Long-Time Mount Vernon
Scouter Named to BSA National Hall of Leadership Once-in-a-Century Honor among Programs Celebrating Scouting’s
100th Anniversary
We are delighted to announce that William E.
“Bill” Kelly, a long-time Scouter from Mount Vernon, was among nearly
300 Scouts and Scout leaders nationwide named July 25 to the Boy Scouts
of America (BSA) 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership.
Bill
was selected based on a lifetime of outstanding service spanning more
than seven decades. For the past thirty years he has given leadership to
the council’s annual Bowl-o-ree which is now named in his honor. Over
this time tens of thousands of Scouts have participated, raising more
than $2 million to support the council’s program for special needs
youth.
While the Bowl-o-ree is his most visible contribution to
Scouting, it is just one of his many contributions to our programs. Bill
is an active member of our Board of Directors and the Catholic Committee
on Scouting. He works tirelessly each year at the Thunderbird Games and
the council’s golf tournament and is a member of the Four Rivers
District’s Friends of Scouting team. And, at 89 years-old, Bill can
still be found at the council office on any given day assisting with a
wide-range of services.
During a ceremony at the close of the BSA’s Centennial Parade in
Washington, D.C. on July 25, Kelly was named to the National Hall of
Leadership for making a significant difference in the lives of thousands
by the extraordinary service he has given, and the Scouting virtues he
has modeled.
In addition to the July 25 ceremonies in the nation’s
capital, each inductee will have his or her name recorded as part of the
BSA’s 100th Anniversary archives at the National Scouting Museum in
Irving, Tex.
“What better way to help celebrate 100 years of Scouting
in America than by giving the citizens of the communities we serve the
opportunity to remember and honor these individuals who have made such a
significant contribution to the lives of others and who have improved
the quality of life for all,” said Robert J. Mazzuca, Chief Scout
Executive.
We are grateful for Bill’s outstanding service and are
pleased that his efforts have received this national recognition!
Two New Outdoor Awards
Unveiled The National Outdoor Challenge (No. 430-016) is a unit award that
recognizes troops/teams that maintain or increase the amount of outdoor
activity when compared to the previous year. The information and
application is available here:
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/boyscouts/adults/awards.aspx and
is due at the end of 2010. With the release of this award, the National
Camping Award has been discontinued; however, patches for camping nights
will be available until the inventory is depleted.
The National Outdoor Achievement Award (No. 430-509) recognizes Boy
Scouts/Varsity Scouts that excel in outdoor participation. The award
consists of five areas of emphasis (camping, aquatics, hiking, riding
and adventure) with rigorous requirements to earn each segment. Scouts
looking for an extra challenge can earn the National Medal for Outdoor
Achievement. This challenging award requires earning at least three of
the National Outdoor Achievement segments, planning and leading a trek,
earning Wilderness First Aid and becoming a Leave No Trace Trainer as
well as several other requirements. The information and application is
available at the following link:
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/boyscouts/youth/awards.aspx
Youth Protection Training TO: Westchester-Putnam Council Scouters
FROM: Marc T. Andreo, Scout Executive
SUBJECT: Youth Protection Training
DATE: June 1, 2010
On Friday, May 28th the National Office announced
that the Boy Scouts of America has updated its Youth Protection Training
requirements. Effective June 1, 2010 Youth Protection Training is
required for all registered volunteers.
New Leaders are required to
take Youth Protection Training before they submit their application for
registration and the training must be renewed by each individual every
two years.
The Westchester-Putnam Council has been in the forefront of
endorsing Youth Protection Training with our “Square Knot” recognition
program for completing the training and by previously encouraging
leaders to renew their training every three years. We boast one of the
best percentages of volunteers completing the training in the BSA and
hope that our leaders will embrace this new policy which goes into
effect immediately.
With this short notice it is a challenge to
provide our Units with an accurate inventory of leaders that have
completed the training. After repeated requests for assistance to our
National Office over the past two days we expect to have a solution to
providing accurate records to our Units as quickly as possible. We
anticipate this solution will outline which leaders in each Unit have
completed the training in one comprehensive report. As soon as we have
this information we will immediately post it on web-site and distribute
another blast email. Keep in mind that any individual can log on to
www.myscouting.org to take the training or inquire about their personal
training status. If you need assistance in securing your “member id
number” to check your status, please contact Susan Usai at susai
or 914.773.1135 extension 232.
Below are the details of the new policy
as well as information on our recognition program which will continue
for individuals who complete this critical training.
Thank you in advance for your support of this new policy and your
understanding in our
desire to distribute accurate information just as quickly as possible.
Introduction to the NEW
CUB SCOUT 2010 Welcome Cub Scout Leader! You have chosen to make an important
difference in the lives of the boys in your den. With your guidance as
their leader the Cub Scouts will develop character, leadership skills,
responsibility, fitness, and a love for fun with a purpose. Please visit
the following sites for more information about the new Cub Scout 2010
programs.
The Great Saunter Several Scouts and Scout Leaders participated in an event on
Saturday, May 1 called "The Great Saunter" which is hosted by a club
called Shorewalkers. This was the 25th annual event. The club meets at
the South Street Seaport and then walks the entire 32 mile circumference
of Manhattan passing such sites as Battery Park, Chelsea Piers, USS
Intrepid, Riverside Park (and 22 other parks), George Washington Bridge,
Inwood Park (where Peter Minuet purchased Manhattan from the Indians),
Harlem, Gracie Mansion, the U.N., and the Brooklyn Bridge. The hike
lasted from 7:30 am to 8:15 pm.
Pictured is the group at the "Little Red Lighthouse" about 12 miles
into the hike. It is located in the shadow of the George Washington
Bridge. One notable individual on this hike was Michael Landy (age 10
and a new member of Troop 5 - Bronxville) who was the youngest person
ever to finish this hike on his own two feet. The other Scouts in the
picture are all from WPC Jamboree Troop 327. Most of them used this hike
towards their hiking merit badge.
Cub Scout
Recruitment Campaign Every year over 1,500 local boys join the Cub Scouts to do one
thing, HAVE FUN! They find out about your Pack from a friend, through
the media, or at school. They do not stop to evaluate all the various
issues or weigh their choices; they simply go home and say… “I want to
be a Scout!”
A successful round-up starts with a sound plan. It continues when the
plan is developed through our key volunteers and staff and most
importantly, it can only be successful if our leaders commit to giving
every family a chance to become part of Scouting.
With that in mind, we are pleased to provide you with your personal
guide of our 2010 Cub Scout Recruitment Campaign, titled Words To Live
By.
We are here to support your efforts and provide powerful materials to
market your Pack to your local community. The key will be to stick to
the plan and make sure that you follow up on all of the details.
Our Council has a passion for membership growth and has been very
successful at supporting our Packs. Please take some time to review this
manual.
Do Your Best to conduct this campaign to the best of your unit’s
ability. Encourage your families to help out as leaders in whatever
capacity they are comfortable, and most importantly HAVE FUN!
PINEWOOD DERBY KIT INCENTIVE: All Packs that fulfill certain
requirements during the Race to Cub Scouting will be rewarded with
Pinewood Derby Kits for all youth members in their Pack. The Pack must…
• Conduct a spring 2010 Tiger Cub Den Join-up Rally and register the
Tiger Cub Den and other new Cub Scouts by June 15, 2010
• Schedule and conduct their Cub Pack “Stand Alone Fall Rally” by
September 30th
• Conduct a “2nd Chance” opportunity during the month of October
• Submit new youth applications from September Rallies no later than
October 15th
• Re-charter the Pack on or before December 11th with all required
paperwork and fees
The Pack Pinewood Derby Kit recognition will be available for pick-up
following the December 11th Charter Turn-In Day at the Scout Service
Center.
The “MY FRIEND JOINED THE SCOUTS” BADGE INCENTIVE: Each registered
Scout who recruits a friend to join their Cub Scout Pack will receive
the badge. The new application, with proper fees, must be submitted to
your District Executive no later than November 19th.
Historical Merit Badge
Program
It is hard to believe that just one hundred years ago, when a Scout
earned the Signaling merit badge, that Scout most likely lived in a home
with no telephone and probably no electricity. It was a time when there
were no power tools, no Home Depots to shop, no TV, no radio, and no
cell phones. Scouts of that period were very likely taught to be
self-sufficient and were able to build their own furniture, which was
actually used. Their neighborhoods were different, too. Everyone knew
one another. There were few gas stations, and instead of mega grocery
stores, there were only locally run grocery stores, pharmacies, and
general stores.
One hundred years later, our world is quite different. Our council
offers four vintage merit badges to help a Scout understand how these
two worlds are different but, in many ways, the same. The 2010
Historical Merit Badge program offers Signaling (introduced in 1910),
Carpentry (introduced in 1911), Pathfinding (introduced in 1911), and
Tracking (Stalking; introduced in 1911). Scouts of 2010 may earn these
badges during 2010 using the same requirements as in 1910 and 1911.
Original merit badge pamphlets may be found
here, along with interesting narratives about each historical merit
badge and that explain the language used in 1910 and how it can be
translated into today’s terms.
Launching the BSA
Centennial Silver Dollar Since the law was signed in the fall of 2008 authorizing the
minting of 350,000 silver dollar coins in recognition of the BSA’s 100th
Anniversary, there has been almost nonstop interest in when the coins
would be available, and how to order one. Now, the time is here!
On March 23, the United States Mint will make available for sale the
BSA Centennial Silver Dollar. Proceeds from the coin surcharges will
benefit the BSA National Foundation in efforts to bring Scouting into
underserved communities. If every coin is sold, $3.5 million will be
generated for this very worthy cause. Are you ready to get yours?
Beginning at noon ET on the 23rd, coins can be ordered through the U.S.
Mint at www.usmint.gov or at 1-800-USA-MINT. For the first thirty days,
the proof coin will be offered at $39.95 and the uncirculated coin will
be offered at $33.95, after which the prices will be $43.95 and $35.95,
respectively.
Be sure to visit the
coin webpage on the 100 Years of Scouting website. There, you’ll
find information about the coin, its honorary chairman Judge William S.
Sessions, and promotional materials.
We expect this limited quantity of coins to sell fast! What a
beautiful keepsake to commemorate our historic 100th Anniversary, while
furthering our ability to extend Scouting to every eligible youth in the
nation.
Online petition to Advance
Senate Bill S2158 To create a NY State License Plate in Celebration of BSA 100
For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has created a strong
foundation of leadership, service, and community for millions of
America’s youth. Scouting has brought families and communities together
for 100 years to prepare America’s youth to live, work, and play with
character and integrity. Scouting is as vital and relevant today as it
was when our journey began.
In celebration of Scouting’s 100th Anniversary, we respectfully ask
the N.Y. State Legislature to advance the Senate Bill S2158 for the
Governor's approval and signature.
Given N.Y. State’s current economic challenges, this would be a great
new revenue source for the 2010-2011 fiscal budgets. There are more than
270,000 families enrolled in Scouting and more than 54,000 Scout
volunteers in New York State. In addition, there are many more donors,
supporters and friends that would consider the purchase of this
“commemorative 100th Anniversary” license plate.
Below is Senate Bill S2158 currently residing with the Transportation
committee, please help us sign the online petition and spread the word
amongst your friends and networks.
Durland Scout Reservation
Needs A Few Good Adult Leaders To Serve As Campmasters DUTIES INCLUDE:
-Friday 6:00 PM (or earlier) to Sunday 12:00 Noon
-Checking In Units as they arrive Friday night/Saturday Morning
-Checking Out Units Sunday morning
-Assisting Unit Leaders to help make their camping stay enjoyable
-Providing a visible presence to enhance observance of camp policies
-Running the Camp's Trading Post
CAMPMASTERS FACILITIES
Two bedrooms (in one bedroom: sleeping arrangements for two, in the other:
sleeping arrangements for four); Kitchen; Living
Room with wood stove, TV (DVD/ VCR & Satellite Dish); Shower.
FAMILIES ARE WELCOME
CAMPMASTERS VEHICLE IS PROVIDED
First time campmasters will receive an on-site walk-through of all
procedures.
For more information contact Anthony Paterno
914-472-1508 - avpaternoaol.com
SCUBA Merit Badge Now Available! The
Boy Scouts of America is pleased to announce the release of the Scuba Diving
merit badge. The official earn date of this merit badge is December 1, 2009.
Pamphlets are available for order from scoutstuff.org.
The first new merit badge in over three years, Scuba Diving reflects the
new direction of BSA to develop merit badges based on youth/Scout input to
assure relevance and excitement around the merit badge offering. This merit
badge, developed in association with PADI (Professional Association of
Diving Instructors), leverages our spirit of outdoor adventure and expands
our aquatics offering. More than 84 percent of Scouts surveyed were
interested in the merit badge and recommended that BSA adopt it.
Key facts you need to know about the merit badge are as follows:
• Completing the Scuba Diving merit badge will result in the boy achieving
an open water certification enabling him to dive around the world with the
appropriate supervision, based on his age.
• There are two important roles for this merit badge - the merit badge
counselor and a certified dive instructor.
• Sometimes this may be the same person.
• More likely, the counselor will be an existing BSA adult member.
• Always the instructor will be one certified by one of a number of
instructional agencies.
• The instructor does NOT have to be a BSA member.
• Earning the Scuba Diving merit badge is open to all Boy Scout-age youth.
There are, however, limitations based on age with respect to how deep and
with whom a boy can dive. These limitations vary by certifying organization.
• Completion of the Swimming merit badge is a requirement of the merit badge
and must be completed prior to entering into scuba training portion of the
requirements.
• Boys with a current open water certification will NOT have to recertify in
order to earn the merit badge. They will, however, have to have completed
the Swimming merit badge, present their certification to the merit badge
counselor and complete all the other requirements.
• There are three important pieces of information which must be fully
reviewed by the merit badge counselor prior to approving any Scout for the
merit badge: the merit badge requirements, the notes to counselor and the
scuba policy of the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Religious Awards A
key point of the Scout Law is that a Scout is reverent. The Boy Scouts of
America and PRAY have an extensive program for our Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to
earn religious recognitions in every faith. Please
click here to visit PRAY
and have access to all of the most current information or contact Maryellen at
914-773-1135 ext 234 or mgalinski
to learn how to earn the religious award of your faith.
Read All About Camp Read “For
Joys We’ll Ne’er Forget”, relates the story of the Curtis S. Read Scout
Reservation from its opening day in 1920 to the present. For most part, “For
Joys….” was written by staff who were in camp. Chapters features two legendary
Camp Rangers, the launching of Camp Waubeeka, the impact of Read on professional
Scouting, profiles of outstanding camp leaders, the story of the Oder of the
Arrow in camp, history of the Camp Read Association, and much more.
Travel through time as this nearly one hundred year old camp grew from its
beginnings on 33 acres and 20 campers on Long Pond, in Mahopac, New York to a
1000 acre scout reservation in the Adirondack Mountains. Today the Curtis S.
Read Scout Reservation is made up of three camps, one traditional scout camp,
one patrol cooking camp, and a High Adventure Base.
“For Joys We’ll Ne’er Forget” was commissioned by the Camp Read Association to
preserve the history of this very special place. If you were ever a camper or
staff member at a Scout camp, you’ll find yourself right at home in the pages of
this book. It is a story worth telling and one worth reading…………..!
Also available in the Read Scout Reservation trading posts.
All proceeds from “For Joys We’ll Ne’er Forget” will go to the betterment of the
Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation, Westchester-Putnam Council, Boy Scout of
America.
Criminal Background Checks and
Rechartering As dedicated Scouting volunteers, we know you understand the importance
of keeping our youth safe in the Scouting program. We accomplish this in
many ways, one of which has been to conduct criminal background checks on
all new volunteers since April 2003.
As you are probably aware, the National Council recently undertook a
project to conduct background checks on leaders who have been continually
registered in the program since before April 2003 and had not had a
background check performed under the new system. These individuals received
a letter from our Council President John Kiernan and the Scout Executive
Marc Andreo, as well as the
National Council, explaining the need for criminal background checks and our
continued youth protection efforts. The letters explained the need for
consent to conduct a criminal background check and directed volunteers to a
new web site to authorize and provide information needed to conduct a CBC.
This web site closed on August 1, 2008.
As your unit prepares to renew its charter early next year, please be
aware of the following information pertaining to these background checks:
• Adult leaders who went to the web site, submitted the required
information, and consented to the background check will appear on your
unit’s charter renewal roster.
• Adult leaders who did not visit the web site and provide consent will
not appear on your charter renewal roster. In order to renew their
registration they will be required to fully complete and submit a new Adult
Leader Application with the charter renewal paperwork. Please note that
these forms have recently been changed to include a revised “authorization
and disclosure statement” for the background check. Please be sure that you
are using the correct
form number 28-501F.
If you have any questions or need a supply of new Adult Leader
Applications, please feel free to contact your District Executive or Susan
Usai at (914) 773-1135 x 231. In advance, thanks for your cooperation………and
thanks for all you do for Scouting!
Boy Scout Uniform Gets First Update In
Nearly 30 Years Inspired by Scouts and Parents, New Design Is More Than a Uniform; It
Is Performance Gear for the 21st Century Scout
The new Boy Scout uniform marks its first redesign since the early 1980s
when Oscar de la Renta was commissioned to provide the existing look. There
have been five major revisions and some minor tweaks of the uniform since
the organization began in 1910. This new “centennial uniform” is part of
many planned activities to celebrate the coming 100th anniversary of the Boy
Scouts of America.
The Boy Scouts of America turned to its members for inspiration for the
design of the centennial uniform. The new look is a representation of
thoughts, ideas, and opinions from a committee of Scouts and their parents.
The uniform is available in cotton-rich canvas or in Supplex nylon, a
cotton-soft, yet highly durable, moisture-control fabric that wicks away
moisture in the hottest of conditions, dries quickly, and offers SPF 50+ sun
protection. Elements of the new design include a new uniform cap, bellows
pockets, shoulder loops, an updated uniform belt, and convertible pants. The
durable, high-performance fabrics are in toned-down khaki and forest green
and feature multifunction pockets, zippers, and gadget loops suitable for
today’s outdoor explorer.
Scouts are not required to buy the new centennial uniform, and all Scouts
may continue to wear their old ones until new ones are needed. New Scout
uniforms and merchandise can be bought online at
www.scoutstuff.org and
www.bsauniforms.org. Also
inquire at the Hawthorne Scout Shop.
Email List Management The Westchester-Putnam Council, BSA uses a web
service located at Doubleknot.com, a company located in California, to operate
an email list server to improve communications with our units, districts and
the council.
The purpose of a list server is to simplify sending email messages to
groups of recipients and to allow people to add themselves to lists to
obtain information regarding a specific type of topic.
You can control the email list(s) to which you are a member of. To do
this, you will need to access your "profile" on Doubleknot which
is password protected. If you were a member of an email list previously you
may already have a profile: use the "Forgot User ID and Password"
option on the Doubleknot screen. Enter the email address that would be
on file and your password will be sent to you. If you believe
you are new to our lists use the "To create a new profile "
option.
Once logged onto Doubleknot, you will see all the public email lists and
those of which you are a member. Note that if you deselect any bolded list
you will not be able to rejoin the list without assistance from the council
staff.
This list server is designed to keep all of our Scouting family more
informed about the activities of the Westchester-Putnam Council as together
we serve the youth of our two counties.
Please note that those subscribing to a List Server must be at
least 13 years of age. Those under 13 must have a parent or guardian
subscribe for them. This is a requirement of Federal law.
Cub Scout Camping Opportunities DVD
We have a new DVD that covers Scout Camping opportunities in our Council.
It is designed to cover all questions you may have as a parent, leader or
Scout. Let us show this DVD to your Pack or Troop families as we would like
to have all Scouts enjoy the camping experience that only Scouting can
provide.
Camping programs are offered to Cub Scouts at our three day camp
locations – Glen Island Park, New Rochelle; Sprain Ridge Park, Yonkers; and
the Durland Scout Reservation in Putnam Valley. We
also cover very nicely the Cub Scout Camping Programs for Webelos and Cub
Scouts at the Curtis S Read Scout Reservation.
For Boy Scouts, the DVD explains our camping programs at Camp Waubeeka,
Camp Buckskin and Summit Base, located at the Curtis S Read Scout
Reservation in the Adirondacks.
Please contact your District Executive to schedule this 10- minute
presentation, (DVD 7 minutes & 3 minutes for Q and A) or call Roger Stewart
914-773-1135 ext 237.
Webelos to Boy Scouts Transition Progress
The passage by 5th grade Webelos from the Cub Scout Pack to the Boy Scout Troop
should be smooth, with no time lost in between. By the time Webelos Scouts are
ready to crossover, they and their families should be familiar and comfortable
with the youth and adult leaders of the Troop, their role in the Troop, and
upcoming activities, bringing a feeling of excitement about beginning this new
adventure. The Webelos Scout’s graduation ceremony should clearly signify his
transition to a new level of Scouting, and could include the presentation of his
Arrow of Light Award, a Boy Scout Handbook, and a Troop neckerchief.
A Webelos Scout who has earned the Arrow of Light Award has now completed all
the requirements for the Scout badge and may join a Boy Scout Troop. The key
factor to improved Webelos transition is the ongoing working relationship of the
leaders of a Cub Scout Pack and a Boy Scout troop.
Responsibilities for the transition process: Responsibilities of the Pack
Develop a working relationship with the leadership of one or more Boy
Scout Troops in the area to work on some combined activities and events
in the fall and early winter. These can include a fall camping trip, a
community event, or possibly an early winter Boy Scout summer camp
information night attended by both the Webelos Scout and his parent.
Work with Troop leaders to secure Den Chiefs.
Work with Troop leaders to plan visits to troop meetings.
Invite the Scoutmaster and Troop youth leaders to special Pack
activities.
Plan a meaningful crossover ceremony at the Pack’s Blue and Gold
Banquet. Include Troop leaders to be present to accept Webelos Scout as
they graduate to Boy Scouting.
Webelos leaders should be strongly encouraged to move into the Troop
with the boys, either as assistant Scoutmasters or troop committee
members.
Responsibilities of the Troop
Select Scouts to serve as Den Chiefs for each Webelos Scout den and
Cub Scout den.
Serve as a resource for overnight activities. The troop can be of
service to provide equipment, leadership and logistics for Webelos
parent-son campouts.
Conduct an orientation in the Bear Cub Scout dens to explain the
changing role as boys become Webelos Scouts and then again as they
become Boy Scouts. Explain how being a Webelos Scout will help prepare
them for Boy Scouting.
Webelos den/Scout troop campouts should show Webelos Scouts and
their parents what to expect when they move into the troop. The troop
should cook and camp by patrol, and use skills that the Webelos Scouts
can participate in.
Arrange for Webelos dens to visit a troop meeting. This should be
planned several weeks in advance.
Provide each Webelos Scout a copy of the troop’s activities for the
upcoming year.
Work with Webelos den leaders to encourage them to plan to move
into the troop with their Webelos Scouts and to serve either as
committee members or assistant Scoutmasters.
Conduct a Scoutmaster conference under the guidance of the
Scoutmaster or the assistant designated by the Scoutmaster.
Work with the Cubmaster in planning a meaningful crossover ceremony
at the pack’s Blue and Gold Banquet. Arrange for each Webelos Scout to
receive a troop neckerchief and/or Scout Handbook along with his Arrow
of light Award.
Responsibilities of the Webelos Parent
Be engaged in your Webelos Scout’s progress on earning the Arrow of
Light. Realize that some of the requirements involved becoming oriented
and prepared to join a Scout troop.
Become familiar with the objectives and the methods of the Boy
Scouting program.
Learn how Scouting builds values and how the 12 traits that make up
the Scout Law read like every parent’s wish list for their children.
Learn how Scouting sets expectations of cooperation, respect and
goodwill, all success factors in helping build lifelong personal and
family values by reinforcing ethical standards.
Attend a visit with your son to a Boy Scout troop meeting and meet
the leadership of the troop.
Attend the Webelos Scout parents’ orientation and camp promotion
night with your Webelos Scout to learn about the Boy Scout troop, 2008
spring plans, activities, and its summer camp plans so your son will be
able to participate.
Be willing to participate as a Scout parent on the troop committee
or to support its programs and activities as needed.
Weekend Camping At The Durland Scout Reservation & Read Scout Reservation
Reservations are being accepted for short term (weekend) camping at both the Durland and Read Scout Reservations. Cabins and a variety of tent sites are
available at Durland, as are the Farmhouse and Handicraft Lodge at Read.
Tent site fees are $40 for a weekend. The weekend cabin fees at Durland are $200 for a building with a capacity of 40 people, and $165 for a
structure with a capacity of 30 people. The cabins all have electricity,
running hot and cold water at the kitchen sink, refrigerator and electric
stoves. A $75 damage deposit is required to rent a building. Due to the
popularity of the cabins and tent sites, no phone reservations can be
accepted. All fees and paperwork must be received at the Council Service
Center to complete your reservation. Forms are available below.
Weekend programs available for all units at Durland include
orienteering, hiking our 16 miles of marked trails and, conditions
permitting, snow shoeing and ice fishing. During warmer weather, Scout units
with adults currently trained in Safety Afloat can use the canoes and
kayaks. Both lakes on the reservation have excellent populations of
largemouth bass.
Unit Swimming at the White Plains YMCA
The Westchester-Putnam Council is continuing our arrangement with the White
Plains Family YMCA to provide a location for evening unit swims for your
Pack, Troop or Crew.
The Council is subsidizing the cost to allow your
unit to swim for a low fee. The YMCA will provide lifeguards
• Tuesday Evenings
• Two Sessions: 7:00-8:00 PM and 8:00-9:00PM
• Maximum group size of 40 people
• Use of locker rooms is included
The Family YMCA is located at 250
Mamaroneck Avenue. Parking is available at the public garage on Maple
Avenue.
Cost Per Hour: $15.00 per session up to 20 participants, $25.00 per session
over 20 participants
For Reservations: Contact the camping office at the Council Service Center,
camping
or 914-773-1135 ext. 233
Important Information About Planning A Unit Event!
When a unit needs to use the facilities or property of another entity there is
usually a written contract that spells out the duties and responsibilities of
each party, along with a request for an insurance certificate. When the unit is
planning an event, they should ask the other party for a copy of their contract
or facility use agreement before negotiations begin. This should be forwarded to
the Council office for review and signature. Unit representatives should not
sign the contract. Upon approval, the signed contract will be sent back to the
unit with the appropriate insurance certificate, if applicable. This is not
something we are able to provide on a walk-in basis; your unit should plan ahead
by at least two weeks time to have this process completed. Thank you for your
understanding.
Westchester-Putnam
Council accepts and adopts recommendations for the future of Scouting in
our area
On June 12, 2006 the Executive Board unanimously adopted the 2006-2010
Strategic Plan as an outstanding roadmap for the Council to actively
consider and present individually for implementation. The recommendations
and goals of the plan are summarized below. For a complete report with
detail from each study group, please contact Marc Andreo, Scout
Executive, Westchester-Putnam Council, Boy Scouts of America, 41 Saw Mill
River Road, Hawthorne, NY 10532.
Make Sure Your Volunteers Are Registered! When training entries are being made in the Westchester-Putnam Council’s
records and in Scoutnet, the BSA national database, it is being discovered that
there are many persons who are not registered in Scouting. While the training
provides excellent preparation for adult leaders, the training cannot be
recorded or acknowledged if you are not registered.
Additionally, when a volunteer is not registered they are not receiving the
full benefits of service from the Westchester-Putnam Council. These benefits
include, the Pathfinder and important communications on upcoming
Council/District activities as well as notice for training opportunities. It is
important that each adult who is working with young people be registered in
Scouting and that their appropriate registration be the role that they primarily
serve.
Please help us insure that all adults are registered. The quality delivery of
Scouting is enhanced when this step is taken.
God and Country Awards for Protestant Youth Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (PRAY) is a not-for-profit
organization whose national board of directors includes representatives from
Protestant and independent Christian churches and the national youth agencies
including the Boy Scouts of America. PRAY is best known for the God and Country
religious awards program. This program helps young people to develop a deeper
relationship with God and to understand how God is active in their lives and in
the world around them. It is a Christian education resource that uses Bible
lessons paired with service projects to help young people not only to grow in
Christian faith but to also express their faith by reaching out in love and in
service to others. PRAY encourages families, youth agencies, and protestant
congregations to use the God and Country series to foster spiritual growth in
children, youth and families.
The God and Country series of programs and awards are available to youth
whether or not they are involved in a Scouting program.
The series is comprised of:
God and Me (grades 1-3) God and Family (grades 4-5) God and Church (grades 6-8)
and God and Life (Grades 9-12) The God and Country program is recognized by over
20 different Protestant denominations and independent Christian churches.
Starting the Program is Easy!
• Order the appropriate program booklet based on your grade.
• Meet with the pastor of a church and show the pastor the God and Country
booklet and then together choose a counselor.
• Present your work to the pastor for final approval. Order the recognition
items by sending the application form to PRAY
• Plan a special ceremony in church to receive your award.
There are resources for promotion at the Unit level including brochures and a
power point presentation. For further information about the God and Country
program and additional resources please contact PRAY by calling 1-800-933-PRAY
or by email at praypraypub.org.
Conservation Resource Guide Conservation is a basic part of the BSA mission. Scouting embraces
Leave No Trace, requires conservation-related activities for rank
advancement, and encourages conservation service projects to the community.
The new Conservation Resource Guide
identifies Westchester-Putnam agencies engaged in nature and conservation
activities. Organized by District, the Guide is intended to enable ‘one-stop’
access for any Westchester-Putnam Scouts and Scouters seeking sites for
troop conservation projects, nature-related advancements, or outdoor
activities (including William Hornaday Award, Leave No Trace Award, Boy
Scout Rank Advancement Nature Requirements, and Eagle Service Projects).
Rockefeller State Park Preserve Westchester-Putnam Council Webelos and Cub Scout dens are encouraged
to contact Mike Rogers, Environmental Educator at the Rockefeller State Park
Preserve, on Routes 117 and 9 in Tarrytown, to arrange visits to fulfill various Cub and Webelos rank requirements. He can
be contacted at 914-631-1470, x14, or mark.rogersoprhp.state.ny.us.
Mr. Rogers suggests that Boy Scouts who need to
participate in approved Second Class, Star, Life and Eagle service projects
should also contact him.
Unit Rechartering
Now Available Online Your unit can recharter on-line now. Please contact the council
service center for your
password.
Invitation Methods for
Cub Scouting As
leaders, you are Cub Scouting’s best sales force. This guidebook has
been created to assist leaders by offering a series of quality invitations
methods to reach each and every young man in our communities. Our goal is
to give every boy in Westchester and Putnam Counties the opportunity to
join Scouting. This collection of invitation ideas will help us ensure
that no young man is left out of the fun and excitement of Cub Scouting,
the opportunity to “Do His Best”, the opportunity to carve a pinewood
derby car, to experience the thrill of attending the Thunderbird Games and
the opportunity to build lasting friendship from his den and pack.
National Jewish Committee on Scouting Scholarship Awards
Chester M. Vernon Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship Program. The
recipient of the Chester M. Vernon Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship will
receive a $1,000 scholarship per year for four years. Applicants must
demonstrate financial need.
Florence and Marvin Arkans Eagle Scout Scholarship Program. The
recipient of this scholarship will receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Frank L. Weil Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship Program. The
recipient of the Frank L. Weil Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship will
receive a $1,000 scholarship. Two second-place scholarship awards will be
given in the amount of $500 each.
Gideon Elad Scholarship Program. The recipient of this scholarship
will receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
Vernon, Arkans, and Weil Scholarships
The eligible applicant must:
Be a registered, active member of a Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout
team or Venturing crew.
Have received the Eagle Scout Award.
Be an active member of a synagogue and must have received the Ner
Tamid or Etz Chaim religious emblem.
Have demonstrated practical citizenship in his synagogue, school,
Scouting unit, and community.
Be enrolled in an accredited high school and in his final year at
the time of selection.
Submit at least four letters of recommendation with the nomination
application. One letter is required from leaders of each of the
following groups: religious institution, school, community, and Scouting
unit.
Gideon Elad Scholarship
The eligible applicant must:
Be an active member of a Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team.
Have received the Eagle Scout Award.
Be an active member of a synagogue and have received the Ner Tamid
or Etz Chaim religious emblem.
Have demonstrated practical citizenship in his synagogue, school,
Scouting unit, and community.
Be enrolled in an accredited public high school and in his final
year at the time of selection.
Submit at least four letters of recommendation with the nomination
application. One letter is required from leaders of each of the
following groups: religious institution, school, community, and Scouting
unit.
The National Jewish Committee on Scouting (NJCS) will award a national
scholarship to the Eagle Scout who best meets the qualifications outlined
in the nomination application. Applications are available at the Council
Service Center.
Attention All Eagle Scout Candidates Members of the Westchester-Putnam Council Executive Board would
like to have representatives at as many Eagle ceremonies as possible.
Therefore, please send an appropriate invitation to members of the
Westchester-Putnam Council Executive Board to the attention of Marian Post
@ Westchester-Putnam Council, B.S.A., 41 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne,
NY 10532. Invitations/information received will be communicated to
Executive Board members, and RSVP’s will be made if they plan to attend.
Congratulations on the achievement of Scouting’s highest rank and best
wishes for a wonderful ceremony and Eagle Scout presentation.
or 914.773.1135 extension 232.
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