Scouting News! Director of Field Service Promoted to National William Taylor, director of field service for the Greater Pittsburgh Council, BSA, has accepted a promotion to the National Office in an exciting new role. Bill assumed his new responsibilities as the Director of Criminal Justice in the Learning for Life Division on April 1, 2008. In this role, Bill will support the National Law Enforcement Exploring Conference, develop and strengthen relationships with civic and governmental agencies, as well as promote and support Council efforts to develop the Exploring and Learning for Life programs. Prior to the Greater Pittsburgh Council, Bill served as Scout executive of Westmoreland-Fayette Council in Greensburg, PA and earlier positions included assistant Scout executive, finance director and district executive in Suffolk County Council, NY; and district executive in the Moraine Trails Council, Butler, PA. We appreciate the leadership and service Bill has given to Greater Pittsburgh and wish he and Lorraine all the best as they continue their service at the National level. Camp Directors Selected The camping committee is pleased to announce the selection of the 2008 summer camp directors for Heritage Reservation: Camp Independence: Dave Weber Camp Liberty: Andy Schmidt Camp Freedom: Josh Bromley Space is still available for your troop this summer, please call (412) 325-7922 for reservations CANOE RENTALS Camp Guyasuta is ready to help your unit with canoe rentals for spring, summer and fall unit canoe trips. We have recently purchased new canoe trailers to get you and the canoes safely to your canoeing site. Canoes, Paddles, PFD’s and the trailers can be reserved by calling our Customer Service Representative at 412-325-7922. Risk Management – Footwear at Aquatic Areas Through the years similar accidents across the country such as someone’s shoelaces being caught in the oar locks of an overturned boat or being caught on stray debris or fishing line have resulted in drownings.  Statistics are hard to come by, perhaps because such occurrences are simply listed as drownings or accidents and not specified.  However, these kinds of accidents are more prevalent than they should be and they are easily preventable.  The solution is simple: Water safety instructors and anyone else connected with water safety should promote the wearing of slip-on shoes around the water. There have always been canvas boat shoes and now padded rubber “water shoes” and Crocs are available and becoming popular. Although it may seem easier and less expensive to just throw on a pair of old tennis shoes, for a small amount of money, it is well worth wearing shoes that a person can just slip off if the need arises. Recommending that a person wear slip-on “water shoes” is just as important as practicing the buddy system and using flotation devices for personal safety. The use of “water shoes” should be suggested and incorporated when teaching water safety. Shoelaces present a variety of risks and wearing inexpensive slip-on shoes can more easily avert potential tragedy.  Eagles Scouts at The Point   59TH EAGLE SCOUT RECOGNITION DINNER November 25, 2008 Commemorating The 250THANNIVERSARY OF PITTSBURGH

ATTENTION CUB SCOUT PACKS…CAMP INDEPENDENCE IS LOOKING FOR YOU! As we approach the 2008 summer camp season, the staff at Camp Independence wants to talk to YOU! We want to make sure that every Cub Scout has an chance to experience the positive effects of camping at Camp Independence. If you have not attended summer camp in the past several years we would like to have the opportunity to invite you back. Throughout the spring, staff members are visiting Cub Scout packs with fun and exciting presentations about Camp Independence. If you are interested in having a presentation you can do so by contacting: Dave Weber (412) 491-5308 weberrebew@aol.com Council to Host 2008 BSA National Endowment Art Tour Gala September 25 at the Heinz Field East Club Lounge  The council is pleased to announce that Pittsburgh has been selected as one of twelve stops on the 2008 BSA National Endowment Art Tour. Twenty pieces of original artwork from Norman Rockwell and Joseph Csatari will be on display at Heinz Field East Club Lounge on Thursday, September 25, 2008. The lead painting will be “The Scoutmaster” by Norman Rockwell. The council’s newest 1910 Society and Founders’ Circle members will be recognized at the event. All James E. West fellows will receive an invitation this spring. For information on becoming a West fellow or the art tour please contact Amy Franz at 412-325-7910 or afranz@bsamail.org Norman Rockwell’s paintings include:  A Guiding Hand, 1946 Friend in Need, 1949 The Scoutmaster, 1956 Our Heritage, 1950 Scouting is Outing, 1968 The Adventure Trail, 1952 To Keep Myself Physically Strong, 1964 Beyond the Easel, 1969 Boypower-Manpower, preliminary work, 1972 The Scoutmaster, preliminary work, undated  Joseph Csatari’s paintings include:  Thank You Scout Volunteers, 1983 After Hours, 1980 The Reunion, 1979 The Scoutmaster, undated Values That Last a Lifetime, 1986 You Can Do It, 1988 Scouting Values, 1996 Scoutmaster, preliminary undated Official Call, preliminary undated First Aid, preliminary undated Exploring Exploring is expanding in the Greater Pittsburgh Council. This career based program is providing students ages 14-20 an opportunity to learn and work “hands on” in a specific field of interest. Exploring is co-ed and is open to all non-Scouts, Boy Scouts or Venturers.  The Council is further expanding career programs in fire safety, law enforcement, engineering, law, government and many more fields. Please see our current Explorer Posts below and if you would like any information about these Posts please email or call Rhonda Brncic at rbrncic@bsamail.org or 412-325-7971. If you work in a field that you believe would benefit young people and provide them with this opportunity please also contact Rhonda Brncic. Explorer Posts   Post 105 IBEW(Electrical Workers)   Skilled trades Post 95 Allegheny General Hospital   Medical field Post 261 UPMC Braddock   Medical field Post 260 Jefferson Hospital   Medical field Post 637 Pittsburgh Technical Institute   Science and technology Post 596 University of Pgh. School of Medicine   Medicine Post 741 Pittsburgh Role Playing   Arts Post 1847 UPMC Mercy Hospital   Medical field Post 190 UPMC Shadyside Hospital   Medical field Post 191  UPMC Health Plan   Business Post 132 UPMC McKeesport Hospital   Medical field Post 192 UPMC St. Margaret Hospital   Medical field Trail’s End is the most profitable fund-raiser. Popcorn income makes a big difference. 70% profit goes to your Pack or Troop and to your Scout Council to support local programs. Popcorn income helps meet a family’s Scouting expenses. Boys pay for their camp and a whole lot more.