Three Fires Council

NEW for 2012 -  Welding Merit Badge

The Boy Scouts of America has collaborated with the American Welding Society, BSA Health and Safety Committee, and OSHA members to create the Welding Merit Badge. Scouts can begin working on this merit badge at the end of February or early March, when the pamphlet is in our Scout shops.

Why a Welding Merit Badge? A BSA youth interest survey showed significant interest in adding a Welding merit badge to the more than 120 merit badges currently in the series. This merit badge is a good fit with preparing Scouts for their future and offers Scouts a fun way to explore skills that can grow into a hobby or career. The Welding merit badge will enable Scouts to learn hands-on how to join metals using welding techniques. The skills they learn may even be helpful for making or repairing items for their troop.

The Importance Today - Welding is an important part of our nation’s growth and stability; employers have a consistent need for skilled welders in construction, manufacturing, and other industries. Many believe that a large part of the U.S. economy is dependent on welding; and continued advances will help drive our nation’s productivity and strengthen its financial stability.

Industry - Manufacturing is experiencing a shortage of skilled welders; the average age of welders in the United States is about 55. By the end of the decade, it is estimated there will be a critical need for 200,000 new welders.     Skilled and talented welders have a brand-new place in our contemporary world. The image of last century’s industrial age lingers: the stereotypical welder toiling away in the factory. But that era has passed. Welding has a new spark. Advancements in science, technology, and the digital universe have transformed the world—and the world of welding. Now even robots are being utilized for welding in manufacturing. New innovations in welding featured at the 2011 FABTECH Expo included more than 75 products and innovations that are considered “green” technologies. This fits with the Conservation Good Turn and other green initiatives of Scouting and Venturing. 

Fun Quotes - Astronaut and Scout, Buzz Aldrin credits welders for helping him be one of the first men to walk on the moon. Renowned military pilot, Chuck Yeager explained that welding helped him break the sound barrier. Think about the things in our lives— bikes, cars, chairs, desks, buildings, etc. More than likely, they have all been touched by welding.

Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, & Webelos Cub Scouts

Advancement is the process by which a boy progresses from badge to badge, learning new skills as he goes. The Cub Scout advancement program is designed to encourage the natural interests of a boy in a natural way. Each of the ranks and awards in Cub Scouting has its own requirements. As a boy advances through the ranks, requirements are progressively more challenging, matching the increased skills and abilities of a boy as he grows older.

Advancement is one of the methods used to achieve Scouting's aims—character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Everything a Cub Scout does to advance is designed to achieve these aims and aid in his personal growth. These badges are a means to an end—not an end in themselves.

• Cub Scout Advancement Program - Overview of the Program

 Announcing the NEW Fast Tracks Program!

FAST TRACKS is a series of den meeting plans (two den meetings per month) designed to be used in conjunction with the youth handbooks. By following the prescribed den meeting plans as written, the boys will fulfill the requirements necessary to earn the badge of rank by early spring.

• Launch Fast Tracks - For Cub Scouts
  

Bobcat Rank

This is the first rank a Cub Scout earns. No matter what age or grade a boy joins Cub Scouting, he must earn his Bobcat badge before he can advance to the rank of Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos.

 Tiger Cub Rank    

The Tiger Cub program is for boys ages 7 years old or in the 1st grade. To begin his path to the Tiger Cub rank, the Tiger Cub  must learn the Cub Scout promise, the Cub Scout sign, and the Cub Scout salute. When he has accomplished these tasks, he will be awarded his Tiger Cub immediate recognition emblem. This is a tiger paw with four strands for beads that he wears on the right pocket.

As a boy completes each part of the achievements, he will be awarded either an orange (den activities), white (family activities), or black ("Go See It") bead. When the boy has earned five beads of each color, he is eligible to receive his Tiger Cub badge. The Tiger Cub badge is presented to the adult partner at the next pack meeting. In an impressive ceremony, the adult partner in turn presents the badge to the boy.

Wolf Rank

The Wolf rank is for boys who have completed first grade (or who are 8 years old). To earn the Wolf badge, a boy must pass 12 achievements involving simple physical and mental skills. His parent or guardian approves each achievement by signing his book. When all requirements are satisfied, the Wolf badge is presented to his parent or guardian at the next pack meeting in an impressive advancement ceremony, during which the parent or guardian in turn presents the badge to the boy.

After he has earned the Wolf badge, a boy is encouraged to work on the 22 Wolf electives until he completes second grade (or turns 9 years old). More than 100 elective projects are aimed at kindling his interest in new hobbies, as well as teaching him skills that will be useful during his Boy Scout years. When he completes 10 elective projects, he earns a Gold Arrow Point to wear under the Wolf badge. For each additional 10 elective projects completed, he earns a Silver Arrow Point.

Bear Rank

The Bear rank is for boys who have completed second grade (or are 9 years old). There are 24 Bear achievements in four categories; boys must complete 12 of these to earn the Bear badge. These requirements are more difficult and challenging than those for the Wolf badge. When the boy has earned his Bear badge, he may work on electives for credit toward Arrow Points to be worn under the Bear badge.

Webelos Rank

Webelos dens are for boys who have completed third grade (or reached age 10). The Webelos den program is different from the Cub Scout den program: Instead of being based on a monthly theme, the Webelos den program is based on one of 20 Webelos activities. Webelos Scouts work on requirements during their weekly den meetings. Once the boy learns the skill, he practices it at den meetings and at home on his own. The boy's family is encouraged to help him at home.

When a boy has completed the requirements for an activity badge, the Webelos den leader or activity badge counselor, rather than a parent, approves most of the activity badges.

  Arrow of Light Award

The pinnacle of Cub Scouting is the Arrow of Light Award. The requirements for this badge include developing outdoor skills, gaining an understanding of the values of Scouting, and preparing to become a Boy Scout.

This recognition is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform when a boy graduates into a troop. Adult leaders who earned the Arrow of Light as a youth may also wear the appropriate square knot on their adult uniform. Webelos Scouts who have earned the Arrow of Light Award have also completed all requirements for the Boy Scout badge.

Cub Scout Academics and Sports Programs

The Cub Scout Academics and Sports program is a supplemental enrichment program that complements the existing Cub Scout program. The Academics subjects and Sports activities allow boys to learn new techniques, increase scholarship skills, develop sportsmanship, and have fun. Emphasis is on introducing a boy to a sport or academic subject, allowing him to participate in it and encouraging him to do his best. The Academics and Sports program focuses on learning and skill development—not winning. Boys participating in the program will be recognized for enjoying teamwork, developing physical fitness, and discovering and building new talents. The Academics and Sports program encourages a boy to do his best.

• Sports & Academics Programs - Learn more about the Cub Scout Academics & Sports Programs
• Cub Scout Academic Program - Individual Pin Requirements (From US Scouting Project Website)
• Cub Scout Sports Program - Individual Pin Requirements (From US Scouting Project Website)

Academics and Sports Belt Loops
A Scout may earn a belt loop to wear with his uniform by completing three specific requirements for each Academics or Sports activity. He can take part in three ways: (1) by himself or with his family, (2) in his den or pack, or (3) in school.

Academics and Sports Letter and Pins
Once the Scout has earned the belt loop, he can stop. But if he wants to do more with the activity, he may complete extra requirements to earn a pin. A good place to display Academics and Sports pins is on the Academics and Sports letter. The letter can be worn on a sweater or a jacket, or displayed or framed. The letter does not go on the Cub Scout uniform. There are no special requirements for earning the letter, because it's just for displaying the pins.

Additional Recognitions
Besides the belt loops and pins, there are other kinds of recognitions for the Academics and Sports program. These include pocket cards, medals, trophies, and a program emblem.

Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, Life, & Eagle Scout Rank

Useful Eagle Scout Helps and Forms

Eagle Packet Forms on the Web

The New Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook

Eagle Scout rank requirement 5 has been reworded which calls for a project proposal to be approved by the organization that the project is for, scoutmaster, unit committee and council or district, rather than “the project plan.”

Eagle Scout Requirement 5
While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community.  (The project must benefit an organization other than Boy Scouting).  A project proposal must be approved by the organization benfiting from the effort, your unit leader, and unit committee, and the council or district before you start.  You must use the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, No. 512-927, in meeting this requirement.

As of January 1, 2012 Scouts are to use the new Workbook   If Scouts have already had their Eagle Scout service project approved by the council or district using the previous  Workbook, they may continue with the same Workbook.   

The new Eagle Scout Rank Application (2011 printing) and the fillable Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook have been placed on Scouting.org. You will find them both at the following link: Eagle Advancements & Award

Guide to Advancement

The guide has been reorganized for easy reference and features a list of the questions most often asked of the national Advancement Team. It is a complete rewrite of the Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures, which it replaces.  Transition will occur over the next few months.  Advancement procedures that are currently in place in accordance with the former advancement publication can be continued but the new Guide to Advancement will be fully implemented as of January 1, 2012.  The new Guide to Advancement may be found at the following link: Guide to Advancement

Eagle Packet Forms on the Web

Eagle Applications. Effective January 1, 2012, the National BSA Office will no longer accept Eagle applications prior to the 2011 printing. The new Eagle Scout application (512-728) can be found on scouting.org. or by accessing the Eagle Application link below.

EAGLE APPLICANTS...You have the option to fill out a paper copy of the Project Workbook & Eagle Application, or download & fill out the workbook & form on your computer.  As of January 1, 2012 you are to use the new Workbook   If you have already had their Eagle Scout service project approved by the council or district using the previous Workbook, you may continue with the same Workbook.

Eagle Scout Project Workbook

Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook - Download this, & you can fill out this PDF version on your computer, or you can print it & fill it out on paper. - 512-927 Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project Workbook -Download this and you can fill out this Word version on your computer – Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook_2011 TFC.

Three Fires Council has provided the Word version of the Eagle Service Project Workbook and has verified that it is the official Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook No. 512-927, 2011 printing.  The Word file was created until the interactive version is issued by National. It is not permissible for district, units or individual to make any additions, deletions, or changes.  The candidate can only fill in information in the appropriate areas but cannot make any changes as defined above.

Eagle Scout Rank Application - 2011 - Replaces ALL former EAGLE Applications as of January 1, 2012. Download this, & you can fill out this PDF version on your computer, or you can print it out & fill it out on paper. - 512-728 Eagle Scout Rank Application

Eagle Scout Character Reference  - New version as of March, 2011

Helpful Hints for Eagle Candidates
Letter to Unit Leader
Letter to Life Scout

Helps from NESA - National Eagle Scout Association

Eagle Palm - Application for Eagle Palm

Application for Alternative Merit Badges for Eagle Rank- A guide and application for Scouts with disabilities. The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout or Qualified* Venturer who has a physical or mental disability by qualifying for alternative merit badges.

 NESA - National Eagle Scout Association

National Eagle Scout Association - Website

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) is a fellowship of men who have achieved the Eagle Scout rank and who desire using their efforts and influence toward forming the kind of young men America needs for leadership. The objective of NESA is "to Serve Eagle Scouts and through them, the entire movement of Scouting" - NESA

National Eagle Scout Association Membership Application - Link to form

Duplicate Eagle Scout/NESA Credentials Order Form - Link to form

National Eagle Scout Association Scholarship Application - Link to form & Application

This link contains the NEW 2011 NESA Eagle Scout Scholarship application. The old ones will no longer be accepted, so please discard any old applications and use the new form!

2012 Eagle Dinner Banquet - Friday, February 8, 2013

 Several hundred young men in the Three Fires Council will received their Eagle Award in 2012. To honor their achievement, the Eagle Banquet Committee has scheduled the

2012 Gathering of Eagles Recognition Banquet for Friday, February 8, 2013 - Please mark your calendars!

at the Wyndham Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Rd, Lisle, 60532. A general reception and fellowship will begin at 6:30 pm. Dinner will be served at 7:00 pm. followed by our program. This will be a very special evening for the 2012 class, Eagle Alumni, sponsors and guests.  It is our hope that you will help make this a memorable event by sponsoring one or more Eagles from the Eagle Scout Class of 2012, as well as attend this gala event. Details available in Deccember 2012.

This award is a prestigious recognition granted by the local council’s NESA committee to Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level. Unlike the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, which is a national award, the NOESA recognizes Eagle Scouts whose efforts have made a positive impact closer to home. All NOESA recipients must be Eagle Scouts in good standing with the Boy Scouts of America and must either be registered with or have their primary residence within the boundaries of the nominating council. No length of time is required to have passed since earning the rank. Each recipient’s actions and accomplishments should elevate the stature of Eagle Scouts in the public eye, and each recipient shall be held to the standards set forth in the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and national BSA standards for membership.

Nomination Form for recommending an outstanding Eagle.

A Variety of Awards are Available in Venturing

•  Venturing Achievement and Recognition Awards - Overview of the Venturing Advancement Program

   Venturing Bronze Award

There are five different Venturing Bronze awards: Arts and Hobbies, Outdoor, Sea Scouts, Sports, and Religious Life. All five Bronze awards contain the common elements of experience, learning a skill, and sharing experiences and skills with others. Earning at least one Venturing Bronze Award is required for the Venturing Gold Award. The Venturing Bronze Award is designed as the first tier in the advancement track for Venturers so they can acquire usable skills that will carry them along the trail to the Venturing Silver Award.

The Venturing Bronze Award is a colorful, campaign-style ribbon that may be worn on the Sea Scout or Venturing uniform. If all five are earned, all five may be worn on the uniform. The ribbons have an icon representing the area in which it was earned superimposed on the ribbon.

• Venturing Bronze Award - Overview

Venturing Gold Award

Venturing Gold Award candidates must be active and registered Venturers for at least 12 months before final qualification. They must serve in a leadership role within the 12 months before final qualification. They must participate in a district, council, or national Venturing event or activity. They must set and accomplish one personal goal in each of the six areas. They must plan and lead at least two crew activities. They must recite the Venturing Oath. Three letters of recommendation from adults outside of the crew are required, and the candidate must make an oral presentation to a crew review committee. Finally, they must be approved and recommended by their crew committee.

• Venturing Gold Award - Overview
• Venturing Gold Award - Application

Venturing Silver Award

Venturers must be proficient in emergency preparedness (including standard first aid, CPR, and Safe Swim Defense), participate in Ethics in Action, complete the Venturing Leadership Skills Course, earn the Venturing Gold Award, and earn at least one of the five Venturing Bronze awards.

• Venturing Silver Award - Overview
• Venturing Silver Award - Application

 Venturing Ranger Award

The purpose of the award is to encourage Venturers to achieve a high level of outdoor skills proficiency; recognize achievement of this high level of outdoor skills proficiency; provide a path for outdoor/high-adventure skills training; and establish Rangers as a highly trained leadership resource for crews, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the community.

Ranger candidates must complete eight challenging core requirements:

And four of 18 challenging electives:

• Venturing Ranger Award - Overview of the Ranger Award