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In this Issue:


  • New Scouts BSA Requirements Effective August 1st
  • Updated National Fees Effective August 1st
  • Family Den Pilot Program Webinar
  • Day Camps Coming this Summer
  • Popcorn Sale Fast Approaching!
  • NYLT Course for 2022
  • Scout Day with the F-M RedHawks
  • Camp Grafton Merit Badge Weekend

Minor Modifications to Scouts BSA Requirements


In 2021, all outdoor-related rank advancement requirements were reviewed and realigned based on guidance from the National Outdoor Ethics and Conservation Subcommittee. These adjustments will help more effectively build a Scout’s outdoor ethics knowledge and align with the information in the Scouts BSA Handbook and Fieldbook. The requirements now build in a logical way through the ranks, with Leave No Trace (LNT) and the Outdoor Code (OC) used as references throughout.


Beginning August 1, 2022, these minor modifications to the Scouts BSA requirements for the ranks of Scout through Star will take effect. Scouts may continue using the existing requirements for the rank on which they are currently working, or they may choose to use the new requirements. Scouts must use the new requirements once they advance to their next rank. On January 1, 2023, all Scouts must use only the new requirements.


The specific changes are detailed here.

Updates to 2022-2023 National Fees


The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has worked to keep the membership fee as low as possible. As you know, costs continue to rise, and the annual fee must be increased to address the fiscal realities we face to deliver a safe and quality Scouting program.

 

To ensure we have the resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting, the following national membership fee structure will take effect August 1, 2022.

  • $75 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts participants
  • $45 for Exploring participants
  • $30 for council-paid memberships
  • $45 for all adult volunteers (includes cost of background check)
  • $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee
  • $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts (Not pro-rated)
  • $15 for Scout Life magazine; this is the first price increase since 2005

 

The national membership fee helps cover the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, criminal background checks, youth protection, and the development of intellectual property for national, council, and unit programs. As we move forward, we will continue to look at the membership fee structure and how we deliver the Scouting program for future generations.


The new Council Program Fee will still be $36 for youth participants in NLC, with the exception of Exploring youth, Scoutreach programs, and adult leaders.

Family Den Pilot Program


The Northern Lights Council has been approved as a pilot council for the Family Den Pilot Program. This pilot will allow the units designated as “family” Cub Scout packs that currently serve boys and girls in single gender dens the ability to form “family dens” with boys and girls together in the same den. This allows one more option for family packs to form dens that best meet the needs of the families they are serving.

Only family packs approved by the Northern Lights Council with approval from their chartered organization may conduct the Family Den Pilot Program. 


As a pilot pack, the pack agrees to:

  • Get approval from their chartered partner and pack committee to participate.
  • Agrees to use ScoutBook to set up all of their dens.
  • Assign a registered adult leader in the pack as the representative to the council for the pilot.


Beginning with the 2022-23 program year pilot packs may form Lion (Kindergarten), Tiger (1st Grade), Wolf (2nd Grade), Bear (3rd Grade), and Webelos (4th Grade Only) dens with boys and girls in them. Arrow of Light (5th Grade) to prepare them for Scouts BSA are to remain in single-gender dens (this is a requirement and not optional). Multi-rank dens such as a den of Wolves (2nd graders) and Bears (3rd graders) working on their respective badges of rank may also be formed with girls and boys.


The council will be hosting a webinar for all interested packs on July 21 at 7:00 PM Central. To register for the webinar, click Here!

Day Camp Coming this Summer!


Cub Scout "Wild West" Day Camp is coming to a location near you! Most camps are two-day overnight experiences where all Cub Scouts can participate in shooting sports, crafts, cooking, games, and so much more! Camps are open house style again this year and a great opportunity for your pack's summer program! To find out more information or to register, go to www.nlcbsa.org/daycamp or click on your city below for a direct registration link for any camps remaining!

BISMARCK •  DICKINSON  •  MINOT  •  WILLISTON  •  BRECKENRIDGE  •  DETROIT LAKES  

Fall Popcorn Sale Approaching!


The 2022 Popcorn Sale will be here before you know it! Unit Kernels should sign up for a the 2022 Popcorn Sale if they have not already!


Also, families and unit leaders can join the NLC Popcorn Kernel Korner Facebook Group for another way to see more details and learn from other units selling popcorn locally!


Go to the Popcorn Page on the council website for more information and updates!

NYLT Experience


August 5-7 and August 12-14, 2022

Wanzek Center for Scouting (Fargo, ND)


National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an action-packed, exciting program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations.

NYLT is a two-weekend course. Maximum number of participants is 30. Click HERE for more info.

Note: Central MN Council has cancelled their course for 2022 and is planning on sending their 15 youth to our course, so if you are considering signing up for NYLT, please do so ASAP to secure your spot as the course is capped at 30 participants.

Scout Day with the RedHawks


August 6, 2022 at the Newman Outdoor Field (Fargo)


Make this a family outing or bring your entire Den, Pack, Troop or Crew to the RedHawks game! All Scouts and their families are invited to enjoy an evening of baseball with the RedHawks. General admission is $15 and admission with overnighter on the field is $17 per person.


Click Here to Register!

2023 High Adventure SCUBA Trek


June 10-17, 2023 in Roatan, Honduras


The Northern Lights Council will be hosting a High Adventure SCUBA Trek in June of 2023 travelling to Honduras! This all-inclusive trip is for any Scout or leader and will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! When you stay with us for a week on our seven-night dive package, you’ll also receive two single tank boat night dives per week and shore diving during shop hours.


Click Here to Register!

Camp Grafton Merit Badge Weekend


September 23-25 at Camp Grafton

(ND National Guard Training Center)


Join us for a unique and fun Merit Badge weekend with the National Guard at Camp Grafton! This once-a-year event always fills fast so register now and do not hesitate.

We sleep in bunks and eat in the dining halls as the National Guard hosts us and even helps teach merit badges. Register Here!

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