The new Boy Scout Handbook is more than a guide to the outdoors; addressing issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, respecting others, and proper use of the Internet, this handbook is a guide for life!

The 11th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook, the most recent version published since 1990, includes a section titled “Preparing for Life,” which addresses social issues never before addressed in the handbook.  The new handbook still focuses on the same traditional values Scouting has always taught but also discuss situations and issues that boys face in today’s society.

“Making the Most of Yourself” is another new chapter in the handbook.  It helps Scouts understand and face issues such as peer pressure, building successful family relationships, and culturally diverse relationships.

The chapter “Principles of Leave No Trace” covers this nationally recognized low-impact camping and outdoor skills awareness program.

The new handbook has been met with great enthusiasm from the media and public.  It is now available in the Council Trading Post for $7.95.  For more information call the office at 655-7107.

CAPITAL AND ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN

The Executive Board has voted to look into the possibility of conducted a campaign to carry our selected capital development projects throughout the council and add to the council Endowment Fund.  The projects being considered include Cub Town at Camp Sol Mayer, Ranching Center on the Sol Mayer Ranch, Relocating the Boy Scout Field Sports area at Camp Sol Mayer, Cope Course, Improvements at Camp Fawcett and Camp Baden Powell.  Endowment needs being considered for General Endowment, Camp Endowment, and Scoutreach Endowment.  If a campaign is conducted all will be notified through a special Fireside Chat to be held in each district.

Each year you hear your District Executives say, “its FOS time” and start asking everyone for a donation.  The council has to conduct this annual effort as many traditional funding sources has not kept up with increased in the council budget.  Your Council Budget is $595,000 and receives about 25% from 7 United Ways, 50% from popcorn sales, trading post, endowment, camping and activity fees, special events, and the remaining portion or 25% has to be raised from those who choose to be “Friends of Scouting”.  This is accomplished in two ways.  We organize campaigns in all communities and ask each unit to allow us to come to a meeting and make a presentation.  This year we must raise $168,187.  The campaign status follows:

	Goal	Actual
Council Board	39,000	34,416	88.2%
Concho	30,000	11,003	36.7%
Amangi Trail	39,500	28,400	71.9%
Winter Garden	17,700	2,074	15.0%
Amistad	11,000	2,074	18.9%
Permian Basin	37,000	14,249	38.5%
Council	168,187	92,791	55.2%

The Boy Scouts of America launched a new Venturing program on August 1, 1998.  This program includes the Outdoor, Youth Ministry, Hobby and Sea Scout programs of the old Exploring Program.  All career oriented programs such as Health and Law enforcement are registered in Learning for Life.

The new venturing program is for High School age young men and women who are at least 14 years old and completed the 8th grade or 15-20 years old.

The greatest improvement to Venturing is the advancement program that has Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for program emphasis and a Ranger Award achievement.  The Eagle trail has not been opened to female venturing Scouts.

For more information on  Venturing contact your District Executive or the Council Service Center.

Senator John Glenn and Vance D. Coffman, chairman of the board and CEO of Lockheed Martin, will serve as cochairs of the third annual Space Day on Thursday, May 6.  Space Day is a global celebration dedicated to the extraordinary achievements of, benefits from, and opportunities in the exploration of space.

“What we are trying to do is instill in young people curiosity… That’s what will move this country ahead.  Space Day is meant to inspire the dreams of the young people in this country.”—Senator John Glenn.

In support of the 1999 Space Day, please take advantage of this opportunity to open the eyes and minds of our youth.  Here are some recommendations for integrating Space Day into your Scouting program.  Invite guest speakers at your meetings (astronomers, meteorologists, former astronauts, industry executives or college professors) to your meetings to speak about space-related topics.  Visit a planetarium, science museum, or local space institute. Launch model rockets. Build solar system models.  Visit the live interactive three hour Webcast dedicated to space on May 6, 1999 at www.spaceday.com.

For more ideas to help you incorporate Space Day into your program, or for more information about Space Day, visit the Space Day Web site at www.spaceday.com.

In January 1997, President Clinton and former President Bush announced the “Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future,” which focuses on a renewed commitment to community service in America.  The Boy Scouts of America answered this call to action by committing 200 million hours of community service by the end of the year 2000.

America’s Promise One-Year Report to the Nation was given in April, 1998, acknowledging organizations that have contributed to this effort.  As we approach the Second-Year Report to the Nation, the Boy Scouts of America would like to rededicate the organization to our commitment to America’s promise and to service in our communities.

Scouts who complete a minimum of 12 hours of community service per year during 1999 and 2000, as well as those who contributed 12 hours in 1998, are eligible to receive a Service to America patch.  If 75 percent of Scouts in a unit earn the patch, all unit leaders also qualify for a patch.  The patches are available at Scout shops for $1.99.  To receive a patch, Scouts must submit a Service to America Youth Commitment Form.  Also, please make sure your unit is recognized for your community service hours by submitting a Service to America Unit Commitment Form.

If you need either of these forms, additional information, or ideas for service projects in our community, please contact the council service center.