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First Vice-President Thoughts on the National BSA Meeting |
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Like many of you, I have had the opportunity to spend many years attending Scouting functions; some being better than others. So when our Council Executive, Patrick Wedding, suggested that I attend the Annual National Meeting in Atlanta, I approached it with some reluctance. Boy was I ever mistaken. I found the meetings in Atlanta to be refreshing, reminding, and reassuring. |
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Refreshing |
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Each and every day we are bombarded with negative news, often times about America’s youth. I had the pleasure of watching and hearing from some of the finest examples of young people that I have seen in a long time. There is a great deal more good out there than we realize. |
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Reminded |
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I was reminded that for nearly 100 years the Scouting movement has been a character factory. It has had an incredible effect not just on individuals, but on our nation as a whole. It has helped define our country. I was reminded that B.S.A. serves a very unique role in our society. |
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Reassuring |
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Finally, I found the Annual Meeting reassuring. I was reassured that I was part of an organization that was founded on right and proper principles. I was reassured that B.S.A. is confident of their position and focused on their goals for the future. In short, I am proud to be associated with such a fine organization. (Barry Hendler is currently the 1st Vice President of the Concho Valley Council, B.S.A.) |
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National Endowment Art Tour |
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This event also marks the last official function for Chief Scout Executive Roy L. Williams. Roy worked as a District Executive in Abilene early on in his career with the Boy Scouts of America. He retires on September 1, 2007. If you would like to attend the workshop then the reception afterwards please contact Patrick S. Wedding, Scout Executive. His e-mail address is . You may also call 325-655-7107 or 800-321-7107 then enter extension #44. |
A traveling exhibition of Scouting memorabilia and artwork by well-known artists Joseph Csatari and Norman Rockwell will be in 
Abilene, Texas on Thursday
August 30, 2007. James E. West Fellows, Council Heritage Society Members, and other interested in the viability of the Concho Valley Council are being invited to attend.
Policy on Scout Participation in Political Events
With the presidential election coming up in 2008, it is a good time to restate the BSA’s long-standing policy regarding the participation of Scouts in political rallies and other political events.
Uniformed unit members and leaders may participate in flag ceremonies at political events and may lead the Pledge of Allegiance; however, they should retire after the ceremony and not remain on the speakers’ platform or in a conspicuous location where television viewers could construe their presence as an endorsement or symbol of support. In addition, photos of candidates or Scouts in uniform or BSA marks and logos are not allowed in political campaign materials of any kind.
Volunteers and professionals must be alert to situations that would imply that the BSA favors one candidate over another. Strict observance of our long-standing policy against the active participation of uniformed Scouts and leaders in political events is mandatory.
Questions should be directed toward Patrick Wedding, Scout Executive at the Council Office.
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