Conservation programs are popular activities for Scouts of all ages, and the Boy Scouts of America adheres to its long-standing policy of teaching youth and adult members to conserve, protect, and respect the environment. The BSA has been a positive force in conservation and environmental efforts for 100 years. Scouts have rendered distinguished public service by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water. The goal of awarding the Natural Resources Conservation Local Council Grants is to educate youth on the positive impact they can have on our environment through our conservation initiatives. Councils will apply for $10,000 grants in support of project development and implementation of new conservation programs or initiatives.

“The importance of good stewardship of the land is taught to every young person in the program,” said Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive for the Boy Scouts of America. “We appreciate the grant provided by The UPS Foundation, which will ensure that the newest generation of Scouts will learn more ways and better ways through the generous contribution.”

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: nonprofit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety, and environmental sustainability.

In 2009, The UPS Foundation distributed nearly $43.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as the Boy Scouts of America Natural Resources Conservation Local Council Grants and provide support for building stronger communities.

“Every day, Boy Scouts across the country learn vital life skills, as well as to value and appreciate the world around them—so we are proud to support the Boy Scouts of America’s 100–year effort to educate youth on the positive impact they can have on our environment,” said Ed Martinez, director of philanthropy and corporate relations for The UPS Foundation.

About the Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting organization is composed of 2.7 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 20, 1.1 million volunteers, and nearly 300 local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit http://www.scouting.org/.

About The UPS Foundation
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. UPS promotes community involvement through its ongoing volunteerism and grant programs, environmental sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In 2009, UPS’s charitable contributions totaled nearly $100 million, and UPS employees and their families contributed more than 1.2 million hours of volunteer service. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

Source: Boy Scouts of America Press Release

 At OKPIK you can:
-  Cross country ski and snowshoe in the back country.
-  Camp comfortably in below zero temperatures.
-  Experience the Introduction to Dog Sledding program offered to Scouts and Venturers attending OKPIK.
-  Do Musher Camp and Dog Sled Treks (our more extensive dog sled programs) with your older youth.
 
Also Webelos with their adult partner can participate in most winter activities but get to “camp” indoors. 
 
Council’s should also consider sending staff or volunteers to the OKPIK: Cold Weather Leader Training, January 4 – 9, 2011. This is the perfect training for your Council to learn how to put on Local Council Cold Weather Camping events safely from the experts.
 
 Reservations can be made during business hours 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Visit www.ntier.org to obtain a reservation form, view an OKPIK video, check the OKPIK availability chart, and learn more information about the summer, autumn, and winter programs we have to offer.

The Buzz is on location at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree to talk about one of the newest merit badges: Robotics!

Featuring: Marianne Elden from Internal Communications and Brad Lauer with VEX Robotics.

The Buzz is on location at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree to talk about the new “BeAScout” recruitment program.

http://www.beascout.org

Featuring: Marianne Elden from Internal Communications and Marty Walsh from Membership Impact.

“Protection of our youth is at the very heart of Scouting and our most essential goal,” said Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca. “The Boy Scouts has long sought continuing improvement in our Youth Protection program in order to provide the safest possible environment for our young people. We are confident that Mike, working in close coordination with other experts in law enforcement, psychiatry and other disciplines, will build upon existing policies to further enhance Scouting’s educational and training programs and continue to improve our existing policies and procedures.”

“Throughout its history, the Boy Scouts of America has been at the forefront of youth protection,” Johnson stated. “I believe in the organization’s commitment to youth protection, I am encouraged by the continued progress the Scouts have made, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that Scouting is as safe as possible for all of our members.”

Johnson has conducted hundreds of trainings for law enforcement and child services professionals worldwide. A native of San Antonio, Texas, Johnson most recently served in the juvenile division of the Plano (Texas) Police Department. He joined the department in September 1982 and began working in the criminal investigations division devoted to investigating child abuse cases in 1986. He is a founding member of the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center, and in 1996 he was named the center’s Child Advocate of the Year. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

Johnson has served on the National Board of Directors for the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) and was president of the APSAC Texas State Chapter. He has served on numerous other national boards and task forces, including the National Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, the Law Enforcement Subcommittee for several of APSAC’s national colloquiums, and the working group for the establishment of the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth. And, he has been instrumental in helping shape state laws to protect children from child abuse. 

Source: BSA Press Release

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Derrick R. Hurt, Joint Task Force-National Scout Jamboree team leader and emergency preparedness badge instructor, was re-enlisted by Air Force Brig. Gen Robert C. Nolan II, commander, JTF-NSJ on July 30.

On a hot, humid day at the Eagle Scout Alumni Arena, National Scout Jamboree held on Ft. A. P. Hill, Va., an unusual event occurred. Petty Officer 1st Class Derrick Ray Hurt, also known as Eagle Scout Derrick Hurt, was re-enlisted by Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert C. Nolan II, commander, Joint Task Force-National Scout Jamboree.

“I am a Navy corpsman wearing a Marine uniform, re-enlisting on an Army fort by an Air Force general,” said Hurt, describing the event. “You will never be able to cover all those bases again.”

Nolan described Hurt as a Corpsman that always ran into harms way when the call came for medical help while deployed in Iraq; supporting the Marines and other forces.

Hurt is here supporting the JTF-NSJ as the team lead for Emergency Preparedness at the Jamboree’s Merit Badge Midway.

“This is a great opportunity to mesh my two passions in life, Boy Scouts and the military,” said Hurt.

Hurt credits the scouts for giving him the foundation as a leader, and the knowledge to excel as a Navy corpsman.

After his re-enlistment, Hurt was presented with a complimentary lifetime membership to the Eagle Scout Alumni Association.

Story and Photo By: Staff Sgt. Wynnfred Hoke

A Boy Scout ties a split to the arm of Jeff Gordon, driver of the National Guard's No. 24 NASCAR, during the 2010 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., July 29.

With little urging by Sgt. Ken Weichert, thousands of Boy Scouts from around the country cheered as NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Jeff Gordon walked onto the stage here at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree July 29.

“It’s awesome to be a part of this and an honor to be here … as we represent the men and women of the National Guard every week out there on the race track,” said Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 National Guard-sponsored NASCAR racecar. “To get to see what you have been doing here the last few days, and the excitement you guys have, it’s incredible.”

Dale Earnhardt, Jr., told the Scouts that he had no idea what to expect at the jamboree. “I went on YouTube to figure out what we were getting in to, and this is pretty cool what you are doing.

“We appreciate you guys welcoming us like this and we hope you have fun today while we’re here,” said the driver of the No. 88 National Guard-sponsored NASCAR racecar.

After answering a few questions that were previously submitted by some of the Scouts, Gordon and Earnhardt participated in a head-to-head competition on stage with members of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national honor society.

The competition between Team Gordon and Team Earnhardt required the Scouts to use their first aid training, as they had to splint the leg, sling the arm and treat the burn of the driver of their respective teams.

After a lightning round, Team Gordon took home the prize, but in the end, everyone was a winner, and they each received a small trophy and a group photo with the drivers.

In addition to the NASCAR superstars, the National Guard featured American Motorcyclists Association superbike driver Jason Zemke and several World Wrestling Entertainment personalities, including Sgt. Slaughter.

“The kids are really enjoying seeing the military here, and there is a lot of buzz in the air because of that,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Brubaker, a Montana National Guard member, who was the master of ceremonies for the Guard activities.

More than 44,000 were here to celebrate the 100th year of Scouting, and about 600 National Guardsmen from 15 states supported the jamboree.

“To be a part of this organization and have the opportunity to come out and support the Boy Scouts like this is a great privilege,” said Brubaker. “Seeing them have so much fun has motivated myself to have fun as well.”

Story and Photo By: Sgt. Darron Salzer

A member of the Golden Knights, the United States Army's parachute demonstration team, supports the Joint Task Force-National Scout Jamboree by dropping into the Boy Scouts of America 2010 National Scout Jamboree

The vast, wooded forests and rolling, green hills of Fort A.P. Hill, Va., have provided a rich, natural environment for each Boy Scouts of America’s National Jamboree since 1981. Thousands of scouts from across the country partake in the opportunity to hike the scenic trails, spot the varieties of wildlife and appreciate the ecological wonders of the area.

But as the scouts enjoyed the events on the campgrounds, there were plenty of activities taking place in the skies above them. Between lessons to earn merit badges and trade patches with new friends, scouts often looked up to see U.S. Army National Guard Black Hawk UH-60 helicopters careen through the air. And behind the aircraft, a trail of two or three parachutists floated downward almost right near where the scouts were standing, something to make their time there even more special.

The West Virginia West Army National Guard helicopters from West Virginia partnered with other military service branches and civilian organizations throughout the 2010 National Scout Jamboree here at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., July 26-August 4. The units’ performances are scheduled and coordinated by the Joint Task Force-Aviation Task Force in support of the Jamboree and the 100th Anniversary of scouting.

The guard helicopters are not only utilized for air shows and parachute jumps, but for emergency contingencies like using “Bambi buckets” to collect water to extinguish potential forest fires. The Guard conducted a simulated exercise by collecting and dumping water at Thunder Lake on Fort A.P. Hill July 23.

“All the aviation assets you’ll see for this operation are Army National Guard helicopters,” said U.S. Army National Guard Lt. Col. John Till, Aviation Task Force commander. “It’s definitely a joint exercise with civilian emergency services, the fire department, Air Force air traffic controllers on the ground, and the Army in the air.”

For the Jamboree itself, Guard helicopters took members of the “Wings of Blue” parachute team from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., through several high- and low-altitude jumps over the Jamboree campgrounds.

“We’re glad the military could help out with the Joint Task Force help out on the Jamboree,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Drinkard, U.S. Air Force Academy “Wings of Blue” parachute team.

Drinkard and fellow parachutists participated in dozens of jumps throughout the week, some at heights between 4,500 and 9,000 feet. Some jumpers even utilized elaborate smoke streamers or carried military service and prisoner-of-war flags as they descended closer to the campgrounds, especially during one of the Jamboree’s arena shows.

While the appearance of the aircraft and jumpers may add extra flair for Jamboree spectators, West Virginia U.S. Army Guard Chief Warrant Officer James Wildman, Black Hawk pilot, said working with other service branches made the trip more unique for him and his team.

And according to U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Jesse Galt, a parachutist with “Wings of Blue” and former Eagle Scout, the chance to jump from a helicopter to the Jamboree fairgrounds also had special significance.

“Three years ago, I was a boy scout and now I’m jumping into air shows all over the country and the world,” Galt said.

“This joint task force has been a very professional organization that’s run very well,” Wildman said. “And it’s a pleasure to be here and support the jamboree, too.”

Joint Task Force-National Scout Jamboree plans and executes all Department of Defense operations and activities in support of the Boy Scouts of America at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A. P. Hill.

The JTF’s goal is to provide professional military support and a safe and secure environment for Scouts and visitors during the event.

The Department of Defense’s presence and effort at the NSJ emphasizes the commitment to the nation’s youth.

Story By: Airman 1st Class Joe Mcfadden
Photo By: Spc. Alisha Hauk

Soldiers out of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with the Joint Task Force-National Scout Jamboree man the pioneering merit badge booth and assist boy scouts with the tasks necessary to earn the badge at the Boy Scouts of America 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree held at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., July 26 through Aug. 4.

Military service members from all five branches of the United States military and Department of Defense employees alike are some of the thousands who swarmed to Fort A.P. Hill, Va., as part of Joint Task Force National Scout Jamboree for the Boy Scouts of America 2010 National Scout Jamboree.

The JTF supports the Jamboree in a variety of ways — from providing jamboree security and medical assistance to setting up, and manning, merit badge booths.

“It was actually sponsored by the engineer school at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., for us to come out here and work a few merit badges,” said Mark Dean, a Department of Defense videographer and producer from Fort Leonard Wood and an Eagle Scout, working at the pioneering merit badge booth. “Engineers typically provide the support for the pioneering merit badge and the drafting merit badge.”

There are quite a few tasks scouts must master in order to earn their pioneering merit badge, Dean explained, including how to make a rope from different materials, knot tying, lashing things together, block and tackle methods and erecting a double-A tressel bridge.

“The military still uses certain types of hasty bridges for really quick work,” Dean said. “That’s one reason why the engineers are supporting this. It’s actually an Army skill.”

The last task necessary to earn a pioneering merit badge is for the scouts to cross their own bridge, Dean said.

“They’re building their own confidence,” he explained. “They have to do their knots right to be able to support their own weight.”

On top of the excitement generated by the military services working together with boy scouts, the jamboree also provides the Department of Defense with a chance to provide service members and civilians with valuable training.

“The Army uses this as a training exercise for the Soldiers and even us civilians,” Dean said. “We learn a lot. It’s a huge, logistical exercise for the Department of Defense.”

On a whole, said Dean, this is a good experience for everyone involved.

“I can see how this is very valuable to both the military and the scouts,” he said. “Both sides benefit and work together really well.”

Story and Photo By: Spc. Alisha Hauk

A total of 83 Soldiers from the Utah National Guard's 141st Military Intelligence Battalion have earned the distinction of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America.

The Utah National Guard’s 141st Military Intelligence Battalion will deploy to Iraq in a few weeks with a total 83 Soldiers, who have earned their Eagle Scout award from the Boy Scouts of America.

“It’s easy being a battalion commander of Eagle Scouts, because you don’t have to worry about them,” said Lt. Col. Matt Price, the battalion commander and a scout leader for his sons, including three Eagle Scouts. “They have high values, because they have been taught that as young men. You can trust them.”

The 286-member unit is currently in field training at their pre-mobilization site, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

During a recent meeting with civilian employers, Price asked all the Eagle Scouts in the room to stand. Almost half of his unit stood up, he said.

So, during the next battalion formation, the Eagle Scouts were asked to stay behind for a group photo. That is when they counted off as 83 Eagle Scouts representing all ranks and many military occupational specialties.

The unit’s command sergeant major, Michael Lofland, is also a scout master.

“We feel like the scout program,” Price said. “To me the scout law is similar to Army values.”

Price said he believes Robert Baden Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts, would be proud of his creation. “We’re celebrating 100 years of Boy Scouting this year, and if he could look back and see what is going on he would be quite happy.”

In Iraq, the battalion will conduct human intelligence missions with Iraqi security forces. “We will be directly training and advising them how to do force protection,” he said.

Price said he appreciates the uniqueness of his citizen Soldiers. They are older and college educated with more real world experience as teachers and police officers.

“I am bringing a group of community leaders with me to Iraq,” he said.

Price said his Eagle Scouts also bring additional skills to the Guard. “The Boy Scout program itself teaches young men to be men,” he said. “You teach them values. The scout law … You are teaching them survivability skills. They are used to camping and used to roughing it.”

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men, according to published reports. The title is held for life.

Between the ages of 12 and 18, a Scout will work to achieve this accomplishment by earning 12 required merit badges and nine elective merit badges.

He must also demonstrate “Scout Spirit” through the Boy Scout oath and law, service and leadership, which includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads and manages.

Earning the Eagle Scout’s badge was “the only thing I had done in my life that led me to think that I could make a difference; that I could be a leader,” Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told an estimated crowd of 45,000 gathered on 12,000 acres on Fort A.P. Hill, Va., as part of the annual National Scout Jamboree yesterday.

“It was the first thing I had done that told me I might be different, because I had worked harder, was more determined, more goal-oriented, more persistent than most others,” said Gates, who is also an Eagle Scout.

Price said the key to scouting is service to others.

“To be able to protect yourself and your family but also look outwards and help others,” he said. “These are different kinds of Soldiers. They look beyond themselves. We are bringing a higher quality of citizen-Soldier with us, who is looking for ways to help other people.”

Story By: Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
Photo By: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott Faddis