| | | | | | | Dear Scouter, |  With the BSA's new online Tour & Activity Plan going live next week (see the lead article below), I thought this would be an opportune time to review when a tour plan is required. Of course even if your Scouting activity does not require submitting a Tour & Activity Plan to council, it is still an excellent tool to use in preparing for all your activities since it guides your tour leader(s) through itineraries, travel arrangements, two-deep leadership, supervision qualifications, and transportation. A Tour & Activity Plan is required to be submitted for council review if any of the following is true for your planned activity: - Trips of 500 miles or more (not really applicable to our Council since our borders do not extend 500 miles in any direction; therefore, any such trips would require a plan because of the next bullet point); or
- Trips outside of council borders (exception: not to your council-owned property, e.g. trips to Resica Falls Scout Reservation do not require the submission of a plan); or
- Trips to any national high-adventure base, national Scout jamboree, National Order of the Arrow Conference, the Summit Bechtel Reserve, or a regionally sponsored event (even if less than 500 miles or potentially within the council borders); or
- When conducting any of the following activities outside of council or district events:
- Aquatics activities (swimming, boating, floating, scuba, etc.)
- Climbing and rappelling
- Orientation flights (process flying plan)
- Shooting sports
- Any activities involving motorized vehicles as part of the program (snowmobiles, boating, etc.); or
- At the council's request
Happy Scouting, Dave Bryan, Editor DBryan@colbsa.org For a full list of upcoming Council events and activities, refer to the Council Master Calendar on the Council website. 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 |
| | | | Online Tour & Activity Plan to go live May 10th! | | 
The new Tour and Activity Plan will officially replace the old Tour Plan beginning May 10, 2012. All of your previously approved Tour Plans will cross over and be archived in the new system, but any outstanding ones will not. If you have submitted a Tour Plan and it is yet to be acted upon, please contact your council ASAP and check on the status. If no action is taken by May 10, you will need to resubmit the trip via the new Tour and Activity Plan. An informative training video has been developed on how to use the new Tour and Activity Plan application. It can be found here. The Tour and Activity Plan FAQ page can also be viewed here. Please contact your local council with any questions or concerns.
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| 2013 National Jamboree | 
With the addition of an eighth troop from Council, there are a handful of openings still remaining for Youth for the 2013 National Jamboree. Boy Scouts must be at least 12 years old and have attained the First Class rank prior to the start of the Jamboree and not yet 18 by the last day of the Jamboree. Venture Scouts must be age 14 prior to the start of the Jamboree and not yet 21 by the last day of the Jamboree. Applications are still being accepted, but you need to register NOW so you do not get shut out! For easy sign up have your BSA membership ID number handy and click on the following link: https://summit.scouting.org/en/Jamboree2013/Pages/default.aspx. We're talking serious High Adventure! The location for the 2013 National Scout Jamboree is the all new Summit Bechtel Reserve adjacent to the New River Gorge National River Park in West Virginia. |
| 2013 Philmont Contingent Openings
| Two slots remain for Crews in the 2013 Philmont Contingent June 24 - July 8. If interested please fill out the Cradle of Liberty Council 2013 Philmont Contingent Crew Reservation Form and send it in to the Council along with a check made out to 'COL BSA' in the amount of $300. A form without a corresponding check will be returned and could limit your unit's chance of getting a spot in the contingent. All questions should be addressed to the High Adventure Committee or Tracy Launder, Council Registration. The contact name on this form will receive additional information regarding individual applications, etc. in the summer of 2012. More information can be found online at https://www.colbsa.org/philmont/philmont.html. |
| 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. ($125 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.
For more information: www.colbsa.org/camping For registration forms click here. Day Camp Staff Adviser: BettyAnn Atkinson, batkinson@colbsa.org or 484-654-9234 |
| 2012 Summer Camp |
SUMMER CAMP EARLY BIRD PAYMENTS are due by May 1st for Resica Falls Boy Scout Camp, Cub Adventures at Camp Hart, and Cub Weekends at Camp Hart. 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, 3, 4, 5, & 6 are now closed. Openings are still available for Weeks 2 & 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 NOTE - Resident Session 2 is now closed; however, we are accepting wait list requests in case of cancellations. Openings still remain for Resident Session 1 and Weekends! For questions regarding Summer Camp, please contact Tracy Launders at 484-654-9213 or tlaunder@colbsa.org. SUMMER CAMP LEADERS MEETINGS - Weeks 1-4 Resica Falls 21-day Leaders Meeting - June 4th at 7pm at the Firestone Building (Valley Forge Service Center), 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne, PA 19087.
- Weeks 5-7 Resica Falls 21-day Leaders Meeting - June 11th at 7pm at the Firestone Building (Valley Forge Service Center), 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne, PA 19087.
- Cub Adventures & Cub Weekends at Camp Hart Leaders & Parents Meeting - June 18th at 7pm at the Firestone Building (Valley Forge Service Center), 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne, PA 19087.
Dining Hall Manager, Cooks, and Counselors-in-Training Needed at Camp Hart Cub Adventures at Camp Hart is looking for a responsible individual 18 or older to take charge of all aspects of dining hall operation. Dining Hall Manager is a paid position and includes onsite room & board. If you are interested in interviewing for this position, please contact Camp Director Brian Bauer at 484-654-9239 or via email at bbauer@colbsa.org. Cub Adventures at Camp Hart is also searching for additional cooks for the 2012 summer camping season. These positions will be responsible for meal preparation in 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. Finally there are still openings for Counselors-in-Training at Cub Adventures at Camp Hart. This position is open to any service-oriented 14 or 15-year-old youth (male or female) interested in gaining summer camp staff work experience. Housing and all meals are provided. Contact Camp Director Brian Bauer @ 484-654-9239 or via email at bbauer@colbsa.org. . |
| 2012 Cuboree City Wide Weekend Camping Extravaganza! |
The Second A nnual Philadelphia Area Cuboree will be held from May 18th to 20th at Camp Hart! Sign up your unit for a full weekend of fun and advancement. The committee has already begun planning this event, which will prove to be even more fun than 2011. Due to be included this year includes: - BB-Gun Shooting
- Webelos Area
- Archery
- Campfires
- Games
- Fishing
- And Much Much More!
Online Registration is now live! Go to s.colbsa.org/cuboreeonlinesignup. Download the Flyer & Application Here! |
| 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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| Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner |  Join us as we recognize the 328 Scouts who obtained the rank of Eagle in 2011 and we celebrate the induction of John Spagnola into the Cradle of Liberty Eagle Scout Hall of Fame. Our Council's Annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner will be held on Tuesday, 15 May 2012 from 6:00-9:00pm at the Union League of Philadelphia, 140 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. We are looking for sponsors and mentors for all our newest Eagle Scouts. You are also invited to attend the pre-dinner 2012 Outstanding Eagle Scouts reception beginning at 5:30pm honoring Judge John Braxton, Eagle Class of 1960, Mark Chilutti, Eagle Class of 1982, and Thomas Leidy, Eagle Class of 1954. For questions or more information please contact Bob Hayes at 484-654-9244 or rhayes@colbsa.org. |
| Training Corner - Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader! |
New Training Announcements - Lifeguard Re-Certifications are being offered at the Lansdale YMCA on May 5.
- Range Safety Officer Training is being offered May 5 at the Firestone Service Center.
- Archery and BB Range Officer Pocket Certifications are being offered on June 9th and June 10th respectively at Camp Garrison!
Email Brian Bauer with questions or interest in any of these events! Wood Badge - 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). Course check-in on May 4th will be at the Camp Hart Dining Hall. Please park in the Camp Hart parking lot at the corner of Miller & Price Roads and walk across Camp Road to the dining hall. For more information 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). Outdoor Webelos Leader (OWL) Training with Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) - May 19-20, 2012 at the Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation. Contact William Forbes for more info. Cub Leader Specific Training October 6, 2012, Washington District - Contact Mark Kenney for more info. Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training - Now required for all Scoutmasters, and by the end of this year for all Assistant Scoutmasters. May 12, 2012 at the Troop 84 Cabin - Contact William Forbes for more info. September 29, 2012, location TBD - Contact Paul Heiney for more info. October 6, 2012, Washington District - Contact Mark Kenney for more info. First Aid/CPR/AED - May 19, 2012 at the Marks Building (Philadelphia Service Center). Contact Mandy Martensen for more info. Health & Safety Training - The BSA's Health & Safety course should be completed every two years and requires attendance at a live instructional class. May 9, 2012 at the Firestone Building (Valley Forge Service Center). Contact Bill Forbes for more info. 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. |
| Health & Safety Tip of the Week - BSA Insurance Coverage & Unauthorized Activities | 
The Boy Scouts of America general liability policy provides coverage for a bodily injury or property damage claim that is made and arises out of an Official Scouting Activity. The Guide to Safe Scouting contains a listing of Unauthorized and Restricted Activities. Unauthorized activities are not considered Official Scouting Activities. Volunteers (registered and unregistered), Units, Chartered Organizations and Local Councils are jeopardizing insurance coverage for themselves and their organization by engaging in unauthorized activities. PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK. For more information on BSA Insurance Coverage, visit the national Scouting Safely website. | | 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. |
| RAFTOREE Weekend at Whitewater Challengers | 
Join Whitewater Challengers and the Cradle of Liberty BSA Council for a RAFTOREE WEEKEND....May 5-6, 2012. Weekend includes: Whitewater rafting, River lunch, free Camping, DJ dance, Merit badge demo, Scout patch and Certificate. Special Raftoree price: $39.00 per person. To register call 800-443-8554. |
| Camden Riversharks Scout Overnights |  Join us for a night under the stars on the outfield of Campbell's Field! For only $25 Scouts and their families will receive a 200 level ticket to the game, dinner (hot dog, chips and water) and a fireworks spectacular after the game! Participants will then set up their tents on the field and be welcomed to enjoy a movie on the video board with a snack. Wake up in the morning for breakfast and a clinic with Riversharks players! Our PA Scout night is June 29th, but Scouts are welcomed to any of our other dates which include June 15th, July 20th and August 3rd. Contact Lindsay Rosenberg at LRosenberg@riversharks.com
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| Philadelphia Soul Game & Overnight |  See a Philadelphia Soul game and join us for the World's Largest Scout Night Sleepover at Lincoln Financial Field! Join us from Saturday May 5th to Sunday May 6th at the Wells Fargo Center & Lincoln Financial Field. All Scouts are welcomed, details include a full night of pre-game, in-game, and post-game Scout activities!
You will receive a Lower Level Sideline Ticket for the Soul vs. Mustangs game at 7:05 PM. There will be an in-game recognition of all Scout Groups in attendance. Breakfast will be served on the morning of May 6th. Everyone will receive a Commemorative Soul Scout Patch! Reserve your spot now, spots are limited and are filling up fast! Contact John Tabourn at 215-253-4900 x176 or jtabourn@philadelphiasoul.com to register or if you have any questions! |
Sesame Place Scout Discounts!
|  All Scouts and their families are invited to spend an action packed fun filled fall day at the park. Scouts receive discounted park admission- $25.00 per person (tax inclusive), "Sesame Place CSI- Club of Science Investigators" activity sheets to guide Scouts through badge requirements and a limited-edition scout participant patch.
To purchase discounted single day tickets for your group, show a piece of your Scout uniform at any ticket window. Scouts can pick up a Sesame Place CSI- Club of Science Investigators activity packet at the Welcome Center. Turn the completed packet in to receive our complimentary 2012 Scout Patch! For more information, please call Group Sales at 215-752-7070 x.222. We hope to see you there! |
| SCUBA Merit Badge at Dutch Springs | 
Would earning the SCUBA Merit Badge interest you? Then NorthStar Adventure at Dutch Springs is where you want to be! We can even come to your council or troop meeting to inform you all about SCUBA Diving. Or maybe you are looking to earn the Climbing, First Aid or Nature Merit Badge? All our badges are taught by Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselors. For further information please contact us at 610-759-2270 or badges@northstaradventure.com. Also check out our website at www.northstaradventure.com. |
Sleepover at the Franklin Institute!
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Scouts can work toward earning badges while exploring the museum after dark! Our supersized overnight camp-in adventure is filled with exciting hands-on science activities, interactive live science shows, films in the Tuttleman IMAX Theater & Fels Planetarium, rooftop stargazing in the Joel N. Bloom Observatory and more! Plus, all campers receive a souvenir patch which entitles them to FREE admission to The Franklin Institute for the rest of 2012! Special Offer! Save $5.00 off select nights in April & May! Call for details! To register for Camp-In, call 215-448-1200. Mention code CI-COL to receive the discount! |
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/ |
| 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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