From the Desk of the Scout Executive
Fall is always an exciting time of year for me. Hearing the big, yellow buses rolling through neighborhoods, feeling the crispness in the morning air, and seeing the changing of the leaves reminds me that we are entering one of the most exciting times of the Scouting year. The goal of allowing every boy to hear the message about joining Scouting is happening in schools, places of worship, and throughout our community, resulting in hundreds of new families beginning their journey on this great Scouting trail. As we embark each year on a new class of Scouts, I am reminded of the awesome responsibility that we have to deliver a quality Scouting experience that will retain families and allow boys to receive all the benefits of the program for years to come.

This fall has been very special and unlike any other for my family and me. So much has transpired in the short period since August 1, my first day as your new Scout Executive. On the personal front, my wife, Jennifer and my five-year-old daughter Alexa, have joined me in the Miami Valley Council and we are still unpacking and getting settled into our new home. We've been overwhelmed by the kindness and support we've received from so many Scouters--even prior to our arrival. On the Scouting front, I've been doing a lot of listening and learning as I meet with many stakeholders in our community and in our Scouting family. Through all my conversations, people are feeling good about Scouting and what the program does for young people. In 2018, the Miami Valley Council will celebrate 100 years of service to the community and I can't think of a better time to connect, engage, and impact all our communities with everything that Scouting has to offer during this pinnacle year.
Thank you for the role you play in allowing the Scouting program to reach new families this fall and thank you for the hours you spend making a difference in the life of a young person. I appreciate you allowing me to 'share the trail' with you as I begin my service to the Miami Valley Council.


3...2...1... Blast Off
Is your pack ready to blast into Scouting?  Fall recruitment time is here and the Miami Valley Council is ready to help you bring more boys into your pack - including Lions!  Yes, you read that right; we are now ready to offer Kindergarteners and their families the opportunity to ignite the fun with Scouting.  Leaders, don't get left on the launch pad.  Click here to visit our membership page to get the most up-to-date information and resources for your recruitment and Lion Program.
Shoot For Scouting
Join us to support Scouting at this great fundraiser on October 13th beginning at noon for a great afternoon of shooting sports. This year's event will feature 100 rounds which includes 50 rounds of trap, 25 rounds of skeet, and 25 rounds of five-stand. The day begins with lunch and concludes with awards and drawings for a shotgun and a handgun.  Sponsorships are still available and team registrations are now being taken. For more information contact, Jeanne Lawrie or call (937) 278-4825.
Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve
The Ohio Hot Spot event will be a week-long opportunity learning principles of Leave No Trace and helping to improve the conditions of local parks. There will be two days of trail work at the Mad River Gorge and Nature Preserve in Springfield, Ohio. We encourage you to get involved with the Hot Spot Scout work project. It is a great way to learn new skills and improve the conditions of our parks. For more information click here.

Wilderness First Aid Training
Required of all contingents participating in a High Adventure program, this training includes American Red Cross Wilderness & Remote First Aid Training, Basic First Aid and CPR.  Each crew/contingent generally needs a minimum of 2 trained individuals.

This inclusive overnight training is being offered for $60 per participant (payable at the event with advance registration required).  Meals, lodging and training are all included in the $60.
Earn your pirate ship patch!
Scout popcorn training is now available online and every Scout who completes the training will receive the ship patch to this year's awesome piece patch set. The training will help you get ready to set sail on an awesome popcorn adventure and you don't want to "miss the boat." Training can be found online.
Just watch the videos and take the quiz at the bottom of the page. Patches will be distributed to popcorn kernels each month at roundtable.
For more information on news and happenings in the Miami Valley Council, be sure to visit www.MiamiValleyBSA.org and like us on Facebook.
Miami Valley Council BSA
937-278-4825
Like us on Facebook      Follow us on Twitter      View our videos on YouTube