Restart Scouting Summit
What is one of the most important meetings that your unit can attend to prepare for an awesome 2021 Scouting year? The RESTART SCOUTING SUMMIT on June 3 at Camp Tuckahoe. In place of Program Launch and the June Council-wide Roundtable, the New Birth of Freedom Council is inviting representatives from all of our units to participate in this important program. Doors open at 6:15pm and the program begins at 7:00pm.
We are inviting 2 leaders from every unit to attend. We recommend that one leader be your key unit leader (Scoutmaster/Cubmaster/Skipper/Crew Advisor) or your Committee Chair and the other your Popcorn and Nuts Kernel. You don’t have to fill those roles to attend but we feel those positions will get the most out of the evening.
The Restart Scouting Summit will start in the campfire circle at Camp Tuckahoe. Our general session will be for everyone and will be focused on how we can all contribute to restarting Scouting. Around 8pm, we will split up into three separate sessions, a Cub Scout Session, a Scouts BSA Session, and a Popcorn and Nuts session with presentations geared towards each group. We plan that those sessions will be wrapped up by about 8:30pm.
Weather permitting our general session and Cub Scout and Scouts BSA sessions will be outside. If we are forced inside due to weather we will follow all of the current COVID-19 guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
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Announcing New Popcorn and Nuts Vendor
The New Birth of Freedom Council Popcorn and Nuts Committee is excited to announce that we will have a new popcorn vendor for the 2021 Popcorn and Nuts Sale—Pecatonica River Popcorn (PRP). We know how important the annual popcorn and nuts sale is in providing support for Scouting units. Monies raised through the sale help Scouts fund their Scouting adventures, units purchase equipment to support their activities, and programs such as camporees. Camp facilities at Hidden Valley Scout Reservation and Camp Tuckahoe are directly impacted by our efforts. Recognizing the importance of the sale to our Scouting families, our committee is committed to working with vendors that deliver high-quality products at a good value with an excellent return to Scouting while being able to meet our expectation of on-time delivery of products that are exactly what our customers ordered. Our units have worked hard to build their reputation in their communities. We don’t want that relationship to be jeopardized by our product vendor. Due to some of the challenges faced in 2020, we felt it was our responsibility to every Scouting unit to reassess our partnerships.
Several months ago, we met with representatives from Pecatonica River Popcorn and were very impressed on how they handled the challenges of the pandemic. We spoke with councils that have sold Pecatonica River Popcorn for many years and were encouraged by their assessments of Pecatonica’s product quality, commitment to the Scouting community, dependability, and value. After careful consideration of pros and cons of working with Pecatonica River or other popcorn vendors, our volunteer committee concluded that Pecatonica River Popcorn would give all of our Scouting units the best chances for success in 2021 and going forward.
So, who is Pecatonica River Popcorn? Pecatonica River Popcorn specializes in a custom solution for each Council and has a proven track record of working with its invite-only customer base for a successful fundraiser (PRP does not enter agreements with just any council). Attention to detail is key. Since, 1983, PRP has worked with a number of Scout Councils while customizing each sale to capitalize on each council’s strengths and assets. This includes container design, unique products, and custom promotions.
What does my unit need to know about the sale? Join us during our Restart Scouting Summit on June 3 where we will talk more about what is in store for us. Details for the council kick off will be shared in the next couple of weeks. A couple of things that your unit will notice include:
· New resources for all of our sale models (take to work order tents, signs for Show and Sell)
· Free tasting kit for every unit so that Scouts can try the many new and tasty flavors
· Speaking of flavors, new flavors including peanut butter and chocolate popcorn, White Ruby (white chocolate caramel with a hint of cranberries), and jalapeno cheese
· New versions of your favorites: microwave popcorn, microwave kettle corn, cheddar cheese, and caramel with sea salt
· Prices are similar to prior years; however, all products (except the microwave) come in reusable buckets and tins
· Revised and simplified commission structure
· New online sale options that all come with free shipping
What about nuts? We continue to have a good relationship with our partners as Whitley’s. We are excited to have them return as a partner. Pecatonica River Popcorn and Whitley’s nuts will be a great combination for your unit’s fall sale! With a dependable customer-service oriented program from all of our vendors we hope to help you have an amazing sale and that you will love the new products as much as we do!
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We are a Scouting Family!
Thank you to the 120 plus family members who have contributed over $24,000 toward’ s the 2021 Friends of Scouting campaign.
Like all families, our Scouting Family has a budget too. In our 2021 budget, we need to raise $150,000 from our Friends of Scouting Campaign to deliver the quality program experience our Scouts deserve. We rely on these funds from our family members like you and me during a Friends of Scouting presentation. Some packs and troops have held presentations either virtually or in person. Our progress has been understandably slow as we are all working through the challenges of the pandemic. We know there are better days ahead as the weather becomes warmer and vaccines more available, and Scouting needs your help. Your financial support will ensure we deliver that promise of a quality Scouting experience to thousands of youth members. To make your financial commitment or learn more about the Friends of Scouting Campaign, please visit Click Here.
Only together can we make a difference in the lives of children!
For a gift of $150
Receive the above commemorative shoulder patch
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Camp Cards Sale
We have about 1 month left of this year’s Camp Card Sale, which we know has had a great response from our participating units. If your unit hasn’t sold all of their cards or if you are still getting decided on summer camp plans, it is not too late to sell Camp Cards.
Important Notes:
We have plenty of Camp Cards if your unit is starting to get low you can simply order more cards Here
There is still plenty of opportunity to take part in our online sale. This part of the sale is simple. Scouts can simply share the link with family and friends to purchase a card and we will send it directly to them. Click Here to access the online sale.
The more cards that are sold online, the more cards we will donate to local first responders and medical professionals. Learn more about this here.
If you are looking for an easy-to-schedule Show and Sell site, check out the food court at the Capital City Mall. For the rest of the sale, units can sign up for any available spots. All remaining spots are on a first come, first serve basis. You can see available dates and sign up here.
Don’t forget that prizes orders, unsold cards, and payments are all due by June 30, 2021 at either Council Service Center.
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2021 Summer Camp Staff
Hidden Valley Scout Reservation and Camp Tuckahoe are looking for applicants for crucial positions this year at summer camp. Those interested in any of these positions are asked to fill out our online application or send their resume to todd.weidner@scouting.org. Individuals are also encouraged to share this information with friends, other Scouting leaders, and those you think may be interested in a position. Below you can find job descriptions to better understand the opportunities available at each camp.
“You should consider applying to be a camp staff member because it is a life-changing experience. Working with a variety of [Scouts] and seeing them grow is so rewarding. Anyone who comes and joins camp staff will leave not only with new knowledge and amazing memories but will leave having become a better person.” – Previous Camp Staff Member
Camp Tuckahoe
Hidden Valley Scout Reservation
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2021 Rendezvous Staff
The Dragon’s Quest is not made for just any ol’ person…it is designed for Scouts – for Scouts to discover what it truly means to be a knight and knightess in the current age. This quest is met with festivity filled with games, food, and joy. Those who attend this great gathering will get to have the experience of a lifetime, one that cannot be had in any other kingdom.
As a staff volunteer, you will help make this quest a reality. There are many ways to participate as a volunteer, from our program staff to facilities support and as a photographer to a commissioner.
Upon registration for staff, your information will be sent to the respective heads of each area. They will then contact you to pass on important information and begin preparing for this spectacular event. Further communication will also be sent out to all the staff as we get closer to Rendezvous.
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Wood Badge
Wood Badge is an advanced, national leadership course open to Scouters from Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and more. Participants learn about listening, managing conflict, leading change, stages of team development, coaching & mentoring, leadership for different stages, servant leadership, project planning, and more! These come to you in presentations, games, discussions, activities, and other methods. When you take Wood Badge, you will make your unit stronger. You will have a deeper understanding of what Scouting is and why we do it. You will learn and experience things that will stay with you in Scouting and the rest of your life. You will have fun and you will meet interesting people. You will make your other groups, like work, church, even family, stronger.
Wood Badge will be held at Camp Tuckahoe in Dillsburg from August 27-29 and September 11-12.
The best and most effective changes start with individuals. The skill and leadership principles taught and practiced at Wood Badge are applicable to all aspects of life, including marriage, parenting, work, and church responsibilities. Skills like these are taught in higher education courses, large corporations, and world-class training programs, but you can be a thrifty Scout and get it all at Wood Badge!
If you are interested in all that Wood Badge has to offer, contact Course Director Barb Guise wb.n654421.cd@gmail.com at (717) 226-8751. Register for Wood Badge here.
Be the Change!
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2021 CUB SCOUT ADVENTURE CAMP: WEIRD SCIENCE
Cub Scout Adventure Camp is a camp offered either during the day (Day Camp) or evening (Twilight Camp) that your Cub Scout can attend for some summertime scouting fun. The camp is not overnight, making it perfect for families without tenting supplies, or who may not have time for our resident camps.
Did you know the Eiffel Tower can be 15 cm taller during the summer? Did you know Hawaii moves 7.5cm closer to Alaska every year? Did you know Polar bears are nearly undetectable by infrared cameras? Join us at one of our Cub Scout Adventure Camps as we explore the world of Weird Science in our Nature program along with other programs through our camp in this year’s theme of Weird Science.
Reminder to sign up by May 15 in order to save yourself $20 per Scout.
To get more information about Cub Scout Adventure Camp and to register to one of the camps click here.
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Council Recognition Dinner Recap
Thank you to everyone who attended this year's Council Volunteer Banquet and District Receptions on May 15 at Lisburn Community Fire Company located at 1800 Main St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
The New Birth of Freedom Council presented the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award that a local council can present for distinguished service to youth in the council, to the following individuals at the event:
- Bruce Apgar
- Brian Alpaugh
- Donna Baum
- Josh Brown
- Fred Gellert
- Bill McQuade
- David Olson
- Justin Schneider
- Herb Snyder, Jr.
- Kevin Stein
- Bev Taylor
Biographies and videos for each of these recipients can be found by Clicking Here
We look forward to seeing everyone at next year's event.
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Spring Membership
Congratulations to all of the Packs that welcomed new Scouts as part of the Spring Membership Campaign. Over the last several weeks, we have held Hooked on Scouting events to recognize new Scouts and give current Scouts the opportunity to come out and have a Cub Scout Fishing Adventure.
For all of the new Scouts that attended our events, they were provided their fishing pole at the event. For new Scouts that joined March 15 to May 15 that have not yet received their fishing pole, in the coming weeks our District Executives will be working with you to make arrangements to get your poles. We have almost all of the poles that we need right now and are working with our sponsor, Bass Pro to get the rest so that Scouts can take advantage of using their poles this summer.
Thank you to all of our staff and volunteers that made our Hooked on Scouting events possible. We hope all of our new Scouts have a fantastic summer and look forward to new Scouting adventures this fall.
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Stay Informed
We have a number of Email Newsletters that you and your fellow Scouting adults can receive to stay informed.
Please follow this link and forward it to others so that you can be in the loop on all of the Great things going on in the New Birth of Freedom Council: E-newsletter Signup.
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Upcoming Council Events
For a full list of upcoming events, visit the council calendar on the website by clicking here.
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New Birth of Freedom Council | Boy Scouts of America | 717-766-1591 | Email | Website
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New Birth of Freedom Council, BSA • 1 Baden Powell Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
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