Feb. 2018

LEATHERSTOCKING Council fires COUNCIL The latest news, events and information for all Scouts and Scouters. LET’S GO CAMPING! The has many camping opportunities for our youth. Organized camping is a creative, educational experience in cooperative group living in the outdoors. It uses the natural surroundings to contribute significantly to physical, mental, spiritual, and social growth.

• Camping contributes to good health. • Camping helps campers develop self-reliance and resourcefulness. • Camping enhances spiritual growth. • Camping contributes to social development. • Camping is an experience in citizenship training. • Camping at the Cub level introduces boys to the knowledge and skills that they will learn and apply more thoroughly as a Boy Scout.

Cub offers camping opportunities for Cub Scouts through day camps, resident camps, Webelos den overnight campouts, council-organized family camps, and pack overnighters. Find out about summer camp opportunities on pages 4 -5. LEATHERSTOCKING COUNCIL SELECTS NEW SCOUT EXECUTIVE: The Leatherstocking Council of the Boy chose Ray because he is the candidate Eschenbach, who began his Scouting Scouts of America has selected Ray that we believe best understands the career 22 years ago, has served Eschenbach as its new Scout executive. needs of the Leatherstocking Council in various leadership positions in Eschenbach was selected by a and has a great vision for taking the Cumberland, MD., Utica, Syracuse, and volunteer committee of the Council Scouting program here in Central New Reading, Pa. He is a Vigil Honor member Executive Board from a pool of York to the next level. Ray is no stranger of the who enjoys candidates provided by the National to Scouting in this area. He served hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Ray Council. In addition to management the Revolutionary Trails Council as its and his wife, Kristy, have two sons, responsibilities, the Scout executive is District Director before taking several Jacob and Noah, both of whom are the corporate secretary of the council, promotions and working in several active in Scouting and working their way and the principal spokesperson to the other Northeastern Councils. Ray up the trail to Eagle. local communities of the council. gained much from his time away and we are pleased to be able to welcome him Turn to Page 2 for a letter from Council President John Devlin said, “We back home.” Ray Eschenbach STAY UP TO READ COUNCIL FIRES DATE WITH ONLINE AND HELP SAVE $$ The weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox Help the Council save money by electing with valuable information about upcoming events, to view Council Fires online at the council activities and important news in the Council. website. Every issue we do not print Subscribing to Smoke Signals is easy, just visit the and mail helps us put more money into council website at www.leatherstockingcouncil.org/ programming for our youth. To opt-out of scoutwire and click on “Sign up Now”. You will then the mailing visit: receive the weekly Smoke Signals newsletter. www.leatherstockingcouncil.org/Optout

COUNCIL FIRES 2018 | 1 FROM THE SCOUT EXECUTIVE

Dear Fellow Scouters, I want to start out by letting you all know just how honored I am to have been selected as your new Scout Executive of the Leatherstocking Council and I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. So I will start at the beginning, I was born in Erie, PA and raised in the small town of Ripley, NY. I have been involved in Scouting since I was 7 years old where I joined Pack 246 and later crossed over into the troop. During my time as a scout I served in almost every troop leadership role including Senior Patrol Leader, I served on summer camp staff of our local camp for 10 years, and was an active member of the Order of the Arrow. It was the experiences that I had in scouting as a youth that I credit for my successes and shaping me into the person that I am today.

I have been blessed to have served the for the past 23 years as a professional scouter. During my tenure I have served as a District Executive and Senior District Executive for the Potomac Council in Cumberland, Maryland, Senior District Executive Ray Eschenbach and District Director in the Revolutionary Trails Council, Utica, New York, Senior Development Scout Executive/CEO Director for the Longhouse Council in Syracuse, New York, Director of Development in the in Reading, PA and now Scout Executive of the Leatherstocking Council.

My wife Kristy and I have two sons Jacob and Noah are excited about coming back to Leatherstocking Region and the Mohawk Valley. Both of our sons were born at St. Luke’s in Utica and we see this move like coming back home. Jacob and Noah are both Boy Scouts and are looking forward to continuing their scouting adventures in a new troop, and attending Henderson Scout Reservation this summer. We are a Scouting family and enjoy everything that Scouting offers as a family.

When I am not Scouting I enjoy spending time with my family, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, shooting clay targets, camping, and golfing. I could use some golf lessons if anyone is up to that task.

I see great things in store for the Leatherstocking Council and am looking forward to getting to work to serve our volunteers and our Scouts. The message that you will hear a lot from me is that we are One Team, One Movement, with One Mission. Our focus needs to continue to be on growing our membership, providing our youth exemplary programs, and making our camping facilities destination locations that will draw units in from around the Northeast and beyond. I am excited about the opportunity to open our doors to entire families this fall by having girls join Packs. I see this as a great opportunity to provide and develop Character and Leadership in more youth. This topic will be discussed more in detail during the fireside chats.

One of the things that I believe in is being accessible and I will be conducting fireside chats throughout the council during my first few months on the job. I want to meet and hear from as many of you as possible on how we can best serve our youth. I know working together we can accomplish great things.

I want to thank all of you for what you do every day to promote and support the Scouting movement in the Leatherstocking Council. What you do for our youth today will make all of the difference in their lives tomorrow. I look forward to meeting and working with the entire team at the Leatherstocking Council, and remember we are One Team, One Movement, with One Mission and together we will accomplish amazing things.

Yours in Scouting, Ray Eschenbach

COUNCIL FIRES 2018 | 2 PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE COUNCIL BLIZZARD CAMP 2018 ADK FOOTHILLS Blizzard camp this year was a blast! Save your spot for next year by placing a deposit today at www.leathstockingcouncil.org or in the Council offices.

NORTHERN LIGHTS WINTER SURVIVAL

Pack 5 Cobleskill Blue and Gold Pack 50 Sauquoit visits WKTV Camp Kickoff!

COUNCIL FIRES 2018 | 3 SUMMER CAMPSSUMMER 2018 CAMPS 2018 Cub Scout Summer Resident Camp Dates: 3 Weeks (See Below) Location: Camp Kingsley - Ava, New York Open to: All Cub Scouts, Webelos, Arrow of Light Cub Scout Summer Camp at Camp Kingsley Scout Reservation The resident camping program is setup for Scouts to have a fun filled, memorable learning experience. This year, while meeting new Scouts and making new friends, Cubs will be learning about becoming a “Knight of the Round Table.”

Summer camp is the culmination of an exciting year in Scouting. It’s time to delight in the outdoors, learn new skills and have fun with friends. From the youngest Cub Scout to the Webelos and Arrow of Lights preparing to become Boy Scouts, Camp Kingsley is the adventure that puts the “outing” in Scouting!

Summer camp experiences will provide memories that will last a lifetime. Camp is all about challenging yourself to try something new and we make that possible with a variety of activities including boating, swimming, archery, team building, bouldering, and much, much more! At the same time, it’s our hope that they work towards rank advancement, enjoy new adventures, meet new people and make new friends. 3 SESSIONS Regular Pricing (Before May 1) Pricing Including Late Fee July 11 -15, 2018 Youth: $240 (After May 1) July 18 - 22, 2018 Sibling: $210 Youth: $250 July 25 - 29, 2018 Leader: $110 Sibling: $220 Leader: $110 Boy Scout Summer Resident Camp Date: 5 weeks (See below) Location: Camp Henderson - Maryand, NY Open to: All Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts, Explorers Boy Scout Summer Camp at Henderson Scout Reservation Camp Henderson combines the excitement and adventure of a program while providing unique access to our historic surroundings. Younger Scouts will find tons of opportunities to earn merit badges and seek rank advancement while older Scouts will be challenged with the traditional program.

Scouts will be able to take advantage of our first class facilities while they spend their days canoeing, kayaking, shooting, climbing, and so much more! With over 50 merit badge opportunities, Scouts will be able to select a program that meets their needs and interests while getting an outstanding outdoor experience. 5 SESSIONS Regular Pricing (Before May 1) Pricing Incl. Late Fee (After May 1) July 1 - 7, 2018 Youth: $375 Youth: $425 July 8 - 14, 2018 Sibling: $350 Sibling: $400 July 15 - 21, 2018 Leader: $110 Leader: $110 July 22 - 28, 2018

SPECIALTY WEEK 2018 July 29 - August 4, 2018

COUNCIL FIRES 2018 | 4 “Mom & Me” Cub Scout Campout Date: May 11 -12, 2018 Location: Camp Kingsley Open to: All Cub Scouts, Webelos, Arrow of Light, and their parents Price: $25 for the weekend. Includes meals, patch, activities. Mom and Me is a special weekend of adventure for mothers and sons doing the things that Scouts do, like fishing, hiking, shooting sports, arts and crafts, games and so much more! Cub Scout Fishing Derby

Date: June 16, 2018 Location: Camp Kingsley Open to: All Cub Scouts, Webelos, Arrow of Light, and their parents Price: $15 for the day (overnight optional). Includes meals, patch, activities

The family Fishing Derby is an opportunity for the whole family to participate in a relaxing day fishing on the lake at camp. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is something for everyone! Cub Scout Day Camp

Date: Varies (See below) Locations: Various (See detail below) Open to: All Cub Scouts Price: $125, Each additional Scout in a family is $115

Cub Scout Day Camp is an accredited, organized, three-to-four- day program for Cub Scouts using trained leadership at an approved site. It is a great opportunity for your Scout to enjoy fun-filled days with his fellow Scouts at one of our nearby Cub Scout camps. Day Camp is held during the morning and through the early afternoon. Scouts will enjoy tried and true camp activites such as BB guns, archery, cooking, sports, STEM, leadership, Scout skills, hiking, and more.

Sauquoit Day Camp (4 Days) Oneida Day Camp (4 Days) Town of Paris Park: June 25 - 28, 2018 Oneida American Legion: July 30 - Aug. 2, 2018 2580 Sulphur Spring Road, Sauquoit, NY 13456 398 North Main St (Rt 46), Oneida, NY 13421

Sidney Day Camp (3 Days) Cobleskill Day Camp (3 Days) Rockdale Rod and Gun Club: July 13 - 15, 2018 Cobleskill Elks Lodge: August 16 - 18, 2018 312 Rockdale Road, Mt Upton, NY13809 152 Legion Drive, Cobleskill NY 12043

Herkimer Day Camp (4 Days) Herkimer Fish and Game Club: July 23 - 26, 2018 327 Pinegrove Road, Herkimer, NY 13350 (Look for Basset Healthcare) Register for these great camps today! Visit www.leatherstockingcouncil.org for more details.

COUNCIL FIRES 2018 | 5 2017 LEATHERSTOCKING EAGLE SCOUTS

Abram Wayne Snyder-Bellinger Donald James Healey III Kyle Kashish Grover Orlo Nicholas Burch Troop 55, Holland Patent Troop 55, Holland Patent Troop 4, New Hartford Troop 9, Ilion Alexander Eugene Roux Elijah T Larkin Liam Christopher Evans Owen Thomas Williams Troop 9, Ilion Troop 44, Lee Center Troop 4, New Hartford Troop 55, Barneveld Alexander Joseph Padovani Gabriel Glenn Warner Liam Martin Evans Patrick Harry Gibson Troop 33, Delhi Troop 15, Richmondville Troop 50, Sauquoit Troop 9, Ilion Alexander Lee Zielinski Garrett Stephen Evans Mark Philip Dunckel Patrick James Gehrig Troop 33, Chittenango Troop 50, Sauquoit Troop 120, Hubbardsville Troop 79, Holland Patent Anders Gabriel Hansen Giovanni Pietro Randazzo Matthew Angel Collado Patrick Zu Troop 18, Cazenovia Troop 1, Frankfort Troop 33, Chittenango Troop 99, Sidney Blake Andrew Guzy Irving John Skowfoe Matthew James Robert Ryan Preston Arnold Troop 1254, Cooperstown Troop 58, Fultonham Crossway Troop 88, Sidney Brandon Robert Goodell Jackson Robert Vanderwerken Troop 1, Frankfort Seth Robert Spurgeon Troop 41, Margaretville Troop 46, Esperance Matthew Joseph Morak Troop 33, Chittenango Brenden James Hatzinger James Thomas Sleys Troop 33, Chittenango Shane Harlo Bray Troop 44, Rome Troop 14, Washington Mills Matthew Scott Muller Troop 33, Delancey Cameren Dennis Rothdiener Jeremy Robert Luce Troop 13, Boonville Thomas Jacob Snyder Troop 82, Oriskany Troop 50, Stamford Max Joseph Janis Troop 18, Schenevus Connor Albro Fancher Joseph Paul Dibble Troop 1, Frankfort Travis John Huther Troop 56, Howes Cave Troop 21, West Winfield Mitchell Zhang Troop 44, Clinton Connor Steven Hathaway Joseph Richard Palmer Troop 20, Camden Tyler Jacob Domachowske Troop 14, De Ruyter Troop 44, Lee Center Nathan Sancto Arria Troop 49, Cleveland Daniel Archer Carpenter Justin Cross Brewer Troop 43, Canastota Tyler John Carney Troop 40, Westernville Troop 2, Oneida Nathaniel Gary Degear Troop 7, Vernon Daniel Harrison Jones, Jr. Justin Karl Lee Troop 14, De Ruyter Walter William Siegenthaler Troop 2, Oneida Troop 50, Sauquoit Nathaniel James Berntson Troop 502, Frankfort Deegan Riley Chase Keenan Robert Holliday Troop 4, New Hartford Zachary Keil Troop 44, New Berlin Troop 31, Milford Nathaniel Phillip Morris Troop 1, Unadilla Derek Alexander Yashinski Kristopher Blake Knapp Troop 18, Canastota Zachary Schallert Troop 1, Frankfort Troop 9, Mohawk Nicholas Wiesing Troop 18, Schenevus Devyn Donald Guy Kyle Douglas Hefner Troop 14, DeRuyter Zachary Tyler Flick Troop 2, Middleburgh Troop 175, Remsen Troop 40, Lee Center

COUNCIL FIRES 2018 | 6 CAMP HENDERSON’S NEW DINING HALL/TRAINING CENTER UPDATE There’s a new addition at Camp Henderson this summer. The new Dining Hall/Training Center will be the centerpiece of camp activity at camp this year. This brand new building is slated to be completed in time for the 2018 resident camp. The building was made possible through generous donations from the individuals, organizations and foundations listed below.

special thanks to our 2015-2020 Capital Campaign, Dining Hall & Training Center Donors

Marguerite C. Bolton Estate Raynor & Janice Duncombe Wilmer E. Bresee Trust George A. & Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation The John E. Downin Estate & Doris L. Patrick Trust The Scriven Foundation The Dewar Foundation Bruce M. Edwards Family Walter Gladstone NYCM Insurance Progress as of January, 2018 THE NEW WILLIAMS LODGE The Leatherstocking Council is facilities throughout the year. Just windows, and doors. There is also continuing to work hard to improve recently Camp Kingsley renovated a full kitchen (no running water) and our camps for the Scouts. the Williams Lodge to be a very a gas fired high efficiency furnace Part of that challenge is to comfortable cabin for winter and to keep everyone safely warm on provide quality overnight camping year-round camping. The Cabin those winter nights! features new walls, insulation The Williams Lodge sleeps up to 27 individuals in comfortable bunks with mattresses. Rental fees are $165 for a standard weekend and an additional $35 is heat is needed. Visit: www.leatherstockingcouncil.org/rentals to reserve the lodge today!

7 | COUNCIL FIRES 2018 RECOGNIZING ONE OF OUR OWN Dave Roberts - Adirondack Foothills District Commissioner was recently featured in an article by the Oberserver-Dispatch about an amazing teacher nominated by local school districts. able to take pride in the fact that they preps to provide additional tutoring and/ themselves have worked to their person- or support as needed. al highest potential.” “Students view Mr. Roberts’ classroom as As a special education teacher, Roberts their safe environment in which they feel teaches his students English language comfortable, accepted, and are willing arts, reading and math, and supports his to take additional risks to learn and are students with coursework from other always praising his class.” classes. He has been nominated by his Roberts said he chose to teach special district as an Amazing Teacher for a series education because he benefitted from by the Observer-Dispatch recognizing special education services due to a physi- Reprinted with permission of the Observer- Dispatch exemplary instructors in Oneida, Her- cal disability in his youth. kimer and Madison counties. By Amy Neff Roth “I enjoy being able to utilize creative “Mr. Roberts relates well with his stu- Controlled chaos is often the hallmark of strategies to help reach and motivate my dents as he openly discusses his own students,” he said. “No two of my stu- a good day in David Roberts’ classroom challenges and disability in regards in Frankfort-Schuyler Middle School. dents are alike, nor are their needs. Being to communication difficulties,” wrote able to be creative in my approaches to “Students are coming and going, Principal Molly LiBritz in her letter of supporting them gives me a great deal of learning and discovery is happening,” nomination. “He utilizes positive behav- pleasure.” Roberts said. “Students are being pushed ior supports regularly to promote safe and challenged to realize their greatest and healthy behavior within his students He also volunteers with the Boy Scouts, potential. On-the-spot needs and issues each school day. Mr. Roberts works with an organization, he said, that taught him are being managed and supported. And students regularly, before and after to push himself when he was young. at the end of the day the students are school and during his lunch as well as

Feb. 2018

LEATHERSTOCKING Council fires COUNCIL The latest news, events and information for all Scouts and Scouters.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE Our 2017 annual report is available online! Please visit the following link to recognize the individuals, foundations and corporations who financially supported our Scouts and Volunteers last year. Web Link: www.LeatherStockingCouncil.org/2017annualreport

COUNCIL FIRES 2018 | 8