| | | | | | | Dear Scouter, |  What a great 100th Anniversary Valley Forge Pilgrimage & Encampment. With a record attendance of over 4,000, everything ran smoothly and the weather could not have been better for mid February. While we still have several more weeks of winter ahead of us, check out all the hot events and activities available to you over the next couple of months to keep you revved up for Scouting and get you ready for the summer camping season. Our feature article in this issue is our Council's spring Wood Badge course. If you ever wanted to be more effective in your role as a Scout leader, or you are simply interested in learning about the latest leadership techniques that will help you get ahead in business, and the idea of doing this in an outdoor classroom setting is appealing to you, then Wood Badge is for you. Wood Badge is all about advanced leadership training, team building, and being an effective agent of change in today's fast paced world. See the lead article below for the details on our latest offering of this advanced leadership course, how to get more information, and how to sign up. The deadline for sign up is 4 April 2012. More exciting news from Council is the unveiling of our newest fund raising opportunity, the Camp Card. Designed for Scouts to raise money to pay for summer camp, these discount cards sell for $5.00 each, have a value of over $70 in discounts, and, best of all, can earn a Scout $2.50 toward summer camp (or the National Jamboree) for each card sold. As typical, there is never enough room in the BSA Today to fit all the events and activities of the Council and our 11 districts. Be sure to check out the Council Master Calendar for a full list. Share your thoughts here. Don't forget, we need YOUR help to bring the most relevant news about the Cradle of Liberty Council to your inbox. Any feedback on this newsletter would be greatly appreciated, as would suggestions for material to include in upcoming issues. Please send any feedback or suggestions to news@colbsa.org |
| | | | Wood Badge for the 21st Century
|  Cradle of Liberty Council is now recruiting participants for this year's Wood Badge course, which is scheduled for the weekends of May 4-6, 2012 (starting at 7:30 a.m. on Friday and ending by 5:30 p.m. on Sunday) and June 2-4 2012 (starting at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and ending by 4:30 p.m. on Monday). For additional information or to register online, click here. Here's the catch: BSA requires that we have at least 32 paid participants by April 4, 2012. If we do not meet that requirement, we must cancel the course. This is a fixed and firm deadline imposed by BSA, not Cradle of Liberty Council. If you wish to participate in Wood Badge in 2012, do not delay in registering. Participants who register by March 15, 2012 will receive a large Wood Badge patch displaying all eight Wood Badge patrol animals, suitable for the back of a Jac-Shirt, backpack, etc. What is Wood Badge? Wood Badge is Scouting's advanced training course for all adult leaders in all programs - Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting and Venturing, as well as for those serving in Districts and Councils, whether as volunteers or professionals. By pooling their ideas, sharing meaningful experiences, and learning from highly qualified instructors, Wood Badge participants will return to their home units with new skills and resources to deliver the promise of Scouting, greater confidence, and deeper dedication to deliver the values of Scouting. Wood Badge training includes six days of instruction (held as two 3-day weekend sessions), followed by working on the goals the participant sets for him or herself. The topics covered include effective communication skills (including listening skills); establishing a personal "vision" in Scouting (each participant's own mental picture of future success) and setting goals to work toward achieving that vision; the stages of team development and leadership styles for each stage; team dynamics; using diversity to your team's advantage; managing conflicts; project planning; systematic approaches to problem solving; dealing with and leading change in a changing world; coaching and mentoring; and numerous other topics. The training is conducted in a Scouting environment (some portions outdoors), but does not focus on traditional "Scouting" skills. Instead, the focus of Wood Badge is on developing and practicing leadership skills to help participants deliver the promise of Scouting to the youth they serve. Wood Badge is hands-on training: participants practice leadership and teamwork skills during the course, and they plan and execute team projects. Wood Badge also includes fellowship, networking with other Scouters, and lots of fun with a purpose. Learn more about Wood Badge at http://www.woodbadge.org/21st.html. Cradle of Liberty Council is proud of its efforts to make Wood Badge courses accessible to participants with disabilities. If you have any questions about your ability to participate or accommodations you may need, please contact Richard Clark, Wood Badge Coordinator (610-513-9137 or rjclark3@comcast.net) or Mark Kenney, Course Director (215-680-1616 or kenney@mkenneylaw.com). |
| Announcing the 2012 Camp Card | | The Camp Card is a credit card sized card that has coupons on it to be used at local stores that can be used all year. It also has tear off coupons that can be used once. We are still working on finalizing all of the vendors, but to this point, each $5 card has a value of over $70, and that may increase a bit by the time the cards are finally printed. Of the $5 price per card, $2.50 can be kept by the unit or Scout, however your unit decides to run it! Key Information Turn in your Unit Participation Form by March 9. Cards available by March 31. June 8 - $2.50 per card sold due to Boy Scout Office. Return all unsold cards to Boy Scout Office. Unit tally sheets due to Boy Scout Office. June 15 - Top Seller Prizes announced and campership winners selected. Questions please contact Diane Campman @ 484-654-9229 or dcampman@colbsa.org
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Friends of Scouting Campaign | In the coming months, a representative from your District will be visiting each Pack, Troop and Crew to deliver a Friends of Scouting presentation. Friends of Scouting (FOS) is the annual campaign where the Cradle of Liberty Council asks Scouting families, businesses and civic-minded citizens to support our mission of providing the Scouting program to thousands of youth in Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. For more information on Friends of Scouting, click here. |
Attention All $600-Club Popcorn Sellers |
 Calling all Scouts in the Council that sold over $600 in popcorn during our 2011 fall sale. You are invited to join us at our $600-Club celebration party! Where: Arnolds Family Fun Center in Oaks, PA
When: Saturday, 21 April 2012 from 11am-2pm
Lunch Buffet Included
You will receive an Arnolds card loaded with 2,200 points to be used however you want on Arnold's Go-karts, rides, arcade games, laser tag, bowling, mini golf and much more. The card is only valid that day. To attend you must RSVP to Tiffany Minicozzi by April 13th at tminicozzi@colbsa.org or 484-654-9223. |
| Training Corner | | Every Scout deserves a trained leader! Introduction to Outdoor Skiils (IOLS) - Now required training for all Scoutmasters and Venture Crew Advisors. Beginning in December 2012, all Assistant Scoutmaster will be required to complete this training. If you feel you "know all this stuff", you can opt out of the full course by demonstrating your knowledge at an IOLS Challenge/Test-out. Click the following links for details about upcoming IOLS training/credit opportunities. IOLS Training - March 9-11, 2012, Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation with a Mandatory Pre-Meeting on February 28, 2012, Firestone Service Center, 7:30pm-9:00pm. IOLS Training - March 16-18, 2012, Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation with Mandatory Pre-Meeting on February 21, 2012, Marks Building, 7:30pm. Venture Crew Advisor Position-Specific Training - Now required training for all Venture Crew Advisors. To be offered February 25, 2012 at Aldan Union Church. Please Contact Mike Coates at 610-357-0782 or Crew512@verizon.net for information and to sign up. National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) - Scouting's advanced training course for Boy Scouts and Venturers
This course is being offered three times this year. June 24-29, 2012; August 5-10, 2012; and September 28-30 & October 5-7, 2012 (over two weekends).
NOTE-You must attend all sessions of selected course to be certified. Scoutmaster must approve attendance.
What is the cost? The cost is only $250.00, payable with your application - $50.00 is nonrefundable, balance with advance notice. No Shows are not refundable. Campership funding may be available - contact Bill Robinson, NYLT Coordinator, for details. What will I get out of it? With the prerequisite training of Troop Leadership Training or Venturing Leadership Skills Course, you will develop additional Leadership skills - gain Knowledge - have a great Experience - enjoy Fellowship and have FUN -while learning how to bring the Scouting program to your Units. For further information contact Bill Robinson, NYLT Coordinator, at 215-679-4774 or wcrobinson2@verizon.net. |
| Venturing News | | 
Venturing Spring Weekend: SHERLOCK HOLMES WEEKEND April 27-29 at Camp Hart Come join teens from throughout the region for a fun, mysterious weekend at Camp Hart in Green Lane, PA! Activities to include: Shooting Sports Man Hunt Capture the Flag Geocaching Campfire GIANT, LIVING Game of Clue Ultimate Frisbee Movies Grilled Cheese-off AND MORE!! PLUS...throughout the weekend, participate in a challenging and fun CAMP-WIDE MYSTERY: Find clues all weekend; Put the clues together; Find suspects; Catch the Villain! Admission of $25/person includes all activities, a campsite, all meals on Saturday, Crackerbarrels on Friday and Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Register online or via mail by April 13th to avoid a $5 late fee. | | Summer Camp Deadlines | | Leaders and Parents - Mark your calendar for these important camp deadlines! - March 1 - Campership applications due for all camps. See the 2012 Camperships article below for further information.
- March 1 - Deposits ($50 per Scout) for all resident summer camps due in order to qualify for the Early Bird discounted rate.
- May 1 - Full payment due at the Early Bird discounted rate.
- June 1 - Day Camp payments due.
Resica Falls Summer Camp Fees: Scout: $320 Early Bird (before May 1); $335 after May 1
Adult: $175 or $35 per day NOTE - Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 are now closed. Openings only remain for Week 7!
Hart Summer Camp Fees:
Hart Weekends: $50 per person Early Bird; $65 after May 1
Cub Adventures Short Week/Youth: $195 Early Bird; $220 after May 1
Cub Adventures Short Week/Adult: $70 Early Bird; $95 after May 1
Cub Adventures Full Week/Youth: $295 Early Bird; $320 after May 1
Cub Adventures Full Week/Adult: $105 Early Bird; $130 after May 1
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| CSI: Cub Scout Investigators - 2012 Cub Scout Day Camp | | Your Mission: Register for Cub Scout Day Camp
 Day Camp is a five day, fun-filled experience that offers opportunities for all levels of Cub Scouting, from Tigers to Arrow of Light, to participate in activities that are designed to build mental fitness, physical skills and character...and its A LOT OF FUN! While we will always have regular camp activities such as nature, science, woodcraft, leather craft, shooting sports and fishing (where available)...we also get to include fun themed crafts and activities too! Day Camp dates run from June through August and are located all over council convenient to your home. Sign up for one week, two weeks, or more and keep your Scout having fun and even earning rank achievements over the summer! Cub Scouts are $100 for the week. (Late fee of $25 after June 1) Have a sibling? Bring them along! Ages 3-6 are $15 for Kids Korner (with age appropriate activities) Ages 7-10 are $100 and participate in the FULL Scout program. Have an older sibling or Scout? They can help as a Den Chief. (with training) Adults who volunteer all week can bring their Cub Scout to camp for FREE! (1 Scout per FT volunteer) Registration includes all crafts, activities, a camp shirt and a patch. Bring your own lunch. NO WALK-INS AT CAMP, ALL ATTENDING MUST PRE-REGISTER! Registration is online this year with printable forms available for those submitting campership applications. Printed forms must be used for those submitting camperships, online registration will charge the full amount.
Check out the Cub Scout Day Camp 2012 information on the Council webiste by clicking here for questions or more information. |
| Boy Scout Camporee - Back to the Falls! | 
Cradle of Liberty Council Boy Scout Camporee Resica Falls Scout Reservation June 22-24, 2012 Featuring the Grand Opening of the Richards Arena This event will include full Summer Camp set-up, all program areas, Aquatics and Shooting Sports, Scoutcraft, Handicraft and Climbing. All meals are included . Click here for the event flyer.
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| 2013 National Jamboree | 
ATTENTION: To guarantee your spot in the 2013 National Jamboree, you need to register NOW. We are committed to seven troops and one crew and three are already filled. Don't be shut out; most scouts only get one chance at a National Jamboree. On July 15, 2013, you don't want to say "I wish I had signed my son up so he could go to the Jambo with all of his friends." Spots are filling up, get your registrations in. We're talking serious High Adventure! Be among the first scouts at the first National Jamboree at the Summit! - White Water Rafting
- Zip Lining
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Rappelling
- Climbing
The location for the 2013 National Jamboree is the all new Summit Bechtel Reserve, adjacent to the New River Gorge National River Park in West Virginia. ...And did we mention that it was going to be Outrageously Fun! More Information SCOUTMASTERS/VENTURING ADVISORS Scoutmasters and Advisors have all been selected but we still have a need for a few Third Assistant Scoutmasters so if you will be between 18 and 21 by July of 2013 you are eligible. Leader information is available online. |
| Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner / Eagle Scout Scholarships |  Our Council's Annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner will be held on Tuesday, 15 May 2012 at the Union League of Philadelphia, 140 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. We are looking for sponsors for all Scouts in our Council that attained the rank of Eagle Scout during 2011. For more information please contact Bob Hayes at 484-654-9244 or rhayes@colbsa.org.
New $3,000 Eagle Scout Scholarship Award The Cradle of Liberty Council's new Eagle Scout and Alumni Committee is pleased to announce that a new scholarship has been established and will be presented on May 15, 2012 at the Annual Eagle Reunion and Recognition Dinner. This one time $3,000 scholarship will be presented to an Eagle Scout from the Cradle of Liberty Council who is currently in 12th grade and heading to college or technical school in the fall of 2012. This scholarship will be a way to recognize an Eagle Scout who was able to stretch his abilities and overcome adversity in life. Applicants must write a short essay (no more than 500 words) about how they personally overcame adversity. This may be a physical, moral, or mental challenge in their life, and can be a combination of all three. Applicants must do their best to tell their story in their own words. This essay of no more than 500 words must be type-written, signed by the applicant, and include an endorsement from his Scoutmaster signifying that this Scout has indeed overcome adversity as explained in the essay. The original essay and signatures must be received at the Cradle of Liberty Council Service Center in Valley Forge by 12 PM on April 2, 2012. There will be no exceptions. If you have questions or need additional information please contact Committee Chairman Mark Chilutti via email at chilutti2000@aol.com or Staff Adviser Bob Hayes at rhayes@colbsa.org .
Henry and Lorraine Addison Annual Scholarship Award The Henry and Lorraine Addison Award Scholarship was created in 2011 to annually provide a higher educational scholarship of $1,000 to an Eagle Scout of the Jewish Faith. To apply for this scholarship the applicant must: - Be a registered Scout within the Bucks, Chester, or Cradle of Liberty Councils
- Be a member of a Jewish organization and religious belief
- Have earned either the Ner Tamid or Etz Chaim Scouting Religious Award
- Have obtained the rank of Eagle Scout prior to submitting an application
- Submit letters of recommendation from his Scoutmaster and Rabbi
- Submit a copy of an acceptance letter from a post secondary educational institution
- Submit a copy of his Eagle Application and Eagle Project
Applications are due by 30 April 2012. The applicant should compose and mail four (4) copies of their application package for review by the Jewish Committee to: C/O Len Brownstein 1045 Alpena Road Philadelphia, Pa 19115 Award presentation will take place in the spring at Melrose B'Nai Israel in Philadelphia. |
| COL Eagle Scout Alumni Association - Now Meeting Every Month |  The COL Eagle Alumni Association has begun meeting on the 4th Monday of each month at the Marks Scouting Resource Center. The group gathers informally at 6pm for food, and the meeting starts at 7pm. Topics and plans include support for the Eagle Recognition and Reunion Dinner in May, a new scholarship for Eagle Scouts, a service day at Camp, and networking events.
Please feel free to join us at these meetings or contact Chairman Mark Chilutti at chilutti2000@aol.com for more information. |
| Health & Safety Tip of the Week - Ice Safety | 
Precautions need to be taken to ensure ice is safe for your winter recreational activities, but determining the strength of ice is difficult. There is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice. Most ice-related accidents occur when people don't understand ice formation or how to read ice conditions, as well as carelessness, overconfidence, and a lack of appreciation for the risks involved when on the ice. BSA Safety Thoughts |
| Cub Scout Day at the Please Touch Museum | 
Cub Scout Day at the Please Touch Museum
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Scouts in uniform get in for free!Scout families may purchase discounted tickets to the Please Touch Museum by visiting the Museum website and entering store name Boy Scouts. For more information, call 215-581-3167. |
Guppy Gulch High Adventure | 
Guppy Gulch is an aquatic adventure program for Scouts of all ages. Located in southern Pennsylvania, your adventure begins when you are greeted by a white sand beach complete with palm trees and sparkling spring-fed water. Water-based fun includes zip lines, a water slide, a floating climbing wall, a blob, secure swim area, kayaking and water jousting. Snorkeling and scuba instruction can be part of your adventure as well. In your downtime, enjoy volleyball, beach volleyball and more. Overnight tent and cabin camping is available as are meal packages. Contact us at 410.458.8881 or 443.604.3223 or by emailing lostpines@ymail.com for more information or to arrange a visit. Visit our website at http://lostpinescamp.com/ |
| Adventure Aquarium Partnership | 
The Adventure Aquarium is pleased to offer discounted admission to Scouts during 2011-2012 Scout Weekends! Seven weekends are available now through March to experience 2 million gallons of water, two Nile Hippos, multiple hands-on experiences, a walkthrough shark tunnel and MUCH MORE! Workshops and badge opportunities are available. For more information or to book, contact Group Sales at groups@adventureaquarium.com or 800-616-JAWS. Event Dates for Online Calendar 2012: March 10, 11
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| Interested in Working at Summer Camp?
|  Summer Cooks Needed Camp Hart, Musser Scout Reservation of the Cradle of Liberty Council is looking to hire cooks for the 2012 summer camping season. These positions will be responsible for meal preparation along with food & supply ordering for the month of July at Camp Hart. Compensation and housing will be provided. Interested individuals should contact Camp Director Brian Bauer @ 484-654-9239 or via email at bbauer@colbsa.org.
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| Minsi Trails Council Jambo 2012
|  Make plans now to celebrate Minsi Trails Council's premier scouting event, Jambo 2012. Join over 5,000 scouts expected for the weekend of May 18 to May 20, 2012 at Kutztown University. Enjoy a great weekend of Scouting fun and excitement. There will be tons of adventures waiting for you at Jambo 2012. Jambo 2012 will host many great vendors including: the Lehigh Valley Zoo, the Franklin Institute, Camelback, and America on Wheels. Archery and BB gun ranges along with inflatables, paintball, and tomahawk throwing will be among the many activities Scouts will have to choose from. A great Saturday night show will feature Kicking Daisies, the winner of Radio Disney's 2012 Next Big Thing, fireworks and powershooters demonstration. Call Minsi Trails Council at 610-264-8551 or visit us on the web at www.minsitrails.com/jambo2012 for more information.
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| Take the SCOUTStrong PALA Challenge!
|  Be prepared to take the challenge:
The Boy Scouts of America have now partnered with the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition to present the new "SCOUTStrong" program. By joining with the Presidents Active Lifestyle Award (PALA), this new program integrates exercise with healthy lifestyle changes in an effort to bring about positive life changes, and an increased awareness of the significance of everyday lifestyle choices in contributing to an overall health and fitness of Scouts and Scouters of all ages. This new program is for everyone associated with the Boy Scouts of America, which includes Scouts, Venturers, Parents, Volunteers, Commissioners, Council Staff, Board Members, Friends of Scouting, and even BSA Alumni. How it works:
To become involved and earn the SCOUTStrong/PALA Challenge Award, each participant is required to meet a daily goal of activity and fitness, for at least five days a week, and for six of eight weeks to start. Faithful fulfillment of your individual goals will result in earning the ScoutStrong award in about two months. Participants track their progress by entering the activities that they complete on a daily basis, and tracking their healthy eating goals on a weekly basis. The tracking is completed on-line through the PALA website, or can be recorded on a paper tracking chart.
No matter what method participants use to record their progress, the results will be the same: Healthier, more physically prepared Scouts and Scouters, who are more ready to meet the challenges of the Scouting program, as well as living healthier, more active lives. How to sign up:
Visit the SCOUTStrong website and select "Pennsylvania" as your state/location, then select "Cradle of Liberty Council - 525" as your council, then click "Start Your PALA Challenge!"
Scouters of the Cradle of Liberty Council can make a real commitment to improving their health and level of fitness by accepting the Commissioner's Challenge to take part in the SCOUTStrong program and help our Council lead the way to healthier Scouting in 2012! |
| Raise Your Hand in Support of Scouting |  Dollars for Doers is a program where companies donate money to a charitable organization based on the time donated by volunteers to that organization. In other words, you can help Scouting at no cost to you. Many dedicated Scouters in the Cradle of Liberty Council work for companies that support this program. This program requires no extra time OR money from individual Scouters. It is designed to reward those nonprofits to which a volunteer has ALREADY given his or her time. Click here to see more and find out how to help, along with a partial list of participating companies. |
| Journey to Excellence Service Hours |  It's pretty certain that your unit has participated in some really great service projects this year; most likely more than one! Did you know that service hours are all part of your unit's Journey to Excellence? (which replaced the Unit Program)
If you have yet to enter your unit's service hours online to count toward the Journey to Excellence, now is the time. Head over to the National Council Site, where you can enter those hours right from your computer! Enter Your Hours Here |
| | Your Journey to Excellence | | 
How is YOUR unit's journey progressing? Are you planning your calendars and budgets for the upcoming year? Crossing over Webelos or welcoming new troop members? Gearing up for camping in the warmer weather?
As you continue improving your unit, take some time to check out the Journey to Excellence website. It's being continually updated with new resources and information, including a great resource sheet for pack budgeting that's just been added.
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Thank you for being a part of the Scouting movement and the Cradle of Liberty Council! If you have news or information you'd like to see in upcoming issues of the BSAT, please don't hesitate to e-mail news@colbsa.org. Sincerely, |
| Cradle of Liberty Council |
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