Scouts Serve Veterans – Honor Air
Over 60 years ago a remarkable generation of Americans joined forces to protect civilization in the largest war in world history. No amount of gratitude could ever repay the debt for the gift of democracy these veterans gave the world. However, HonorAir Knoxville is dedicated to honoring East Tennessee World War II and Korean War veterans and the sacrifices they made to ensure our freedoms.
HonorAir Knoxville's goal is to fly as many East Tennessee World War II and Korean War veterans as possible to Washington D.C. to see the memorials built in their honor. Currently, we are only accepting veterans from East Tennessee. There is a narrow window of opportunity to accomplish this task.  According to the Department of Veterans Affair:
On the morning of Wednesday, October 9, 2013 over 35 scouts, parents and leaders gathered Mcghee Tyson airport to help veterans  into the airport, serve as welcomers and to help the veterans feel appreciated for their service.
• Sixteen million Americans served in World War II.
• There are approximately a little more than 3 million veterans alive.
• Every day we lose approximately 1,200 World War II veterans.
• In another five to ten years almost all WWII veterans will be gone.

Pictured Matt Lloyd (Boy Scout-Honor Air Guardian) in Washington, D.C. having his picture taken with Congressman John Duncan. 

Not Pictured Tyler Coffey (Boy Scout-Honor Air Guardian) was in attendance also.

Great to see two great Scouts Honoring our Veterans!

Great Smoky Mountain Council Present
Fall Family Camp
 
This is the first opportunity for our new Cub Scouts and their families to go camping. Fall Family Camps are an opportunity for all Cub Scouts to complete advancements, make friends, and learn about camping and much more. All camps are available for you to spend the night or just go for the day.
 
REGISTER BELOW TODAY!!
 
 
 
Click on your district below to register for camp.
 
October 11-13     Echota District - (Union Co. & North Knox) Melton Hill Park
        
October 25-27    Tuckaleechee District- (Blount Co.) Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center
 
October 11-13    Unaka District  -(Monroe, McMinn, Meigs Co.) Camp Buck Toms
 
October 26-27    Pellissippi District- (Anderson & Morgan Co.) Camp Pellissippi
 
October 11-13    Catoosa District - Camp Buck Toms
 
October 12-13    Sequoyah District - (Sevier Co. & South Knox) Marble Springs
 
October 12-13   Toqua District-  (Loudon Co. & West Knox) Camp Buck Toms
 
October 11-13  Cherokee District (Grainger, Jefferson, Hamblen, Cocke Co.) Battle Fort Sanders
                           
October 25-27  Cumberland District (Scott, Campbell, Claiborne Co.) Cove Lake TBD

Calling All Boy Scout Troop Leaders!

The 2014 camping season at Camp Buck Toms is upon us. Throughout the years, we have continued to strive to fulfill our obligation of offering an excellent summer camp program for Scouts. We look forward to providing your Troop the program and service they deserve and for which Camp Buck Toms is known.
Whether your Scouts are new to your Troop or experienced Eagle Scouts, we offer a program for all, including a first-Year camper program, a traditional merit badge program, and a complete high adventure program for older Scouts.

Our dedicated camp staff will do everything in its power to make sure your stay with us at Buck Toms creates memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s get to work and make Camp Buck Toms 2014 one for all to remember! On behalf of the Great Smoky Mountain Council and the 2014 Camp Buck Toms staff, we look forward to seeing you next summer!

Week # Dates Pre-Camp Meeting
NYLT/ROTC/Camp Canoe June 1-7, 2014 
1 June 8-14, 2014 May 27, 2014
2 June 15-21, 2014 June 3,  2014
3 June 22-28, 2014 June 10, 2014
4 Jun 29-July 5, 2014 June 17, 2014
5 July 6-12, 2014 June 24, 2014
Venturing Camp July 13-18, 2014 

The 2013 Sporting Clays Shoot was a “Blast”.
 

Over 175 shooters and 38 teams participated in this year’s Sporting Clays Event. The Great Smoky Mountain Council would like to thank all of the sponsors of this year’s event: Sport Dog, Land Rover, Davis Electric, USI, Hickory Construction, Dempster Dumpster, The Trust Company, Pitts and Lake and West Marketing.
All proceeds from the event go to help support more than 11,800 youth in the Great Smoky Mountain Council. This year’s event was held at Chilhowie Sportsman Club outside of Maryville, TN. With a great team of volunteers lead by Chairman Burke Pinnell, the Council will make more than $20,000 dollars to help support the scouting program across the 21 counties in East Tennessee.
This event continues to grow each year and we are already looking forward to planning another great event for September 12, 2014. Please mark your calendars and join us for next year’s 2014 “Eat, Sleep, Shoot” event.
 

Scarecrows Return to New Harvest Park
Registration now open for community scarecrow competition
Knoxville, Tenn. – It’s scarecrow time at New Harvest Park! Knox County is again
encouraging local individuals and groups to enter their most creative scarecrows in
the Scarecrows in the Park competition.
Individuals, organizations, schools and families are invited to join in the fun and
create their own creepy or silly scarecrow to place along the quarter-mile walking
trail at New Harvest Park. There is no fee to enter, and each entrant will receive a free
hay bale on the day of set-up. Application forms are due by Monday, Oct. 14 and can
be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SCARECROWS2013.
Scarecrows in the Park will kick-off at the New Harvest Park Farmers Market on
Thursday, Oct. 17 at 3 p.m. and conclude on Halloween. The Scarecrow Trail will be
open each day from sunrise until sunset at 4775 New Harvest Lane in northeast Knox
County.
Public ballots will be available through Monday, Oct. 23, and the winners in best
individual, best youth/student group and best adult/professional group categories will
be announced at the farmers market on Oct. 25. First place winners in each category
will win $100 presented by the Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union, and second
place winners will receive a free shelter rental at any Knox County park.
For more information, including an application form with scarecrow rules and
guidelines, visit http://knoxcounty.org/parks/pdfs/Scarecrow_entry.pdf.

 In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Sanders, which was fought in 1863, the Jane Manly Museum of the Great Smoky Mountain Council is issuing a special edition shoulder patch.  The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Boy Scout movement in the East Tennessee area.  Proceeds from the sale will benefit the museum via collection updates and exhibit construction.   These collector items will be made available on a preproduction basis.  The cost for each patch is $10.00 plus $1.00 postage ($2.50 if ordering more than two patches).  Orders made be placed by mail, phone (865-588-6514), or in person with the scout office.  The deadline for orders is November 14th.  Patches will be mailed in late December.  Questions may be addressed to Mark Kaye- zinman@concentric.net or Lynn Bates- echotascouter@comcast.net.

Visit the Knoxville Scout Shop for our Fall savings on Uniforms. This sale includes Boy Scout and Venture Scout Uniforms. Don't forget to check out the Clearance Area and see what is new from our summer line and Jamboree Items!

We are early in the popcorn sales and units are having success through their Take Order, Show N Sell, and Online sales efforts! Several scouts have already sold over $1,200!  Four truckloads of Show N Sell product was distributed the last week of September to over 110 units.
If  by some chance you have not signed up your Unit up for this year's Popcorn Sale. IT IS NOT TOO LATE! Please contact Bruce Van Cleve at 865-566-0619.......... and he will share the benefits of the Sale and how the Council can help you achieve your desired results.
 
A successful Popcorn Sale can provide the funding for your entire Scouting Program and provide the BEST Scouting experience for your Scouts. They will gain confidence and self esteem while learning goal setting and public speaking. You and your Leaders can focus your time and energy on delivering a quality Scouting experience for your boys. There are also direct benefits your Scouts and Leaders receive from the Council funding from the Popcorn Sale.

The sales incentives for youth this year is focused on the “Fill Up A Form!” A scout and his family in a very short period of time accomplish this by following the example below.

Day 1                
Ask Mom AND Dad to buy Popcorn  = 2 sales
Day 2
Sell to neighbors on both sides of your house/2 neighbors across the street = 4
Day 3
Have Mom arrange to take you to sell at her work  = 6
Day 4
Have Dad arrange to take you to sell at his work = 6
Day 5
Sell to other local family members and close friends in the area = 4
Day 6 & 7
Call on homes in your neighborhood with another Scout and a parent = 8 

**Remember to practice and use the Selling Script You learned at your Popcorn Kickoff

This course is for ALL new Unit Commissioners, Assistant District & District Commissioners, and ANYONE ELSE interested in learning about the Commissioner Corps of Scouting.  You will learn what the duties of Commissioners are, how to do your job as Commissioner, the resources available to Commissioners, etc.

The Basic Training course is based on the syllabus for the Bachelor’s Program at the Commissioner College and entitles you to start in the Master’s Program at the College. (Commissioner College is an advanced training held once a year in May.  More info during the course).

WHEN:  Training, Saturday, November 3, 2013
WHERE:  Lewis M Sansom Scout Center
COST: $12.00 (Includes materials, snacks, and lunch)
TIME:  9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Pre-registration is preferred so we can plan for lunch and materials.
Pre-register before October 31, 2013 at the Council Office or by Mail!
Mail: P.O. Box 51885, Knoxville, TN 37950-1885 Phone: 865-588-6514
 Email: tracy.slice@scouting.org

Every Scout deserves a trained leader! Are you?

If not come join us on the following dates:
*To be a trained Boy Scout Leader you need to attend both sessions.*

Who needs Scoutmaster Specific Training:
Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters who are accepting the invitation to serve a
troop. Troop Committee members and other adults who expect to play a supportive
role in the success of the troop are invited to attend. Webelos leaders preparing to
move onto a leadership position in a Boy Scout Troop are strongly encouraged to attend.

October 19, 2013:
Scoutmaster Specific Training Session I, II, & III
Concord United Methodist Church in Farragut
8 am to 4:30 pm
Cost: $10

November 1-3, 2013:
Outdoor Leadership Skills
Camp Pellissippi in Andersonville
7 pm Friday – 11 am Sunday
More information will be provided at the Indoor training session.
Cost: $30

For More Information Contact:
Steve Kyle
(h) 690-3463
(c) 806-6651
(w) 241-4414
johnkyle448@comcast.

The Silver Beaver Award was introduced in 1931 and is a council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered Scouters who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council.
Do you know of a volunteer leader with outstanding service to the  Council? If so please submit a nomination for this leader to the Council office no later than December 2, 2013. All nominations will be considered based on eligibility.

CLICK HERE for Nomination Form

So You’re a New Den Leader?
I Signed Up; What’s Next?

Now that you are registered as a Cub Scout den leader,
you will receive Scouting magazine, which includes
information to assist you as a leader. Ask your Cubmaster
to furnish you a copy of the current Den & Pack Meeting
Resource Guide to use.

These steps will help get you started:
1. Complete Fast Start training and Youth Protection Training for Cub Scout den
leaders. You can complete the training online at
https://myscouting.org. Youth Protection training for
all Scouting volunteers is also available at this website. Youth Protection training is
required for all BSA registered volunteers, regardless
of their position(s).
2. Get acquainted with your Cubmaster and pack trainer. These leaders will see that
you have the information and material you need to get started off on the right foot.
3. Plan your first month’s den meetings. This is much easier with the help of the
pack trainer, assistant den leader, den chief (an older Boy Scout or Venturer
helper), and the Den & Pack Meeting Resource Guide. The key to success is
“KISMIF” (Keep It Simple, Make It Fun.”
4. Attend the monthly planning meetings held by your pack. These meetings are led
by the pack committee chair and the Cubmaster, and are where pack plans are made.
5. Attend Cub Scout leader basic training as soon as possible. There are two
components to this training—Den Leader Specific Training, a specialized
session to help you successfully plan a fun and exciting den program, and This Is
Scouting, which is attended by leaders in all program areas. These will give you
the foundation you need to become an effective and successful leader. Every boy
deserves a trained and qualified leader. Your Cubmaster or pack trainer can give
you information about training sessions. These training sessions can all be taken
online at https://myscouting.org.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are many people who want to help you provide
the finest possible Cub Scout experience for the boys in your den.
By the time you have completed these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming
a successful den leader.

Focus on Risks: Slips, Trips and Falls

Whether on the trail or in the office, slips, trips and falls are one of the leading causes of accidents.  Many times, hazards are not noticed until it's too late.  At work or on a favorite hike in the Smokies, we should all be aware of the dangers of slips, trips and falls. 

Here are some common sense suggestions that will help you and your fellow Scouters.  First, keep your eyes on the path ahead.  It's easy to get distracted when you're hiking in some of the most beautiful places on earth, but we should all be in the habit of stopping on the trail and admiring nature's beauty instead trying to do it on the go.  Second, it's easy to get distracted and take your eyes off the path while having a conversation.  Fellowship is one of the great highlights of Scouting, but we need to remain cautious.  Lastly, look out for the many hazards you face in the great outdoors, including trees across the path, roots below or overgrowth on a less-defined trail.

By maintaining visual focus and teaching young people to do the same, we can lessen the occurrence of accidents like slips, trips and falls.

Submitted by the Council Risk Management and Youth Protection Committee

The Cumberland District held its first annual Cub Scout Day Hike on September 14 at McCloud Mountain State Park in Duff, Tennessee. The hike was led by Scott Fields, assistant cub master of Pack 310 (Cedar Hills Baptist Church, LaFollette, Tn).  Thirty-nine cub scouts and their parents hiked 2.5 miles and were treated to picturesque views of “The Valley”, and could view House Mountain, and the Great Smokey Mountains during their hike. Afterwards the scouts visited the parks, Sky Bridge, and were treated to some great views of the Cumberland Mountains.
If you would like additional information on how you can visit McCloud Mountain, you can visit their website at: http://mtcloud.com/.

We're Getting Ready for Winter Camp How About You
Registration begins October 8, 2013
 
Thank you for your interest in this year’s winter camp.  We are under new management this year and are looking at improving the camp experience.  We know you will like what you see.
Winter camp is a different experience.  Unlike summer camp there are no ticks, no long lines for meals and no sweltering heat and humidity.  Winter camp is a small cozy camp held at Camp Pellissippi.  Winter camp is more laid back.  The class periods are longer so that they are not as rushed and there is plenty of time to sit by a warm fire.  The program features many Eagle required merit badges and other fun merit badges.  There will also be a camp wide evening activity each night.
We look forward to getting to know each of the boys this winter.  If you have any questions you can contact the camp director, Mike Reano, or the professional advisor, Anthony Ingram.  We have included a lot of information in this leaders guide, but you may still have questions, so please ask. 
Yours in Scouting,
Mike Reano                                              Anthony Ingram
Camp Director                                         Chehote District Executive
michaelreano@msn.com                      Anthony.Ingram@scouting.org
865-482-3574                                          865-566-0644
 

Do you have the desire to be involved in the Order of the Arrow? Are you looking for more occasions to wear that awesome OA sash you have? Do you like fun, eating, patch trading? The Order of the Arrow has something for you to do. If you want to be involved in the lodge, contact your local chapter chief and find out when your chapter meets. The easiest way to get involved in the OA is through your local OA Chapter. Most chapters have committees, activities and they meet on a regular basis. There are also many opportunities to serve at the lodge level as well. Do you like cooking, planning events, acting in shows or designing patches? More than likely there is something for you to do in the lodge. If you want to have a leadership role or serve on a committee contact your chapter chief, attend a chapter meeting and come to a lodge event!!! You will not regret it!!!!

CLICK HERE for the current Silver Fox Newsletter

In case you missed the September Scouter, the following articles are reminders of upcoming activities and events.

Boy Scouts of America Announces Membership Fee Increase

Across the country, millions of Scouts rely on support from the National Boy Scouts of America to provide the world-class programming and training that makes Scouting the nation's foremost youth program.
 
The National BSA is funded directly by the membership fee you pay when you register to be a Scout or leader. In order to maintain their support of local Scouting, the national organization has announced an increase in their annual membership fee from $15 to $24 effective January 1, 2014.
 
These funds are used to:
• Develop program materials and resources.
• Deliver training for professional Scouters and volunteer leaders.
• Provide a safe environment for Scouts with the most effective youth protection policies and systems.
• Maintain infrastructure support for local Council's such as membership and advancement databases.
The annual membership fee is the only direct cost from the National BSA to youth and adult members. All other services from the National BSA are without additional charge. Scouting remains the best value among the many activities your family could choose to take part in. Even with this fee increase, it only costs $2 per month to be part of the once-in-a-lifetime adventures and leadership development programs you can only find in Scouting.
 
As always, our focus is to build the leaders of this country by combining adventure, educational activities, and lifelong values. This fee increase ensures that the National BSA will be able to continue providing the excellent services you and your family count on - and will make sure that we can continue doing great things for the young people and communities we serve.
 
For questions about the National BSA membership fee, please consult with the volunteer Scouter that serves as your unit commissioner or District Professional.
 
Yours in Scouting, 
Larry Brown                                 Don Lee

Scout Executive                           Council Commissioner

Cub Scout Leaders!
BALOO & OWLS will be offered one more time this fall.  Don’t miss out on this chance to be trained by other experienced Cub and Webelos leaders.
 

BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) is for leaders of Tigers, Wolves, and Bears.  This class is an essential course in all that is involved in taking your young Cubs out into the field for a fun and enjoyable time.  You can never have too many BALOO trained leaders in your Pack.  On any campout, your pack must have at least one BALOO-trained leader in the field with you. 

OWLS (Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills) is an essential course for any leader of Webelos.  Once your Scouts become Webelos, the outdoor program changes in many ways from when they were younger Cubs.  Be sure you know how to take full advantage of the Webelos program for the older boys in your pack who are looking for even more adventure in their program.

BALOO and OWLS are great trainings for the leaders of Cub Scouts and Webelos.  By making sure your Cub Scout Pack has as many trained leaders as possible in these areas, you are ensuring quality program for your Scout families.  This is what keeps your Scouts involved and excited.

The next session of BALOO is October 25 at Camp Buck Toms and also at Noe’s Chapel UMC in Morristown.  The next session of OWLS is October 25-26 (Overnighter), also at Camp Buck Toms and Noe’s Chapel in Morristown.

Go online now to secure your spot in one of these trainings.  www.bsa-gsmc.org Click the ‘Trainings’ tab.

All Cub Trainings throughout the Council are $10 unless otherwise indicated below

(INCLUDES:Trained Patch, Trained Card and Cub Leader Resource Guide)

If you already own your Resource Guide then the training is only $3

(INCLUDES: Trained Patch and Trained Card)

•Oct. 1- 6:00 pm First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, TN
•Oct. 5- 8:00 am Fountain City Presbyterian Church, Fountain City, TN
•Oct. 15 6:00 pm Memorial United Methodist Church, Clinton, TN
•Oct. 19 8:00 am First United Methodist, Seymour, TN
•Oct. 24 6:00 pm Grigsby Chapel LDS Church on Grigsby Chapel Road, Farragut, TN
•Nov. 5 6:00 pm First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, TN

Model Den Meetings for New Cub Scout Leaders

There will be two new "Model Den Meeting" trainings this fall.  These brief sessions will provide a great opportunity for new Cub Scout Den Leaders to be exposed to the process and structure of a normal Den Meeting.  There are two chances to encourage your new leaders to attend:

Thursday, October 10, 7:00 PM, Grigsby Chapel LDS Church in Farragut

If there are any questions please contact Paulette Lownsdale at 865-386-6355 or lownsdale63@aol.com.

As you know well, Scouting has impacted many of us and our lives. Hopefully, the knowledge we gained and the skills we learned along the trail to Eagle have had a positive influence in our lives.
 

The Service Center has created an “Eagle Walk” where you can mark and help build the future of Scouting. Along the walk, your name, troop number and date you earned your Eagle will be created in the art of brick relief carving. This process was used over 2000 years ago by King Nebuchadezzar as he rebuilt Babylon. Thousands of years later the brick relief carvings are still visible.
Just as bricks lay a foundation, Eagle Scouts can lay the foundation for future generations of young people to join the fun and adventure of Scouting.
 

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to present the “Eagle Walk” program for you.
 

CLICK HERE to view brochure and order form

Exciting News! The Great Smoky Mountain Council is pleased to announce the “New Cub Scout Bobcat Plan” for all new boys that join the Cub Scouts this fall. All new Cub Scouts who work with their parent(s) and complete the 8 requirements to earn their Bobcat badge, will receive their badges at no cost to the Pack. The badges can be picked up from the receptionist at the council office. An advancement report must be submitted with the request. Contact your District Executive for more information.

CLICK HERE for Bobcat Plan