Please support and pray for the families of Pack 170 of the Connecticut Yankee Council

To: National Board, Advisory Council, and our BSA family:   We are all struggling to come to grips with the tragic school shooting in Connecticut. I have the sad responsibility to report that this tragedy has also struck within the Scouting family.   We’ve been informed two of the young victims, 7-year-old Chase Kowalski and 6-year-old Benjamin Wheeler, were new Tiger Cub Scouts with Pack 170 in the Connecticut Yankee Council. In addition, three of the victims were siblings of other boys in Pack 170. Victoria Soto, one of the hero teachers, was an Explorer as a youth.   Please join me in remembering these victims and families in your prayers.   We have been in touch with council leadership. The National Council is offering any support possible during this difficult time.    Working with the leadership of Pack 170, the Connecticut Yankee Council has established a memorial fund in support of the five families. If interested, donations, cards, and letters can be sent to the Pack 170 Memorial Fund, c/o Connecticut Yankee Council, P.O. Box 32, Milford, CT 06460   God bless everyone as we take a step back and think about the safety and well-being of our own families and loved ones in the midst of this national time of mourning.

Thank you for your support of Scouting For Food

On November 17th 2012, thousands of Scouts flooded the valley and gathered food for our annual Scouting For Food Drive.   Many of the Cub Scouts dropped bags off at peoples doors with instructions to fill them up and leave them out for our Boy Scouts to come and pick up on Saturday the 17th.  Countless hours were given to this great project and nearly 200 tons of food was collected and distributed to the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities.  The food donated will feed needy families in the Las Vegas Area for nearly 8 months.

Special thanks goes to our Scouting For Food Chairman, Jim Ness who has lead this effort for the past 14 years.  Thank you Jim for your continued support and leadership.

 Troop 903 working the super site at the Smith's on Eastern and Windmill

Thank you to Smith's food stores for providing bags and storefront locations for our collections.  The United Way also contributes each year to help us produce the bags that are used for this great day of service.

Scouting For Food

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HHehBSdU60&sns=em

Kimball Scout Reservation Observitory Coming Soon

http://www.lvrj.com/news/stargazers-boy-scouts-plan-to-set-up-mount-potosi-observatory-179249711.html

2013 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Resreve

Join us on a historic trip to the 2013 National Jamboree.  The 2013 Jamboree will be the first Jamboree held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.  Our boys will be leaving in mid July on a historic tour of some of our countries original settlements.  They will be visiting Boston, New York, and Washington D. C.  The boys will then enjoy all of the activities provided for them by the thousands of volunteers that make the Jamboree possible.  The following link can provide you with additional information.  https://summit.scouting.org/en/Jamboree2013/Pages/default.aspx

There are still 20 spots open for boys to go and share in this once in a lifetime experience.  The costs are either $2,000 for the Jamboree only or $3,000 to go on the prejamboree tour and then the Jamboree. 

The Jamboree staff is still looking for hundreds of volunteers.  If you are interested please visit the scouting.org and apply today.  We hope to see you at the Summit.

Passet Lodge at Kimball Scout Reservation

The Passet Lodge is now complete.  This adds to the new western mining town theme and provides great housing for our adult staffers. 

We look forward to many more new attractions such as, a blacksmith shop, panning for gold, and much more at Kimball for 2013.  Thanks to our generous donors for making this happen.

Boy Scouts of America Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary of the first Eagle Scout

Andrew Moffat one of the most recent Eagle Scouts in the Las Vegas Area Council was recognized along with representatives from the Las Vegas Area Council at the most recent City Council Meeting.  Councilman Steve Ross recognized the Boys Scouts of America for their service to the community and the thousands of hours of service given each year.  It is an honor to know that the rank of Eagle Scout represents leadership, service and everything that is right in our great country.

Thanks for a great summer season.

The Las Vegas Area Council has experienced a great summer full of activities and camps that have delivered the spirit of Scouting to the youth of this community.  Thanks for your support in attending our camps and participating in our activities.  Our participation numbers are up over last year and we hope to have your support in greater numbers in the future.

New Founders Lodge at Kimball Scout Reservation

Mountain Biking at Del Webb

Rock Climbing at Del Webb

Campfire program at Del Webb

Del Webb Scout Camp offers great high adventure and trekking programs for older boys and great traditional summer camp programs for those working on advancements.  If you have never been to Del Webb before come and see for your self what one of the most beautiful camps in America has to offer.

Space Exploration at Kimball Scout Reservation

http://youtu.be/bwl0vdEBYis

Kimball Scout Reservation

Check out the experience that unit 463 had at Kimball Scout Reservation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-Uvv95p_z0

Kimball Scout Reservation In Action

If you have not seen Kimball Scout Reservation lately, you need to come and see what all the fuss is about.  We have added new programs and facilities to make your camping experience top notch.

Our new clay pigeon throwers make it easier for our youth to excell at the Shotgun Merit Badge

The new basketball stand gives the boys something fun to do during free swim. 

 The Honor Trail is a great evening activity that ends with a interfaith worship service

Our interfaith service at Serenity Hall

 First Aid being taught under the new porch of the Founders Lodge

 Yes, they are fishing at Lake Marrietta.  The lake was recently stocked with catfish and bluegill.  This last week boys spent time in the evenings trying to catch the biggest fish.  Some succeeded and others had fun trying.

We have bought new shotguns, clay pigeon throwers, kayaks, pool toys, and so much more.  Scoutmasters can even get WIFI on the new porch to keep on their work.  We are committed to making camp a better place and we have just scratched the surface of the things to come.

Thanks for you support.



Bass Pro Shop and Boy Scouts of America Team Up to

Bass Pro Shops Family Camp and Activities
Click above link for more information on Family Camp at Bass Pro
Fishing and Rifle Shooting Merit Badges being offered. Class sizes are limited. Register by calling Customer Service, 702-730-5200.

Classes are taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. according to the following schedule:

Tuesday, June 12	Fishing	Thursday, June 28	Rifle Shooting
Thursday, June 14	Rifle Shooting	Tuesday, July 3	Rifle Shooting
Tuesday, June 19	Rifle Shooting	Thursday, July 5	Fishing
Thursday, June 21	Fishing	Tuesday, July 10	Fishing
Tuesday, June 26	Fishing	Thursday, July 12	Rifle Shooting

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageC?storeId=10151&catalogId=-1&lf=&pageID=4766&cm_Sp=Sur

Kimball Scout Reservations New Look

The new buildings at Kimball Scout Reservation make your camping experience even better.

Here is a look at the downtown part of camp looking from the Shotgun Range. 

Our Health Officer teaching the First Aid  merit badge to some of our first week Scouts.

The Founders Health Lodge provides a great facility to take care of campers and also provides plenty of shade and for the leaders.  You can even catch up on emails with WIFI now available.


The new Potosi Pete's Trading post also has a porch that provides shade. For all those looking to cool off they can come in get a cold drink or slushy and relax under the porch.

Looking at the Trading Post from the Founders Lodge porch.

Trees have been planted and many more to come will be planted to help provide additional shade.  If you have not seen Kimball Scout Reservation lately you need to come see what we have to offer and put us in your camp rotation.  We promise you won't be disapointed.



New Buildings at Kimball Scout Reservation

As promised we will continue to give you updates on the new buildings under construction at Kimball Scout Reservation

Here is the new founders lodge at Kimball.  This building will serve as the new medical building and camp office.  The porch will be reserved for Scout Masters to catch some shade under and maybe even catch up on some emails from back at the office.  This building will be complete by the end of May, 2012 and ready for use this coming summer.

If yo have not been to Kimball lately, its time to come and see what we are all about and the great program that we offer to our youth.

Cub Day Camp Season Is Here

As the weather warms up so does the Cub Scout activities.  Cub Scouts from around the valley will be participating in Day Camps in their local area.  This years theme is Cubing Down Under.  The boys will learn about the Australian culture by doing activities, crafts, skits, and games.  Go to lvacbsa.org and scroll down on the front page and click on the cub day camp for detailed information.  We look forward to seeing your boys at Day Camp

Jump For Scouting

How do you show your support for Scouting?  Are you willing to jump 855 feet off of the Statosphere Tower in an effort to raise money for inners city Scout units?  If so then next year you need to participate in the annual Jump For Scouting event.  This year the Las Vegas Area Council held its second annual Jump For Scouting to benefit the inner city Scoutreach programs of the Counil.  Each jumper is asked to raise $1,000 to sponsor their jump.  Many of them are willing to write a check and some had many friends and coworkers help pitch in.  In the end it is all the same valueable money is raised to provide Scouting to youth who can not afford it on their own.  What a great way to provide the values of Scouting to the youth of Las Vegas.

Show your support next year by jumping yourself or help fund a jumper from you business.

The following individuals participated in todays event.

Kelli Ross, State Senate Canidate

Mark Hutchison Senior Partner Hutchison & Steffen Law

Mark Shank VP NV Energy

Caroline Ciocca, Cash America

Jack Mallory, Int. Union Painters and Allied Trades

Mike Gorman, AMR General Manager

Michelle Thackston, City of Las Vegas

Tina Quigly General Manager, Regional Transportation Commission

Darren Mehling VP, United Healthcare of Las Vegas

Scott Stevens, Towbin Auto Group

Chip Schwarze Las Vegas Area Council

Kendra Calendine Las Vegas Area Council

Ed Janov Senior VP/Corp. Development Southwest Gas Corp.

Brandon Dervishan Las Vegas Boy Scouts

Jessica Raftery, Las Vegas Acad.

Keith Kelly Las Vegas Area Council

JR Mendoza Las Vegas Area Council

rked the second annual JUMP FOR SCOUTING. 

Scout Day With The UNLV Rebels

On February 25th the Las Vegas Area Council and the University of Nevada Las Vegas joined efforts to have Scout Day with the UNLV basketball team.

Around 550 Scouts and Scouters enjoyed a 10 point victory by the Rebels and after the game they were able to go down on the court and shoot a foul shot.  Some of the Scouts met some of the players and coaches.  It was a great experience for all those who came out.  We look forward to continuing our relationship with the UNLV Rebels.  In the future look for Scout Day with the UNLV baseball, and football teams.

2012 Mountain Man Rendezvous

The Las Vegas Area Council kicked off our activities this year with the biggest Mountain Man Rendezvous on record.  Over 1700 Scouts and 300 leaders enjoyed the beautiful weather at the Moapa Indian Reservation.  In addition to the scouts and leaders in attendance it takes over 300 volunteers to pull this event off.  A special thanks goes to event chairman Steve Ross,  and Kenyon Crouch and Dan Lord for their leadership.  This event would never happen without the sacrifice of all our passionate staff members.

Model Camp Site
This is what you would have seen in a real Mountain Man Rendezvous

Activities include Archery, Atlatle, Black Powder rifle and shotgun, panning, whips, beaver sticks, knife throwing, tomahawk, blacksmithing, arrowmaking, pioneering, slingshot, and so much more.  The traders row is one of the favorite activities of all the boys. 

Channel 3 NBC Las Vegas came out on Friday night and did the weather report.  Check out our kids in action at the link below.



http://www.mynews3.com/content/news/weather/story/Mountain-Man-Rendevous-weather/vQMWRRl5cEGC5MmQPUADXg.cspx

Join us next year for an even bigger and better  Mountain Man Rendezvous.  If your unit has never attended the Mountain Man Rendezvous you are missing out.  You will not be disappointed and your boys will be begging you to go back year after year.

Boy Scouts of America Announce New Welding Merit Badge

        The Boy Scouts of America collaborated with the American Welding Society, BSA Health and Safety Committee, and OSHA members to create the Welding merit badge.

       Scouts can begin working on this merit badge at the end of February or early March, when the pamphlet is in Scout shops.   Welding Merit Badge involves hands on skill development with career focus. 

What: Hands on skill development with career focus

Where: Requirements and Pamphlets available  

in Scout Shops and online at www.scout.stuff 

or www.scouting.org/meritbadges (req. online now)

When: “Earn Date” starts very soon end of February or early March—will confirm this week.

Why: The youth showed significant interest* and this topic fits well with the merit badge portfolio and Scouting program to better prepare youth with skills for the future.

Support Resources:

Merit Badge Counselors are being recruited with the help of the AWS—American Welding Society and interested people are sent to the local Council via the council locator. 

 

If you have any local resources to help us kick this merit bagde please contact us at (702)736-4366

 

 

Scout Night With The Wranglers

Scout Night with the Las Vegas Wranglers

On Saturday, January 14, 2012 over 900 Scouts and family members attended the Las Vegas Wranglers hockey game.  The evening was also a recognition event for the top sellers of popcorn.  69 Scouts that sold over $1,500 in popcorn this past fall were recognized with a pre-game pizza party.  Each Scout received a $1,500 Club t-shirt and a souvenir hockey puck. The top sellers were also recognized on center ice after the second intermission. 

Four luck Scouts were selected to ride the Zamboni before and during the game: Cub Scouts Danny Durham, Pack 16; Colin Granger, Pack 219; Grant Stafford, Pack 352; and Che Harrington, Pack 930.  The colors were presented by Boy Scout Troop 34, Sunhawk District.  They were the highest selling troop in the council selling over $38,000 in popcorn.  Boy Scout Jariss Thompson, of Troop 34 dropped the ceremonial first puck to start the game.  Jariss sold $6,405 in popcorn, the Council top seller for 2011.

 Troop 34 presenting the Pledge of Allegance

After game all of the Scouts and their family members were able to go on the ice and receive autographs from the Wrangler’s hockey players.  It was a great event, and a lot of fun. 

Together We Can Make 2012 A Record Year

Great things are happening here in the Las Vegas Area Coucil and we need your involvment to make 2012 one of the greatest years of Scouting ever.

1.  Sign your Unit up for Summer Camp and Day Camp

Three great camps to choose from  Del Webb, Kimball Scout Reservation, and Levi Levi.  When a unit attends one of the Council Camps and keeps money local we are able to make capital improvements and add new programs to make your Scouting experience even better.

We are committed to improving our properties and enhancing the program that we offer to our units.  In 2011 we were able to start two new buildings at Kimball.  One will be for our staff and weekend use for our trainings and leaders.  The other is our new office and health lodge.  We look forward to sharing pictures with you as we complete the projects this spring.  We also had Uncle Bills Climbing Wall donated in 2011.  Uncle Bills Wall is a 32 foot portable climbing wall that units and districts can reserve for activities.  At Del Webb we fixed the road from upper camp to middle camp and now you can get in and out of camp with out any worries.  We have many more projects lined up for 2012 and the Council Camping Committee is organizing work days at all camps to help us get projects done.

New Mountain Boarding Program at Del Webb

Hiking Fortress Peak

Levi Levi

Waterfront at Del Webb

Climbing at Del Webb