June 2021, Issue #26
Commissioner's Corner
Friends,

This has been a summer of Scouting that is very much welcomed. Summer Camp at Rotary Scout Reservation is going immensely well and our weekend programs at Camp Wakpominee have been a success. A good number of Troops, Packs, and Crews are amping up their activities and are more active than they have been in a long while. It has been an exciting time and a big relief after the past eighteen months. To those of you who are “out there”, keep Scouting On! For those of you who are still waiting, now is the time! 
We must remember that we will only be able to continue if we are diligent in keeping our activities safe. Following CDC recommendations and having continuous conversations with your committee and chartered partner on how to ensure the safety of your memberships must be ongoing. We do not want our lack of knowledge and action to be the reason families become sick. 

This fall is going to be an important one for us. In fact, it may be the most important time that we have experienced in a long while. It is no secret that the pandemic has taken its toll on our membership and as a membership driven organization, we need to do our absolute best to invite each and every young person to join us. Every unit should be looking at how they can better recruit in their community and not be shy about asking for the resources they need to get it done. But that will only work if you begin planning now, not in September or October. 

Lastly, please remember that all scouting is local. From advancement, training, camporees, klondike derbies, and basic unit support, the work heavily depends on volunteers. They are volunteers right in your very own community. They are working to make a difference for your unit and trying to deliver the mission of scouting to as many people as possible. They are a resource for you and hopefully you are able to one day join them in their efforts. When you think of “the Council”, remember that we all are part of the solution and process. Your voice matters and you are encouraged to get involved to be a part of the solutions that you would like to see. 

Enjoy the second half of summer and please let us know what you need to be successful this fall.

Yours in Service,

Council Commissioner
Camping and Program
For assistance contact Steven Dunn Assistant Scout Executive or Rheanna Meier Program Executive
Camp Wakpominee Alumni Association Centennial Dinner

The Camp Wakpominee Alumni Association would like to share some exciting news for those who have not heard. The much-anticipated Centennial Dinner to celebrate camp and help lay the foundation for its future is a reality after numerous covid delays.

This event will be a party worthy of a 100-year-old family that continues to grow and provide a fun and safe environment for Scouts of all ages. You’re welcome to come early and take a tour of camp, view our historical displays, and check out all of the recent improvements and enhancements! A social hour with hors d’oeuvres will kick-off at 5:00 PM followed by dinner at 6:00 PM. (Steak, Salmon, Chicken or vegetarian selections, sorry no chicken patties this time). The dinner will include a short program followed by an after-glow social where you can catch up with old and new friends, enjoy some snacks, games and a campfire. 

This will be a true celebration you won’t want to miss. Please leave the uniform at home and come dressed for fun. We can’t wait to show you the results of the Alumni Association’s 16 years of hard work that you have enabled us to do for the Scouts and Scouters we serve. The CWAA has contributed over $48,000 in materials for capital projects, equipment and camp scholarships thanks our members continued generosity. You’ve helped us keep the promise for future generations, and we’re even more excited as we look to the future.

We appreciate those who have already registered who may be receiving this note. There are sponsorship opportunities available at $250, $500 and $1,000 levels if you or someone you know may be interested. Additionally, we have approximately 8 staff positions available for those that would like to help the day of the event and still enjoy the celebrations. 

The CWAA is currently working on a new website along with other significant updates and initiatives that we’ll share more about at the dinner. The future is bright, and we’re excited to celebrate with you all. We are fairly active on Instagram and Facebook so give us a follow. 

Attached is a flyer for your review. We do ask that if you prefer to pay by check, please email cwaa100th@gmail.com to give us a heads-up as we will be ordering food at the close of registration on August 8th. 

Thanks again and see you soon!
Sincerely,
The CWAA Team
Sign up for Wood Badge Training!!

Wood Badge draws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles and successful organizations throughout the country. 
Wood Badge training was begun by Baden Powell in 1919 as a way to insure that the leaders of Scout troops were properly trained. Since then Wood Badge has been held worldwide, providing advanced leadership training to thousands of Scout leaders. 
Wood Badge builds upon the best traditions and  
experiences of the Boy Scouts of America and also draws from a wide range of courses within and beyond the bounds of Scouting to present the latest in leadership theory and team development.

Cost: $250
Contact: William Babbage
Course Director

Weekend 1
Camp Wakpominee
Friday 09-17-2021 7:30 AM to
Sunday 09-19-2021 5:00 PM
Weekend 2
Camp Wakpominee
Saturday 10-23-2021 7:30 AM to
Monday 10-24-2021 5:00 PM
Take note of these 11 key changes in the 2021 Guide to Advancement

In Scouting, it’s said that feedback is a gift. It’s also a critical component of the Guide to Advancement, the BSA’s official trail map to the mechanics of advancement in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts.

Feedback from volunteers from across the country was incorporated into the new and improved 2021 Guide to Advancement, available now. More...
Scout Shop Taking Applications for Sales Clerk

See job description below. If interested you can apply on indeed at this link.


Assists customers in the selection and purchase of Scout Shop merchandise. Completes sales transactions and assists customers with product information. Assists in unloading trucks to stock merchandise. Supports store promotions through local councils. Safeguards cash, performs inventory, and maintains store appearance.
An ideal candidate should have both retail sales experience and membership experience in a Scouting program.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $12.50 - $14.50 per hour
Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Paid time off
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability
Experience:
  • Retail sales: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location:
  • One location
Work Remotely:
  • No

Membership and Unit Service
For assistance contact Tory Carman Membership Executive or Steven Dunn Assistant Scout Executive

Membership Tip of the Month!

Let's get Scouting back out into our Community, show our potential families that their children can learn and have fun in scouting! Seeing the program in action can make a huge impact on a parents decision on joining. Here is a great Recruitment Event that a units can work with their district and council to hold.

Planning an Activity for Recruitment!

The Bull's Eye Playbook- Bull's Eye Playbook for Recruitment

Your chartered organization, troop, council or district will host a community event for parents and youth interested in Cub Scout or Scouts BSA to have the opportunity to learn some of the basics of Archery. All the details (supplies, snacks, instructors, setup, and promotion) will be taken care of by the troop, council or district. Scouting employees and volunteers will be on-hand to help with the event and answer any questions about the program.

Click on the Bull's Eye Playbook Link above for more details about planning a FUN event!

If interested in doing a recruitment event please email Tory Carman.
Check out these great Videos from our Recruitment and Marketing Hub Web Page
How To Process Transfer Applications

Transfer applications can be done three ways,
  1. by paper and the Troop sends them into the council office for processing,
  2. or two ways online, the Pack Committee Chair can initiate the transfer of the youth to the Troop using the Transfer feature in My.Scouting.org Organization Manager
  3. OR the parent can initiate the transfer if they have a My.Scouting.org account and select My Application from the menu.
Save a Tree, GO DIGITAL!

If your Pack or Troop is not using Scoutbook, we’d like to save the Unit Administrators time and paperwork when it comes to recording your scouts advancements. You’ll no longer need to handwrite Unit Advancement Reports, you can simply login to your My.Scouting.org account and select BSA Web Links from the main menu, then select Internet Advancement 2.0. Your scout roster is already loaded and ready for you to record the earned dates for ranks, merit badges and awards, you can track all the scout activities there too, like camping nights, community service hours and hiking miles. You’ll have access to digital reports that can be printed yearly for Pack and Troop record keeping and history purposes. Posting the earned dates in Internet Advancement 2.0 means the only paper advancement reports our office will see in the future will be from an Eagle BOR. Help us save a tree and let’s all go digital!

(If a Unit Advancement Chair does not have access to Internet Advancement 2.0, unit admins can set-up rights to access in Organization Manager, Position Manager.)

If you have questions or would like to see training on this, please contact Sandy Elkins.
Development and Sponsorships
For assistance contact Beth Bush Development Director
It’s POPCORN TIME!

It’s not too late to sign up your unit or Scout to sell popcorn in the fall.

Camp Masters, our new popcorn company offers:
-Lower prices
-New products and familiar products
-Great support!

Also new for this year is a choice for commission structure.

Our trainings are coming up soon, so even if your unit is still deciding, get the commitment in so you don’t miss out on the information and training, which offers your Unit/Scout an additional 5% commission!
Visit our popcorn page to learn more... 
Join us on Saturday, September 11th, 2021 at the Sportsmen’s Club of Clifton Park for an afternoon of shooting, fellowship, and fun in support of the Twin Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Each five-person team will compete in our trap shoot for prizes and bragging rights among friends. Register your adult team of first-time through experienced shooters for this fantastic event. Awards, raffle items, and a catered lunch all await you at the Twin Rivers Council Shotgun Shoot! More...
It's Back...The Taylor Car Show
The Taylor Car Show is an annual fundraising event to support the Scouts and Scouting programs in the local area.
The event is held for two nights allowing for more guests to enjoy the 30,000 square foot space. Jim gives a tour of the automobiles and memorabilia, sharing stories from his experiences collecting and road rallying his cars. Guests can follow along or can tour the collection on their own.
An Italian dinner of lasagna, salad, and pizza from House of Pizza and a variety of libations, coffee, tea, soda and water are provided. More...
Join us for our 2nd Annual Oh My Gourd! It's a Virtual 5k October 1 - 15th!
Are you a person of any age from anywhere? Then you are invited!
You don't run??? No worries. You can participate in any form or anywhere -- running, walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, rolling, strolling, swimming or any other way.
Let's give everyone pumpkin to talk about. Do the 5K dressed in costume, carrying a pumpkin, or in team clothing. Regourdless of how you participate, make sure you do 16,404 feet or 3.1 miles and have FUN! More...
Council Administration
For assistance contact Ruth LaCoss, Office Manager
Council Service Center Re-Opens to Volunteers and Visitors Tuesday - Thursday.

Following the announcement from the CDC and Governor Cuomo regarding business re-openings and mask protocol, beginning Tuesday, May 25, 2021, the Council Service Center will reopen for our volunteers and visitors Tuesday – Thursday without the need for an appointment.

If the business you need to transact will require more than 10 – 15 minutes or, if you need to meet with a particular Staff Member, you are encouraged to make an appointment in advance.

Volunteers and Visitors are asked to follow the Mask Protocol which can be found here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-new-york-state-adopt-new-cdc-guidance-mask-use-and-social-distancing when visiting the Council Service Center. Social Distancing of 6 feet will also be maintained.

The Service Center will remain appointment only on Monday’s and Friday’s and we will continue the Drop Box System on those days and the weekend.

The Scout Shop will continue their regular hours:
Monday - Friday 10 am – 6 pm, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm.
 
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