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Latest News

This Area is updated every week. There are many links that will take you to the latest changes on this Web Site, which are designed to provide you with the most current news about the Tall Pine Council.

Upcoming Special Events - News about recent and upcoming activities throughout the Tall Pine Council.

  • The Crim Festival of Races Needs Troops- We are happy to inform you that the Crim Festival of Races has chosen the Tall Pine Council, Boy Scouts of America to be the primary service organization for the 2008 race held on August 23, 2008. With an event of this size, volunteers are critical to the success of the event. The race is asking our Boy Scout troops to help the day of the event for various different tasks. Click here to donwload the Crim PDF participation form.

  • College of Commissioner Science - This event will be held on January 24th, 2009 at Baker College - Flint. Please click here to download the PDF flyer for this event.

2010 National Scout Jamboree Registration Form - The Tall Pine Council will take a contingent of two Troops with 36 youth and 4 adult leaders in each Troop.

Qualifications for Scouts:

  • Be at least a First Class Scout at time of attendance at Jamboree.
  • Have completed sixth grade or be at least 12 years of age by July 1, 2010, and have not reached his 18th birthday by August 3, 2010.
  • Participate in prejamboree training experience.
  • Submit a Jamboree Medical Form before the prejamboree training.
  • Be approved by his scoutmaster or varsity coach and the local council jamboree committee.

Click here to download the 2010 National Scout Jamboree PDF Registration Form.

Criminal Background Checks - Recently the Boy Scouts of America began a process to obtain authorization for criminal background checks from volunteers who have continuously served in the same volunteer positions. Since 2003 background checks have been conducted on new volunteers when they registered. Background checks were not performed on those volunteers who did not change their position. The new volunteer authorization Web site opened on June 1 and will be available until August 1.

Letters were sent in early June to volunteers requesting that they visit the site, log in, and accept the background-check authorization. Volunteers who give authorization will receive the background check and need to do nothing more.

Volunteers who did not give their agreement, or who took no action to respond to the letter, are required to submit a new adult application when it is time to renew their registration. To protect our youth members, those volunteers who did not have the background check will have their registration expired. These adults will not be listed for selection at the time of charter renewal.

Units that use Internet Rechartering for online renewal will need to enter these adults, if they are to be registered, as new adults and submit the volunteer applications to the council along with their renewal.

Units that renew using the paper application must submit the volunteer application for these adults, if they are to be registered, with the charter renewal papers.

Background checks will be conducted on all new volunteers. This summer, the BSA will introduce an application to replace previous versions of the BSA Adult application. This form will include a new authorization and disclosure statement. Units should use this new BSA Adult application to ensure that new adult registrants use the proper authorization and disclosue statement. Units may obtain the new BSA Adult applications from the council service center.

Deputy Regional Director, Bob Denlinger Retires - Deputy Regional Director, Bob Denlinger, one of the main stays of the Central Region Boy Scouts of America, has announced that he will retire concluding an outstanding career on October 1, 2008.

Bob’s Boy Scout roots began in Exploring as an Exploring executive in Lancaster, PA. He was promoted to Exploring director for the council in White Plains, NY in 1976 and on to field director in 1979 in Flint, MI. Bob served as Scout executive for three councils (Massachusetts, Maine and Pennsylvania) between 1984 and 1993 before serving the National office as assistant to the Deputy Chief Scout Executive, Chief Financial Officer.

Bob set down his Central Region roots in 1996 as Deputy Regional Director/Operations to continue his stellar career. Many adult and youth in the Boy Scout organization have benefited from Bob’s knowledge, enthusiasm, passion and dedication during his 35 years.

Bob has chosen to begin the best years of his life with his wife, Joan, in the new house they are building in Tennessee. We wish Bob and Joan many years of good health, happiness and enjoyment with family as they begin this next chapter in their lives.

Camp Holaka Dining Hall Dedication Slideshow - Click here to view the PowerPoint slideshow of the Camp Holaka Dining Hall Dedication held on June 18, 2008. (6 MB)

Congratulations to Kaytie Corlew - Kaytie Corlew is the Area 2 President for 2008-09. Kaytie’s leadership and organizational experiences in Venturing are extensive. She has served for nearly two years as the president of the Tall Pine Council’s Venturing Leaders Association. Prior to that she was a Crew President. She attended the Area 2 Assemblage in 2007. Kaytie also participated in the Central Region’s Kodiak and Kodiak X Course Directors Conference in Indiana last fall. She is the first Venturer in her council to receive the Venturing Leadership Award.

Kaytie is an active student at Kearsley High School in Flint, MI, including her involvement in the choirs. She is very involved in the youth leadership at the Hopewell General Baptist Church, and her other interests include tutoring middle school students in algebra.

Automotive Safety Patch Program

A partnership between Safe Kids USA, Chevrolet and the Cub Scouts

What is the Automotive Safety Patch Program?
Safe Kids Buckle Up and Chevrolet have teamed up with the Boy Scouts of America to teach Cub Scouts and their parents and caregivers about safety in and around vehicles. These hands-on educational activities, conducted by Safe Kids’ certified child passenger safety technicians and held at Chevrolet dealerships, are designed to educate families with older children – ages 7 to 10 – about being inside and outside of moving and parked vehicles. After the Scouts successfully complete all of the educational stations, they are with their Automotive Safety Patch.

How do the activities work?
First, the scouts are weighed and measured and take a pre-test to determine how much they know about vehicle safety. Then the scouts and families go through a series of educational stations to learn safety messages tailored to the Cub Scout age group. The stations are:
1. Safety Belt Fit Test
2. Preventing Trunk Entrapment
3. Spot the Tot
4. Never Leave Your Child Alone
5. OnStar

Once the scouts have successfully completed each station, they take a post-test and are awarded their Automotive Safety Patch.

The date is August 19th, the time is ongoing from 10:00am till 2:00 pm, held at Davison High School and call the Scout Service Center to pre-register your Pack and youth. Participation is Free.

More information can be located at: www.usa.safekids.org and find the Cub Scout link on the right side of the page.

Criminal Background Checks

As dedicated BSA volunteers, you understand the importance of keeping our youth safe in the Scouting program. To ensure Youth Protection, our organization has conducted criminal background checks on all new volunteers since April 2003. Because some volunteers have been continually registered in the program before April 2003, some have not had a criminal background check. In the next few moths, we will be communicating with those volunteers on this issue.

Volunteers who have not had a background check will receive a letter from our Chief Scout Executive, Bob Mazzuca, recognizing them as valued volunteers and explaining the need for criminal background checks and our continued youth protection efforts. The letter will explain the need for consent to conduct a criminal background check and direct volunteers to a Web site.

The letter with the website information is scheduled to be mailed by June 2, 2008. The Web site address is www.bsacbc.org, and the site will be active from June 1 until August 1, 2008. On the site, volunteers will be asked to review an authorization statement, agree to consent to a background check, and provide information, such as your Social Security number, which is necessary to conduct the CBC, and verify and submit the information.

REVISED FORMS ARE ONLINE - Activity Consent and Flying Permit Forms

The updated Flying Application Permit No. 19-672 and Activity Consent Form and Approval by Parents or Legal Guardian No. 19-673 are now online.

Flying Application Permit No. 19-672

Flying Permit Key Updates:

  • Two-deep leadership identification for any council that does not require the unit to complete a tour permit application for local activities. Note: We encourage the use of the tour permit application in the planning process for any outing.
  • FAQs answering the most common questions.
  • A checklist for the council to use when approving the permit.

Activity Consent Form and Approval by Parents or Legal Guardian No. 19-673

Activity Consent Form and Approval by Parents or Legal Guardian Key Updates:

  • It’s only one page!
  • Added special considerations or restrictions
  • Revised Hold Harmless Agreement and medical authorization

Kroger Dollars for Doers - ARE YOU A…. Tutor?, Coach?, Soup Kitchen Server?, Non-Profit Board Member?, Scout Troop Leader?, Volunteer?

When you donate 52 hours of service in a calendar year to an eligible charitable organization (just an hour per week of your own time) The Kroger fund will contribute $100 to the organization on your behalf. Click here for more information on the Kroger Dollars for Doers program.

Wood Badge 2009 Course Information - Wood Badge is an ultimate Scout leader training experience originated by Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting movement. "One of the purposes of Wood Badge training is to get people to think about the practice of Scouting, to meet together, to exchange experiences, and to live together in the Spirit of the Scout Oath." Click here for more information on the Wood Badge 2009 course.

Community Sharing Fund - Raising money for any non-profit organization is never easy...espcially in today's tough economic times. That's why is happy to offer you an easy way to help the Tall Pine Council raise money just by keeping your receipts. To find out more about this fund raising program please click here.

New Boy Scout Rank Requirements (Effective January 1, 2008) - The National Youth Protection Committee recommended additions to Boy Scout rank requirements that were approved and will become effective January 1, 2008. These changes will help us advance the importance of Youth Protection training beyond the initial Boy Scout joining requirements, and keep youth informed and actively engaged in understanding the key elements of personal safety and protection.

Tenderfoot Rank
Revised requirement 9:
Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Describe what a bully is and how you should respond to one.

Second Class Rank
New requirement 8b:
Explain the three R’s of personal safety and protection.

First Class Rank
New requirement 12:
Describe the three things you should avoid doing related to use of the Internet. Describe a cyberbully and how you should respond to one.

The changes will be represented in the 2008 Boy Scout Requirements book and the revised ninth printing of the 11th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook.

2008 Prevailing Winds II Sailing Season has been cancelled - Please click on this link to go to the 2008 Prevailing Winds II web page.

2008 Philmont Scout Ranch - Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America's premier high-adventure base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 200 square miles of rugged New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country. Make sure you get your applications in to be a part of the adventure.

Ray Morrell Receives Promotion - Mr. Ray Morrell, who served the Tall Pine Council as Scout Executive for 12 years from 1990 to 2002 and has been the HR Director of the US Central Region since that time, has received a promotion to the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America. Ray will assume his new position on January 1, 2008, as Director of Human Resources Administration for Local Councils.

Best wishes to Ray, from all his friends at the TPC.

Earn Your Centennial Recruiter Patch - Boy Scouts can earn this new Centennial Recruiter patch by recruiting a boy into their troop this fall. The Boy Scout Division is providing these awards at no cost to local councils. Patches will be available at the Tall Pine Council by July 15, 2007. Click here to download the Centennial Recruiter Patch PDF flyer.

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.

Please notify your chartered organizations and unit leaders of this policy.

Tall Pine Council Website Survey - Your Tall Pine Council is constantly looking for new ways to make the Council website more effective for you. Many new improvements have already been added. However, we are asking for your additional help by filling out the website survey and returning it to the Tall Pine Council Scout Service Center. When you fill out the survey and send it to the Tall Pine Council, you will be entered in a drawing for a Gift Certificate to the Scout Shop!!! Click here to download the Website Survey PDF form.

Camp Reservation Policy - Reservations for camp facilities / campsites at Camp Holaka & Camp Tapico for the dates 9/1/07 thru 5/31/08 can be made after June 1, 2007.

Refund and Transfer Policy - A written request with a brief explanation for the cancellation must be sent to the Tall Pine Council Service Center. The request should be received by the Service Center at least 3 weeks prior to the camp, activity, or event start date. A 10 percent (minimum $5.00) administration fee will be withheld from the refund. Refund requests received after the camp, activity, or event will be denied (extentuating circumstances may be the only exception). Transferring fees from one person to another is permissible before the event. The Tall Pine Council should be notified in writing of all transfers. This cancellation / refund policy was effective January 1, 1998, and supercedes any prior cancellation / refund policy of the Tall Pine Council, BSA.

New Short Term Camp Reservation Forms - Please read over the information on the "NEW" reservation forms below.

Camp Tapico - Application for Short Term Camping (In Council)
Camp Tapico - Application for Short Term Camping (Out of Council)

Camp Holaka - Application for Short Term Camping (In Council)
Camp Holaka - Application for Short Term Camping (Out of Council)

Camping Roster for Camps

Camp Staffers Needed In Europe

Scouts and Scouters, have you ever wanted to be on staff at a camp in Europe?

Your opportunity could be now!

The European Camp Staff program, administered through the European Region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, is looking for some great scouts from Michigan.

The International Division of the Boy Scouts of America will recommend volunteers. To apply you must be between age 18 to 30 and be available to serve a minimum of 6 weeks as a volunteer at a European Scout Center.

The European Region will reimburse up to 50% of travel expenses.

It’s a great opportunity for Scouts to develop leadership skills, and, to encourage intercultural learning.

For more information call the International Division’s Esther Scoggins at (972)580-2403.

There is also an application available at the Tall Pine Council Service Center or you can download the participant application form for the European Camp Staff Programme by clicking here (418KB).

Michael J. Thorp
Council International Representative

Summer Camping Fees & Financial Assistance - Summer will be here sooner than you think and with it the opportunity for Scouts to attend Camp, with their Scout buddies. Many significant improvements have been made to our Council Camp Facilities and Programs. It is hoped that every Scout will have an opportunity to attend Camp and experience all the benefits of being in Scouting.

However, many Scouts each year are not able to attend Camp, because they have not earned enough money and their parents cannot afford to pay for them. For these young Scouts the Council has established the Campership Program. If you are a Scout or a Unit Leader who is aware of a Scout that needs financial assistance, please follow this LINK to the Camps section of this web site and, after reading the Eligibility Instructions, use the Campership Application Form to apply.

Internet Rechartering - Internet Rechartering is a Web-based software application designed to make the unit charter renewal process more efficient and accurate. Click here to find out more information and to begin the Internet Rechartering process.

Online Catalog - You may now purchase Scouting related merchandise online by clicking on the following link:

Visit our New Online Catalog!

Attention Scoutmasters & Cubmasters - The Tall Pine Council is in need of your e-mail addresses. With e-mail being an effective way to communicate information quickly, it is necessary that we get your e-mail address as soon as possible. Please email your District Executive with:

• Your Name
• Pack/Troop/Crew Number
• Your Position Title
• Your Email Address

District

Baden Powell
Blue Heron
New Horizons
Norwegen Pine  
Shiawassee

District Executive

Anthony Watson
Ned Savage
Robbie Waclawski  
John Schlobohm
Alaina Kraus

Email Address

anwatson@bsamail.org
nsavage@bsamail.org
rwaclaws@bsamail.org
jschlobo@bsamail.org
akraus@bsamail.org

Hours of Operation and Closings - Click Here to view the hours of operation and closings for both the Service Center and Scout Shop.

Scoutshop - learn about the newest arrivals of Scouting merchandise in the Scoutshop and special deals to save you money on many items.
    Scout Shop and Service Center Hours
    Scout Shop News

Training - Be Prepared……learn how to obtain the proper training for the Scouting activities you want to participate in.

    
Boy Scout Council Wide Training
    
Cub Scout Outdoor Training (BALOO / WOLF)
    
Jungle Book Training
    
Outdoor Leader Skills
    
Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat
    Silver Bars NYLT
    Star to Life Seminars
    Wood Badge 2009

General Information – this area provides you with a variety of new information about the Tall Pine Council.
    Emergency Preparedness (National Scouting Link)
        • Emergency Preparedness Application Form
    Physical Fitness Award (National Scouting Link)
        • Physical Fitness Award Form
    Youth Protection Training Online

 
 
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Tall Pine Council, BSA - 507 W. Atherton Rd. Flint, MI 48507
Phone:(810) 235-2531    Fax:(810)235-5052
Website: http://www.tpcbsa.org/    Email: tpc@tpcbsa.org
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Page Last Modified: 08/13/2008
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