It’s hard to believe that 50 years ago I was talking with my parents about plans to go to the Golden Jamboree in Colorado Springs celebrating 50 years of Scouting in the US (it is the 50 year part that is hard to believe). The celebrations, awards, designs and festive activities are well beyond the planning stage. Much has been accomplished but the bulk of the fun and adventure is yet to come.

The Nationwide 100th Anniversary Audiocast Kick-Off Rally is scheduled for Thursday December 10. To be part of this national kick-off, click on the link below to register or submit questions to the presenters. There are several give-aways to participants (signed special edition painting, limited edition commemorative coins, etc.) Start time for the audiocast is 8PM Eastern.

On January 1, 2010 there will be a Boy Scout 100th anniversary float in the Rose Parade in Pasadena CA. The Orange County Council along with other councils in the Los Angeles area will be decorating and sponsoring the float in the parade. Try to get the opportunity to see the float in the parade.

There was an anniversary logo contest and over the last 18 months more than 4000 Scouts in every state in the union sent in designs to be considered for the logo. They also had to submit an essay addressing the theme “Celebrating the Adventure, Continuing the Journey.” Philip Goolkasian, an Eagle Scout with Troop 223 in Fresno, CA, had the design that was ultimately selected as the official logo. Philip worked with a well known graphic designer to develop his final design. For a look at the final designs in all categories as well as the winning design, click on the link at the bottom.

All Scouts and Scouters (past and present) have the opportunity to earn 100th anniversary patches. The theme of the anniversary patch is “A Year of Celebration- A Century of Making a Difference.” There are five different patches that can be earned. Each is based on one of the different core values of Scouting- Leadership, Achievement, Community Service, Character and Outdoors. A patch can be earned in each of the five areas. Patches will be similar for each area but the background color will be different- Leadership is black, Achievement is blue, etc. There are different requirements for Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Adult Leaders and Alumni. This format allows alumni who have been away from Scouting for a while to also participate in the celebration. For each patch there are five requirements. In order to earn the patch, a person needs to complete at least three of the five requirements. To learn more about the requirements see the link below.

This will be an exciting year to be a part of Scouting in the US. Take this opportunity to become part of a once in a lifetime Scouting activity. It also is a good opportunity to get other people involved in Scouting.