Mason-Dixon Council
Fireside Chatter deadline for article submission is noon on the 28th day of each month to be included in the following month’s edition.
Mason-Dixon Council Pride
As of the end of August, the Mason-Dixon Council had the highest membership growth in the Northeast Region. Out of 64 councils, unfortunately only 7 had positive growth. The Mason-Dixon Council led all councils with a 4.5% traditional membership growth. Spring Cub Scout recruiting was part of the growth, along with retaining Scouts with a quality program. Great job everyone, as always, it is not about NUMBERS….it is about the youth those numbers represent!
Cub Scout On Boarding Envelopes
For the 3rd year the Mason-Dixon Council will be providing New Cub Scout information packets for Cub Scout recruitments. These packets have important information to get parents on the right course for getting their sons involved and excited about scouting. This year’s envelope includes the following:
Packs are also encouraged to add their own information to the packets as well. Packets are available at the Council Office and can be picked up any time. A special thank you to Betty Williams, who put 400 of the packets together for you.
- Mini Copy of Boy’s Life Magazine
- Upcoming dates for Cub Extravaganza and Webelos Woods Fall
- Preview dates for 2014 Date Camp and Camp Akela
- Bobcat in 30 Days
- Family Talent Survey
- Uniform Price List
- Scout Shop Information
- Youth Application
- Adult Application
Packs are also encouraged to add their own information to the packets as well. Packets are available at the Council Office and can be picked up any time. A special thank you to Betty Williams, who put 400 of the packets together for you.
Cub Scout Recruiting!
Fall is in the air! School is back in session, the leaves will be turning soon as our summertime activities wind down. While I have to admit, I love summertime when I am able to see troops having the time of their lives at summer camp or when we have Crews going on high adventure trips. Seeing Scouting in action is a wonderful thing! However, fall is a unique time of year. Fall is a time when we visit schools and help recruit new Cub Scouts into the program. Attending the round up night is a thrill for me! When I look at the young first graders excited to be a Tiger Cub, I look at them and wonder how many will be an Eagle Scout in 7-10 years? I think about the time and devotion the volunteer leaders along with his parents, will put in to make sure that young man gets the best possible Scouting program I am proud. I think about how life changing it will be to these young boys that they will have a fun program and at the same time learn the values that will make them a better person.
Scouting changes lives, you, as volunteer leaders facilitate that change. Thank you for your service to youth
Scouting changes lives, you, as volunteer leaders facilitate that change. Thank you for your service to youth
Youth Protection is Required Training
- Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers.
- Youth Protection training must be taken every two years.
- If a volunteer’s Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of re-charter, the volunteer will not be reregistered.
Please have your new leaders and encourage your new parents also to take the on line training. You do not need to be a registered member of the BSA to take the training. Youth and adult safety is paramount. Complete information can be found at:
http://www.scouting.org/Training/YouthProtection.aspx
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturingprograms.
Our goal is 100% Youth Protection trained by the end of 2013!
Canteen Classic Supports Scouting!
Golfers who qualified to participate in the Shootout challenge are pictured above, taking a break in the action! Many thanks to the golfers, sponsors and the great leadership of Brandon Younger and Bob Ernst who were supported by a committee of John Psillas, John Itell and Jim Sellgren. Over $16,000 was raised to help support the Scouting program. Save the date for August 8, 2014 as Golfers will tee up again for an outstanding day of golf. Congratulations to the Cornerstone Wealth Management team for taking first place!
Sporting Clay Shootout
A Sporting Clay Shootout is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the exclusive Hill Country Sporting Estate in Blue Ridge Summit, PA. Hamilton Nissan-Hyundai is the lead sponsor of this unique fund-raising event.
Hill Country Sporting Estate offers outstanding amenities and is coordinating the BBQ lunch for the event. Our shooters will have a great time and enjoy prizes and a great meal as they support the local Scouting program. This event is open to shooters of all skill levels from expert to the first time novice; all will feel right at home. This fall fund-raiser is an important part of the funding needed each year to keep Camp Sinoquipe in great shape and it helps fund program support for the youth and leaders in Scouting.
Please see the council website for complete information on how to sign up for the shoot and on sponsorship opportunities.
Hill Country Sporting Estate offers outstanding amenities and is coordinating the BBQ lunch for the event. Our shooters will have a great time and enjoy prizes and a great meal as they support the local Scouting program. This event is open to shooters of all skill levels from expert to the first time novice; all will feel right at home. This fall fund-raiser is an important part of the funding needed each year to keep Camp Sinoquipe in great shape and it helps fund program support for the youth and leaders in Scouting.
Please see the council website for complete information on how to sign up for the shoot and on sponsorship opportunities.
Red Ribbon Week Patch
Scouts can Earn a FREE Patch from the DEA!
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) created a Red Ribbon Week patch to encourage and support Scouts who wish to learn about Red Ribbon and participate in local efforts to educate youth about the dangers of drug abuse.
Red Ribbon Week was established in memory of the sacrifices made to help keep our communities drug-free and encourage youth to lead healthy lives, free of drugs. Observed annually from October 23-31, Red Ribbon Week is a national celebration to promote youth education on the dangers of substance abuse.
The DEA encourages all Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups to participate. Patches will be given to the first 15,000 qualifying Boy Scout and Girl Scouts. The Red Ribbon Patch Program information can be found on the DEA website, www.JustThinkTwice.com.
To earn the DEA Red Ribbon Patch, Scouts must complete the following:
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) created a Red Ribbon Week patch to encourage and support Scouts who wish to learn about Red Ribbon and participate in local efforts to educate youth about the dangers of drug abuse.
Red Ribbon Week was established in memory of the sacrifices made to help keep our communities drug-free and encourage youth to lead healthy lives, free of drugs. Observed annually from October 23-31, Red Ribbon Week is a national celebration to promote youth education on the dangers of substance abuse.
The DEA encourages all Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups to participate. Patches will be given to the first 15,000 qualifying Boy Scout and Girl Scouts. The Red Ribbon Patch Program information can be found on the DEA website, www.JustThinkTwice.com.
To earn the DEA Red Ribbon Patch, Scouts must complete the following:
- Each Scouting unit must coordinate or support a Red Ribbon Week activity.
- Each Scout must attend a drug prevention education session.
- Each Scout must take a DEA Drug-Free Pledge.
HCC Lock In
JANUARY 18, 2014
Mason-Dixon Council’s Scout Lock-in at Hagerstown Community College in the Athletic, recreation and Community Complex (ARCC) Saturday January 18, 2014. Lock in begins at 9 PM, after the Scout Night with the HCC Hawks Basketball game. Please see the council website for information and registration information.
Mason-Dixon Council’s Scout Lock-in at Hagerstown Community College in the Athletic, recreation and Community Complex (ARCC) Saturday January 18, 2014. Lock in begins at 9 PM, after the Scout Night with the HCC Hawks Basketball game. Please see the council website for information and registration information.
Trails End Popcorn 2013
It’s that time again! You can almost smell the excitement in the air about the upcoming popcorn sale. Don Harriman our Council Popcorn Kernel is popping with enthusiasm because he has seen firsthand how profitable a popcorn sale can be for your unit if done right. Before you ever set out on a journey with your Scouts what do you do? …Plan of course! The old saying of “Proper Popcorn Planning Prevents Poor results” certainly holds true. The products, pricing and support are proven winners to help your Scouting unit earn all the funds it needs for a great year round program.
In addition to all the great standard prizes the Council Popcorn committee has developed prizes to help motivate your Scouts and parents.
For your Scouts:
· Set up an online email account with Trails End and receive two free tickets to the January 18, 2014 Hagerstown Community College Hawks basketball game.
· $700 in Sales – Choice of remote control helicopter, remote control car or $20 gift card.
For your Unit:
· Sell $150 per registered Scout (as of 12/31/12) - Your entire Unit can participate at no charge in the overnight lock in on January 18, 2014 at Hagerstown Community College after the Hawks basketball game. Pizza, movies, basketball, volleyball and much, much more will all take place at this exciting overnight event.
· Increase unit sale by 15% (minimum $750 sales) earn free cabin rental at Camp Sinoquipe
In addition to all the great standard prizes the Council Popcorn committee has developed prizes to help motivate your Scouts and parents.
For your Scouts:
· Set up an online email account with Trails End and receive two free tickets to the January 18, 2014 Hagerstown Community College Hawks basketball game.
· $700 in Sales – Choice of remote control helicopter, remote control car or $20 gift card.
For your Unit:
· Sell $150 per registered Scout (as of 12/31/12) - Your entire Unit can participate at no charge in the overnight lock in on January 18, 2014 at Hagerstown Community College after the Hawks basketball game. Pizza, movies, basketball, volleyball and much, much more will all take place at this exciting overnight event.
· Increase unit sale by 15% (minimum $750 sales) earn free cabin rental at Camp Sinoquipe
Bluegrass Jamboree
The fourth annual Bluegrass Jamboree takes place at Camp Sinoquipe on Saturday September 14 and promises to be a great time! Tickets are only $20.00, gates open at noon and the music and festivities run to 6 PM. There are a lot of activities for the entire family; climbing wall, boating, face painting adds to the day of fun. Great food is available and you never know what you will find at our silent auction! Tickets are available at the council office or simply call the office to hold the tickets for you.
Best Wishes To Adam Kovalchick
Congratulations and best wishes to Adam Kovalchick who has taken a new position with the Baden-Powell Council in Binghamton NY. Adam served Great Cove and Tuscarora Districts for the past 3 years with many successes. Adam and his wife Jess will be missed!
Scott Paddack will serve Tuscarora and Great Cove and is looking forward to working with the great volunteers already in place. Scott may be reached at the council office or email [email protected]
Scott Paddack will serve Tuscarora and Great Cove and is looking forward to working with the great volunteers already in place. Scott may be reached at the council office or email [email protected]
Tributes & Memorials
In Memory Of: W. Craig Angle
From: Jim Brown, Mark Barbernitz |