- Scout Executive Message
- Silver Beaver Nominations Extended
- Camping Director Message
- Camp Mitigwa - New for Scouts BSA
- Camp Akela-News for Cub Scouts
- Upcoming Events
- Order of the Arrow
- High Adventure
- Training - Woodbadge & NYLT
- Unit Resources - Recharter & Safety
- NESA
- Eagle Nest
- Scout Shop - Champ Camp, Sales, Giving Tree & MORE
- Maytag Scout Center
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Mid-Iowa Scouters,
As the Holiday Season is upon us, I wanted to take a moment and say thank you for your leadership throughout the past year. I am amazed daily by the level of commitment from our Scouters. Everyday each of you plays a role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders; and for that, we thank you.
On behalf of our Executive Board, dedicated staff, and myself, best wishes to you and your families throughout the Holiday Season and into the New Year.
Regards,
Matt
Executive/CEO
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Established in 1931, the Silver Beaver Award is the highest award presented by the Boy Scouts of America, to council, district or unit volunteers for distinguished service to youth. Since then, of the thousands of volunteers who have served central Iowa youth, only 637 have received the Silver Beaver.
The Silver Beaver is given to those who implement the Scouting program and live its values through community service over many years. It is given to those who do not actively seek it.
Any adult may submit a nomination to recognize another leader with the Silver Beaver Award. You are welcome and encouraged to submit a nomination for a Scouting leader whom you feel deserves to be considered. Please keep in mind that your nominee will be considered solely on the information that you provide. Therefore, present your nominee's accomplishments in a clear and concise manner. Please do not inform the individual of the nomination that you are submitting.
The nomination deadline is December 10. Nominations must be submitted on an annual basis. Nominations not selected are returned to the person submitting the application so that they can be updated and resubmitted the following year.
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Snow is…a beautiful reminder of life and all its quirks.
It makes me pause. Think. Stay still.
Even my mind takes the hint. It makes me feel giddy. Like a kid.
—R.B. O’Brien
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Ice is forming on our ponds at camp, the first snowfall has dusted the treetops, while frost highlighted the individuality of each blade of grass. Winter at camp is an amazing time. The Cardinals and Jays playing on the wind kissed by the lightest of snow, the yearling deer experiencing walking across a field of snow for the first time, our squirrels playing tag and sliding across the ice-covered road. Being still is not easy. We want to run and jump and play too, but if we can manage it and be the quietest that we have ever been able to be, we can experience a world that Walt Disney himself would not be able to illustrate. We can experience a moment that would be fitting for a snow globe, but we get to hold it in our heart instead of our hands.
Many think that we slow down during the winter at camp, but we refuse to cede four months of the year to Jack Frost and his friends. Camping is not just for summer. We have units that take advantage of some of the best cabin prices in the area, while others choose to collect Polar Points. Whatever their choice is we are here to accommodate. We have also been expanding our programing as well, with the Mitigwa Winter Games and the Cub Winter Extravaganza. We are opening the winter months to the Magic of Mitigwa.
This is also the time of year that planning for next summer’s program occurs. Our administrative staff is hard at work getting next year’s program put together and ready for publication. The interview and hiring process for program and operations staff for summer 2024 has started. I have received commitments from many of our staff from the centennial summer, but we still have a lot of positions at both Camp Akela and Camp Mitigwa to be filled. I will be conducting interviews on December 26th in the afternoon before winter camp begins, and on January 1st at camp during our new community First Day Hike at camp. Interview times will also be scheduled Saturday afternoons in January at the Deere Center at Camp Mitigwa.
I hope to see you at camp this winter.
Scott Robinson
Camping Director
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Reserve your spot today for summer camp at Mitigwa Scout Reservation. There is something for everyone at summer camp this summer as we head back to Basics with Scouting 101. |
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Scouts BSA Camp Mitigwa
5 Sessions beginning Sunday, June 16, 2024
Scout Fees - $375
Adult Fee - $175
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Open for Troops and individuals to register. Adult leadership is provided by camp. Have fun learning about winter camping and activities at this 3 day camp. Don't miss out!
Only a few more spots available!
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Our Camp Master Corp needs individuals that would like to spend one or more weekends at Camp during the second season and help the units that are spending time at Camp. If you are interested in becoming a member of our volunteer team of customer service specialists at Mitigwa Scout Reservation please contact Scott Robinson at scott.robinson@scouting.org.
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Come experience the "Magical, Mystical World of Cub Scouts. Your Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Arrow of Light campers have a world of fun awaiting for them this summer at Camp Akela. Registration opens in November. |
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Cub Scouts Camp Akela
Cub Adventure
5 Sessions beginning Sunday, June 16,2024
Scout & Adult Fee - $120
Webelos Adventure
5 Sessions beginning Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Scout & Adult Fee - $240
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As we celebrate our 100th Anniversary of the first Scout Camp at Mitigwa, we should all be proud of the impact of Scouting on the lives of Iowa’s young people. Build your legacy by making a gift to the Mitigwa Legacy Campaign to secure the next 100 years of Scouting on the “Hills above the River." |
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Round Tables
Twin Rivers December 14th at 6:30 pm
Maytag Scout Center or virtually
Prairie Winds December 12th at 7:00 pm
City Church in Ames or virtually
Woodland Trails Digital Round Table
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First Day Hike
January 1st
January 13th
January 15th
February 10th
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December 27-29
First Day Hike
January 1st
January 13th
January 15th
January 20th
January 26-28th
February 2-4th
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Please pay your 2024 dues so that you can be involved in our upcoming activities and receive all of our communications
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Chapter Meetings
Twin Rivers - December 14th - 7:00 PM - Maytag Scout Center - Holiday Party- Gift Exchange ($10 limit) - Dress in your favorite holiday attire and bring a treat to share.
Prairie Winds - December 12th - 7:00 PM - City Church of Ames - Holiday service project- making holiday cards for nursing homes. Ugly sweaters are encouraged. We will also be watching a movie, bring a snack to share.
Woodland Trails -December 14th - 5:30 PM - Penn Central Mall in Oskaloosa - We will be going to the arcade. Bring $5 for the arcade. After we will be go to Pizza Ranch and have a gift exchange ($20 limit).
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Newsletters and details on upcoming events can be found at
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Mid Iowa Council
High Adventure Facebook Page
Coming Soon!
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The Mid-Iowa Council Philmont Treks
2024
We plan to include over 50 Scouts and Adult Advisors in our 2024 Expedition.
We will organize those participants into five crews of 10-12 Scouts. Each crew will make their own choice of 35 available itineraries.
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Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America’s premier High Adventure™ base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rockies in northeastern New Mexico. This opportunity is open to individual Scouts or unit crews.
For additional information or to sign up contact:
Chuck Jordal
(515)279-8746
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Be the BEST leader you can! Get Trained
Check out training opportunities below
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Woodbadge 2024
Registration is OPEN!
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Don't wait to register!!
Early bird discount
ends May 1, 2024
The most comprehensive leadership training you will ever receive!
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We need staff for NYLT 2024
College Credit Available
Attend NYLT Leadership Academy Summer 2024 to train for our staff
Scholarships are available to attend
This program can not happen without trainers
Youth and Adults Needed!
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2024 Recharter
Recharting is open and ready for units to start. Each unit Key 3 received an email on October 12th from the Mid-Iowa Council with instructions on HOW and WHO can complete the Recharter for your Pack, Troop, Crew, or Ship.
REMEMBER UNITS THAT ARE PAID AND SUBMITTED BY DECEMBER 15TH WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING FOR A PRIZE.
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Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct
On my honor I promise to do my best to comply with this Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct while serving in my capacity as an adult leader:
- I have or will complete my registration with the Boy Scouts of America, answering all questions truthfully and honestly.
- I will do my best to live up to the Scout Oath and Scout Law, obey all laws, and hold others in Scouting accountable to those standards. I will exercise sound judgment and demonstrate good leadership and use the Scouting program for its intended purpose consistent with the mission of the Boy Scouts of America.
- I will make the protection of youth a personal priority. I will complete and remain current with Youth Protection training requirements. I will be familiar with and follow:
- BSA Youth Protection policies and guidelines, including mandatory reporting
- The Guide to Safe Scouting
- SAFE Checklist
- When transporting Scouts, I will obey all laws, comply with Youth Protection guidelines, and follow safe driving practices.
- I will respect and abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, BSA policies, and BSA-provided training, including but not limited to those relating to:
- Unauthorized fundraising activities
- Advocacy on social and political issues, including prohibited use of the BSA uniform and brand
- Bullying, hazing, harassment, and unlawful discrimination of any kind
- I will not discuss or engage in any form of sexual conduct while engaged in Scouting activities. I will refer Scouts with questions regarding these topics to talk to their parents or spiritual advisor.
- I confirm that I have fully disclosed and will disclose in the future any
of the following:
- Any criminal suspicion, charges, or convictions of a crime or offense involving abuse, violence, sexual misconduct, or any misconduct involving minors or juveniles
- Any investigation or court order involving domestic violence, child abuse, or similar matter
- Any criminal charges or convictions for offenses involving
controlled substances, driving while intoxicated, firearms, or
dangerous weapons
- I will not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting rules, regulations, and policies:
- Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana
- Concealed or unconcealed firearms, fireworks, or explosives
- Pornography or materials containing words or images inconsistent with Scouting values
- If I am taking prescription medications with the potential of impairing my functioning or judgment, I will not engage in activities that would put Scouts at risk, including driving or operating equipment.
- I will take steps to prevent or report any violation of this code of conduct by others in connection with Scouting activities.
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2024 Leaders Luncheon
Join us for lunch with special guest
Allen Lazard
Allen is an Urbandale High School graduate, Iowa State Football Alumni and current New York Jets Wide Receiver. He will be joined by other special guests to celebrate leadership and leading the way in 2024.
Registration coming soon!
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Welcome to the Eagle's Nest
Congratulations to the Newest Class of Eagle Scouts
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Upcoming Scout Shop Holidays
December 22, 2023 through January 2, 2024
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Upcoming Admin Office Holidays
December 25-26, 2023
January 1, 2024
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Mid-Iowa Council | 6123 Scout Trail | Des Moines, IA | 50321 | 515-266-2135 |
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