As you know the Boy Scouts of America is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2010. Leading up to the big year, they are hosting numerous events and contests. The first of these contests was one open to all of its youth members to design a logo for the 100th Anniversary celebration.

Well, they just announced the overall winner, and that honor went to a logo that was designed by Philip Goolkasian, a 17-year-old Eagle Scout from Fresno, California. According to the release it was picked from more than 4,000 entries.

The 100 Years of Scouting Website explains why Phillips design was chosen:

Philip’s design took the traditional elements of Scouting and integrated them to create something new and modern. The eagle cutting through the letters B and S fashions a look that is both dynamic and elegant. His design overcomes a common challenge for creating a good logo. He incorporates all of the necessary the elements, but simplifies them into a strong, concise statement. Philip’s logo succeeds in communicating the essence of the Boy Scouts of America and the 100th Anniversary, while resisting the urge to add unnecessary elements.

The sub category winners have yet to be released but here is some information on the four categories. Over 2,600 entries were received in the Tiger/Cub/Webelos Scout category. The Boy Scout category has more than 1,100 entries. Venturers submitted more than 30 entries, and the Eagle Scout category had more than 100 entries. Submissions were revieved from all 50 states and overseas entries were submitted from the various military sponsored units.

For those that entered be aware, of this advisory from the Contest Website:

Due to the overwhelming response to the 100th Anniversary Logo Contest, we are running just a bit behind schedule in preparing the personalized contest participation certificates and mailing these along with a commemorative patch to each Scout who entered. We’ll get these out just as quickly as possible - Scouts Honor!

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Jack Sinclair, a 15 year-old Scout from Australia is planning to ride across Australia to raise money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters Australia. Jack and his Dad plan to make the 2800-mile trip, from Perth to Surfers Paradise, in 30 days, starting September 11, 2008.

Jack says he was inspired to do the ride after watching Scottish actor Ewan McGregor’s documentary detailing a “Long Way Round” motorcycle trip from London to New York.

“My dad (Brendon) does lots of cycling and I said to him it would be great to do what Ewan did, but across Australia,” said Jack.

Brendon’s not so convinced. “It’s all a terrible mistake – I thought he meant ride across Australia on motorbikes and I thought I had a couple of years before he got his license,” said Jack’s father Brendon.

“I’ve been trying to wiggle out of this but I gave my word – I’m 41 and just want to sit on the couch and eat pies…but he won’t let me!” said Brendon.

Brendon may joke about being out of shape and lazy but he has competed in Charity bike rides in the past. In fact it was after Brendon rode in the Sydney to Surfers Charity ride, last year, that Jack became interested in cycling.

Jack has signed on Robbie McEwen, one of the great legends of World Cycling, as the Ride Ambassador. “For a young man of just 15 years of age to undertake this huge journey with the discipline and commitment he is showing is inspiring,” said Robbie.

The father son team has already broken down the ride by day and have been working out with Chisel Fitness since October 2007. “Chris and the guys at Chisel are just fantastic and the amount of work they have put into helping us be in the right shape has been simply amazing,” says Brendon.

Jack also credits his scouting background, “Scouts really has trained me for the ride - training and doing a ride like this is about discipline, self reliance and perseverance. Helping others is also a huge part of Scouts and I hope to do that with the ride.”

They’ll be using the ride to raise funds to help continue the great work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia - the leading youth mentoring organization in Australia. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides disadvantaged young people in need of additional support and friendship, with a caring volunteer mentor and positive role model.

You can learn more about Jack, the ride, and even make a donation online at http://www.perthtoparadise.com.au.

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Michael Ross and Jose Contreras received President’s Volunteer Service Awards at a recent Boy Scouts of America conference. Anne MacDonald, Associate Director of USA Freedom Corps. presented the awards.

An Eagle Scout who volunteered to return as a Troop Leader in 2000, Ross was placed in the North Oak Cliff area of Dallas, a neighborhood that had been hurting for volunteer leaders for some time. Since volunteering for duty, he has been the founding Scoutmaster of Troop 2012 at the J. Erik Jonsson Community School and has been actively serving in building the District-level activities as well as the regional Camporee program, while participating in the World Jamboree.

An achievement that Ross holds even closer to the heart is the relationship that he’s developed with Troop 2012’s first Eagle Scout, Jose Contreras. Contreras, of course a volunteer in his own right, has overcome significant obstacles to receive his Eagle. While working after school as well as helping to care for a younger sibling, he still found the time to earn his Eagle by organizing a blood drive for Carter Blood Center, working on Hurricane Katrina relief projects through World Vision, and participated in many otherservice projects. At one point when difficulties in maintaining his grueling schedule became overwhelming, Contreras was tempted to give up. Ross intervened. By providing encouragement in his home and assisting his family in locating resources that enabled Contreras to persevere, Ross’ caring influence and Contreras’ tremendous courage will culminate in Contreras graduating from high school in December.
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