Scouting for Food is a Big Success!
Thank you to all of the units that participated in our Council annual food drive – SCOUTING FOR FOOD. Through the hard work of our Scouts council-wide, we were able to collect several thousand items of food to feed our local families in Westchester and Putnam Counties. Sponsored by Commerce Bank, we turned in food to 12 different Commerce Bank branches, Putnam C.A.P. and Food Bank of Westchester.

The day turned out to be nothing but a success with cool winds, grey skies, but most importantly NO RAIN during our food collection!

As a Council we collected 15, 481 items and had 90 units registered for the food drive.

The Westchester-Putnam Council would like to recognize the top three units that collected the most food:
-3rd place is Pack 49 from Ossining with 750 items. They will be awarded $100 gift card from Commerce Bank.
-2nd place is Pack 1 from New Rochelle with 1,100 items. They will be awarded a free tent camping weekend at the Durland Scout Reservation.
-Our 1st place unit with 1,841 items is PACK 33 from Larchmont. They will be awarded a free cabin camping weekend at the Durland Scout Reservation.

Congratulations to our top three units and all units that found it in their heart to canvas the communities for the greater good! Continue to log your service hours at www.Goodturnforamerica.org to obtain the appropriate patches for your Scouts.

*We would also like to thank our sponsor formerly known as Commerce Bank and currently known as TD Bank North.*

Westchester–Putnam Council mourns the loss of several Scouting leaders

Don Long

We are saddened by the passing of Don Long. Don grew up in our Council and attended the Read Scout Reservation for about 50 consecutive summers. Don was the beloved Scoutmaster of Troop 228 Somers for many years, building the troop from five boys to more than fifty boys with a host of adult leaders. Don served as a member of the Council Properties and Maintenance Committee and arranged several critical donations during the cabin construction project at the Durland Scout Reservation. Don was awarded the Silver Beaver in 2002.

Obituary in The Journal News

Dr. William H. Smith
Dr. William H. Smith, 88, of Katonah, died on October 22, 2008. Dr. Smith ("Doc") was born in NYC on December 16, 1919 and was raised in Cold Spring, NY. He attended the University of Rochester School of Medicine and interned in pediatrics at the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania. During WWII he served in the Army in the medical corps. In 1950 he settled in Katonah to work as the first pediatrician at the newly formed Katonah Medical Group. He practiced with the group for 40 years and was the long-time Katonah-Lewisboro School district physician, a job he continued for years after retirement from the medical group. An interest in scouting led to his role as Scoutmaster of Katonah Troop #1, BSA, a position he held for the past 52 years. During those years he attended national and international jamborees, hiked miles of trails including some in the Swiss Alps, was a leader and mentor to thousands of boys and guided 63 of his scouts to the rank of Eagle. Doc was a longtime member of the Northeast Westchester Rotary Club where he held the office of Sergeant at Arms and was a past recipient of the club's Stan Schaefer Award. He was a fixture at the club's fundraisers and rarely missed meetings even when away from his home club. Doc was a member of the Katonah United Methodist Church where he often played his harmonica during services. Doc loved spending time at his camp on Lovewell Pond in Fryeburg, Maine and especially looked forward to the yearly canoe trip on the Saco River with the scout troop. Known for his unique sense of humor, quirky sayings, extemporaneous poetry and harmonica serenades, he will be greatly missed by generations of patients, scouts and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Smith's memory may be made to the William H. Smith Memorial Fund, 171 Bedford Rd., Katonah, NY 10536.

Arthur D. Line, Sr.
Arthur D. Line, Sr., a lifetime Peekskill resident, died on Thursday, September 4, 2008. He was 84 years old. Art was born in Peekskill, the son of Clarence Line and Theresa Griswold. He graduated from Peekskill High School, class of 1942 and was a member of the National Honor Society. Mr. Line served in the U. S. Army Air Force from 1942-1945. He received a battle star for service in the Rome-Arno campaigns with the Fifth Army. On October 10, 1948 he married Jean Wilcox at the Assumption Church, Peekskill. She survives. Art was a self-employed longtime carpenter contractor in the Westchester-Putnam area. A lifetime member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Peekskill, he was chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee and a member of the Vestry. Art also served as treasurer of the old St. Peter's Church and Cemetery. He was a former Peekskill city champion in tennis and a 40-year member of the Boy Scouts of America and a Scoutmaster of Troop No. 1, Peekskill for 22 years. Mr. Line was a life-member of the American Legion Post 274, Peekskill, serving twice as commander and a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was a 25-year associate member of the Cortlandt Hook and Ladder. Art is survived by his wife Jean, a daughter Nancy Line, two sons Arthur D. (Elizabeth) Line, Jr. and David H. (Linda) Line, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. A sister Mary Isabel Stinson, step mother Agnes Line and step sister Virginia VanVlack also survive. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Boy Scouts of America, 41 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne, NY 10532 are appreciated.

Scouting Opens Red Ribbon Week
Scouts from Troop 73 White Plains conducted the Opening Ceremony at the Red Ribbon Week Kick-off this past week. Red Ribbon Week promotes healthy life habits for youth and is designed to create awareness throughout the city of White Plains. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts were invited to be sponsors of the event. Pictured are Scouts from Troop 73 with White Plains Mayor Joseph M. Delfino.

Criminal Background Checks and Rechartering
As dedicated Scouting volunteers, we know you understand the importance of keeping our youth safe in the Scouting program. We accomplish this in many ways, one of which has been to conduct criminal background checks on all new volunteers since April 2003.

As you are probably aware, the National Council recently undertook a project to conduct background checks on leaders who have been continually registered in the program since before April 2003 and had not had a background check performed under the new system. These individuals received a letter from our Council President John Kiernan and the Scout Executive Marc Andreo, as well as the National Council, explaining the need for criminal background checks and our continued youth protection efforts. The letters explained the need for consent to conduct a criminal background check and directed volunteers to a new web site to authorize and provide information needed to conduct a CBC. This web site closed on August 1, 2008.

As your unit prepares to renew its charter early next year, please be aware of the following information pertaining to these background checks:

• Adult leaders who went to the web site, submitted the required information, and consented to the background check will appear on your unit’s charter renewal roster.

• Adult leaders who did not visit the web site and provide consent will not appear on your charter renewal roster. In order to renew their registration they will be required to fully complete and submit a new Adult Leader Application with the charter renewal paperwork. Please note that these forms have recently been changed to include a revised “authorization and disclosure statement” for the background check. Please be sure that you are using the correct form number 28-501F.

If you have any questions or need a supply of new Adult Leader Applications, please feel free to contact your District Executive or Susan Usai at (914) 773-1135 x 231. In advance, thanks for your cooperation………and thanks for all you do for Scouting!

Local Tour Permit Requirements Updated As Of January 1, 2009
A local tour permit is required for unit activities involving travel of less than 500 miles. It is not required for trips to our own camps. The requirements to successfully complete a tour permit application will change on January 1, 2009. As has been the case for years, there must be at least two adult leaders in charge of the group and one must be at least twenty-one years of age. At least one registered adult who has completed BSA Youth Protection Training must be present at all events and activities that require a tour permit. The change is that beginning January 1, 2009, Youth Protection Training will be valid for two years from the date completed. Prior to this date, Youth Protection Training was valid for three years.

In addition, effective January 1, 2009, at least one adult present on the trip must have completed Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather training.
Both Youth Protection and Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather training courses can be taken online at the BSA Online Learning Center. The tour permit applications is below.

Please be sure to submit all tour permit applications to the Council Service Center at least two weeks prior to your activity to ensure adequate time for processing.

Local Tour Permit Application  [PDF, 419K]
 

Durland Scout Reservation Needs A Few Good Adult Leaders To Serve As Campmasters
DUTIES INCLUDE:

-Friday 6:00 PM (or earlier) to Sunday 12:00 Noon
-Checking In Units as they arrive Friday night/Saturday Morning
-Checking Out Units Sunday morning
-Assisting Unit Leaders to help make their camping stay enjoyable
-Providing a visible presence to enhance observance of camp policies
-Running the Camp's Trading Post

CAMPMASTERS FACILITIES
Two bedrooms (in one bedroom: sleeping arrangements for two, in the other: sleeping arrangements for four); Kitchen; Living Room with wood stove, TV (DVD/ VCR & Satellite Dish); Shower.
FAMILIES ARE WELCOME

CAMPMASTERS VEHICLE IS PROVIDED

First time campmasters will receive an on-site walk-through of all procedures.

For more information contact Anthony Paterno
914-472-1508 - avpaternoaol.com

Boy Scout Uniform Gets First Update In Nearly 30 Years
Inspired by Scouts and Parents, New Design Is More Than a Uniform; It Is Performance Gear for the 21st Century Scout

The new Boy Scout uniform marks its first redesign since the early 1980s when Oscar de la Renta was commissioned to provide the existing look. There have been five major revisions and some minor tweaks of the uniform since the organization began in 1910. This new “centennial uniform” is part of many planned activities to celebrate the coming 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

The Boy Scouts of America turned to its members for inspiration for the design of the centennial uniform. The new look is a representation of thoughts, ideas, and opinions from a committee of Scouts and their parents.

The uniform is available in cotton-rich canvas or in Supplex nylon, a cotton-soft, yet highly durable, moisture-control fabric that wicks away moisture in the hottest of conditions, dries quickly, and offers SPF 50+ sun protection. Elements of the new design include a new uniform cap, bellows pockets, shoulder loops, an updated uniform belt, and convertible pants. The durable, high-performance fabrics are in toned-down khaki and forest green and feature multifunction pockets, zippers, and gadget loops suitable for today’s outdoor explorer.

Scouts are not required to buy the new centennial uniform, and all Scouts may continue to wear their old ones until new ones are needed. New Scout uniforms and merchandise can be bought online at www.scoutstuff.org and www.bsauniforms.org.  Also inquire at the Hawthorne Scout Shop.

International Scouting
In July Troop 73 had the good fortune to be the first hosts to the very first contingent of Scouts from Kazakhstan to visit the United States since the MOSK (Scouts of Kazakhstan) was admitted to the World Organization of Scouting. The Troop established very strong ties with this group and together visited New York City areas such as the Empire State Building, South Street Seaport, Central Park, U.N., the Wall Street area, a minor league baseball game in Staten Island, and Jones Beach. As there were only eight of them, including their two young adult leaders, we were able to house them together in the home of one of our families.

At the end of the month, a group of Troop 73’s senior Scouts then traveled to Michigan (via Niagara Falls and Canada) to attend the Michigan International Camporee 2008. What an amazing experience that week was. In addition to our Kazakh friends, and our new campsite-sharing friends from Ireland and Taiwan, we also met Scouts from 27 other countries including EVERY continent (if you include the Scout from the Netherlands Antilles who had lived a short time on Antarctica while he participated in an environmental studies program). It was remarkable to sit at the campfire, or other programs, and watch Scouts from Mexico dancing and singing with Scouts from Jordan, Kenya, Hungary, and of course the U.S. The event easily qualified in the top five Scouting experiences I’ve had in my 30+ years of Scouting.

Within 24 hours of our return to White Plains, we welcomed the Taiwan contingent which stayed with us for three days. Attached are photos of the group – along with a few WPC Scouts – at the Durland sign.

During their stay, the Taiwanese wanted to see how we lived in and around White Plains. So we had a picnic, played baseball, went to Playland, brought them to The Westchester Mall and The Pepsico Sculpture Gardens, and then, since it was such as hit with the Kazakhs, we brought the Chinese to Jones Beach too. While Taiwan, being an island, has lots of ocean, they don’t have much beach. So it was a big hit.

This summer was a tremendous success for Troop 73.

-Michael S. Bennett, Scoutmaster Troop 73

NESA Eagle Scout Search is Underway!
The Eagle Scout court of honor is undoubtedly the proudest moment of a young Scout's life. Years of learning, teaching, and hard work culminate in this special honor that only the most determined Boy Scouts obtain. This is one reason why the National Eagle Scout Association has launched a national Eagle Scout search program.

"We want to find and contact every living Eagle Scout and register his achievements, past and present," said NESA Director Bill Steele. "This effort will culminate in Roll Call: The National Eagle Scout Registry--a publication that will capture the tradition, history, and honor of our nation's Eagle Scouts and will be available only to bona fide Eagles." Steele added that only Eagle Scouts who agree to be listed and who are adults will be included in the directory.

Eagle Scouts for whom the Boy Scouts of America or the National Eagle Scout Association has a current address will soon receive correspondence from Harris Connect, Inc. out of Chesapeake, Virginia. Eagle Scouts receiving correspondence from Harris Connect should respond as requested.

If an Eagle Scout does not receive correspondence from Harris Connect Inc., he can call toll-free, 1-866-753-3506, to submit his information and or to purchase the directory.

Email List Management 
The Westchester-Putnam Council, BSA uses a web service located at Doubleknot.com, a company located in California, to operate an email list server to improve communications with our units, districts and the council.

The purpose of a list server is to simplify sending email messages to groups of recipients and to allow people to add themselves to lists to obtain information regarding a specific type of topic.

You can control the email list(s) to which you are a member of. To do this, you will need to access your "profile" on Doubleknot which is password protected. If you were a member of an email list previously you may already have a profile: use the "Forgot User ID and Password" option on the Doubleknot screen.  Enter the email address that would be on file and your password will be sent to you.   If you believe you are new to our lists use the "To create a new profile " option.

Once logged onto Doubleknot, you will see all the public email lists and those of which you are a member. Note that if you deselect any bolded list you will not be able to rejoin the list without assistance from the council staff.

This list server is designed to keep all of our Scouting family more informed about the activities of the Westchester-Putnam Council as together we serve the youth of our two counties. 

Please note that those subscribing to a List Server must be at least 13 years of age.  Those under 13 must have a parent or guardian subscribe for them. This is a requirement of Federal law.

Email List Profile Management

Council Privacy Statement

Cub Scout Camping Opportunities DVD
We have a new DVD that covers Scout Camping opportunities in our Council. It is designed to cover all questions you may have as a parent, leader or Scout. Let us show this DVD to your Pack or Troop families as we would like to have all Scouts enjoy the camping experience that only Scouting can provide.

Camping programs are offered to Cub Scouts at our three day camp locations – Glen Island Park, New Rochelle; Sprain Ridge Park, Yonkers; and the Durland Scout Reservation (formerly Clear Lake), in Putnam Valley. We also cover very nicely the Cub Scout Camping Programs for Webelos and Cub Scouts at the Curtis S Read Scout Reservation.

For Boy Scouts, the DVD explains our camping programs at Camp Waubeeka, Camp Buckskin and Summit Base, located at the Curtis S Read Scout Reservation in the Adirondacks.

Please contact your District Executive to schedule this 10- minute presentation, (DVD 7 minutes & 3 minutes for Q and A) or call Roger Stewart 914-773-1135 ext 237.

View Cub Scout Summer Camps Introductory Video
(Requires Windows Media Player and a high speed Internet connection.)

Webelos to Boy Scouts Transition Progress
The passage by 5th grade Webelos from the Cub Scout Pack to the Boy Scout Troop should be smooth, with no time lost in between. By the time Webelos Scouts are ready to crossover, they and their families should be familiar and comfortable with the youth and adult leaders of the Troop, their role in the Troop, and upcoming activities, bringing a feeling of excitement about beginning this new adventure. The Webelos Scout’s graduation ceremony should clearly signify his transition to a new level of Scouting, and could include the presentation of his Arrow of Light Award, a Boy Scout Handbook, and a Troop neckerchief.

A Webelos Scout who has earned the Arrow of Light Award has now completed all the requirements for the Scout badge and may join a Boy Scout Troop. The key factor to improved Webelos transition is the ongoing working relationship of the leaders of a Cub Scout Pack and a Boy Scout troop.

Responsibilities for the transition process:
Responsibilities of the Pack

• Develop a working relationship with the leadership of one or more Boy Scout Troops in the area to work on some combined activities and events in the fall and early winter. These can include a fall camping trip, a community event, or possibly an early winter Boy Scout summer camp information night attended by both the Webelos Scout and his parent.
• Work with Troop leaders to secure Den Chiefs.
• Work with Troop leaders to plan visits to troop meetings.
• Invite the Scoutmaster and Troop youth leaders to special Pack activities.
• Plan a meaningful crossover ceremony at the Pack’s Blue and Gold Banquet. Include Troop leaders to be present to accept Webelos Scout as they graduate to Boy Scouting.
• Webelos leaders should be strongly encouraged to move into the Troop with the boys, either as assistant Scoutmasters or troop committee members.

Responsibilities of the Troop

• Select Scouts to serve as Den Chiefs for each Webelos Scout den and Cub Scout den.
• Serve as a resource for overnight activities. The troop can be of service to provide equipment, leadership and logistics for Webelos parent-son campouts.
• Conduct an orientation in the Bear Cub Scout dens to explain the changing role as boys become Webelos Scouts and then again as they become Boy Scouts. Explain how being a Webelos Scout will help prepare them for Boy Scouting.
• Webelos den/Scout troop campouts should show Webelos Scouts and their parents what to expect when they move into the troop. The troop should cook and camp by patrol, and use skills that the Webelos Scouts can participate in.
• Arrange for Webelos dens to visit a troop meeting. This should be planned several weeks in advance.
• Provide each Webelos Scout a copy of the troop’s activities for the upcoming year.
• Work with Webelos den leaders to encourage them to plan to move into the troop with their Webelos Scouts and to serve either as committee members or assistant Scoutmasters.
• Conduct a Scoutmaster conference under the guidance of the Scoutmaster or the assistant designated by the Scoutmaster.
• Work with the Cubmaster in planning a meaningful crossover ceremony at the pack’s Blue and Gold Banquet. Arrange for each Webelos Scout to receive a troop neckerchief and/or Scout Handbook along with his Arrow of light Award.

Responsibilities of the Webelos Parent

• Be engaged in your Webelos Scout’s progress on earning the Arrow of Light. Realize that some of the requirements involved becoming oriented and prepared to join a Scout troop.
• Become familiar with the objectives and the methods of the Boy Scouting program.
• Learn how Scouting builds values and how the 12 traits that make up the Scout Law read like every parent’s wish list for their children.
• Learn how Scouting sets expectations of cooperation, respect and goodwill, all success factors in helping build lifelong personal and family values by reinforcing ethical standards.
• Attend a visit with your son to a Boy Scout troop meeting and meet the leadership of the troop.
• Attend the Webelos Scout parents’ orientation and camp promotion night with your Webelos Scout to learn about the Boy Scout troop, 2008 spring plans, activities, and its summer camp plans so your son will be able to participate.
• Be willing to participate as a Scout parent on the troop committee or to support its programs and activities as needed.

Weekend Camping
At The Durland Scout Reservation & Read Scout Reservation

Reservations are being accepted for short term (weekend) camping at both the Durland and Read Scout Reservations (in-council, September 15 for out-of-council). Cabins and a variety of tent sites are available at Durland, as are the Farmhouse and Handicraft Lodge at Read. Tent site fees are $40 for a weekend. The weekend cabin fees at Durland are $200 for a building with a capacity of 40 people, and $165 for a structure with a capacity of 30 people. The cabins all have electricity, running hot and cold water at the kitchen sink, refrigerator and electric stoves. A $75 damage deposit is required to rent a building. Due to the popularity of the cabins and tent sites, no phone reservations can be accepted. All fees and paperwork must be received at the Council Service Center to complete your reservation. Forms are available below.

Available Cabins in the Next Four Months

	Weekend	Number of Available Cabins
	Apr 17-19, 2009	3
	May 1-3, 2009	6

Weekend programs available for all units at Durland include orienteering, hiking our 16 miles of marked trails and, conditions permitting, snow shoeing and ice fishing. During warmer weather, Scout units with adults currently trained in Safety Afloat can use the canoes and kayaks. Both lakes on the reservation have excellent populations of largemouth bass.

Short Term Camping Application  [PDF, 35K]
View Current Reservations
Durland Scout Reservation Facilities
Read Scout Reservation Facilities

Unit Swimming at the White Plains YMCA
The Westchester-Putnam Council is continuing our arrangement with the White Plains Family YMCA to provide a location for evening unit swims for your Pack, Troop or Crew.

The Council is subsidizing the cost to allow your unit to swim for a low fee. The YMCA will provide lifeguards
• Tuesday Evenings
• Two Sessions: 7:00-8:00 PM and 8:00-9:00PM
• Maximum group size of 40 people
• Use of locker rooms is included

The Family YMCA is located at 250 Mamaroneck Avenue. Parking is available at the public garage on Maple Avenue.
Cost Per Hour: $15.00 per session up to 20 participants, $25.00 per session over 20 participants
For Reservations: Contact the camping office at the Council Service Center, camping or 914-773-1135 ext. 233
 

Important Information About Planning A Unit Event!
When a unit needs to use the facilities or property of another entity there is usually a written contract that spells out the duties and responsibilities of each party, along with a request for an insurance certificate. When the unit is planning an event, they should ask the other party for a copy of their contract or facility use agreement before negotiations begin. This should be forwarded to the Council office for review and signature. Unit representatives should not sign the contract. Upon approval, the signed contract will be sent back to the unit with the appropriate insurance certificate, if applicable. This is not something we are able to provide on a walk-in basis; your unit should plan ahead by at least two weeks time to have this process completed. Thank you for your understanding.

Westchester-Putnam Council accepts and adopts recommendations for the future of Scouting in our area
On June 12, 2006 the Executive Board unanimously adopted the 2006-2010 Strategic Plan as an outstanding roadmap for the Council to actively consider and present individually for implementation. The recommendations and goals of the plan are summarized below. For a complete report with detail from each study group, please contact Marc Andreo, Scout Executive, Westchester-Putnam Council, Boy Scouts of America, 41 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne, NY 10532.

Strategic Plan of the Westchester-Putnam Council, BSA 2006-2010  [PDF, 22K]

Make Sure Your Volunteers Are Registered!
When training entries are being made in the Westchester-Putnam Council’s records and in Scoutnet, the BSA national database, it is being discovered that there are many persons who are not registered in Scouting. While the training provides excellent preparation for adult leaders, the training cannot be recorded or acknowledged if you are not registered.

Additionally, when a volunteer is not registered they are not receiving the full benefits of service from the Westchester-Putnam Council. These benefits include, the Pathfinder and important communications on upcoming Council/District activities as well as notice for training opportunities. It is important that each adult who is working with young people be registered in Scouting and that their appropriate registration be the role that they primarily serve.

Please help us insure that all adults are registered. The quality delivery of Scouting is enhanced when this step is taken.

God and Country Awards for Protestant Youth
Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (PRAY) is a not-for-profit organization whose national board of directors includes representatives from Protestant and independent Christian churches and the national youth agencies including the Boy Scouts of America. PRAY is best known for the God and Country religious awards program. This program helps young people to develop a deeper relationship with God and to understand how God is active in their lives and in the world around them. It is a Christian education resource that uses Bible lessons paired with service projects to help young people not only to grow in Christian faith but to also express their faith by reaching out in love and in service to others. PRAY encourages families, youth agencies, and protestant congregations to use the God and Country series to foster spiritual growth in children, youth and families.

The God and Country series of programs and awards are available to youth whether or not they are involved in a Scouting program. 

The series is comprised of:
God and Me (grades 1-3) God and Family (grades 4-5) God and Church (grades 6-8) and God and Life (Grades 9-12) The God and Country program is recognized by over 20 different Protestant denominations and independent Christian churches.

Starting the Program is Easy!
• Order the appropriate program booklet based on your grade.
• Meet with the pastor of a church and show the pastor the God and Country booklet and then together choose a counselor.
• Present your work to the pastor for final approval. Order the recognition items by sending the application form to PRAY
• Plan a special ceremony in church to receive your award.

There are resources for promotion at the Unit level including brochures and a power point presentation. For further information about the God and Country program and additional resources please contact PRAY by calling 1-800-933-PRAY or by email at praypraypub.org.

Conservation Resource Guide
Conservation is a basic part of the BSA mission. Scouting embraces Leave No Trace, requires conservation-related activities for rank advancement, and encourages conservation service projects to the community. The new Conservation Resource Guide identifies Westchester-Putnam agencies engaged in nature and conservation activities. Organized by District, the Guide is intended to enable ‘one-stop’ access for any Westchester-Putnam Scouts and Scouters seeking sites for troop conservation projects, nature-related advancements, or outdoor activities (including William Hornaday Award, Leave No Trace Award, Boy Scout Rank Advancement Nature Requirements, and Eagle Service Projects).

Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Westchester-Putnam Council Webelos and Cub Scout dens are encouraged to contact Mike Rogers, Environmental Educator at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, on Routes 117 and 9 in Tarrytown, to arrange visits to fulfill various Cub and Webelos rank requirements. He can be contacted at 914-631-1470, x14, or mark.rogersoprhp.state.ny.us. 

Mr. Rogers suggests that Boy Scouts who need to participate in approved Second Class, Star, Life and Eagle service projects should also contact him.

Unit Rechartering Now Available Online
Your unit can recharter on-line now. Please contact the council service center for your password.

On-line Rechartering

Invitation Methods for Cub Scouting
As leaders, you are Cub Scouting’s best sales force. This guidebook has been created to assist leaders by offering a series of quality invitations methods to reach each and every young man in our communities. Our goal is to give every boy in Westchester and Putnam Counties the opportunity to join Scouting. This collection of invitation ideas will help us ensure that no young man is left out of the fun and excitement of Cub Scouting, the opportunity to “Do His Best”, the opportunity to carve a pinewood derby car, to experience the thrill of attending the Thunderbird Games and the opportunity to build lasting friendship from his den and pack.

Invitation Methods for Cub Scouting  [PDF, 113K]

National Jewish Committee on Scouting Scholarship Awards
Chester M. Vernon Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship Program. The recipient of the Chester M. Vernon Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship will receive a $1,000 scholarship per year for four years. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Florence and Marvin Arkans Eagle Scout Scholarship Program. The recipient of this scholarship will receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Frank L. Weil Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship Program. The recipient of the Frank L. Weil Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Two second-place scholarship awards will be given in the amount of $500 each.

Gideon Elad Scholarship Program. The recipient of this scholarship will receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship.
 

Eligibility Requirements

Vernon, Arkans, and Weil Scholarships
The eligible applicant must:

• Be a registered, active member of a Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout team or Venturing crew.
• Have received the Eagle Scout Award.
• Be an active member of a synagogue and must have received the Ner Tamid or Etz Chaim religious emblem.
• Have demonstrated practical citizenship in his synagogue, school, Scouting unit, and community.
• Be enrolled in an accredited high school and in his final year at the time of selection.
• Submit at least four letters of recommendation with the nomination application. One letter is required from leaders of each of the following groups: religious institution, school, community, and Scouting unit.

Gideon Elad Scholarship
The eligible applicant must:

• Be an active member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team.
• Have received the Eagle Scout Award.
• Be an active member of a synagogue and have received the Ner Tamid or Etz Chaim religious emblem.
• Have demonstrated practical citizenship in his synagogue, school, Scouting unit, and community.
• Be enrolled in an accredited public high school and in his final year at the time of selection.
• Submit at least four letters of recommendation with the nomination application. One letter is required from leaders of each of the following groups: religious institution, school, community, and Scouting unit.
  
  

The National Jewish Committee on Scouting (NJCS) will award a national scholarship to the Eagle Scout who best meets the qualifications outlined in the nomination application. Applications are available at the Council Service Center.

Attention All Eagle Scout Candidates
Members of the Westchester-Putnam Council Executive Board would like to have representatives at as many Eagle ceremonies as possible. Therefore, please send an appropriate invitation to members of the Westchester-Putnam Council Executive Board to the attention of Marian Post @ Westchester-Putnam Council, B.S.A., 41 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne, NY 10532. Invitations/information received will be communicated to Executive Board members, and RSVP’s will be made if they plan to attend. Congratulations on the achievement of Scouting’s highest rank and best wishes for a wonderful ceremony and Eagle Scout presentation.