| | | | | | | Dear Scouter, |  As announced to the Executive Board of the Cradle of Liberty Council in May, I am very pleased and excited to report that the Cradle of Liberty Council, in association with Tufts University's Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development, has been awarded a $5 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to evaluate the effectiveness of our Council's unique Quality Unit Executive Program in the recruitment, retention, and building of character in Cub Scouts. The primary purpose of this three-year study will be to evaluate the premise that increased support to volunteer Scout leaders through the Quality Unit Executive position will (1) improve the quality of the Cub Scout program, which will lead to (2) increased tenure of boys in Scouting, resulting in (3) increased number of boys who demonstrate positive character traits, enhanced leadership skills, improved physical fitness, increased civic engagement, and enhanced spiritual knowledge. The bigger question which will also be addressed is whether the youth development program of the BSA purported to promote character development among America's young people actually does have a measurable positive impact on character, academic success, intentional self-regulation (behavior), and the level of contribution to society of today's youth. If this can scientifically be shown to be true, this study promises to have a profound impact not only on the BSA program model, but also on other youth development programs across the U.S. For those not familiar with the ongoing Quality Unit Executive pilot program within our Council, we currently have four districts being served by commissioned Scouting professionals with the job title of Quality Unit Executive, or QUE for short. QUEs are dedicated to helping Cub Scout leaders and packs improve the quality of the unit program and increase youth retention rates through coaching, training, advising, and assisting with unit operations. This grant will allow us to increase our QUE field staff to eight and double the number of districts impacted by this program. If you or anyone you know might be interested in becoming a QUE, please see the QUE "help wanted" advertisement below. 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 |
| | | | Help Wanted: Openings for Quality Unit Executives | |  The Cradle of Liberty Council is seeking service-minded, personable individuals with a commitment to the ideals of the BSA who are interested in having a positive impact on the lives of local elementary school-aged boys. The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the Cub Scout program, have gone through the program as a youth and/or have had a son go through the program, have experience as a registered Cub Scout leader, and have ties both within and outside of the local Scouting community. The Quality Unit Executive position is a full-time, paid position with benefits and involves assisting local Cub Scout packs with unit leader selection, leader training, membership recruitment and retention, unit program planning including fundraising and advancement, and camp promotion. This service role as a coach, counselor, mentor, and teacher requires a college degree, personal transportation to get to and from meetings on your own, and working evenings and some weekends. Training and mileage reimbursement is provided. If you are interested in joining the Cradle of Liberty field staff as a QUE, please send your resume along with a cover letter explaining why you are interested in becoming a QUE to:
QUE Position Cradle of Liberty Council, BSA 1485 Valley Forge Road Wayne, PA 19087 |
| Camp Card Program Due Date June 8th | | 
For those units and individuals selling Camp Cards to raise money for summer camp, the Camp Card money and any unsold Camp Cards are due to the Council office on June 8th. When turning in your Camp Card money, please also turn in a completed Unit Tracking Sheet. The top sellers can only be recognized if their sales are submitted on the sheet. If you would like an Excel spreadsheet version of the Unit Tracking Sheet please contact Amy Frantz. |
| Volunteers Needed - Rod and Reel Fishing Event at Camp Hart | |  DOES YOUR UNIT NEED SERVICE HOURS? Cub Scouts and leaders will be having a great day at camp participating in fishing-related activities on Saturday June 16. If you know a Venturing Crew or Boy Scout Troop that is interested in helping on the event staff, take this opportunity to complete a unit service project! Staff is needed for setup, during, and breakdown activities the whole weekend. Contact Mark Davis at cubscoutspack252@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out!
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| Council Website Training | | Do You Need to Update the District Calendar? Would You Like to Post a Current Committee Roster? Is Your Event Registration Online AND Easy To Use For Signups? This summer we're offering two opportunities (no more than 1.5 hours each) to familiarize volunteers and staff at ALL LEVELS with the Council Website, www.colbsa.org. Anyone tasked with promotions that would like to setup registrations, add article updates or publish calendar changes should send at least one representative or more for each of their respective roles and/or assignments. Each attendee will be asked to sign in and represent ONLY one task in the event that permissions need to be updated. We've scheduled two trainings for you and your staff to attend!! Anyone currently working on any assignment in any form should send a representative (OR TWO) to teach their staff!! Please join us for any OR all of the following trainings: JULY 17 - 7pm @ Marks Resource Center in Philadelphia or AUGUST 21 - 2pm & 7pm @ Firestone Resource Center in Wayne Everyone is invited and welcome to bring your laptop or other portable device. We'll be taking ideas and making website adjustments. Those Committees or Event Staff in attendance will take preference regarding future website changes, considerations, and requests. For additional information please contact Jeffrey Aster, Council Webmaster @ 215-205-4713 (jeffreyaster@yahoo.com ) or Frank Solla, Council Web Advisor @ 484-654-9238 (fsolla@colbsa.org ). |
| 2012 Summer Camp |
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.
RESICA FALLS SUMMER CAMP Summer Camp Fees: Scout: $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!
CUB FAMILY WEEKENDS & CUB ADVENTURES at CAMP HART Camp Hart Summer Camp Fees: Cub Family Weekends: $65 after May 1 Cub Adventures Short Week/Youth: $220 after May 1 Cub Adventures Short Week/Adult: $95 after May 1 Cub Adventures Full Week/Youth: $320 after May 1 Cub Adventures Full Week/Adult: $130 after May 1 NOTE - Cub Family Weekends 2 & 3 and Cub Adventures Session 2 are now closed; wait list reservations still being accepted in case of cancellations. Openings still remain for Cub Family Weekends 1 & 4 and Cub Adventures Session 1! For questions regarding Summer Camp, please contact Tracy Launders at 484-654-9213 or tlaunder@colbsa.org. 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. . |
| CSI: Cub Scout Investigators - 2012 Cub Scout Day Camp | | Your Mission: Register for Cub Scout Day Camp
 Sign up for one week, two weeks, or more and keep your Scout having fun and even earning rank during the summer! Cub Scouts are $125 after June 1st. Siblings? Bring them along! (Cost is $15/$100 depending on program) Youth Volunteers are welcome with training & recommendation letter. Adults who volunteer all week can bring their Cub Scout to camp for FREE! (Space is LIMITED.) Sibling program available for children of volunteers. Bring them along! (Cost is $15/$100 depending on program) Registration includes all crafts & activities, a camp shirt and a patch. Bring your own lunch. DON'T FORGET: Registration will cut off 2 weeks before the first day of each camp. Check your dates! NO WALK-INS AT CAMP, ALL ATTENDING MUST PRE-REGISTER! For more information including dates, locations and registration (online or forms for paper): https://www.colbsa.org/cub-scout-day-camp/about-day-camp.html Day Camp Staff Advisor: BettyAnn Atkinson batkinson@colbsa.org or 484-654-9234 |
| 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 | 
With eight troops filled, youth applications for the 2013 National Jamboree are still being accepted and placed in a wait list queue in case of cancellations or non-payment of fees. We also have the option of creating a ninth or even tenth troop if enough applications with deposits are received over the coming months. 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. 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. If you are already signed up, please be sure to keep up to date with your monthly payments! In addition to the initial $295 deposit, you should have been making $100 monthly payments now for five (5) months (January through May) bringing your total paid to date at $795. If you are behind, you can catch up via credit card by calling the Valley Forge Office at 610-688-6900 and having your Jamboree Reference Number handy. 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.
LIMITED EDITION 2013 CRADLE OF LIBERTY COUNCIL NATIONAL JAMBOREE PATCH NOW AVAILABLE! Show your support for local scouting by purchasing one of these attractive, limited-edition council shoulder strips. The patches sell for $10 each and are now available at the Valley Forge Service Center front desk, from any of our Council Contingent Troop Scoutmasters, and soon from any Scout signed up to attend the jamboree. All proceeds go toward our local council National Jamboree campership fund. |
| 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 Launders, 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. |
| Training Corner - Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader! |
Archery Range Officer Pocket Certifications is being offered on June 9th at Camp Garrison! June 10th's BB certification training is now filled to capacity. Email Brian Bauer for more information. Cub Leader Specific Training October 6, 2012, Washington District - Contact Mark Kenney for more info. October 7, 2012, Aldan Union Church - Contact Jim Foster for more info. October 10, 2012, Trinity Lutheran Church - Tiger & Den Leader Specific Training. Contact William Forbes for more info. November 14, 2012, Trinity Lutheran Church - Pack Committee & Cubmaster Training. Contact William Forbes for more info. Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) Training - Now required for all Scoutmasters, and by the end of this year for all Assistant Scoutmasters. October 19, 2012, Nelson Training Center - Contact Jim Foster for more info. October 26-27, 2012, Nelson Training Center - Contact Jim Foster for more info.
Outdoor Webelos Leader (OWL) Training October 19, 2012, Nelson Training Center. Contact Jim Foster for more info. October 26, 2012, Nelson Training Center. Contact Jim Foster for more info. Sea Badge - October 5-7, 2012, location TBD - Contact Regina McTeague for more info.
Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training - Now required for all Scoutmasters, and by the end of this year for all Assistant Scoutmasters. September 29, 2012, location TBD - Contact Paul Heiney for more info. October 6, 2012, Washington District - Contact Mark Kenney for more info. October 7, 2012, Aldan Union Church - Contact Jim Foster for more info. This is Scouting & Youth Protection Training - September 12, 2012, Trinity Lutheran Church. Contact William Forbes for more info. Venturing Leader Specific Training - February 23, 2013, Aldan Union Church. Contact Jim Foster for more info. University of Scouting - Save the date! Saturday, November 3, 2012. Women in the Outdoors - September 7-9, 2012 at the Musser Scout Reservation. Contact Ann Peronne for more information. Wood Badge 2013 - Two 3-day weekends, September 7-9, 2013 and October 12-14, 2013. Mark your calendars. 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 Issues Guidelines for Slacklining | 
Slacklining is an adventure program growing in popularity. As with any activity involving height and motion, there is risk involved. Before units, districts, or councils decide to promote or host slackline activities and other adventure sports, they must follow the Sweet 16 of BSA Safety and submit a tour and activity plan for council review with a description that includes the slacklining activity. See additional guidelines that must be followed by visiting the BSA's 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. |
HersheyPark Online Discount Tickets
| THE HERSHEYPARK FOLKS APOLOGIZE TO ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN HAVING DIFFICULTY PURCHASING DISCOUNTED HERSHEYPARK TICKETS ONLINE. THE ORIGINAL DISCOUNT CODE GIVEN WAS INCORRECT. PLEASE NOTE THE CORRECT DISCOUNT CODE IS 55685. 
Now available through Sunday, September 30, 2012, discounted tickets for HersheyPark! - Regular 1-Day Ticket - ages 9-54 - $35.75 (40% off Gate Rate)
- Jr/Sr 1-Day Admission Ticket - ages 3-8 & 55-69 - $28.50 (22% off Gate Rate)
- Senior 70+ 1-Day Admission Ticket - $21.00 (5% off Gate Rate)
- Hersheypark Prepaid Meal Ticket - $13.50 (up to 30% off Retail Prices) - Choose a meal at up to 20 food venues. All meals include entrée, side and 2012 Souvenir Cup (refills are .99 + tax all season).
Note that these rates are available by ordering online only, and are not available at HersheyPark's Front Gate the day of arrival. Discounted tickets valid for admission any day from May 4th through September 30th, 2012. Click here to access the HersheyPark online store and enter in Promo Code 55685 to receive your Cradle of Liberty BSA discount. |
| 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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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. |
| 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. |
| 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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