Three Fires Council

New Merit Badges have been announced

Counselors Needed!!! The Pathfinding, Carpentry, Signaling, and Tracking merit badges have apparently been released for 1/1/10-12/31/10 to celebrate 100 years of scouting. Historical merit badges help Boy Scouts celebrate Scouting’s past.
 
In honor of the BSA’s 100th Anniversary, today’s generation of Scouts will get the unique opportunity to experience some of the activities their predecessors enjoyed. That’s possible thanks to the BSA’s new Historical Merit Badge Program, a set of four discontinued merit badges that today’s Scouts can earn.
Boys can earn any or all of these merit badges:

1. Signaling: REQUIREMENTS - First offered in 1910 and discontinued in 1992. Sample requirements: build a simple buzzer or blinker capable of sending Morse code messages, and send a message of at least 35 words; send and receive messages using semaphore flags at a rate of at least 30 letters per minute.

2. Tracking: REQUIREMENTS - First offered in 1911 (as Stalker merit badge) and discontinued in 1952. Sample requirements: recognize the tracks of 10 different animals; give evidence to show you have tracked at least two different kinds of birds or animals, documenting their speed and direction.

3.Pathfinding: REQUIREMENTS - First offered in 1911 and discontinued in 1952. Sample requirements: be able to guide people to important places within a three-mile radius of your home; submit a scale map of your community.

4. Carpentry: REQUIREMENTS - First offered in 1911 and discontinued in 1952. Sample requirements: demonstrate the use of tools, such as a miter and bevel; build a simple piece of furniture for use at home.

Sounds like a blast, right? But there’s one catch: Boys must start and finish all requirements within the year 2010. So if your guys built furniture for their patrol kitchen at last year’s summer camp, they can’t use that product for the Carpentry merit badge. And don’t delay—after Dec. 31, 2010, these merit badges will go back on the “retired” list.
If this is a program you want to bring to your troop, the BSA suggests you track down merit badge counselors soon. For Carpentry, contact a local cabinet-making business. A nearby Homeland Security office could help you with Pathfinding. Signaling would benefit from the help of a local amateur ham radio group. And for Tracking, try your state’s department of natural resources. Those are merely suggestions. Be creative!
For more information, look for a special Web site and a printed guide by the end of the month. That’s where you’ll find the complete requirements for each patch. The BSA also plans to deliver a guide that will help councils and districts host a historical camporee or similar event to offer these merit badges.
The Historical Merit Badge Program gives you the perfect chance to organize exciting activities for your Scouts, while connecting them with the BSA’s rich past.

Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, & Webelos Cub Scouts

Advancement is the process by which a boy progresses from badge to badge, learning new skills as he goes. The Cub Scout advancement program is designed to encourage the natural interests of a boy in a natural way. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As a boy advances through the ranks, requirements are progressively more challenging, matching the increased skills and abilities of a boy as he grows older.

Advancement is one of the methods used to achieve Scouting's aims—character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Everything a Cub Scout does to advance is designed to achieve these aims and aid in his personal growth. These badges are a means to an end—not an end in themselves.

• Cub Scout Advancement Program - Overview of the Program

 Announcing the NEW Fast Tracks Program!

FAST TRACKS is a series of den meeting plans (two den meetings per month) designed to be used in conjunction with the youth handbooks. By following the prescribed den meeting plans as written, the boys will fulfill the requirements necessary to earn the badge of rank by early spring.

• Launch Fast Tracks - For Cub Scouts
  

Bobcat Rank

This is the first rank a Cub Scout earns. No matter what age or grade a boy joins Cub Scouting, he must earn his Bobcat badge before he can advance to the rank of Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos.

 Tiger Cub Rank    

The Tiger Cub program is for boys ages 7 years old or in the 1st grade. To begin his path to the Tiger Cub rank, the Tiger Cub  must learn the Cub Scout promise, the Cub Scout sign, and the Cub Scout salute. When he has accomplished these tasks, he will be awarded his Tiger Cub immediate recognition emblem. This is a tiger paw with four strands for beads that he wears on the right pocket.

As a boy completes each part of the achievements, he will be awarded either an orange (den activities), white (family activities), or black ("Go See It") bead. When the boy has earned five beads of each color, he is eligible to receive his Tiger Cub badge. The Tiger Cub badge is presented to the adult partner at the next pack meeting. In an impressive ceremony, the adult partner in turn presents the badge to the boy.

Wolf Rank

The Wolf rank is for boys who have completed first grade (or who are 8 years old). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass 12 achievements involving simple physical and mental skills. His parent or guardian approves each achievement by signing his book. When all requirements are satisfied, the Wolf badge is presented to his parent or guardian at the next pack meeting in an impressive advancement ceremony, during which the parent or guardian in turn presents the badge to the boy.

After he has earned the Wolf badge, a boy is encouraged to work on the 22 Wolf electives until he completes second grade (or turns 9 years old). More than 100 elective projects are aimed at kindling his interest in new hobbies, as well as teaching him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout years. When he completes 10 elective projects, he earns a Gold Arrow Point to wear under the Wolf badge. For each additional 10 elective projects completed, he earns a Silver Arrow Point.

Bear Rank

The Bear rank is for boys who have completed second grade (or are 9 years old). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories; boys must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are more difficult and challenging than those for the Wolf badge. When the boy has earned his Bear badge, he may work on electives for credit toward Arrow Points to be worn under the Bear badge.

Webelos Rank

Webelos dens are for boys who have completed third grade (or reached age 10). The Webelos den program is different from the Cub Scout den program: Instead of being based on a monthly theme, the Webelos den program is based on one of 20 Webelos activities. Webelos Scouts work on requirements during their weekly den meetings. Once the boy learns the skill, he practices it at den meetings and at home on his own. The boy's family is encouraged to help him at home.

When a boy has completed the requirements for an activity badge, the Webelos den leader or activity badge counselor, rather than a parent, approves most of the activity badges.

  Arrow of Light Award

The pinnacle of Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light Award. The requirements for this badge include developing outdoor skills, gaining an understanding of the values of Scouting, and preparing to become a Boy Scout.

This recognition is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform when a boy graduates into a troop. Adult leaders who earned the Arrow of Light as a youth may also wear the appropriate square knot on their adult uniform. Webelos Scouts who have earned the Arrow of Light Award have also completed all requirements for the Boy Scout badge.

Cub Scout Academics and Sports Programs

The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program is a supplemental enrichment program that complements the existing Cub Scout program. The Academics subjects and Sports activities allow boys to learn new techniques, increase scholarship skills, develop sportsmanship, and have fun. Emphasis is on introducing a boy to a sport or academic subject, allowing him to participate in it and encouraging him to do his best. The Academics and Sports program focuses on learning and skill development—not winning. Boys participating in the program will be recognized for enjoying teamwork, developing physical fitness, and discovering and building new talents. The Academics and Sports program encourages a boy to do his best.

• Sports & Academics Programs - Learn more about the Cub Scout Academics & Sports Programs
• Cub Scout Academic Program - Individual Pin Requirements (From US Scouting Project Website)
• Cub Scout Sports Program - Individual Pin Requirements (From US Scouting Project Website)

Academics and Sports Belt Loops
A Scout may earn a belt loop to wear with his uniform by completing three specific requirements for each Academics or Sports activity. He can take part in three ways: (1) by himself or with his family, (2) in his den or pack, or (3) in school.

Academics and Sports Letter and Pins
Once the Scout has earned the belt loop, he can stop. But if he wants to do more with the activity, he may complete extra requirements to earn a pin. A good place to display Academics and Sports pins is on the Academics and Sports letter. The letter can be worn on a sweater or a jacket, or displayed or framed. The letter does not go on the Cub Scout uniform. There are no special requirements for earning the letter, because it's just for displaying the pins.

Additional Recognitions
Besides the belt loops and pins, there are other kinds of recognitions for the Academics and Sports program. These include pocket cards, medals, trophies, and a program emblem.

Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, Life, & Eagle Scout Rank

Useful Eagle Scout Helps and Forms

Eagle Packet Forms on the Web

Eagle applications. Effective August 1, 2009, the National BSA Office will no longer accept Eagle applications prior to the 2009 printing. The new Eagle Scout application (512-728) can be found on scouting.org. or by accessing the Eagle Application link below.

EAGLE APPLICANTS...You now have the option to fill out a paper copy of the Project Workbook & Eagle Application, or download & fill out the workbook & form on your computer.

Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook - Download this, & you can fill out this PDF version on your computer, or you can print it & fill it out on paper. - 512-912 PDF

Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook - This is the Word Document Version of this workbook.

Eagle Scout Rank Application - 2009 - Replaces ALL former EAGLE Applications as of August 1st! Download this, & you can fill out this PDF version on your computer, or you can print it out & fill it out on paper. - 512-728 PDF

Eagle Scout Character Reference
Letter to Unit Advancement Chairman
Helpful Hints for Eagle Candidates
Letter to Unit Leader
Letter to Life Scout

Trail To Eagle  - Helps from NESA

Eagle Palm - Application

Application for Alternative Merit Badges for Eagle Rank - A guide and application for Scouts with disabilities. The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout or Qualified* Venturer who has a physical or mental disability by qualifying for alternative merit badges.

 NESA - National Eagle Scout Association

National Eagle Scout Association - Website

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is a fellowship of men who have achieved the Eagle Scout rank and who desire using their efforts and influence toward forming the kind of young men America needs for leadership. The objective of NESA is "to Serve Eagle Scouts and through them, the entire movement of Scouting" - NESA

National Eagle Scout Association Membership Application - Link to form

Duplicate Eagle Scout/NESA Credentials Order Form - Link to form

National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship Application - Link to form & Application info for 2010

This link contains the NEW 2010 NESA Eagle Scout Scholarship application. The old ones will no longer be accepted, so please discard any old applications and use the new form!

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley will offer a scholarship program to Eagle Scouts who are graduates of a high school located within their service area. This includes the Greater Aurora Area, the Tri Cities & Kendall County. Eligibility is restricted to students who are currently enrolled in a 4 year college & who will attain Junior or Senior status in the 2010-2011 academic year.

• Eagle Scholarship Letter - Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
  

A Variety of Awards are Available in Venturing

•  Venturing Achievement and Recognition Awards - Overview of the Venturing Advancement Program

   Venturing Bronze Award

There are five different Venturing Bronze awards: Arts and Hobbies, Outdoor, Sea Scouts, Sports, and Religious Life. All five Bronze awards contain the common elements of experience, learning a skill, and sharing experiences and skills with others. Earning at least one Venturing Bronze Award is required for the Venturing Gold Award. The Venturing Bronze Award is designed as the first tier in the advancement track for Venturers so they can acquire usable skills that will carry them along the trail to the Venturing Silver Award.

The Venturing Bronze Award is a colorful, campaign-style ribbon that may be worn on the Sea Scout or Venturing uniform. If all five are earned, all five may be worn on the uniform. The ribbons have an icon representing the area in which it was earned superimposed on the ribbon.

• Venturing Bronze Award - Overview

Venturing Gold Award

Venturing Gold Award candidates must be active and registered Venturers for at least 12 months before final qualification. They must serve in a leadership role within the 12 months before final qualification. They must participate in a district, council, or national Venturing event or activity. They must set and accomplish one personal goal in each of the six areas. They must plan and lead at least two crew activities. They must recite the Venturing Oath. Three letters of recommendation from adults outside of the crew are required, and the candidate must make an oral presentation to a crew review committee. Finally, they must be approved and recommended by their crew committee.

• Venturing Gold Award - Overview
• Venturing Gold Award - Application

Venturing Silver Award

Venturers must be proficient in emergency preparedness (including standard first aid, CPR, and Safe Swim Defense), participate in Ethics in Action, complete the Venturing Leadership Skills Course, earn the Venturing Gold Award, and earn at least one of the five Venturing Bronze awards.

• Venturing Silver Award - Overview
• Venturing Silver Award - Application

 Venturing Ranger Award

The purpose of the award is to encourage Venturers to achieve a high level of outdoor skills proficiency; recognize achievement of this high level of outdoor skills proficiency; provide a path for outdoor/high-adventure skills training; and establish Rangers as a highly trained leadership resource for crews, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the community.

Ranger candidates must complete eight challenging core requirements:

And four of 18 challenging electives:

• Venturing Ranger Award - Overview of the Ranger Award