February 2022
Commissioner's Corner
Friends,

It has been wonderful to see all of the activity around our Klondike Derby events and to see all of the enjoyment the Scouts are having participating in events that volunteers have worked long and hard in putting other. Winter is winding down, and spring is right around the corner. But, that does not mean that we are done with the fun.
Over the next several weeks there will be opportunities for more winter events, may listed right here in the newsletter. There is even a Klondike still scheduled if your unit was not able to attend in any of the others. OKPIK Winter Training is a tremendous opportunity and I hope all the participants have a great time learning and meeting new friends.

Spring will be just as filled with opportunities to get out on AdventureOn with programs, joining opportunities, and then summer camp is right around the corner! All spearheaded by dedicated volunteers who want to see Scouting succeed in their community.

What is my overall point? Get out and participate! There is so much going on that there is no reason for any unit to not be active.

Do you enjoy seeing Scouting succeed? Join the volunteers working each day to make a difference. We need the help and you won't regret it. New friends, new challenges, and new ways to make an impact are all apart of volunteer in your local District.

Sure, there are challenges and obstacles. Come be apart of the solution and join us in the arena!

Oh, did you miss the last Council Roundtable? Here is a link for you.

Yours in Service,

Council Commissioner
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Message from the Council President
I am deeply honored to serve as your next Twin Rivers Council President. I would like to thank our outgoing Council President Ken Clough for his leadership these past three years. 
Scouting is not a spectator sport. My family and my life have been immeasurably impacted through Scouting. I would not trade it for the world. I highly encourage parents and families to actively participate with their Scouts. The more you put into the program the more you and your Scouts will receive in return.
Each of us can make a difference for the youth in our program today and well into the future. I leave you with a link to The Starfish Story, adapted from The Star Thrower, by Loren Eiseley. Please get involved – your actions will make a difference. Together we can accomplish greatness.    
 
Greg L. Szczesny
Council President
Camping and Program
For assistance contact Steven Dunn Assistant Scout Executive
New Ice Fishing Bait Sponsor and Council Partner
We are proud to announce that Artie's Camping and More is our official Bait sponsor for the Ice Fishing Tournament. All fishermen and women please stop by their location in the factory outlets at Lake George for a 10% discount on bait. Just show them that you are registered for the event.

Scouts and Scouters Arties's is also offering a 10% discount on camping and outdoor gear for all registered members. Just show them your membership card when you check out.

A special thank you to Artie's for becoming a member of our team!!
Earn the Fire Safety Merit Badge during Winter Break!
When: Tuesday Feb 22nd 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Museum of Firefighting in Hudson, NY 
       117 Harry Howard Ave, Hudson, NY 12534
Cost: $12
Fire Safety Merit Badge Pre-Reqs: # 6, 12 and 13. the rest will be done at the museum.
Capacity: 75 scouts...they will have many volunteers there and will have stations in which they will rotate the scouts in groups. They have a volunteer firefighter on staff who will work with the scouts
Food is not allowed in the museum so scouts should eat before or after the event. here are their covid and other policies: https://fasnyfiremuseum.com/museum-policies/


Scout Night With the Albany Firewolves
On March 5th, while the team takes on the Buffalo Bandits, we are hosting our first annual Scout Night for both Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts. Attached is a copy of the flyer -- the night includes the opportunity for all scouts to receive a scout patch and food voucher at the game with an opportunity for an overnight sleepover on the field for packs that are interested.
Staff Recruitment
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?!  We're looking for outstanding leaders to join our summer camp team in 2022.  Positions are available in program, food service, and unit support.

Summer camp staff is a pinnacle Scouting experience destined to build memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.  Full time staff (ages 16 and above) receive a salary, room and board.

Our Counselor in Training (CIT) leadership and staff development program for 15 year old Scouts is also accepting applications.

Apply online by January 1st: https://rsrbsa.org/camp-staff/

Join us today!
Join the Council's New ATV Committee
We are continuing our ATV program at Wakpominee. We are forming a committee to help expand and improve our ATV program. If you are interested feel out the committee application at the link below. We look forward to hitting the trails with you.
Membership and Unit Service
For assistance contact Tory Carman District Director

"Why Sign up New Cub Scouts in the Spring?"

This is one of the biggest question that we get asked when it comes to Spring Recruitment. One way to look at is having the Cubs experience the program vs concentrating on earning the rank advancement.
Many Leaders/parents think that if a Cub Scout comes in in April or May they need to rank by June. Guess what?! They do not have to!! Just have the youth enjoy the program work on a couple of electives, go on outings…give them and their family the experience!

• Youth will be able to attend one of the council’s summer camp opportunities
• Scouts go back to school in the fall and tell all their friends about the great adventures they had at summer camp
• BSA insurance provided for all registered youth
• Identify and recruit new leadership before the fall
• More members means more friends to take part in games, activities, and adventures
• Youth can participate in your planned summer activities
• Scouting is a great year-round program! Take advantage of the warm weather and plan exciting and engaging activities all summer long

Some other questions that we have come across:

“Shouldn’t we take the summer months off other than camp to give the Scouts and parents a break?” 
No. Something as simple as one big activity each month during the summer is enough to keep the youth and parents engaged in Scouting. Retention is higher with those packs who do at least one activity every month and earn the Summertime Pack Award

“What are some activities I can do with my Scouts over the summer months?”
Summer camp is always a top option. Other ideas may include a Pack swim, bowling, Kernels Baseball game, Pack picnic, fishing, etc.

Have you scheduled your Spring Recruitment event yet?

Click #AdventureON below to order yours TODAY!!

Re-Charter Renewal Reminder
Please remember to forward the email you receive from the Boy Scouts of America with the subject line of “”Completed” or “You signed:” “Troop **** Boys Charter” or “Pack **** Family Charter”” which has a report attached in the email that I need to post your charter renewal. Your charter will remain on Hold as I wait for you to forward that email to sandy.elkins@scouting.org. 
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