The Ethan Giving Tree

October 19, 2015

Hello Leader,

The Gulf Coast National Scout Shop is providing an opportunity for the scouting community to help local scout members who may be in need of uniforms and uniform items.

This help will be done through The Ethan Giving Tree program starting November 14 through December 19, 2015. The Ethan Giving Tree program works on a donation basis. An Ethan tree (similar to an Angel tree) will be set up at the Scout Shop with Ethan cards on it. Each card will have the first name of the Scout along with the uniform items that they need. There will also be a space for other items they may want such as books, crafts, camping items, etc. Customers and Scout supporters can purchase the item(s) in their local Scout Shop and give them to the store staff to collect for each child.

We will keep the name of the individual(s) confidential. Only the store staff will have access to the Scout’s name and your contact information. A code will be issued that will match a card in the safe that will have your contact information, so as the donations are collected store staff will contact you so arrangements for pickup can be made.

We need your assistance to make this project a success. Please fill out the information below and return to the store by November 9, 2015 for every scout who would benefit from donations from the scouting community to complete their full uniform.

If you have any concerns or questions please contact the store staff by email: GulfCoastScoutShop@scouting.org or phone us at 850-473-9945.

Thank you in advance for your assistance. With leaders like you, this program will greatly benefit our scouting community.

http://www.gulfcoastcouncil.org/OpenRosters/DocDownload.aspx?orkey=2717&id=154929

Youth’s Name ______________________________________   Code/Number: ________ (For Scout Shop Only)

Leaders Name _______________________________________          Phone # ___________________

Troop or Pack #:______________________________________   Rank: ____________________

Items that would benefit the Scout:

Shirt: Size ______                                                           Neckerchief __________

Pant: Size ______                                                           Slide ________________

Cap: Size: ______                                                          Socks: Size ____________

Belt: Size ______                                                             Insignia: ______________

Belt Buckle ______                                                        Other Items __________

Book ___________

Thank you,

Gulf Coast National Scout Shop Store Staff

Cub Scout Pack 99 was recognized by the City of Pensacola!!!

Cub Scout Pack 99 was recently recognized by the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department as the newest Adopt-A-Park volunteer group, adopting Toledo Square Park off of 17th Avenue. The volunteer coordinator, Tim Land said, "The park is definitely in much better shape now. Some surrounding neighbors came by and said they could tell a big difference in their park and thanked the boys for their hard work. They are helping set the example to the community that you can get involved in the Adopt-A-Park Program no matter the age." The Gulf Coast Council would like to thank Pack 99 for their hard work, GREAT job Pack 99!

Fact Vs Fiction on the New Membership Standards 8/3/2015

Setting the Record Straight on the BSA Adult Leadership Standards

Overview: Recently, several questions have been raised about the BSA’s new leadership standards and the effect the standards might have on the BSA. Regretfully, some of these comments appear to be aimed at causing division or confusion within the Scouting movement.

One source of these questions is a July 2015 commentary on “The Legal Ramifications to Churches of BSA’s New Membership Policy.” This document recycled a May 2013 memorandum on the same topic,1 including copying the old discussions of the “new youth membership policy” adopted in 2013. None of the predictions from 2013 about litigation or other problems for the BSA came true.

The BSA already has addressed many of the issues raised in the commentary, both in the resolution itself and in memorandum with factual and legal support that the commentary lacks.2 While no one can fully predict future legal actions, the following is meant to clearly explain the effect of the leadership standards and to provide facts in order to address speculations.

Here is the full Fact VS Fiction on the Adult Membership Standards.  Please click here to look at the information.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU READ THIS.  PLEASE SHARE WITH OTHER SCOUT LEADERS AND YOUR CHARTER ORGANIZATIONS

Click on the link to download the Fact Vs Fiction Sheet

I have sent a letter to all charter partners informing them of the membership standard changes.

Yours In Scouting,

Spencer Page

Scout Executive

Gulf Coast Council 

850-476-6336 Office

Boy Scouts of America Amends Adult Leadership Policy

On Monday, July 27, the National Executive Board ratified a resolution that removes the national restriction on openly gay adult leaders and employees. Of those present and voting, 79 percent voted in favor of the resolution. The resolution was recommended for ratification by the Executive Committee earlier this month. The resolution is effective immediately.

Chartered organizations will continue to select their adult leaders and religious chartered organizations may continue to use religious beliefs as criteria for selecting adult leaders, including matters of sexuality. This change allows Scouting’s members and parents to select local units, chartered to organizations with similar beliefs, that best meet the needs of their families. This change also respects the right of religious chartered organizations to choose adult volunteer leaders whose beliefs are consistent with their own.

Moving forward, we will continue to focus on reaching and serving youth, helping them grow into good, strong citizens. By focusing on the goals that unite us, we are able to accomplish incredible things for young people and the communities we serve.

Also, today the Boy Scouts of America shared this video of National President Dr. Robert M. Gates speaking on the policy change.

Yours in Scouting,

Spencer Page

Scout Executive

Membership Standard Change

Dear Gulf Coast Council, by now you know that the National BSA Executive Board approved the resolution removing sexual orientation as a membership standard allowing religious organizations to approve their leaders based on their beliefs. I will be sending out more information and details as it relates and effects local scouting in the coming days. In the meantime, please contact me if I can aide in answering questions or helping with discussions.

Yours In Scouting,

Spencer Page

Scout Executive

Gulf Coast Council 

850-476-6336

Updated Adult Membership Standard 7/13/2015

July 13, 2015

Gulf Coast Council Members, Parents and Supporters,

The National Key 3 and others consulted with religious organizations following the National Annual Meeting in May on the subject of adult leadership standards.  Scout leaders from across the country urged national leadership to swiftly act on this matter in order to lessen possible impact on Fall recruitment.

As a result, the National Executive Committee met on Friday, July 10 to review a resolution amending the adult leadership standards policy.  This resolution was unanimously adopted by those present and voting.  Today,  National BSA President Robert Gates is sharing this resolution with the National Executive Board and asking them to ratify this resolution on Monday, July 27.

As promised, I am sharing this information with you and will continue to do so as I receive new updates.

I have attached the proposed resolution and some back ground info that explains why BSA is considering this change in Leadership standards.

I will be glad to discuss or clarify any of this information with you to the best of my ability.  Feel free to contact me either by email or phone.  I can be reached at 850-476-6336 or email sppage@bsamail.org

Click on the documents below

Why the BSA Must Reconsider the Adult Leader Standards

Resolution on Adult Membership Standards

On behalf of the scouts of the Gulf Coast Council, thank you for your interest and support of Scouting.

Yours in Scouting,

Spencer Page
Scout Executive

Kenny Pearson Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 2 explaining the new Cub Scou...

Kenny Pearson Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 2 explaining some of the changes for the new Cub Scout Program.



If you have further questions for Kenny, you can contact him at kpearson57@gmail.com



Thank you Kenny