A special THANK YOU to the Ingles, our Scouting Family, and our community for making our 2017 Scouting for Food Drive a HUGE success!
Joshua Bouldin Selected as York District Director
We are proud to announce the selection of Joshua Bouldin to serve as the York District Director effective December 1, 2017. Joshua will serve the Scouting programs in York County to ensure quality program experiences for nearly 2,500 families. He will work closely with district committee leaders to support the membership growth, unit service, outdoor program, and sustainable finance initiatives of district operations. He will also give supervisory leadership to the Palmetto Council Distinguished Citizen Dinner and Palmetto Golf Classic events.
Joshua is an Eagle Scout from the Palmetto Council and a graduate of Winthrop University. He has served on the York District Commissioner staff and Eagle Board of Review team. Joshua served on the staff of Wood Badge courses SR-992 and SR-1019. Josh recently completed a successful tenure as our senior development director where he earned his professional commission from Scouting University. He has also served as Territory Manager with the BSA Supply Group where he supported sales budgets of over $8.5 million. Josh enjoys music, classic cars, and volunteering with his son’s Cub Scout pack.
The Ethan Giving Tree Programs Begins November 17th
The Palmetto Scout Shop is providing an opportunity for the Scouting community to help local Scout members who may be in need of uniforms and uniform items.
This help will be done through The Ethan Giving Tree program starting November 17 through December 20, 2017. The Ethan Giving Tree program works on a donation basis. An Ethan tree (similar to an Angel tree) will be set up at the Scout Shop with Ethan cards on it. Each card will have the first name of the Scout along with the uniform items that they need. There will also be a space for other items they may want such as books, crafts, camping items, etc. Customers and Scout supporters can purchase the item(s) in their local Scout Shop and give them to the store staff to collect for each child.
We will keep the name of the individual(s) confidential. Only the store staff will have access to the Scout’s name and your contact information. A code will be issued that will match a card in the safe that will have your contact information, so as the donations are collected store staff will contact you so arrangements for pickup can be made.
Please consider supporting a Scout this Holiday season!
BSA Expands to a Family Scouting Experience
October 11, 2017
Dear Scouting Family,
The Palmetto Council has a proud tradition of delivering quality program experiences that develop children into productive adults who practice lives of citizenship and service to others. Please take a moment to review the press release below from the BSA National Council regarding changes to the Scouting program coming in 2018.
Many of our local volunteers and parents have expressed their support of this move since the conversation began last May. We look forward to conducting orientation sessions for the new initiatives as the information becomes available.
Thank you for all that you do in making a difference in the lives of children!
With Warm Regard,
Greg W. Leitch
Scout Executive / CEO
Irving, Texas – October 11, 2017 – Today, the Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors unanimously approved to welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. The historic decision comes after years of receiving requests from families and girls, the organization evaluated the results of numerous research efforts, gaining input from current members and leaders, as well as parents and girls who’ve never been involved in Scouting – to understand how to offer families an important additional choice in meeting the character development needs of all their children.
“This decision is true to the BSA’s mission and core values outlined in the Scout Oath and Law. The values of Scouting – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example – are important for both young men and women,” said Michael Surbaugh, the BSA’s Chief Scout Executive. “We believe it is critical to evolve how our programs meet the needs of families interested in positive and lifelong experiences for their children. We strive to bring what our organization does best – developing character and leadership for young people – to as many families and youth as possible as we help shape the next generation of leaders.”
Families today are busier and more diverse than ever. Most are dual-earners and there are more single-parent households than ever before [1], making convenient programs that serve the whole family more appealing. Additionally, many groups currently underserved by Scouting, including the Hispanic and Asian communities, prefer to participate in activities as a family. Recent surveys [2] of parents not involved with Scouting showed high interest in getting their daughters signed up for programs like Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, with 90 percent expressing interest in a program like Cub Scouts and 87 percent expressing interest in a program like Boy Scouts. Education experts also evaluated the curriculum and content and confirmed relevancy of the program for young women.
“The BSA’s record of producing leaders with high character and integrity is amazing” said Randall Stephenson, BSA’s national board chairman. “I’ve seen nothing that develops leadership skills and discipline like this organization. It is time to make these outstanding leadership development programs available to girls.” Starting in the 2018 program year, families can choose to sign up their sons and daughters for Cub Scouts. Existing packs may choose to establish a new girl pack, establish a pack that consists of girl dens and boy dens or remain an all-boy pack. Cub Scout dens will be single-gender — all boys or all girls. Using the same curriculum as the Boy Scouts program, the organization will also deliver a program for older girls, which will be announced in 2018 and projected to be available in 2019, that will enable them to earn the Eagle Scout rank. This unique approach allows the organization to maintain the integrity of the single gender model while also meeting the needs of today’s families.
This decision expands the programs that the Boy Scouts of America offers for both boys and girls. Although known for its iconic programs for boys, the BSA has offered co-ed programs since 1971 through Exploring and the Venturing program, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2018. The STEM Scout pilot program is also available for both boys and girls.
For more information about the expanded opportunities for family Scouting, please visit the family Scouting page.
[1] PEW Research Center survey conducted Sept. 15 – Oct. 13, 2015 among 1,807 U.S. parents with children younger than 18.
[2] BSA surveys included two external Harris surveys and four internal surveys conducted from April to September 2017. Surveys were conducted online.
USC Lancaster to host Chemistry & Weather Merit Badge Opportunity
Dasher, Hayes and Malphrus honored with NESA National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
On June 24, 2017 the Palmetto Council National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Chapter honored Luther Dasher, Robert "Wes" Hayes Jr. and Daniel Malphrus Jr. with the NESA National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) is a prestigious recognition granted by the local council’s NESA chapter to Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level. Since the award's inception in 2010, the Palmetto Council NESA Chapter has awarded the recognition to six outstanding Eagles.
Luther Dasher
Luther Dasher, a native of Savannah, GA. Started his scouting career as a Cub Scout in the Coastal Empire Council in Garden City, GA, Pack #823. He moved on to Boy Scouts with Troop #23 sponsored by Chapel-In-The-Gardens Presbyterian Church in the same council. Luther was a member of the Order of the Arrow; he earned his religious emblem, Pro Deo et Patria in 1969 and earned his Eagle rank in October of 1970.
Luther went on to Newberry College and earned his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry followed by a trip to UNC Greensboro where he earned his Master's Degree in Organic Chemistry. Luther has been a Research Chemist, IT Manager, & a Regulatory Manager. He has done all of this with his wife, Diane, by his side supporting him. Along with 2 children Rachel & Gregory (who is also an Eagle Scout).
Luther has been a Den Leader, Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, & is currently the Eagle Scout Coordinator with Troop 250 in Fort Mill, and I’ll come back to that in a minute. As an adult leader he took a contingent to the Florida Sea Base back in 2001. He has earned the Scoutmaster Award of Merit and the District Award of Merit. Luther’s most memorable moment as an adult was presenting an Eagle Award posthumously. When asked what 1 thing stuck out in his mind as most memorable as a youth in scouting that the boys today would not believe was he got kicked out of a water polo game at summer camp and the game was subsequently called!
Luther’s actions show he continues to see the value in mentoring. He has personally mentored over 100 scouts from Life to Eagle. Knowing, that alone, he has had and caused a positive impact on hundreds of lives directly and indirectly over the years. When asked, the leaders of troop 250 described Luther as an indispensable mentor, friend, & role model of a man who directly influences the success of his troop and sets the bar high for the next generation of leaders. Luther, Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for your community; Congratulations Luther Dasher!
Robert "Wes" Hayes Jr.
Wes Hayes, a native of Rock Hill, SC. Started his scouting career as a cub scout at Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church. Then moved to Troop 60 at First ARP church. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow. Wes earned his religious emblem around 1967 after earning his Eagle rank in 1965. In 1969 he also attended the National Jamboree.
Wes went on to the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned his Bachelor's Degree. He enlisted in the Army and then the Army National Guard and retired as a Colonel. He also attended the University of South Carolina where he earned his Juris Doctor degree or Law degree. Wes is currently an Attorney and former member of the South Carolina Legislator. He did all of this with his wife, Sally, standing with him. Also, there was Wes, Creighton, & Margaret their 3 children (Creighton also an Eagle Scout).
Wes got back involved with scouting by getting involved on the district level and council level. He has been the District Chair of the York District and the Council President. Currently he is on the Advisory Board for the Palmetto Council. Wes’s most memorable moment as an adult in scouting was in 2002 when he went to Philmont and hiked with his son Creighton.
While working with the district and the council Wes has had a huge impact on the finances of the Palmetto Council which has enabled many improvements at Camp Bob Hardin. Wes enabled many youth to attend camp and be a part of the scouting program that would have been financially unable to without the work he has done. Wes Hayes, thank you for all you have given to this community. Congratulations Wes Hayes.
Daniel Malphrus Jr.
Dan Malphrus, a native of the upstate. Started his scouting career in the Clemson area with Pack 30 in the Blue Ridge Council; moving to Troop 161 sponsored by Clemson Methodist Church (same as Pack 30). Dan Earned the Rank of Eagle in October of 1964. Dan served our country in the Army as an Infantry Officer. While in the Army he spent time in the Republic of Vietnam serving the United States in 1971. When Dan finished his Army Career he retired as a Colonel.
Dan received a degree in Animal science from Clemson University in 1969. He has been a Realtor, a Banker, a Carpenter, and we all know him in his current role Judge/Magistrate for the last 25 years. He did not do all of this alone. He is accompanied by his wife, Cynthia, of 46 years and 3 Children, Elizabeth, Rebecca, & Jonathan.
That alone sounds like a full busy life, but not for Dan. He got back involved with Scouting and was a Den Leader, Assistant Pack Leader, Scoutmaster, Council Cope Director, on the Council Training Team, Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner, District Advancement Chair, and York Chapter Order of the Arrow Advisor (Where he is a Vigil Honor Member). He is a member of the FOX PATROL from the Wood Badge class SR-182. Dan has staffed Introduction to outdoor leadership training, SEALS Staff, NYLT Staff, Wood Badge Staff, and National Camping school staff. He currently is a troop committee member with Troop 108 in Fort Mill, SC. He has been awarded the Scoutmaster Award of Merit, the Palmetto Award, and The Silver Beaver Award. When asked what was one memorable thing you did in scouting as a youth, boys today wouldn’t believe; Dan’s answer, he chewed 22 pieces of Bubble Gum at 1 time.
Dan’s actions show he has always seen the value in mentoring & training youth and adults to become role models for other youth in our community. Dan has personally affected hundreds if not thousands of youth in our area being involved in the many roles he has had in scouting. He is the true definition of what it means to give back. Congratulations Dan Malphrus!
Todd Davis to return to Palmetto Council Staff as Daniel Morgan Senior District Executive
Todd Davis selected to serve as the
Daniel Morgan District Senior District Executive
Starting June 1, 2017, Todd Davis will return to the Palmetto Council staff as the Senior District Executive of the Daniel Morgan District. Todd has served on the Blue Ridge Council staff for the past two years at the Senior District Executive of the Southbounder District. Previously Todd served as the District Executive of the Catawba District in the Palmetto Council. Join us in welcoming Todd and his family back to our Palmetto Council Scouting Family!
Todd Davis attended the University of South Carolina Upstate, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with focuses in Non-Profit Administration and Recreational Management.
Todd has been involved in Boy Scouts for 32 years as a youth and an adult. In that time he earned the Arrow of light, Eagle Scout with three palms, Exploring Gold Award, and Religious Award. He previously served as the District Executive for the Catawba District in the Palmetto Council for the past 3 years and Senior District Executive for Southbounder District in Blue Ridge Council.
Before starting work with the Boy Scouts Todd served as the Aquatics Director for the Pine Street / Thomas E Hanna YMCA in Spartanburg for 5 Years.
Todd is a member of the Order of the Arrow as a Vigil member and has received the Founders Award. Other Boy Scout history includes Wood Badge (Bear Patrol), has attended Philmont Training Center twice (once for NJLIC and once for COPE instructor/inspector school), Camp School for Ecology and Conservation, Third Asst. Scout Master to Sea Base and 1997 National Jamboree.
Originally from Leavittsburg, Ohio, Todd moved to South Carolina in 2001 after living in Florida for a year.
Palmetto Council NESA Chapter Honoring 2017 National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) Class
2017 NESA National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) Reception
The Palmetto Council NESA Chapter requests the honor of your company as we present Luther W. Dasher, Wes Hayes and Daniel Malphurs with the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. Please join us for a reception in their honor at Grace Lutheran Church (426 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, SC 29730) at 6:00 PM on Saturday, June 24, 2017. An RSVP is required to attend the reception. Please RSVP via this website or by calling Morgan Hawkins at (864) 585-4391.
Fall Recruitment Sign-up!
This fall the Palmetto Council will our annual recruitment campaign. The council will approach the schools as normal inviting potential Scouts to join. The joining meetings will be held at each elementary school. Joining nights will vary by school district. In August we will have training at Roundtable. Please list your recruitment contact and pack information below so we can send you more details as they become available. Pack should submit this information by July 1, 2017.
2017 Pinewood Derby World Championship
The World Championship Pinewood Derby will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 in Times Square. As always, it is a free event!
Cub Scout racers that finished either 1st, 2nd or 3rd place for their age group in the District races are invited to compete for the World Championship. Exhibition racing is open to all scouts and their siblings.
