Dear sisters and brothers scouts:

All around the world December is the most special month of the year. Everywhere we can breathe The Spirit of Christmas since the first days of the month. Gatherings with our colleagues, friends and rela-tives are frequent during the last month of the year. We receive gifts and give them, if we can.

But we use to forget what gives this special touch to this season. It is the memory of the birth of Jesus, from son of Mary, a fact historically confirmed. Jesus was born surrounded by animals, in a non-comfortable conditions place. For many of us this birth is a faith mystery: The Son of God as human being.

This little child, who some years after would give an example with his life, showing that unconditional love is. This child who once as a man brought us a message of peace. A message that now still alive and it inspires the lives of million of people all around the world.

The memory of that cold night in Bethlehem is the reason of our celebration in Christmas time. All around the celebration is to remember us that all the human beings are members of the same family. We are brothers and sisters, in spite of our differences and, as Jesus, we have to love unconditionally.

Let’s make this Christmas time, with its celebration, a time to remember those that need help. With our family or our friends we can do something to help the people who are near us. Let’s look for those who have hurt us, let’s shake their hand and give them a sincere hug leaving all the resentment behind.

I’m sure that in this way we will make this Christ-mas the best.

Merry Christmas 2010.

Raúl Sánchez VacaRegional DirectorWorld Scout BureauInteramerican Region

SUB . UMBRA . FLOREO.

SIEMPRE LISTO

2

Duck or an eagle you decide ... Rodrigo was lining up to go to the airport. When a taxi driver approached, the first thing Rodrigo noticed was that the taxi was clean and bright. The driver was wearing a white shirt, black tie and well ironed black pants. The driver exited the car, turned around, and opened the back door of the taxi. He reached for a laminated cardboard and said, “I'm Willy, your driver. As I put your suitcase in the trunk, I'd like to read my Mission presented on the cardboard.”. After sitting, Rodrigo read the card: Willy’s Mission: "To get my customers to their final destination quickly, safely, and as economically as possible while providing a friendly environment."

Rodrigo was struck. Especially when he realized that the inside of the taxi was exactly like the exterior, spotless clean!

As Willy settled behind the steering wheel he said, "Would you like some coffee? I have a thermoses with regular and decaffeinated coffee. "

Rodrigo jokingly said, "No, I would prefer a cold drink."

Willy smiled and said, "No problem, I have a cooler with regular and diet cola, or water."

Almost stuttering Rodrigo said, "I´ll take the Diet Coke." The driver gave him the drink, then said, "If you want something to read, I have some newspapers like…" And as if it was not enough, Willy told him he had air conditioning and asked if the temperature was right for Rodrigo. Then he discussed the best route to the destination at this time of day. "Tell me Willy,” Rodrigo asked amazed, “have you always served your customers this well?"

Willy smiled through the rearview mirror. "No, not always. In fact only during the past two years. My first five years in this line of work I spent most of the time complaining like the rest of the taxi drivers. One day I heard on the radio about Dr. Dyer a ‘guru’ of personal development. He had just written a book called, You Get What You Think About.

Dyer said that if you get up in the morning hoping to have a bad day, very seldom will your hopes not be fulfilled. He said, “Don’t be a duck. Be an eagle.

Ducks only make noise and complain, the eagles soar above the group. "

I decided to change my attitude and be an eagle, making some changes. One change at a time. When my customers responded well, I made more changes. "

"I can see that these changes have give you more," said Rodrigo.

"Yes, certainly yes," said Willy. "My first year as eagle my income doubled over the previous year. This year it may possibly quadruple. You were lucky to take my taxi today. Usually I am not at the taxi stop. My clients make reservations via phone or leave messages on my answering machine. If I cannot serve them a reliable eagle friend driver does the service for me. " Willy was phenomenal. He was doing a limousine service in a normal taxi.

I may have told this story to more than fifty cab drivers, and only two took the idea and developed it. When I go to their cities, I call them. The rest of the taxi drivers make noise like a duck and they told me all the reasons why they cannot do anything that Willy suggested. Willy decided to stop making noise and complaining like a duck and fly over the group like an eagle.

How do you behave? Do you work to make noise and to complain? Or are you rising above the others?

Remember: It's your choice and you have increasingly less time to make it.

"HAPPINESS IN NOT APRIVILEGE ONLY FOR SOMEOF US, IT IS THE VOCATIONFOR ALL THE HUMAN BEINGS."

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First aid for children is of vital importance, since children are more likely than adults to have accidents. The first rule with children is to stay calm. This not only facilitates treatment, but it gives security to the child which is fundamental for successful treatment.

First aid is a series of medical procedures in an emergency that apply to a person who has suffered an accident or suddenly becomes ill until she or he can get appropriate medical attention. In the case of children, accidents are much more frequent than for adults because children don’t have the fear of risk.

The speed with which the medical procedures happen can make the difference between life and death, or to improve or worsen the condition. The most frequent accidents in the children are bruises and cuts. Of course an injury may also be more serious.

The first thing to consider is that we should not lose our temper for any reason. Focus on treating and solving the problem by the best way possible to avoid suffering to the child. Moreover, if parents can show calm, the child will feel safe.

How to proceed with first aid for children

There are different types of accidents involving children and the first aid that should be applied depends on the accident and its characteristics.

OBJECTIVES OF ASSISTANCE PRIOR TO THE MEDICAL CARE ARE:

• In severe cases, the bottom line is trying to save the child's life.• Prevent further injury.• Stay calm and call your doctor.• Try not to move the wounded more than strictly necessary.• Carefully examine the child.• Keep the victim calm.• Call emergency care immediately.• Check breathing and pulse.• If the child is not breathing or is coughing hard or becomes bluish in color, this would indicate that they may be choking on an object. In this case, try to help eject the item causing the choking.

WHAT NEVER TO DO IN AN ACCIDENT WITH INFANTS AND CHILDREN:

• Leave the person alone.• Touch the wound without protection.• Move victim unnecessarily.• Harassing the victim with unneeded questions.• Try to re-arrange the bones in a fracture.• Leave bleeding unattended.• Give medicines, food or drink to a victim.• If a child is persistently coughing, it may be better to leave him or her coughing as an obstacle may come out with no help, unless he or she starts to turn blue or faint.

FIRST AID FORCHILDREN

http://www.primerosauxilios.org/primeros-auxilios/primeros-auxilios-para-ninos.php

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In 1988 the General Assembly of the United Nations

expressed concern about the spread of Acquired

Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and decided

to set a day for the world to become aware of this

disease and the need for a plan to develop a cure.

World AIDS Day has become an annual event in

many countries. The date of December 1st was set,

providing an important opportunity to spread

interest in this disease to the general public,

prevention messages, improve care for those

infected and combat stigma and discrimination. Of

course, long-sought-after cure, which so far refuses

to appear, is a major concern to all mankind.

HIV and AIDS are able to bring out the best in

people. But they can also bring out the worst. They

emerge best when people come together in

solidarity to combat social exclusion and to offer

support to those affected. They bring out the worst

when the latter are stigmatized, ostracized and

abused by people who deeply love their family and

their communities. Such actions, not infrequently,

lead to discrimination and violation of human rights.

I believe that the true roots of stigma associated

with HIV / AIDS lie deeply in the generic structures…

economic, racial and sexual, which can be found in

every society. It is no coincidence that the many

stigmas associated with HIV / AIDS are related to

gender divisions and inequalities - as expressed in

the belief that only "bad" women are infected; to

racial and ethnic divisions - as in the belief that AIDS

is an African disease (or Western); to differences in

economic status - expressed in the consideration

that people are poor (or rich) who are infected; and

relationships and sexual divisions - as in the belief

that only sexually "promiscuous" individuals or

homosexuals are the only ones who can become

infected with the virus.

But what is certain is that there is this disease that

wanders silently through the streets. Without

permission it enters into our schools, banks,

institutions, churches and homes… without knowing

it passes by you, scurrying among people facing a

absurd duel with healthy people, it takes control of a

person in a short time and gradually destroys and

consumes entire families, villages and threatens the

future. Soon it may consume entire cities, becoming

a pandemic disease called SIID - syndrome of

ignorance, intolerance and discrimination.

Do not let into your life and help us build a better

world.

By Ramón Guerra , www.un.org

DECEMBER 1st…

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Stress is the body's response to external conditions that disrupt the balance of a person. It was found that the so-called year-end boom is one that triggers a stress wave in people who live in congested cities, the physiological result of this process is a desire to escape momentarily from the situation and that many of these situations are our own initiative. This reaction, involves nearly all organs, including brain, nervous system, heart, blood flow, hormone levels, digestion and muscle function.

These short-term reactions are not harmful, because they actually allow us to defend ourselves from danger and anxiety produced by the most beautiful season of the year wrapped in colors, gifts, ties, trees, lights, and attacks hiding in our body a subtle controlled anxiety, despair, depression and even in some cases insomnia, headaches and in extreme cases but still controlled year-end stress, skin changes and increased heart rate, and that stress affects organ functions throughout the body.

If this situation persists, the resulting fatigue will be detrimental to the overall health of the individual. Stress can stimulate excess stomach acid, which will result in ulcers, or can get damaged arteries and increasing the pressure and precipitate angina or heart attack. This can also cause loss or increased appetite with subsequent weight change in the person. Prolonged stress can cause cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, baldness, asthma, nervous disorders, skin disorders, impotence, menstrual irregularities, colitis, diabetes or back pain.

Treatment

Overall drug use is not recommended as a solution. Try to recognize the source of stress, for example: the endless traffic jams, long lines at supermarkets, a gift that is not found, the organization of a dinner, or the lack of time in your day to deal effectively with situations.

Share your feelings with friends. Do not impose more responsibilities on yourself to handle new situations that may arise. If stress persists due to daily irritations that cannot be modified by you, then perhaps a radical change will help. For example, find alternate routes, try to relax, participate in activities such as a sport or a hobby, learn relaxation techniques, and avoid the use of tranquilizers or alcohol to cope with stressful situations.

The most important thing is that this is the most beautiful season of the year, so when stress invades your senses… breathe, just close your eyes count to ten, and move on. Remember that the most important people in your life waiting for you at home.

www.tusalud.com, www.vidasanatv.com

THE STRESSOF YEAR-END

www.tusalud.com, www.vidasanatv.com

6

I WOULD LIKE TODAY!

I would like today to create a tree in my heart and hang onit the names of all my friends.

The near and the far ones.

The old and the current ones.

Those who I see every day, and those who I rarely meet.

Those who I always remember, and those who sometimes I forget.

The constant and the variable ones.

Those from difficult times, and those from happy times.

Those who unintentionally I hurt, and those who hurt me unintentionally.

Those who I know deeply, and those who I know

just by their appearances.

Those who owe so much , and those to whom I owe much.

My humble friends and my important friends.

Name all of those who passed through my life. A tree with deep roots so that their names will never be torn from my heart and

they will flourish in the coming year to bring hope, love and peace.In Christmas we meet to share hope and bring a little happiness to those who have lost

everything .I hope, my friends, that during this holiday season you receive everything that you wish.

I hope we see during Christmas night to share a day like this and always, in one way or another, we take care of the most important gift

such as the friendship.

7

A tent is a shelter consisting of sheets of fabric or other material draped over or attached to a frame of poles or attached to a supporting rope. While smaller tents may be free-standing or attached to the ground, large tents are usually anchored using guy ropes tied to stakes or tent pegs. First used as portable homes by nomadic peoples, tents are now more often used for recreational camping and temporary shelters.

Ancient tentsAll the tents listed here had a canvas fabric and used a substantial number of guy ropes (8 to 18). The guys had to be positioned and tensioned fairly precisely in order to pitch the tent correctly, so some training and experience were needed. This made these styles relatively unsuitable for casual or occasional campers. Pup tents might use wooden or metal poles, but all the other styles mentioned here used wooden poles.

• A pup tent is a small version of a ridge tent intended for 2 or 3 people. It usually has a rectangular floor of size ranging from 4 ft by 6 ft up to 6 ft by 8 ft, and ridge heights ranging from 3 ft up to 5 ft. The side walls are usually about 1 ft high. There are guy ropes for each pole, at each corner, and in the centre of each side, and these guy ropes help to maintain the required shape. •A ridge tent can sleep 5 to 8 people. They usually have a rectangular floor of size ranging from 8 ft by 10 ft up to 10 ft by 16 ft, and ridge heights around 6 ft to 7 ft. The side walls are usually about 3 ft high. They normally have a single upright pole at each end with the tops joined by a horizontal ridge pole. Longer models might have an additional upright pole in the centre to help support the ridge pole. They

often have two guy ropes at each corner, and guy ropes every 2 ft along the sides. If strong winds are expected then two additional storm guy ropes are attached to the top of each pole.

Current tent stylesWith modern materials, tent manufacturers have great freedom to vary types and styles and shapes of tents.• The poles effectively hold the tent in the required shape.• Poles which dismantle for ease of transport are either colour-coded or linked by chain or cord, so there is little doubt as to which poles connect where.• Relatively few guy ropes are needed (sometimes none).• The exact positioning of any guy ropes is not too critical

Rigid polesMany tents which use rigid steel poles are free-standing and do not require guy ropes, though they may require pegs around the bottom edge of the fabric. These tents are usually so heavy (25 to 80 kg) that it takes a rather strong wind to blow them away.• Frame tents are double-skin tents. They have a living area and one or more cotton/nylon/polyester inner tents. The outer tent is draped over a free-standing steel frame, and may be made of canvas or polyester (the latter often has a hydrostatic head of 3000mm, i.e. three season camping). The living area is generally at least as large as the sleeping area, and there may be a specific section with window and extra air vents for use as a kitchen. The walls are nearly vertical and are typically about 150 to 180 cm high (5 ft to 6 ft). The center of the gently sloping roof is often 210 cm (7 ft) high or more and provides reasonable headroom throughout. The smaller 2-person models were less than 3 metres square (10 ft), but these have largely been replaced by dome or tunnel tents. The larger 8-person models may exceed 5 metres (16 ft) in length and/or width.

... continue

THE TENT

8

Flexible polesFlexible poles used for tents in this section are typically between 3 and 6 metres long (10 and 20 feet). Cheap poles are made of tubes of fiberglass with an external diameter less than 1 cm (1/3 inch), whereas more expensive aluminium alloys are the material of choice for added strength and durability. For ease of transportation, these poles are made in sections some 30 cm to 60 cm long (1 to 2 ft), with one end of each section having a socket into which the next section can fit. For ease of assembly, the sections for each pole are often connected by an internal elastic cord running the entire length of the pole.

This is a basic dome tent, shown without rain fly or stakes.

• Dome tents have a very simple structure and are available in a wide variety of sizes ranging from lightweight 2-person tents with limited headroom up to 6 or 9-person tents with headroom exceeding 180 cm (6 ft). These may be single wall, or single-wall with partial flysheet, or double wall. Depending on the pole arrangement, some models pitch outer-tent

first, while others pitch inner-tent first. The former helps keep the inner tent dry, but the latter is easier to pitch.

The basic dome has a rectangular floor and two poles which cross at the peak; each pole runs in a smooth curve from one bottom corner, up to the peak, and then down to the diagonally opposite bottom corner. There are usually special fittings at each corner which fit into sockets at the ends of each pole - pole tension keeps everything in shape. The poles can run on either the inside or outside of the tent fabric

Tunnel tent

• Tunnel tents may offer more usable internal space than a dome tent with the same ground area, but almost always need guy ropes and pegs to stay upright. These are almost always double wall tents. Sizes range from 1-person tents with very limited headroom up to 8 or 10-person tents with headroom exceeding 180 cm (6 ft). Tunnel tents have a low end profile making them great for high wind situations.

THE TENT

9

Sir Lord Robert Stephenson Smith Baden-Powell of Gilwell, is the founder of Scouting. He was born in 1857 in London, England. Since he was a boy he showed his inclination to discover the secrets of nature.

Baden-Powell joined the British Army when he was young. He distinguished himself by his enormous intelligence tactics and observation skills. In 1899, he resisted for 217 days the siege in the village of Mafeking, South Africa by the Boers. Using the few resources he had available, he resisted and won the siege, becoming a hero in the British Empire.

During this siege he commissioned a group of boys to assist with his maneuvers and from there was born the idea to develop a program for boys that might better prepare them to become good citizens.

In 1907 the first experimental Scout camp was held on the small island of Brownsea. Following the success of this camp, he wrote the book "Scouting for Boys "in which he described his proposal for young people in London. The idea began to grow throughout the British Empire, which led him to leave his work in the Army to devote himself to organizing the Scout Movement, which by then had crossed borders and was present in many countries.

After a lot of work to spread and organize Scouting around the world, he died in 1941 and is buried in Kenya.

WHATBADEN-POWELLSAID

“A stick and a smile will carry you through most of the difficulties in this life – especially the smile”I know, and I suppose you know equally, the habits that a Young man is advised to pretend to, even if he does not actually posses them, in order to make his way in the world. We have them dinned into us by all

shorts of “bog pots” who have reached the top as habits that pay.Be thorough Be punctual. Do it now. Keep your nails clean Work. Don´t trifle. Be civil. Get initiative and use it. Be reliable. Don´t depend on others, but rely on yourself. Keep out of the bars. Be accurate. Don´t pretend to be what you are not, but be genuine. Be patient.( My experience is that more men fail from lack of patience than form drink or any other infirmity.)Most of the habits that I have mentioned undoubtedly help to bring improved salaries or advancement to fellow. But if he is out for something that is better than these – that is, success- Then there is a habit which, so far as my experience goes, beats them all.What is success? Top of the tree? Riches? Position? Power? Not a bit of it . These and many other ideas naturally occur to your mind because they are often preached as success. But generally they mean over-reaching. You gain at the expense of others.That is a meager kind of triumph- not my idea of success. My belief is that we are put into this worls of wonders and beauty and interests with a special intelligence to appreciate them in comradeship with an equally comprehending number of fellow-men, and thus to enjoy our life and to be happy. That is what I count as success – the ability to happy.

SUCCESS

Life´s Snags and how to meet them by Baden-Powell, 1927

10

COMMITTEE MEETINGINTERAMERICAN SCOUT

From November 6th to 7th the Interamerican Scout

Committee met at the headquarters of the Boy

Scouts of America in Irving, Texas, USA.

The 10 members and the Regional Director, received

the visit of the Chairman of the World Scout

Committee, Mr. Rick Cronk, the President of the

Interamerican Scout Foundation, Dr. Harold Friend

and the host of the meeting, the Director of the

International Division of the Boy Scouts of America,

Mr. Scott Teare.

During this weekend the Interamerican Scout

Committee had a very interesting and dynamic

session where all participants contribute with their

points of view and ideas to make a better

Interamerican Region. They defined the way they

will work in this new committee, assigning specific

responsibilities to each member.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Michael Bradshaw,

who demonstrated his leadership ability and scout

spirit, setting a very good way of working.

The new Executive Committee, composed by

Michael Bradshaw, Fernando Brodeschi, Kent

Clayburn and Raul Sanchez, also established a new

workflow that will surely give us good results.

The hospitality of the Boy Scouts of America was

highlighted, the participants of the meeting had the

opportunity to visit the National Scout Museum

where the original scout paintings by Norman

Rockwell, known around the world, are.

11

first, while others pitch inner-tent first. The former helps keep the inner tent dry, but the latter is easier to pitch.

The basic dome has a rectangular floor and two poles which cross at the peak; each pole runs in a smooth curve from one bottom corner, up to the peak, and then down to the diagonally opposite bottom corner. There are usually special fittings at each corner which fit into sockets at the ends of each pole - pole tension keeps everything in shape. The poles can run on either the inside or outside of the tent fabric

Tunnel tent

• Tunnel tents may offer more usable internal space than a dome tent with the same ground area, but almost always need guy ropes and pegs to stay upright. These are almost always double wall tents. Sizes range from 1-person tents with very limited headroom up to 8 or 10-person tents with headroom exceeding 180 cm (6 ft). Tunnel tents have a low end profile making them great for high wind situations.

Everyone knows that today taking care of the environment is fundamental to our current quality of life and that of our children in the future. Many times we blame the environmental problems of large industries… pollution or excessive energy expenditure, but we must realize that we can help from home as well.

Individuals have ways to contribute, here are a few:

• Trade in your old monitor for a flat screen LCD. These modern monitors consume only a third of the electricity used by larger monitors.• Use environmentally friendly paints. These friendly paints have fewer toxic effects on the environment and health of those common paints. Also, suspend the use of aerosol paints.• Learn to recycle. It is important to separate organic waste paper, cans, plastic or glass. In many countries waste management companies delivered bags of different colors so that families could separate waste and to recycle some items.• Use light bulbs or low energy lamps. They are a bit

more expensive than traditional bulbs, but you'll be amazed to see that the new lamp bulb can last you years without changing the bulb.

Did you know that the lighting in your home is one of the main ways in which you can help with environmental conservation? Economically, this implies about 15% to 27% of the typical monthly electric bill.

As you can see, there are several ways to help in the environmental care at home and without much effort. It's about commitment.

Imagine ten million people doing these simple things every day and we will make progress to greatly help reduce the problem of global pollution and wasting precious environmental resources.

Spread the word and we will not worsen the environmental situation of our planet.

INNOVATION IN HAND WITH THE ENVIRONMENTGREEN PLANET

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DID YOU KNOW?

From 25 to 31 December 2010 will be the XXIII Central American Camporee to be held in San Salvador, El Salvador. The Camporee will feature the participation of seven countries from North and Central America.

This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a great event and share experiences with many brother scouts. The Scout Association of El Salvador is prepared to receive you!

Find more information:http://www.scouts.org.sv/inicio.htm

XXIII Central American Scout Camporee

With the purpose of commemorating the first 500 years of Municipal History (500 years since the founding of the first Municipality on land), the Mayor of the City of Panama scheduled last November 1, 2010 a torchlight procession, which took place on the main avenue of the city of Panama, Balboa Avenue, located off the Pacific Ocean.

The National Scout Association of Panama contributed with more than 100parade torches, which joined with other social organizations. The Scout torches were carried especially by young people who attended the Youth Forum during the Interamerican Scout Conference held in August and members of the Youth Network of the National Association of Scouts of Panama.

Torchlight Parade for by Young Scouts in Panama

"Today you will have a new skin," The Cub Pack Leader shouted to them.In North Bogota took place this special graduation after three years of effort developed by the Association of Parents of Special Children and the Scout Association de Colombia. The scouts, from 18 to 60 years old, were proud of their scout badges.This program is the result of three years of joint efforts of both Associations."This process improves the quality of life for the handicaped because they are now more independent and, mainly, they have tools to serve the community,"

TIME ZONE / www.scoutsdecolombia.org.co

In Colombia the first group of handicaped scouts.

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• Luis F. Bethancourt• Ramón Guerra• Bernardo Estrada• Scott Teare• Lisa Cristiano

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThis newsletter was made by the contribution and the efford of:

Today millions of people around the world donate their time and their talents to join a range of causes for “Building a Better World.”

Our Scout leaders are part of this huge army of goodwill. Thank you for giving yourself to others without expecting reward.

December 5th we Celebrate Worldwide Volunteer Day