About Suwannee River Area Council

The Suwannee River Area Council’s goal is to provide a quality, dynamic program of learning and adventure that builds well-rounded young people. The Suwannee River Area Council, Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on January 22 1924. Since then it has been our honor to instill in the youth we serve the character, values and traditions that make Boy Scouts of America stand apart in the crowd.

Current SRAC Coronavirus Update

As of March, 17, 2020

 

Below, you’ll find the latest information that has been communicated to our members on the SRAC’s response to the current situation with the Coronavirus based on the latest information/guidance provided by the health authorities and the BSA.

This communication updates and replaces the communication of Friday, March 13 regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic threat and its impact to Scouting operations in the Suwannee River Area Council.  As shared earlier, this potential health threat is rapidly fluid and evolving.

The health, safety and welfare of all Scouting participants is a top priority for the Suwannee River Area Council.  Given recent developments and in particular the directive by the Florida Department of Education that all public schools in the state of Florida remain closed until March 27, 2020,  Scouting operations in the Suwannee River Area Council are now suspended until at least April 5, 2020. 

Information regarding Council Camp closures, Council Events/Activities as well as suggested operational changes for weekly unit meetings and activities is provided below.   Scouting leaders and stakeholders are encouraged to educate yourselves through websites such as the Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov and the State of Florida Department of Health www.floridahealth.gov to learn more and stay informed.   Also visit www.suwanneeriver.net for further updates on closings and operational changes.  Scouting operations continue to be subject to further change in light of school system directives, local, state and federal government announcements and laws.

The following operational changes are in effect immediately and remain so until at least April 5 or otherwise announced. 

Wallwood will be closed effective immediately and will remain closed until at least April 5, 2020.

Council Activities are now suspended and will remain so until at least April 5, 2020.  This includes THE THIRD SATURDAY SHOOT, THE GOLDEN EAGLE DINNER, and VENTURING SUPER WEEKEND.

  • Rescheduled dates and information will be provided by respective event and activity leaders.

 Regular weekly Unit Meetings

  • The Suwannee River Area Council, BSA recommends that weekly unit meetings and activities be suspended and postponed until at least April 5, 2020.
  • The decision to suspend weekly unit meetings is the responsibility of the unit committee and unit leadership in consultation with the unit’s chartered organization.

 Scout Service Center and Scout Shop

  • Will continue normal operations at this time.
  • While visitors are welcome, email and telephone access to service center staff is now preferred and encouraged at this time.  Please visit suwanneeriver.net for more information.
  • Sanitizing and extra cleaning of restrooms and office spaces is currently underway.

What can all Scouting members do to protect themselves and others

  • Scouting members should take the same precautions they would for any common cold or flu.
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. *(Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content can work in a pinch, but they’re generally not as effective as soap and water). 
  • Hands should be washed before eating, after using the bathroom, and when you come inside from outdoor activities that caused hands to get dirty.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, eyes or noses.
  • Cough and/or sneeze into your elbows and not your hands.
  • Distance yourself from anyone coughing or sneezing.
  • Encourage Healthy Habits, like eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
  • If you are sick, stay away from school, work, Scouts and others.
  • If you have any symptoms of the virus, seek medical attention immediately and follow the advice of your medical professional.

Let’s all set the example to be safe during this time.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  Thank you.

Now accepting applications for the 2021 National Jamboree

Click on the image above for full details!

2020 Camp Card Sale

The Suwannee River Area Council is pleased to announce the return of our Council-wide Camp Card Sale for 2020.  The sale will run from February 13 (cards will be distributed at Roundtable) until May 1, 2019.

This is a great chance for your scout(s) to earn their own way in Scouting by participating in the annual Camp Card Sale. Camp Cards are coupon cards full of discounts for businesses in your local area that your Scout can sell for $5 and keep 50% of the commission.

The purpose of selling Camp Cards is to allow Scouts to earn money towards their Scouting program.  This could be for unit campouts, a new uniform, annual registration or unit fees, activities, summer camp, or more. To learn more about how to participate and to see what’s going to be on the cards, join us for an AWESOME Camp Card Kick-Off!  Everyone is invited!  Leaders, parents, and scouts.  Even if your unit hasn’t decided yet or is not interested in managing the sale for your families, you can still participate!  

This program is completely RISK FREE; simply return any unsold cards at settlement on or before May 1, 2020

For full details, see the Camp Card Webpage and the Camp Card Sale Leader’s Guidebook.

Boy Scouts of America Bankruptcy: Local Update

As of February 18, 2020

 

TO:                    Local Stakeholders (Council Volunteers, Council Parents, Friends of Scouting)

FROM:              Terry Whitaker, Scout Executive

SUBJECT:        An Important Update from the Suwannee River Area Council

As a valued member of the Scouting family, our goal is to help you understand recent media coverage about National Boy Scouts of America. 

Please know that Scouting is strong in area, with more than 1,700 youth and over 800 volunteer leaders. All local Scouting programs are continuing as usual.  We remain as committed as ever to delivering a safe and impactful Scouting program in north Florida and south Georgia.

Today, the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.

I want to highlight important points that are most relevant to the Suwannee River Area Council:

  • The Suwannee River Area Council has not filed for bankruptcy. Our Council is legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization.
  • Scouting programs will continue. This means that unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects will take place as usual. In short, we expect no changes to the local Scouting experience in our area.
  • Scouting is safer now than ever before. Over many years, we’ve developed some of the strongest expert-informed youth protection policies found in any youth-serving organization. I can also assure you that our volunteers and employees take youth protection extremely seriously and do their part to help keep kids safe.
  • Restricted donations – past, present or future – can only be used for their designated purpose. In addition, Friends of Scouting (FOS) and other annual donations made to our Council will continue to fund necessary day-to-day expenses that are critical to local Scouting programs.

While we do not anticipate the national organization’s bankruptcy filing will have any direct impact on the local Scouting experience or your involvement with our Council, I understand you may still have questions about these issues and things you will see in the news. To that end, the national organization has established a dedicated restructuring website, www.BSArestructuring.org. 

This site includes a helpful Resources page, where you will find a short video  explaining what Chapter 11 means for Scouting, as well as a FAQ.

The site’s Milestones page will be your best source for the latest updates throughout this process. 

If you have any questions about local Scouting, you can always feel free to reach out directly to me or your usual contact within our Council. 

Through your engagement and dedication to Scouting, the Suwannee River Area Council will continue to bring adventures, values and lifelong benefits to youth and our communities for generations to come. Thank you for your trust and support as we continue this important mission.

Yours in Scouting,

Terry Whitaker

Scout Executive

Join Scouting!

We are excited that you are interested in joining the Boy Scouts of America! Scouting is open to all members of your family.  Both girls and boys can take advantage of all of the adventure and excitement available in the scouting programs!

The BSA’s mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.  By welcoming both girls and boys into the program, even more youth will have access to the character development and values-based leadership that Scouting promises. 

Joining is Easy!

Whether you’re a parent of an elementary, intermediate or high school aged child, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved with the Boy Scouts of America.  Choose the program that is right for your family and explore the links on our Join Scouting page to see the latest resources and updates.  Then click on map to the left to find a unit near you or call us at (850) 576-4146 and we’ll help you find the unit that is right for you!

Scouts BSA is Here!

Offering all of the Iconic Programs of the BSA to both Boys and Girls

Scouts BSA is a year-round program for youth in fifth grade through high school that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves.

In Scouts BSA, young men and women go places, test themselves, and have one-of-a-kind adventures that can’t be found anywhere else.

For the first time in its 100+ year history, the iconic program of the Boy Scouts of America is open to young women as well as young men, all of whom will have the chance to earn Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.

Learn More

So... what's going on around our #SRACBSA?

So, you came here looking for information on what’s going on around our council? Wow! That’s great, there are a number of ways to keep up with what’s up around SRAC. Obviously, this website is one of them. There also several other channels available to you keep up with Scouting stuff.  We’ll list them below with links for accessing each one.

  • For detailed information on what’s coming up on the schedule of events, see our “Events” page
  • You can join our electronic mailing list, so that you can receive our newsletter.  You can subscribe by clicking here or you can simply text “SRACBSA” to 22828 and follow the text prompts.
  • You can like our Facebook page
  • You can join our Facebook group , where members can also post announcements
  • Attend a monthly roundtable meeting. 
  • Ask your Den Leader, Cubmaster, Crew Advisor or Scoutmaster

Some of the benefits of participating are: low financial risk to your unit (payment is not due until the unit has had an opportunity to sell their product), organizational support from the Council and Trails End, and a financial benefit to your Council Our mission is to give each and every participating unit the opportunity to reach their financial goals, no matter how large or small.

2017 Annual Report Inforgraphic

Newly released, the Suwannee River Area Council Annual Report in the form of an InfoGraphic. Please click on the thumbnail above to download a full copy of the Infographic image, suitable for posting on websites, social media and sharing with your scouting families and potential families. We’re proud to be able to offer this new resource for the use of our local scouting family to be able to tell the story of scouting locally in a concise manner.

The Suwannee River Area Council, Boy Scouts of America was incorporated on January 22 1924. Since then it has been our honor to instill in the youth we serve the character, values and traditions that make Boy Scouts of America stand apart in the crowd. Thirteen counties throughout south Georgia and north Florida are served by Suwanee River Area Council. If you are not involved in Scouting today please let us know how we can serve you!