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Due to current concerns regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), all Pathway to Adventure Council in-person meetings and activities have been canceled through May 1, 2020. The Service Centers and Scout Shops in Arlington Heights, Chicago, La Grange and the temporary location in Highland, Indiana will also remain closed during this time. For more information, check out the "Latest News" section of our website homepage. Thank you, and stay healthy!
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SCOUTING AT HOME RESOURCES
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While we're all doing our part by staying at home there are still plenty of ways to continue Scouting! We've listed some opportunities here, but make sure to check out our
PTAC Scouting at Home website page and our
Facebook and
Instagram pages for more ways to #ScoutAtHome.
If your Scout or Scouting unit is making the most out of Scouting from home, take a picture of them in action and send it to Allison.dietz@Scouting.org. We'd love to see your creative ideas!
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Jamboree on the Internet - Special Edition
This is a one-of-a-kind special edition of JOTI held from April 3-5, 2020! It is a special version of the World Organization of the Scout Movement’s yearly JOTA-JOTI event that is still scheduled to take place in October as it does each year.
Both educational and fun, this special JOTI will bring fun and education to the homes of young people around the world during this challenging time.
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2020 Digital Lincoln Pilgrimage
Join us April 1 through April 26 on a digital pilgrimage honoring President Abraham Lincoln. To continue the tradition of honoring our 16
th president, we have digitized many of the traditional Lincoln pilgrimage activities, and we have also come up with a few new ones! There is even a special “digital pilgrimage” patch.
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30 Day Scout Challenges
Our 30 Day Scout Challenges are a great way to keep Scouts entertained all month long. Each calendar contains activities and challenges for Scouts of all ages. Click your Scout's rank below to get started!
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Individual Scout Advancement Alternatives and Guidelines
As a response to the health and safety concerns caused by COVID-19, the following measures have been put in place:
- The Pathway to Adventure Council Advancement Committee has approved the use of videoconferencing to conduct Eagle Scout Boards of Review.
- In addition, the use of videoconferencing for Merit Badge work has also been approved provided that all Youth Protection policies and Guide to Safe Scouting protocols are being followed, including 2-deep leadership.
The purpose and intent of these measures are to assist our Scouts with opportunities to continue advancement progression as well as provide solutions to Scouts who are nearing completion of the Eagle Scout Rank.
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Eagle Scout Advancement Updates
Effective immediately and through September 30, 2020 the Council Advancement Committee has the authority to grant time extensions under the following limitations:
- It can be established that COVID-19 disruptions were the only circumstances that delayed work on Eagle Scout advancement requirements, such as the service project or merit badges.
- Extensions shall only be granted to youth in Scouts BSA who have already achieved Life rank.
- When the council receives a COVID-19-related request for a time extension, the council reviews the request and approves it if appropriate. A written response stating the outcome of the extension request will go to the youth. If approved, the notification will be attached to the youth’s Eagle rank application. For Eagle, the extension must not exceed 3 months from the youth’s 18th birthday.
- Upon turning 18, the Scout must submit a completed adult application and successfully complete YPT; their participant code will now be UP (Unit Participant) for Scouts BSA.
- To request an extension, the Scout or parent can send a letter requesting the formal extension due to COVID-19 to PTAC.Advancement@gmail.com.
- Youth should continue to work on advancement in so far as they are able, while an extension request is being considered.
There is no requirement that any paperwork be completed, signed and submitted to a council service center before a Scout’s 18th birthday. Delays in verifying an Eagle rank application have no bearing on the Scout’s opportunity to participate in a Board of Review for Eagle rank. What is critical is that Scouts complete all their requirements before their 18th birthday.
- At this time, Eagle Scout Application packets can be scanned to this email address: PTAC.Advancement@gmail.com.
- Submissions will receive a confirmation that the packet was “received”.
- Electronic or digital signatures for the Eagle packets/applications will be accepted through September 30, 2020.
- COVID-19 delays in processing Eagle Applications will have no impact on the Eagle Scout candidate’s application.
- We will work to get the packets “verified” as soon as administratively possible.
- Letters of reference can be requested without the formal “verification” from the Council.
All Eagle Scout Boards of Review can be completed by videoconferencing.
- Under no circumstances should an in-person Eagle Board of Review be conducted until further notice.
- District/Council representation is still required for Eagle Scout Boards of Review.
- Councils may grant Eagle boards of review up to six months after the youth’s 18th birthday.
- If a unit needs help setting up a videoconference for an Eagle Board of Review, they can send a request to PTAC.Advancement@gmail.com
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Q&A with Marc Passiment
On Tuesday, March 31, the Pathway to Adventure Council hosted its Annual Meeting, and at the meeting, Marc Passiment was elected Council President. While many of you probably know Marc from his role as VP of District Operations, there are still some things you may not know. To help you get to know Marc a little better, we asked him some questions that you may be wondering yourself.
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Tell us about your Scouting background.
"In my youth I was a Cub Scout earning my Arrow of Light and transitioned into a Scouts BSA unit. Then puberty hit, and for reasons I no longer remember I left Scouting for other pursuits. Like many fellow Scouters I returned to Scouting with my son at his first-grade back to school night. I remember seeing two people sitting at a table promoting a Cub Scout pack. My wife saw them too, and she said, “we are signing Ethan up,” and that was that. At the first pack meeting, another adult approached me and said, “you look like you want to help.” I agreed, and within a month, I was Cub Master. From there, I went on to be FOS Chair for my district and then served on the Jersey Shore Council Board as Properties Chair, Treasurer, and Commissioner. I most recently served on the Pathway to Adventure Board as the Vice President of District Operations."
What is one thing you want people to know about you?
"I’m a learner, but also through my educational background, I am an historian and an economist. What that means is that I look back at what has happened before, so that we can consider what might happen in the future. An analogy I use is that I carry both a smartphone and a fountain pen. I am all about the technology of today, but I always give a nod to the past."
What are you most looking forward to in the next year?
"I am most looking forward to continuing the conversation with the PTAC community and having more robust conversations with people."
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What is your favorite Scouting memory?
"It is so hard to choose just one because I have so many great memories of both my children and of the many others I was privileged to mentor over the years. However, one year I was sports director at Cub Scout camp, and I was teaching the Scouts how to play volleyball. A mom with two Scouts let me know that her sons had disabilities and would not be able to lift their hands above their heads because of it. We started playing, and the brothers were having so much fun they didn’t even realize that they raised their hands above their heads to play the game. Their mom was on the sideline crying with joy; she was so proud of what her kids could do, and it was all because of Scouting. Another summer, my oldest son took over for me as sports director because I had a lot of traveling to do for work. He didn’t get to participate in Scouting as much as my younger son had, so it was great to see how much he loved being on staff and teaching kids sports like soccer or how to throw a baseball. I have learned so much from Scouts and Scouters, and I look forward to the memories still to be made."
What makes you excited about PTAC?
"The Pathway to Adventure Council presents boundless opportunities to serve the youth in the many diverse communities across the Council. Scouting excites me because it binds the fabric of these communities together. To see PTAC evolve and prosper is exciting and rewarding."
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What is your vision for the council?
"My vision is similar to what’s happening today as we make adjustments because of COVID-19. We are all adapting to a new reality, and there are new habits that we are forming because of the situation around us. Scouting will move forward, and we are developing new ways to connect and learn from each other. Remember, at the basis of this program, we teach youth, in a structured way, how to take care of themselves and how to lead through experiences. Today we are doing just that and our Scouters will carry those skills into the future.
More than ever before, we are inclusive of the entire community and will remain so. We need to invite our entire community to participate in our program as its valuable to them. We know that our program is well received, and as we grow, more people will flock to us, spend time with us, and give us a little bit of their treasure. That’s the vision: Move forward as we have been and continue to move forward in a positive direction. We know there are many things that we can accomplish, even under these difficult circumstances."
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HIGH ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
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PTAC 2021 National Jamboree Contingent- Registration Extended!
Despite our current shut-down, we are still looking forward to Jamboree 2021 and registration is still open! In order to ensure a place for your Scout, please register by May 1, 2020. While a $200 deposit is due now, you can choose “mail-in” as your payment option in the registration and send the deposit at a future date. This will hold your Scout’s spot as a part of PTAC’s Jamboree contingent troop. The committee has made this adjustment to the fee schedule to accommodate as many Scouts as possible!
Calling all Volunteers!
Pathway to Adventure Council is looking for volunteer Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters for our council contingent troops headed to the 2021 National Jamboree. Being a Jamboree leader is an amazing way to experience the Jamboree and work with Scouts from across Pathway to Adventure Council. To be considered, you must be a currently registered troop or crew Scouter.
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Pathway to Adventure 2021 Philmont Council Contingent
PTAC is now accepting registrations for the 12-day Council Contingent to Philmont in Cimarron, New Mexico. Philmont, known as Scouting Heaven, is 137,000 acres (214 square miles) of rugged backcountry in the Sangre de Christo Mountains. Participants will spend 11 days backpacking, enjoying the beautiful scenery and experiencing the exciting programs offered along the way.
Current dates: L
eave Chicago, Saturday, July 3, 2021 and Depart Philmont & return to Chicago, Saturday, July 17, 2021. The trip
cost
is $1,995** per person (price subject to adjustment pending travel costs)
Registration closes April 27, 2020.
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Pathway to Adventure 2021 Sea Base Council Contingent
PTAC is going to Seabase! Do you like to sail? snorkel? SCUBA dive? If the answer is "yes," then plan to join your Scouting friends for a week of sun and fun in the Florida Keys next summer, 2021. Both Coral Reef Sailing crews will snorkel, fish, crew the vessel, learn navigation, and tour the nearby Turtle Hospital. During as many as 11 dives, the SCUBA crew will explore coral reefs, wrecks, and underwater rock formations. After leaving Sea Base, both crews will have free time to sight see. For more info, contact the event coordinator (who's been on both adventures).
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Camperships - Deadline April 15!
Applications are now being accepted for financial need-based Camperships (Scholarships) for Pathway to Adventure Council's Cub Scout, Webelos, Family, and Scouts BSA camps. Applications are due by April 15, 2020. For more information, visit
http://www.pathwaytoadventure.org/camperships
Last year, over $45,000 in need-based scholarships were provided to PTAC Scouts who were able to experience summer camp thanks to the generosity of donors.
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2020 Family Camp at Camp Betz
Join us for a weekend camping experience for the whole family in Berrien Springs, Michigan! Camp Frank S. Betz is a 57-acre preserve that has been in continuous service since 1922. Camp Betz offers beautiful wooded campsites for tent camping. Flush toilets and showers are available. The program includes archery, BBs, crafts, swimming, boating, campfires, and more! While at camp, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the property and enjoy the beauty it offers. All meals will be provided on Saturday, along with a Sunday breakfast.
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2020 Webelos Camp at Napowan or Owasippe!
Join us for a three-night Webelos camping experience and preview to Scouts BSA camping! This program is tailored for next school year’s 4th and 5th grade Webelos Scouts and includes opportunities to earn several Webelos Adventures pins (both required and elective). Webelos will also be able to fish, swim, shoot archery and bbs, hike, explore, and have a fantastic adventure at summer camp! Attend as a den or as a Webelos Scout and parent.
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The Easy Way to Send A Care Package to Summer Camp!
I
s your Scout attending Scouts BSA or Webelos Camp at Napowan or Owasippe this summer? Here's a simple and easy way for parents and grandparents to sent their Scout a care package! No need for you to spend time shopping or shipping and you can even include a personalized message for your Scout!
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Camp Rentals
The Pathway to Adventure Council owns and operates four beautiful camps. Our camps are open year-round and are great locations for Scouts of all ages to experience and learn what the great outdoors offer!
PLEASE NOTE: reservations may not be made for dates prior to May 1, 2020.
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National Law Enforcement Exploring Conference
Calling all Law Enforcement Explorers! Experience the high adventure of the Summit while competing against other Law Enforcement Posts from across the nation. The competition will be held from
July 13-17
at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.
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Order of the Arrow Updates
OA Unit Elections
are wrapping up and must be completed by April 11th. Unit visitations can be scheduled through the Lodge's website:
http://oa7.org/unitvisit/
.
The National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC)
will be held August 3-8
at Michigan State University. Join thousands of Arrowmen from every lodge around the nation for an unforgettable OA experience! Spots are still available to join the 1st Takhone NOAC contingent and fundraising is just starting for those interested.
Sign up today!
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National Youth Leadership Training - Summer 2020
National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home units and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others. Two courses (June 21-27 and June 28 to July 4) will be held at Camp Carlen, part of beautiful Owasippe Scout Reservation in Twin Lake, Michigan. All participants must be 13 years of age, registered members of Scouts BSA, and First Class rank. A deposit of $140.00 is required at the time of registration.
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Registration for Wood Badge 2020 is now open!
This exciting and revised course is now only
FIVE DAYS
; Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20 and Saturday, October 3 through Sunday, October 4.
The course will run at Camp Frank S. Betz in Berrien Springs, Michigan and the cost is $275 if paid in full by
July 19, 2020
.
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Faith Relations Workshops at Philmont Training Center
The United Methodist Church Scouting Ministry Committee invites leaders to share ideas from across the nation at the Faith Relations Workshops at the Philmont Training Center. Topics include: Religious Emblems, the P.R.A.Y program, making a program a ministry, clergy in Scouting, Conference and District Scouting Coordinators, program improvements in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing. Opportunities to grow your church and team, and making connections are all a part of this event. Leaders of all faiths are welcome!
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VOLUNTEER, GIVING, & INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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2020 Owasippe Volunteer Commissioner
Do you miss Owasippe? Do you want to come back to experience All the Wealth of Earth and Heaven while helping out? If you answered "yes" to either of those questions, then becoming an Owasippe volunteer commissioner is right for you!
Volunteer commissioners come to camp for a week or more during the summer and help out at Blackhawk, Wolverine, or the Owasippe Museum by visiting sites, assisting the staff, and interacting with Scouts and leaders.
Please send an email to
annie.nyberg@pathwaytoadventure.org
with the start date of the week(s) and location where you would like to volunteer. The Sunday start dates to choose from are: 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26.
Per State of Michigan requirements, everyone must have a completed application on file in order to be offered a “contract." This applies for volunteers, as well. If you haven’t already done so, please complete a 2020 application using this link:
http://www.pathwaytoadventure.org/camping/campstaff.
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Do a Good Turn Daily
Are you looking for ways to give back during COVID-19? Check out these great ideas on the Bryan on Scouting blog:
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Continue the conversation, follow us on social media!
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