Rosenthal Leaves Legacy

Legendary council Scoutmaster, Louis Rosenthal, passed away Wednesday, November 21.  Mr. Rosenthal was instrumental in the formation and operation of Troop 222, First Baptist Church, New Albany.  During his tenure as Scoutmaster, Troop 222 became one of the premier units in the council and was named in the top ten in the nation in the awarding of the God and Country Award.  Lewis was awarded the distinguished Silver Beaver Award and the Good Shepherd Emblem for outstanding service to youth through the Boy Scouts of America. 

Lewis was a member of First Baptist Church, New Albany, where he served as deacon, Sunday School secretary, Sunday School teacher, Church Training teacher, chairman of the Benevolence Committee, the Boy Scout Committee and member of the Camp Armstrong Committee. He was instrumental in organizing Clarke Street Mission and serving as a teacher there. Lewis was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club and served as a volunteer at the Baptist Memorial Hospital Union County.

Lewis loved fishing and spent much time teaching the sport to others, especially children. He was one of the organizers of the Connie Davis Fishing Rodeo held each year since 1983 at Camp Armstrong. Lewis served many years as clock keeper at West Union and New Albany basketball games. He was also a district football referee.

The Yocona Area Council extends our deepest sympathy to the family.

May the great Master of all Scouts be with us 'til we meet again, and may we follow the path that leads to him.

Council Wood Badgers Receive Beads

Yocona Area Council's S748-12 Wood Badge course began beading ceremonies this past Saturday at the Order of the Arrow, Chicksa 202 Lodge's Fall Fellowship.  Course Director and Scoutmaster Mark Lovil was in attendance to present the beads to the initial round of course participants.  Those receiving beads included Chris Jenkins, Rob Freeman and Tom Wiseman.  Each participant attended the six day course held earlier this year and completed five service projects in order to become a Wood Badger.

Course Director Mark Lovil said, "The journey to the award was completed this last weekend at Camp Yocona for three Wood Badgers.  We look forward to the other thirty-three following suit!"

Wood Badge is a Scouting leadership program and the related award for adult leaders in the programs of Scout Associations throughout the world. Wood Badge courses aim to make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond to the Scout movement. It is the ultimate in leader training.  Courses generally have a combined classroom and practical outdoors-based phase followed by a Wood Badge ticket, also known as the project phase. By "working the ticket", participants put their newly gained experience into practice to attain ticket goals aiding the Scouting movement.

Popcorn Sale In Home Stretch

The council's annual popcorn sale is entering the home stretch and all indications point towards another successful year of sales.  Popcorn is an effective way for units to raise money to fund Scouting throughout the year.  We offer many varieties of great tasting popcorn including Supreme Caramel, Movie Time Butter, Summer Roasted and our newest addition, Nacho Cheese.  See your local Scout unit to order or call the Service Center at 662-842-2871. 

New Albany Boy Scouts Host Merit Badge Day

Troop 222 hosted a merit badge day at the Union County Heritage Museum and the event was featured on WTVA News!  Check it out, click on the link below.

New Albany Boy Scouts earn merit badges

Tenderfoot Classic

L-R:  Committee Chairman Bill Spencer, Vince Hodges, Micheal Hodges, Scout Executive Rick Chapman

The Yocona Area Council, in conjunction with the Magnolia Business Centre, held its annual Tenderfoot Classic golf tournament on Monday, October 11 at the Tupelo Country Club.  Eighty-eight players came to support the council and test their golf skills against the challenging layout.  The overall winners were Michael and Vince Hodges of Tupelo, scoring a 59 in the 18 hole scramble format.  John Woffard won the closet to the hole contest and was awarded one shot for a million dollars on the difficult 18th hole.

Apilachi Hosts Training Day

Apilachi District hosted their annual "Train All Day" on Saturday, October 6 at Itawamba Community College in Tupelo.  Leader specific training for Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Crew Advisors and Commissioners was offered in the half-day session.  Leader training is a vital part of the success of BSA volunteers and gives them the tools needed to optimize growth and retention within their units.  Over 25 were in attendance for the event.  Yocona Area Council offers volunteer training in every district throughout the year. Please contact the Service Center at 662-842-2871 for a schedule of upcoming events.

Shooting Sports Days a BIG SUCCESS!

District Cub Scout Shooting Sports Days are complete and were a huge success with 350 Cub Scouts in attendance.  Shooting Sports Day is a great way for Cubs to learn how to safely enjoy bb guns, bows and arrows and slingshots.  The events were held at Camp Toby Tubby, Old Jacinto Courthouse, Elvis Presley Lake and Ingomar Mounds.  Mike Johnson, Council Shooting Sports Director, and his staff of Range Safety Officers ensured all in attendance learned how to ready, aim and FIRE!  Cubs who attended the events are eligible to earn their BB Shooting and Archery belt loops after explaining the safety guidelines for each sport.

Welcome!

Welcome to Trail Signs, Yocona Area Council's online newsletter and blog.  As times have changed, so have the mediums we use to broadcast news and information.  We hope you will find this easy to access and very informational.  Please follow us and check in often for new updates and information.  If you have any news you would like to include please send to david.rogers@scouting.org.