To view the council calendar, visit www.chicagobsa.org or click here.

SILVER BEAVER NOMINATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
Annually, the Chicago Area Council recognizes the contributions of volunteer Scouters with the Silver Beaver Award, the Boy Scouts of America's highest honor for service in a local council. Many of your fellow Scouters are deserving of this award and should be considered for recognition. However, in order to receive the award, one must be nominated by another Scouter. If you know a deserving Scouter, send in their nomination form today. Nominations are due to the Steve Fossett Center for Scouting no later than 4:30pm on November 30th. There are some important changes for this year's nominations.  First, only the 2012 nomination form will be accepted, any other version of this form will be returned unconsidered.  Additionally, the committee will only consider the first four letters of recommendation submitted for a nominee.  This means that if more than one nomination is submitted for the same person, the first four letters submitted will be used and the others will not be considered.  This change has been made to respect the selection committee's time and to prevent "stacking the deck."  If you have any questions about the procedure for making a Silver Beaver Award nomination, please contact Shayna Hofmeister at shayna.hofmeister@scouting.org.

COUNCIL VENTURING LEADERSHIP AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
The Venturing Leadership Award is presented by councils, areas, regions, and the BSA National Council to Venturers who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Venturing Code and Venturing Oath.

Qualifications:
- Be registered and involved as a Venturer for at least one year.
- Be a youth member when nominated for the award.
- Hold a leadership position or an office at the unit, district, council, area, region, or national level (as appropriate for the level of the award presented).
- Show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Venturing and to Venturers (on the level appropriate for the award).

To make a nomination:
- This nomination form must be submitted to the Steve Fossett Center for Scouting no later than 4:30pm on November 30th.
- Attach letters of recommendation from Venturers, Scouters, acquaintances, teachers, place of worship, etc.
- Attach additional sheets, if necessary.
- Attach a picture of the nominee when submitting the form. 

SAVE THE DATE - COUNCIL ANNUAL DINNER
The 2013 Council Annual Dinner will be held on the evening of Sunday, February 24th at the Victoria Rosemont (Rosemont Holiday Inn Express) 6600 Mannheim Road Rosemont, IL 60018.  At this 50's/Sock Hop theme dinner we will present the Silver Beaver Awards, Venturing Leadership Award and celebrate all of our adult volunteer leaders and all of the council’s accomplishments in 2012!

UNITED WAY
The Chicago Area Council no longer receives funding allocations automatically from the United Way. The only way to ensure your donation is directed to Scouting is by stating your preference on your annual pledge form. You will receive a reminder in the mail on how to designate your contribution to help fund the programs, leader training and infrastructure expenses that the Council assumes to ensure your Scouts have a quality experience. If you do not receive the letter or need it sooner please click here to be directed to the new form and additional instructions. As always, thanks for partnering with us to make Scouting available to Chicagoland’s youth.

FRIENDS OF SCOUTING APPEAL
We have recently partnered with J. Milito & Associates, Inc. to help us with our Friends of Scouting appeal.  Some of you may be receiving a call during the month of September.

POPCORN 2012
It’s not too late for a unit to sign up and sell popcorn this fall.  Please go to www.chicagobsa.org/popcorn or fill out the attached form.  Kernels may still sign up for a coaching session for a 1% bonus.  Contact Steve Adams 312-421-8800 ext. 202 or steve.adams@scouting.org. 

September is a great opportunity to take some orders while the weather is nice.  Include those orders in your Show & Deliver Orders, which are due Monday, September 10th for pickup on Saturday, September 22nd.  North Side units pick up at DHL, Franklin Park and South Side units pick up at New Process Steel, Alsip.

MESSENGERS OF PEACE
Launched in September 2011 and recently adopted by BSA, Messengers of Peace is a global initiative designed to inspire millions of young men and women in more than 220 countries and territories to work toward peace. Using social media, the initiative lets Scouts from around the world share what they’ve done and inspire fellow Scouts to undertake similar efforts in their own communities. The initiative is inspired by the World Scout Committee, administered by the World Scout Bureau, and driven by youth volunteers worldwide.

Defining Peace
In terms of the MOP initiative, peace encompasses three dimensions:
1.The personal dimension: harmony, justice, and equality
2.The community dimension: peace as opposed to hostility or violent conflict
3.Relationships between humankind and its environment: security, social and economic welfare, and relationship with the environment

Any Scout or Scouter who participates in a project that has had a significant impact on the community in any one of the three dimensions above can qualify as a Messenger of Peace.

Submitting Projects
Submitting MOP-related projects is easy for BSA units. All they need to do is check the Messengers of Peace box when entering a service project through the Journey to Excellence website (www.scouting.org/Awards/JourneyToExcellence). Doing so will add the project to the map on the Messengers of Peace website (http://scoutmessengers.com) and will generate a unit certificate.

Recognition Item
Any Scout or Scouter who participates in a qualifying project is eligible to wear a Messengers of Peace ring patch around the World Crest on his or her uniform. To purchase these ring patches, a unit representative should take the unit certificate to the local Scout shop or council service center

http://www.scouting.org/messengersofpeace.aspx

JOTA-JOTI
JOTA-JOTI: Jamboree of the Air and Jamboree over the Internet will be held this year the weekend of October 20-21. Through JOTA, Scouts are introduced to radio technology and to other Scouts around the U.S. and around the world. They get a chance to talk with one another and share information that broadens their perspective on other cultures, on geography, and on the technology and hobby that provides the means for their communication.

Reach out to your local amateur radio clubs and get involved in the largest Scouting event in the world. For more information: www.scouting.org/jota

JOTI invites all youth and organizations that support Scouting to join the Internet revolution. This event utilizes computers and the Internet so thousands of Scout groups can be contacted during the weekend. Computer use is growing exponentially; Jamboree-on-the-Internet is prepared to keep pace with that growth. For more information: www.scouting.org/joti

BE PART OF A BSA CONTINGENT
As a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, the Boy Scouts of America gets invited to many different international/national events in different countries every year. This is a great opportunity for the BSA to connect with the world through the interaction with local Scouts and Scout leaders at those special events. Consequently, it provides us, our BSA Scouts and adults, an excellent opportunity to learn about other countries, people, and cultures through Scouting activities, plus learn Scouting skills and make new friendships as part of the adventure.

Upcoming events include:
JAMCAM 2013 will be hosted by the Scout Association of Columbia, Jan 4 – 11, 2013 Nomination deadline: Oct 30, 2012
14th World Scout Moot: hosted by The Association des Scouts du Canada, Aug 8 – 18, 2013, http://mootcanada2013.ca Nomination deadline March 31, 2013

Youth nomination form: http://scouting.org/filestore/international/pdf/Scout_Nomination_Form.pdf
Adult nomination form: http://scouting.org/filestore/international/pdf/Scout_Leader_Nomination_Form.pdf

For more information on any of the above topics contact Greg Wojcicki via email international118@scouting.org

2012 MATERIAL DONATION PROGRAM
The Material Donation Program allows interested parties to make donations for budgeted supplies that the council will use throughout the year. Donors can choose to donate the approved materials or to make a monetary donation to cover the cost of specific materials. You can now make a monetary donation towards these materials online.  Many of these items are time sensitive; please contact Shayna Hofmeister in the fundraising department before making your donation. Shayna can be reached at shayna.hofmeister@scouting.org or 312-421-8800 ext. 263.

DONATE YOUR CAR TO SUPPORT SCOUTING
Vehicles donated to One Car One Difference help our council. Your unwanted vehicle is picked up and auctioned and the proceeds support the Chicago Area Council. Refer to the FAQ sheet or One Car One Difference website for more information.

SCOUTING’S JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE (J2E)
“Scouting’s Journey to Excellence” is the BSA’s new council performance recognition program designed to encourage and reward success and measure the performance of our units, districts, and council. To see the requirements for your unit or view a webinar for more information, please click here.

NESA CHICAGO
If you’re an Eagle Scout, we’d love to have you join us. Check out our website, nesachicago.org, join our groups on Facebook (facebook.com/NESAChicago) and LinkedIn (search for NESA Chicago), or send us an email, nesachicago@scouting.org.

DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO "TO THE ARCTIC 3D" IMAX SHOW AT NAVY PIER
Did you miss Scout Day at the IMAX on Saturday April 21st but still want to see To the Arctic 3D at Navy Pier? You're in luck! The council is offering discounted ticket vouchers to this show that can be used during any showing. The vouchers are being sold for $6/ticket($11 value). Click here for more information or to order your tickets!

26TH STREET MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE PARADE
The 26th Street Mexican Independence Parade is one of the most colorful parades in Chicago. The 26th Street Mexican Independence Parade celebrates Mexican Independence with floats, mariachi bands and dancing in the streets. September 9, 2012 from 26th Street from Albany to Kostner. Setup Time: 10:30 am.   This is one of the nations largest parade and we need 500 scouts and families! Cost is free!   Please contact Karla Larios, klarios81@gmail.com or 773-319-4232 to RSVP your packs or individuals attendance. We need to know all your names please!  Once confirmed attendance a Parade Packet will be e-mailed to your Pack/Troop Leader.

FISHING DAY AT ST. MARY OF THE LAKE UNIVERSITY
Fishing Day at the St. Mary of the Lake University in Mundelein, Illinois. It will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012.  This event, which is open to all units in the Archdiocese of Chicago, will take place, Rain or Shine, so please be prepared.  Explore Catholic discipleship and priesthood while fishing on the beautiful seminary lake! Fishing event is hosted by St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein and staffed by the many Eagle Scouts enrolled at the Seminary. Since this event takes place on private property, a fishing license is not needed. Early bird registration fee is $10.00  by September 7th, after that date the fee will be $12.00.  For more information please contact Ms. Cheryle Wall at cherylewall@sbcglobal.net.  For more information on Scouting in the Catholic Church please visit - http://home.catholicweb.com/accs/

SCOUT NIGHT WITH THE CHICAGO FIRE
Plan on attending the 3rd annual Chicago Fire Scout night on Saturday, September 22 at 7:30pm. This year the ticket price includes a soccer clinic, the game, and an overnight camp-out at the dome where the Fire practices.  Due to space restrictions the sleepover is only for first 250 sign-ups!  If you plan on participating in the clinics, game and overnighter at the Chicago Fire act fast!  Space is limited and CAC is not the only on council invited to participate. The event is more than half sold.  Click here for more information or to sign up!

2012 FALL FAMILY CUB SCOUT CAMPOUT PRESENTED BY CHICAGO NORTHWEST KOA AND DONLEY'S WILD WEST TOWN
This family fun campout offer is available for the weekends of Sept. 22-23, Sept. 29-30, and Oct. 6-7 and features an exclusive campsite for your pack (with fire ring), use of all campground facilities, admission to Wild West Town, and participation in Saturday evening activities at campground (hayride, movie, and flashlight candy hunt) for just $24.95 per person.  Just a few of the fun activities at the Wild West Town include: pony rides, panning for gold, cowboy roping lessons, an archery range, a live wild west show - and lunch is included!  Click here for more information! 

CAREER EXPLORATION FAIR
The council's Exploring Program and NESA chapter are hosting a career fair for Scouts and Chicago Public School students to explore and learn about several different career fields and skilled trades. The purpose of the fair is to enlighten students about different career possibilities. The fair will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012, from 9am-12pm at the Menomonee Club for Boys and Girls, 1535 N. Dayton, Chicago, IL 60622. There is no cost to attend!  Click here for more info.

SPECIAL SCOUT SHOWS – RINGLING BROTHERS AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS RETURNS TO CHICAGO IN NOV
The Greatest Show on Earth returns to Chicago this November and value priced Scout tickets ($12, $17) are available now. Friday Scout performances will be held at Allstate Arena November 2nd and November 9th.  Friday Scout performances will be at United Center November 16th and November 23rd.  For Allstate Arena group inquiries, call 773-327-3778. For United Center group inquiries please call 312-455-7469.

SCOUTING FOR FOOD – DECEMBER 2012
Hunger is a way of life for far too many in our country. It may seem ironic, but in the wealthiest nation in the history of the world, millions of people each year are forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for other necessities of life. An estimated 13 million people go to bed hungry each night. The Chicago Area Council can do its part to alleviate hunger in Chicago and America. This year's bag distribution will take place on December 1, 2012 and collection will take place on December 8, 2012.  Additionally, we received a grant that will be covering the cost of the 2012 Scouting for Food program, including patches, so there will be no charge for patches this year but there is no guarantee that we will receive this funding again next year so the $1 fee/patch may return in the future.  Join the 2012 Scouting for Food team and help end hunger. Click here for the unit commitment form due October 8th!

SCOUT DAY WITH THE UIC FLAMES
The UIC Flames have dedicated the game on December 15th to the Boy Scouts. On this days, UIC would like to offer specially priced tickets ($3 ticket only or $5 ticket + patch)  to all Chicagoland Scouts and their family and friends. Any unit that purchases 30+ tickets can reserve a free bus ride to the game provided by UIC.  Click here for more information.

LUNCH CRUISE WITH SANTA AT NAVY PIER
Boy Scouts are invited to cruise with Santa during a special Spirit of Chicago luncheon cruise at Navy Pier!  The cruise will take place on Saturday, December 15th.  Ship Boards: 12:30pm Cruises: 1:15pm – 3:15pm.  Enjoy great views of the Chicago Skyline from Lake Michigan, a full lunch buffet, dessert station, DJ entertainment & dancing, unlimited Juice & Soda & an APPEARANCE BY SANTA!!  Cost is $35/person (normally $54).  Call Tiffany Weinstein at 312-321-7606 or e-mail her at Tweinstein@entertainmentcruises.com to set up your cruise!!

MONSTER JAM
Monster Jam® is the world’s largest and most famous monster truck tour featuring the biggest names in monster trucks including Grave Digger®, Maximum Destruction®, Monster Mutt®, El Toro Loco®, Captain’s Curse® and Blue Thunder®.  Monster Jam is set to invade the Allstate Arena February 8-10, 2013 and there are special Scout rates available ($10, $13.50) for the following shows: Feb. 9th @ 2pm, Feb. 9th & 10th @ 7:30pm.  For more information, call 773-327-3778.

The Advancement Committee is happy to announce that the Chicago Area Council has received a generous contribution from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation.  We were awarded 15 $100 prepaid Discover gift cards to be used anywhere Discover cards are accepted to be used toward eligible and approved construction based Eagle Service Projects.

In order to be eligible for one of these $100 prepaid gift cards, please contact your district Advancement Chair for the eligibility requirements. 

Summertime has quickly come to an end. Please make sure to get ALL summertime advancements turned in to the council as soon as possible.  This includes any merit badges or ranks that have been earned.  It is important for all Scouts to have their achievements recorded properly AND in the year that they were earned.  Once a new calendar year starts, these advancements cannot be recorded.  Proper advancement is also required for Journey to Excellence.

It is official……. The new Search and Rescue merit badge is active.  You can find all of the requirements in the new Search and Rescue merit badge book that can be found in the Scout shop.  There are also many new badges that are going to be rolled out soon.  These include Game Design, Animation, Signs Signals & Codes, and Programming.  If you feel you are qualified in any of these areas or know someone who is, please contact your district Advancement Chair to sign up as a Merit Badge Counselor.  We are in need of counselors for all of these and would appreciate the help from any qualified individual.

If you have any questions regarding this or any other advancement issue, please make sure to contact us.  We are always available to help you with any questions that you may have.  Our Staff Advisor, Joe Stocchero, can put you in touch with your District Advancement Chair if you don’t know who it is.  Please contact him at joseph.stocchero@scouting.org.

BASEBALL CARD CLUBHOUSE
Hey, Cub Scouts, did you know you can earn an achievement award with your baseball cards collection? Boy Scouts, you can earn a merit badge with your special collection of cards. Visit www.baseballcardclubhouse.com for more information!

ARCHAEOLOGY BADGE WORKSHOP AT THE ORIENTAL INSTITUTE
Work towards your archaeology badge with the Scout programs at the Oriental Institute. Scouts will experience a simulated dig in the Kipper Family Archaeology Discovery Center, visit the museum’s world-renowned galleries, and participate in activities like a scavenger hunt and ceramic reconstruction. Fees: $15/Scout for a two hour program including our simulated dig program. Click here for more information.

CHEMISTRY MERIT BADGE OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 
Complete all requirements for the Chemistry Merit Badge in a two session workshop. The first session includes laboratory experience. Choose one of three locations, the North Central College in Naperville or Oakton Community College in Des Plaines or College of Lake County in Grayslake. The second session will be held on October 27 at University of Illinois Chicago in Chicago and is necessary for completion of this merit badge. It will include an opportunity to talk to industrial chemists as well as completing the remaining requirements. Must register by 9/24 - no exceptions! There is no cost to attend. Click here for more info.

BADGE DAYS AT THE FIELD MUSEUM
Badge Days at The Field will have Boy Scouts trekking across the Museum with fun scavenger hunts, exploring natural sciences through hands-on activities, and experiencing a behind-the-scenes tour with a Field Museum scientist. Scouts will receive: Program supplies, Behind-the-scenes tour of special restricted collections areas, Basic Admission to The Field Museum, a "Badge Day at The Field" patch, and free parking in Soldier Field. Badges offered are: Mammal Study, Indian Lore, Geology, and Environmental Science (requires two sessions to complete the badge). Click here for additional details.

CLIMBING MERIT BADGE WITH VERTICAL ENDEAVORS
One Saturday a month Vertical Endeavors in Warrenville hosts a five-hour class in which a Boy Scout from any troop can meet all of the requirements for the BSA Climbing Merit Badge.  Badge requirements include: belaying, rappelling, knot tying, rope management & more.  They recommend Scouts be at least 12 years old and have completed the First Aid Merit Badge.  There must be a minimum of 6 participants to run the event.  Click here to see available days and download a flyer that can be passed out to your Scouts.  Contact Anita Johnson, Program Coordinator, at (630) 836-0122 or anita@verticalendeavors.com with questions or to sign up.

EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE PROJECTS INVOLVING CEMETARY PRESERVATION
Some Boy Scouts choose to clean up or repair old cemeteries in an effort to honor those who lived before us.  This is an admirable and worthwhile project but many mistakes have inadvertently been made, resulting in damage to grave markers.  The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency strongly encourages all Boy Scouts and their adult leaders to consult with the Agency before beginning any cemetery project.  They can provide you with some basic steps to get your project on the right track.  Click here for more information.

TRAINER'S EDGE
Save the date for the next upcoming Trainer’s EDGE on Saturday, September 15th, 2012 at the Council office. Please RSVP to eernest@bsamail.org with the registration form. For any questions please contact Bob Kurth 773-802-5864 at smask1244@yahoo.com or Ernest Espinoza at eernest@bsamail.org.

2012 BASIC TRAINING HOSTED BY RIVER TRAILS DISTRICT 10/13 AND NORTH RIVER DISTRICT 10/20
For Cub Scout leaders River Trails District basic training is on Saturday, October 13th at Five Holy Martyrs' Hall (4327 S. Richmond Ave.)  For Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders, North River District basic training is Saturday, October 20th , 2012. at St. Stans’ Kostka (1255 North Noble). Registration starts at 8am both days.

SPANISH CUB TRAINING: 2012 BASIC CUB TRAINING HOSTED BY NORTH RIVER DISTRICT EN ESPANOL!
Get all your Cub Scout Spanish basic trainings done here!  Please forward to your Spanish speakers. North River District is Saturday, October 20th , 2012. Location: St. Stans’ Kostka, 1255 North Noble, Chicago, IL. Click here for a registration form.  Questions? Contact Ernest Espinoza at eernest@bsamail.org.

ENTRENAMIENTO EN ESPANOL PARA LOS LIDERES DE LOS CUB SCOUTS 2012!
Tenemos entrenamiento basico para los lideres de primero a cinco grado en espanol!  Vamos a tener este entrenamiento en Octubre 20 a las 8am en la escuela St. Stan’s Kostka, 1255 North Noble, Chicago, IL. Manda un e-mail a eernest@bsamail.org para preguntas, gracias. Forma de registracion.

2012 UNIVERSITY OF SCOUTING
Looking for something exciting to teach in the fall?  Looking for a fun and exciting Training event! Here is your opportunity!
When: Saturday, November 3, 2012
Who: For ALL Adult Scout Leaders, all Commissioners, District & Council leaders
Where: Veteranos Memorial Campus, 4248 W. 47th St., Chicago, IL 60632
For more info or to help out please contact Dave Ducat at d.ducat@comcast.net or 773.744.7667 (cell)

2012 BALOO TRAINING
BALOO will be offered on November 10th at the Estelle Sieb Center on 7750 West Irving park Road, Norridge, IL. BALOO is Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation for Cub Scout pack leaders. This course presents information for a pack on the safe planning, organization, and skills necessary to take a pack on a safe outing or campout. As of January 1, 2009, it is necessary for one person in a pack that is going on a campout, to have BALOO training in order to obtain a tour permit.  Click here for the registration form.  For questions, contact Shar Wyatt 708-453-5121, shar55555@juno.com.

WOOD BADGE COURSE OFFERED IN 2013
The next Wood Badge course will be offered August 16-18th and September 20-22, 2013. Wood Badge is the premier adult leadership development course for the Boy Scouts of America. It teaches contemporary leadership and team-building skills in a comfortable outdoor setting, where learners become members of their own troop. Wood Badge's effectiveness as an effective leadership development experience has been applauded by industry training professionals. Its positive influence on graduates' individual unit-level program is unparalleled. Click here for more information.

UPDATE YOUR TRAINING RECORD
Did you recently receive a postcard stating you need to take a training that you’ve already taken? If so, update your training record by visiting www.chicagobsa.org/update. Remember, if you took training online, you DO NOT need to fill out this form – just enter your BSA member id number in your MyScouting profile and it will update your record at the council office automatically.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Please check out the website for the training requirements. www.chicagobsa.org and go under program, then training. You can download the training requirement PDF.

COUNCIL AND DISTRICT TRAININGS
Looking for training near you? Visit the Council Training Page or www.chicagobsa.org/training-dates for upcoming sessions.

MYSCOUTING.ORG ONLINE TRAINING
The BSA online learning center is where you can take various online courses. All of these courses are now found through your MyScouting page at www.myscouting.org. In order for your training to be recorded, you must have entered your member ID number into the MyScouting system.

PROGRAM IDEAS FOR OWASIPPE SUMMER CAMP
Have you ever had a program idea for Owasippe Summer Camp? The camping committee is interested in your ideas. If you have any program ideas please share them with the camping committee. Ideas can be sent in at any time but ideas submitted before September 15th to be considered for the 2013 season. Please send the New Owasippe Program Proposal form to the Council Office.

2013 OWASIPPE DIRECTORS INTERVIEWS
We will be taking applications for director positions for Owasippe 2013. If you are interested in applying, please fill out an application and forward a resume to the Chicago Area Council camping department by October 1st. Interviews will be scheduled during the first two weeks of October. Positions include Reneker Director, Wolverine Director, Blackhawk Director, High Adventure Director, Carlen Director, Trading post Manager, Business Manager, and Associate Reservation Director. Any questions, please contact Chris Townsend at 312 421 8800 or Christian.Townsend@scouting.org.

OWASIPPE 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE PATIO
Do you have a favorite Scoutmaster you want to recognize, a loved one who has gone to the great council fire, or perhaps a staff person who made a difference? Or would you like to have your own name or troop number solidified in Owasippe history? Now you can remember that person or event that meant so much with a brick on the Owasippe 100th Anniversary patio. 

The Owasippe 100th Anniversary Patio began as a part of Owasippe Scout Reservation’s 100 th Anniversary celebration in 2011. This is a great opportunity to document your time at Owasippe Scout Reservation or honor a family member or volunteer in a brick that will be permanently installed in in the Ad Center Complex at Owasippe Scout Reservation. These bricks will help to pave the way for Owasippe’s future as all proceeds from this program will go to endow Owasippe Scout Reservation.  Fill out the order form and submit it to the council office or visit www.chicagobsa.org/brick to order yours today!

EXPERIENCE PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH IN 2013!
The Chicago Area Council contingent dates for 2013 are Monday, July 15th through Saturday, July 27th.  These dates do not include time necessary to travel to and from Philmont Scout Ranch and are tentative.  Philmont is located in northeaster New Mexico, just outside of a small town called Cimarron.  The property covers about 214 square miles and ranges in elevation from approximately 6,000 feet above sea level at base camp to 12,441 feet above sea level on top of Mt. Baldy.  Considered “high desert” area, temperatures in the summer range from 90+ during the day to 40 at night, depending on the area of the ranch where you are traveling. 

Who can participate?
This contingent is available to any registered member of the BSA.  Philmont participants must be at least 14 years old by January 1 of the year they attend, or have completed 8th grade and be at least 13 years of age prior to participation.  There are no rank requirements, only the age minimum.  Each unit can send up to 6 people, but no more than 2 adults.

What is the cost?
We will collect approximately $1200 per participant in payments.  The first payment, a $100 deposit, is due immediately and is non-refundable.  The final payment will be due on May 1st.  This money will cover all expenses EXCEPT personal gear and souvenirs at Philmont.

Click for the Youth Application and the Adult Application.  For more details, contact Chris Townsend at christian.townsend@scouting.org. 

2013 NATIONAL JAMBOREE / GO BIG, GO WILD
Get ready! The 2013 National Scout Jamboree is coming and it ain't your father's jamboree. We're talking seriously high adventure, people! Whitewater rafting, zip-lining, rappelling, mountain biking, hiking, and more - with 50,000 of your closest friends at the brand new Summit Bechtel Reserve in the wilds of West Virginia.

There is still time to sign up for the Jamboree. Please see the council or The Summit website for more information on how to sign up for the Jamboree. There are still spots available for this excited opportunity of a life time!

Want to know more about how the jamboree will be laid out? Want to know here your will be climbing, mountain biking or running the zip line? Here is a great new interactive map to show you all exciting events happening at the jamboree!

When: July 15 -24, 2013
Where: The Summit Bechtel Family National Scouting Reserve, Beckley, West Virginia

For the latest information, pictures and videos check out the Summit websites:
Council Jamboree Page: www.chicagobsa.org/jamboree 
Website: www.summit.scouting.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBechtelSummit
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheBechtelSummit

VENTURING AT THE 2012 NATIONAL JAMBOREE
The 2013 National Jamboree committee is actively seeking applicants for Venture Crew Leadership positions!   All interested persons should log onto the summit website at https://summit.scouting.org and complete registration there. It’s easy and pain free! All you need is a summit account and your BSA ID #! Once you complete that, follow instructions on the site. Should you encounter any issues contact Ken Nikiel at 773-505-6957. GO BIG, GO WILD!!!!

The council currently has reserved space for 1 crew. Youth positions are on a first come first served basis. If you know of any youth who may be interested we recommend they register ASAP! Youth members should follow same log-in procedures at the site listed above.

FINAL ORDER OF THE ARROW INDUCTIONS FOR 2012
Lodge Fall Fellowship September 7th – 9th     
If you still have elected candidates for the Order of the Arrow you have just a few days to contact the lodge and have them registered for the Fall Fellowship. Both Ordeal and Brotherhood Candidates will be accepted without any late fees. Please contact Ted Kumzi at (708) 425-7445.  Registration forms can be found here.

Order of the Arrow candidates have 1 year from the date of their election to complete their Ordeal. The final induction weekend for 2012 will take place during the Lodge Fall Fellowship on the weekend of September 7th – 9th at Camp To-Pe-Ne-Bee near Michigan City, IN. The camp is located 60 miles from the center of Chicago, about 1 hr. 15 min. This will be the last opportunity for all candidates elected in 2012 to be inducted into the Order of the Arrow.

LONG TERM CAMPING HONOR AWARD
Congratulations to all the units that earned the Long Term Camping Honor Award this year.  The award is annually sponsored by Owasippe Lodge for the recognition of quality long term camping programs in all qualified troops and teams in the Chicago Area Council.  The requirements for the award include holding a camp promotion with 75% of their active youth present, have at least 75% of their active youth attend summer camp and complete a service project at camp.

The following units received the quality camping award this year.

Arrowhead District: 607, 665, 617, 1373, 728, 644 and 637
Fort Dearborn District: 79, 39, 1, 889, 115 and 3
Greater South Side District:  534, 778 and 759
Iroquois District: 498, 1439, 647, 671 and 1441
Indian Trails District: 955, 957 and 944
River Trails District: 474

UPCOMING OA LODGE EVENTS
Sept. 5 - Lodge Executive Committee Meeting – Council Service Center
Sept. 7-9  - Lodge Fall Fellowship – Camp Topenebee - Michigan City, IN
Oct 3 - Lodge Executive Committee Meeting – Council Service Center
Oct. 19-20 - Owasippe Lodge Trade-O-Ree

Arrowhead – Webpage - Calendar

Fort Dearborn – Webpage - Calendar

Greater Southside – Webpage - Calendar

Indian Trails – Webpage - Calendar

Iroquois – Webpage - Calendar

North River – Webpage - Calendar

River Trails – Webpage - Calendar

Western Trails – Webpage - Calendar

Exploring – Webpage - Calendar

Sea Scouts – Webpage - Calendar

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AVOID THE CROWDS
In September, our busiest time is between the hours of 10:00-1:00pm. The Scout Store is open from 8:30-5:00pm Monday-Wednesday, and Fridays. Thursday 8:30-7:00pm and Saturday 9:30-3:00pm. Never on Sunday.

AVOID LONG LINES
Pre-order your advancement awards via Fax at (312) 738-3243. Please give us the item number or description and total quantity of each item needed. Include your name, unit number, and a phone number where we can reach you. Give us 24-48 hours to pull your order. We will call you when it is ready. For even faster pick-up service pre-pay when we call you to notify you that your order is ready. We take all major credit cards. Authorized Unit Account Users can contact the Council at (312) 421-8800 to verify account balance for payment of a pre-order (Authorized user must be the one to pick up the order. Signature needed).

PRIVATE NIGHT IN THE SCOUT SHOP
Packs and Troops with a large new member contingent can now arrange a private night at the scout shop for 1-2 hours (must guarantee a minimum of 10 Scouts). Great for New Tiger Dens, New Boy Scout Patrols or New Packs or Troops. Call the Scout Shop at (312) 738-3324 and talk to Adam Grant to make arrangements.

THE SCOUT UNIFORM
An Official Complete Uniform Consists of:
1.  Shirt- Long Sleeve or Short Sleeve
2.  Bottoms- long Pants, Shorts, Switchbacks
3.  Uniform Cap
4.  Belt and Buckle
5.  Neckerchief and Slide
6.  Socks
7.  Insignia (World Crest, CSP, Unit Numerals)

Show off to your classmates how proud you are to be in the Cub Scouts with the Cub Scout Lunch Box! Make sure you aren’t late for your pack and den meetings with the Cub Scout Watch! Great way to learn how to read analog watches with the Minute and Hour hand labeled!

Boy Scouts, we know how much you miss being able to do the Pinewood Derby, so we came out with Blastcars! CO2 powered race cars you design yourself, just like a Pinewood Derby car, only with MORE POWER!

The Chicago Scout Shop is always accepting applications for Sales Associates.
Shifts vary Monday - Saturday. Applicants must be; Reliable, Friendly, Energetic and familiar with the program.
Helpful Pluses: Retail Experience and Fluent in Spanish. Applications available upon request.

Registering your advancements online or turning in an advancement form is the only way Scouts are credited with advancing in rank and completing Merit Badges.  This is true for all program levels.  Please show an online printout or paper copy of the Advancement Report when purchasing advancements so we can help to ensure that your Scouts receive the proper credit at the Council office.

SCOUT SHOP HOURS:    
M-W & F:  8:30am-5pm     
Thursday: 8:30am-7pm    
Sat: 9:30am-3pm
Call for Holiday Hours of Operation 

The Chicago Scout Shop is for use by Scout families, volunteer leaders and Council staff, so that they may deliver the best Scouting program possible. Please let us know how we may assist you.  (312) 738-3324

For information on the Scout Shop and National Supply click here.

Chicago Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
1218 W. Adams St., Chicago,  IL.
Ph 312-421-8800
www.chicagobsa.org.
Hours: M-F 8:30am-4:30pm
Council Employee Directory