Popcorn Kernel Training Is Just Around The Corner PDF Print E-mail
Popcorn Kernel training night is scheduled for Thursday, September 16th, 7pm at the Camp Seminole Dining hall.  Trails End is hosting the event with dinner, door prizes and tons of information for our 2010 Popcorn sale.  Yes, there are many improvements to the product, the promotion, and the delivery of the popcorn that will make it easier for the sale and way easier on the unit.  Popcorn sales are units best fundraisers for individual boys and the units as a whole.  Trips, gear, uniforms, and other expenses can be met with popcorn sales. 
 
Each unit must have an individual assigned to be the popcorn kernel for the 2010 sale.  I am asking that I be given the name and contact information for each popcorn kernel at the first Roundtable of the year - August 5th.  That way, we can ensure the the information is put into the hands of the right people to ensure a successful sale and get them rounded up for the roundup.
 
If you have any questions, please contact me, CeCelia Bowden, Asst. Council Commissioner, via email, busycece@bellsouth.net.  Also, you can leave a message for me at the council office, 662-328-7228.
 
Jamboree Troop 1523 in Washington, DC PDF Print E-mail






(Photo credits:  Nick Sellars and Chris Driskill)

Some of Troop 1523's photos taken while in Washington, Dc o the way to National Jamboree.
 
Jamboree Troop 1523 Now En-Route
Friday, 23 July 2010 13:29



Our council's National Jamboree contingent, Troop 1523, hit the road Friday morning at 6:40 AM, headed to Roanoke, Virginia, then Washington, DC, and then Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, for the 100th Anniversary Boy Scout National Jamboree.

The 18 months of preparation began to be reality last Wednesday evening, as the 36 participants arrived at Starkville's First United Methodist Church with their footlockers and buckets.  Since their destination is a military base, considerable time was saved by having the footlockers, gear, and the inside of the truck inspected by the Starkville Police Dept., which did a visual inspection and used a trained dog to check the contents for contraband. (Of course, none was found...... "A Scout is trustworthy".

After the inspection, the truck was sealed by the police department, and will not be reopened until it is at the actual jamboree campsite. Once the seal is broken at the Jamboree,  Troop 1523 will set up their home camp for the next 12 days.


SPL Thomas McBroom checked in Friday about noon, and they were having lunch in Chattanooga, Tennessee, before making the next leg of their journey. 

ASM Chris Driskill says they calculated the total weight of the Scouts in the Jamboree troop to be about 6,000 pounds.

Scribe Sam Baker promises to send regular reports of the troop's Jamboree progress during the trip.

Photo at right shows Scouts of Troop 1523 loading the FUMC bus at 6:00 AM Friday.
 
Scouts Return Home as Philmont Champs E-mail
Wow…Philmont was tremendous!  The Pushmataha Area Council Philmont 2010 Expedition was not for the faint of heart. The 12-day, high adventure, mountain wilderness journey at Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico was an incredibly rewarding backpacking and camping experience that required the complete foundation provided by scouting…including being physically strong and mentally awake.  Our Scouts returned home from their adventure on July 4, 2010.

 

The contingent of Scouts from throughout our Council did a superb job completing their Philmont itineraries and earning the prestigious Philmont Arrowhead patch.  The coveted Philmont Arrowhead that everyone received is of even more significance owing to a special BSA 100 year anniversary insignia included on the patch.  Earning this particular patch represents a major accomplishment for a Scout.  It is a testament to the character of the Scouts in our Council.  We are proud of each and every one of the guys.  The champions are listed in the table below.

 

In addition to receiving ranger training to become self sufficient and safe in the wilderness, the Scouts had opportunities for fly fishing, completing conservation projects, riding horses in the “wild west,” working burros as gold miners did in the late 1800s, practicing blacksmithing, and reaching the summit of the tallest mountains in the region, to name a few.   

 

In addition to the Philmont Arrowhead Patch, each Scout earned Philmont’s Duty to God award and the Wilderness Pledge Achievement award.  We have no doubt that their troops, churches, schools, and families will benefit from the leadership skills they gained through fully embracing this outstanding program organized by the Council with more than a year in the making. 

 
Read More About This Philmont Expedition
 
Eagle Project Changes Lives E-mail



























Troop 45 Life Scout Davis Pigg and his Eagle Scout service project


Life Scout David Pigg, of Troop 45, Starkville, recently completed his Eagle Scout service project.  For his project Scout Pigg built a horse mounting ramp for use by campers at Camp Jabberjaw at the Mississippi Horse park at Mississippi State University.   Camp Jabberjaw provided the blueprints for the project, and Scout Pigg supplied the materials, labor, and transportation to make the project a reality.  The special ramp allows campers with a disability, such as wheelchair-bound campers, to mount a horse with comparative ease.   
Read more...
 
Changes in Youth Protection Training Requirements E-mail
The BSA has new regulations regarding Youth Protection Training, and these new regs effect every leader.

Effective June 1, 2010:
  • -- Youth Protection training is required for all registered volunteers.
  • -- New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before they submit an application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
  • -- Youth Protection training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer's Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be re-registered.
It is necessary for all registered BSA leaders to visit this link at the BSA website, so you'll know all the details about the new requirements.  Be sure to share with info with all the registered leaders in your unit.