May 21, 2010

Dear Scouters,

How time flies and the school year is coming to a close.  While it is more difficult to get your unit together for the summer, it is important to keep the youth active and to continue to recruit all year.  As I have said many times you are making a difference in a young person's life and THANK YOU!

This has been a great year so far with a tremendous start to activities such as the Merit Badge Fair, Eagle Banquet, Blue and Gold banquets, and Cub Day Camp coming up soon, and many more.  The Order of the Arrow hosted Section Conclave which was a major achievement and especially to do it so successfully.

In my last letter, I highlighted training.  BSA will be putting even more emphasis and requirements on this in the future.   Please go to www.MyScouting.org and complete any required training.

The Council continues to make camp improvements: clearing the area south of the shower house, adding a fence around the warehouse, and working on a cell phone repeater to allow better cell phone coverage in camp.

Friends of Scouting is off to a good start.  If you have not given, please consider it if possible.  As you know the Council spends over $200 per Scout each year in support of our youth which is not paid by fees.  Also if your employer, such as ConocoPhillips, has a matching program, please apply for that if your gift qualifies.  Please remember the Cherokee Area Council supplies you the following at no charge to qualifying units:  rank advancements, supplemental insurance, books to new recruits, pinewood derby cars to new Cubs and those who need them, assistance of Commissioners and Professionals, recently removed fees for in-Council units for Camp McClintock , etc.

Remember, too, we are celebrating the first 100 years of Scouting.  We have a fantastic patch set that includes a poster and special Frankoma plate that are only available as part of this set.  We have a few of these sets still available, so get one for your favorite Scout or Scouter before it is too late.

Finally, I again want to thank all of you for your support with your time, talents, and other resources that make our Cherokee Area Council a success.  Please follow up on training, recruiting, and any contributions.  It takes all of these to make a successful Council and despite being one of the smallest Councils in the country, we are one of the best!

Have a great summer and I challenge you to increase your impact on youth by adding members to your unit all year long!

Yours in Scouting,

Chris Cook
President, Cherokee Area Council