Welcome to Etowah Creek District [ECD] Cub Scout Leader and Boy Scout Leader Roundtable in Columbia, South Carolina. This showcase for Leaders is held on the 2nd Thursday of every month, starting at 7:00 p.m. We meet at Ashland Methodist Church on Ashland Rd. (off of St. Andrew’s Rd.) Be sure to pick up a copy of Smoke Signals, our Council newspaper, and a packet of handouts. Please take a minute to read this newsletter, as that will keep the number of announcements to a minimum! This newsletter is also available online at www.etowahcreek.com/rtnews/ecd-0201news.htm

Welcome!

Lorie McGraw 750-0626 lmcgraw@sc.rr.com Webmaster for ECD

District Banquet for Volunteers is on March 10

Nominate your Volunteers!

The Etowah Creek District Annual Awards Banquet recognizes the volunteers of our district on March 10th at 6:30 PM at Ashland United Methodist Church on Ashland Rd. Catered by Shealy's Barbeque, it will cost $10.00 per person. Reservations and questions should be directed to Mark Gilliam 791-9753 (h). Reserve your seat now. Awards Nominations are Due Now!

News Flash!

All BSA Merit Badges Being Revised

BSA is in the process of updating ALL 118 merit badge books, with the goal of updating all of them within 4-5 years (a rate of around 25 per year). As new pamphlets are issued, when they contain new requirements, Scouts will have the option of starting with the new requirements as soon as the pamphlets are issued, or they may start work using the old requirements until the next edition of Boy Scout Requirements is issued. They will NOT be holding the publications up until January each year, just issuing them as they are completed (and old stocks exhausted. Then in January, the Requirements Book will include all revisions to date. There will be NO NEW merit badges approved until that process is complete.

http://usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/advchanges01.html

COMPLETELY REPLACED (or EXTENSIVELY REWRITTEN)

MERIT BADGE REQUIREMENTS

Aviation Engineering Lifesaving Swimming

REVISED MERIT BADGE REQUIREMENTS

Animal Science Auto Mechanics Stamp Collecting

March Roundtable is on Thursday, March 8, 2001

We will look at the April Theme: ‘Save it for Us”. Most boys have advanced in rank, so it is time to get them outdoors! Develop an appreciation for the environment through recycling and environmental awareness, plus earn the World Conservation Award. Resources for environmental games, speakers, and fun abound in the Midlands. Come let us share some of the secrets with you for your den. [Webelos: Sportsman Family Member]

See the last page of the newsletter for more information

Feeling Alien-ated? Wanna have a blast?

Then plan to come to Cub Scout Day Camp June 11-15 at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. Anyone interested in taking on the universe and exploring space should contact Angela Bouknight (781-9094) or Peggy Smith (755-9466). Don’t get stuck in the “black hole”! Call us now for more information on how to register or more importantly, how to help boys have a great day camp!

Items needed for day camp:

2-liter soda bottles

12 oz. or 16 oz. soda bottles

Shoeboxes

check book boxes

Pringles cans (large & small)

New this Year!

A Second Space Theme Day Camp!

West Columbia Day Camp will be June 25-29 from 6-9 pm at Mt. Hebron United Methodist. Contact Carol Caulk for more information at 926-8717.

Both Camps are recruiting staff right now. The cost will be the same for both camps, starting in March. $40 for early registration with $5 discount for helping. More information in the next newsletter.

This Month at Roundtable: March Theme for Cubs:

“Man’s Best Friend” Man’s best friend isn’t always a dog! When Scouts learn to take care of animals, it leads to a lifetime of kindness to the creatures in our world. Come join us as we explore how to involve the boys in your den with animal care (including mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects), including how to keep small wild animals for a short time. Animal related crafts and games will also be presented. [Webelos: Athlete and Engineer]

Don't forget to pick up your huge packet of activities, ceremonies, and games!

Cub Committee Corner

At tonight’s Roundtable break out session, Committee members and Cubmasters will learn more about what a Unit Commissioner can do for their unit. We will also discuss rechartering and applying for insurance within your unit. If you miss our break out session, contact John M. Graham, District Unit Commissioner Chairman.

People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.

Boy Scout Roundtable

Upcoming topics

February BSRT topic: Winter Camping. District Commissioner John Graham is going to talk about Unit Commissioners and district responsibilities. The Boy Scout RT will be meeting with the Cubs for the first part of the Roundtable.

March Topic: Physical Fitness.

April Topic: Special Cooking.

May  Topic:      Leadership

Scouts in the News

Scouting For Food Caught on WIS-TV

While the Cub Scouts of Pack 815 were delivering bags for Scouting for Food, WIS-TV came out and filmed these boys doing a good deed. Now everyone knows what good deeds Scouts do for their community! Way to go, guys!

Brave Tigers! Bravo!

A badge of courage is due to some local Tigers of Pack 815 for their bravery in January! On Saturday, January 20, while delivering home-baked cookies to an elderly living facility, the elevator got stuck with 5 Tiger Scouts and 5 Tiger partners for almost 2 hours! Once the fire department got them out and they were interviewed, the boys cleaned up the parking lot from trash and then went bowling. It is reported that no one got hurt and no tears were shed. Bravo Tigers!

Pack and Troop 91

Troop 91's Scouts have been having a great time hiking at Kings Mountain, and learning canoeing skills at area lakes and rivers. Troop 91 and Pack 91 will be helping restock shelves at Sharing God's Love during the pickup day for Scouting for Food. A Scout is Helpful and Cheerful! Good Job Scouts!

Troop 312 was seen on the front page of the Irmo News. They led the Pledge of Allegiance for the Irmo Town Council Meeting. What great publicity for all of our Scouts!

Etowah Creek District level Pinewood Derby cancelled

There will be no District level competition for winners of the unit Pinewood Derbies this year. The decision to cancel the annual event was made at the last ECD Committee Meeting. There were concerns about the possibility of damage to cars that are to race at the Council level Scout Expo. The District race was an unofficial race with low attendance.

All Unit winners will be able to compete at the EXPO in April. If you have a question or concerns, please contact John Thompson or Hal Donnelly.

Thank you to Pack 308 and Pack 302 for the Cub Roundtable food last month.

It was Delicious!

2nd Annual Family Camping Weekend
April 6-8, 2001 at
Camp Barstow on Lake Murray

The Family Camping Weekend is one of the most exciting events of the year for Cub Scouts and their families. All family members are invited to join us at Camp Barstow for a weekend of fun and camping in the outdoors.

All facilities of Camp Barstow will be available for use. Activities will include BB guns, archery, games and much more. Families will be required to provide their own tents. Meals plans can be purchased at an additional cost. Look for more information in your mailbox. Once the signup sheets come to your house, be sure to sign up early at the Scout Shop because space is limited.

Put space on your calendar now for a great weekend of camping with your Cub Scout.

Scouting For Food:

It Looks Like We Will Beat Last Year's Record!

Thank You to all of the units in Etowah Creek District who participated in the 2001 Scouting For Food. The numbers are not yet in, but we are sure that this year will be even more successful than last year.

A Reminder: after your unit has turned in the food to the foodbank, please report to Joan Janoch with the following information:

1. unit number, who you are, and a unit contact person with a telephone number

2. how many food items you collected (not pounds)

3. where you took the food (which foodbank or church)

4. how many official 2001 Scouting For Food patches you wish to purchase at $1 a patch.

It is very important that all units report even if you do not want the patches.

We need the numbers to help with next year's planning and publicity. You may either call Joan at 345-5700 or e mail her at janoch@conterra.com .

The Official Indian Water Council Scouting For Food Patch (left) is available ONLY through Joan and Ron. The SFF patch at the Scout Shop is NOT the custom patch designed for the 2001 Scouting For Food. Once ordered they will be available at Expo in April. Any questions about the patches call Ron Cook 794-8560.

Need a service Project? After the food drive many of the units could help stocking the shelves in the food banks. This is an excellent additional community project. Call the food banks to arrange to help. Or arrange for a visit at a future time. They always need volunteers, even if it is just for an hour or two.

Anybody who would like to help in anyway can call Ron Cook at 794-8560 or Joan Janoch at 345-5700.

"Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries." -- James A. Michener

Webelos to Scout Transition

Are you a parent of a Webelos and not sure what to ask of the troops that you visit? Is your den only visiting one troop because you are not aware of any others in the area? A new flyer called “Webelos to Scout Transition: A Guide for Parents and Leaders” has been mailed to all 5^th grade Webelos and their parents. It included a Troop Contact List for all troops in Lexington School Districts 2 and 5. Please call 750-0626 and ask Lorie McGraw to provide a copy to you if you have not received one. Copies will be available at Roundtable, at the Scout Shop, and on the Web at www.etowahcreek.com or email at lmcgraw@sc.rr.com

Troop Selector Guide Available

This guide was designed to help you and your son select a Scout Troop that fits your needs.

http://www.etowahcreek.com/Scouttroopguide.pdf

Arrow of Light Ceremony

with Fire

1. Go to magic shop

2. Buy flash paper

3. Tie flash paper to arrow

4. Have candle light for ceremony

5. Tell everyone that only a Webelos who truly completed the requirements will have his arrow pass through the flames of the candle without scorching.

6. Pass flash paper over the flame. Watch eyelashes.

7. Hand off arrow, bring next boy forward.

This works especially well when you buy or fashion those leather arrowheads for the arrows and put the unit number on it. Strap it to the arrow and fit several sheets of flash paper behind it, allowing the flames to really flash high without damaging the arrow.

Earn some money! Have some fun!

Expo is Coming!

Scout Expo is the annual Scouting Exposition held at the State Fairgrounds on April 21. Selling tickets for Expo earns prizes for the boys and money for your unit. Call Elizabeth Hinen at 345-6515 for more details. We also need units to help with Parking, First Aid, or Security.

Showcase your unit at Expo! There are hundreds of things that your units could do. Check the Smokes Signals for ideas and details. And make sure that your pack/troop/crew has signed up for your space! These are on a first-come-first-served basis. Ask Lorie McGraw, Slaine Hayes, or Joan Janoch for help for ideas if you need them.

Ticket Sales start February 17, 2001.

Have you viewed the BSA Fast Start Tape?

Check with your Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Unit Commissioner, or call the Scout Office today for a copy for your Unit. Additional Copies are available at Roundtable. Fast Start Training for Cub Scouts is also available online at http://www.bsa.scouting.org/cubscouts/faststart/

Boy Scout Fast Start Training online is in the works, so stay tuned.

My son’s Scout Leaders are trained.

Are yours?

"Duct tape is like The Force. It has a dark side, it has a light side, and it holds the Universe together."
-Carl Zwanig

Boy Scout Leader

Basic Training

May 4-6^th, 2001 at Camp Barstow

Also known as SM Fundamentals, this training is not just for Scoutmasters. Everyone who is involved with a troop should take this course. That includes parents of boys just crossing over, troop committee members, unit commissioners, and anyone who took it more than 5 or 6 years ago. This course will teach you the ins and outs of a Troop, Scouting Skills such as knots, ropework, cooking and camping, plus Patrol games and leadership skills, how to get those boys moving and working together, and how to make them into men. It is fun, informative, and necessary for a safe and full scouting experience.

Insist that the adults that are influencing your boys are recently trained (within the past 5 years).

My son’s Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters are trained. Are yours?

Important Dates

February 2001

3 and 10 Scouting For Food

8 Nominations for District Awards Due

8 Roundtable

17 Expo Ticket kickoff: Let the Sales Begin!

March 2001

8 Roundtable

10 District Volunteer Recognition Banquet

24 OA Call Out Plus at Camp Barstow

23-25 OA Spring Fellowship at Camp Barstow

April 2001

6-8 Family Camping at Camp Barstow (Tigers and Cubs)

12 Roundtable

21 Scout Expo at the fairgrounds

May 2001

4-6 Scoutmaster Fundamentals at Camp Barstow. Call Bob Hamilton for more information 359-9646 e-mail: rhamil4685@aol.com

18-20 OA Ordeal at Camp Barstow

June 2001

12-16 Irmo Day Camp 5-9 pm at Cornerstone Presbyterian

25-29 West Columbia Day Camp 6-9 pm at Mt. Hebron United Methodist

Does your Troop have room for more Scouts?

Middle school Recruitment (7^th and 8^th grades) for Lexington 5 schools will be in March. If you would like to participate contact Lorie McGraw at 750-0626 or email mailto:lmcgraw@sc.rr.com. School visitation would be in the morning between 7:30 and 8:30 in late March, followed by an evening visitation at a local Mall.

Internet Sites of the Month

Boy Scouts: Orienteering sites

The following links may be of use to get a better flavor of the sport of Orienteering and how it differs from map and compass drills:

This first site is great. It even has a lesson plan on how to counsel the merit badge: http://www.talon.net/scottdvoa/

This site has a good introduction to the sport:

http://www.us.orienteering.org/OYoung/

This is from Troop 24's site. It's a compilation about Orienteering and how BSA teaches it (or fails to):

http://emf.net/~troop24/scouting/rec-o.apr95.html

Worth repeating:

Free Photos and more

www.snapfish.com

Register online and Snapfish sends you film mailers for your rolls of film (they pay for postage). They load your pictures into an online album to view or download for your website, and send you a set of prints on Kodak paper for $1.69 total. Advertisers pay for everything else. Up to 24 rolls developed free every 12 months! I can vouch for this site! One of the best deals on the web!

Scouting Online

http://scoutorama.com/

A great site for Songs, skits, recipes, and answers to tough Scouting questions. Scoutmaster minutes, training, Eagle Trail, Scout Trivia jeopardy, Scouter's pranks (nice ones), and much more. Good for all levels of scouting.

Coming Up at 2001 Etowah Creek District Cub Scout Roundtable

March Roundtable
March 8, 2001 April Theme: ‘Save it for Us” . Most boys have advanced in rank, so it is time to get them outdoors! Develop an appreciation for the environment through recycling and environmental awareness, plus earn the World Conservation Award. Resources for environmental games, speakers, and fun abound in the Midlands. Come let us share some of the secrets with you for your den. [Webelos: Sportsman Family Member]

April Roundtable
April 19, 200 May Theme: “Happy Trails” What a great time of year for looking at the forest! Take your den for a hike and learn about nature. Also Forestry games, ideas and crafts. Special section on ceremonies and graduations. [Webelos: Outdoorsman, Handyman] **Come early for Cub Pack Administration Encore for all new Cub Masters, Committee persons and Charter Reps. (6:30) [Webelos: Outdoorsman Handyman Boy Scout Skills for Webelos]

May Roundtable
May 11, 2000 June Theme: “Wet and Wild” [Webelos: Traveler, Artist] BLAST OFF the summer with lots of ideas for your Summer Pack activities. Water Safety, Day camp Preview, How to Camp with Cubs, Nature Crafts and Games, and much more. [Webelos: Traveler Artist]

Boy Scout Leaders should be signing up for Summer Camp at Camp Barstow. Call the Scout Office today!

"Where subtlety fails us we must simply make do with cream pies."

Etowah Creek District Has A New Domain Name!!

www.etowahcreek.com

Surf on over and check it out!

Plus more resources and links have been added!

The Webmaster has a new e-mail address lmcgraw@sc.rr.com

The old web page address no longer works, so change your bookmarks!

Indian Waters Council Website is www.iwc-bsa.com

Editor's Corner:

Instructions for Life in the new millennium from the Dalai Lama:

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R's: Respect for self, Respect for others, and Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.