NOVEMBERSEPTEMBER 2016 2016South South Mountain Mountain District District Newsletter Newsletter South Mountain District MINSI TRAILS COUNCIL, BSA
NEWSLETTER... NEWS!!
Greetings! Packs, Troops, and Crews—please help improve your District newsletter by submitting articles and/ or photos of your unit’s activities or events to Bernie Suess at [email protected]. Submit your information by the 22nd of each month. Thanks!
2016-2017 DATES MEETING LOCATION KEY Roundtable / OA Chapter 7:00pm 1st Wednesday [2] [[1] East Hills Moravian Church District Committee 7:00pm 2nd Tuesday [1] Eagle Board & Project Review 7:00pm 2nd Thursday [1] 1830 Butztown Rd, Bethlehem District Commissioners 7:00pm 3rd Wednesday [3] [2] St. Luke’s Hospital and Health Network 800-801 Ostrum Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 [3] Minsi Trails Council Office Scouting for Food November 5 and 12 [4] Camp Minsi Popcorn sorting November 18 [TBA] Popcorn distribution November 19 [TBA] [5] Trexler Scout Reservation [6] Akelaland District Recharter Day January 7, 2017 [11] [7] Settler’s Camp OA Family Banquet January 7 [13] [8] Jordan Lutheran Church Wood Badge Dinner January 8 [8] [9] Lehigh Carbon Community College Council Recognition Dinner January 27 [8] Klondike Derby February 25 [4] [10] Just Born, Inc. 1300 Stefko Blvd., Bethlehem Trainer’s EDGE TBA [1] [11] First Baptist Church, Bethlehem Pinewood Derby March 4* [11] [12] Lower Milford Township University of Scouting March 11 [9] [13] Stroudsmoor Country Inn (Stroudsburg, PA) District Recognition Dinner March 18 [TBA] National Youth Leadership Training April 21-23 & 28-30 [6] [14] Louise Moore Park Camp Trexler Beaver Weekend May 5-7 [5] [15] The Meadows, Hellertown Spring Camporee May 19-21* [TBA] [16] DeSales University, Center Valley Camp Minsi Beaver Weekend May 19-21 [4] Spring OA Weekend June 2-4 [5] [90] Iron Pigs Stadium [92] Sportsmen’s Club, Hellertown [93] Wesley United Methodist Church [94] Allentown Rose Garden NOTICE: If you have a question regarding any date or activity, [95] Jacobsburg State Park please contact the respective Chair listed on the District Committee [96] George E. Moerkirk Emergency Medical Institute Page. [97] Resica Falls Scout Reservation
The South Mountain District is a geographical area located in Lehigh and Northampton counties which serves the school districts of Bethlehem Area, Saucon Valley, and Southern Lehigh. Municipalities within the South Mountain District include Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Center Valley, Coopersburg, Fountain Hill, Freemansburg, Hanover Township, Hellertown, Lower Milford, Lower Saucon, Steel City, and Upper Saucon. NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -2-
S SOUTH MOUNTAIN DISTRICT LINKS
South Mountain District Home Page: http://www.minsi-southmountain.com/ South Mountain District Fliers and Brochures Page: http://www.minsi-southmountain.com/fliers.htm South Mountain District Cub Resources Page: http://www.minsi-southmountain.com/cub_resources.htm South Mountain District Award Forms: http://www.minsi-southmountain.com/documents/Form-DistrictAwardofMerit.pdf http://www.minsi-southmountain.com/documents/Form-Fellowship.pdf
These forms are used for Scouter recognition. http://www.minsi-southmountain.com/documents/District_Bio_Form.pdf Scouter Bio Form. Fill in and email to Cheryl Moreira at [email protected]
SMD Announcements http://www.minsi-southmountain.com/announce.htm Advancement and Recognition Guide http://www.minsi-southmountain.com/documents/Guide-Advancement.pdf FORUM Newsletter http://www.minsi-southmountain.com/newsletters/current_forum.php FORUM Attachments http://www.minsi-southmountain.com/newsletters/~forum_attach.php
IMPORTANT DATES COMING UP: 2016 SOUTH MOUNTAIN DISTRICT ACTIVITIES NOVEMBER 2 - SMD Roundtable/OA meeting, 7:00 PM NOVEMBER 5 - Scouting For Food doorhanger distribution NOVEMBER 10 - District Eagle Scout Service Project Approval/Boards of Review NOVEMBER 12 - Scouting For Food pickup NOVEMBER 18 - SMD popcorn sorting NOVEMBER 19 - SMD popcorn pickup
SOUTH MOUNTAIN DISTRICT ROUNDTABLE AGENDAS Remember start time is 7:00 PM
DATE CUB SCOUTS BOY SCOUTS
November 2, 2016 COMBINED – Re-chartering Preparation
December 7, 2016 Cub Scout Internet Advance- Boy Scout Internet Advancement & Chair ment & Chair Training Training January 4, 2017 How Can We Balance Sports & Trail to Eagle Seminar Scouting?
February 1, 2017 Camping Without Fear How Can We Balance Sports & Scouting? NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -3- Around the District
South Mountain District Roundtables - St. Luke’s Hospital October 5, 2016 NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -4- Cub Fall Event Sportsmen’s Club - Hellertown October 22, 2016 NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -5-
Troop 352 Honors Four Retiring Leaders
Boy Scout Troop 352 honored four men who between them had volunteered 63 years for Scouting. Mike Caffrey, Rich Kanaskie, Steve Dashe, and Mark Firth have volunteered that long for Pack and Troop 352.
The regular Troop Fall Court of Honor on October 31, 2016 was seasoned by speeches and laughter as each man discovered that he also was being honored, not just the other guy.
State representatives presented the men with commendations for service. Hanover Township representatives presented all four with their own “day” this week, and Steve got an extra day from his own East Allen Township—Friday November 4, 2016.
In Hanover Township, Mark Firth’s day will be on November 1; Rich Kanaskie’s on November 2; Steve Dashe’s on November 3; and Mike Caffrey on November 4.
More than 25 Scouts who recently earned their Eagle rank with the Troop were present to speak admiringly about the work these men put into the Troop and helping them reach Eagle.
There was much admiration for the special Swedish axes—razor sharp—presented to the honorees, as well as other recognitions and the Dashe Unstrung Bow and Canteen.
In addition, current Scouts were honored on their rank and Merit Badge achievements after the special presentations and gifts were completed. Much was made of their accomplishments as well.
Congratulations to the men, and to all the Scouts who have benefited by time spent learning with them. Like most long term Scouters, these men did it to give back to their community, and most importantly to make a difference in the lives of boys. NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -6-
VVoolluunntteeeerr OOppppoorrttuunniittiieess:: SSOOUUTTHH MMOOUUNNTTAAIINN DDIISSTTRRIICCTT
HHeerree’’ss hhooww yyoouu ccaann hheellpp…… You can be directly involved with a unit in your area – you don’t need to have a son or daughter in the program! South Mountain District has great units in: Cub Scouting – boys aged 6-11 Boy Scouts – boys aged 12-18 Venturing - boys and girls aged 14-21 You can serve as a Unit Commissioner – help multiple units in your area to deliver a quality program You can serve on the District Committee – various roles are available to help deliver district level programs, promote the Scouting experience, help with fundraising, promote and deliver training, and much more!
The mission of the BSA is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. We have many roles to chose from and areas where we can use your help!
NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -7-
Roundtable and Re-charter Day
Don’t forget: New this year is the concept that units who attend specific Roundtable sessions and provide necessary information will be fast-tracked through certain Re-charter Day stations. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to the announcements and schedule! NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -8-
Cub Scout Adult Leader Training
Date: Saturday, November 19, 2016 Location: Minsi Trails Council Office (large conference room) 991 Postal Road, Allentown, PA Cost: $5.00 for one session, 2 sessions or all Questions and concerns: Please contact Donna Rex-Frantz, [email protected] To register via website: www.minsitrails.org to upcoming events or training calendar Upon completion of your training with Youth Protection Training, you are considered “trained” for your position.
COURSES OFFERED
Den Leader Position Specific Training: 8:15 am to 11 am This training is intended to provide Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos Den Leaders and Assistants with the information and tools they need to conduct successful den meetings.
Pack Committee Challenge: 11:15 am to 1:30 pm This course is intended to provide Committee Chairs, Committee Members and Pack Trainers with the information and tools they need to successfully lead a Cub Scout Pack.
Cubmaster & Assistant Cubmaster position Specific Training: 1:45 pm to 4:30 pm This training is intended to provide Cubmasters, Assistant Cubmasters with the information and tools they need to successfully lead a Cub Scout Pack. NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -9-
(and stop the alien invasion) NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -10-
5 North Front Street, Allentown PA 18102 December 6th Scout Day and Open to the Public 3:00pm – 8:00pm (Open Special Hours)
FREE Admission to Boy/Girl Scouts who wear their UNIFORM
Scout Leaders: Discounted to $7.00
Children 12 & Under FREE MUSEUM SCAVENGER HUNT HOLIDAY TRAINS SANTA ON SITE
Adults $10.00 Seniors (62+) $7.00 Students 13-16 $6.00
Holiday Train Display November 25 – December 31
TOYS FOR TOTS Bring a new unwrapped toy as it will be placed on a Mack Truck for delivery to children in need.
www.americaonwheels.org 610-432-4200 x14
NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -11- South Mountain Aerie
aer·ie ˈerē,ˈirē/ noun a large nest of a bird of prey, especially an eagle, typically built high in a tree or on a cliff.
We would like to include in the newsletter an honor roll listing of young men who earn the rank of Eagle in South Mountain district. You can help by sending us information once the Scout has passed his Eagle Board of Review. We would like the following information:
Scout’s name (only first name and last initial will be used in the newsletter for privacy and youth protection reasons) Troop number and meeting location Date of board of review Short description of Eagle project (three or four sentences)
The sender should please include her or his contact information, in case there are any questions.
Send the information to [email protected] NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -12- High Adventure Spotlight
High Adventure Minute
Ok, summer is still over. Are you ready for High Adventure in 2017? How about 2018?
Now’s the time to check out your gear situation. A well-thought out wish list could make the holidays easier. My personal suggestion is to give very specific requests. You will have specific needs, make sure folks understand that. (If you were at October’s Roundtable you already know that Easton Outdoor Company has backpacking and hiking equipment and offers scouts discounts.)
Are YOU ready? I know that I have a lot of work to do before next year’s Philmont trek. But there is good news – I will eat less and exercise more. Simple. I just have to work out the details. Minor. Piece of cake. Oh wait, cup of yogurt. And plenty of practice hikes, in all kinds of weather. That should keep me going over the winter!
And speaking of 2018 – registration for the lottery for Philmont treks in 2018 is open through November 16th. http://philmontscoutranch.org/trek.aspx
For everything else there’s a great blog from Bryan on Scouting on registering for any of the four high adventure bases. And it includes links to all the sites that still have open slots for 2017. Even Philmont has some available for next year. (Must be the competition from a little shin-dig going on down in West Virginia next summer.) http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2016/10/28/how-to-register-for-a-bsa-high-adventure-base-in-2017-or-2018/
One final note: I did attend the PAWS session at Valley Forge earlier in October. I have to get my notes together for another meeting coming up, so I will take them and get highlights out to everyone. Spoiler alert. I didn’t win a new Philmont/MSR designed tent as a door prize. I tried, but it turned out that they weren’t giving one away. Maybe next time! IWTGBTP,
Jim NOVEMBER 2016 South Mountain District Newsletter -13- Commissioner’s Corner
If you’ve been following my postings, you’ll notice that I consistently ask for you to think about (and hopefully act on becoming a nit ommissioner. And I am thankful that people ARE joining us in our service to couts and couters thanks to new commissioners heryl and hris who are each working with a unit to improve membership and program. I’m looking forward to more of you joining us making a I difference in couting for youth in our district.
At the recent ommissioner onference, I led a session discussing why people are cout eaders the top reason was to help the couts there were many other reasons as well, including to spend time with a son, to help build values, and to give back ( of Eagles surveyed . If you want to read an interesting study on Intentional Retention by r. avid eyrick, Ph , go to