The Latest
November 27, 2019 Issue #11
Message From the Council

Congratulations are in order for Steven Dunn who has been promoted to Assistant Scout Executive effective November 22 nd.
In addition to the leadership Steven provides for Unit Health and Membership growth, he will add planning and oversight of our Council Programs and Camping to his responsibilities.
We look forward to growing attendance at our camps as well as improving our Scout’s experiences.
Please join me in congratulating Steven.

Mark Switzer
Scout Executive
Upcoming Events
Albany Office Closed November 29, 2019
Membership and Unit Service
For assistance contact Steven Dunn Field Director
Turn in all Youth Applications to Make Re-Charter Easy!

Instead of entering all of your new Scouts information into the online re-charter system, just turn in those applications and all of there information will be downloaded for you. To find out more contact your District Executive. Follow this link for your DE's contact information. Staff Roster.
Re-Chartering Workshops
This year we are offering Re-chartering workshops to help with questions and eliminate errors that will hold up your charter.

Albany Service Center - December 9, 10 and 12 from 3pm to 8pm
Albany Service Center - December 14 from 10:30am to 2:30pm
Chatham American Legion - December 17th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Stewarts in Johnstown - December 3rd 6pm to 8pm
Mohawk Roundtable - December 11th 6pm to 8pm
Stewart's in Johnstown - December 12th 6pm to 8pm
Starbucks in Cliffton Park - December 18th 6pm to 8pm
Stewart's Exit 16 - December 9th 5pm to 7pm
Frost Center @ Camp Wakpominee - December 13th 6pm to 7:30pm
Criminal Background Checks to be Updated with Charters

Message on behalf of Steve McGowan Chief Legal Counsel for the Boy Scouts of America...

A number of people have asked questions about the forms sent out. We have tried to answer all questions as best we could. We also sent the most commonly expressed concerns to our lawyers and asked that those concerns be addressed to the extent possible. A revised set of forms is attached. For some who have been reluctant to sign the original version these may address at least some of their concerns. Please be sure to use the forms applicable to your council (California and others)
As stated in our FAQs: (1) We only obtain criminal record and driving checks - not credit checks; (2) We only share data with local councils and Learning for Life; (3) We do not sell or share data with anyone outside of Scouting.
It has been difficult in an era where we are warned about data theft for people to trust anyone who may want access to their personal data. But criminal record rechecks are one of our barriers to abuse and using forms that protect all concerned are essential in obtaining that information. We hope volunteers will understand and trust the BSA to do what it has always done - protect the information they provide and we obtain while ensuring the barriers to abuse are meaningful and effective.
Thanks for your assistance with this important effort.

Camping and Program
For assistance contact Julie Van Amburgh
2020 Camp Staff

If you are looking to fill your Summer with fun and excitement then apply to be on staff at one of your great camps. We have Summer long opportunities at Rotary Scout Reservation and Camp Wakpominee. If you only have a couple of weeks then serving on staff for our Cub Scout Day Camps is for you.

2020 Sea Base Adventure with the Twin Rivers Council

There is still one youth slot open for the Scuba Certification. If you have a scout who would like to get Certified in SCUBA, how about doing it in the beautiful Florida Keys. If you have questions, contact Nick Mitchell.
Nick will be reaching out to all participants very soon.


Registration for 2021 is open!

Starting today, registration for the 2021 lottery for 12-day, 9-day and 7-day treks, as well as Calvalcade, is open. Crews can enter the lottery at any time between now and December 3rd.
 
Philmont Scout Ranch provides an unforgettable and life-changing adventure along hundreds of miles of backcountry trails. Summit peaks, hike over mesas and enjoy the program put on by our 36 staff camps during your Philmont trek. Program includes horseback riding, burro packing, blacksmithing, fishing, rock climbing, rifle shooting and more. Where will your trek take you?
 
 Download the 2021 Unit Registration Packet here .
2021 National Jamboree “Face the Challenge”

Registration for the 2021 National Jamboree begins on Dec 1st . This is Scouting premier high adventure Event. 3 Contingent Troops and half a Crew will be formed for the Twin Rivers Council. Scouts must be at least 12 years old and have earned 1st Class Rank by July 2021. Many adventures await you at the Jamboree.

If you have any questions, please contact Nick Mitchell the Council Jamboree Chairmen. More...

Development and Sponsorships
For assistance contact Beth Bush Development Director
Shopping on Amazon?

Did you know that if you click on the Amazon link from the Twin Rivers Council website to get to the Amazon website, we will receive a donation from Amazon for 6%-8% of the purchase price of your orders? This is different than the Amazon Smile donations, which give us only .5% of the purchase price. To get to the Amazon link, click on the menu at the top right of the page. Under GIVE, click on “Shop Amazon and Support Us.”
Share this information with your friends and family, especially during this holiday season.  
Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world on December 3, 2019 and every day. It was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. (Source: givingtuesday.org) Often stylized as #GivingTuesday for the purposes of hashtag activism, Giving Tuesday refers to the Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving in the United States. It is a movement to create an international day of charitable giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season. It follows Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday as a day to focus on the giving part of the season.
December 3 rd is #GivingTuesday this year. We are fundraising to give camperships and assistance to Scouts and to improve our camping facilities.
Facebook is again matching donations up to a 7 million dollar match to US non-profits starting at 8am EST on December 3 rd. They will match dollar-for-dollar on a first come, first served basis until they reach $7 million matched. Mark your calendars and share with your friends. Go to the Twin Rivers Council Facebook page at 8am on December 3rd and click on the DONATE button under the picture. 
National Membership Fee Increase Assistance

Additional Commission for Online Popcorn Sales Nov.-Dec.
 
  • NEW 15% additional commission 
  • 50% Total commission for online sales
  • Available for all Twin Rivers Council units
  • Units current selling are automatically enrolled
  • New to the 2019 popcorn sale—Contact Steven Dunn to enroll
  • Applied to all online sales from 11/1/19 to 12/31/19
  • 15% additional commission paid by TRC at the end of the sale
 

Council Administration
For Assistance contact Ruth LaCoss Office Manager
Office Closed January 6th through the 9th

Our office will be closed during this week in January as our staff will be attending a 2020 planning conference. Please mark your calendars so that we can all plan accordingly.