River Trails District

Eagle Scout Candidates: If you are looking for Eagle Board dates, Life to Eagle Seminar dates or documents for your Eagle Scout Project, Please click on Eagle Board of Review from the menu on the left side of the page.

Internet Advancement: To save time, increase the accuracy of records and real-time update of advancement we would like to work towards 100% of the units using approved Pack/Troop advancement reporting.  Packmaster, Troopmaster and ScoutSoft advancement records can be easily uploaded. Online advancement provided by council, has all registered youth with all historic advancement available for review and current advancement can easily be added to create the advancement report.

The (original) Internet Advancement platform was closed June 10, 2019 for use by Packs, Troops, Crews, and Ships. This platform is still available for use by Explorer Posts.  When a unit tries to login or create an account, they will be redirected to a landing page with additional explanation on the changes.

The new Internet Advancement platform is a completely updated experience, while retaining many features used with original Internet Advancement. Unit Key 3, Key 3 Delegates, and unit Advancement Chairs will be able to link from Scoutbook or from my.Scouting. The Single-Sign On (SSO) uses my.Scouting credentials for ease of access. Packs, Troops, Crews and Ships will use the new platform. The direct URL for Internet Advancement is http://scoutbook.scouting.org. The Frequently Asked Questions page is at help.scoutbook.com .

Contact for Issues

Please contact Member Care at 972-580-2489 if you have any questions

Award Purchases

A paper copy of the advancement report must be presented to the Scout Shops when purchasing Rank Awards and Merit Badges as these are restricted items.   The advancement report should have the wording  “SCOUTBOOK Advancement Sync with BSA national database at the end”.

COVID19 Advancement Update – click here

Guide to Advancement 2019 (current edition) – click here

On Increasing Advancement Guide – click here

Boy Scout Advancement Information:

1. Link to Merit Badge Councilor list (For ScoutMasters)
2. Link to Merit Badge Counselor application
   http://stlbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MERIT-BADGE-COUNSELOR-APPLICATION-2020-1.pdf
3. Merit Badge Counselor Electronic Application

What is Roundtable? Roundtable is a meeting of leaders and parents to provide ongoing training, announce upcoming activities and news, share program ideas, and network. Roundtable typically takes place at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Windsor Intermediate Center located at 6208 US-61, Imperial, MO 63052, in the Cafeteria at the rear of the building.

Files

April Agenda

Cub Scout Roundtable Chairman:  Jim Palmer | jimmiep1237@sbcglobal.net

Scouts BSA Roundtable Chairman:  Donna Guiffrida | ianguiffrida@sbcglobal.net

There is a new training email set up for broadcast training emails to be sent from, if you would like to be added to the email list please send an email with your name, unit number and which list you would like to be added to (Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Venturers) to rivertrailstraining312@gmail.com and you will be added.  If you have ideas, suggestions or any training questions please feel free to email them in and I will return your email as soon as possible.  I look forward to continue working with all the volunteers in River Trails in providing training opportunities to help make your role as easy and fun as can be.

River Trails Training Chair:
Fred Kohut
314-277-5473 | papako@sbcglobal.net

Cub Scout Training Chair:
Ollie Tilghman
636-349-9929 | owlie3@sbcglobal.net

Boy Scout Training Chair
Rich Meyers
314-503-9677 | rfmyers44444@sbcglobal.net

Roundtable

Roundtable is a meeting of leaders and parents to provide ongoing training, announce upcoming activities and news, share program ideas, and network. Roundtable typically takes place at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month.

Cub Scout Roundtable is held at Windsor Intermediate Cafeteria (in the rear of the building).

Cub Scout Roundtable Chairman:  Jim Palmer | jimmip1237@sbcglobal.net

Scouts BSA Roundtable is held in the Windsor Intermediate PDC Foyer (6208 US Hwy 61-67, Imperial, MO).

Scouts BSA Roundtable Chairman:  Donna Guiffrida | ianguiffrida@sbcglobal.net

Scouts BSA Leader Training

(3 Sessions and a weekend — You must attend ALL sessions.)

Spring Session cancelled.

Contact Donna Guiffrida at 314-570-0419 for more information regarding Boy Scout Leader Training.

Cub Scout Leader Training

If your unit would like to schedule a training session for unit leaders please contact Ollie Tilghman

Fall, Wed, Sept 25th | 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Windsor Intermediate School Cafeteria

You can also complete position training online at my.scouting.org

Contact Ollie Tilghman at owlie3@sbcglobal.net for more information regarding Cub Scout Leader Training.

Wood Badge

Wood Badge is an advanced training course for adult leaders in Scouting.  Wood Badge is so much more then “just another training course”.  Wood Badge is available to all levels of scout leader volunteers to include Cub Scout Leaders, Boy Scout Leaders, Venture Advisors.  It is required that you be a registered adult leader and have completed Basic Leader Training for your position.  You can find more information about Wood Badge by clicking here  or I would be more than happy to personally discuss with you, feel free to drop me a line at the district training email.

Okpik Cold Weather Camping Training

The purpose of the nationally acclaimed OKPIK program, made famous at Northern Tier, is to teach Scouts and Scout leaders how to be comfortable and safe while camping in cold weather. This training enables Scout units to extend their camping season to a full 12-months. These unique skills are delivered in a safe environment and culminates in a 24-hour outdoor overnight session that tests your new-found skills while enjoying some Scout fellowship and competition. This is NOT a survival skills session – it is an opportunity to learn about how winter camping can be fun and exciting, and still be enjoyable! Program is delivered in a troop setting, where each participant is assigned to a unique cold weather patrol. There are three troop meetings that are mandatory for graduation. The fourth final meeting is our outdoor overnight adventure!

All troop meetings are held at the Beaumont Scout Reservation.

Program areas include: first aid, cooking, nutrition, travel planning, shelters, clothing systems, sleeping systems, mental aspects of winter camping, nature, games, and FUN!

Youth Participant Requirements
Youth must be 14 years old and at least First Class as of December 9, 2018, have long-term camping experience, and have their Scoutmaster’s and Parental/Guardian approvals. Venturers may participate with the same restrictions less the First Class rank.

Learn more by clicking here .

Online Learning Center

Do you need to take Youth Protection Training (YPT)? Do you need to take your Cub Scout Leader Training? All of this and more can be done while visiting the BSA’s Online Learning Center.

Use your membership number on your ID card to sign in. If you are new to Scouting and do not have a membership number, create a new user name and password. Every time you complete a training session, print out the certificate provided and turn in to your Unit Leader, Committee Chairman or council service center.

Youth Protection Training
Youth protection training is mandatory for ALL registered adults and must be taken prior to any other training courses. It is available online and must be re-taken every two years. Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops

The purpose of the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops course is to teach Scouts with leadership positions about their new roles and how to most effectively reach success in that role.  It is intended to help Boy Scouts in leadership positions within their troop understand their responsibilities and to equip them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities.  Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops is the first course in the series of leadership training offered to Boy Scouts and is a replacement for Troop Leadership Training.  Completion of Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops is a prerequisite for Boy Scouts to participate in the more advanced leadership courses National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE).  It is also required to participate in a Kodiak Challenge Trek.

This course is designed to be presented within the Boy Scout Troop.  Materials for presenting this course to your troop may be found at Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troop Manual – the scout shop does not carry a printed copy of this manual, they do offer a packet of cards to supplement the course that can be given to the boys as a commitment card and to remind them of what their responsibilities are in their role.

Popcorn Sales

Show n sell pickup is from 1-5pm on Friday the 6^th at RP lumber in Festus.

Fundraising is an extremely important part of a first-rate Scouting program. Money from fundraising activities can be used to cover the cost of activities and events, equipment, badges and advancement and summer camp.

Every fall, the Greater St. Louis Area Council conducts its annual Popcorn Fundraiser across the St. Louis area. Revenue from popcorn sales help the council provide better services, more volunteer resources, the improvement of facilities and in many cases, support entire annual programs for many Scout units.

This annual event offers Scouting groups a simple, safe, effective way to raise money that, in turn, teaches boys speaking skills, confidence and salesmanship. Scouts have the opportunity to earn prizes, trips, even a college scholarship account based on their total sales.

Benefits of the Popcorn Fundraiser:

• Raises additional funds for Scouting activities
• Reduces out-of-pocket expenses for Scout parents
• Teaches Scouts the value of earning their own way
• Develops a Scout’s communication and selling skills

There are three ways Scouts can participate in the Popcorn Fundraiser:

• Selling Door-To-Door —Scouts ask friends, family and neighbors to purchase popcorn products
• Show ‘n’ Sell—A Scout unit receives permission to display popcorn products at a local retailer then approach customers as they pass
• Online Sales—Scouts create their own online store on the website

Camp Cards

Extending Camp Card Sale!

Our primary focus is on the safety and protection of our Scouts, volunteers, and their families.  Therefore, in response to the health and safety recommendations surrounding COVID-19, the Greater St. Louis Area Council is going to extend the camp card sale until May 8th.

Additional information will be coming for those Scouts that have earned Cardinals game day tickets.  The Cardinals are working with MLB to revise the 2020 season.  Once a revised schedule has been determined, we will provide an update regarding tickets.  Please continue to enter your Scouts that have sold 20 cards into the form here.

If you have sold all of your cards and would like to make a payment on your order, you can do so by mailing the council’s payment of $2.50 per card to the address below.

Take advantage of the extended camp card selling season by keeping your unsold cards and continue selling them until May 8^th!

This is an unprecedented situation so stay tuned for more updates.

District Hike

Has been Cancelled.

River Trails Day Camp

2020 Day Camp

• For girls and boys, Scouts and non-Scouts, ages 7-11 (7 years old or entering 1^st grade in the Fall of 2020-must be accompanied by an adult partner)
• STEM activities included with this year’s Out of This Galaxy! Theme
• Healthy, fun outdoor activities
• Archery, BB guns, slingshots, fishing, hiking and games!

Festus Day Camp is held at Festus Elks Lodge located in Festus, MO. This camp is held Monday-Thursday from 9:00AM– 4:00PM and Friday from 1:30PM-8:00PM July 6-10. Friday includes a family dinner! Units should plan for their own leaders for this camp. Questions regarding this camp, contact Camp Director Melissa Trost at 314-221-1726 or mtrost209@aol.com

Arnold Day Camp is held at Arnold Elks Lodge located in Arnold, MO. This camp is held Monday-Friday from 9:00AM– 4:00PM July 20-24. Units should plan for their own leaders for this camp. Questions regarding this camp, contact Camp Director Don Eplin at 636-333-2727 or doneplin@charter.net

Remember, early bird savings ends April 8! Sign up before that date and save $10-20 per Scout.

We have made the difficult decision to cancel our traditional camp operations this summer. (Please see the footnote below regarding refunds.)

Instead, we will open many of our summer camp facilities to individual families to enjoy the great outdoors safely with self-guided family camping and day trip activities. Reservations will be limited to support proper social distancing and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Refund Statement: Details regarding transferring camp fees to 2021 and obtaining refunds will be released on Friday, May 15, 2020. Any person or unit will have the opportunity to move any currently paid funds to a summer camp experience in 2021, at the 2020 fee. (2020 rates will be honored in 2021 for those currently signed up and paid for 2020 only) Scouts BSA troops will be offered the same site and week they have currently reserved for the 2021 season. For anyone who would prefer a refund due to COVID-19 concerns, please be assured a 100% refund will be provided.

Click here  for more camps in your area.

Grizzly Day Camp at Beaumont Scout Reservation:

Overnight Cub Scout Camp, & Cub Scout Family Camp

Cub Scout overnight camps – Webelos Camp, Arrow of light Camp, and Cub Adventure Camp are great opportunities for your Scouts to start out the year with a few Adventures/Advancements well underway and completed, while having a super fun time at camp!

Family Camps are opportunities for Scouts to spend a day and a night, over a weekend, at one of our properties, sharing the fun of the outdoors with mom, dad, and Cub Scout-aged siblings!  In addition to Family Camp, we have Dad and Lad Camp in April, and Mom and Me camp in September.

Summer Camps are in June and July, at Camp May (Beaumont), Warren Levis, Pine Ridge, and Lewallen.

District Commissioner - George Kunkel - georgekunkel@sbcglobal.net

River Trails Roundtable Commissioners

Arnold Area 1 – Area District Commissioner Kevin Kohne, 314-937-8016 petfixerupper@aol.com

Arnold Area 1 Commissioners

Arnold Area 2 – Area District Commissioner Open

Arnold Area 2 Commissioners

Imperial/Windsor – Area District Commissioner – Rich Myers., 314-503-9677

Imperial / Windsor Commissioners

Hillsboro – Area District Commissioner – Open

Hillsboro Commissioners

DeSoto – Area District Commissioner – Open

DeSoto Commissioners

Fenton/High Ridge – Area District Commissioner – Roy Brooks, 314-583-8627

Fenton / High Ridge Commissioners

House Springs/Dittmer – Area District Commissioner – Steve Herberts, 314-608-3733

House Springs / Dittmer Commissioners

Festus/Pevely – Area District Commissioner – Dave Crump, 636-937-8016

Festus / Pevely Commissioners

 * Deceased

Resources / Downloads

• Youth Application | Adult Application (for adult volunteers and new Venturing and Sea Scouting participants who are 18 but not yet 21)
• Scoutreach Assistance Request Form
• Annual Health and Medical Form- Parts A & B only (less than 72 hours)
• Annual Health and Medical Form- Parts A, B & C (physical required)
  • Northern Tier Health Form ABC
  • Philmont Health Form ABC
  • Sea Base Health Form ABC
  • Summit Health Form ABC
• New Cub Scout Leader Guide
• New Parent Orientation Guide
• 2019-20 Program Guides
  • Cub Scouts
  • Scouts BSA
  • Venturing
• Unit money-earning application
• Certificate of Insurance – Online Request Form
• Fiscal Policies: Unit Finances & Tax Exemption Status
• Incident Report Form
• Near Miss Incident Form
• How to Print Membership Cards
• How to Print Charter Certificates
• Awards and Nomination Forms
  • District Award of Merit
  • Silver Beaver Award Nomination
  • Award Central

Links

• Boy Scouts of America
• Cub Scouts
• Log Unit Service Hours
• Internet Advancement
• ScoutingWire.org
• Scouting Uniforms
• Merit Badge Counselor Directory

Internet Rechartering

Click here to visit the Rechartering website.

Click here for a brief tutorial (requires Flash Player)

Click here for an overview.

To renew your unit charter on-line:

• Sixty days before your unit’s expiration date, select a renewal processor. This should be someone in your unit who is familiar with the members and leaders of your unit to ensure all information provided through the process is correct.
• Your unit charter renewal packet is distributed to the unit leadership and includes an access code specifically assigned to your unit.
• Thirty to forty-five days before your unit’s expiration date, the renewal processor clicks Recharter Now on this webpage and begins the process.
• When the on-line process is completed, the renewal processor prints the completed charter renewal application.
• The Unit Leader and the Executive Officer sign the charter renewal application. The signed application along with any individual applications for new youth members or adult leaders, and materials received in the charter renewal packet and all appropriate fees, should then be brought to the Council Service Center, or your district’s charter turn-in meeting.

The River Trails Eagle Board meets every last Thursday of the month. The board is always looking for new volunteers to serve on Eagle Board. If you are interested serving, please contact Rick Bopp at 636-942-4334.

Location for Eagle Board and Life to Eagle Seminars:
Zion Lutheran Church, 310 Central Ave., Pevely, MO 63070

Life-to-Eagle Seminar

2/18/20        6:30pm – 7:30pm        Scout, Parents, Scout Master and or Coaches

5/12/20       CANCELLED               Scout, Parents, Scout Master and or Coaches

7/14/20         6:30pm – 7:30pm       Scout, Parents, Scout Master and or Coaches

This meeting will be held outdoors at the back parking lot of Zion Lutheran Church in Pevely.  Please bring your own chair, mask, pen and paper and water to drink.  We will be social distancing our chairs.  There is no access to facilities at the church.  If inclement weather we may use the pavilion if we can maintain the social distancing.

10/13/20       6:30pm – 7:30pm        Scout, Parents, Scout Master and or Coaches

Life Scouts, coaches, Scoutmasters, and Troop Committee members are strongly encouraged to attend one of these seminars in order to better understand the process of going from Life to Eagle. The seminar is a combined session for adults and future Eagle candidates followed by a break-out session. The 60- to 90-minute seminar includes handouts and a display of past projects. Training is held at Zion Lutheran Church, 310 Central Ave., Pevely, MO  63070. The dates for Life to Eagle

Eagle Board Meetings

Please note that each Eagle Scouts candidate needs to schedule appointments with the Eagle Board by calling Mr. Bopp at 636-942-4334.  Also to note that the Scout needs to leave his name, return phone number and what Troop they are with.  It can take up to three days for a return phone call.  Currently we are taking up to 8 Scouts per month and that is on a first come first serve basis.  All calls must be placed 10 days prior to the Board of Review.  To be considered locked into one of the spots the Scout will need to have all of the necessary paperwork and signatures needed for the type of visit they are seeking.  All calls and activity are logged to insure the order of eligibility.

Appointments start at 7 p.m. (Be a early for your appointment to get checked in)

• Thursday, November 21, 2019   – Scout and Coach
• Thursday, December 19, 2019   – Scout and Coach
• Thursday, January 23, 2020       -Scout and Coach
• Tuesday, February 27, 2020      – Scout and Coach
• Thursday, March 26 2020         – Cancelled
• Thursday, April 30, 2020            – Cancelled
• Thursday, May 28, 2020            – Scout and Coach
• Thursday, June 25, 2020            – Scout and Coach
• Thursday, July 30, 2020             – Scout and Coach
• These meeting will be held outdoors at the back parking lot of Zion Lutheran Church in Pevely.  Please bring your own chair, mask, pen and paper and water to drink.  We will be social distancing our chairs.  There is no access to facilities at the church.  Please only have one parent and the scout plus their coach.  This will limit the number onsite so we can better distance ourselves.  All board members will also be wearing mask.
• Thursday, August 27, 2020        – Scout and Coach
• Thursday, September 29, 2020 – Scout and Coach  (Tuesday Night)
• Thursday, October 29, 2020      – Scout and Coach
• Thursday, November 19, 2020   – Scout and Coach
• Thursday, December 17, 2020   – Scout and Coach

Eagle Materials
Path from Life to Eagle checklist
The Benefiting Organizations Guide to an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project
Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook – Fillable
Eagle Scout Rank Application – Fillable
Guide to Advancement Eagle Scout Section Only
Age Guidelines for Tool Use and Work at Elevations
Letter of Reference Request Form Letter

Additional Downloads
Electronic Eagle Scout Application Procedures
Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project, Information for Project Beneficiaries
The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety
Scholarships For Eagle Scouts
A Parents Guide in the Life to Eagle Process

Click here to be taken to our Order Of The Arrow website.

Registration is now open for our STEM Universities at UMSL (December 16th), SEMO (January 6th), and SIUC (February 24th). Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers won’t want to miss this day of STEM-tastic fun!

Visit the Greater St. Louis Area Council STEM Facebook page for more information.

We hope to see you there!

Dear Crew Adviser,

Did you know that the Greater St. Louis Area Councils runs one of the few Venturing Summer Camp programs in the country? This regionally-renown program happens at Swift High Adventure Base (aka “Swift”). Swift is located in Knob Lick, Missouri at S-F Scout Ranch on the 270-acre Nim’s Lake. This truly unique camp brings venturers from all over the Midwest to enjoy the program put on by the great staff.

In 2020, we have two weeks to choose from for your crew. The first is June 14-20, and the second is July 12-18. Learn more here.

Want to see the fun up close? Click on this link below to view a short video that highlights the activities at Swift – https://youtu.be/0aGrD29hf6U

If I can answer any questions or share more information, please do not hesitate to ask. I hope your crew is planning on attending summer camp next year, and we would love for the choice of your youth to be Swift High Adventure Base.

VENTURING IN THE RIVER TRAILS DISTRICT

Venturing is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women ages 14 through 20, or 13 years old and have completed the eighth grade.
Venturing’s purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.
Venturing is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth, adult leaders, and organizations in their communities. Local community organizations establish a Venturing crew by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of exciting and meaningful activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, develop leadership skills, and become good citizens.
Venturing crews can specialize in a variety of avocation or hobby interests.

ETHICS IN ACTION
An important goal of Venturing is to help young adults be responsible and caring persons, both now and in the future. Venturing uses “ethical controversies” to help young adults develop the ability to make responsible choices that reflect their concern for what is a risk and how it will affect others involved. Because an ethical controversy is a problem-solving situation, leaders expect young adults to employ empathy, invention, and selection when they think through their position and work toward a solution.

CONTACT:
If you are interested in joining an existing Venturing crew or you would like to know how to start your own crew, contact

Joseph Blasko

816-225-6201

Email

 * Deceased