October 17, 2022

Fall is here. Cooler days and crisp nights make for great hikes, campfires, and other Scouting activities. Looking for things to do? Here are your Four Things To Know for mid October!


  • Training for Citizenship in Society Counselors - October 18
  • Digital Technology Merit Badge - October 22
  • Scouting for Food Collection - November 12 and 19
  • Scout Days at Eastern State Penitentiary - November 12


Plus, Dates to Know, this month's Safety Minute, and a new Fun Fact.

Training for Citizenship in Society Counselors - October 18


Are you interested in helping Scouts by becoming a counselor for the new Citizenship in Society Merit Badge? If so, you will need to complete an "in person" Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training with the Council.  To meet this requirement, you are invited to join this 90 minute Zoom session that includes an overview of the material, suggestions on how to facilitate this badge, and links to useful resources.  


No preregistration is required, however, you will be asked to submit your contact information in the chat so you can receive the supporting links after the meeting.


Questions? Please write to Frank Prohaska, our District Merit Badge Coordinator.

Digital Technology Merit Badge - October 22


The Council's monthly merit badge sessions are focusing on STEM badges; this month is Digital Technology.  Technology has come a long way since the Computers merit badge was introduced in 1967; Scouts can come learn about all forms of digital technology in the 21st century.  The session costs only $5 and will be held at Council headquarters from 9:00 am to 3:00.  Registration closes at the end of the day on Monday, October 17, so click here to register today

Scouting for Food Collection - November 12 and 19


November is just around the corner, which means it is time for the annual Scouting for Food drive, one of the biggest service projects of the year. All Packs, Troops, Crews, and Ships are encouraged to be part of helping families in need. Some important notes about Scouting for Food for 2022:


  • Door Hangers are available for pickup; contact Kate, our District Coordinator, to arrange a pick-up.
  • Door hanger distribution by Units is scheduled for November 12 &13, 2022.
  • Food Donation Collection is scheduled for November 19, 2022. As in past years, collected food can be dropped off at St. Mark's UMC at 2220 Sproul Road in Broomall from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm that day.  
  • Units are encouraged to customize the back of the door hangers with unit identification and information on how to join their unit. Remember that we are now Scouts BSA!
  • Our District Coordinator is Kate Hiebert. Please send her the name, phone number and e-address of the Scouting for Food Coordinator in your unit as soon as possible to help coordinate our efforts. We have a map (visible here) to show areas typically covered by Units in our District; there are lots of areas available for your Unit to help out. 


Last year the District collected over 7 tons (15,000 items) of food. The need in our community is great; let's see if we can collect even more this year.

Scout Days at Eastern State Penitentiary - November 12


Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the most unique architectural and museum experiences in Philadelphia, and they are once again inviting Scouts BSA to participate in a specially-curated, in-person learning experience.  Led by their engaging staff, Scouts will tour the penitentiary, engage in interactive activities and conversations, learn about Eastern State’s history and influence, and receive an introduction to the fields of architecture and historic preservation, including satisfying requirements for the Architecture Merit Badge.   


Join your fellow Scouts on Saturday, November 12, between 11:30 and 4:00, with registration required in advance.  Cost is $15 per Scout, with groups of 15 or more discounted to $12 each.  Click here for more information and to register.

Dates to Know


For a full list of Council events, check out the Council Program Update.


Training for Citizenship in Society Merit Badge: October 18

Join via Zoom from 7:30 to 9:00. Contact our Merit Badge Dean, Frank Prohaska, for information on how to be a counselor for this new Eagle-required badge.  


Digital Technology Merit Badge Session: October 22

Register is open until the end of Monday, October 17.  Registration and information here.


Tri-District Camporee: Weekend of October 21 to 23

This event is SOLD OUT. Click here for information about a wait list. 


Scouting for Food: Saturday November 12 and 19

Door tag drop-off on November 12 or 13, and food collection on November 19.


Scout Days at Eastern State Penitentiary - November 12

Click here for information and to register.


Resica Falls Trivia Night - November 12 

Join us for a fun-filled evening and raise funds for the Brenner Lodge at Resica Falls. 


Gold Rush Klondike: Weekend of January 27 to 29

The Constellation District joins the Baden-Powell District's annual winter camporee.


District First Aid Derby: Saturday March 11

Test your First Aid skills in our annual competition. 

Click here for information and to register.  


Pilgrimage and Encampment:  March 10-12

A full weekend of the Pilgrimage and Encampment returns in 2023 with a visit to Fort Washington State Park! More details will follow, but save the date.

District Safety Minute


With the Fall weather turning cooler, evening campfires become even more fun with their warmth.  Scouts will start to get closer and put their feet up on the fire ring, making them more susceptible to stray embers (from dried leaves in particular) and possibly melting the bottom of their boots.  Now is a good time to review campfire safety with your Scouts.  Enjoy the chill !!

Fun Fact to Know


Troop 315 in Newtown Square traces its roots back to 1922, when it was Troop 1 of Larchmont, PA.  After bouncing among several chartering organizations (including the Marple Newtown School District), the troop landed at St. Anastasia Parish in 1947, which continues to be its home today.  

Key People to Know


Constellation District Volunteer Leadership (Key 2)

John Cluver, District Chair

Rob Shillingford, District Commissioner


Service Area 2 Professional Team

Ryan Martin, Team Lead and Fundraising Specialist

Rhys Wallace, Membership Specialist

Aaron Munson, Service & Program Specialist


Constellation District Website: Click Here

Constellation District Instagram:  @constellation_district 

Constellation District Facebook page: Click Here


Do you have news or photos on a new Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow induction, or anything else to share on the District's Facebook page? Contact our Public Relations Chair, Rose Sutkowski, to get it posted.