W E S T E R N MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL, BSA HIGHLIGHTS Be Prepared 2011 Camping Changes FAQ at DECEMBER 17, 2010 WWW.WMASCOUTING.ORG right.

WMC Partner Camps for Boy 2011 Changes in Camping Programs FAQ Summer Camp on page 6. FREQUENTLY ASKED Why us and why now? We tion, the stressed economy and QUESTIONS: want to be pro-active. The coun- reductions in some funding

What are the changes? We cil consolidation two years ago sources are a contributing factor in mitigating WMC‘s ability to are partnering with other Scout- was a big step. This is another ing councils to ensure that our key step in continuing to withstand more years of large Boy Scouts receive a quality, strengthen the council. Becoming subsidies and losses at camp. week-long summer resident a quality operation and a Therefore, we must collaborate

camping experience. Boy Scout ―Financially Sustainable Council‖ with other visionary, pro-active, like-minded councils to provide Resident Camp will not be held is a key priority. Despite a strong at Chesterfield or Moses in 2011. camp promotion effort and a this service to our Boy Scout Our other summer programs very worthy program, our Boy troops. ( Day Camp, Cub Scout summer camping program Does this fit into the Na- Scout Resident Camp, Webelos has been greatly under-utilized, tional BSA Strategic Plan? Weekend, NYLT, Eagle Week, and therefore, greatly under- The new National strategic plan and Week) will, how- funded for a number of years. includes the following objectives ever, be held locally. What are the numbers? The regarding sharing of services with other councils: ―Provide special- INSIDE THIS Why is WMC making this per-Scout council subsidy level change? This is a step that has been very high for a number ized shared-service models for ISSUE: strengthens the council overall, of years. In 2010, we had a coun- use across council boundaries Recognition 2 and helps lead us into the future. cil subsidy level of more than (e.g., special events, camping, Dinner It is in the best interest of our $100 per camper. Even with activities, and production within council‘s youth to take this step additional cost cutting measures a defined area)‖ and ―The Na- WMC Pro- 3 now in order to be better pre- and further summer program tional Council has piloted and gram Events pared and positioned for Scout- consolidation efforts, the pro- delivered a useful model for ex- ploiting economies of scale and/ Training 4 ing‘s next 100 years. jected council subsidy level in or the use of shared services to Courses What trends led to this 2011 would have been over $100 reduce individual council ex- change? In the broad context, per camper had we not made 2011 Summer 5 penses.‖ In addition, our own many Boy Scout troops have this change. We cannot sustain Camping WMC strategic plan calls for sought variety in their summer this. This would not be fiscally action to ―Consider financial WMC Partner 6 camping experiences. More than responsible, and it is not fair to implications, council subsidy Camps! one third of our Boy Scout the other 80% of our members level, and stewardship of re- troops currently camp out of who do not attend WMC sum- Stay Updated 8 sources regarding camping prop- council or off site. In addition, mer camp and to our donors. On erties on a regular basis as rec- there is an over abundance of What other factors led to ommended by our National con- Boy Scout summer camp pro- this change? Both enhanced sultant, Mike Watkins. Research grams within easy driving dis- camping program standards and possible scenarios as and when tance to WMC. Many of these health/safety standards have in- appropriate.‖ There has also camps offer excellent Boy Scout creased greatly in recent years. been serious talk at all levels for resident camp programs like we We applaud this. However, when nearly twenty years about using have in the past here in WMC. combined with the increase in this shared-services model. Re- The future trend will be for a associated costs including staffing gardless, the over-reaching goal much smaller number of high- and other items, as well as other is to provide the best possible quality, well attended, and well increases, it is no longer feasible summer camp program for as funded regional Boy Scout sum- for WMC to offer a Boy Scout many youth as possible. mer camping programs. summer resident camp. In addi- CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 P A G E 2 Last Call: 2-3-4 GROWTH PLAN FOR UNITS!

For Packs, Troops, & Crews To Qualify: Concept: Units will achieve the following. To encourage units to grow their membership 2. Host at least one spring recruitment event & net over the previous year and reward their success. +2 members over last June by 6/30/10. Also see Pack Reward: Requirement 4 below. kits for boys registered as of 3. Participate in the 3 fall recruitment events includ- January 1, 2011. ing a School Night rally, a ―Sizzle‖ Bring Scouting Troop and Crew Reward: to the People event, and a Give ‘em Another WMC camp weekend cabin rental (depending on Chance to Join event. See page 1 for details. 234 is Western Mass. cabin availability; does not include Training 4. By 12/31/10, show a net gain of +3 members over Council’s official BSA Lodge). last December, or +4 youth if you did not qualify council number. Evaluation: on Requirement 2. Units will be evaluated by the district leadership Contact your District Executive for official registration on December 31, 2010. numbers and a progress update. Be a winner. Good luck!

WMC Recognition Dinner on Feb. 5th Western Mass. Council’s 3rd Annual Recogni- Bordelaise sauce, and Banana’s Foster. A vege-

tion Dinner will be held on Saturday, February tarian option is also available. This is an Adult “In Recognition of 5th, at the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Rd. affair. great Scouting (off Rt. 5) in Holyoke, MA. Reservations are available at the following lev- Volunteers!” Program highlights will include the recognition els: of the 2011 Class of recipi- $35 per person ents, District Awards of Merit, along with other $275 for Table of 8 Scouting awards. $340 for Table of 10 There will be a 5:00-6:00 PM Social Hour with Please contact the Chicopee or Pittsfield service hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner and program center, or find the reservation form on the from 6:00-8:30 PM. Dinner will include Tomato council website www.wmascouting.org. & Mozzarella Cocktail, Combo plate of Bistro Please join us in recognizing our worthy Scout- style Chicken & London broil with Mushroom ing volunteers! Scouting’s Journey To Excellence

Coming in 2011: “Scouting’s Journey to Excellence” is http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/ JOURNEY TO the BSA‘s new council performance recog- Awards/JourneyToExcellence.aspx. Also nition program designed to encourage and there are webinars, power points, and addi- EXCELLENCE reward success and measure the perform- tional information. AWARD ance of our units, districts, and councils. It Make the ―Journey to Excellence‖ commit- is replacing the Centennial Quality Awards ment now at recharter time. Program as a means of encouraging excel- PS: Don’t forget to submit your unit’s lence in providing a quality program at all Centennial Quality Unit form before levels of the BSA. December 31st to qualify for the 2010 Requirements for Packs, Troops, Crews, recognition! Districts, and Councils are available online:

BE PREPARED DECEMBER 17, 2010 P A G E 3 Boston Museum of Science Camp-In Almost Full!

ATTEN- ther King, Jr. Day) at the Bos- including cubs, leaders, & parents. TION ton Museum of Science, this fun For registration procedures and CUB -filled experience is for registered additional information, please visit SCOUT Cub Scouts & Webelos, parents, & the Western Mass. Council website PACKS : adult leaders. This special program at www.wmascouting.org. is designed to inspire cubs to dis- ONLY cover science in fun and educa- A Survival Manual for this overnight 30 tional ways. program will also be provided to SLOTS you. Please note that Western Mass. LEFT! Council has been allocated only 500 For additional information on the This is spots for this great activity, so the museum and its exhibits, facilities, & one of the most talked about time to register is now! location, you can visit its website at events of the year! Happening www.mos.org. Full payment of $60 per participant on Sunday, January 16th - Mon- is required to guarantee your spot, Thanks, and have lots of fun! day, January 17th (Martin Lu-

“A Gather- WHAT? WHERE? Webelos Woods is an adven- Horace A. Moses Scout Res- ing of the ture designed to introduce We- ervation belos Scouts and their parents MORE INFORMATION? Tribes” to the action-packed Scouting Additional details will be pub- adventures ahead, and help lished in future issues of “Be them make the transition into Prepared” and will be available WHO? Boy Scouts even more exciting. on our council website. Bears and 1st year Webelos WHEN? (3rd and 4th graders) and par- MARK YOUR CALEN- The weekend of June 3 - 5, ents. Den Chiefs are also wel- DARS FOR THIS ADVEN- 2011 (The weekend after Me- come to attend. TURE NOW!!!!! morial Day). Merit Badge University Filling Up Fast for Spring 2011! The Kappa Omicron Chap- many session are already phone registrations). ter of closed. More than 375 Boy Visit the WMC website today & is sponsoring the 19th annual Scouts have registered! regis- Merit Badge University in co- ter Check-in time will be at 8:30 AM. operation with Western Mass. for Morning classes will run from 9:30- Council on Saturday, March your 11:30 AM and Afternoon classes 5th & Saturday, April 2nd, at ses- will go from 12:30-2:30 PM. UMass Amherst. sions Please note: There is online now! MBU is filling up fast, and registration only (no mail in or

P A G E 4 Training Courses for New Volunteers

Trained leaders deliver to our council‘s website, At all times, youth safety is our better programs. Boys www.wmascouting.org, click number one priority. Take stay in Scouting longer on Training on the left-hand this session now at the Online when their leaders are menu bar, and follow the link Learning Center. trained. The longer boys stay to start your online training Leader Position Specific in Scouting, the more they get adventure! Training is based on the vol- out of Scouting! This is Scouting has replaced unteer leader‘s Scouting posi- Fast Start Training is the New Leader Essentials, and tion. Separate courses for Get updated training first step, and is presented in also is available at the BSA‘s Cub Scout , Boy Scout, & Ven- info at WMC’s website separate formats for Cub Online Learning Center. This turer leaders are offered lo- www.wmascouting.org. Scout leaders, Boy Scout Lead- session is for all new volunteer cally throughout the year, and ers, and Venturer leaders. leaders. now these sessions are avail- These sessions are available Youth Protection Training able online as well! online at the BSA‘s Online is required for all leaders Get trained to provide great Learning Center. You can go within Scouting. Scouting now! SPECIAL TRAINING COURSES!

The Trainer’s EDGE: on Venturing Leader Specific or Pittsfield Service Centers. “Every boy Saturday, January 8, 8 AM – 4 Training: on Saturday, Janu- Boy training PM, at Herman Hall, Western ary 15, 9 AM – 4 PM, at the deserves a trained sessions: will be available at New England College, in Church of Atonement in Merit Badge University. leader, and every Springfield. This is a how-to downtown Westfield. Learn You don‘t have to read the course for those who want to how to advise, not lead, your paper in a drafty corridor. leader deserves to join our council‘s training staff teen-age Venturers to exciting Spend your time wisely, get and is required for those who outdoor adventure, personal training. Youth Protection be trained.” will be on faculty. growth, and leadership skills Training, Troop Committee You can register electronically development. Cost is $12 per Challenge, Scoutmaster Spe- through our council web site person, or, if your Crew is cific, Scout to Eagle, First Aid & or submit a paper registration sending three or more adults, CPR are all planned. Watch to the Chicopee or Pittsfield $10 per person. Submit your for registration materials avail- Service Centers. registrations to the Chicopee able soon. MORE SCOUTER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Training Philmont Training able at both council service complete the training over the helps you Center: 2011 summer centers. Go to next 18 months through your www.philmonttrainingcenter.o practical application of the provide conferences are now rg for details on what to ex- skills you developed during the great open for registration. Spend an exciting week pect from your Philmont train- classroom periods. Trained program! at Philmont and enjoy a ing experience. counselors support you respite from New Eng- Wood Badge: Two 3-day through the process. Sched- land‘s heat and humid- weekends of challenging, team- uled training dates at Camp ity. It‘s hot and dry building and leadership course- Chesterfield are September 9- down there! Course descrip- work and practical experience 11, 2011 and October 8-10, tions and schedules are avail- are only the beginning. Then 2011. Registration information coming soon!

BE PREPARED DECEMBER 17, 2010 P A G E 5 WESTERN MASS. COUNCIL CAMP PROMO NIGHTS!

FOR BOY SCOUT [email protected]. at [email protected]. TROOPS & VENTURE Come to get information on Boy Come to get information on our CREWS: Scout Resident Camp from our local Cub WMC Partner Camps, as well as Scout Resi- On details on our local NYLT, Eagle dent Camp Mon- Week, and Venturing Week ses- and Cub day, sions! Scout Day January Camp ses- 24th, sions! 7:00 PM FOR CUB SCOUT PACKS: at Union See you On Tuesday, January 25th, Station Restaurant, 125A Pleasant there in 7:00 PM at Union Station Restau- St. in Northampton, MA. Refresh- January! rant, 125A Pleasant St. in North- ments will be provided. Register ampton, MA. Refreshments will be by emailing Gail at provided. Register by emailing Gail

2011 Cub Scout Day Camp Schedule!

Four weeks of Western Mass. Swift River Sportsman‘s Club. Day Camp sessions that you are Council’s Leon J. Carman Cub July 18-22: supported by Sherri interested in. Themes and some Scout Day Camp are being Harrison & volunteers from Spring- program specifics may vary from planned now for the summer of field/Chicopee District, at Chicopee week to week, but standard activi- 2011. Sites are being finalized, and Moose Family Center. ties that boys look forward to will programs & themes are being pre- be there, site and weather permit- viewed and tested. More details July 25-29: supported by Elizabeth ting: archery, nature study, sports will be announced as they are avail- Kuzmech & volunteers from Appa- and games, den activities, Friday able, but for Pack and Den planning lachian Trail District, at St. Mark‘s afternoon campfire, and more. purposes, the schedule is as fol- School in Pittsfield. Contact Fritz Schmidt for more lows: August 1-5: supported by John & information at July11-15: supported by Laurie Vicki Kornacki & volunteers from [email protected]. McDonald & volunteers from Post Knox Trail District, location TBA. Plan on your Den & Pack hav- Road & Metacomet Districts, at You may attend any and all Cub ing a great time this summer! Local Resident Camping Sessions this Summer: FOR CUBS: that is mentioned above! Eagle Week & Venturing Week at Chesterfield, Au- Cub Scout Resident Camp FOR BOY SCOUTS & gust 7-13. More details com- at Chesterfield, August 7- VENTURERS: ing soon. 12, co-chaired by Ellie Matrow National Youth Leadership and Joanne Dempsey. Stay Training (NYLT) at Ches- Contact our local resident tuned for details, and please terfield, June 25-July 1, camp staff advisor Hunter attend the Camp Promo night Course Director Jim Burke. McCormick for info on all these for Cub leaders on January 25th Venturers may also attend. at [email protected]. P A G E 6 For Boy Scout Summer Resident Camp: WMC Partner Camps!

Western Mass. Council is pleased to announce that we have finalized cooperative camping agreements working in collaboration with the following councils and camps for Boy Scout Summer Resident Camp in 2011 using the shared-services model. Western Mass. Council’s Boy Scout Troops should re- view these offerings from our Partner Camps, and register for a great Boy Scout summer camp experience this summer. Use the information below to get started now! Your local WMC contact is Field Dir. Bob D’Avignon, Bob.D’[email protected], or your Dis- trict Executive. More information will also be available at the Camp Promo Night for Boy Scout Troops on Monday, January 24th at 7:00 PM at Union Station Restaurant in Northampton.

Twin Rivers Council, Albany, NY. Rotary Scout Reservation, Averill Park, NY 12018. Visit: http://bsa.siigroup.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=503&Itemid=75 Contact: Brian Murray ([email protected]) (518) 791-9393 or Nancy Harstein ([email protected]) (518) 869-3436. In council pricing for WMC troops, $290 by 5/1, $340 after 5/1.

CT Rivers Council, East Hartford, CT. June Norcross Webster, Mattatuck, & Workcoeman. Visit: www.ctrivers.org/WMC-Partner-Camp Contact: Deb Miclette ([email protected]) (860) 913-2711. Lowest rates for WMC troops, $330 by 5/20, $355 after 5/20.

Seneca Waterways Council, Rochester, NY. Massawepie Scout Camps, Tupper Lake, NY 12986. Visit: www.senecawaterways.org/massawepie Contact: Camping Department ([email protected]) (585) 241-8545. Reduced in- council pricing for WMC troops. For Pioneer, $295 by 5/16, $320 after 5/16. For Adirondack treks, $350.

BE PREPARED DECEMBER 17, 2010 P A G E 7 2011 Changes in Camping Programs FAQ (continued from Page 1)

Isn’t the camping experience provide additional information, Boy Scout Troops and Venture more than just numbers? The links, contact information, and reg- Crews on Monday, January 24th, 7 numbers underscore both our ne- istration instructions. We also PM, at Union Station Restaurant, cessity to exercise our fiduciary anticipate that the OA will assist in 125A Pleasant St., Northampton. responsibility and to achieve our promoting our partner Boy Scout Cub Scout Packs on Tuesday, goal of providing the best possible camps as well. January 25th, 7 PM, at Union Sta- Boy Scout resident camping pro- What about Campership sup- tion Restaurant, 125A Pleasant St., grams to our troops. We need to port? Camperships will be avail- Northampton. partner with other camps in order able from WMC for Boy Scouts Where else can we talk about to achieve both. Despite our emo- camping at any of WMC‘s partner tional connections with local Boy these developments? Council Boy Scout camps listed above. In officers will be visiting district Scout summer camp, this is the addition, camperships will continue logical solution. Roundtable meetings in January and to be available for our in-council February to answer any questions. OK, so who are our partner week long summer programs Boy Scout camps? We have (NYLT, Cub Day Camp, Cub Resi- Will camp staff positions be finalized cooperative Boy Scout dent Camp, Eagle Week, & Ventur- available at our partner summer camping agreements with ing Week). camps? Yes. They have already the following: indicated their interest in inviting What about weekend camp- our folks to apply for summer staff Albany, NY ing? We are continuing to book positions as soon as possible. (Twin Rivers reservations at Moses & Chester- Council) Ro- field during the school year. Will WMC be selling a camp? tary Scout We don‘t know yet. This is a sepa- What in-council summer pro- rate issue. Per our Strategic Plan, Reservation, grams will be offered? The fol- Poestenkill, the Properties Committee will be lowing programs are planned for researching and evaluating possible NY. In council pricing for WMC 2011. troops, $290 by 5/1; $340 after 5/1. future usage and/or future disposi- Webelos Woods at Moses Scout tion of camp properties, and will East Hartford, Reservation, June 3-5. make any recommendation(s) to CT (CT Rivers the Executive Board only after Council) June National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) for troop & thorough due diligence. The Na- Norcross tional BSA engineer / consultant‘s Webster, Mat- crew junior leaders at Chesterfield, June 25-July 1. recent independent camping prop- tatuck, & erties report and all other factors Workcoeman. Leon J. Carman Cub Scout Day will be studied. Ultimately, the Ex- Lowest rates for WMC troops, Camps at four locations: ecutive Board will be expected to $330 by 5/20; $355 after 5/20 Week 1, Belchertown area, July 11- make any decision(s) in the best Rochester, NY 15. Week 2, Greater Springfield interest of our council and our (Seneca Water- area, July 18-22. Week 3, Pittsfield/ future youth with all emotion and ways Council) Berkshire County area, July 25-29. past loyalties put aside. In support Massawepie Week 4, Westfield area, August 1- of transparency, this is where the Scout Camps 5. camp properties issue now stands. (Adirondack High Cub Scout Resident Camp at Adventure Trek Center & Camp Chesterfield, August 7-12. Pioneer), Tupper Lake, NY. Re- Base Camp Eagle Week for Boy duced in council pricing for WMC Scouts needing Merit Badges, at troops. For Pioneer, $295 by 5/16; Chesterfield, August 7-13. $320 after 5/16. For Treks, $350. Venturing Week at Chesterfield, Where can I get more infor- August 7-13. mation on our partner Boy Scout camps? The WMC e- Will we be having Camp Pro- newsletter ―Be Prepared‖ (see motion events? Yes, Camp Pro- pages 5 & 6) and our council web- motion Meetings have been sched- site www.wmascouting.org will uled as follows: Appalachian Trail District (Berkshire County): Hunter McCormick X7033 email: [email protected] Knox Trail District (western Hampden County): Bob Gunnells X7013 email: [email protected] Metacomet District (Franklin & Hampshire Co.’s): Steve Roberts X7014 email: [email protected] Western Mass. Council, BSA Post Road District (eastern Hampden County): Fritz Schmidt X7031 email: [email protected] These local numbers will reach both the Springfield/Chicopee District: Chicopee & Berkshire Scout Service Rory O‘Donnell X7032 email: [email protected] Centers: Chicopee Service Center: Springfield (413) 351-2069 Sherry Bowden X7005 email: [email protected] Pittsfield (413) 418-4002 Northampton (413) 341-0032 Berkshire Service Center: Greenfield (413) 829-2050 Gail Wojtkowiak X7012 email: [email protected] Palmer (413) 370-2052 Accounting & Business Office: Stockbridge (413) 298-2009 Steven Nelson X7001 email: [email protected] Chicopee (413) 594-9196 Field Director: Dalton (413) 684-3542 Bob D‘Avignon X7034 email: Bob.D‘[email protected] Website www.wmascouting.org Fax No. Chicopee Center (413) 592-1875 Council Scout Executive & CEO: Fax No. Berkshire Center (413) 236-0902 Larry Bystran X7002 email: [email protected]

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