January 2022
Commissioner's Corner
Friends,

A new calendar year is here and we are exciting about what is to come.

Of course, we are still having to adjust how we do things due to COVID just like every where else. But, we cannot let this slow us down in our goals to create and deliver an outstanding program to each youth. Dozens of units are handling the adjustment with flying colors.
If your unit is in need of some support when it comes to running a program during COVID, please reach out. We can get some resources to help you.

It is Klondike Derby season and you will see that local volunteers have created a number of opportunities for units. If you cannot attend one for your local area, remember that you are welcome at any event in the Council. Just need to sign up!

Summer programs have been announced and now is the time to start getting your unit ready. If you wait for the warmer weather, it can be done, but you will be behind.

See you all around!
Yours in Service,

Council Commissioner
Camping and Program
For assistance contact Steven Dunn Assistant Scout Executive
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!
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/


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
Congratulations and Thank You!!!
We would like to Congratulate all the Unit Leaders and Volunteers for all your great efforts and a great fall recruitment year! We would not have been able to bring the Scouting program to the youth and giving them an opportunity that they may not have had. A BIG round of applause to all of you!!
We would like to recognize the Top Districts and the Top 10 Units that have reached their goal and beyond.
Top Districts

Cub Scouts
Mohawk District 159
Fort Orange 157

Scouts BSA
Fort Orange 33
Yankee Doodle 16
Top 10 Units:
  1. Pack 1050 30      6. Pack 1083 21
  2. Pack 2257 30      7. Pack 1701 21
  3. Pack 6044 25      8. Pack 4005 20
  4. Pack 1023 23      9. Pack 8046 19
  5. Pack 4013 22      10. Pack 1078 18
Honorable mention to Adirondack District for all your great efforts in recruitment- 6 out of 7 packs increased membership!! Double their Cub Scouts!! Job well DONE!
Recruitment Playbooks- Survey
The Membership Team is looking to create specialized playbooks to aid your unit in retaining your scouts. We are asking you to take some time to think about what you and your unit need assistance with or what you would like to better understand. To do this we have create a short survey, link below, we ask you to fill out. Remember to Adventure On.
Help us Bring the Cub Scout Program to our Downtown Albany Youth
Looking for Older Scouts and/or Adults who would like to teach Cub Scout skills at two of our downtown Albany Schools starting in late January. This will be a minimum of three hours a week and will include an hourly stipend or a chance to earn a free week of camp at Rotary Scout Reservation. Below is a copy of the Job Description and Details.

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. 
Citizenship in Society Merit Badge
BSA recently released Citizenship in Society, an exciting new merit badge for Scouts. Citizenship in Society provides Scouts with opportunities to learn more about our world by encouraging them to explore information on diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership — and to learn why these qualities are important in society and in Scouting.
 
Scouts can currently earn Citizenship in Society merit badge, which will be become Eagle required on July 1, 2022.
 
Citizenship in Society offers a unique merit badge experience. BSA will not be publishing a merit badge pamphlet, and unlike most merit badge experiences, the objective is not to acquire a pre-determined set of practical skills or knowledge. Scouts will instead engage in a reflective journey of self-study, exploration, and conversation with their counselor, parents, peers, and other community members. Scouts are encouraged to tailor their study to their own experiences and goals for personal growth.
 
Merit Badge Counselors Needed
 Because the Citizenship in Society merit badge is such a unique experience for Scouts, it will require a unique commitment from the merit badge counselors who will work with them.
 
In most other merit badges, the counselor is a subject matter expert who helps to share his or her knowledge and experience with a Scout who is learning a new skill. For the Citizenship in Society merit badge, however, the counselor is best viewed as a guide, or facilitator, who supports the Scout along their own personal journey of study and reflection.   
 
Based on feedback from Scouts and counselors during pilot testing for the new merit badge, BSA recommends that Citizenship in Society counselors work together with no more than 3-5 Scouts of similar age and from the same troop. Due to the nature of the work involved, BSA’s guidance directs that this badge should not be offered in large group settings such as troop meetings, or in summer camp or merit badge university environments.
 
The Twin Rivers Council is seeking qualified adult counselors to help guide Scouts through this Citizenship in Society experience. Citizenship in Society counselors will be expected to:
 
  • Complete BSA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Scouting training online at my.scouting.org.
  • Read and follow BSA’s Citizenship in Society Merit Badge Counselor Guide.
  • Demonstrate support for the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership.
  • Exhibit strong communication skills, including the ability to listen and ask guiding questions to promote discussion without imparting the counselor’s own feelings or views.
  • Be available to openly communicate with the Scout’s parent(s) or guardian(s) if questions or discussions require their assistance.
  • Demonstrate an ability to serve as a guide and facilitator for a Scout’s personal, reflective, journey.
 
If you are interested in serving as a counselor for Citizenship in Society merit badge, please complete the application process detailed on trcscouting.org. Applicants must provide a copy of their DEI in Scouting training certificate from my.scouting.org. If you have questions, please contact Advancement Committee Chair Ross Petitjean (RPetitjean@ialawny.com) or Vice President of Program Ethan Angell (ethanangell56@gmail.com).
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