledge, hone their skills, make new friends, and visit with old Scouting buddies.

The Cubmaster should take all leaders to this learning extravaganza.  There are sections on games, crafts, skits and puppets, ceremonies, administration, and the Webelos den.  It's a time for parents and all experienced, new, and prospective leaders to share ideas and see what other packs are doing.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?  All Cub Scouters; Den Leaders, Webelos Leaders, Asst. Den Leaders, Tiger Den Leaders, Committee Members, Cubmasters, Asst. Cubmasters, Committee Chairs, Den Leader Coaches, Den Chiefs, Commissioners, & parents.

Topics and registration forms will be mailed, Additional information will be available at Roundtables.  An editable copy of the registration form is  located on-line on this website  Please note that when using this form, make sure that you print the copy, since this type of form cannot be saved by Adobe Reader. 

We are looking for Pow Wow Instructors in each District!  Please call Debbie Couls at 505-294-7512 or debchrisjoe@msn.com.


      

Den Chief Training

Who?      Den Chiefs.  The training is designed primarily for den chiefs.  Cubmasters, Cub Scouts and Webelos den leaders, or other adult pack or troop leaders who register den chiefs should arrange to participate with them.
What?     Den Chief Training.  How long and how effectively a den chief will serve depends upon how seriously he rates his position.  If he rates the job highly, he'll take it more seriously.  Den chief training is intended to glamorize the position, to build more enthusiasm, and to develop higher morale among den chiefs.  Time will be spent in teaching how to lead and get along with boys of Cub Scout and Webelos Scout age.
When:     Saturday, November 7, 2009
Time:       Registration @ 8:00 am
Where:    Seven Bar LDS Stake Center (4500 Seven Bar Loop Rd NW, Albuquerque)
Cost:        $10 per youth participant if paid by October 26, 2009.  $15 for sign-ups after 10/26 or walk-ins

An editable copy of the registration form is  located on-line on this website  Please note that when using this form, make sure that you print the copy, since this type of form cannot be saved by Adobe Reader.   

For further information, contact Kevin Abarrientos at kevinabarrientos@msn.com or Daniel Bruce at daniel.bruce@scouting.org.


  

Holiday Hours

Please note the holiday hours for the Council Service Center and the High Desert Scout Shop:

Holiday schedule for the Council Service Center
 
Close @ 3:00 pm November 25, 2009
Closed November 26th-29th, 2009
Closed Dec. 24th-27th
Closed Jan. 1, 2010
 
Holiday schedule for the High Desert Scout Shop
 
Closed November 26th-27th
Open November 28th
Closed Dec. 25th
Closed Dec. 26th through Jan. 2nd for Inventory
Reopen January 4, 2010


  

Silver Beaver Award Nominations Due

The Silver Beaver Award is a national award presented by councils.  The award is made for noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth by registered Scouters within the council.

Silver Beaver Award nominations are due in the Council Service Center on or before November 15, 2009.  Anyone may nominate a candidate for this award, and nomination forms are available from the Council Service Center, this website, and from your District Executive.

The award is limited to adults 21 years of age or older.  Nominations cannot be considered for former BSA employees within five years of their leaving employment.  Poshumous awards cannot be made.

When making a nomination for the Silver Beaver Award, it is important to provide complete and accurate information about the Scouter's noteworthy service to youth, as well as other aspects of the person's life.  Only nomination forms will be used in the selection process.

We encourage everyone to nominate a deserving Scouter for the Silver Beaver Award before November 15!  The 2009 Silver Beaver Awards will be presented at the Council Recognition Event on Saturday, February 20, 2010, in Albuquerque.


  

District Award of Merit

The District Award of Merit is a council awrd presented by districts.  The award is available to any registered Scouter who renders noteworthy service of an outstanding nature on the district level.  This may consist of a single plan or decisions that contributed vitally to the lives of large numbers of youth, or it may have been given to a small group over an extended time.  A nominee should have contributed some type of service to youth outside Scouting as well.

Consideration should be given to the nominee's position, attitude toward and cooperation with the district, council, and the corresponding community to render outstanding service beyond the expectation of duty.  Scouters who have already received the award; nor posthumous awards will be considered.

Nomination forms are available at Roundtables, from your District Executive, Council Website, and from the Council Service Center.  Deadlines for submissions vary by district.


  

Unit Rechartering Starts Early!!

In order to help with on-time rechartering, on-line recharter this year will start on October 1, rather than November 1.  That should provide plenty of time to get your unit rechartered on time.  Please be aware that once you submit your recharter electronically, you still have to get signatures (incuding your commissioner), and turn a paper copy of your recharter, along with the appropriate fees and application to the council service center.  Click on the "Internet recharter now" graphic on the left to go directly to internet rechartering.


  

BSA MUST READ!!
REGISTRATION FEE INCREASE!!

The National Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution at its May 2009 meeting to increase the traditional membership annual registration fee for youth and adults from $10 to $15 effective January 1, 2010. The annual Exploring fee will remain $10.

Click here to read the entire communication.  Also, click here to access the registration fee increase FAQ.  Finally, click here to access the registration fee table for traditional aduls and youths as of January 01, 2010. 


  

2010 Commemorative Belt Buckle

As everyone knows, 2010 is the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.  What better way to remember this occasion than by obtaining one of these limited edition commemorative belt buckles?  The belt buckle is made of pewter, and has the entire Scout Law on the buckle!

Don't be left out on this once-of-a-lifetime (this is the one and only 100th anniversary!) collector's edition belt buckle.  Just click on the picture on the left to be taken directly to the on-line store to purchase this truly awesome belt buckle!!


Wilderness First Aid Course

Important!

CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications are now required for at least one individual participating in a back country event and high adventure activity at Philmont and Gorham Scout Ranch back country programs.  The certification is also strongly encouraged for any adult leader who will be taking youth out on high adventure activities and/or on overnight camping trips.

Several Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Courses
will be offered to Scouters at the Council
Service Center.
CPR not included.

Wilderness First Aid Course Dates
November 13-14, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Winter/Spring courses TBA

Call the council office to register.  Cost will be $50.00.  The course size is limited to 12 people, so register soon.


 

Council News and Information
Upcoming Council Calendar Events

Great Southwest Council, Boy Scouts of America
5841 Office Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109

Telephone (505) 345-8603, 1-800-368-9218, FAX (505) 345-4201

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