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| District News - January 2010 |
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-- Posted by LAguilar on Wednesday, January 13 2010 |
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Rio Grande Scouters, I hope 2010 is off to a good start for you. Just to give a reminder of the upcoming dates on the Calendar… Tomorrow Thursday, January 14th is our Monthly Roundtables. Cub Scout Leaders, we have finally found our new Leader! Please come out to meet the new official Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner, Glenn Wright. He will be taking the reigns and running it on his own in February, but we’d like to thank Kathy Ferdig for filling in when Andrea stepped down and we want to show Glenn our support. Please be sure to pick up your unit’s mail and shake his hand. Boy Scout Leaders, this month’s topic is our district’s Life-to Eagle seminar. If the requirements are confusing to you, or if you have Scouts who are Star and Life ranks who need to “Be Prepared”, please make an effort come, they are invited to. This is a chance to get all your questions answered, and any confusion cleared up BEFORE he turns 18! Klondike Derby is just around the corner and Leo Garcia has just let me know that the drop dead date to register is the 20th of January, that’s Wednesday folks! So if you are ready for some cold weather camping, here is your chance. Webelos can come for the day on Saturday if they are coming with a Troop. Please get those turned in at the Scout Office soon if you are planning to attend. For more information please e-mail Leonard at leonardg1969@yahoo.com Wednesday night January 20th, we will be visited by the “Centennial of Values Motor Home”. Rick Meyerhein’s Troop 174 will kick off the evening with a flag ceremony. If you would like the opportunity to be present to see our Council receive our Centennial portrait, please plan on coming to the Council Office 5841 Office Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 between 7 and 8pm and if at all possible please RSVP. It is really important that we start the Centennial year off to a good start to celebrate the 100th year of Scouting in America. Could each of you please let Carlos Martinez know by the end of the week, Friday the 15th how many volunteers you have that are planning on attending this ceremony? He can be reached at carlos.martinez@scouting.org Last thing I wanted to let y’all know about is the Nuclear Museum. They have some interesting events happening and I hear that the last week of January will be free for Scouts to attend. A Zoom flyer for distribution to all the local Boy Scout units can be found here. Be sure to check their website for more information. There will be activities for scouts to earn a Zoom into Engineering & Science patch. Various sustainable technology activities and demonstrations will help scouts to earn other badges. See you at Roundtable, Cindy Cynthia Watts Rio Grande District Great Southwest Council, BSA |
| Reminder - Award Nominations |
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-- Posted by LAguilar on Tuesday, December 8 2009 |
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Nominations for District Award of Merit (4 possible) and Volcano Awards must be in by the December 10th district meeting. District Award of Merit |
| News from District |
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-- Posted by LAguilar on Thursday, November 26 2009 |
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First, let me wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy time with your family and friends truly being thankful for what we've been blessed with. On the Scouting front we have much to be thankful for as well. Let’s not forget about Charter Renewals. These are due on the 30th of this month. There were a couple of units that have gotten that done already! Let's congratulate Pack 114, Pack 12, Troop 9, Troop 1974, Troop 31, and Crew 1974! They have led the way and turned them in. Let's see who is next. And if you are having trouble or have questions please contact your unit commissioner. They are here to assist you. They are also to check it over and initial it before it comes into the office. I look forward to seeing everyone soon! Accompanying those nice charter renewals should be the CQUA’s. 2009 actual numbers should be written out and 2010 goals should be getting drafted up. Please make sure those are in there. If you need forms, please contact my self or Barry Nelson as we both have copies of these. Did someone say Training? The last Cub Scout Leaders Specific Training is being offered in December. Please see the attachment. If you have leaders in your packs that still need training, please send them to this. It is 2 weeknights verses Saturday training. This should be able to satisfy those leaders who work weekends. Cub Specific Leader Training Tuesday Dec 8th and Wednesday Dec 9th. --Registration flyer The Rio Grande District Banquet is just around the corner and we want to thank those leaders who have really put forth that extra effort and ought to be recognized. Every unit got a volcano award nomination form in their Roundtable folder last week. Please take the time to fill it out! And last but not least, there were some units that did some outstanding membership drives this fall. And some of them got enough new boys to qualify for the Drive for Five. If you are one of these units, please give me a list of the boys in your pack and we will get your certificates to you for all those Pinewood Derby cars. Last Roundtable of the year will be December 10th, Thursday night at 7pm at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church (head for the large post office). Please come check it out. Boy Scout Leaders, the topic will be COLD WEATHER CAMPING. We want you and your boys to be ready for Klondike Derby! Think SNOW. Cynthia Watts Rio Grande District Great Southwest Council, BSA BSA 2010 CELEBRATING THE ADVENTURE * CONTINUING THE JOURNEY |
| November News From District |
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-- Posted by LAguilar on Saturday, November 14 2009 |
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Drive for Five! There has been an extension for Drive for Five Pinewood Derby Cars! Please see the attachment for details. If you are not sure what your Drive for Five Goal is, please call Cindy Watts 345-8603 ext. 20 Centennial Quality Unit Award 2009 CQUA’s are now open for review. If you unit has earned the 2009 Centennial Quality Unit Award then you can have it reviewed by the Commissioner Staff at Roundtable. If you are close but haven’t made it yet, you still have through the end of the year to meet your goals! Also the 2010 forms are now available. Please pick one up at Roundtable! Charter Renewal There is a race of who will be the first unit in Rio Grande District to turn in their Charter Renewal! We have seen some of the units already go online and get started. Perhaps you are collecting fees from your families. Maybe you’re tracking down some folks for those required signatures. Wherever you are in the process we want to make sure you get that in soon. Remember the deadline is the 30th of November. But for peace of mind and to have it out of the way, why not get it done before Thanksgiving? HINT HINT Special brownie points if you turn it in at Roundtable! Program Planning Have you planned out your entire year? Do you know when your Blue & Gold Banquet is? Calendar Planning is important. Currently Doug Thomas our Family Friends of Scouting Coordinator has been contacting the units to find out when our packs are having their Blue & Gold Dinners and when our Troops are having their next Court of Honor. We would like to coordinate a FOS Presentation with your nit. Please help us! When you know the date, time and location of your event, please give Doug a call at 896-0479. Attached are the camp discounts as an incentive! Please share this with your families and committee. Speaking of Day Camp…. We are looking for a new Camp Director for Day Camp. If you would like a new challenge and impact the largest number of boys during the course of one week, then this is for you. Great Southwest Council will send you to Camp School; we will pay for you and one program director to learn all you need to know to run Cub Scout Day Camp. Please save the 3rd week of June for Rio Grande’s Day Camp. Klondike Derby Attention all Scout Troops! Save the date, Klondike Derby is set for January 22-24, 2010 . If you are ready for your winter campout, then you won’t want to miss this. Think snow! Rio Grande District Recognition Event… is coming soon. We will be having a special event planned this year. But it takes your involvement to make this really special. Please take some time out to nominate the Scouter in your unit or on the district team that has really made a difference for you, your youth or your parents. Nomination forms for District Award of Merit and special RG recognition are also appropriate and will be due in December. Cynthia Watts Rio Grande District Great Southwest Council, BSA |
| Share your BSA Memories!! |
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-- Posted by LAguilar on Saturday, October 24 2009 |
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The National Scouting Museum is looking for your stories. Click the link below for more details. BSA Museum Oral History Flyer |
| News from District |
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-- Posted by LAguilar on Saturday, October 24 2009 |
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News from Rio Grande District! Popcorn is well underway and we are very proud of all out units who have sold popcorn. Tomorrow Saturday is the Popcorn Product Pick-up at Roadrunner Food Bank which is directly across the street from the Council Office. (Very nice, very convenient!) Mike Salisbury our Popcorn Kernel has sent out the Pick-up schedule so everyone should be aware of their time slot. What we have not been able to get from our leaders is the Unit Master Record Sheet. Some of you have turned this in, most have not. These should have been submitted earlier but if you have not done this yet, please bring it with you when you pick up your Popcorn on Saturday. Pow Wow is right around the corner and the planning is coming along great! Trust me; you do not want to miss this Cub Scout Leader Training Extravaganza! We weren’t able to offer it last year and we don’t know if it will happen next year so you should be making plans to attend. One of the bennies of this training is that we have the shortest commute to make as it takes place in our district! It will be held at the 7 Bar LDS Stake Bldg. The information is attached but you need to register by Monday to take advantage of the biggest discount. It’s only $20 for a full day of training in a variety of different topics. Please pass this on to all your parents and leaders as this is open to non-registered leaders. After October 26th, the price goes up. Don’t worry, lunch will be catered and should a great day of learning tons of Scouting skills! Charter Renewal Workshop coming soon. We want to thanks Stu Prager for putting on a wonderful training at the October Roundtable. But for those of you who missed it, your next opportunity will be on October 31st here at the Council Office. I understand Sandia District is hosting training and has opened it up to Rio Grande Scouters as well. If you are a little nervous about the process, are new to it and have never done it before or just have a couple of questions, then you might want to come. It’ll take place from 9am-1pm. Last but not least, your unit commissioner must check it and initial it before it ever comes into the office. If you are not sure who your commissioner is, then please contact Barry Nelson at 897-2808. Cub Scout Leader Specific Training is being offered (for the last time this year?) If you are a registered Cub Leader and have not been to training yet then you need to save the date of November 3rd. El Valle Manzano District will be hosting this training in Los Lunas but everyone is invited. We are trying to meet or exceed the Council’s goal of having 80% of our leaders trained. Let’s show them that Rio Grande has the training we need! The flyer is attached for more information. November’s Roundtable is right around the corner. Please save the date November 12th at 7pm, always at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church. This is where you want to be to get the latest and greatest information about Scouting. Thanks to Jay Follett for bringing in the speaker about Reptiles and Amphibians, it’s been awhile since I’ve had a snake wrapped around me! Over on the Cub Scout side, Kathy Ferdig has been keeping the Cubs going but both of our Roundtable Commissioners are looking for replacements. If you would like to know more about this of just join the Roundtable Staff, please call, we’d love to have on board! Happy Scouting, Cindy |
| October - News From District |
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-- Posted by LAguilar on Saturday, October 10 2009 |
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Pow Wow You've heard about the awesome training that we’re putting on. You’ve heard that it takes place in the Rio Grande District, so the location is ideal. You know there are prizes, and that lunch is catered. So what are you waiting for? Make sure you share with all your Cub Scout pareants and Leaders that they need to attend! Saturday, November 7th. Pow Wow Schedule & Registration Form Cub Scout Leader Training & Cub Scout Adventure Day For the Official Training that you need for the position that you’re in, October 17th is the date you should have on your calendar. This is the last session we are offering this year for you to be “fully Trained” for the position you’re in. At the same time you are getting trained, all the new boys that have joined your pack are invited to Cub Scout Adventure Day! This is a ½ day event all for free. The magic Sale at the Scout shop, the kids will get a taste of all the fun things Scouting has to offer and siblings are welcome too. Make sure to let all your new families know about this event. Cub Scout Adventure Day Flyer Cub Scout Specific Leader Training Flyer/Registration Earn Your Interpreter Strip Do you speak a second language? If so you may qualify for an Interpreter Strip that you can wear on your uniform. A Scout wearing the interpreter strip must be able to: Carry on a conversation in a foreign language or in sign language Write a letter in a foreign language (not required for signing). Translate orally and in writing from one language to another Once you have met the requirements go to the Scout Shop and upon filling out the Application Form you may purchase the Interpreter Strip to wear on your uniform. Cynthia Watts Rio Grande District Great Southwest Council, BSA BSA 2010 CELEBRATING THE ADVENTURE * CONTINUING THE JOURNEY |
| News from District |
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-- Posted by LAguilar on Saturday, September 5 2009 |
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The Cub Scout Leaders Training on September 26 should end by or before 2pm. The original flyer was mistaken and has been corrected. Pre-register now for $5, or the price goes up. The Pow Wow Survey is now past due. We had a very small response to the survey. If there are any last minute submissions on Tuesday, September 8th, we might be able to take them into consideration. Roundtable will be on our regularly scheduled 2nd Thursday of the month at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church. We start at 7pm and we would like to make sure our leaders get all the latest and greatest information there. Additionally we will be having information for the POC's in charge of the charter renewal for your unit. Please send that leader to this Roundtable. Remember, if you come to Roundtable you get it first. Popcorn Training - For those units who missed the opportunities to be trained on Popcorn, a make-up session will be offered on Thursday September 17th at 7PM. This is only for the new Cub Scouts... On October 17th we will have our Cub Scout Adventure Day next to our office. A flyer has yet to be developed but training will be offered for parents and leaders around the corner at the School that hosts one of our packs, the Scout Shop will have a Magic Sale and there's plenty in store for the siblings too! A flyer is being developed for this so stay tuned... Last but not least, most of you know but in case you didn't, the price for registration goes up next year to $15. For 2009 the price remains $10 that is pro-rated. If you had questions about this or wanted to read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), please reply back to me requesting this, otherwise take this into consideration as you plan your yearly dues and as you prepare for fees to be submitted with your Charter Renewal Paperwork. Thanks and have a wonderfully blessed Labor Day weekend, Cindy |
| Sports Safety - Helmets |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, August 25 2009 |
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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)." I would like to remind you that when units engage in winter sports, they should only use designated areas where rocks, tree stumps, and other potential obstacles have been identified and marked, cleared away, shielded, or buffered in some way. |
| Roundtable - August 20 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Wednesday, August 12 2009 |
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FYI, Cub Scout Roundtable is not this week, but next week, August 20. BTW, there are openings on the Round Table staff. If you would like to join the fun and have fun making fun for others, this is a good chance. |
| Council Trailmarker newsletter now available |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, July 19 2009 |
| The GSWC newsletter "Trailmarker" is now available. Look at the GSWC website. |
| July - No Commissioner Corps and District Ops Meetings |
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-- Posted by LAguilar on Wednesday, July 15 2009 |
| There will be NO Commissioner Corps or District Ops meetings in July. They will meet up again August 27th. Enjoy your summer vacations and activities!! |
| Upcoming Items From Cindy |
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-- Posted by LAguilar on Wednesday, July 15 2009 |
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Good afternoon Scouters, I hope your summer plans are going well. I, myself will be leaving for vacation soon and wanted to make sure I got as much information out to you as possible. Most of July has been a bit of down time with lots of folks gone for vacation and trying to find a nice air-conditioned place to hide. Cub Scout Recruiting for Packs There will be a Metro-wide Round-Up Meeting just for Cub Scout Packs on Thursday, July 30th. It will start at 7pm and the location is TBD, if you haven't heard from anybody where the location is, please call Jan Gimar at 345-8603 ext. 15. Please send your Membership Chair or your Recruitment Coordinator. Lots of good ideas and information will be available so that you can grow your pack and fill out your dens. Roundtables Most of you know that Roundtable is reserved for the 2nd Thursday of the month. However, in August there is a slight change. Roundtable for August will be on Thursday the 20th, please mark your calendars and make sure your unit is represented. It'll be the first RT of the new School year and we all want to be on the same page. September Roundtable will be back on the 2nd Thursday. Always 7pm, always at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church. Look forward to seeing you there. DOC and Commissioner Corps We will be meeting together again on August 27th Please save the date on your calendar. All Saints Lutheran Church, Commissioners start at 6pm, District Committee starts at 7pm. If you have questions please call Barry Nelson at 897-2808 or Mark Yarbrough at 892-5907. Calling all Popcorn Kernels... Wednesday, August 5th at 6:30pm we will be having our Official Popcorn Kick-Off and all Unit Kernels' will want to attend. We want your Popcorn Fundraiser to be uber successful and though the location hasn't been pinned down, give a holler to David Miller 345-8603 ext. 21 as the date gets closer, he will be able to tell you where the Kick-Off will be. Scout Leader Training We all know that every kid deserves a trained leader and every leader deserves to be trained. Most of you are pretty aware of the Council Strategic Plan as well. We are trying to get every top leader FULLY trained in this Council. To that end we are providing opportunities to get you trained for the position you are in. For all Cub Scout Leaders please save the date September 19th Rio Grande District will be hosting the first Training of the year. Tom Grover is working hard to make that happen. For Advanced Cub Level Leader Training, there has been a high demand for Pow Wow. Last year Pow Wow didn't happen and we have heard that our Scouters want this back so Saturday, November 7th, all Cub Scout Leaders will have a great time for an all day event. More information will be available at Roundtable. Scoutmasters and their assistants will be trained on September 26th. All Varsity level Leaders and Venturing Positions will also be trained that day but in different locations. For those Leaders needing IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills) and this is required to be "Fully trained", please reserve the date October 9-10th, note this is an overnight training. Thanks again for all you are doing for the youth in our community. Yours in Scouting, Cindy |
| Collection Belt Loop Award - Dallas Museum |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, June 23 2009 |
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Attention Cub Scouts: Do you have a collection that you’ve started? Does it contain at least 10 items that all have something in common? Are the items in your collection labeled and titled? If you answered yes to these three questions, you have completed requirement No. 1 and are on your way to earning the Collecting belt loop. You can visit the National Scouting Museum, display your collection, and earn the Collecting belt loop! While here, you may even be able to complete some of the requirements for the Collecting academic pin. Attention parents: From Monday, July 13, 2009, to Saturday, July 18, 2009, Cub Scouts may bring in their collection to display while visiting the museum and take it home with them at the end of their visit. Admission will be FREE for Scouts who bring in their collection and guests accompanying these Scouts! No reservation required. Kevin Stanislawski Programs Coordinator BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA National Scouting Museum 1329 W. Walnut Hill Ln. Irving, Tx 75038 972-580-2476 www.nationalscoutingmuseum.org |
| You never know who might be an Eagle |
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-- Posted by LAguilar on Thursday, June 18 2009 |
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Mike Rowe, who hosts Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” show, is an Eagle Scout. A frustrated dad had posted a note to Mike on his blog looking for some inspiring words from Mike hoping to get his son fired up about becoming an Eagle. Mike has some interesting advice for the young man. At the bottom is a link to the letter and an offer from Mike to send a letter to any Eagle. "Still: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent...okay maybe not so clean!" Discovery Channel - Mike Rowe |
| New Webmaster Help |
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-- Posted by rstone on Saturday, June 13 2009 |
| Welcome to Luana Aguilar, who will be joining us to help keep the RGD web site up to date. Look for her news postings as LAguilar. Click on her name to send her email about news items. Luana is a happy Cub Scout Mom and will also be using her considerable computer skills to update and improve the web site. |
| Scouting Opportunities out of Council |
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-- Posted by rstone on Saturday, June 13 2009 |
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If you are going to be out of town for a while and are looking for Scouting-things to do, check these out: 1. The National Scouting Museum in Dallas has much more than the fantastic Scouting Museum and the Norman Rockwell paintings. They now offer summer programs for the advancement requirements of Webelos and Boy Scouts and some Merit Badges too. Check out http://www.nationalscoutingmuseum.org for more information. 2. There are still opportunities for Scouts and Adult Scouters to serve on the staff of the National Jamboree in 2010. Much of the fun is found in the Action Centers. Check out http://www.actioncenterc.org and http://www.bsajamboree.org/staff.html for more info. |
| District News |
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-- Posted by rstone on Thursday, May 21 2009 |
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Good afternoon Scouters, I hope everyone’s summer plans are starting to take shape nicely. I wanted to send out a slightly earlier e-mail this month regarding our Commissioner Corps Meeting & District Operating Committee Meeting. Because the Memorial Holiday is upon us, I thought best to mention this now so that this isn’t forgotten. May 28th is the 4th Thursday of the month and you know what that means. Because school lets out this month, this will be our last meeting of the 2008-2009 school year. Last month everyone had lots of great input for the calendar Rio Grande Calendar. We will have a draft to look at but eventually they will be put on the website. Pow Wow is something we get to plan too. Last year our Council didn’t have one and lots of Cub Scout Leaders have missed this and there has been talk about bringing it back. I’d like to hear any and all ideas to make this a success. And lastly, please note, we will NOT be at All Saints Church. Due to some scheduling conflicts we are moving our meeting to Paradise Hills United Methodist Church (normal Roundtable location) Please come to PHUMC 4700 Paradise Blvd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 Barry Nelson will be chairing both of these meetings and we look forward to seeing you next Thursday night! Happy Memorial Day, Cindy |
| Camporee news - correction |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, May 5 2009 |
| Last week I stated that Troop 1974 won our Spring Camporee competition, however I must correct myself it was actually Troop 174 – we would like to congratulate them on a JOB WELL DONE!! |
| Spring Wrap-Up |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, May 5 2009 |
| Each unit should be having spring wrap up parents and committee meetings this spring. These meetings are important to begin to plan next fall. If you would like help with your meeting, or need some advise on what to do this summer/fall give Cindy or Emily a call and we can help! |
| Popcorn - Get Ready! |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, May 5 2009 |
| Popcorn is just around the bend! Each unit should be thinking about who their Popcorn Kernel will be. This person will be the lesion between the unit and the district on all of their popcorn sales. With a good team behind us Rio Grande District can sell more popcorn then ever before!! Remember – this is the best time to raise money for your unit, and each individual boy… More information will be coming on Popcorn sales at the Metro Program Planning Kickoff! (There will also be more monetary incentive to register to sell at the Kickoff!) |
| Gorham Scout Ranch News |
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-- Posted by rstone on Thursday, April 30 2009 |
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There is still time and availability to come out to Gorham Scout Ranch!!! Don’t miss out on experiencing everything new at Camp this summer – Our New Pool and Shower House (That’s right! The Cave is gone!!), New Climbing Tower, High C.O.P.E. course, and the horses are back!! Please see the attached forms for Boy Scout program and High Adventure program to sign up! For any questions please contact the Camp Director – that’s me (Emily) !! Trail To Eagle Week – our Trail to Eagle week will be a great alternative to Scouts who are not attending camp with their unit, who want a little extra time at camp to get those pesky Eagle Required Merit Badges out of the way. This week is open to all Scouts, they do not need to come up with a unit, we will also offer some down time so the scouts can experience some of our amazing updates to our camp! Please see the flier to sign up!! C.O.P.E – Please see the attachment to find out how your unit can come up to Gorham and use our awesome new C.O.P.E. course, this is a state of the art facility that each Scout should have the opportunity to experience!! |
| Wood Badge - Apply Now |
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-- Posted by rstone on Thursday, April 30 2009 |
| Wood Badge Training Applications are available and need to be submitted by July 27. This is an awesome opportunity for our leaders to be trained in the premier Scouting Training!! If interested please let Cindy Watts know! |
| Cinco de Mayo Event - help needed |
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-- Posted by rstone on Thursday, April 30 2009 |
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SCOUTERS, we need your HELP to promote the AWESOME Scouting Program at Univision’s Cinco de Mayo event on Tres de Mayo at Civic Plaza. Last year this event drew upwards of 25,000 people. We would like to use this occasion to increase our visibility in the Hispanic Community and recruit boys with participation in Day Camp and Summer Camp in mind. WHAT WE NEED: Volunteers and staff willing to assist with our booth. Spanish-speaking Scouters are especially needed. We’ll handle overall booth arrangement, materials, and supervision. We need some of our OUTSTANDING bi-lingual Scouters who could spend a Sunday afternoon helping out!! MUCHO GRACIAS!!! Please sign-up by contacting your District Executive or Jan Gimar, District Director and ScoutReach Coordinator at 345-8603 ext. 15. |
| Spring Camporee was a Hit! |
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-- Posted by rstone on Monday, April 27 2009 |
| This years Spring Camporee was a hit! We had an amazing time out at Baca Ranch, right off the Rio Grande!! If you missed it you missed a GOOD TIME! Congratulations to our Overall Troop winners – Troop 1974!!! I know that many of you are waiting on bated breath for the outcome of the Hawaiian cook-off and I would like to announce that Troop 31 won that with a wonderful Pork dish with mashed potatoes and a coconut ice cream that would put Ben and Jerry’s to shame!! Each dish submitted was delicious and the judges were defiantly in a “food coma” for the rest of the night! Also, we would like to congratulate all of those elected to be in the OA!!! If you would like to help Rio Grande put on the best Spring Camporee for our Centennial Celebration in 2010 – please contact Ed Dummitt ((505) 227-4658) or Emily Kelly. |
| Summer Fun - Still Available! |
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-- Posted by rstone on Saturday, April 25 2009 |
| There are still plenty of opportunities for your unit to have Scouting fun this summer. Cub Day Camp in Rio Rancho still has a few openings, and the Taylor Ranch Day Camp still has alot of openings. There will be Cub Scout fun for the whole family at Gorham Scout Reservation. And Boy Scout Summer Camp has alot of openings for some new program opportunities. Check it out and sign up at the council's web site: http://www.gswcbsa.org. |
| District Help Wanted |
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-- Posted by rstone on Saturday, April 25 2009 |
| Have you been looking for a new source of challenge, fun, service, and Scouting fellowship? Are you finishing up a project and looking for something new? We need "a few good folks". No, actually, we want all the help we can get, since every hand helps bring scouting to all who want to be. We are especially looking for help in membership and recruiting, unit commissioners, and web master. Apply to Cindy Watts or Emily Kelly. |
| May RoundTable is Program Kickoff |
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-- Posted by rstone on Saturday, April 25 2009 |
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As Scouting approaches its Centennial Celebration in 2010, it's good to remember that the BSA came about because of an unknown British Scout helping an American visitor find his way through the fog. That's exactly what proper program planning can do for your unit: guide you through the fog by giving you the tools to chart your course for the next year and a chance to talk to the district leaders about the fascinating stops they have planned for you on the way. We want 2010 to be the best year ever for your unit, your district, the Great Southwest Council, and the BSA! What you do to attract new families to Scouting and the program they receive in the fall will lay the foundation for a real celebration in February of 2010 and the months to follow! May 14 – Mark your Calendars is the Metro-wide Roundtable Program Planning Kickoff!!! There will be NO RIO GRANDE Roundtable in May the Metro Roundtable will replace it. Be sure to get a representative from your unit there!! Scoutmasters, Advisors, Committee Chairs, Committee Members, Parents, everyone is invited!! Each unit should have representation at this event, it will be essential to planning your Fall Program and TONS of FUN!!! For more information, download the flyer and the map. |
| Philmont Trek Opportunity |
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-- Posted by rstone on Wednesday, April 22 2009 |
| Troop 174 had reserved 3 crews for Philmont for the slot of July 23 through Aug 4. We have only been able to fill 2 of the crews. We are looking for a Troop to acquire the 3rd crew. A minimum crew is 7 and a maximum is 12. Please contact Kenneth Hall, (505)980-3137 for more information. |
| Spring Camporee - April 24-25 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, April 21 2009 |
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The Rio Grande District of the Great Southwest Council invites you to come enjoy the tropics for our annual Spring Camp-o-ree. When and Where: Friday & Saturday, April 24-25, 2009, Baca Ranch – Algodones, New Mexico For more information, download the information packet |
| District Management Meeting |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, April 21 2009 |
| Our monthly meeting of the District Committee (6pm) and our Commissioner Meeting (7pm) will be this Thursday, April 23 at All Saints Lutheran Church 4800 All Saints Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87120. Every adult is invited to attend - come find out more about what’s going on in the district!! |
| Leave Nothing But Footprints |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, April 21 2009 |
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Everyone is invited to come and see LIVE ANIMALS at the National Scouting Museum on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 12 p.m. Join us as The Fort Worth Zoo presents Wild Wonders, an educational program for everyone!!! Attention Cub Scouts!!! Want to earn the Wildlife Conservation Belt Loop?!!! Come early (11 a.m.), and we’ll have an instructor on hand to teach the requirements! Reservations are required for the Wildlife Conservation Belt Loop workshop. To make your reservation, please call 972-580-2467. Admission is $5 each. |
| Roundtable - April 9 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, April 7 2009 |
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Cut Scout Themes: >> Cub Scouts - Leave Nothing But Tracks >> Webelos Activity Badge: Forester What's so special about this month? • Free Theme tie slide and Theme bead for your Wampum! • Wampum (for attendance recognition) for each attendee, add beads each month, get a bear claw for bringing someone new. Please bring someone new!!! • GORP! • FYI, this is the last RT until August. There is a Metro Roundup on May 14th. LTBD At the Paradise Hills Methodist Church. 7:00pm, Thursday, April 9 |
| Leave No Trace training available |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, March 29 2009 |
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The Leave No Trace principles might seem unimportant until you consider the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire may have little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone's responsibility. The Boy Scouts of America is committed to implementing Leave No Trace at all levels of the program. Earning the BSA Leave No Trace Achievement Award could set the stage for significant accomplishments in environmental stewardship and service. There are training programs and awards for Scouts and Adult Scouters. RGD offers Leave No Trace training for Pack Meetings, Troop Meetings, Round Tables, and other groups. For more information, please contact Eric Holmes (H: 896 8061, C: 280 6677, W: 505 677 5279, W: eholmes@lanl.gov, H: erictholmes@yahoo.com) |
| Spring Membership Drive - Operation Tiger Roar! |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, March 29 2009 |
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Spring is a time to rejuvenate and energize your Pack with new Youth. Spring Recruitment is a great way to do this. Create that new Tiger Den and fill in the openings left by boys that have left the system or transitioned to Boy Scouts. Tiger Roar will be done similar to Fall Roundup. You are to schedule boy talks, (assemblies or classroom talks) and a Scout Night. The difference is that you will concentrate on Kindergarten and the grade levels where you have openings. Who should participate: Every Pack in the Rio Grande District. Everyone needs to build that new Tidge Den, in in the openings and recruit new Adult Leaders. Recruit them now and they get to have the Summer Fun! So Plan a Tiger Roar in April or May!! For more information contact Emily Kelly at emkelly@bsamail.org or 505 345 8603 ext. 24. |
| 2009 Spring Camporee |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, March 29 2009 |
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The RGD Spring Camporee is going to be a "Splash" of an event! The theme will be TROPICAL BEACH!! (however, no flip flops please!) Boy Scout Troops, Webelos II dens, and Venture crews welcome. Don't miss out on the HAWAIIAN IRON CHEF cooking contest with a secret ingredient provided to each troop! Where: Baca Ranch - located in Algodones, NM When: April 24-26 Cost: $10 each ($2 late fee) Fine Print: Port-a-potties provided. Units must bring their own water supplies. Register before April 19. Event Code 702. |
| Summer Camp Staff - positions still available |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, March 29 2009 |
There are still a few adult and youth staff positions available for summer camp at the new and improving Gorham Scout Ranch. Contact Camp Director Emily Kelly (emkelly@bsamail.org) for more information. |
| Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation - BALOO! |
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-- Posted by rstone on Friday, March 27 2009 |
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BALOO is designed to introduce Cub Scout Leaders to the newly expanded opportunities for Pack overnight camping. BSA has made a number of changes to the camping policy for Tigers, Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts. Besides participating in Council Camps (Day Camp, Resident Camp), Packs may now organize overnight campouts for Cub Scouts and their families. Packs planning on holding any camping trips must have at least one Adult Leader who has completed BALOO in attendance. Download the information and register before April 10. |
| Cub Day Camp - Open for Registration |
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-- Posted by rstone on Wednesday, March 25 2009 |
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Day Camp is an outdoor experience where Cub Scouts participate in individual and team sports, games, crafts, explore nature, and work on achievements, electives, and activity badges. Boys have fun in the outdoors -- that's Cub Scout Day Camp. The Cub Scout Day Camp program is designed to teach skills and develop attitudes that make a boy more self-reliant and more at home in the outdoors. He will have fun with a purpose. The purpose is to build character while providing a memorable experience in the life of a boy. Make sure your boys get Cub Scouting at its best by attending Cub Scout Day Camp. All Cub Scouts from this year's Tiger Cubs to Webelos Scouts are encouraged to attend. Day Camp is usually the first camping experience for a Scout. Boys attend Day Camp and return home each day. There is no overnight camping. The 2009 theme for Day Camp is prehistoric: Rock On! Can You Dig It! So you can expect to stretch the imagination, inspire dreams, and have lots of fun! For more information, download the Pack Guidebook and the Registration Form for individual Cub Scouts. |
| Boy Scout Expo 2009 - El Paso - March 28 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, March 22 2009 |
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The Great Southwest Council is invited to the Boy Scout Expo 2009 in El Paso Texas March 28th at Cohen Stadium this Month. ARCHERY, GAMES, CRAFTS, SCOUT EXHIBITS, MILITARY Vehicles and EXHIBITS, Climbing Walls, Scuba Tank Displays, Remote Control Planes, Cars, Monstor Trucks, Mayors Race the Pinewood Derby cars, Carnival Rides, AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!!! More information is available in the event flyer. COHEN STADIUM El Paso Texas MARCH 28TH From: 10am to 4:00pm Entry Cost: Free if in Scouting Uniform, $2.00 if not FREE PARKING Tickets at the Gate or Contact Yucca Council Boy Scouts of America 915-772-2292 |
| Spring Training Opportunities |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, March 17 2009 |
EVERY SCOUT DESERVES A TRAINED LEADERTraining Progression Do these as soon as possible + Fast Start (quick training to get you started in your Scouting job) --- For Cub Scout Leaders, via internet --- For Boy Scout Leaders, via internet --- For Venturing Leaders, via internet --- Scout Parent Unit Coordinator Training, via Online Learning Center + New Leader Essentials (what is Scouting all about) --- Classroom training on March 28 --- This is Scouting, via Online Learning Center + Youth Protection --- via internet MyScouting portal Then do these training sessions for your specific Scouting job + Cub Scout Leader Specific Training on March 21 + Boy Scout Leader Specific Training --- Part 1 – classroom session, March 28 --- Part 2 – Introduction to Outdoor Leadership (IOLS), April 18 + Boy Scout Troop Committee Basic Training, March 28 + Varsity Leader Basic Training, March 28 + Venturing Leader Basic Training, March 28 + Hazardous Weather Training, via internet Specialty Training for Special Jobs + Den Chief Training, via Online Learning Center + Trainer Development Conference on May 30 + The Trainer’s Edge for training trainers + Trek Safely Training, via Online Learning Center + Climb On Safely Training, via Online Learning Center + COPE Facilitator / Instructor training, April 24-26 + Adult Rock Climbing Instructor Course --- Basic course, April 24-26 --- Intermediate course, August 21-23 + Philmont Training Center offers many training courses for nearly any topic in Scouting. + Wood Badge Training, for experienced Leaders looking for the next level of training |
| Update on Cub Leader Specific Training course |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, March 10 2009 |
| The location has been changed. Download the latest flier for the New Leader Essentials and Cub Scout Specific Training courses. |
| Roundtable - March 12 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, March 8 2009 |
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Cub Scout Roundtable - Theme: Jurassic Park Webelos Activity Badge: Sportsman, Family Member What is special about this month?
Where: Paradise Hills Methodist Church When: 7pm, Thursday, 3/12/2009 |
| Wood Badge Training is Available |
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-- Posted by rstone on Saturday, March 7 2009 |
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The Wood Badge training course is a fantastic opportunity for Adult Scout Leaders with some training and experience who want to "take it to the next level". Modern leadership and management techniques are taught by expert trainers in the context of operating Scout units. It's a fantastic experience! For more information, look at the web site. Then fill out the application. Be warned! Wood Badge will change you. You will have more fun and be more effective as a Scout Leader. And the skills apply to your work and family life also. |
| Cub Scout Round Table - February |
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-- Posted by rstone on Thursday, February 12 2009 |
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Cub Scout Round Table 7pm, Thursday, 2/12/2009 Theme: When I Grow Up Webelos Activity Badge: Geologist (please bring 2 empty egg cartons for rock samples) Where: Paradise Hills Methodist Church Take Paseo del Norte to Eagle Ranch and turn north on Eagle Ranch. Turn left (west) on Paradise Blvd. …Or… Take Paseo del Norte to Golf Course and turn north on Golf Course. Turn right (east) on Paradise Blvd. * * * The church is located between the Giant Gas Station and the Post Office. It is on Paradise Blvd.* * * What is special about this month? Free Theme tie slide and Theme bead for your Wampum! Wampum (for attendance recognition) for each attendee, add beads each month, get a bear claw for bringing someone new. Please bring someone new!!! Please wear an occupation-related hat (armed forces hat, hard hat, cowboy hat, etc! |
| Rio Grande News |
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-- Posted by RGD_DE on Wednesday, February 11 2009 |
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Hello Rio Grande Scouters! Here is an update of what is going on in Rio Grande! FOS Friends of Scouting is off and running! Rio Grande is already off to a great start- but we have a long way to go! As of today we are at 30% of our goal and we hope to achieve 45% by the end of this month! If you have not made your FOS pledge please contact Cindy Watts, Emily Kelly or Richard Jones to do so. You do not have to wait unit your unit presentation to help the district reach our goals!! Pledging early gives your individual units a head start to reach their goals of discounts at camp, and not to mention bragging rights! Please contact us to make your pledge! We are also working on our community campaign, if your company would be intrested in supporting the BSA please contact one of us as soon as possible, we have a ton to offer this community and it is always nice when the community gives back. PINEWOOD DERBY! Rio Grande District Pinewood Derby is just around the corrner!!! March 7, at Rio Rancho Mid High! Please see the flier, and find out more information at Roundtable! KLONDIKE! The 2009 Klondike Derby was a huge sucess! Thank you to Troop 17 and especially Phil Mandeville for putting that on! Dont miss out next year! Training Dates Up Coming training dates are: March 21 - New Leader Essentials and Cub Scout Specific Training March 28 - Boy Scout and Venturing Leader Specific Training, Troop Committee Challenge Training March 31 - Youth Protection Training (also available online) April 18 - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation April 24-25 - Wilderness First Aid Please come to Roundtable (TOMORROW- 7PM PHUMC 4700 Paradise Blvd) to find out more about training! Scouting For Food! Food pick up will be February 14 Please see the attachment for more info or Contact John Currier: currierh2o@aol.com Thank you to each and everyone of you who contribute your time, money and endless support to Scouting and the Rio Grande District - YOU ARE APPRECIATED! Emily and Cindy! |
| Weekly News from Cindy |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, January 18 2009 |
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It has been said to me that I should send out a weekly reminder. The first Commissioner Staff Meeting (6pm) and DOC &pm) will be on Thursday, January 22nd at the All Saints Lutheran Church. If you serve on the District committee, are a Commissioner or a Charter Org Rep then this meeting is for you! Anybody else is welcome to attend (mostly because you probably want to get the most current information.) The Annual Rio Grande District Banquet will take place on Saturday, January 24th at 6:30pm at the 7 Bar Stake LDS Building. I understand that the deadline to register has been extended. This is the one time we want to formally thank all of our volunteers and show them how much we appreciate them. It is also where we announce the awardees of the highest distinction available to a Scouter at the District level. This Scouter proudly wears a silver knot on a blue background and has earned it! Please come out to support and show your appreciation for our newest District Award of Merit recipients. The following weekend is the Klondike Derby!!!!! Snow Camping will take place at Hyde Memorial Park from Friday, January 30-Saturday, January 31st. Now of course you have to have the proper gear and yes, you must file a tour permit, but there is something new this year that is being required of all units especially troops! National BSA is now requiring a new online training that has to be completed by at least one person in each troop that must be present on every outing. All the New Tour Permits state this. (Please throw out those old, out-dated forms. They are no longer acceptable!) You need to log on to Scouting.org and take the Hazardous Weather training. Please click http://olc.scouting.org/ Understand that the training will take an hour to and hour and a half (I have a slow PC) to complete. After completing this, print out the training card and have a copy available to hand over with your new and current Tour Permit. Your Tour Permit will not be approved if you do not have this. (It's been shared in the Trailmarker articles, in Scouting Magazine, is online everywhere, and now a personal e-mail from the District!) And while you still have your thoughts on ice...don't forget about the Boy Scout Night with the Scorpions. Our State Ice Hockey Team is hosting a night for us on Friday, February 6th. Flyers on this have been handed out at Roundtables and has been circulated but there are still tickets available. To get the discount you have to reserve your unit's tickets thorough the Council Office by Friday, January 23rd. This deadline is firm. Roundtable on second Thursday, February 12th happens at the Paradise Hills United Methodist Church at 7pm. Tons of stuff to learn and ideas to share with Scouters from all over the district. We have an awesome Roundtable Staff that outs on a fantastic program every month. If your unit meetings lack pizzazz, if you need some new ideas, if you want to get your parents and leaders involved, then this is the place to come. The latest information comes first here. (And you get something for brining a new person!!!) Scouting for Food is underway as well. After the night at the Scorpions, you want to make sure your area has been covered so that people can give canned good to our less fortunate families. Bag drop-off generally happens around the 7th of February and then you get to pick up the canned good the following Saturday, February 14th, The food can be dropped off at the parking lot of the 7 Bar LDS Stake Building. (Location look familiar?) Last but not least is the Council Recognition Luncheon. On Saturday, February 21st, Scouters from all of the Great Southwest Council will gather far and wide to attend the 83rd Annual Luncheon to recognize our Silver Beaver Recipients. This is the highest honor bestowed upon a volunteer at the Council Level. Pleas enjoy the 3 day weekend as we honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. The Council office will be closed Monday, January 19th, in observance. Yours in Scouting, Cindy Cynthia Watts Rio Grande District-Great Southwest Council Boy Scouts of America Desk (505) 345-8603 ext. 20 Mobile (505) 553-4075 |
| Life to Eagle Training |
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-- Posted by rstone on Thursday, January 15 2009 |
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At the January Roundtable, we held a Life to Eagle Scout Training seminar. It was well attended. Thanks for the presentation. If you wish a copy of the training materials, you can download them from here. You will need to unzip the files before use. |
| District Banquet and Klondike |
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-- Posted by RGD_DE on Thursday, January 15 2009 |
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A few quick reminders: 1. DISTRICT BANQUET will be next Saturday!!! We are extending the registration until Sunday Jan. 18. Please look online for online registration and payment methods. This will be a wonderful way to recognize the amazing volunteers that Rio Grand District has so please come out and help us celebrate! Also, we are asking units to bring Scouting memorabilia to show-case at the banquet, if you would like to have a table for your display please let me know ASAP! 2. KLONDIKE DERBY will be the last weekend in January, see the flier. This event will also be online for registration and payment. |
| Create our 2009 Gorham Scout Ranch Patch |
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-- Posted by rstone on Saturday, January 10 2009 |
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Become a part of GSR History. Design the First Gorham Scout Ranch patch! The patch should be 2 inch diameter round patch with basic colors (up to four), a classic design that can become a Gorham Scout Ranch tradition. Both Scouts and Adults are encouraged to participate. Show us your artistic skills. Design submissions are due by February 13, 2009, delivered electronically to Emily Kelly, Camp Director. (emkelly@bsamail.org) |
| Cub Scout Round Table - January |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, January 6 2009 |
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Cub Scout Round Table 7pm, Thursday, 1/8/2009, Paradise Hills United Methodist Church Theme: American ABCs Webelos Activity Badges: Scholar • Free Theme tie slide and Theme bead for your Wampum! • Wampum (for attendance recognition) for each attendee, add beads each month, get a bear claw for bringing someone new. Please bring someone new!!! • Please bring the oldest family photo you have for show and tell! |
| Friends of Scouting - Reserve Your Spot Soon |
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-- Posted by rstone on Monday, January 5 2009 |
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The Friends of Scouting - Family Campaign is one of the major fund raising events of the year, providing the resources we need to bring Scouting to all youth that want it. Our goal is to provide opportunities to all Scouting participant families to support bringing Scouting to the community. To do this, each unit will have a brief presentation discussing how to support Scouting and collecting the support pledges. Each Pack, Troop, Team, Post, and Crew should provide this opportunity to its membership. We will schedule the visit at a Blue and Gold, Court of Honor, or other event when the families are in attendance. Check your calendars. If you aren't scheduled yet, please contact Emily Kelly (505 345 8603 ext 24, or emkelly@bsamail.org) to reserve your spot. If we don't hear from you, we will find you. |
| Run Miles - Make Smiles |
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-- Posted by rstone on Wednesday, December 10 2008 |
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We need your help for a great cause, your help on my Eagle service project, and you get some fun exercise also. Operation Smile is a 5K fun run or competitive run and a fun raiser for helping to pay for surgeries for children with facial deformities. We really need runners. Please look at the Operation Smile flier, the corrected directions, and the race map. Then please fill out the application form. We thank you for your support. For any questions, email me (rmtpjt@msn.com) or contact me at (505)715-9634. Thank you so much, Thomas Thompson, Troop 174 |
| Serious Work by Cubs and Congress |
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-- Posted by rstone on Wednesday, December 10 2008 |
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Rep. Heather Wilson recently visited with members of Albuquerque Cub Scout Pack 470. Heather spoke to them about citizenship as the young Cub Scouts work to earn their citizenship Activity Badge. For this photo, Heather and the young scouts shared a moment of levity that these young scouts will certainly remember the rest of their lives. (source: Congresswoman Heather Wilson's E-News, Dec. 9, 2008) |
| Cub Scout Round Table - December |
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-- Posted by rstone on Wednesday, December 10 2008 |
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Cub Scout Round Table will be held at 7:00 pm, Thursday, 12/11/2008, at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church. Theme: A-Maze-ing Webelos Activity Badges: ? Side Meeting: Day Camp Coordinators. We will be discussing changes to the 2009 Day Camp Program. BRING IN YOUR RECHARTER PACKETS! |
| New Mexico Trout Fly Tying Symposium - Dec. 6 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Monday, December 1 2008 |
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New Mexico Trout is holding its 4th Annual Fly Tying Symposium on Saturday, December 6th, 2008; from 9AM to 3PM at Sandia Preparatory School, 532 Osuna NE in Albuquerque, NM. Located in the Student Center, just south of the Theatre and east of the gym. Come out and support New Mexico Trout and have a fun day of learning, sharing & camaraderie NMT will showcase some of the top fly tyers from NM and surrounding states This will be a fantastic chance to see some of the best tyers in the nation. There will be a Youth’s Corner for youngsters just starting out with additional Youth drawing for prizes. There will be a Beginner’s Section for those interested in tying or needing a little help There will be multiple door prize drawings throughout the day There are still several openings for the special fly tying classes on Sunday presented by our showcased tyers (call Lee Widgren at 505-340-3481 for details or to sign up). Cost will be $5.00 for New Mexico Trout members and $7.00 for non-members (if you purchase a membership at the door you will save $2.00 instantly). Youth 15 years and younger, and BSA youth members are FREE! Visit us online at www.newmexicotrout.org. |
| Cub Day Camp planning meeting - Dec 13 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, November 23 2008 |
| Planning for Cub Day Camp is progressing and we want your inputs and help to make it the best ever. The next meeting is at the home of Dan Maxwell (505 573 3621), Dec. 13, 10:00am-12:00noon. The agenda will focus on program development and staffing. |
| Life-to-Eagle Training - at January Roundtable |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, November 23 2008 |
| How to navigate the service project, paperwork, committees to finally get your Eagle? All Star and Life Scouts who expect to complete the requirements for Eagle Scout during 2009, and their parents, and their unit leaders, are invited to attend this very useful training presentation. Held during the January Roundtable meeting (Jan. 8, 7:00-8:30pm, Paradise Hills United Methodist Church). |
| Klondike Derby 2009 is coming! |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, November 23 2008 |
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The 2009 Rio Grande District Klondike Derby is coming. Here is some preliminary information to help with your planning. The Klondike will be held on January 30-31, at Hyde Park near Santa Fe. Units may chose to optionally camp over Friday through Sunday. Cracker Barrel on Friday night. Events, sled race, patrol competitions, and a campfire on Saturday. Webelos welcome, given the usual limitations. Cost is $8 per person. |
| Scouting for Food - SIGN UP NOW |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, November 23 2008 |
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Packs and Troops will be provided bags. Scouts will distribute bags to homes in their collection areas between February 7th and 11th. Bags will be collected on Saturday, February 14th after 9:00am and delivered to a central collection point no later than 2:00pm. RoadRunner Food Bank will provide trucks to take the food to their warehouse. A Boy Scout should be able to reach 50 to 75 homes, Webelos Scouts 35 to 45 homes, cub Scouts 25 to 35 homes, and a Tiger 15 to 25 homes. Multiply the number of Scouts in your unit by the number of homes they can cover to determine the size of your collection area. If your unit participated last year, the collection area you selected will be yours again this year. If you would like to modify last year's area, larger or smaller, please let us know ASAP. Contact John Currier [505 792 7870, currierh2o@aol.com] to confirm your unit's participation in Scouting for Food 2009 and to select or modify your collection area. |
| Adult Volunteer Award Nominations - DUE Dec. 20 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, November 23 2008 |
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VOLCANO AWARD – This award is a long time tradition in the Rio Grande District. The award is designed to be given to an adult volunteer, registered or not, who the unit thinks has contributed or performed outstanding service during the past year. This individual should not be a prior recipient of the award. The selection should be made by the Unit Committee. Leaders A unit may award up to two per year. SCOUTING FAMILY OF THE YEAR AWARD – To be given to ONE family in the district, who has gone beyond normal expectations of family involvement in unit and/or district activities. Single parent families and couples with no children may also be nominated. Nomination should show how this family lives, “Scouting is not just a hobby, it is a lifestyle!” The nominee should not be advised of the nomination. LEGACY AWARD – This high honor is awarded to one Scout Leader in the Rio Grande District. This Scout Leader needs to have impacted all youth not just in his/her unit but also all over the District. This Scout Leader sees the value in every boy and takes the extra special time to go out of his/her way to bring scouting to the boys. This person could be in Scouting for many years or a few years, however they must have left a legacy in Scouting in the Rio Grande District. “Think Lifetime Achievement Award.” DISTRICT AWARD OF MERIT - (Please use the national form available online or from the scout office.) This is the highest award a District can present to a volunteer. It is a Council award presented by the District. The nominee must have rendered noteworthy service to youth. The nominee should have contributed some type of service to youth outside of scouting as well. Consideration will be given to the nominee’s position and the corresponding opportunity to render outstanding service beyond the expectation of duty. The nominee should not be advised of the nomination. The District will present up to 4 awards for 2008. Download the Volcano Award application or Adult Volunteer Award application and select a deserving volunteer. Remember, if you don't make the recommendation, perhaps a deserving person will be missed. |
| PICTURES PLEASE! |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, November 23 2008 |
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The Rio Grande District will be putting together their 2008 District Year in Review. This slide show will be shown at the Rio Grande District Annual Banquet in January 2009. We are asking for units to provide pictures to add to the slide show. We would like for units to look through all their wonderful pictures taken over the course of 2008 and submit them for the slide show. We are asking units to submit no more than 40 pictures each. We want pictures of your Klondike Derby, Pinewood Derby, your trip to the Spring Camporee, Day Camp, Troop or Pack campouts throughout the year, pictures from your summer camp experiences, Troop Courts of Honor, Eagle Courts of Honor, Blue & Gold Banquets, Service Projects, Troop Meetings, Pack Meetings, Den Meetings, Patrol Meetings or any other event your unit participated in. We are asking that your pictures be submitted in CD Format with contact information to return the disk to your unit. You may bring your CD’s to the December Roundtable or you may take them to the Council Office to the attention of Kathy Ferdig, Rio Grande District, NO LATER THAN December 20, 2008. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathy Ferdig at 239-4630 |
| New NESA Eagle Scout Scholarship Applications now available |
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-- Posted by rstone on Monday, November 17 2008 |
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The applications for the NESA Eagle Scout scholarships have changed. The new applications are posted at http://www.nesa.org/applications.html. There is now an Eagle Scout scholarship page under the NESA Chapter menu on the GSWC web site. The page has links to both of the scholarship applications. The new version is the only application we will accept in 2009. Hard copies should be printed and mailed to the national office. Applications must be postmarked no later than midnight January 31, 2009. |
| Woolrich Promotion at Dillards |
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-- Posted by rstone on Monday, November 17 2008 |
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We are excited about a cause-related promotion that Woolrich Outdoors will host at 57 Dillard’s stores across the country. Woolrich will donate $5.00 for every First Forks T-shirt sold between this Sunday, November 16, and Saturday, December 6. The funds raised will be used by the BSA National Council to support local councils. Sevaral Dillard’s stores in the area will be participating in this promotion. The store location and phone number for each Dillard’s in your area are shown below. All we ask is you stop to thank the Dillard’s manager on duty that day. We hope to see this promotion succeed so we can expand this relationship in the future to more products and additional stores across the country. We anticipate that about $5,000 will be raised through this promotion. While this may not be a alot, it's a good start to support Scouting in this way.
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| Internet Rechartering Help and Workshop |
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-- Posted by rstone on Thursday, November 13 2008 |
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If you need help in internet rechartering (or you need to access a computer on the internet), a great opportunity awaits. Computers and Help will be available on Saturday, Nov. 15, 9:00 am - 12:00 noon at Catholic Charities (200 Bridge SW, Albuquerque). A great opportunity if you need it. Remember to bring your paperwork, especially your account access sheet and your list of Scouts and Adults. Remember - our goal is to be done with rechartering by November 22. Let's Git R Done! |
| Cub Scout Round Table - November |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, November 11 2008 |
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Theme: Holiday Lights Webelos Activity Badges: Craftsman & Scientist Where: Paradise Hills Methodist Church (Take Paseo del Norte to Eagle Ranch and turn north on Eagle Ranch. Turn left (west) on Paradise Blvd. …Or… Take Paseo del Norte to Golf Course and turn north on Golf Course. Turn right (east) on Paradise Blvd. * * * The church is located between the Giant Gas Station and the Post Office. It is on Paradise Blvd.* * * ) What is special about this month? • Free Theme tie slide and Theme bead for your Wampum! • Wampum (for attendance recognition) for each attendee, add beads each month, get a bear claw for bringing someone new. Please bring someone new!!! • Pack Day Camp Coordinators What is Round Table? RT is a monthly meeting held at a separate location in each district. Volunteer Scouters host the meeting. It is a place to LEARN more about the Scouting Program. You will find out about the latest happenings in your District and Council. When is it held? RT is held on the 2nd Thursday of the each month. Who should come? You! Den leaders, Assistant Den Leaders, Cub Masters, Committee Members, any interested parents. Why should you come? Lots of information, training, skits, crafts, announcements, tie slides, handouts, run on skits, songs, ceremonies, etc. *10 Top Reasons Why I Should Attend Roundtable: 1. To continue learning about Scouting and my position so I can be better at what I do and can provide a better program for the boys. 2. To be recharged and encouraged 3. To meet some of the nicest people and to exchange ideas with them 4. It makes planning the Scout program easier 5. If the only thing in your Leader’s bag of tricks is a big hole, then come to RT for information on upcoming training events. 6. To meet key leaders in the Rio Grande District 7. It’s fun! 8. Why not? There’s nothing else to do on a Thursday night 9. They may serve refreshments……[hint…..we need a volunteer] 10. Another reason to wear my uniform Andrea Morris, Cub Scout Round Table Commissioner, RTcommish@hotmail.com |
| Cub Day Camp Planning - NEED YOUR HELP |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, November 11 2008 |
Planning for Cub Day Camp has begun and we need your inputs and help.
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| Online Charter Renewal - finish your paperwork! |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, October 28 2008 |
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Completion of your on-line charter renewal is due this month. The hard-copy printouts must be turned in the the Council Service Center by November 22. If you are lost, dazed, or confused and need help, please contact your Unit Commissioner or District Executive at 505 345 8603. |
| GSWC Mobile Device Use Policy |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, October 28 2008 |
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We want everyone to be safe and to create a safe space around us while doing Scouting. Therefore, effective immediately, GSWC has adopted a policy banning use of mobile devices in support of Scouting while operating vehicles. Please don't drink and drive. And please don't text and drive. Same difference. Same risk to us all. |
| District Committee Training Workshop |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, October 28 2008 |
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Hello Rio Grande Scouters! I eluded to it at the District Operating Committee Meeting last week. But I wanted to stress the importance of this workshop. I would beseech you to attend. Lots of things to learn, people to meet, ideas to share, and it's completely FREE. Please register online. It's on the council website and the info is on the flyer. Also lunch is included. I am sure there are few people I have missed the news so please forward this onto to folks that you think should also be in attendance. Thanks and I'll see you November 8th! Cynthia Watts Rio Grande District-Great Southwest Council |
| Adult Leader Recognition Nominations Due Soon |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, October 26 2008 |
| The nominations for District Award of Merit and Silver Beaver are due soon. Please nominate deserving adult leaders. |
| Trailmarker is Published |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, October 26 2008 |
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The fall 2008 edition of the GSWC newsletter - "Trail Marker" - is now available. Click here to download the PDF file. (It's about 4 Mb in size, so it might take a while if you have a slow connection.) |
| Cub Day Camp planning meeting |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, October 26 2008 |
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The planning for the Cub Day Camps for the summer of 2009 is already starting. We would like inputs from all units and parents and staff helpers who are considering participating. Representatives from all units are invited to attend. The Cub Day Camp planning meeting will be held on November 1, 3:00 - 5:00pm. Call 505 231 0597 for more information. |
| RGD-News email group - revitalizing itself |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, October 26 2008 |
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Rio Grande District News is published by the District Committee to provide information on events, policies, and topics of interest to all leaders in the Rio Grande District. The email group is called rgd-news, and is sponsored by yahoogroups. We encourage all units and any interested Scouter in Rio Grande district to be on the list. This is how we will send out much of the hot news. Don't miss out! If you are not on the list and want to be, please contact Emily Kelly at emkelly@bsamail.org. If you are on the list and don't want to be, there are instructions on how to unsubscribe on the bottom of each delivered email. |
| Calling all Eagle Scouts |
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-- Posted by rstone on Wednesday, August 13 2008 |
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We are interested in forming a local chapter here in the Great Southwest Council of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA). This chapter will consist of Eagle Scouts over the age of 21, who will be interested in supporting the Boy Scout movement in our council. Responsibilities of this Chapter may include a local Eagle search, networking events for members, recognition events for new Eagle Scouts, events to assist with camp and participation in other council committees or activities. We are interested in the organizing stages of this Chapter and looking for all interested Eagle Scouts. Interested persons can register at the Council's website, http://www.gswcbsa.org |
| Scout Leader Roundtable - Don't Miss It! |
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-- Posted by rstone on Wednesday, August 13 2008 |
| Summer is winding down. School is near. It's time to refresh our Scouting news, ideas, and energy level at the monthly Scout Leader Roundtable meeting. Something of interest for all Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders. Meet our new District Director. Don't miss it! The meeting starts promptly at 7:00 pm Thursday August 14 at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church. |
| Wood Badge wants YOU! |
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-- Posted by rstone on Monday, June 2 2008 |
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Dear Rio Grande District, We just found out at our staff development 5-31-08 that our WoodBadge site for August wants an $800 non-refundable deposit by June 20. The council may well decide to cancel us if they feel we can't make the 40 participant minimum that this WB session budget is based on. What's this mean to you? Good News! I'm NOT asking for a quick $ 800 :-) I am asking you to decide to do it. Put yourself in WoodBadge and sign up with a deposit before June 13. You know the reasons you should: To teach the boys leadership, you have to have some leadership skills. Leaders are always role models, but what kind of role model? You've heard stories of how challenging and fun WB is - go see for yourself! These same leadership skills are useful with your family, your church, your work. Like it or not, a lot of responsibility rests on your shoulders. Doesn't it make sense to maximize the tools you have to manage all this most effectively? WoodBadge is a gift you give yourself. You carve out the time from your crazy schedule and you go! Questions? Talk to our Scribe Lois Caipen 792-0558 or Locaipen@aol.com or our Course Director David Williams 293-3994 wdwilli@comcast.net Apply: Take this link to Great Southwest Council http://www.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp? LinkKey=16032&orgkey=45 then on the left side click 'Training', then click 'Continuing Education', then click 'WoodBadge' THEN you pick the right hand box at the bottom for our "Summer" session in Aug/Sept. |
| Newsletter from our District Executive |
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-- Posted by rstone on Wednesday, May 21 2008 |
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Hello Scouters from the GREAT and HUMBLE Rio Grande District, You may or may not have heard the "rumor" flying around the district. Well, it's time for me to set the rumor straight. It is with HUGE mixed feelings that I write this e-mail. I was offered and I accepted a promotion within the Great Southwest Council to District Director. I will be moving with Bonnie, Collin and Kylie to Santa Fe to manage the Northern Districts effective July 1st. I will continue to oversee the new District Executive for Rio Grande through the end of the year. I want to be sure we have a very smooth transition. It has been an absolute pleasure serving my volunteers in the Rio Grande District. We have grown in youth by over 500 kids. We have started 10 new units; we have started new awards to honor our volunteers once a year at our annual banquet. Our day camps are second to none! Our District Staff is one of the most solid staffs in the council. Our work is not done here and it never will be but my promise to the new District Executive will be "Rio Grande has the BEST volunteers and most supportive volunteers in the Great Southwest Council." I started this career in August 2006 after 15 years of being a volunteer and had no idea what to expect. I made some great friends here. I made some lifelong memories here. I will treasure all of my talks and parking lot meetings with each of you. It has been an honor to serve the Rio Grande volunteers AND SCOUTS for the last two years!!!! I truly will miss each of you but I know I will see you all around. We still have work ahead of us, I will not quit until we have someone solid here. You have my word on that! Andy Meyer District Executive Rio Grande District |
| News from the DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Tuesday, May 13 2008 |
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Hello Scouters of the Awesome and HUMBLE Rio Grande District, Wow, what a busy month we have had!!! I hope everyone had a GREAT Mothers day!! The camporee was a great success!! Thanks to all the Scouters that helped pull off that event! Thanks to Tom Groover and his staff for doing the training events in April. I will never forget how important you volunteers are to this movement. Without each of you, we would not be able to make the youth of today the great leaders that they will be tomorrow. I thank each of you for not only the hard work that you do in YOUR Pack, Troop and Crew but what you do for YOUR District!!! THANK YOU!!! So much is getting ready happen to happen, and I hope everyone is focused on Summer Camps!! Day Camps are almost here: Taylor Ranch this year has been a mess as far as finding a location and I do apologize and I take full responsibility for the mistakes. We could not get a site for some reason and then when we did it would fall through. That being said Camp Director Ed Spies and Program Director David Gardner have done a BANG UP job with keeping us on track. They have a fun camp planned. We still need some more staff, so if you can come, please call David Gardner or Ed Spies to see where they can use you. David’s Number is 867-4689 or Ed Spies- 867-2029. Remember the location is at the LDS Church on Montano. (1100 Montano). Wednesday will be held at the Bernalillo Rotary Park (Big Park on Don Antonio). This day will include swimming and shooting sports. Rio Rancho is well under way! Betty Wong and Dan Maxwell are doing a bang up job. The location is at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church. They are also looking for a Nature Director and a few more Youth staff. If you are free to volunteer your time for the week, please call Betty Wong at 505-401-7914 or Dan Maxwell at 573-3621. Both Day Camps will have a lot of fun events, and badges that the boys can earn. I hope by now every pack has signed up but if not the deadline is May 20th before there is a late fee added. There are no roundtables planned for June or July. The district will continue to have our monthly District Meetings. See Troy or James for that info! Everyone, lets have a SAFE SUMMER!!!! Andy Meyer District Executive Rio Grande District (505)345-8603 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| Weekly Message from our DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Tuesday, April 22 2008 |
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Hello AWESOME SCOUTERS of the GREAT and HUMBLE Rio Grande District, Hello, from Philmont!!! I am up here taking another course called professional Development 2. This is the course you take during your second year as a District Executive. I arrived here today at 1pm, got my room and we started class. So far, I am enjoying this very much. Camporee: We had a GREAT Camporee!! Thanks for all the AWESOME Feedback!! Thanks to all the many people who helped me out!! A SPECIAL THANKS TO BONNIE, COLLIN and KYLIE (My Family) for joining me this weekend. I think even with all the hiccups, everyone still had a great time. Next year, Troop One has agreed to host the event. I look forward to what they do for us. Days Camps are coming quick! The locations are at Alameda Elementary School and Paradise Hills United Methodist church. More info coming out soon. Both camps need help, so if you can work a station for the week, please let the Camp Directors know. The last couple months have been very busy for the Rio Grande District; I appreciate all the help we're getting to make this the best district in the council. Summer time is coming and I am excited!! I hope all our units have found a summer camp by now. If not, we still have a few more open slots at Camp Frank Rand. I hope you all plan to come see the horse program. Many hands have made this program work and it's going to be awesome! I can't wait to get back to my office and serve you all. If there is anything you need, let me know. Thanks for all the hard work that each of you do to make our youth the BEST HONEST and ETHICAL Leaders of tomorrow. I appreciate you all!! Andy Meyer District Executive Rio Grande District Troy Dunow - District Chairperson- 505-227-1555 James Simpson - District Commissioner- 505-573-1757 Andy Meyer - District Executive- 505-345-8603 ext 20 |
| District News |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, April 16 2008 |
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Scouter of the Rio Grande District, Last week I sent out an email describing some of the issues we are facing at the District level. I recieved alot of feedback from you, mostly to do with communication. I hope to change that. First, I would like to apologize for the communication faults concerning the Spring Camporee. There were too nany changes too late in the game and it caused some issues. We will try to fix that in the future. I hope all of you Scouts and Webelos will try to make it. It promises to be a good time and a great opportunity for the boys to show others their scout sklills. Next, I would like to list the positions that are currently vacant on the District Committe and again extend the invitation to anyone that has a desire to work at the District level to contact me. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and have a voice in the program. These are the current vacancies: 1. Vice Chairman - Health & Safety 2. Vice Chairman - Membership 3. Vice Chairman - Relations and Communications 4. Sub Committee Chair - Unit Relations 5. Sub Committee Chair - Community Relations 6. Sub Committee Chair - Unit Communications 7. Committee Member - Training 8. Committee Member - Activities 9. Committee Member - Advancement 10. Committee Member - Camping 11. Coordinator - District Newsletter 12. Coordinator - Publicity 13. Coordinator - Fall EXPO 14. Coordinator - Awards Banquet 15. Coordinator - Fall Recruit 16. Coordinator - Unit Communications 17. Webmaster As you can see we are in dire need of people to help. If any of these would interest you, please contact me. The committees meet the 4th Thursday of each month at All Saints Lutheran Church near Eagle Ranch and Paseo del Norte. Finally, I want to remind everyone of Summer Camp at Rand and Cub Scout Day Camps. Register early! Let's support our Councl camp and go to Rand! David Gardner is heading up the Day Camps this year and could use some unit support. Please let me know if you are willing to help David put on a Camp that the boys will never forget. I am honred to serve you and am open to questions, comments or concerns. If you have something on your mind, please do not hesitate to contact me. Rememberr, we are all in this for the BOYS!!!! YIS, Troy Dunow RGD Chair |
| District Weekly News |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, April 7 2008 |
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Hello Awesome Scouters of the Great and Humble Rio Grande District, Wow, it is GREAT to be back! I love my job! I missed all my volunteers!!! I had a GREAT vacation then I loved being at Philmont for Camp School. As much fun as I had, I am glad to be back and serve my volunteers. We have so much going on so here we go: Fire up for Scouting is THIS Wednesday: Flyers have been brought to all the schools. We will be doing another Fire-Up next week for the Rio Rancho packs that don't get to do it this week. Please contact Mary for Questions: 681-8146 Roundtable this week at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, 7pm. We TRIED the joint opening last month and figured it didn’t work as well as we had liked so we will return to separate openings for each group. Spring Camporee flyer is attached. I am very sorry for all the confusion this event has caused anyone. This is going to be a great event. I hope our all our troops come. Please contact James Simpson for any questions: cell: 573-1757 or at home 891-1336 Order of the Arrow: All our Scout units should have or be having in this next week scheduled OA Election Nights so we can tap the youth out at the Camporee. Please call OA Advisor Ken McVey to get it scheduled: 980-3254 Day Camp for Cub Scouts- There was an error on the day camp packets. The fee for Day Camp is $65.00 and there will be a $10.00 late fee AFTER May 5th 2008. We are still struggling to find locations for both camps but should have it nailed down this week. Looking ahead: April 3rd – OA Meeting April 10th- Roundtable April 11-13th- Order of the Arrow Section Conclave April 12th Metro Day of Training April 18-20th- Spring Camporee April 24th- District and Commissioner Meeting April 25-26th IOLS Training April 26th Baloo Training May 1st- Order of the Arrow Meeting May 3rd- Council Recognition Event May 8th- Program Kick-Off May 11th Mother's Day May 22nd District and Commissioner Meeting May 26th- Memorial Day (Service Center Closed) May 27th- Andy Meyer reports to Camp Frank Rand- Call on cell for questions June 5th OA Meeting June 9-13- Taylor Ranch Day Camp June 12th- Joint Roundtable? June 23-27th Rio Rancho Day Camp June 26th - District and Commissioner Meeting Thanks, Andy S. Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council Boy Scouts of America 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| District Camporee |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Saturday, April 5 2008 |
| The location for the Spring Camporee (4/18-20/08) has moved from Camp Rand to the site of the Chilly, Chili, Chile Winterfest in the Sandia Mountains (across from Tinkertown on the road to the crest). A camporee packet is available on the District web site (Link) |
| Weekly Message from our DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, March 17 2008 |
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Hello AWESOME AND HUMBLE SCOUTERS OF THE BEST DISTRICT IN THE GREAT SOUTHWEST COUNCIL: We are in need of DAY CAMP STAFF, Please contact Camp Director Betty Wong at 401-7914 for the Rio Rancho Day Camp and David Gardner, Camp Director at 867-4689 for the Taylor Ranch Camp. Great Roundtable last week, Thanks to JAY and ANDREA!!! Attendance is getting low, please let me know if there is things you are wanting to see and I can pass them on to Jay and Andrea. Fire-Up For Scouting- Cub Scouts- April 9th is our Spring Round up. Mary Mcmillan 505-681-8146 is very busy getting this event set up. Each Pack will be assigned a Fire Station the week of April 1-4th. The flyers will be delivered to all the schools the week of March 31st- April 3rd 2008. If your pack does not want to participate, the boys that show up to that station will be encouraged to join the packs that are at that station. Last year we recruited 300 Cubs Scouts in the Spring, so there is a HUGE need to recruit and serve more boys to give them the opportunity to be in this great program called the Boy Scouts of America!! Fire-Up For Scouting- Boy Scouts- This is a new idea. We are going to put out flyers to the mid school 6th graders. We will encourage them to come to a firehouse as well. If you would like your unit to be involved in that, please let me know. Again, units that show up at a fire station will get the boys that come. Fire Stations will be assigned to units when they call me. Please call me the week of March 25th for Fire Station Assignment. Day Camp for Cub Scouts- There was an error on the day camp packets. The fee for Day Camp is $65.00 and there will be a $10.00 late fee AFTER May 5th 2008. We are still struggling to find locations for both camps but should have it nailed down this week. District Camporee for Boy Scouts: April 18-20 is "Survivor Camp Frank Rand Style" We had a packet ready to go but the computer ate it. We hope to have it out this week. The Cost is $10.00 which will cover insurance, lunch on Saturday, patch, ammo for the guns, repair of bikes that are broken when we ride them at camp etc. It's going to be a great camporee. Troy Dunow our District Chairman is the Camporee Chair, his number is 227-1555 for any questions. Order of the Arrow Elections for Boy Scouts: should be going on as this e-mail is being typed. Please contact Ken McVey at 980-3254 to get them scheduled this next month so your boys can be tapped out at the Spring Camporee. Cub and Boy Scout Training is coming on April 12th 2008. This training is for all facets of Scouting from being an active leader to being on the committee. Please plan to come. The cost is $5.00 due to the council, come on down and get registered. Spring Break March 21st- March 30th. I will be on vacation with my family and we're off to the Grand Canyon. Anyone going there? Let me know. I think this about covers it for now, as always I am here to serve you. If you need anything, please call any of us at the bottom of this e-mail. I will be out of pocket from March 24th to April 4th 2008. This is the week to get hold of me if you need anything from me before April. Yours in Scouting, Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org Troy Dunow - District Chairperson- 505-227-1555 James Simpson - District Commissioner- 505-573-1757 Andy Meyer - District Executive- 505-345-8603 ext 20 |
| Message from the DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, March 12 2008 |
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Hello AWESOME AND HUMBLE SCOUTERS OF THE BEST DISTRICT IN THE GREAT SOUTHWEST COUNCIL: I would like to start off with a huge THANK YOU to all the adults that found out about the passing of my Aunt last week, and the phone calls and cards and e-mails were very much appreciated!!!! I truly believe that I have the best adults and scouts in this entire Council!!!! You all mean the world to me!!! We have a lot coming up this month and in April so here we go: Cub and Boy Scout Roundtable is this Thursday at 7pm. Andrea Morris and Jay Follet and their staffs put a lot of time and energy to bring new ideas and training to our volunteers. I know this is "just another meeting" but this is the most fun meeting you will have. Please plan to come and if you think there boring, get involved, help out, and be on the team. We need YOU!!!1 Fire-Up For Scouting- Cub Scouts- April 9th is our Spring Round up. Mary Mcmillan 505-681-8146 is very busy getting this event set up. Each Pack will be assigned a Fire Station the week of April 1-4th. The flyers will be delivered to all the schools the week of March 31st- April 3rd 2008. If your pack does not want to participate, the boys that show up to that station will be encouraged to join the packs that are at that station. Last year we recruited 300 Cubs Scouts in the Spring, so there is a HUGE need to recruit and serve more boys to give them the opportunity to be in this great program called the Boy Scouts of America!! Fire-Up For Scouting- Boy Scouts- Rick Meyerhein is coordinating the Boy Scouts Fire Up, this is a new idea. We are going to put out flyers to the mid school 6th graders. We will encourage them to come to a firehouse as well. If you would like your unit to be involved in that, please let me know. Again, units that show up at a fire station will get the boys that come. Fire Stations will be assigned to units when they call me. Please call me the week of March 25th for Fire Station Assignment. Day Camp for Cub Scouts- Attached is the day camp packets info. They were mailed to all Cubmasters and Committee Chairpersons. We have a great team this year. The Taylor Ranch Day Camp is being run by the Camp Director Ed Spies and the Program Director is David Gardner and the Rio Rancho Day Camp is being run by Camp Director Betty Wong and the Program Director is Dan Maxwell. Both camps NEED STAFF. We need YOUR help, if you want to make camp even better, then pleaseeeeeeeeee plan to help out. We are looking for a Arts and Crafts Director, Nature Director, Scout craft Director, Sports Director, BB Gun Director, Archery Director and Medic. We also need several Den Chiefs. CHECK UNDER ACTIVITIES TAB FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION District Camporee for Boy Scouts: April 18-20 is "Survivor Camp Frank Rand Style" We had a packet ready to go but the computer ate it. We hope to have it out this week. The Cost is $10.00 which will cover insurance, lunch on Saturday, patch, ammo for the guns, repair of bikes that are broken when we ride them at camp etc. It's going to be a great camporee. Troy Dunow our District Chairman is the Camporee Chair, his number is 227-1555 for any questions. Order of the Arrow Elections for Boy Scouts: should be going on as this e-mail is being typed. Please contact Ken McVey at 980-3254 to get them scheduled this next month so your boys can be tapped out at the Spring Camporee. Cub and Boy Scout Training is coming on April 12th 2008. This training is for all facets of Scouting from being an active leader to being on the committee. Please plan to come. The cost is $5.00 due to the council, come on down and get registered. Spring Break March 21st- March 30th. I will be on vacation with my family and we're off to the Grand Canyon. Anyone going there? Let me know. I think this about covers it for now, as always I am here to serve you. If you need anything, please call any of us at the bottom of this e-mail. Yours in Scouting, Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org Troy Dunow - District Chairperson- 505-227-1555 James Simpson - District Commissioner- 505-573-1757 Andy Meyer - District Executive- 505-345-8603 ext 20 |
| Note from the DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, February 25 2008 |
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Good Afternoon Scouters of the Rio Grande District, What a busy weekend, I had! I want to share a story with each of you, a lesson learned if you will... I got a call here at my office from Collin that said someone had broken into our house. Now mind you, we have bars on all the windows and doors... I left work and drove home. There was some stuff missing but what was weird is the attic door in the garage was open and the light was on and someone would need a ladder to go up in there and there was no latter around. I asked Collin to go in the backward and get me the ladder that we normally have stored on the side of the house. He came back in and said it was gone. I went to go look for it and it was on the other side of the house leaning up to the attic vent. Someone broke the vent, went through the attic, and then down into the garage then into the house. (Normally the inside garage door is locked, but that’s another story) Not a lot was stolen, but several of the kids’ stuff was taken. The police were called and we’re taking appropriate action. I just wanted to share this story with you. For years, I always stored our long ladder to get on the roof on outside in the side yard. I never thought to think that someone would use MY ladder to climb through my attic vent to gain access into my house. From now on, the ladder will always stay inside my garage and I encourage you all to do the same. I attended SEVEN Blue and Gold Banquets on Saturday and was really touched at the effort that the packs put into each banquet and how unique each one was to their own pack. I can honestly say that Chinese Food is NOT my favorite food anymore.... I also can say that the saying "gung hay fat choy" is old now.... I will be in Farmington this Friday until Sunday if you need to get hold of me, please call me on my cell phone. Here is a note from our Pinewood Derby Chief: Here are a few last minute announcements from the Rio Grande District Pinewood Derby Chair and the School: 1) Check in will be on the 1st of March from 7:00 am to 8:50 am. No cars will be checked in after 8:50 am. 2) The race will start at 9:00 am, after the opening flag ceremony. 3) Snacks will be available for purchase at the Race, but no food or drinks will be allowed in the Gym. 4) No heelies are allowed in the Gym. 5) Each boy is required to have fun! If you have any questions, please call Bob Ashe at 890-4369. Upcoming Dates: February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting March 1st District Pinewood Derby March 6th OA Meeting March 13th Roundtable March 21st- Good Friday (Office Closed) March 27th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting April 3rd – OA Meeting April 10th- Roundtable April 11-13th- Order of the Arrow Section Conclave April 12th Metro Day of Training April 18-20th- Spring Camporee April 25-26th IOLS Training April 26th Baloo Training May 1st- Order of the Arrow Meeting May 3rd- Council Recognition Event May 8th- Program Kick-Off May 11th Mother's Day May 22nd District and Commissioner Meeting May 26th- Memorial Day (Service Center Closed) May 27th- Andy Meyer reports to Camp Frank Rand- Call on cell for questions |
| News from our DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, February 20 2008 |
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Hello Awesome Scouters of the BEST units in the GSWC, Long time since I have sent an e-mail and I do apologize. It has been a busy BUSY month for me. I want to THANK all the units who have invited me to their Blue and Gold Banquets this last few weeks. It is an honor to go see all the neat things going on in this district. I went to 4 Blue and Golds last Saturday. IT IS SO AWESOME to see all the lives we are touching. A tiger cub came up to see at Pack 12’s Blue and Gold and introduced himself to me. He told me he loves Cub Scouts and wants to be a "bear". LOL I told him that one day he can be an Eagle too and his eyes were so huge. It was great!!!!! I love my job, I love seeing all the kids we serve from age 6-18. I really love my volunteers!!! Each of you mean the world to me and I THANK YOU!!! I could not do my job without each of you!!!! So much going on: Friends of Scouting- We are going to each unit to do our Friends of Scouting this year. We started this a month ago and have hit 30% of our units. David Gardner has been setting up presentations. A couple units when the team showed up forget to put on their agenda. This is a one time a year event. Please continue to support the District to allow us to do what we do best and that is serve adults and youth. If your unit has not had a scheduled presentation or we dropped the ball, please call Dave at 867-4689 to re-schedule it again. District Pinewood Derby is in two weeks!!! We have all the AWESOME Trophies ordered and UNLIKE last year, I did order the top 1st, 2nd and 3rd so all our youth will get the trophies this time at the end of the derby. I apologize that I will have to miss the event :o( I will be in Farmington for Order of the Arrow event. I will be there in spirit. Bob Ashe as always is working hard and has put together a great team and I know this event will top last year! We will have a snack bar there, please buy snacks, all proceeds go directly to help Cub Roundtable!! Summer Camp, Summer Camp, Sum Sum Summerrrrr Camppp is quickly approaching. I hope that all our units are going to Camp Frank Rand to come enjoy the program that is second to none! Come ride horses, repel down our cliffs, cool off in our pool, taste our food that I can say is second to NO ONE!! The cost for summer camp is 200.00 for Boy Scouts and $140 for adults. What a great price to spend a week at Camp. We also have Camps for Cub Scouts, please see me for cost and reservation forms. My best memory as a Scout is summer camp. My best memory as a Scoutmaster was taking my troop to summer camp! Upcoming Dates: February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting March 1st District Pinewood Derby March 6th OA Meeting March 13th Roundtable March 21st- Good Friday (Office Closed) March 27th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting April 3rd – OA Meeting April 10th- Roundtable April 11-13th- Order of the Arrow Section Conclave April 12th Metro Day of Training April 18-20th- Spring Camporee at Camp Frank Rand April 25-26th IOLS Training April 26th Baloo Training May 1st- Order of the Arrow Meeting May 3rd- Council Recognition Event May 8th- Program Kick-Off May 11th Mother's Day May 22nd District and Commissioner Meeting May 26th- Memorial Day (Service Center Closed) May 27th- Andy Meyer reports to Camp Frank Rand- Call on cell for questions As always, I am here to serve you! Please let me know what I can do to be of service to you!! Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| Pinewood Derby |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, February 6 2008 |
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Link to Pinewood Derby Registration Form. Bob Ashe Pinewood Derby Chair |
| Comments for our DE - 1/30/08 |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, January 30 2008 |
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Hola Scouters, What an AWESOME WEEKEND!!! I have been to over 15 Klondikes and this was the BEST planned and exectued event I have ever seen! Thanks to Chief and his team for doing a super job! My son got sick Saturday around 9am and got a fever by noon and a huge THANK YOU to all the boys and leaders in Troop 17 for helping me get the camp packed up so we could leave qucikly and I could get Collin home. THANK YOU THANK YOU TROOP 17!!!! I will be in meetings all day today through Friday, if you need to get hold of me, just leave me a message and I will return calls in the evening. Scouting for Food is well under way! We still have several units that need to pick up bags from the Scout Office. Please come down and get them. Town Hall Meeting- Since February 14th is Valentines Day, and Bonnie, Brook and Emily won’t let us out for the night, the District Committee decided to move Roundtable to February 7th 2008. This will be our 2nd annual Town Hall Meeting, where you get to meet your district staff. Come with your Compliments, Complaints, issues, and we will try our best to take notes, or explain why we do the things we do. Council Web Page is UP!!! We finally have a NEW Council Web Page. The address is www.gswcbsa.org. Come check it out!! Big THANKS to Bob Longoria for taking the time to get our council web page to look as sharp as we are!!!! We are in the process of re-building a new District Web Site. Once this is done, we will let you all know the new address. For now our old page is still up. Thanks to Rick Meyerhein for keeping our page up. Ken Cox Pack 12, is going to become our District Web Page guru with the help of Rick Meyerhein. Updates coming by March. District Pinewood Derby March 1st 2008- Bob Ashe will once again be the event chairperson. We will offer snacks and have a grand old time. We will have a flyer next week. Looking ahead: January 25-26th- Klondike Derby at Campbell Ranch January 17th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rs Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 7th Roundtable February 9th Scouting For Food February 18th- Presidents Day- Service Center Closed February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting March 1st District Pinewood Derby March 6th OA Meeting March 13th Roundtable March 21st- Good Friday (Office Closed) March 27th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting April 3rd – OA Meeting April 10th- Roundtable April 11-13th- Order of the Arrow Section Conclave April 12th Metro Day of Training April 18-20th- Spring Camporee April 25-26th IOLS Training April 26th Baloo Training As always, I am here to serve you! Please let me know what I can do to be of service to you!! Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| Nuclear Science MB |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, January 23 2008 |
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Individuals from Sandia Labs will be offering Nuclear Science Merit Badge on Saturday 23 Feb 2008 from 9:00 to 3:00 at the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center in room 3. There is a cost of $10 per scout (plus an optional $5 for a pizza lunch). Below is a link to a website with instructions for registering for the merit badge session. http://local.ans.org/trinity/nsmb.html I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. This is a chance to earn a fascinating merit badge from experts in the field. yis, Ken Reese |
| Klondike is ON- The Chilly Chile chili Winter Festival |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Tuesday, January 15 2008 |
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Hi Scouters, We will use the council property at Campbell Ranch in the Sandia Mtns. It is located on the road to the crest. More details will be coming soon. The plan and the agenda is still the same. The details will consist of parking etc. Andy Meyer District Executive |
| CHILLY CHILE CHILI WINTER FEST - event information |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, January 8 2008 |
| Download the Klondike - er - CHILLY CHILE CHILI WINTER FEST information. Get started and Be Prepared. And have a great time! |
| Help Wanted - CHILLY CHILE CHILI WINTER FEST |
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-- Posted by rstone on Tuesday, January 8 2008 |
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Scouters: Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of the Rio Grande District. The date is fixed, but the location is still in question. Andy is trying to get permission from the Forest Service to use the area at the 10,000 foot mark on the backside of the Sandias (old Klondike area). We plan to have as many as 10 activities (including the "Souvenir" cut and branding) BUT ONLY IF WE HAVE ENOUGH VOLUNTEERS TO RUN EACH OF THE EVENTS. Therefore, I am requesting that you consider being responsible for running one of the activities. You will be responsible for running an event and obtaining several assistants. I will supply all of the necessary equipment for each of the nine events. Equipment for "Souvenir" is still to be obtained. Andy Meyer will do the cooking for the troops as well as for the staff. Bruce Gustin has already volunteered to run the location called "Help." Should you have any questions, please contact me ASAP. Please advise me one way or the other regarding the running of an activity and which one you would like to be responsible for. Although I will be out of state from Thrusday to Monday, I still would appreciate hearing from you. I can be reached on: e-mail abqhampton@aol.com or Telephone: 890-5159 If you know of someone else who would be willing to run one of the events, please provide me with their name and telephone number. Thank you for your consideration and HAPPY NEW YEAR. Chief |
| From Our DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Tuesday, January 8 2008 |
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Dear Scouters of the AWESOME AND HUMBLE Rio Grande District, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! ::::blowing air horn::::: HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE BEST VOLUNTEERS AND FRIENDS THAT I COULD EVER HAVE!!!! I was sick last two days of last week. It was my turn to get the "bug" in our house. I am feeling better!! We have soooooooooooooooooooooo much going on!! District Banquet is in two weeks. The committee decided to extend the date of late fees, since they have not told you who will be selected for awards. ALL questions for this event need to go to Troy Dunow at 227-1555 Klondike Derby, we are having a very hard time securing a site. The patches are ordered and the program has been planned.. Just need a site!!! I hope to have a place nailed down by this Friday. Stay tuned! Roundtable- is this Thursday. The Cub and Boy Scout Roundtable Staff work very hard to bring you new ideas. They also are very experienced volunteers and are more then willing hear your concerns and give you suggestions. Nothing else, you get to hear your District Executive sing a song!!! District Pinewood Derby is coming quick, stay tuned for info. All questions should go to Bob Ashe at 890-4369 Looking ahead: January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- Klondike Derby at Sandia Mountain January 17th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rs Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 14th Roundtable February 9th Scouting For Food February 18th- Presidents Day- Service Center Closed February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting March 1st District Pinewood Derby March 6th OA Meeting March 13th Roundtable March 21st- Good Friday (Office Closed) March 27th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting April 3rd – OA Meeting April 10th- Roundtable April 11-13th- Order of the Arrow Section Conclave April 12th Metro Day of Training April 18-20th- Spring Camporee April 25-26th IOLS Training April 26th Baloo Training Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Camp Frank Director Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| Dist. Banquet |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, January 7 2008 |
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The deadline for paying the fee has been extended tuntil 11 January 2008 so that we can get a list of award recepients out to the units. This list will go out tomorrow. We apologize for any inconvinience this may have caused. Sincerley, Banquet Committee. |
| 2007 Scouting Photos Needed |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Friday, January 4 2008 |
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The Rio Grande District wants your pictures! The Rio Grande District Awards banquet will be held on January 19, 2008. We will be having a slide show highlighting what our wonderful units in our wonderful district have been doing all year. We would like to have every unit showcased in this slideshow, so gather up all your pictures for the year -- beginning with last January. We want Packs, Troops, Crews & Teams to participate! All pictures need to be submitted via CD and can be delivered to the Council Office. We ask that you submit still photos. We want to see all your campouts, pinewood derbies, Troop Courts of Honor, Blue & Gold Banquets, summertime fun, your winter snow camping experiences, etc. Please submit your photos NO LATER than January 12, 2008. Late submissions may not be included in the slide show. Please provide contact information so that CD's can be returned to your unit. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Ferdig at 239-4630 or Andy Meyer at 345-8603 x20. |
| From Our DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Tuesday, January 1 2008 |
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Dear Scouters of the Rio Grande District, In less then 12 hours, 2007 will come to a close. I love to sit and reflect on the past year and think about all the wonderful programs WE offered boys and girls in the Rio Grande District. We are climbing our way to the top district in the Great Southwest Council. We are number 2 in size right under Sandia District but 2008 WE will surpass them. WE brought in 500 new youth in 2007; WE had a total of 1021 scouts’ camp at least one time this year. WE had over 50 Eagle Scouts in OUR District. WE recruited a full District Committee staff. It has been an AWESOME 2007 and I look forward for 2008. We already have some good news to announce. Eagle Scout Jake Wellman was elected as the National Chief for the Order of the Arrow for 2008. This is quite an honor not only for Jake but also for his troop, his district and his council. Way to go Jake!! We're proud of you. I want to thank everyone for getting the re-charters in this year on time!!! It was a great break for me to know that I am starting the year off with everything on track. THANK YOU!!!! Friends of Scouting 2008-By now you should have been contacted by one of the District Volunteers to schedule your 2008 Friends of Scouting presentation. We hope to have this wrapped up by May 15th 2008. If you have not gotten a call, please be prepared for a call and given them a date where we can come. Scouting for Food: I went down to the Roadrunner Food Bank and met an older gentleman who has 5 grandkids. The parents are in jail and he is raising the kids on his own with only his SS income. He relies on the food bank and other charities for assistance. Our Scouting for Food Program is Council wide this year with Rio Grande leading the way. We are the hosting district. I am pleading with every unit to be active this year. I am not doing this for goals; I am not pleading with every unit other then the fact that New Mexico is the 2nd State with the highest poverty among children. WE HAVE KIDS STARVING! We can make a difference. Please put this on your calendar. I will be out working right along side of you the day of the event. Please be out with me. Right now the following units have agreed to support this: Pack: 114, 130,336,339,713,714,747,774,777,787,833,1974 Troop: 174,336,339,707,714,717,741 Teams- Crews- We really need 100% from all our units. I know that some of our packs do a Food Drive earlier in the year, I am asking you do to it again. Please support our District cause. Please contact me if you have not gotten a call and would like to do it or if you changed your mind (which I am hoping everyone who said no, did change their mind.) The office door behind the receptionist desk will now be closed. We require Social Security numbers on all adults and in doing so; it is our job to keep them private. In order to go to the back anymore and see me or check your mail, you will need to check in at the front desk. Klondike Derby is fast approaching and this event is sure to be a blast!!! Fred "Chief" Hampton is our Chair and is in need of more help. Every unit will need to supply an adult to help run the event. (Flyer is attached) We are trying to get the 10K campground at the crest butr seemed to hit a snag. I am working hard to pull it off. The “Chiefs” Phone number is 890-5159- Download Information Upcoming Dates: January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- Klondike Derby at Sandia Mountain January 17th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rs Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 7th Roundtable February 9th Scouting For Food February 18th- Presidents Day- Service Center Closed February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting March 1st District Pinewood Derby March 6th OA Meeting March 13th Roundtable Match 21st- Good Friday (Office Closed) March 27th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting In 2008, if your District is NOT meeting your needs, please feel free to call Troy, James or myself. We are here for you! Happy New Year!!! Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| District Banquet (1/19/08) |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, December 19 2007 |
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ANNUAL BANQUET After further consideration, the following changes have been made to the fee structure for the Annual Awards Banquet: All nominees will receive thier meal free of charge, spouces and children will pay the amounts previously announced. No family will be reuired to pay more than $45. Family includes parents and children only. This is going to be a GREAT event and hope all of you can attend. Please pay before January 7th to avoid the $10 late charge. Thanks! Download Flyer DISTRICT STAFF |
| From Our DE 12/17/07 |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, December 17 2007 |
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Dear AWESOME Scouters of the GREAT and HUMBLE Rio Grande, The end of the year is coming and what an AWESOME year we have had! It is kind of sad that it is coming to an end. 2007 was my first full year as YOUR District Executive. I am a richer person for having met you all and I treasure our talks and visits. I hope everyone feels that same: the District and the units are one. We are not above you. We are here for you!! Every District person has a unit, has boys, and loves this program! Thank you for allowing me to serve you and your boys in 2007. I will be in Farmington this week. Please give me a call with anything you need. RE-CHARTES ARE DUE THIS FRIDAY DECEMBER 21ST, PLEASE GET THEM IN TO ME. It is so easy to go online and get this done, remember to print it off, get signatures and get them to me. Questions call Troy Dunow at 227-1555 CENTENTIAL QUALITY UNITS ARE DUE THIS FRIDAY, PLEASE GET THEM INTO ME THIS WEEK!!! This year, we are very flexible with goals, if you don’t think you made it, turn it and let us decide. You and YOUR boys may be surprised. Questions call James Simpson at 401-6029 Scouting for Food is coming fast! Roadrunner Food Bank came to roundtable to talk to all the units. New Mexico is the number 3 in hunger out of 50 states. I am asking, as YOUR District Executive to please plan to support this. There is NO REASON why we can't have all 100 units in this District Participate. Please Please Please! Expect a call from John Currier soon to set up your section of collection. Questions Call John Currier at 792-7870 District Awards Banquet is January 19th at 6pm. One small change- the recipient who receives an award will be given free admission. The family of the recipient will still be charged the usual fee up to $50.00. Family includes children and spouse of the recipient. Troy Dunow is the Chair, Questions? Call Troy at 227-1555 Looking ahead: December 17th- Popcorn Prize Orders Due December 31st- Silver Beaver Nominations Due No Commissioner/District Meeting this month January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- Klondike Derby at Sandia Mountain January 17th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rs Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 7th Roundtable February 9th Scouting For Food February 18th- Presidents Day- Service Center Closed February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting March 1st District Pinewood Derby March 6th OA Meeting March 13th Roundtable Match 21st- Good Friday (Office Closed) March 27th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| Winter Fest/Klondike Derby 1/26/08 |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Friday, December 14 2007 |
| Information on the Winter Fest/Klondike Derby is now available on this web site - Download Information Get your Troop ready for a FUN and Challenging experience in the snow. |
| District Banquet |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, December 12 2007 |
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Fellow Scouters: YEAH!!!! It is that time of the year again. The opportunity for the entire district to get together and recognize those exceptional scouters that do so much. The flyer for the banquet is attached. I hope all of you can come and bring your families. It will be alot of fun and some GREAT food. See ya there. Have a happy and safe holiday season! Banquet Date: 1/19/08 Download Flyer Sincerely Troy Dunow District Chairman |
| Service Opportunity |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, December 12 2007 |
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Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation is looking for some scouts to come help out on Saturday (12/15/07) morning at Haynes Park on Hwy 528 across from Intel. The scouts will be helping put out luminarias for their annual event. Please call me at 227-1555 or 892-3207 if your unit can help out. This is a great opportunity to get some service hours and spread the cheer of the season. I hope to hear from you soon! Sincerely, Troy Dunow District Chairman |
| Message from our DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, December 10 2007 |
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Hello Scouters, We have a lot going on, so to avoid making this e-mail any longer, here we go: Thanks to James Simpson and Troy Dunow for pulling off a great Scout O Rama. Sadly with the snow, rain and wind it was cancelled. It was still great seeing all the troops and packs that came out. Bummer! Next year will be even better!! Re-charters- are due back to the office in 2 weeks!! Please remember that once you hit submit, you still need to print it off, get the proper signatures and bring the completed signed copy into the office. REMEMBER THE DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 21ST!! I just did my crew online and it took 15 minutes. If you need help, please let me know and I will come help you. Last year, we had units that waited until March, please know this will take you out of the Quality unit award. Please get them in Centennial Quality Unit- The deadline is December 31st and there is ZERO room to extend this deadline. The form is a breeze to fill out. Every unit we have should get this award. Please call James Simson-401-6029 to see where you are at so we can get them submitted ASAP. Winter Campout Information will be out this week. The theme is Chilly, Chili and Chille. "Chief" Hampton is the Chair and we are trying to get the place behind the Sandia Mountains. Stay tuned for info this week! If you have any questions, please call "Chief" at 890-5159 Roundtable this Thursday at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church at 7pm. Jay and Andrea always have good information to pass on to you all. I hope to see you all there to say Hi to you. District Banquet Flyer will be out in the mail this week. I was worried, we only had 6 forms the day before the deadline. The day of the deadline, we received over 90 forms via e-mail, fax or in person. It is going to be another great event. You all never let me down! Troy Dunow is the event chair, please call him at 227-1555 Scouting for Food~ By now, you all should have heard from John Currier asking for unit commitments to assist with out Scouting for Food Event. This is a Council wide event. Rio Grande District is the hosting district. I hope we have ALL 100 units in this district participate. If you have not heard from John, please call him at 792-7870 Thanks to Bruce Byers who served faithfully and actively as our District Chairmen for the past two years. Last Thursday the Nominating committee brought before the district the nominations for the new District Chairperson. Congratulations to Troy Dunow effective immediately will serve Rio Grade as the New District Chairperson. Following is a statement from Troy: "As many of you have already heard, I was selected to serve as the District Chairman for the Rio Grande District for 2008/2009. I am excited to serve in this position and truly believe we can have a great year if we work together. First and foremost, I would like to thank Bruce for his past two years of exceptional service; I have no doubt that without his leadership this district would be no where near as strong as it is today. Bruce, thank you for all your hard work and mentorship! I wanted to let everyone know what my goals are for the upcoming year: 1. Continue Bruce's work on increased communications with the units. 2. Improve unit participation in district events. 3. Improve district relations with the units. 4. Exceed membership and financial goals for 2008. 5. Build and unify the district staff. 6. Provide quality training opportunities for all unit leaders. We are in this for the boys and that will be my focus. I hope I can count on your support and look forward to working with all of you over the next year. If you have questions, comments, concerns, etc., please let me know." Sincerely, Troy W. Dunow Rio Grande District Chairman 227-1555 December 13th Roundtable December 17th- Popcorn Prize Orders Due December 31st- Silver Beaver Nominations Due No Commissioner/District Meeting this month January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- Klondike Derby at Sandia Mountain January 17th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rd Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 7th Roundtable February 9th Scouting For Food February 18th- Presidents Day- Service Center Closed February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting March 1st District Pinewood Derby March 6th OA Meeting March 13th Roundtable Match 21st- Good Friday (Office Closed) March 27th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| Scout EXPO This Saturday |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, December 5 2007 |
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COME BE A PART OF RIO GRANDE DISTRICT'S SCOUT EXPO!! The Scout expo is this Saturday in Rio Rancho at Haynes Park from 10:00am - 4:00pm We have a few units preregistered, and are inviting all to come participate. If you have not registered, please do so today. Contact either James Simpson or Troy Dunow to make you reservation. The weather is calling for a 25 % chance of rain with temps in the low to mid 50's. Additional Information: Expo Flyer Program Ieas Expo Guidelines Expo Registration YIS, Rio Grande District James Simpson 505-401-6029 james@gamblinrodgers.com Troy Dunow 505-227-1555 troy.w.dunow@intel.com |
| Message from our DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, November 26 2007 |
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Greetings Scouters of the AWESOME AND HUMBLE Rio Grande District,. What an AWESOME THANKSGIVING I had!! I ate Turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, yams, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy; I had pumpkin pie for dessert! I was with family and there was laughter abound. I was humbled to think of all the new friends I have met this year in our district! I was blessed to think of all the hard work that we all put into Scouting to make a better tomorrow for today’s youth. Sunday was my 35th birthday and Bonnie and the kids decorated the house with balloons, streamers, and we had a nice dinner and I got some cool presents but most important is my family, they are my daily presents! I love this time of the season! I love the Christmas season.. Music, lights, snow, the feeling of happiness in the air. I wish that feeling was there all year long.. Well.. Moving on to events this week and coming up: UPCOMING EVENT NOTICE: District Banquet: January 19th 2007 DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS December 5th 2007! To date we have received TWO nominations to present at the banquet. We are trying to have a nice event every year that recognizes our volunteers for their hard work but we need YOU to help us and submit your volunteers using the Nomination form. Please get them into me ASAP!!! Download Copy Looking ahead: December 1st- Order of the Arrow Lodge Banquet December 5th District Award Nominations DUE (No exceptions) December 6th Roundtable December 6th Order of the Arrow Meeting December 8th Rio Grande Scout Expo- (Information coming out this week) December 17th- Popcorn Prize Orders Due December 31st- Silver Beaver Nominations Due No Commissioner/District Meeting this month January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- "Winter Fest) AKA Klondike Derby at Sandia Mountain January 17th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rs Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 7th Roundtable February 9th Scouting For Food February 18th- Presidents Day- Service Center Closed February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting March 1st District Pinewood Derby March 6th OA Meeting March 13th Roundtable Match 21st- Good Friday (Office Closed) March 27th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting I look foreword to seeing you all by the end of the year and shaking your hand personally and THANKING you for all your hard work this year. Please take the time to pop in and see me or see me at one of the many events coming up. If you need anything, please call me, it's my job to serve you and if I am not meeting your expectations, let me know!!! Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org Check out our new and UPDATED DISTRICT Web Site at www.gswcbsa.org/riogrande Bruce Byers- District Chairperson- 505-328-7397 Troy Dunow- District Commissioner- 505-227-1555 Andy Meyer- District Executive- 505-345-8603 |
| Weekly DE Report |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, November 14 2007 |
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Dear Awesome Scouters of the Rio Grande District, I like to think that the success of a District does not rely solely on the District Executive. (That's me) In fact during the year and a half that I have been here, I feel it is 50/50. I am here to serve you all but you are here to serve our youth. As you all know I was in Farmington last week and I greatly missed you all. I missed the phone calls, e-mails and visits. I came back to the office to see that things worked well, roundtables went smooth, re-charters are coming in, FOS pledges are still coming in. We have recruited 400 new boys this fall in our district. Think about that for one minute.............. 400 new boys........... 400 opportunities to help boys succeed. It is YOU all that do this and I thank you very much!! Next week is Thanksgiving and my birthday and I will take the time to reflect on this past year and be thankful for each of you and our scouts. I never knew a DE like me who wants to know the scouts as well. I have a lot to be thankful for. Please know that I WILL return phone calls within 24 hours and e-mails. If you do NOT here from me that means I am either out of town or dead. (You will know if I am out of town) Please call my cell phone if you must get hold of me. 505-730-3671 I am off to Farmington today for the week.. This should be my last week here. They have been without a District Executive for a while and I am just helping them get their re-charter stuff out, fall round-ups etc taken care of but please know that I am here in spirit. One note, please look at the changes on the calendar here. Things do change so please keep an eye out. also PLEASE VISIT OUR WEB SITE!!! IT IS FINALLY UPDATED AND IS JUST ABOUT CLEAR AS A BELL!!! Thanks to Rick Meyerhein, were trying to get it even better. Please e-mail me ideas you have or things you want to see. This is just another example of us volunteers serving other volunteers! THANK YOU OR ALL YOU DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looking ahead November 4th Order of the Arrow Meeting November 8th- Roundtable November 15th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting December 1st- Order of the Arrow Lodge Banquet December 5th District Award Nominations DUE (No exceptions) December 6th Roundtable December 6th Order of the Arrow Meeting December 8th Rio Grande Scout Expo- (Information coming out this week) December 17th- Popcorn Prize Orders Due December 31st- Silver Beaver Nominations Due No Commissioner/District Meeting this month January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- Klondike Derby at Sandia Mountain January 17th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rs Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 7th Roundtable February 9th Scouting For Food February 18th- Presidents Day- Service Center Closed February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org Bruce Byers- District Chairperson- 505-328-7397 Troy Dunow- District Commissioner- 505-227-1555 Andy Meyer- District Executive- 505-345-8603 |
| Scoutmastership |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, November 14 2007 |
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Scoutmastership is much more akin to gardening than management. Gardeners prepare the ground, plant the seed and the plants do the rest. Keep the weeds away, make sure there is plenty of water and sunshine and you can't fail. |
| A Once-In-A-Lifetime Chance: |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Tuesday, November 13 2007 |
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One of your Scouts could work hand-in-hand with the renowned graphic artist and Eagle Scout Kit Hinrichs The BSA 100th Anniversary Celebration Logo Contest This opportunity is especially exciting because the winner will fly to San Francisco and work with world-renowned graphic artist and Eagle Scout Kit Hinrichs To recognize the outstanding efforts of our Scouts, in addition to the logo contest patch and participation certificate that every Scout entering the contest will receive, winners in each category will receive a $100 ScoutStuff.org gift card. The overall winner will receive a $250 ScoutStuff.org gift card. Learn how to get Scouts in your area involved! Entry forms, rules, and details can be found on the BSA 100th Anniversary Web site Tell other Scout leaders about the contest! Spread the Word! Links in this e-mail direct the user to URLs at Kintera,com, a technology partner of National Council, BSA. No personal information is provided to any entity outside the BSA. E-mail address used was provided at registration or re-registration. Remove yourself from this mailing Remove yourself from all mailings from Boy Scouts of America National Modify your profile |
| Unit Commissioners |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Tuesday, October 30 2007 |
| Ever wonder what a Unit Commissioner does? Click on this {Unit Commissioner Job Description} to find out. |
| Troop 174 Spaghetti Supper |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, October 29 2007 |
| Troop 174 will be holding a Spaghetti Supper Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Paradise Hills Methodist Church. {Map} Tickets are available at the door. |
| Weekly News from our Executive |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, October 29 2007 |
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Dear Scouters, Happy Monday!!! Yay, it's MONDAY!! Whopieeeeee!!!! Ok, that didn’t help.... What a busy weekend for us Scouters. Friday and Saturday was popcorn day and whatever will go wrong, did go wrong. First the driver came two hours late on Friday, unloaded the popcorn with absolutely no organization so we had 300 pallets, that were all over the place and stacked so it was impossible to get to them. We had to work out of two warehouses Friday and Saturday. I want to THANK all the volunteers that came out and worked to help us get done faster! It was pretty cool that each time, I turned around their were Rio Grande Volunteers everywhere. THANKS AGAIN!!! One final HUGE THANK YOU TO Mike Salisbury, our District Popcorn Kernel for all the hours, time and sore muscles he put into this year Popcorn. Way to go Mike!! If you are interested in selling more popcorn for our holiday sale, please call Mike Salisbury. Sunday, was a day of rest for me. Drive for 5: We have about 8 packs that are short 1-2 boys to get free cars for ALL your boys. The deadline is THIS WEDNESDAY at 5pm!! There will BE NO EXCEPTIONS!!! I plan to call and audit the packs that are close and maybe we can find a boy or two who may not have gotten registered. We have already awarded 5 packs free cars for all their boys. It's pretty awesome!!!! November 3rd- Pow Wow - 9am-4pm. Rio Rancho High School 40th and Idalia November 4th- DAY LIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS, Set clocks back 1 hour... Bruce Byers our District Chairmen has submitted his resignation as District Chairperson effective end of this year. Bruce served as our District Chairperson for over 2 years and has done an EXCELLENT JOB!! Bruce, I will never forget our first meeting in August 2006…. One of his goals has been to open the communication with the units, building a district staff that is out with the boys as well as doing what they say they will do, and building a website that is always updated and user friendly. He met all those goals!! We have opened communications with units and we always hear from units about how they love the communication between District and the units.. He built a district staff from 2 people to over 20 people who work very hard for your boys in our district and finally we have a web site that is up to date and easy to use and Bruce is still not done with that yet. CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK!!!! As a new DE, I would not have wanted to work with anyone else but YOU! You have done well my friend!! I know his work is not done in this District as we look foreword to him still being very involved in the district. Mike Smith is our Nominating chair searching for a new District Chairperson. If you are interested, please see me. I will not be in the office Friday as I am going on a field trip with Collin as an "Adult Chaperone" LOL.... that's funny.. I will see you all at POW WOW SATURDAY!!! Looking ahead: November 1st- Order of the Arrow Meeting November 3rd Rio Rancho Mid High- Cub Leader POW WOW 9am Cost $15.00 November 4th Order of the Arrow Meeting November 8th- Roundtable November 29th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting December 1st- Order of the Arrow Lodge Banquet December 5th District Award Nominations DUE (No exceptions) December 6th Roundtable December 6th Order of the Arrow Meeting December 8th Rio Grande Scout Expo- (Information coming out this week) December 17th- Popcorn Prize Orders Due December 31st- Silver Beaver Nominations Due No Commissioner/District Meeting this month January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- Klondike Derby at Sandia Mountain January 17th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rs Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 9th Scouting For Food February 14th Roundtable February 18th- Presidents Day- Service Center Closed February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting Everyone have a safe week and THANK YOU ALL for all the hard work you do to make Rio Grande the best District in this council!! Please PLEASE be safe this Halloween night. Let's take care of our kids!!!! If you ever need anything, please call me, it's my job to serve you and if I am not meeting your expectations, let me know!!! Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org Check out our new and UPDATED DISTRICT Web Site at www.gswcbsa.org/riogrande Bruce Byers- District Chairperson- 505-328-7397 Troy Dunow- District Commissioner- 505-227-1555 Andy Meyer- District Executive- 505-345-8603 |
| District Expo for All Scouts- 8 December |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, October 24 2007 |
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There is now information on the Dist. web site {Link} for the District Scout Expo. The Expo is open for Tigers to Venturing Crews. Please plan on participating to show the community what Scouting is all about. If you have any questions, please call, or email James Simpson or Trow Dunow. Their contact info is available in the packet. Thank you, District Staff Andy Meyer-District Executive 505-345-8603 Bruce Byers- District Chairmen- 505-328-7397 Troy Dunow- District Commissioner- 505-227-1555 |
| Wilderness First Aid |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, October 22 2007 |
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Hurry and sign up for Wilderness First Aid Training: 8, 9, & 10 November at the Council Office. From 7-10 PM on Thursday and Friday and from 8-5 on Saturday. $25 Fee to cover training materials and patches. This is a course that every adult leader should have for the sake of self, unit, and family. Learn how to handle injuries and illness until help arrives, and when 911 is not readuly available. Learn when you should carry on, head for home, or call for rescue pick-up. The course will be of value for both wilderness treks, and disaster situations at home. To complete the course, you must be currently certified in CPR(before or after the course), have taken a standard First Aid course or a current review of First Aid in the BSA Handbook is highly suggested. Patches and training cards will be issued to those who qualify. There is a final written exam. When offered, the 16 hour ARC Wilderness First Aid Course will run you $100. If you took this course 2 or 3 years ago it is time for an update. |
| Weekly Message for Our DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, October 22 2007 |
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Good Morning Scouters!!!! Happy COLD Monday!!! It's time to crank up the heat in the Meyer home this week. I froze this morning!! I had a nice weekend. Bonnie and the kids and I went to the "pumpkin Chunkin" in Estancia on Saturday. It started with an old fashion town parade. I personally loved the parade but Bonnie and the kids were too busy running around getting candy that was being thrown out to the spectators. Once the parade was over, we drove about three miles down the road to watch pumpkins being shot 3000 feet into the distance to see them smash into little bitsy tiny pieces. Sunday was a day of rest for me!! Drive for Five for Cub Scout Packs: The District has paid for about 500 Pine Wood Derby cars for 5 of our packs this fall. The incentive ends NEXT Wednesday 10/31/2007 at 5pm. We have so many packs that are short ONLY 4-5 kids. I would love to buy more cars for our packs out there. Hold a quick school night, have 5 boys bring their friends into the Scouting program. It would be a shame for a pack that is short 4 boys to let this go when the District could save your Pack anywhere from $100 up to $500.00 in cars... If you need help pulling it off, call me TODAY!! Popcorn info will be out soon!! Looking ahead Looking ahead: October 25th District Commissioner/Committee Meeting October 27th- Popcorn Pick-up November 1st- Order of the Arrow Meeting November 3rd Rio Rancho Mid High- Cub Leader POW WOW 9am Cost $15.00 November 4th Order of the Arrow Meeting November 8th- Roundtable November 29th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting December 1st- Order of the Arrow Lodge Banquet December 5th District Award Nominations DUE (No exceptions) December 6th Roundtable December 6th Order of the Arrow Meeting December 8th Rio Grande Scout Expo- (Information coming out this week) December 17th- Popcorn Prize Orders Due December 31st- Silver Beaver Nominations Due No Commissioner/District Meeting this month January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- Klondike Derby at Sandia Mountain January 17th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rs Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 9th Scouting For Food February 14th Roundtable February 18th- Presidents Day- Service Center Closed February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting Packs are gearing up for Pinewood Derby!! Attached is the Pinewood Derby Rules. ALL questions need to be addressed to Bob Ashe, District Pinewood Chair. His e-mail is in the TO: line above. We have a CURRENT AND UPDATED WEB SITE!!!! YAY!! Please check it out often!!!! If there is anything you want put in it, please e-mail Rick Meyerhein. We are also trying to find him some help. Please let me know if you can help us. It still needs a lot of work and some help deleting the old files off. If you can spend time on it for one week, let me know. Everyone have a safe week and THANK YOU ALL for all the hard work you do to make Rio Grande the best District in this council!! If you ever need anything, please call me, it's my job to serve you and if I am not meeting your expectations, let me know!!! Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org Check out our new and UPDATED DISTRICT Web Site at www.gswcbsa.org/riogrande Andy Meyer-District Executive 505-345-8603 Bruce Byers- District Chairmen- 505-328-7397 Troy Dunow- District Commissioner- 505-227-1555 |
| Weekly Message from Our DE |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, October 15 2007 |
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Hello Great and Humble Scouters of the Rio Grande District, Happy Beautiful Fall Monday!!! I loved the fresh crisp smell this morning as I got up today. I had a busy weekend. Saturday, I ran across one of my Eagle Scouts who is 24 years old and has hit bottom.. I spent 6 hours with him, trying to get him refocused on his life and goals and steer him in a positive direction but I lost. He told me that he is happy doing drugs and going from job to job... Broke my heart... Not sure where I went wrong... My sister arrived and we spend Saturday night and Sunday together, had a great time. She is a nurse down in Alamogordo. She was a huge help for me when I was seriously injured two years ago. It was great seeing her again. THANKS TO IMOGENE JONES AND CRAZY CARL GLASSPIEE for helping me out this past week at roundtable with re-charter. I COULD NOT have done it without you BOTH. Thanks to Andrea and Jay for your calm relaxed patience with getting us though this re-charter and disrupting your program. Thanks gang!! Thanks also to Rick Meyerhein, we FINALLY have an updated DISTRICT Web Site. We're still dusting off the cobwebs. Please check it out. If there are things you want to see, let me know. Thanks Rick!!! The following units HAVE NOT PICKED up their charter packet, please get with me soon. Packs: 2, 8,21, 170, 230, 339, 528, 712, 713, 714, 741, 787, Troops: 2, 9, 230, 339, 528, 611, 703, 712, 714, 717, 754, 787, Team: 177, 339, 528, 717 Crew: 9, 174, 528, 717, 741 Post: 2696, 911 POPCORN IS DUE TOMORROW!!! Looking ahead: October 16th Popcorn orders due October 25th District Commissioner/Committee Meeting October 27th- Popcorn Pick-up November 1st- Order of the Arrow Meeting November 3rd Rio Rancho Mid High- Cub Leader POW WOW 9am Cost $15.00 November 4th Order of the Arrow Meeting November 8th- Roundtable November 29th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting December 1st- Order of the Arrow Lodge Banquet December 5th District Award Nominations DUE (No exceptions) December 6th Roundtable December 6th Order of the Arrow Meeting December 17th- Popcorn Prize Orders Due December 31st- Silver Beaver Nominations Due No Commissioner/District Meeting this month January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- Klondike Derby at Sandia Mountin January 17th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rs Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 9th Scouting For Food February 14th Roundtable February 18th- Presidents Day- Service Center Closed February 28th District Committee/Commissioner Meeting Everyone have a safe and blessed week!!!! If you are in need of support from the District, please call me!!!! The District Staff and I are here to serve you all and WE WANT too!!! Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| On Line Registration |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Saturday, October 13 2007 |
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Hello Scouters, Last night was an good roundtable and I appreciate all the units that came out to our Re-Charter training. A few reminders: The site will not be open until November 1st to enter in the data. Go to the council web site for a training on the online re-charter. {Link to On Line Registration} When you are done, print off a copy and get the charter head to sign it and turn into me by December 15th 2007 Questions, please address them to Troy Dunow The following units HAVE NOT PICKED up their charter packet, please get with me soon. Packs: 2, 8,21, 170, 230, 339, 528, 712, 713, 714, 741, 787, Troops: 2, 9, 230, 339, 528, 611, 703, 712, 714, 717, 754, 787, Team: 177, 339, 528, 717 Crew: 9, 174, 528, 717, 741 Post: 2696, 911 Please get these from me soon, if I need to bring them to you, I am more then willing to do that. Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org Check out our new and UPDATED DISTRICT Web Site at www.gswcbsa.org/riogrande Andy Meyer-District Executive 505-345-8603 Bruce Byers- District Chairmen- 505-328-7397 Troy Dunow- District Commissioner- 505-227-1555 |
| Notes from the District Executive |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, October 8 2007 |
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Hello "One" hour a week Scouters, I feel like I have to say this before I go on with my weekend. Two balloons crashed today and so far one lady has passed away. I hope that she was at peace with herself. My condolences to the family and pilot crew this morning. I am praying for everyone else who was hurt this morning..... What an awesome weekend for me! I am NOT a morning person and what is worse for me is a morning person who is cold!!! My family and I decided to go to the Ballon Fiesta Sunday Morning. I didn't want to go (now don't tell Bonnie that) but I went... I was crabby at 3am when we woke up.... It was below zero but I got up and we went. I LOVED it!! We saw Darth Vader get ready to go up then the pilot said "no, it was to windy". I watched them pack it up, pretty neat!! I gt home around 2pm and I fell asleep..... YUP!! That was my weekend!! AWESOME!!! Well here we go: This week is Boy and Cub Scout Roundtable- Critical ITEM IS Re-Charter- We are going to ONLINE re-charter and SOMEONE from every unit needs to come, get trained and get passcodes from me. This job should not be done by the Scoutmaster or Cubmaster, it should be a one time job. PLEASE SEND SOMEONE WHO CAN DEVOTE THE TIME TO RE-CHARTER SESSION and not be distracted with the Awesome Activiites we have going on at Roundtable. October 11th Roundtable October 16th Popcorn orders due October 20th- Webelos Outdoor Challenge (Scout O Rame) TENTATIVE DATE October 27th- Popcorn Pick-up November 1st- Order of the Arrow Meeting November 3rd Rio Rancho Mid High- Cub Leader POW WOW 9am Cost $15.00 November 4th Order of the Arrow Meeting November 8th- Roundtable November 29th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting December 1st- Order of the Arrow Lodge Banquet December 6th Roundtable December 6th Order of the Arrow Meeting December 17th- Popcorn Prize Orders Due December 31st- Silver Beaver Nominations Due January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- Klondike Derby at Sandia Mountin February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rs Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 9th Scouting For Food If you are needing support from the District, please call me!!!! I am here to serve you all and I WANT too!!! Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| Eagle Scout Rumors |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Friday, October 5 2007 |
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There is rumor going around regarding Eagle Scouts. I would like to clarify the process for Eagle Scout. National does require Letters of References for all Life Scouts going for Eagle Scout. Scouts are to bring to the board, SEALED letters from the people giving them letters of recommendation. The scouts are not to see them. The board will open the letters before they meet with the Scout. Scouts will not be denied Eagle at this time if they do not have letters. I would suggest everyone start moving in this direction Blue Cards- We are REQUESTING copies of blue cards with the paperwork for Eagle Scout. This is NOT required... yet.... This just helps with the paperwork review process and makes it go faster. Scouts that have lost blue cards, need to get them replaced if at all possible. Scouts wont be denied Eagle Scout at this time for not having blue cards. I do encourage everyone to start saving blue cards. I know in my troop, we save copies of all blue cards in our filing cabinet and have not for years. It has worked well; I suggest you all do that. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call! Thanks, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| District Expo-Scout-O--Rama |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Friday, October 5 2007 |
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Due to unfortunate events in planning, the Scout Expo has been postponed from 20 Oct 07 to 08 Dec 07. We have had to find a new committee to take over the event, and expect Expo information to be sent out on Monday concerning the event. Any questions reguarding the change, please contact Bruce Byers at 328-7397. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. Rio Grande District Committee |
| News from the District Executive (Andy) |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Tuesday, October 2 2007 |
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Hello Scouters, Where is the time flying by???? It just seems like yesterday I got back from camp and here we are going into October. I can now say that I am a west sidddeeerrrr. I am renting a house of 98th and Uncer. I moved this last weekend. It was a busy weekend. If you got a chance to come by the Scout Day for new Cub Scouts, it was pretty neat seeing all the new faces and the excitement on their face. A great reminder for me of why I became a District Executive. I am not sure how many of you got that e-mail "Your New District Executive", that was sent out over a year ago. I am not sure why it was sent again. I think Yahoo had a hic up. I was surprised when I read in the subject line and thought someone knew somthing that I didn't. :O) Fall membership is coming to an end. We have 10 packs thatare short anywhere from 1 scout to 12 scouts to quailfy for FREE pinewood derby cars. I would love to present your pack leadership free cars for your boys. So far we (the district)have spend about $800 on cars for your boys. If you want to get free cars, and are close, give me a shout. Thanks to Bob Ashe, Todd Haines, Dale Balmer, Jay and Spencer Folett for hosting a fun filled Baloo Training. Boy Scouts is run BY EACH OF YOU, the volunteers!! If you all quit tomorrow, we would have to close. YOU all make it happen, not me! THANK YOU!!! Scouting for Food is quickly approaching. John Currier is our Scouting for Food Chair. We are asking for 100% particaption from all 90 units that we have. Please plan and lets lead the way as the strongest District in the Council. See attachment Ok here we go: Upcoming dates: October 4th Order of the Arrow Meeting October 16th Popcorn orders due October 20th- Webelos Outdoor Challenge (Scout-O-Rama) TENTATIVE DATE October 27th- Popcorn Pick-up November 1st- Order of the Arrow Meeting November 3rd Rio Rancho Mid High- Cub Leader POW WOW 9am Cost $15.00 November 4th Order of the Arrow Meeting November 8th- Roundtable November 29th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting December 1st- Order of the Arrow Lodge Banquet December 6th Roundtable December 6th Order of the Arrow Meeting December 17th- Popcorn Prize Orders Due December 31st- Silver Beaver Nominations Due January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- Klondike Derby (NEED A HOST) February 2nd Scouting for Food February 3rs Scout Sunday February 7th Order of the Arrow Meeting February 9th Scouting For Food If you are needing support from the District, please call me!!!! I am here to serve you all and I WANT too!!! Very Respectfully, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive Great Southwest Council, BSA 5841 Office Boulevard NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-345-8603 ext. 20 anmeyer@bsamail.org |
| From the District Executive |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, September 17 2007 |
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Greetings Scouters of the Rio Grande District, I hope you are doing well and for those of you who were at Camp Frank Rand this weekend are recovering. Congratulations to all our new Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil members!! It was a busy weekend and great seeing you all there. It felt good to get home, shower and relax for the rest of the day (after I did the honey do list) mow the law, pull weeds, take out the trash, clean the rain gutter etc etc etc.... This Saturday is our metro day of training at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church. I hope to see you all there. If you have not yet met me, please come over and introduce yourself to me. It is my personal goal to know all my volunteers however it does take me time to remember who is who and with what unit and where each unit meets etc. Please take the time to meet me!! Thanks to Andrea Fairbrother and Jay Follet and Dale Balmer!! Awesome Roundtable, over 150 in attendance!!! If you feel lost as Scout leader regardless of the position or program you are in, plan to come to roundtable and get new ideas, speak to the "Veterans" in the Scouting program. They have "been there, done that" many times before. Even if you’re an old pro at Scouting, come share your wisdom with all the newer Scouters in the District. We are in the process (REALLY this time) of updating our web page. Rick Meyerhein And Blaine Bachman are going to make it happen. Stay tuned for the web address and hopefully we can keep it current and useful for you all!! We are looking for a troop or person(s) to host the Winter Campout. The district committee decided to change it from Klondike Derby to Winter Campout. It seems there are to many bad conations with the word Klondike Derby. The idea would be to have snow show races for the older scouts and sledding for the new scouts as well as tubing. It should be a blast. We just need someone to step this up as Chairperson. Upcoming dates: September 22nd- Metro Day of Training Paradise Hills Methodist Church (Paradise Blvd between Eagle Ranch and Gold Course Rd) September 29th UNM Lobos VS BYU Hosted by Rio Grande District (get tickets $9.00 from office) September 28th- IOLS Outdoor Session September 29th Baloo Outdoor training October 20th- Webelos Outdoor Challenge (Scout O Rame) TENTATIVE DATE October 27th- Popcorn Pick-up November 1st- Order of the Arrow Meeting November 3rd Rio Rancho Mid High- Cub Leader POW WOW 9am Cost $15.00 November 4th Order of the Arrow Meeting November 8th- Roundtable November 29th- District Commissioner/Committee Meeting December 1st- Order of the Arrow Lodge Banquet December 6th Roundtable December 6th Order of the Arrow Meeting December 17th- Popcorn Prize Orders Due December 31st- Silver Beaver Nominations Due January 3rd- Order of the Arrow Meeting January 10th- Roundtable January 19th- Second Annual District Recognition Dinner January 25-26th- Klondike Derby All above forms are available at the Scout office or at Roundtable Friends of Scouting will be kicking off December 1st for some units then full kick off will be January 2nd 2008. Our FOS Chairperson will be calling you to set up dates in the near future where we can come to your unit for the FOS presentation. Thank you for all the support we had in 2006!! I hope you all are happy with my service as YOUR District Executive; if you are not getting your needs met by me, please feel free to let me know so I can serve you better. In Scouting I am, Andy Meyer, Rio Grande District Executive |
| Catholic Scout Retreat |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, September 17 2007 |
| This Saturday (9/22/07) there will be a Retreat for Catholic Scouts. Cub and Boy Scouts can get started on their religious awards. Check the flyer for information {Link to Flyer} |
| Metro Training for Everyone |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, September 17 2007 |
| This Saturday there will be training for Cub and Scout Leaders, Committee, and Junior Leaders at the Paradise Hills Methodist Church {Link to Map}. Check the flyer for times {Link to Flyer}. The training for Junior Leaders will be from 9 AM to 2 PM and will cost $8 to cover lunch and materials. {Link to JLO Flyer}This training is required to be considered "Trained." |
| From the Executive (Andy) |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, September 10 2007 |
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I have just recieved exciting news about the 100th Anniversay of the Boy Scouts of America. In honor of BSAs 100th Anniversary, the National Council has launched a contest to inspire the very best design for the anniversary celebration logo. Every registered scout is eligible to participate. The winning design will become the official symbol for this very important BSA milestone. It will be placed on all official celebration materials and will become a treasured BSA icon for generations to come. To get details about the 100th Anniversary and to enter the design contest, visit the BSA 100th Anniversary web site at https://scouting.org/100years. Check with Andy for more information. |
| From the Executive (Andy) |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Monday, September 10 2007 |
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Hello Great and Humble Scouters of the Rio Grande District: This is going to be a long week of e-mails. All which are very very important. Please take the time to read them and write down the info I give you. If you no longer want e-mails from me, please let me know. Currently our e-mail data base goes to over 600 people. Please join us for Rio Grande District Roundtable this Thursday at 7pm. The theme for September Roundtable for Boy Scouts will be "leave no trace". Don't miss out on our "spare no expense" random prize drawing. Jay Follett will be the roundtable commissioner replacing Moe Winston, who has done a great job the last couple of years leading our monthly Scout roundtables. Jay Follett has been a scout leader for 5 years including Scoutmaster of troop 628 in the Firebird district on the Grand Canyon Council in Arizona and now as the scoutmaster of troop 707 in Rio Rancho/Bernalillo. Jay completed his basic training in Arizona and was an alumni of the 2006 Woodbadge class and has recently earmed his woodbadge beads. Jay is a qualified instructor for Youth Protection Training, Fast Start Training, New Leader Essentials, Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. Jay is also a BSA lead climb instructor. If you have topics of interest or speciality skills that you would like to see discussed or you would like to present at Roundtable. Please contact Jay at JayFollett@gmail.com or by phone at 867-0473 |
| Leaders Roundtable |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Thursday, September 6 2007 |
| The Rio Grande District Roundtable for all adult leaders is held on the second Thursday of the month at the Paradise Hills Methodist church from 7 to 8:30 PM. Come and join in the fellowship and learning. {Link to Map} |
| Need help at Lobo Game 9/8 |
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-- Posted by rmeyerhein on Wednesday, September 5 2007 |
| Andy needs help to Pass out team pictures from 4:30 to kickoff this Saturday (9/8/07). Send your name to Andy by 5 PM Thursday if interested. anmeyer@bsamail.org or call at 345-8603 Ext. 20 |
| Popcorn Kickoff - Aug. 27 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Thursday, August 16 2007 |
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"Make It Real!" Deliver the promise of Scouting: camping, activities, badges, Boys Life magazine for every Scout, training. And whatever else you can think of. All it takes is money. Learn the not-so-secrets of the success of Popcorn Sales. We show you how. You should attend this kickoff meeting with a unit leader and your "Popcorn Kernel". Attendance qualifies your unit for a 1% sign-up commission bonus. For more information, download the flier or contact Mike Salisbury (385-1345). |
| Metro Day of Training - September 22 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Thursday, August 16 2007 |
The Metro Day of Training will be held on September 22, 2007 at the Paradise Hills United Methodist Church. Offered training modules include:
If you're a new leader, or if you want a refresher to hear what's new, you should get to this course. Get the application for more information. |
| Cub Scout Leader POW WOW Training - Nov. 3 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Thursday, August 16 2007 |
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KISMIF - Keep it Simple, Make It Fun. The 2007 Cub Scout Leader Pow Wow training course is set for November 3 at Rio Rancho Mid High School. Classes run in sessions all day, from 7:30 through 4:00. You could learn about games, nature, ceremonies, Blue and Gold, paperwork, songs, and many other topics. For more information, check out the information sheet. |
| Have you earned the National Camping Award? |
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-- Posted by rstone on Thursday, August 16 2007 |
| Your troop or team had a great time camping through out the year. You capped the experience with a fantastic week at summer camp. Now it's time to apply for your National Camping Award. If your unit and Scouts have camped at least 10 days and nights of camping and most of your Scouts went to camp, you may have earned the award. Download the application and get started on earning your awards. |
| Wild Wild West Camporee - April 20-21, 2007 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Friday, March 16 2007 |
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Howdy Partners (that's cowboy talk for Dear Unit Leaders): It's round up time! Are you and your couwboys ready to go back to the Wild West? We will have 10 events to chose from. Competition and teamwork in the Wild West will earn top honors for the patrol. Download the information and registration form to start Being Prepared. See ya round the campfire! |
| Metro Day of Training - April 14, 2007 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Friday, March 16 2007 |
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A good Leader is a Trained Leader. Learn how to do your Scouting job better and easier too! There are trainig modules for just about everyone. First, check out the Training Progression for Scout Leaders. Then, check out the courses offered in the Metro Day of Training |
| Winter Events info available |
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-- Posted by rstone on Saturday, January 20 2007 |
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Download the Pinewood Derby information. Download the updated Klondike information. How about getting ready for the summer season with the Adult Backpack Leader Training? |
| New Meeting Times and Locations |
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-- Posted by rstone on Saturday, January 20 2007 |
Beginning January 2007, the district meeting times and locations have changed as follows:
Please join us, learn something, have some fun. We guarantee your Scouting work will accomplish more progress with less work. |
| Scouts Mourn First Eagle Scout President |
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-- Posted by rstone on Monday, January 1 2007 |
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 30,000 Scouts and volunteers with the Gerald R. Ford Council of the Boy Scouts of America join the nation in mourning the loss of the nation's first Eagle Scout Vice President and President with the news that President Gerald R. Ford has died at age 93. For three generations he inspired scouts with his leadership and legacy not only in southwest Michigan but across the nation. For more information, read about his early years, the significance of Eagle Scouts, and Scoutings appreciation for our Eagle Scout President. |
| Klondike Derby 2007 is coming! |
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-- Posted by rstone on Friday, December 29 2006 |
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This year's Klondike will be a race from start to finish! Patterned after the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897, our Scout Stampeders will follow the Trail from Skagway, Alaska to Lake Bennett, Canada using real accounts and challenges for this years events. Some will count toward rank advancement, while others will fulfill merit badge requirements. The Klondike Derby will be held at Mt. Taylor on 26-27 January 2007. For more information, download the information flyer and register before January 17. |
| Rio Grande District Awards Banquet - Jan. 20 |
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-- Posted by rstone on Friday, December 29 2006 |
Download the flyer for the District Banquet. |
| District Committee Meeting - minutes |
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-- Posted by rstone on Monday, October 2 2006 |
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The minutes of the September District Committee Meeting have been posted on the web site. The meeting include discussions of communications, how to support Venturing units, upcoming Activities, camping, membership, and other topics. Please access the meeting minutes at http://www.gswcbsa.org/riogrande/files/SEPT_28_DISTRICT_MINUTES.pdf Please join us that the District Committee Meetings! Any interested adult Scouter is invited and welcome. We are here to support you, so want to hear your ideas and desires. |
| News Server Upgrades |
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-- Posted by rstone on Sunday, September 24 2006 |
| Please be patient while we upgrade the capability of our news server so that it will support other districts and the council. Things might look a bit weird for a while. |
