VFW Post 3783 - Programs


Main - Programs - Youth Programs

YOUTH/SONS OF THE VFW/SCOUTING
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EARL R. GERTZ, CHAIRMAN
2810 Vincent Drive
Pinole, CA 94564
(510) 758-3921

     “LEADERSHIP THROUGH GUIDANCE, INVOLVEMENT, EXAMPLE AND RECOGNITION”

     Today’s youth are looking for the leadership and guidance they need to grow into responsible citizens. Prepared or not, they will inherit the responsibilities of living, working and managing the affairs of family, community, state, nation and the world. The future of our great nation and its democratic institutions depend on how prepared they are. We in the VFW have a great responsibility. We must pass on to our youth the heritage of our great nation. If we do not, who will?

     Comrades, let’s get involved, the future of our youth depends on it. Participation and visibility is the key to success. Become involved in our communities and schools. Sponsor a team, scout unit; Sons of the VFW or other youth orientated programs. Become involved as a unit leader, coach, instructor, merit badge councilor, mentor or just give as a helping hand. Set the example and get to know our young people. The rewards and satisfaction are high. Excellent performance and achievement should be recognized. However, the greatest recognition can come from you as a cheery smile, as a hello, how are you, you are doing as a good job and I am proud of you.

REPORTING

     Report all youth activities on the Program Reporting Form (CAVFW FORM-12) under Youth Activities.

AWARDS

     A first, second and third place plaque will be awarded to the Post that reports the most outstanding youth activity program. To be considered for an award your report must be detailed as to what, when, where and how many members participated. Report as often as you can. The State Chairman MUST receive reports for awards no later than March 1, 2002. District Chairmen will receive a certificate when the District is 100% reported for youth activity.

SONS OF THE VFW

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

     To be eligible for the Sons of the VFW, a boy must be between the ages of 8 and 16 with as a parent or grandparent merely being eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

PURPOSE

     The purpose of forming a Sons of the VFW Unit within your Post is to provide an ideal base for implementing all your Youth Activities Programs. The Unit will enhance your Post's Community Service Programs by their participation in all your events. The Unit will serve as a vehicle for launching major national youth programs such as Junior Rifle, Junior Bowling, Junior Musical Units, Youth Baseball and Scouting. Sons of the VFW Unit in your Post will help build your membership by recruiting fathers and grandfathers of eligible sons. The Sons will learn the meaning of true democracy from association with loyal American Patriots of our Order in as a parent-son relationship that our Youth of today need. The Unit can assist you in distributing Buddy Poppies and Poppy Boards. CHARTER A SONS OF THE VFW UNIT You only need the names of ten (10) eligible sons or grandsons. There is no charter fee nor State or National per capita tax. The Sons of the VFW Unit themselves set as a minimal amount for their dues, with the approval of the Post, Ship or Squadron.

AWARDS

     Plaques shall be awarded in the following categories: Outstanding Unit, Outstanding Unit Advisor and Outstanding Unit Commander.

     National Awards are available for the State Nominees for best Unit Advisor and Unit Commander. National Nominees must be reported to the State Chairman by April 1, 2002.

SCOUTING

     The VFW has actively encouraged participation in scouting since the early 1930's. Scouting promotes the basic principles, values, dedication to country and service to our fellow man that is and always will be important to our organization and to our nation. Currently over 60 VFW Posts are sponsoring (chartering) scout units throughout the Department of California. This significant involvement clearly demonstrates the interest, dedication and commitment that our VFW membership has towards scouting.

     Every VFW Post has the opportunity to work in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) when they sponsor/charter a scouting unit. Direct involvement in scouting is a chance to positively affect youth while developing positive youth/adult partnerships. Through scouting, VFW Posts have the opportunity to expand their community outreach while developing as a clear resource for veteran families and their children. Posts that sponsor scout units have an excellent resource for membership recruitment and support of Post programs. Parents that are involved in
scouting and working with youth have the skills and commitment for community service, so get out there and recruit them. They make excellent active Post members.

STARTING A SCOUT UNIT

     To start a scout unit contact your local scout council or contact the State Chairman.

AWARDS

     National and Department VFW Eagle Scout of the Year. Department winner will be forwarded to National to compete for National VFW Eagle Scout of the Year. Scholarship amounts have not been announced yet.

     All Eagle Scout of the Year candidates must be sponsored by as a VFW Post. For an Eagle Scout to be eligible, he must belong to a Scout Unit that is sponsored by as a VFW Post or be the son or grandson of as a VFW member/Auxiliary member. Submit all entries on the “Eagle Scout of the Year Form”. He form is included in the back of this book or contact the State Chairman or go to the VFW National WEB Site, www.vfw.org under programs and VFW scouting. All entries must be sent to the State Chairman by February 1, 2002.

     Eagle Scout Project of the Year Award. A plaque will be given for the best project. Submit a photocopy of the Eagle Scout Project to the State Chairman by April 1, 2002.