Scout Leader – Proud to be an
American Westchester-Putnam Council, Boy Scouts of America are proud of
our Scouts and Volunteer Leaders who helped make this piece that airs on
Fox News Channel. Celeste Hughes and the Scouts of Pack 6 and Troop 1 Crestwood were selected to appear on Fox News Channel's new Proud American campaign.
Robert E. Willett Retiring
as of February 29, 2012 TO: Westchester-Putnam Council Volunteers and Staff
FROM: Marc T. Andreo, Scout Executive
SUBJECT: Robert E. Willett
It is with mixed emotions that I share the
news that Robert E. Willett will be retiring as a Professional Scouter
with the Boy Scouts of America as of February 29, 2012. Please join
me in congratulating and at the same time thanking Bob for a career of
service that has spanned for more than 33 years!
Bob began his career
with the Boy Scouts of America after graduating from SUNY Brockport and
attending graduate school at the University of Missouri. He served as an
Associate District Executive and District Executive in Rochester, NY
before becoming a Senior District Executive and Field Director in
Boston, MA. In 1991 Bob was selected as the Scout Executive in Greenwich
CT. and served with distinction for more than 8 years, achieving many
significant successes for Scouting.
Over the past 13 years his energy, enthusiasm and absolute commitment
to success have made a profound impact on our Council and the youth we
serve in Westchester and Putnam Counties. Bob has served our Council as
an Assistant Scout Executive and Field Director, always enthusiastically
taking on any assignment that was asked of him. He leaves behind a
legacy of loyalty, teamwork and solid support for our volunteer
leadership. He will be missed.
Please join me in wishing Bob the very
best of luck in his future endeavors as well as continued good health
and happiness in this next chapter of his life.
Silver Beaver Nomination
Form For Distinguished Service to Youth – Nomination Deadline:
February 17, 2012
(Confidential)
HOW TO RECOMMEND A SCOUTER FOR THE SILVER BEAVER AWARD
The Silver Beaver Award is presented by the National Council, Boy
Scouts of America, through the local Council, to honor noteworthy
individuals of exceptional character for their service not only to the
Boy Scouts of America but also to all youth through their involvement in
community activities. It is considered to be the highest award a Boy
Scout Council can bestow upon a volunteer Scouter.
The Silver Beaver Award is the type of recognition that Scouters
neither seek nor apply for themselves. Any Scouter may nominate another
Scouter for the Silver Beaver Award. Only registered volunteer Scouters
over 21 years of age are eligible for nomination. Use the attached form
or get additional forms at the Council Service Center or on the Council
website. One complete form is all that is required. Each nomination will
be considered for a period of three years. Nominators are encouraged to
update the form and re-submit it each year if their candidate is not
selected.
NOTE: Complete the form by getting the information regarding your
nominee without his or her knowledge. The Scouter nominated should not
be told that he/she is being considered. This is a requirement of the
Boy Scouts of America. Sources of information that may be used include
the Council Service Center records, friends, neighbors, and other
Scouters who are familiar with the nominee’s service record.
The form asks for information in three service categories. The BSA
record of service should include positions held on the Unit, District
and Council levels, including activities or events at the
District/Council level where the nominee held a chair or staff position,
and awards or recognitions received as a unit leader, as well as a
member of the District Committee (e.g., District Committee Key), for
commissioner service (e.g., Arrowhead Honor or appropriate Scouter Key)
as well as other awards (e.g., District Award of Merit, Adult Religious
Emblem, Order of the Arrow Ordeal, Brotherhood or Vigil, Wood Badge).
The statement covering the nominee’s standing in the community should
include activities in which he/she is most active in business,
professional, civic, religious, educational, fraternal, veterans, and
other non-Scouting areas.
The record of noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth
should list the organization, position held, any recognition received
and year(s) involved/awarded.
Clarifying Unit Tax Exempt
Status In response to questions we often receive, the following
information is provided to clarify the tax exempt status of BSA packs,
troops, and crews.
Log Your Service Hours for
Journey to Excellence In order to earn Journey to Excellence, your unit must log the
hours of each service project you do. It is simple to do and crucial to
your unit earning Journey to Excellence. This program has replaced Good
Turn for America. See flyer for details, and start logging your hours
now!
Boy Scouts of America Tour
Permits Changing to Become Tour Plans March 1, 2011 Effective March 1, 2011, what are currently known as local and
national tour permits will be superseded by what will be called the tour
plan. The online tour permit system will be suspended. This update is
the accumulation of work by a cross-functional team of volunteers and
staff including the Health and Safety Support Committee, Council
Solutions, Outdoor Program Group, and Risk Management Advisory Panels.
Units are required to complete the tour plan form when planning for
local, national, or international trips. The plan helps ensure the unit
is properly prepared, that qualified and trained leadership is in place,
and that the right equipment is available for the adventure.
What
changes with the new Tour Plan?
1. The tour plan consists of a tour planning worksheet to be completed
by the unit/contingent. It is retained by the council and a tour plan is
returned to the unit after processing.
2. Tour plans must be submitted 21 days in advance to the Council
Service Center for review and approval.
3. A single point of contact (not on the tour) must be identified on the
form.
4. Defined reasons/times when a tour plan must be submitted for council
review:
a. Trips of 500 miles or more
b. Trips outside of council borders not to a council-owned property
c. Trips to any national high-adventure base, national Scout jamboree,
National Order of the Arrow Conference, or regionally sponsored event
d. When conducting the following activities outside of council or
district events:
• Aquatics activities (swimming, boating, floating, scuba, etc.)
• Climbing and rappelling
• Orientation flights (process flying plan)
• Shooting sports
• Any activities involving motorized vehicles as part of the program
(snowmobiles, boating, etc.)
5. There is an updated Pledge of Performance.
Requirements for
qualified supervision, training, insurance, etc., remain unchanged - for
example, CPR and Wilderness First Aid requirements for high-adventure
camps.
Courses include:
1. “Cub Scout Leader Position-Specific Training”
2. “Youth Protection,”
3. “Fast Start,” and
4. “This Is Scouting”
The courses have been updated to support the new
Cub Scout Delivery Method rolled out earlier this year. Now, den leaders
and assistants, Cubmasters and assistants, pack trainers, and pack
committee chairs and members can now learn the how-to’s for
suc-cessfully conducting an engaging den and pack program and can become
confident in the role each plays.
Online training is also available by
clicking the link: www.scouting.org.
When entering www.MyScouting.org,
click on the E-Learning link under the Training header located on the
left-side menu. Then click on the Cub Scouts tab and voila!... all
leader training is at your convenience.
If you do not have a MyScouting account, there are simple instructions
on the landing page that will help you create one.
In addition to the
opportunity for online training, all four Cub Scout leader courses are
supported by a printed syllabus, some with a DVD, to assist council and
district training teams in conducting instructor-led experiences. The
catalog number for this resource is 34875.
For questions or concerns regarding MyScouting accounts, send an email
to the National Service Desk at: MyScouting@scouting.org. All issues
will be addressed as soon as possible in order to get users online and
fully trained!
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
Religious Awards A
key point of the Scout Law is that a Scout is reverent. The Boy Scouts of
America and PRAY have an extensive program for our Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to
earn religious recognitions in every faith. Please
click here to visit PRAY
and have access to all of the most current information or contact Maryellen at
914-773-1135 ext 234 or mgalinski
to learn how to earn the religious award of your faith.
Read All About Camp Read “For
Joys We’ll Ne’er Forget”, relates the story of the Curtis S. Read Scout
Reservation from its opening day in 1920 to the present. For most part, “For
Joys….” was written by staff who were in camp. Chapters features two legendary
Camp Rangers, the launching of Camp Waubeeka, the impact of Read on professional
Scouting, profiles of outstanding camp leaders, the story of the Oder of the
Arrow in camp, history of the Camp Read Association, and much more.
Travel through time as this nearly one hundred year old camp grew from its
beginnings on 33 acres and 20 campers on Long Pond, in Mahopac, New York to a
1000 acre scout reservation in the Adirondack Mountains. Today the Curtis S.
Read Scout Reservation is made up of three camps, one traditional scout camp,
one patrol cooking camp, and a High Adventure Base.
“For Joys We’ll Ne’er Forget” was commissioned by the Camp Read Association to
preserve the history of this very special place. If you were ever a camper or
staff member at a Scout camp, you’ll find yourself right at home in the pages of
this book. It is a story worth telling and one worth reading…………..!
Also available in the Read Scout Reservation trading posts.
All proceeds from “For Joys We’ll Ne’er Forget” will go to the betterment of the
Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation, Westchester-Putnam Council, Boy Scout of
America.
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 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.
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. 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 $225 for a building with a capacity of 40 people, and $190 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
aol.com
to learn how to earn the religious award of your faith.