National Leadership Team Update

Today we gathered to unveil the artwork for the 2010 Celebrate Scouting stamp issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS). The design, created by Craig Frazier of Mill Valley, Calif., depicts the spirit and outdoor adventure of Scouting through a backpacking Scout and a large silhouette of a Scout surveying the landscape. The stamp, which will become available next summer, was championed by U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions and supported by a bi-partisan group of more than 300 Congressional members.

In conjunction with the announcement, we launched a new nationwide campaign. We're encouraging Scouts to send letters and care packages to veterans and military men and women serving overseas - to remind them of our support and gratitude for their service.

To make it easy, we've created an online toolkit for individuals and units. Please use these guides to ensure this is a fun, safe, and thoughtful activity for our youth:

• Celebrate Scouting letterhead
• Guidelines for letters to troops
• Guidelines for letters to veterans
• Care package tips
  

By the time the stamp is issued next summer, let's make sure everyone knows about it! We've put a modern twist on the tradition of the stamp. As an awareness tool, you can add a Celebrate Scouting stamp to your e-mails. Learn more about all that we're doing on the 100th Anniversary Web site.

Thank you to the Scouts and Scouters of the Baltimore Area Council and National Capital Area Council that helped us launch this important initiative. We know that our service men and women will love reading your letters.

The celebration has begun!

Bob Mersereau
National Director
100th Anniversary Celebration Project