Direct Service E-mail News

DIRECT SERVICE'S EAGLE NEST

Join us in recognizing the following young men who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout since our last newsletter:

SCOUTS! BE PART OF THE NEXT SPACE MISSION! - Did you know that half of all US astronauts are Scouts, and 40 astronauts are Eagle Scouts? Now, Scouts can experience a bit of what it feels like by visiting www.charlesinspace.com.

This April, software pioneer Dr. Charles Simonyi will travel to the International Space Station as the next civilian in space. On his Web site he is sharing the experience with kids. You can see pictures of Charles in training, ask questions, and learn about the science of real space travel.

Best of all, by clicking on the Boy Scouts tab and taking an interactive quiz, you could earn the official Simonyi Mission Space Patch. Once they pass the quiz and print the coupon, Direct Service Scouts may redeem it by sending it to the Direct Service administrator. Find out if you've got the right stuff. Visit www.charlesinspace.com today, and be part of the next mission to space!

LONE SCOUTS RETURN HOME AFTER SAILING AROUND THE WORLD

For 26 months, Lone Scouts Paul and Matthew Howell had an adventure that others could only dream about. Living with their family on their sailboat, Emma, they circumnavigated the globe.

The Howell family's adventure began on April 18, 2004. They set sail from Hampton, Virginia, and headed south, through the Panama Canal, and on to the vast Pacific Ocean where they made stops at such places as the Galapagos Islands, French Polynesia, and American and Western Samoa to name a few. They arrived in Australia near the end of the year.

The Howells continued sailing around Australia for a good part of 2005, visiting many of that country's cities and offshore islands. The end of the year found them heading to Mauritius and then on to South Africa. In 2006, after a stay in several ports in South Africa, the family headed west across the Atlantic, visiting many islands as they approached South America. After that, they headed north on the last leg of their trip.

Their adventure ended on June 25, 2006, when the good ship Emma made port in Hampton, Virginia. During the time they were gone, the family visited over 26 countries, met many wonderful people, and saw many amazing sights. It was truly an adventure of a lifetime.

21ST AUSTRALIAN SCOUT JAMBOREE - The Centenary Celebration Begins by Harry Long, Direct Service Scouter Reserve

Approximately 12,500 Scouts and Scouters from over 25 countries gathered at Elmore, Victoria, to celebrate the 100th year of Scouting at the 21st Australian Scout Jamboree held January 2 - 12. The jamboree event marked the first official function commemorating the centennial of world Scouting.

Offsite events took Scouts and Scouters to the cities of Bendigo and Echuca to participate in activities ranging from underground gold mine tours (with associated gold panning!) to voyages on the mighty Murray River in paddle steamers reminiscent of Australia's 19th century colonial history. As well, Scouts were able to participate in activities ranging from the very wet to the downright dirty! No doubt, washing machines were overworked when the Scouts returned home.

A small but highly visible American contingent attended the event led by a family of four who now reside in South Korea. As well, American Scouts and Scouters from as far apart as North Carolina, Texas, and California celebrated with their Australian Scouting cousins an event that was viewed an overwhelming success by all participants.

DIRECT SERVICE LEADERS RECEIVE AWARDS

Congratulations to Paul McVey, who recently received the District Award of Merit. Paul is committee chairman of Troop 60 chartered by the American Embassy School in New Delhi, India. The District Award of Merit is presented to adult Scouters for noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth within a district territory.

The National Eagle Scout Association has awarded its Scoutmaster Award of Merit to Jim Sweeney. Jim currently serves as Scoutmaster for Troop 4000, chartered by the Nouakchott Evangelical Church located in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

Direct Service extends congratulations and grateful thanks to both Jim and Paul for their dedicated support of Direct Service Scouts.

NEW UNITS FOR DIRECT SERVICE!

Join us in welcoming the following troops and packs to the Direct Service family:

HAVE YOU MET LISA?

Lisa Marquis has been part of the International Division's support staff for over two years and now will include assisting Direct Service units as part of her duties. Before coming to the International Division, Lisa worked in the BSA's Eagle Scout Service processing Eagle applications, including those from Direct Service Scouts. Her added duties will include processing supply orders, registration, and Eagle Scout applications. When you hear from Lisa, feel assured that she is there to help you.

EAGLE APPLICATIONS and SUPPLY ORDERS

As you all know, the 2007 World Scout Jamboree will be held this summer. Terry Meyers, Direct Service administrator, will be attending the jamboree and preparing for the event will keep her out of the office for more than two weeks in July and August. During this time, Lisa Marquis will make every effort to answer all your e-mails and process Eagle rank applications and supply orders.

When sending in Eagle applications, be sure to include a note giving a name and e-mail address of the person who can answer any questions should they arise. Also, it is important to include the address where the certificate and presentation kit should be mailed. Supply orders should include the sender's e-mail address, unit number, full name, ship-to address, and payment method.

TAKE THE TROOP COMMITTEE CHALLENGE!

What's fun, interactive, challenging, and can be completed in less than an hour? Why the Boy Scouts of America's new online Troop Committee Challenge, that's what! The course takes about an hour to complete and is available online from the Resources section of the Direct Service Web site, www.directservicebsa.org. It can be taken individually or in a small group. Upon completion of the Troop Committee Challenge, a Scouter can print out a certificate of completion and the training will be recorded on the Scouter's training record.

DON'T HOLD ON TO THAT APPLICATION!

UNITS DUE TO RENEW

It's time for the following units to renew their charters. Renewal kits have already been mailed out. If your unit is due to renew and you have not received the renewal kit, please contact Terry Meyers.

WORTH QUOTING

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