Boy Scouts of America’s Northeast Georgia Council Awards Recent High School Graduates

JEFFERSON, July 13—The Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America recently awarded four high school seniors with the Young American Awards.

The award honors young adults who have achieved excellence in their academic and extracurricular endeavors and have made a positive impact on their community.  At their June executive meeting at Camp Rainey Mountain in Clayton, Ga., the Northeast Georgia Council presented Vanessa Gallegos, Davis Lacey, Harrison Saylor and Kathleen Wilson with the recognition, which includes cash scholarships for the winners’ college educations.

Vanessa Gallegos is a recent graduate of Central Gwinnett High School, who finished fifth in her class of 414.  She is a member of Explorer Post 540, sponsored by the Gwinnett Medical Center.  She has been active in many different leadership roles in clubs and community service activities.  Gallegos plans to one day attend medical school, and aspires to be the first in her family to graduate from college.

Davis Lacey is a recent graduate from Gilmer High School, where he was named valedictorian.  As an Eagle Scout, he is very involved in the Boy Scouts of America, having served as a camp counselor at Camp Rainey Mountain, as well as Lodge Chief and Vigil Honor member of Mowogo Lodge.  Lacey will attend Mercer University in the fall, studying environmental engineering.

Harrison Saylor graduated 12^th in his class of 328 students from Flowery Branch High School with a GPA of 4.3.  He is currently serving as vice president of administration for Venturing Crew 203, which is chartered to Redwine United Methodist Church. Saylor is an accomplished fencer who has competed in the National Junior Olympic Championship and served as captain of his high school’s first fencing team.

Kathleen Wilson is a recent graduate of North Gwinnett High School, where she was a member of the varsity swim and dive team for all four years, as well as treasurer of the robotics team.  Wilson is currently a member of Venturing Crew 573, chartered to First United Methodist Church of Buford.

“It is truly an honor to be able to recognize the outstanding work that our young people have been able to accomplish this year,” said Trip Selman, Scout executive.  “As on organization, we are only as strong as our individual members, and these Young American Award winners show that the Boy Scouts of America is stronger than ever.”

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About the Boy Scouts of America
Serving more than 4.6 million youth between the ages of 7 and 20, with more than 300 councils throughout the United States and its territories, the BSA is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting movement is comprised of 1.2 million volunteers, whose dedication of time and resources has enabled the BSA to remain the nation’s leading youth-service organization. For more information on the BSA, please visit www.Scouting.org.

Northeast Georgia Boy Scout’s to host 27th Annual Northeast Georgia Golf Tournament

Boy Scouts of America’s Northeast Georgia Council to Host Golf Tournament

Scouts and Friends from Across the Region to Compete in Charity Golf Tournament

JEFFERSON, April 13—On Friday, April 23, local supporters will compete in the 27th Annual Northeast Georgia Council Golf Tournament at Chateau Elan Golf Resort to help raise money for over 24,000 Scouts in this area.

“This event helps the Northeast Georgia Council deliver Scouting programs to our communities. With 2010 being our Centennial Celebration year, we are hoping to expand our outreach efforts through events like this,” said Trip Selman, Scout Executive.

The four person Lauderdale-style golf tournament will feature prizes for the top three teams, as well as prizes for “Closest to the Pin” and “Longest Drive.”

Entry for the tournament is $200 for an individual or $600 for a four-person team. The registration cost will cover brunch and beverages; a golf bag for each player; a set of range balls; and entry into the 19th Hole Party and Silent Auction.

Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the tournament beginning at noon.

More information on the Scouting Centennial can be found at www.Scouting.org/100years. More information on the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts, as well as updates to the 27th Annual Golf Tournament can be found at http://www.nega-bsa.org/.

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About the Boy Scouts of America
Serving more than 4.6 million youth between the ages of 7 and 20, with more than 300 councils throughout the United States and its territories, the BSA is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting movement is comprised of 1.2 million volunteers, whose dedication of time and resources has enabled the BSA to remain the nation’s leading youth-service organization. For more information on the BSA, please visit www.Scouting.org.

Scouts continue celebrating 100th Anniversary with a rainy tree dedication in Lawrenceville

On Sunday, March 21, dozens of Scouts from the Northeast Georgia Council continued their celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Scouting with a rainy tree dedication at Fairview Presbyterian Church.

Boy Scouts of America to celebrate century of service

Susan Larson
Gwinnett Daily Post
February 12, 2010

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/community/headlines/84244602.html

“On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout law.”

In the 100 years that Boy Scouts of America has served our country, more than 104 million boys have taken that oath. Today, Gwinnett County benefits from the works of more than 10,000 scouts along with thousands of scout leaders.

Participants cross generational lines from 6-year-old Tiger Cub Scouts like Wesley Hilyard, whose dad Mike Hilyard leads Den 13 in Pack 564, to senior citizens who stayed involved even after their own sons were grown.

One longtime leader is Tom Holliman, District Chairman of the Sweetwater District of the Northeast Georgia Council.

“I believe in the program. Scouting is one of the last faith-based organizations in the country and what it can do for our youth is amazing,” the Grayson resident said.

Council Commissioner Carter Wood said, “We want to raise a whole generation who make decisions the rest of their lives founded on the Scout Law. Scouting is a game with purpose: character development, citizenship and leadership. It pays off. One fourth of all boys will come to scouting at least for a little while, but of people who rise to the top, three-fourths have been scouts.”

Former Scouts who’ve risen to the top in Gwinnett include Superior Judge Warren Davis, County Commissioner Charles Bannister, State Representative Clay Cox and Gwinnett Daily Post Publisher J.K. Murphy. Judges Robert Mitchum and William Brogden both claim the title of Eagle Scout.

Speaking of Eagles, Hilyard said, “The Sweetwater District has turned out more Eagle Scouts than any place in the world.”

And on that note I would like to congratulate Colin Richard Scanian of St. Monica’s Catholic Church, Zan McKay Draney of Johns Creek Latter Day Saints and Andrew Franklin Weaver of Norcross Presbyterian Church who just last month became the newest Eagles in the county.

Throughout the year all of Gwinnett’s Boy Scouts will be celebrating their big 100. One big project is the Generations Connection, through which Scouts connect with older relatives who have been scouts and record their scouting history together. Snellville mayor Jerry Oberholtzer is putting a little different twist on the project. Oberholtzer, a former scout whose sons are both Eagles, will be overseeing the planting of a Centennial Forest on Saturday morning.

“We’re reintroducing elm trees that were blighted in the ’30s,” volunteer Phil Davis said. “These are trees their grandparents lost, but these Scouts can be proud to return with their grandchildren someday and say that they planted these trees to continue on for generations.”

For those who believe in the scouting program but don’t have time to get involved, Friends of Scouting offers opportunities to help the boys do their best. Knights of Columbus and Lilburn Business Association are already on board, but there’s room for the whole community! For more information call Denise Dreyer at 770-962-2105 or e-mail ddreyer@bsamail.org

Scout Executive interviews with Tim Bryant

Here is the audio clip from where Scout Executive Trip Selman interviewed with WGAU-AM’s host Tim Bryant on February 4th:

http://search.1340wgau.cxri.net/m/audio/28869845/newsmakers-with-tim-bryant-feb-4-2010-9-40am-10-00am.htm

Boy Scouts of America’s Northeast Georgia Council Kicks off Centennial

JEFFERSON, February 3 — As Scouts around the country prepare to celebrate the centennial of one of America’s most beloved service and training organizations, The Northeast Georgia Council – representing 26 counties in the state – will kick off its celebrations with a “good turn” of its own.

The local council will plant a large willow oak tree at its Jefferson Service Center. The tree planting is a symbolic start of an effort that has been in the planning stages for several months, according to Council Centennial Committee Chairman Tom Ferrin.

“Over the course of our Centennial Year, we expect to plant trees, build and clear trails, partner with schools, honor long-time Scouts, seek out past Scouts, and do many other good deeds for our communities,” said Ferrin, a Gwinnett County resident. “While Scouts have made countless contributions to our Northeast Georgia communities through the years, we plan to take our efforts to a higher level as we celebrate our council’s 75th anniversary and the 100th birthday of Scouting.”

The tree planting ceremony will include brief remarks at the service center Monday at 5 p.m. Media, Scouts, and the general public are all welcome to attend. An oak tree was donated for the planting by Pinebush Nursery of Hull, Ga. Pinebush has donated additional large trees that will be planted in seven of the Council’s districts.

“We are very appreciative of the contribution from Pinebush and feel that planting a tree is an appropriate way to launch our centennial celebration efforts” said Scout Executive Trip Selman. “A tree’s growth and maturity are symbolic of how a boy develops in the Scouting program.”

Selman is quick to point out that the Centennial year has prompted Scout leaders nationally and locally to look inward as well as outward.

“The Boy Scouts of America is using its historic anniversary not just as an opportunity to reflect on its impressive past, but to reinvigorate the organization for the next 100 years,” said Selman.

As part of its multifaceted celebration, the BSA rolled out a new, year-long awards program to recognize the good turns and positive contributions made by Scouts, past and present.

The program, called A Year of Celebration, A Century of Making a Difference, recognizes personal development in five core Scouting values: leadership, achievement, character, community service, and outdoor stewardship. More information on the Scouting Centennial can be found at www.Scouting.org/100years. More information on the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts can be found here: http://www.nega-bsa.org/.

The Jefferson Service Center is located just off of Hwy 129 less than one mile north of I-85.

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About the Boy Scouts of America
Serving more than 4.6 million youth between the ages of 7 and 20, with more than 300 councils throughout the United States and its territories, the BSA is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting movement is comprised of 1.2 million volunteers, whose dedication of time and resources has enabled the BSA to remain the nation’s leading youth-service organization. For more information on the BSA, please visit www.Scouting.org.

A Law for the 12 Days of Christmas – Reverent

A Scout Is: Reverent.

What is it to be reverent?  It is to show a deep and solemn respect for something.  There are many things that we should revere and respect deeply today.  The birth of Jesus, and the respect to be shown to this day is great.  We also need to show a deep respect for those who love us unconditionally – our families.  Reverence on this of all days should be at its height.  So even though there might be presents that came down the chimney, remember to respect Him, without whom this day would mean nothing, and to respect family and friends and all your many blessings.

Merry Christmas!

NEGA

A Law for the 12 Days of Christmas – Clean

A Scout Is: Clean.

This Christmas, it should be your duty every morning to make yourself presentable.  Clean fingernails, clean hands, a clean face and haircut – all of these are the signs of good grooming.  When going to service, or just going to family Christmas dinner, try to be the best-dressed one in the group.  This way, you never feel underdressed, and people never question your cleanliness.  Have also a clean mind, mouth, body, and spirit.  Going to church is an excellent way to cleanse your mind and spirit, but the body is up to you.  Make sure you are clean this holiday, and people will notice.

Thanks and Merry Christmas Eve,

NEGA

A Law for the 12 Days of Christmas – Brave

A Scout Is: Brave.

What is there to be brave about during Christmas? Besides the weather, being brave is not something that is only shown through act.  It is the courage to tell the truth and the readiness to step in when needed.  There may not arise many situations about which to be brave this season, but there might, and the true sign of bravery is being prepared for it when it happens.

Thanks,

NEGA

A Law for the 12 Days of Christmas – Thrifty

A Scout Is: Thrifty.

Being economical this time of year can seem like a daunting task.  But, if you or your Scout is out shopping for the holidays, getting a thoughtful, yet inexpensive gift can be the perfect Christmas present.  Gifts do not have to be the most extravagant, latest or greatest gadget on the market.  A gift or gesture that shows you care without going out of your way or breaking the bank is one of the most sincere gifts you can give.  It shows that you care and that you are not trying to cover up with a flashy gift.  Being thrifty should not just apply to this special time of year.  Carry on this thought for the rest of your life, and you will get ahead.

Thanks,

NEGA