Dear Leader: Thank you for your personal commitment to Scouting in your community. It takes time, energy, and financial contributions from thousands of volunteers and supporters to make Scouting in successful. Because of the passion and support that you put forth into the program, Scouts and their families are having life changing experiences and making memories. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Parents will attest that Scouting within offers their family fun and adventurous things to do. These experiences ultimately help their child s character development and values that lend to good citizenship, fitness, and service above self. The council challenges not only leaders and volunteers to improve the quality of programming for youth year after year, but the council staff too. When these goals are met, Scouts are provided with opportunities and skills that will better prepare them for their future in the classroom, at home and in their careers. To create these goals however, a course of action must be established by planning an Ideal Year of Scouting. In order to provide the best possible program and meet the expectations of families in Scouting, each unit is expected to plan their Ideal year of Scouting to achieve the Journey to Excellence Award. This year, is challenging each unit to go for the gold! You ve completed an Ideal Year of Scouting! Get your new program planning calendar at the next Ideal Year of Scouting kick-off! For more information, visit http://www.crossroadsbsa.org/iyos
DID YOU KNOW THE INDIANAPOLIS SCOUT SHOP RENTS BACKPACKS? $0 deposit, $ per day. Rent for as long as needed. Youth and adult Kelty bags available to all. Even purchase the bag after the trip! Learn how to reserve yours by visiting www.crossroadsbsa.org/scoutshop CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OFFSET EXPENSES FOR ADVENTURES THAT AWAIT AT SUMMER CAMP! Find applications at www.crossroadsbsa.org/cubscoutcamp or www.crossroadsbsa.org/boyscoutcamp. Scouts may apply for each camp they re planning to attend in a season! Scholarship amount is based on whether application deadlines are met and overall need. FACILITY RENTAL facilities are available for rent year round! To learn more about camp properties and accommodations available, as well as pricing please visit www.crossroadsbsa.org/rentals USING THIS CALENDAR This calendar follows the Scouting program calendar (August 07 to December 08) rather than the traditional calendar (January 07 - December 07). Each month there will be areas of focus to help plan your unit s program for the coming months. Holidays and important Scouting dates are also included. During the spring of 07 and 08, work through the Ideal Year of Scouting book to set goals and make plans. Have a clear picture of the program that will be offered from August 07, through the summer of 08, no later than Thursday, June, 07. Use this calendar with a pack or troop committee, Patrol Leaders Council or Venturing Officer s Association to better plan programs. Visit http://www.crossroadsbsa.org/iyos for resources and contact information. Both staff within the council and the district commissioner staff are dedicated to giving each unit opportunities they need to be successful. Contact these experienced Scouters at roundtable, training sessions and district or council events. These individuals are eager to help drive success. SIX STEPS OF THE IDEAL YEAR OF SCOUTING. PLAN - Map out advancements, activities, camping and training.. FUND - Determine expenses for activities, advancements, camping and training. Then determine how much to raise.. GROW - Communicate plans to Scouts and their parents as a way to drive engagement. 4. TRAIN - Every Scout deserves a trained leader! Promote trainings to new and current leaders. 5. RECHARTER - Re-register the unit in October/November. Add new parents and youth to the roster. 6. ASSESS - Use the Journey to Excellence worksheet to measure a plan s success. See the Cub Scout or Boy Scout IYOS guide or visit http://www.crossroadsbsa.org/iyos for the worksheet. *NOTE- the color coding of events in each month does not have a key. The colors are intended to differentiate events, not specific event categories.
DECEMBER 08 and a pack meeting Hold Court of Honor Hold committee meeting Plan a visit to Monster Jam and purchase tickets at www.crossroadsbsa.org/activities Participate in Friends of Scouting 4 9 0 Hanukkah Hanukkah 5 6 7 8 4 5 Breakfast with Santa (Camp Belzer, 9-am) Assessment is the final phase of an Ideal Year of Scouting. This means that Journey to Excellence (JTE) is utilized to measure the overall health of a unit. The JTE program was designed for units of all sizes to find success if planned accordingly. 6 7 8 9 0 Christmas Eve 4 5 6 7 8 9 New Year s Eve 0
AUGUST 07 4 5 Base Camp (Indiana State Fairgrounds) 6 7 8 9 0 Base Camp (Indiana State Fairgrounds) Firecrafter Grand Ritual (Ransburg Scout Reservation) Cub Scout Join Night (based on school district) Theme: Friendly Prepare for the pack School Night Make final preparations for the unit kick-off. Prepare for a pack s first outing and orientation Assist pack with School Night Final preparation for popcorn sale. Hold Patrol Leader Council (PLC) meeting, weekend campout, committee meeting, and Court of Honor Attend Scout Night with the Indianapolis Colts 4 5 6 7 8 9 Base Camp (Indiana State Fairgrounds) Grand Ritual ends Cub Scout Join Night (based on school district) 0 4 5 6 Base Camp ends Eid al-adha Cub Scout Join Night (based on school district) 7 8 9 0 A good plan that s well communicated to current and potential Scouts and their families is sure to engage more youth and parents in the program! Direct potential families to www.joinscoutsin.org to register online.
NOVEMBER 08 and a pack meeting Submit recharter Hold weekend campout Register for the SCOUTStrong Wilderness Race 5K at www.crossroadsbsa.org/scoutstrong Turn in charter Collect shoes for Soles4Souls and track service hours at www.crossroadsbsa.org/civicservice 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 SCOUTStrong Wilderness Race (Camp Belzer, 9am) - Order of the Arrow Lodge Banquet (Camp Belzer, 5pm) 4 5 6 7 Training is the forth step of an Ideal Year of Scouting. Plan to promote trainings to new and current leaders. Trained leaders help provide a quality, fun-filled program for youth and helps make a leader aware of resources available to them. Visit www.crossroadsbsa.org/training for more information. 8 9 0 4 Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Holiday 5 6 7 8 9 0 Eagle to Eagle Award nomination deadline - Friend of Eagle Award nomination deadline
SEPTEMBER 07 Eid al-adha Theme: How the West Was Fun and a pack meeting Conduct parent orientation Hold a program/popcorn kick-off Sign-up and attend a Cub Scout Family Weekend event Conduct Bobcat ceremony Assign den chief to Webelos den at associated pack Hold a weekend campout for Webelos II from associated pack Complete service project Conduct a program kick-off Attend Scout Night with the Indy Eleven Units can fund their program by selling popcorn and camp cards. Funding the program is an integral part of the Ideal Year of Scouting program process. family weekend ends Fall Frenzy ends (Camp Red Wing) 4 5 Labor Day 0 Voyageur ends (Ransburg Scout Reservation) OA Ordeal ends Den Leader Training 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Hijri - Unit Training Coordinator 4 5 6 7 Unit Training Coordinator Rosh Hashannah Voyageur (Camp Krietenstein) Wood Badge Weekend # Order of the Arrow Lodge Ordeal Cub Scout Family Weekend Firecrafter Fall Frenzy Wood Badge Weekend # 8 9 0 Walter Schuchmann and Venturing Leadership Awards nomination deadline Yom Kippur Cub Scout Family Weekend
OCTOBER 08 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 4 Wood Badge ends Wood Badge Dinner (Camp Belzer, 6pm) FRIDAY 5 SATURDAY 6 CS Family Weekend (Camp Red Wing/Sugar Creek) CS Family Weekend ends 7 8 9 Columbus Day 0 and a pack meeting Hold committee meeting Register to attend district camporee or Battle of Belzer Assist pack with a Halloween party Register to participate in Soles4Souls service project at www.crossroadsbsa.org/civicservice Register to attend Scout Night with the Indiana Pacers battle ends 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Halloween Battle of Belzer (Camp Belzer) Bewitched Belzer Bash (Camp Belzer, 5pm) Rechartering packets will be distributed at roundtable this month. Rechartering is the fifth step to an Ideal Year of Scouting!
OCTOBER 07 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 4 5 CS Family Weekend ends Wood Badge Dinner (Camp Belzer, 6pm) Sukkot FRIDAY 6 SATURDAY 7 CS Family Weekend Fall Camporee at Camp Red Wing Theme: A Camping We Will Go and a pack meeting Hold committee meeting Register to attend district camporee or Battle of Belzer Assist pack with a Halloween party Register to participate in Soles4Souls service project at www.crossroadsbsa.org/civicservice Register to attend Scout Night with the Indiana Pacers Rechartering packets will be distributed at roundtable this month. Rechartering is the fifth step to an Ideal Year of Scouting! CS Family Weekend ends camporee ends CS Family Weekend ends battle ends training ends 8 9 0 Columbus Day 5 6 7 4 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Halloween Fall Break Camp Shemini Atzaret Simchat Torah CS Family Weekend Battle of Belzer (Camp Belzer, 6pm) Camp Red Wing s Do- It-To-It Day Bewitched Belzer Bash (Camp Belzer, 5pm) Scout-A-Palooza Training at Camp Red Wing
SEPTEMBER 08 and a pack meeting Conduct parent orientation Hold a program/popcorn kick-off Sign-up and attend a Cub Scout Family Weekend event Conduct Bobcat ceremony Assign den chief to Webelos den at associated pack Hold a weekend campout for Webelos II from associated pack Complete service project Conduct a program kick-off Attend Scout Night with the Indy Eleven 4 9 0 Voyageur ends Fall Wood Badge Weekend # (Ransburg) Rosh Hashannah NYLT ends Ordeal ends Voyageur Kayak Training (Camp Krietenstein) Labor Day Hijri 5 6 7 8 Voyageur Training (Camp Krietenstein) Fall Wood Badge Weekend # (Ransburg) 4 5 NYLT Fall Course (Camp Kikthawenund) 6 7 8 9 0 Yom Kippur OA Lodge Ordeal / Vigil / Elections (Camp Belzer) CS Family Weekend at Ransburg/Kikthawenund Firecrafter Fall Frenzy (Camp Belzer, 5pm) Units can fund their program by selling popcorn and camp cards. Funding the program is an integral part of the Ideal Year of Scouting program process. 4 5 6 CS Family Weekend ends Fall Frenzy ends Sukkot 0 (Camp Red Wing) NYLT ends CS Family Weekend ends 7 8 9 Fall Wood Badge Weekend # NYLT Fall Course (Camp Kikthawenund) CS Family Weekend at Belzer/Krietenstein
NOVEMBER 07 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 SCOUTStrong Wilderness Race (Camp Belzer, 9am) - Order of the Arrow Lodge Banquet (Camp Belzer, 6pm) Theme: Cub Scouts Give Thanks and a pack meeting Submit recharter Hold weekend campout Register for the SCOUTStrong Wilderness Race 5K at www.crossroadsbsa.org/scoutstrong Turn in charter Collect shoes for Soles4Souls and track service hours at www.crossroadsbsa.org/civicservice Training is the forth step of an Ideal Year of Scouting. Plan to promote trainings to new and current leaders. Trained leaders help provide a quality, fun-filled program for youth and helps make a leader aware of resources available to them. Visit www.crossroadsbsa.org/training for more information. 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Thanksgiving Eagle to Eagle Award nomination deadline - Friend of Eagle Award nomination deadline Thanksgiving Holiday Recharter Turn-in
AUGUST 08 4 Ransburg Scout Reservation - Week 9 Base Camp (Indiana State Fairgrounds) 5 6 7 8 9 0 Base Camp (Indiana State Fairgrounds) Cub Scout Join Night (based on school district) Firecrafter Grand Ritual (Camp Kikthawenund) Prepare for the pack School Night Make final preparations for the unit kick-off. Prepare for a pack s first outing and orientation Assist pack with School Night Final preparation for popcorn sale. Hold Patrol Leader Council (PLC) meeting, weekend campout, committee meeting, and Court of Honor Attend Scout Night with the Indianapolis Colts A good plan that s well communicated to current and potential Scouts and their families is sure to engage more youth and parents in the program! Direct potential families to www.joinscoutsin.org to register online. 4 5 6 7 8 Base Camp (Indiana State Fairgrounds) Cub Scout Join Night (based on school district) ritual ends Popcorn kick-off OA West Section Ordeal (Camp Krietenstein) 9 0 4 5 Cub Scout Join Night (based on school district) Eid al-adha Base Camp ends Ordeal ends 6 7 8 9 0
DECEMBER 07 Theme: Pay It Forward and a pack meeting Hold Court of Honor Hold committee meeting Plan a visit to Monster Jam and purchase tickets at www.crossroadsbsa.org/activities Participate in Friends of Scouting 4 5 0 Governor s Luncheon For Scouting 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 Hanukkah Breakfast with Santa (Camp Belzer, 9am) Assessment is the final phase of an Ideal Year of Scouting. This means that Journey to Excellence (JTE) is utilized to measure the overall health of a unit. The JTE program was designed for units of all sizes to find success if planned accordingly. 7 8 9 0 Hanukkah 4 5 6 Christmas Scout Shops for inventory Christmas Eve Holiday - 7 8 9 0 New Year s Eve Holiday - New Year s Eve
JULY 08 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 4 5 ritual ends Cub Scout Adventure Camp - Session 7 8 9 0 Ransburg Scout Reservation - Week 5 Camp Belzer Day Camp - Week 4 Independence Day FRIDAY SATURDAY 4 Camp Krietenstein - Week 4 & Ransburg Scout Reservation - Week 6 Camp Belzer - Day Camp Week 5 Cub Scout Adventure Camp - Session 8 Cub Scout Adventure Camp - Session 9 Membership Kick-off 6 7 Firecrafter Mid-Summer Ritual (Camp Belzer) Theme: Home of the Brave Submit Summertime Pack Award Finish pack calendar and budget Hold Back to the Pack event Elect new patrol leaders Hold Junior Leader Training Hold family picnic A core method of Scouting is advancement. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts learn and grow in the program by setting goals, reaching goals, and receiving public recognition. 5 6 7 8 9 0 Camp Krietenstein - Week 5 & Ransburg Scout Reservation - Week 7 Camp Belzer - Day Camp Week 6 Cub Scout Adventure Camp - Session 0 Cub Scout Adventure Camp - Session 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Ransburg Scout Reservation - Week 9 Ransburg Scout Reservation - Week 8
JANUARY 08 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 4 New Year s Day FRIDAY 5 SATURDAY 6 Firecrafter Mid-Winter Dinner (Camp Belzer) Theme: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs and a pack meeting Hold a Pinewood Derby Attend district klondike Invite Webelos II Scouts and parents to troop meeting Conduct a service project Attend Scout Night with the Indy Fuel and purchase tickets at www.crossroadsbsa.org/activities Financial support is crucial in providing facilities, materials, programs, training, activities, and Scouting leadership for the council. Friends of Scouting (FOS) is the annual giving campaign that raises a significant portion of that budget from the families of youth who participate in Scouting. Learn more at www.crossroadsbsa.org/fos. gathering ends Judge Price Award / Merle Miller Awards nomination deadlines klondike ends 7 8 9 4 5 6 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 0 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 University of Scouting (Warren Central High School) OA Winter Gathering (Camp Kikthawenund) Winter Camporee District Klondike
JUNE 08 Theme: Wheel Into Summer Attend day camp and/or adventure camp Hold committee meeting Attend resident camp and/or Dan Beard First Class Camp and Baden Powell Merit Badge Camp Build calendar and budget for upcoming Scouting season Attend Scout Night with the Indianapolis Indians! Learn more and get tickets at www.crossroadsbsa.org/activities. To learn more about summer camping opportunities and which may be the best fit for your unit, visit www.crossroadsbsa.org/camping. 4 5 0 Ransburg Scout Reservation - Week 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 Camp Krietenstein - Week & Ransburg Scout Reservation - Week Camp Wildwood District Day Camp & Camp Bear Creek District Day Camp & Camp Belzer Day Camp - Week Cub Scout Cub Adventure Scout Adventure Camp Camp - Session - Session Cub Scout Adventure Camp - Session Philmont Trek 7 8 9 0 Camp Krietenstein - Week & Ransburg Scout Reservation - Week Pathfinder District Day Camp & Hou Koda District Day Camp & Camp Belzer - Day Camp Week Cub Scout Cub Scout Adventure Adventure Camp Camp - Session - Session Cub Scout Adventure Camp - Session 4 Philmont Trek NYLT June Course 4 5 6 7 Camp Krietenstein Camp Resident Krietenstein Camp - Week & Ransburg Scout Reservation Resident - Week 4 Camp - Week 4 Camp Red Wing District Day Camp Camp Rotary District Day Camp Camp Belzer Day Camp - Week Cub Scout Cub Scout Adventure Adventure Camp Camp - Session - Session 5 4 Cub Scout Adventure Camp - Session 6 Philmont Trek 8 9 0 Camp Belzer s 00th Anniversary
FEBRUARY 08 Council Trade-O-Ree (Indiana State Fairgrounds) Scout Sunday 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Yeti Jump (Camp Kikthawenund) Theme: Abracadabra and a pack meeting Host a Blue & Gold Banquet Promote day camp and adventure camp registrations and committee meeting Hold a weekend campout Register for Dan Beard First Class Camp and Baden Powell Merit Badge Camp at www.crossroadsbsa.org/boyscoutcamp. Attend the Yeti Jump at Camp Kikthawenund Attend Blue & Gold Banquet Purchase tickets to see Supercross at www.crossroadsbsa.org/activities Apply for camp scholarships Near the end of January each Webelos Scout should have an idea of what troop they want to join and may begin attending weekly troop meetings. Most Cub Scout packs have a crossover ceremony for the Webelos during the Blue & Gold Banquet in February or March. 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 President s Day 5 6 7 Purim 8
MAY 08 4 5 Firecrafter Spring Fellowship (Camp Belzer) Spring Fellowship ends 6 7 8 Cub Scout Leader s Meeting (Camp Belzer) 9 0 Voyageur & Paddle Craft Spring Wood Badge Weekend # (Camp Krietenstein) Council Fishing Derby Theme: Treasure Hunters and a pack meeting Prepare for day camp and adventure camp Attend fishing derby at Camp Kikthawenund Conduct a conservation service project Hold weekend campout Hold Court of Honor Participate in 500 Festival events Attend Scout Night with the Indianapolis Indians! Learn more and get tickets at www.crossroadsbsa.org/activities. Voyageur (Camp Belzer) Mother s Day Ordeal ends 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 Shavout 7 8 9 0 Memorial Day Ramadan Shavout OA North Section Ordeal (Camp Kikthawenund) Voyageur Kayaking (Camp Belzer) 500 Festival Parade Did you know that BSA operates four premier high adventure bases for Boy Scouts? They include: Philmont Scout Ranch, Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier and The Summit at Bechtel Reserve. Learn more about high adventure trips at www.crossroadsbsa.org/highadventure.
MARCH 08 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Camp scholarship applications due for maximum award Purim FRIDAY SATURDAY Marlinspike Skills (Camp Belzer) Marlinspike ends 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 St. Patrick s Day Theme: Cub Scout Investigators and a pack meeting Hold a weekend campout Plan to participate in Scouting For Food. Learn more at www.crossroadsbsa.org/civicservice 8 9 0 4 5 6 7 Easter Egg Hunt (Camp Belzer, 9am) 8 9 0 Good Friday Summer camping is a highlight for many Scouts each year. The goal of summer camp is to give youth an unparalleled experience in the outdoors. Learn about camping opportunities at www.crossroadsbsa.org/camping. Scouting for Food is one of two, council-wide service projects each year. Visit www.crossroadsbsa.org/civicservice to learn more and to track hours.
APRIL 08 4 5 6 7 Easter NYLT Spring Course (Camp Kikthawenund) Pinewood Derby NYLT ends 8 9 0 4 Spring Wood Badge Weekend # (Camp Kikthawenund) District Pinewood Derby 5 6 7 8 9 0 Theme: Cubs in the Future and a pack meeting Leaders visit Ideal Year of Scouting Conduct pack campout and committee meeting Attend district camporee Attend NYLT training course Troop Committee Challenge Training Leaders visit Ideal Year of Scouting It s Youth Protection Month! Be sure leaders are up www.crossroadsbsa.org/civicservice 4 5 6 7 8 Earth Day NYLT Spring Course (Camp Kikthawenund) OA South Section Ordeal (Camp Belzer) Spring Camporee NYLT ends Ordeal ends camporee ends 9 0 Summer camp not only allows Scouts to move along the advancement trail, but grants activities like swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, rock climbing, and relaxing around a campfire. Learn more about what awaits at camp by visiting www.crossroadsbsa.org/camping.