Pittsburgh Scouts respond to Haitian Relief Efforts..
While our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti, as Scouts who are always ready to lend a helping hand, our minds wonder what can I do to help?
Rescue efforts are currently underway by professionals trained in disasters. The immediate need is for emergency supplies that have to be purchased. The Boy Scouts of America is partnered with the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) and locally the Greater Pittsburgh Council is partnered with the Brothers Brother Foundation (www.brothersbrother.org) for cash donations.
How your unit can help immediately!
Until the end of February, we are encouraging Scout units to collect items for “Care Buckets” that will be shipped to Haiti. We have partnered with the Brothers Brother Foundation because of their ability to deliver the buckets to Haiti in addition to their ethical reputation and strong track record with international relief efforts.
Download this flyer describing the items to be collected along with suggested collection methods and information on where to deliver the filled buckets. Empty buckets can be picked up at Flag Plaza. Please e-mail Jacob Kraus and let him know how many buckets you will need so we can assure they are available to you.
This project ends on February 26 so start NOW!
How your unit can help in the future!
Donations to the World Friendship Fund can be designated to help the Scouts in Haiti with long term rebuilding projects. Please consider asking for contributions during your Blue & Gold banquets, Courts of Honor, leader meetings, roundtables, Klondike derbies or other Scouting events. Please contact Jacob Kraus for collection materials and information on where to send the money.
As it becomes available, we will continue to post information on the Council website (www.gpc-bsa.org) on ways Scouting can help with the relief efforts. We are in the preliminary planning stages of allocating some of Scouting for Food collections to the people of Haiti. This would require a huge effort by all Scouts to redouble our collection efforts and set new records for food donations!
Council contact: Jacob Kraus Jacob.Kraus@scouting.org (412) 325-7963
“Boy Scouts of America: Today” National Photo Contest
Coffee table book will be a visual representation of modern-day Scouting
As the Boy Scouts of America’s members, alumni, and admirers prepare to celebrate the organization’s 100th anniversary, they want to see what Scouting looks like in the communities across America. Anyone with a passion for photography is invited to submit photo entries for a new book, to be published in October 2010. Boy Scouts of America: Today will show Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers engaged in activities that represent the 12 points of the Scout Law. Learn more>>>
Celebrating 100 Years - A Year of Celebration
A Year of Celebration will take place from September 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. The program is open to all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity, Venturers, adult leaders, and Scouting Alumni.
Click on patch to go to the requirements
We Are Looking for the Best of the Best! Heritage Staff 2010
The Camping Committtee of the Greater Pittsburgh Council is looking for the Best of the Best to help form the Heritage Reservation 2010 Staff. Please take a moment to think about the youth in your unit and those that standout as youth leaders. Now recommend them as 2010 staff members at Heritage Reservation. All you need to do is suggest a few names. We will do the rest.Most Scout camp counselors are at least 16 years of age, but the Boy Scout and Cub Scout camps have a limited number of jobs for 15 year olds with previous Counselor in Training experience. The high-adventure program employs young people who are at least 18 years of age. The Greater Pittsburgh Council, BSA is an equal opportunity employer that hires females and males, as well as people of all ages and ethnic groups, diverse cultures and mixed abilities.Why should they work on Camp Staff? Here are a few of the countless reasons that are frequently expressed.
They will be a stronger leader in your unit
Make lots of new friends in your area, other states and even other countries
Spend a summer in the great outdoors where nature prevails
Acquire experiential education (learning by doing) and new skills that will last a lifetime
Be part of an effective team and cooperate with others to get things done
Learn how to lead others and apply leadership skills
Undertake and fulfill meaningful challenges and earn the satisfaction of doing a job well
Serve others (the most noble and fulfilling pursuit of all)
Give something back for the opportunities you have received
Live in a wholesome environment based on the Scout Oath and Law
Have meaningful spiritual experiences
Have the advice, counsel and support of senior staff who are dedicated to helping you succeed
Be paid and receive food and lodging in return for something challenging and fun
Be considered for jobs of greater responsibility and receive letters of recommendation for other pursuits
Thank you for taking the time to help us out and make Heritage Reservation the best it can be! Contact Michael Oehmke at 412-325-7914 for more information.
Delayed Opening
Due to the current road conditions and the City of Pittsburgh Snow Storm Emergency, Flag Plaza Scout Center will not open until 12:00 pm on Monday. Please be sure to check this site for further updates before traveling to Flag Plaza.
TECHFEST 2010 Where technology, Scouting and amateur radio come together
Date: February 14, 2010 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Baden American Legion 271 State Street Baden, Pennsylvania 15005
Exhibits, fun, food and more!
Merit Badge counselors on site that can help you earn Computers, Electricity, Radio, Electronics, Space Exploration and Emergency Preparedness Merit Badges, plus technology displays, an exploring table, geocaching presentation, Merit Badge info, radio flea market, electronics auction, and MORE!
Amplify your day and speak to the world at the event that will showcase the future of Scouting and amateur radio.
While it is the end of August and school is just beginning, I would like to advise you of an upcoming change to the Winter Sports Safety section of the Guide to Safe Scouting,
Currently, Section 3 states that "Suitable clothing for the activity and environment should be worn at all times, and equipment should include gloves and helmets when appropriate."
Based upon the review of General Liability claims history, along with a recommendation by the Risk Management Advisory Panel (two Scout executives from each region), and input from the Health and Safety Support Committee, the following change will be made to the Guide to Safe Scouting and published as an Alert on Scouting Safely.
"Appropriate personal protective equipment is required for all activities. This includes the recommended use of helmets for all participants engaged in winter sports such as sledding and other sliding devices. The use of helmets is required for the following activities: downhill skiing, snowboarding, and operation of snowmobiles (full-face helmets)." Hey Parents!
As a parent, you're a primary role model for your child. Scouting provides a time-tested structure that helps bond parent/child development through group and individual activities, recognition and advancement. Your child needs your encouragement, guidance and participation along his or her Scouting path.
Want to learn more about how you and your child can get the most out of Scouting?
We are glad that you have decided to visit our web site. This web site is always being updated and changed. Feel free to contact the council webmaster at info@gpc-bsa.org if you have any suggestions for content or forms to be included on the site. We are beginning to train the district webmaster, so they can help keep the district news current and relevant to their own units
