Welcome

The Voyageur Trace District represents the communities surrounding the LaGrange Scout Shop including LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Brookfield, Westchester, Western Springs, Countryside, Indianhead Park, Willow Springs, Bridgeview, Justice, Bedford Park, Summit, Hodgkins, Lyons, McCook, Forestview, Stickney, Berwyn, Riverside and North Riverside.  Our district is known for its collaborations with local businesses and organizations that provide unique opportunities for our scouts.  A few examples are our Vulcan Quarry Event, Cook County Adventure Day, and the Voyageur Trace First Aid Meet.

Useful Resources:
Click here to access District Master Brochure
Click to access District Volunteer Needs Brochure
Click here for VT Patch Order Form

Important Links:
http://scoutingwire.org/ -  The Ultimate Scouting Resource Website
https://www.scoutbook.com/ - Say goodbye to your old tracking software and say hello to a whole new way of thinking about Scout advancement.
Unit Websites for Voyageur Trace

Order of the Arrow
Pachsegink Lodge Website: http://pachsegink.org/

Like us on Facbook: https://www.facebook.com/voyageurtrace/

Donate today! Please consider making a difference in the lives of the youth we serve. CLICK HERE to make a pledge today! The leaders of tomorrow thank you for all you do!

photo by Paul Kurtzner taken at Phimont Scout Ranch for District Key 3 training in summer of 2016
left to right-Paul Szymczak , Paul Kurtzner, Manuel "Manny" Carrera

Contact Info

Popcorn Kernels
Alma and Frank Mata
frankmata18@gmail.com

Service Hours Coordinator

2018

May 26

Flag Placement on Veteran Graves
Woodlawn Cemetery
Cermak Road & Des Plaines Avenue
Forest Park, IL

Saturday, May 26th participants will gather at 9:30 AM at the Cermak entrance on the south side of the grounds at the armed services memorial. Woodlawn will provide the flags, donuts and water. We will provide the scout power. We will do a flag ceremony at the memorial before placing flags on the individual graves. All scouts and leaders should be in uniform. 

The cemetery looks great when you look across the field and see all those flags fluttering in the breeze. Many people who are visiting the ceremony will thank the scouts for what they are doing for the veterans. This is also a very easy way to total up service hours for your unit. Bring your camera.

Did you know that Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day? It was a day to honor all who died while serving by decorating their grave sites. Veterans Day is a day to celebrate ALL military veterans.

Service Hours on Journey to Excellence

Thanks to all the units that recorded service hours on Journey to Excellence, Voyageur Trace District recorded a record of 10,898 hours in 2017; an increase of 2,068 hours over 2016.

Thank you to the following units for recording their hours: Packs 24, 33, 73, 90, 177 & 901, along with Troops 3, 13, 19, 24, 31, 32, 73, 90, 92, 111, 216, 301 & Crew 35.

Reporting Eagle Projects in 2017 were Troops 12 (5), 24 (4), 32 (6), 33 (5), 90 (3), 111 (5), 117 (4), 216 (3) & 337.

We look forward to having all of our units join us in reporting their service hours in 2018.

From Linda Baran-Voyageur Trace Service Hours Coordinator

First, a big kudos to the Units that took time throughout 2017 to record their Service Hours.  We had some great numbers, but as always, it could have been better.  So many points of our program come back to giving back to those around us, and so many do it, we just want to brag about it!! 

During the recent snow storm as my family finished shoveling out our driveway, I headed to the house to get warm.  When I turned around my son was gone.  I looked back past the cars to see him at our neighbors house helping shovel their driveway.  It was a heartwarming moment, because I know he was not asked to do it, nor was he obligated to do it, HE JUST DID IT because it was the right thing to do!!  His years as a scout have impacted him in so many ways, it's a program we all obviously believe in and just like I am proud to share this story, we want to share your stories as well.

With us being 2 months into 2018, we encourage all Units to NOT wait until December, but to record things as they happen.  Remember to take into consideration that several ranks require Service Hours, so please have your Scouts give you the details so you can record those as well.  

Whether it be shoveling for a neighbor or your Charter Organization or cleaning a trail as your Unit takes a hike, there is no hour to minor to be recorded.

I am usually (not always) as smart as my computer, so if you need some help recording the hours, please feel free to let me know.  I will do my best to be available to help either at your location or mine.

Please reach way down and consider making 2018 the best year ever in terms of each and every Unit recording as many hours as possible.

Please see attachment for service hours reporting for 2017.

Also, here’s service hours instructions on how to record hours. If you have any questions, feel free to email me:

lindabaran@sbcglobal.net

Thank you

Linda Baran

VT Service Hours Coordinator

Dear Leader,

The Boy Scouts of America volunteer-led national board of directors voted unanimously last week to welcome girls age 5-10 (including Lions) into Cub Scouts in Fall 2018 and will deliver a program for girls age 11-17 in 2019 that will mirror the Boy Scout program right up and through Eagle.

The values of Scouting as outlined in the Scout Law — trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent — are relevant and important for both young men and women. We are excited to partner with you to provide Scouting’s life-changing experiences to even more young people and their families.

Please read the applicable section below and view the infographic and program model. Feel free to contact your local district executive with any questions.

Cub Scout leaders

As a Cub Scout leader, you and your chartering organization will have the opportunity beginning in Fall 2018 to:

1. Establish a new all-girl pack
2. Establish a coed pack that consists of girl dens and boy dens
3. Remain or establish an all-boy pack

Dens will remain single gender in all scenarios. This hybrid model builds on the benefit of a single-gender program while also providing character and leadership opportunities for both boys and girls. The choice for what type of pack you have in Fall 2018 is up to you in consultation with your chartering organization.

Education experts have evaluated the current program content and activities and confirmed the relevancy of the program for girls and young women. Activities, rank advancement requirements and Youth Protection policies will not change. As is current policy for a Scouting activity that includes both boys and girls, there must be both female and male leaders present. At least one of those leaders must be registered as an adult member of the BSA.

Uniforms will also stay the same, although the fit and styling may change.

Boy Scout leaders

A program for girls age 11 to 17 will be announced in 2018 with a projected introduction in 2019. It will use the same curriculum as the current Boy Scouts program, which will give participating girls the opportunity to earn Scouting’s highest rank: Eagle. Eagle Scout requirements will be the same for young women as they are for young men.

Girls who are in the fourth grade in Fall 2018 will likely want to continue their Scouting experience once they complete their time in Cub Scouts. An outstanding program will be in place for them when that time arrives.

All leaders

If contacted by a member of the media, please direct them to our Marketing and Communications Director Kate Jacobs who may be reached at Kate.Jacobs@Scouting.org or at (630) 796-4256. Please understand that only Council officers may speak for the Council or BSA.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with you as Scouting embraces all members of our communities. Thanks for all that you have done and will continue to do for Scouting. Additional information is available at http://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/family-scouting/. For questions, please contact your local district executive.

Your unit is missing out on community support if service hours are not being reported…

Get recognized-

•Units reporting their service will receive a certificate from the council officially stating the number of service hours they have contributed to their community.
•Units that register an average of 4 hours per Scout or more will get patches for each of their Scouts.

Starting in 2018 the competition begins-

•Monthly bragging rights – Best or most impactful project submitted by the 15th of each month will be featured in the council newsletter. Submit two to three sentences and up to four pictures to be considered.
•The 10 best projects will be selected in November of 2018 to be featured in the 2017 Annual Report.

Click here for more info

Voyageur Trace has created a patch to recognize the generosity and dedication of its volunteers. This round, limited edition patch incorporates all the elements of the Voyageur Trace emblem: pack, moccasins, canoe paddle, and wagon wheel.

There are three rockers that encircle the patch:
     Volunteer - for those who give of their time serving on a District Committee, on the District Commissioner staff, or as a District Member-at-Large.
     Recruiter - for those who bring new volunteers to serve at the district level.
     Benefactor - recognizing individuals who contribute $1,000 or more to our district over the course of four years or less.

We greatly appreciate the work and dedication of all of our district volunteers. This first-ever Voyageur Trace patch set is intended to highlight and promote the generous contributions of time, talent, and treasure made at the district level. 

Patch Order Form

The following is a listing of live training course which are being offered. New leaders or those who have changed positions are strongly encouraged to complete their training within 60 days. Training requirements for each position can be found on the training page of the council website. All basic leader training courses can also be completed online at my.scouting.org. Unit committee chairs should work to ensure that 100% of the unit’s adult leaders are fully trained. 

To register for any of these courses, click the Calendar tab above.

Youth Protection Training – Y01 (available only on-line at my.scouting.org)  True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within the Boy Scouts of America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, regional, area, council, district, and unit levels.

• Youth Protection Training is required for all BSA registered volunteers.
• Youth Protection Training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer’s Youth Protection Training record is not current at the time of re-charter, the volunteer will not be re-registered.
• Volunteers with expired YPT will not be allowed to participate in BSA activities until their Youth Protection Training has been updated.

Cub Scout Leader Training

Den Leader & Assistant Position Specific Training – C42 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org) This course provides Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos Den Leaders and Assistants with the information and tools they need to run a successful den meeting.

3/10 Oak Forest; 3/18 Villa Park; 3/24 Downers Grove; 4/7 Arlington Heights Area, 9/22 Calumet Area; 10/24 Chicago Area; 11/3 Arlington Heights Area; 11/10 La Grange Area; 12/1 Calumet Area.

Cubmaster & Assistant Position Specific Training – C40 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org) This course provides Cubmasters and Assistants with the information and tools they need to successfully lead a Cub Scout Pack.

3/10 Oak Forest; 3/24 Downers Grove; 4/7 Arlington Heights Area, 9/22 Calumet Area; 10/24 Chicago Area; 11/3 Arlington Heights Area; 11/10 La Grange Area; 12/1 Calumet Area.

Pack Committee Member Position Specific Training – C62 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org) The purpose of this course is to familiarize pack committee chairs and committee members with the various responsibilities of the individual members of the committee as well as the committee as a whole.

3/24 Downers Grove; 11/3 Arlington Heights Area; 11/10 La Grange Area.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) – C32 This overnight Cub Scout leader training is required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack camping overnighters and Webelos den overnighters. This course also replaces the previous OWLS Course.

4/28 – 4/29 Adventure Camp, Rochelle: 10/20 – 10/21 Adventure Camp, Rochelle

Boy Scout Leader Training

Scoutmaster & Assistant Position Specific Training – C42 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org)  Scoutmaster & Assistant Specific Training provides Scoutmasters and Assistants with the basic information and tools they need to lead successful Boy Scout troops. This course along with Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills is required training for all Scoutmasters and Asst Scoutmasters to be considered trained for their position.

3/24 Arlington Heights; 11/3 Arlington Heights Area; 11/17 La Grange Area.

Introduction to Outdoor Leader’s Skills (IOLS) – S11 This training introduces the adult Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or Crew Advisor to the outdoor skills learned by scouts through First Class rank. This includes interactive sessions on cooking, fire building, orienteering, knot tying and much, much more! All Scouters are invited, including Committee members and any other interested adult leaders.

4/7 – 4/8 Camp Lakota; 5/6 – 5/7 Camp Betz; 5/20 – 5/21 Adventure Camp Rochelle; 9/29 – 9/30 Camp Lakota; 10/6 – 10/7 Adventure Camp Rochelle, 10/20 – 10/21 Camp Betz.

Troop Committee Challenge – WS10 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org) This course provides committee Chairs and members with the tools they need to support a Boy Scout Troop.

11/3 Arlington Heights Area.

Merit Badge Counselor Orientation – D76 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org) This course, required of all Merit Badge Counselors, gives you the confidence and consistency needed to counsel Boy Scouts in Merit Badges.

3/15 Downers Grove.

Venturing Leader Training

Venturing Leader Specific Training – P21 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org) This course is intended to provide Venturing Crew Advisors with the basic information they need to help youth leaders manage a crew.

11/3 Arlington Heights Area

Crew Committee Challenge – WS12 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org.org) This course will discuss the roles and responsibilities of a Venturing Crew Committee and how to keep positively engaged in the functions of a successful crew.

11/3 Arlington Heights Area



Supplemental Adult Training

Wood Badge – A90  Wood Badge is advanced leadership training for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing adult leaders at the unit, district, council, and professional levels. It is taught by living the experience of a Boy Scout Troop, utilizing the patrol method, over two weekends.

9/14 – 9/16 & 10/13 – 10/15 Camp Betz

The Trainer’s Edge - H96  The purpose of the Trainer’s EDGE course is to provide and help develop the platform skills of a trainer. The course uses contemporary training techniques and emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, or "learning by doing." Only practice can polish these skills, but this course is intended to “train the trainer” on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media for delivering excellent presentations to groups

3/10 Oak Forest

Training the Chartered Organization Representative – D72 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org) This course is designed to familiarize the Chartered Organization Representative (COR) with the Scouting program. The presentation will help to orient the new COR’s and serve as a review for those with Scouting experience.

12/8 La Grange Area

Wilderness First Aid Training – N02  This class meets the requirements for Wilderness First Aid established by Boy Scouts of America.

3/10 & 3/17 Bridgeview, 4/7 & 4/8 Rolling Meadows; 4/7 & 4/14 Bridgeview; May 19 One day recertification in Bridgeview; 6/ 2 & 6/9 Bridgeview.

Religious Emblem Counselor / Facilitator

3/10 Highland Park; 4/3 La Grange Park; 4/19 Tinley Park; 4/30 Chicago.

Youth Training

Den Chief Training – C31  The Den Chief is a critical member of the Cub Scout leadership team. To be successful, he must realize the importance of his job. Den Chief Training is intended to build enthusiasm for the position, develop high morals, and teach the skills the Den Chief will need to be successful. 

3/17 Elmwood Park at Merit Badge Academy; 4/6 Schaumburg; 9/15 La Grange Area; 11/3 Arlington Heights Area.

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) - S78  National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops.

6/17 – 6/22 Camp Betz; 6/24 – 6/29 Camp Crown

Please contact District Director, Manny Carrera, if you would like recruiting materials for your Pack or Troop or if you want to lend a hand to assist on the membership committee.