May
1 - Roundtable / OA Meeting
2, 3, & 4 – OA Cima Ordeal
3 - Cub Scout Roundtable Themes Conference
8 – District Coordinated Meeting
9, 10, & 11 – OA Brosig Ordeal
16, 17, & 18 – OA Bovay Ordeal
17 – District Training
22 - Commissioner’s Meeting
June
5 – Roundtable
5 - OA Chapter Meeting at Meyers Park
7 through 14 – OA ArrowCorps 5
11 - OA Day, Call Out / BH - Cima
12 - District Coordinated Meeting
14 – District Training
18 – OA Day, Call Out / BH - Cima
19 – Council Coordinated Meeting
22 through 27 - NYLT
24, 25, 26, & 27 – Twilight Camp
25, 26, & 27 – Day Camp
25 - OA Day, Call Out / BH - Cima
NEW POLARIS EAGLE SCOUTS
William Tyrel Krohn James Vincent Morrison III
Kyle William McLeland Johann D’Souza
Jay Brent McKinney Christopher Cody Rutan
Kyle Fisher Tyler VanPatton
POLARIS DISTRICT LOSES A LEADER - Tina Cullum, one of our most dedicated volunteers, passed away early Saturday morning. Tina fought bravely and persistently against a very aggressive strain of breast cancer for the last 2 1/2 years, and her struggles are now over.
Memorial contributions to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society are greatly appreciated by Tina's family.
FINANCE
2008 Scout Fair is history! Thank you to all the Scouts and units that sold Scout Fair Tickets and participated in the Scout Fair. We also want thank you for the Souvenir Yearbook Ads that were sold. We especially want to congratulate Garrett Atherton of Pack 355 who was the Polaris District Top Seller of Scout Fair Tickets with 376 tickets sold. In addition to an impressive trophy, Garrett will also receive a tent as a reward for his efforts.
Rick Bried, Scout Fair Chairman
Amy Taylor, Scout Fair Ticket Sales Chairman
Mary Fruzia, Scout Fair Ad Sales Chairman
Family Friends of Scouting - Family Friends of Scouting - The 2008 campaign is at 65% of our goal of $144,500. Please make sure your unit has had or will have a FOS presentation scheduled at an event that includes the majority of parents involved with your unit. Courts of Honor and Unit dinners work best. There are more ways to follow up with those families that may have missed this year's presentation. An online pledge form can be found at www.samhoustonbsa.org/familyfos that makes supporting FOS even easier. Electronic versions of the pledge card and brochure are also available to send out as an email follow up within your unit. Please contact Bill Weisemann for "eforms."
2008 POPCORN SALES
Christine Tunnell of Pack 1331 will be the 2008 Polaris District Sales Chairman. Our own Mitch Lejeune will be the 2008 North Division Popcorn Sales Chairman. Last year the Scouts of Polaris District sold over $345,000 in popcorn, the highest in the council.
Commissioner SERVICE
Commissioner's Corner
Straight from the Hart: A story is told of a great general who, after a battle, was covering the events of the day with his officers. He asked them who had done the best that day. Some spoke of one man who had fought bravely and some of others. "No," said he, "you are all wrong. The best man in the field that day was a soldier who was just lifting an arm to strike an enemy, but when he heard the trumpet sound retreat, checked himself, and dropped his arm without striking a blow. That perfect and ready obedience to the will of his general is the noblest thing that has been done this day." The law of obedience in the Scout Law applies to not only the boys but to leaders as well.
Tonight you will receive a lot of information for the coming year. Following those guidelines will determine how successful your unit will be and what the youth will learn from you. If leaders are not obedient in following the rules, how can one expect boys to do so?
Roundtables etc:
- Would you like your unit to do the opening at Roundtable? E-mail me.
- Please encourage other scout leaders to attend or just bring a friend.
- If you bring a person who has not come before, we will recognize you and them at the opening.
- I need names and contact info for anyone you can recommend for unit commissioner or other district positions.
- Please fill out and turn in the Roundtable Survey. We want to make it better if we can.
Saluting the Flag: It is appropriate to give the Scout salute whether in field or activity uniform. (Activity uniform is the proper name for Class B.). When dressed otherwise, one should place his right hand over his heart.
Paul Hart, Polaris District Commissioner,
Cub Scout Leader Roundtable
School will be out on break in a few short weeks and many families will settle into a vacation schedule for the summer. Cub Scouting is all about boys and their famlies, the outdoors and fun. This more relaxed time of year provides many opportunities for your den and pack to plan the kind of activities that families love.
The themes for June, July and August are great inspiration for summer fun: Go for the Gold, H2Ohhh! and S’More Summer Fun!
Go for the Gold in June by planning an Olympic-theme den or pack family picnic and some lively competition with relay races, group games and fun awards. The Cub Scout Program Helps and The Cub Scout Leader How-To Book have all the ideas you need to plan your activity with a group of Cub Scout leaders and parents.
And don’t forget June Cub Scout Roundtable on June 5th. H2Ohhhh! is the theme for this roundtable, so expect to gather some new ideas for wet experiences with your Cubs and their famlies that you can add to your program in July. Since plans did not solidify for a Cub Roundtable for July, the resources for S’More Summer Fun,the August Cub Scout Program theme, will be added to the agenda at June Cub Scout Roundtable. Expect double the Cub Scout fun at June Roundtable.
Here is a short “to-do” listfor Cub Scout leaders and parents for the summer:
1. Plan ahead for fun each month with the Cub Scouts in your den and pack.
2. Attend June 5th Cub Scout Roundtable. This one should not be missed!
3. Sign up for Cub Scout Leader –Specific Training and/or afternoon workshops for June 14th
4. Help your pack earn the Summertime Pack Award www.shac.org/Home/Forms/NationalSummertimePack
5. Go to the Scout Shop and buy the Cub Scout Program Helps for 2008-09.
6. Set the date for your Annual Pack Planning Meeting and plan your program for 2008-09.
7. No Roundtable in July. Have a great Fourth of July!
8. Bring all your den and pack leaders to the August Cub Scout Roundtable on August 7th.
For more information about Cub Scout Roundtable contact Suzanne Becker.
Boy Scout Roundtable
Contact Ernie Butts - Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner for more information.
VARSITY HUDDLE
Varsity Scouting is a program for young men who are at least 14 years of age but not yet 18. It provides options for young men who are looking for rugged high adventure or challenging sporting activities and still want to be a part of a Scouting program that offers the advancement opportunities and values of the Boy Scouts of America. Varsity Scouting has five fields of emphasis including Advancement, High Adventure/Sports, Personal Development, Service and Special Programs and Events. Our Huddle activities will center on these five areas of emphasis. Contact Nathan Meehan for more info.
VENTURING ROUNDTABLE
Contact Gail Brekke - Venturing Roundtable Commissioner, 281-355-0182 for more information.
ADMINISTRATION
MEMBERSHIP – We are looking for volunteers to serve on the District Membership Committee. If you have an interest in serving on our Membership Committee, please contract Greg Soules at 832-326-7938.
SPRING RALLIES – We would like to challenge Polaris units to conduct rallies this Spring. Membership in Polaris District has declined by 200 youth members this year so we would like to challenge our units to help make up this loss through Spring Rallies. This also gives units the chance to rally for Day Camp and our other summer activities to increase participation in these activities.
Please determine a date and location for your Spring Rally and send this information to Greg Soules or to Tim Durham. With this information, we can create flyers for you to pass out. We plan on calling units to set up a Spring Rally so contacting us early will speed the process. In order to serve the youth of Polaris District, we have to have youth in the program. Please help us increase membership by holding a Spring Rally.
SCHOOL NIGHT TO JOIN SCOUTING – All units need to start planning for Fall recruiting. Please identify your School Night to Join Scouting Coordinator and send your coordinator’s contact inforamtion to David Harshey.
Polaris Scouting in the News! - Bring a copy of any news articles you have for your team, crew, pack, troop or ship and we will post it on the Polaris in the news display. Starting this month we will have a drop box for news articles and pictures. Please make certain your unit type and number are marked on the article. With luck you can qualify for the In The News Award.
Scouting in the News Award - Scouting has many great stories to tell and one of the best ways to share these stories with our community is through our local media. The Scouting in the News Award is given to units once they have collected 12 published articles. These articles should feature your Pack, Troop, Team, Crew, Post, patrol or den in local newspapers, newsletters, on the radio or even television. Just complete the form found at https://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Forms/ScoutingIntheNewsAward/Scouting%20In%20the%20News%20Award%20Application%20Form.PDF. Attach the original articles and send it to the address at the bottom of the form. 12 points are required to qualify.
- Articles and radio coverage = 1 point
- Articles with photos, photos with captions or TV stories = 2 points.
Please compile all documentation and send it in when you qualify. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 713-409-4006, or by e-mail Carla Burnett - Vice Chair, Admin.
PROGRAM
POLARIS DISTRICT CUB CAMPS 2008
Cubs in the Wild Wild West
Online registration is now open.
Special Note on Registration: Day Camp leadership has decided to not sell Trading Post cards this year, they will be available for sale at Camp, and will be purchased directly from the unit providing the Trading Post. If you are still using forms that were handed out at the event kickoff just line through the item on the form and do not collect the money for the cards. The online forms are correct.
DAY CAMP June 25-27 (Wednesday-Friday) from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM for Tigers with Adult Partner, Wolves & Bears
TWILIGHT CAMP June 24-27 (Tuesday-Friday), 2:00 PM to 8:15 PM – For Webelos ONLY
Important Dates
Registration Dates for Cub Scout & Webelos
Saturday April 26th - Location Troop 41 Scout Hut.
Registration Dates for Tigers and Spring Recruits (New Scouts Only!)
May 20th – 6:00-8:00PM Location Troop 41 Scout Hut.
Leader Training Dates
Evenings April 29th at 7:00PM - Church of the Good Shepherd in Tomball
Saturday May 3rd at 9:00AM - Church of the Good Shepherd in Tomball
Saturday May 10th at 9:00AM - Spring Woods United Methodist Church
Thursday May 15th at 7:00PM - Spring Woods United Methodist Church
Staff Training Date @ Cub World
Saturday, June 7, 9:00am - Noon
UPCOMING POLARIS CUB SCOUT EVENTS
Summertime Activity – Hey matey! We are excited to announce that the Sea Scouts will present the Raingutter Regatta as our Summertime Activity. Get out your boats and polish your straws for opportunity to claim your share of the fun. The date and the place are still to be determined but they will be published as soon as possible. Anyone who has been around for one of these events knows how much fun it is for the Cub Scouts as well as the parents. We will need event staff to assist with the organization and hosting the event. If you are that special person who has the Cub Scout Spirit and wants to work with the Ship, please let us know.
Tiger Day – This year, the Tiger Day is going to be separated from the Cubaree event. This is to make the day special for our new Tigers. The date and the place are still to be determined but the date is looking like it will be conducted on the last Saturday of September after the Fall recruiting has been completed. We are looking for that special person to lead this activity. It is a good entry-level opportunity to learn the basics of putting on a Cub Scout show. This leader must have the Cub Scout Spirit and the burning desire to help out our younger scouts.
Cubaree – Our Cub Scouts will enjoy a separate day for the Cubaree. This District sponsored event will provide the Scouts with the first opportunity to enjoy the shooting sports of the new school year. It is always a favorite time of the year and the weather will be perfect. The time has already been selected and the location is being secured. Check the web-site to get up-to-date information about the event. We are looking for a special person to lead this event as well. This is a good opportunity to work with other Packs, Troops, and District personnel to coordinate and develop this District-wide event. This leader must also have the Cub Scout Spirit, be well organized and should work well with other people.
Pushmobile – The Polaris District Pushmobile event has been the largest event in the District and it is also the largest Cub Scout event in the country. This year Buddy Sullivan and Korey Soderberg will be leading the event. The time and location have already been determined. Please look to the web-site for up-to-date information.
The leaders are looking for event staff that can help before and during the races. If you have a special talent and want to help make a difference for the 1000+ scouts who attend the function, please contact them.
ORDER OF THE ARROW (OA)
Chapter Meetings - These meetings are held for the benefit of the youth OA members. Meetings typically will briefly cover upcoming OA events and have a special guest or activity targeted towards making the meeting fun and interesting. Adult OA members are asked to check-in with the advisers so we can let you know what’s coming up. Chapter meetings are held the first Thursday of every month, same time and place as Roundtable. Leaders please car pool with OA members from your unit.
The May Chapter meeting will be exciting with the passing of the bonnet from the current 07-08 Chief Nathan to the incoming 08-09 Chief Dakota.
NEW JuneBash ’08 – Arrowmen take note this year the end of school party will be June 5th at Meyer Park on Cypresswood and Stubner-Airline (only 5 minutes from round table location if you use Squires). There will be FREE food and games and give aways. The party starts at 6:30 (so Adults can drop you off and still make Roundtable) and we’ll call it a wrap around 9:00 (so adults can pick you up after Roundtable). OA Reps – talk it up so you can have the largest troop representaion there.
Thank You Thank You Thank You
To REI for the April program all about ultra light weight back packing it seems like all enjoyed the presentation and went home with something.
To all those in the chapter that helped out with the David Hinds Leadership Training sessions. Polaris was well representated with both presenters and participants.
To all that helped oout at Scout Fair, again this was a successful scout activity with large attendence.
Finally, to all the members of the Polaris Chapter for their hard work in 2007 to again be recognized by the Lodge as a Honor Chapter and utlimatly be selected as the Chapter of the Year 2007
The Colonneh Lodge Banquet was an especially exciting time for Polaris Chapter members. For the first time since 1976, the Polaris Chapter of the Order of the Arrow was named the Virgil L. Smith Chapter of the Year as well as a 2007 Honor Chapter. Concratulations to Chapter Chief Nathan Rollings and Chapter Advisor Keith Edwards for all of their hard work in leading the Polaris Chapter to this high honor.
Founders’ Awards were presented to J. D. Edwards and E. W. Malachosky. Introduced at the 1981 National Order of the Arrow Conference, the Founder's Award was created to honor and recognize those Arrowmen who have given outstanding service to the lodge. The award is reserved for an Arrowmen who demonstrates to fellow Arrowmen that he or she memorializes in his or her everyday life the spirit of achievement as described by founder E. Urner Goodman and cofounder Carroll A. Edson.
Colonneh Numbered Certificates were awarded to Chris Barnum and Keith Edwards. Numbered Certificates were created in late 1967 by Dabney Kennedy to recognize outstanding leadership in Service and the Spirit of Achievement beyond the Vigil Honor.
Vigil Honor members Cory Burditt, Keith Edwards, and Greg Soules were presented with their Vigil certificates.
Please congratulate these outstanding Polaris Arrowmen.
2008 ORDEALS SCHEDULE - The Ordeal Season is underway. The first Lodge Ordeal is weekend, walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. Our schedule looks like this:
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El Rancho Cima |
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