The Trailblazer Newsletter

September 2015 Moraine Trails Council The Trailblazer Newsletter

Youth Protection Training- Scouting Safe Program for our Youth

Youth protection is the most important program for _____Moraine Trails Council Selected for Rocket into our youth that the BSA has developed and is manda- tory to be a Scouting leader no matter the registered Cub Scouting Pilot Program for Recruitment position. Leadership commitment to the established BSA Youth Protection Program is essential in keeping youth safe and a part of a successful life changing Packs across the Council were asked to sign a “Memorandum of Un- program. Youth protection only works when EVERY- ONE in Scouting has been trained in the Youth Pro- derstanding” regarding participation in this year’s fall recruitment cam- tection Program and then holds every peer accounta- paign as a result of a new pilot program. To draw attention to the new ble when delivering the program. MyScouting.org is program, the “MOU” was presented along with the new program at the an online resource to take online Youth Protection Council Program kick-off in June and at several trainings in July. Packs training. The Council also supplies Youth Protection that agree to follow the plan, and follow through with it, will receive DVD’s to units for free and has computers at the rockets for every new member and current scouts who recruit a friend. Scout Service Center for use in taking the online training. Please make an appointment if you need these The Council partnered with Bucktail Council to produce a custom resources. “Rocket into Cub Scouting” recruitment flier. In addition, the new Cub Leadership selection: chartered organizations must Scouts are invited to bring their new rocket to the Camp Open House interview potential leaders, check references, and on October 17th where the staff will have engines to launch them. New- have the unit committee review the application as ly recruited Cub Scouts attend for free. Once the Council receives the well to ensure only the best people are being select- new Cub Scout’s application in September, a welcome letter and free ed, people who will follow the procedures and be attendance coupon will be mailed to the new recruit. Packs that FULLY TRAINED as leaders. Create barriers to child abuse: leaders and unit com- achieve 5% growth by the end of November over their 2014 member- mittee members, as well as Council and district staff ship will receive their very own pack model rocket launch pad kit. For and volunteers, create barriers to abuse by enforcing more information on the new program go to morainetrails.org or e-mail the youth protection policies. Pat Hanford at [email protected]. Reporting improper behavior is the next step in identifying offenders and removing them from the program and having the authorities investigate. Youth can be trained in how to report and respond to perpetrators through the Cub Scout video “A Time to _____Moraine Trails Council is No Longer a United Way of Tell” and the Boy Scout and Venturing “It Happened to Me” videos. Go to Scouting.org for more infor- Butler County Partnering Agency mation on these resources. All incidences need to be reported to the Scout Ser- vice Center immediately so offenders can be reported to authorities and removed from Scouting. Again, shared involvement at all levels of our Scouting After $32,500 in funding cuts over the past two years, the Moraine program will best achieve our number one mission, Trails Council Executive Board voted to part ways with the United Way keeping youth safe. of Butler County. The bulk of the United Way funding supported the Council special assistance and program to low-income and special Table of Contents needs youth as well as a day camp program for Scoutreach youth. The Pg 1– Recruitment & United Way United Way cited funding shortfalls as the primary reason for the cuts. Pg 2– Popcorn Show ‘n Sell The United Way is still obligated to send any donor designated contribu- Pg 3– Family Camp tions to the Council, however they will take out their administrative and Pg 4– Council Camporee fundraising fees from the donations received in that manner. Should Pg 5– Kuskitannee Lodge & Jamboree Sign Up you desire to have all of your donation benefit Scouting, please consid- Pg 6– Lodge 168 Elections & NOAC Winners er an annual donation to the Moraine Trails Council Friends of Scouting Pg 7– Memorials & Scout Store Campaign. Please e-mail Betty Bopp at [email protected] if you Pg 8– Eagle Awards & Eagle Scout Prep Class Pg 9– Scout Reach would like to make a donation. Pg 10– Council Training & Agawam Clean Up Pg 11–Silver Beaver Rec’gn & Shooting Sports

Moraine Trails Council The Trailblazer Newsletter September 2015

_____Why a Popcorn Product Sale?

Scouts Attending Camp Stay in Scouting

The purpose of a Council organized and funded popcorn product sale is to ensure the Council has the funds to operate the year round camping properties to support unit camping operations as well as district activities, trainings, and summer camp programs. In addition, the Council pays for local unit accident and sickness insurance as well secondary liability coverage. The cost for this coverage has increased significantly in the past few years. In addition, the Council now helps units by tracking PA criminal background check compliance.

Studies show that Scouts who attend a BSA camping program stay in scouting up to five times longer than Scouts who do not. Camping equals retention in the program. Long-term retention equals character education and life-skills training.

Foursquare Credit Card Reader Program

In an age where fewer and fewer people are carrying cash, Trails End has helped tackle this program through a partnership with a smart phone credit card reader program. Within 2 weeks of applying, the local pack, troop, or crew can have a free card reader and account to process credit card transactions. Please see the Trails End website at trails-end.com for program details.

Show ‘n Sell Distribution information

*It is recommended to use a minivan for unit pickup. Most mini vans can fit 25-35 cases depending on product and if the seats fold down. Lawrence County (King Beaver District)

Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 8-10am Pizza Joes Corporate Center 270 Commerce Dr. New Castle, PA 16105 Armstrong/Westmoreland Counties (River Valley District)

Friday, September 11, 2015 from 7-9pm (Time Change) Baker Gas 1 Baker Gas Drive Worthington, PA 16262 Butler County (Glacier Ridge District)

Central and Northern Butler County Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 8:30-10:00am Butler Agway 500 Evans City Rd. Butler, PA 16001

Southern Butler County Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 8:30-10:00am General Rental Center Warehouse (2nd Warehouse behind main building) 41 Progress Ave. Cranberry, PA

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_____Council Camporee: The Sustainability Summit Oct. 2-4, 2015

With October quickly approaching, our group of Scouting volunteers have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the upcoming Sustainability Summit on October 2-4th at Moraine State Park South Shore. We encourage all troops to pre-register on the council website then join us on Friday night ready to campout and enjoy the weekend! Saturdays program will be focused around three main programs. In the morning Troops will participate in several service projects focused around sustainability that have been identified by the South Shore park staff. Troops that have not already preselected their projects can go on the council website or contact Doug Benninger ([email protected]) to do so. Projects include building fish habitats, trail maintenance, seed collection, among others. The afternoon program will consist of many fun activities utilizing the beautiful shoreline of the Lake Arthur.  Tomahawk throwing  water sports  fishing station (remember your rod!)  inflatable gladiator pit  Gaga Pit These along with many fun yard games such as cornhole and Giant Jenga will all be setup for an open program during the afternoon. There will also be several mid- way booths featuring local organizations focused around the environmental and sustainability concepts. Finally, to top off a great day, we will have an evening campfire program with the theme of "Scouts Got Talent!” Along with some musical entertainment, scouts with a special skill or talent are encouraged to send in their submissions to Terry Groth ([email protected]) and get the chance to perform their talent in front of the entire group! Please reference the flyer for additional information. We have been working hard over the past few months and are looking forward to putting on a great program. Hope to see you all there!

Built on a legacy of pride and professionalism, we serve the area’s insurance needs. Butler and Seven Fields 724-283-8181 or 724-772-8180

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_____Lodge Advisor Appointment

On August 16, Mr. Terry Groth “retired” from his role as Lodge Adviser of Kuskitannee Lodge. Terry has held this position since 2011 when he volunteered to advise the lodge when there was a lapse in leadership. Terry stepped up for this important position and truly showed what the phrase “cheerful service” embodies. The Coun- cil and Lodge would like to sincerely thank Terry Groth for his service and dedication to the program and wish him the best as he surely becomes involved in new aspects of our council, while continuing his role as Scout- master of 721.

The Supreme Chief of the Fire has selected Mr. Daniel T. Brown as Kuskitannee Lodge’s 15th Lodge Adviser. Dan was installed on August 16th, and will help provide leadership to the Lodge with newly elected Lodge Chief Mr. Peter Gemperle. Many people know Dan through his dedicated service to our summer camp programs, serving on staff since 1999 and holding the positions of Camp Director, Program Director, and most recently ad- vising staff as a Camp Commissioner. Dan has also served on National Camping School Staff during his time of service to the Hawk Mountain Council as Commissary Director.

Dan is an Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver Recipient, served 5 Wood badge staff appointments, and has been dedicated to the program as an active member of the council properties committee and camp master corps. In the Order of the Arrow, Dan has been awarded the Founder’s Award, Silver Chief, and most recently was one of eight Centurion Award recipients for Kuskitannee Lodge. As a youth, Dan served as the 25th Chief of Kuskitan- nee Lodge and prior was the Vice Chief for Administration.

Dan lives in Harrisville, where he serves as a Borough Councilman. In his free time, Dan is the Director of Hous- ing at his alma mater, Slippery Rock University. We look forward to working with him in his new role. Please help us in congratulating him!

___2017 Jamboree Registration is now Open

Staff and attendee registration is now open for the 2017 National Jamboree July 19-28, 2017. Experience the best of Scouting in one place. From stadium shows to merit badges, patch trading to adventure sports, you’ll want to be at the Summit Bechtel Re- serve in 2017. For more information please visit www.bsajamboree.org. The Moraine Trails Council is currently committed to 1 Scout Troop and 1 Venturing Crew, with the option of adding additional units. All adult leaders for the Jamboree will go through a rig- orous background check and screening interview process before being selected as part of the Council contingent leadership. Please note that not all leaders will be approved to attend. For more information at the Council level please contact Irv Gable at (724) 287-6791. Preliminary cost for the Jamboree will be approximately $1,800 per person to attend.

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_____Kuskitannee Lodge Elections 2016

Pending final approval from the Lodge Executive Committee, the elections period for Kuskitannee Lodge will begin February 1 and all elections MUST be schedule by April 1. The Scoutmaster on record will be mailed a detailed information sheet in November/December on how to proceed with scheduling and the requirements. ALL ELECTIONS MUST BE SCEHDULED BY APRIL 1 or the Troop must wait until the next elections year. In accordance with Lodge bi-laws, there will be no exceptions to this policy. If you have issues with this policy or wish to take exception, please contact the Lodge Adviser Daniel T. Brown to schedule to attend a Kuskitannee Lodge Executive Committee meeting as a visitor to voice your concern to the youth leaders of the organization.

Not Receiving Kuskitannee Lodge Updates, Emails or Mailings? There are 2 possibilities:

We do not have your current address/email address or we have a misprint in our system. Please email [email protected] if you think this is the case.

You are not a dues paid member of our Lodge. Please ensure you stay connected and involved by keeping your membership up-to-date.

Next Lodge Events: All weekend events, registration begins at 7:00PM Friday, ends ~11:00AM Sunday. Registration will be required 2 weeks before event date. Late fees may apply!

Oct 30-11/1 Brookie Brotherhood Camp Bucoco (20.00 member, $38.00 those taking brotherhood)

Registration is through the Council Service Center, 2 weeks in advance.

A fall event that allows the lodge to meet to perform service, induct brotherhood members, and to have fun. This year’s theme will be Halloween, so bring costumes! November 1 will be a Business Meeting.

_____Kuskitannee Lodge Drum Team Wins National Title

At the Centennial National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC), the Kuskitannee Lodge drum team com- peted in the Northern Singing Competition, and brought home 1st Place for the 4th time! Congratulations!

Big 3 Weekend NOAC 2015

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___Memorial and Tribute Gifts ___Council Key 3

Joseph Paul Valentino

Robert F. Oesterling Frank Girandi Council President Mabel C. Kocher Doug Benninger Patricia Juriga Favorite Council Commissioner

Thomas R. McIntyre, Sr. Raymond Tennent Michael A. Mazzeo Council Scout Executive [email protected] Gloria Covantes de Quintana

Albert F. Pavlich

The Bruce Family

___Council Contacts

Email: [email protected] Web: www.morainetrails.org

Council Service Center & Scout Shop Hours of Operation _____Scout Store News Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm

Council Office Staff: Betty Bopp Fall winter extended hours for the Scout Store will begin Thursday, September 10. Office Manager, Bookkeeper September hours are: 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays Email: [email protected] and Fridays. Pat Hanford Hours for the store will be from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, Registrar, Camp, Eagle’s 17 and 24 and from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, September 12, 19 and 26. Email: [email protected]

BACK TO SCOUTING Cindy Myers It’s time to get geared up for another fun year of scouting! We carry all Scout Shop Manager items required for your uniform as well as a selection of gift items. Email: [email protected]

The website scoutstuff.org is available for you to view the current line of Glacier Ridge District merchandise that the National office has for sale. Dist Director: Irv Gable If there is something you would like me to order for you from the website or Email: [email protected] if you would like to have merchandise that I have at the store mailed to you, please either email me at [email protected] or call me at the office number: King Beaver District (724) 287-6791. District Executive: Alan Baldarelli Email: [email protected] STORE ORDERS: We accept cash, check and all credit cards with the exception of American Express. River Valley District Payments can also be made from Pack and Troop store accounts. Vacant REMINDER: All orders need to be paid in full before either leaving the store or being Email: [email protected] or mailed. [email protected] Ph. No.: 724-287-6791

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Congratulations to these fine young men who attained Scouting’s highest Rank! Troop First Name Middle Name Last Name Sponsor 6 Austin Lee Monday St Paul Roman Catholic Church 33 Benjamin John Twiest The Presbyterian Church Of Prospect 53 Karl F. Kaltenhauser Methodist Men Of Nixon United Methodist 310 Jacob Daniel Shipton Highland Presbyterian Church 399 Dominic John Natali St Matthias R C Church 399 Charles Robert Lisella St Matthias R C Church 400 Zachary J. Diethorn Mars Area Boy Scouting Association 400 David Michael Milcic Mars Area Boy Scouting Association 457 Hunter Allen Holt English Lutheran Church 457 George Burnett English Lutheran Church 554 Nathan William Falchetti Slatelick Presbyterian Church 733 Levi R. Isaac New Wilmington Kiwanis Club

_____Eagle Scout Preparation Class

The Moraine Trails Council, B.S.A. will be holding its quarterly Eagle Scout Preparation Class - Wednesday October 28, 2015 at the Preston Center at Camp Bucoco from 7:00-8:30PM.

Our goal is to help all Eagle Scout Candidates understand the Eagle Scout workbook, the project approval process and the Eagle Scout board of review. The specific items to be dis- cussed in the class are:

 Finding a good Eagle Scout project.

 Approval of the Eagle Scout project.

 How to properly fill out the Eagle Scout leadership service project workbook.

 Importance of Requirement #7 on the Eagle Scout rank application.

 Procedure for sending written references to all names listed on Requirement #2 of the Eagle Scout rank application.

 Expectations of the Eagle Scout Candidate at an Eagle Scout board of review.

 The Scoutmaster and Unit Committee’s role in the Scouts Eagle project.

 Helping Scouts with special needs.

 Proper usages of merit badge cards.

 Changes in required merit badges.

If you plan to attend the Eagle Scout Preparation Class please RSVP to Cindy at the Council Service Center at (724) 287-6791 or email [email protected]. If you have any questions regarding advancement please contact Len Strella at (724) 355-2781 or (724) 528-1824.

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___Scoutreach: Butler YMCA Day Camp

The Summer Scoutreach Programs wrapped up in August by inviting the kids out to Camp Aga- wam for our Annual Scoutreach Day Camp. The kids had the opportunity to experience a lot of different Cub Scouting activities including BB guns, archery, taking the paddle boats out on Lake Agawam and the opportunity to do some fishing. One of the favorite activities was building their own boats out of recycled materials and race them in Agawam Pool! They also had the opportunity to Rocket Into Scouting by learning to construct and then launch rockets in the parade field.

We would like to thank the volunteers who took time out of their day to come out to camp and provide a great time with these kids. We would also like to thank our Camp Program Director Chris- tian Worst and his phenomenal camp staff for their help and support throughout the day. Scout- reach is looking forward to starting our after school programs in the upcoming weeks.

We would also like to thank UAW Local 3033 for donating the proceeds of their 50/50 raffle at their Bike Night to the Scoutreach Program.

Visit Our Facebook Page!

We are pleased to announce the creation of an enhanced Facebook page. So please visit the new Moraine Trails Council page soon and please be sure to LIKE us!!!! www.facebook.com/morainetrails

The www.morainetrails.org website still remains the primary source for news and information about Moraine Trails, but the new Facebook page, which will be updated with content from around the Council, will provide yet another avenue for those who wish to share experiences and ideas with others and stay connected to our events and programs.

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_____Council Position Specific Required Training Policy & Upcoming Training

"Every Boy deserves a Trained Leader & Every Leader deserves to be Trained." As a reminder, the Council's position specific training policy takes full effect with this years recharter. All Adult Volunteer leadership who is currently registered or who will be registering as members of the Boy Scouts of America must have their youth protection and position specific training completed prior to recharter. Adult Volunteers who do not have their training completed will unfortunately not be re-registered. There are several upcoming training opportunities in place to help relieve the burden of finding a training course.

 BALOO Training - October 10, 2015 9AM-5PM Preston Center (Camp Bucoco) $15

 Scoutmaster & Assistant Scoutmaster Training - October 9-10, 2015 6PM Friday - 6PM Saturday $50

 Cub Leader Specific Training October 13, 21, 29, 2015 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM Location specific to District FREE Unable to attend the training's in person, please visit the e-learning center at myscouting.org. For more information please contact Irv Gable at the Council Service Center at (724) 287-6791 or email [email protected].

_____Camp Agawam Needs Repairing

Camp Agawam needs your help!! Due to several circumstances, Camp Agawam is very far behind schedule in completing necessary repairs. The OA Service weekend that had been scheduled for Agawam was moved to Camp Bucoco. Also the As- sistant Ranger scheduled to work for Camp Agawam was for only a few hours over a period of a couple weeks. And the Centennial NOAC event removed necessary staff members for an entire week. Of the things needing repairs:

 The campsites need platforms stacked

 Latrines need cleaned and repaired.

 All of the buildings need cleaned and repairs done.

 There is a lot of exterior and interior painting projects that were put aside due to lack of help.

 The shower house and pool needs to be winterized. Again, Camp Agawam is managed part-time and needs your support to continue to be a beautiful camp! Please call me for your service projects. 724-924-2288 Camp Agawam Ranger, Tom Einsporn

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____Silver Beaver The Moraine Trails Council Recognition Committee is now accepting recommendations for the Silver Beaver Award. Nominations are due to the Council Service Center by Sept. 25, 2015, on the Council's Silver Beaver recommendation form (different from National form). Recommendations received after Sept. 25, 2015 will not be considered.

For a Scouter to be nominated, they must have provided service of an outstanding nature to both Scouting and to the Community. Desirable applications will include support of Council functions, activities or campaigns. Should you need further information please contact Irv Gable at the Council Service Center at (724) 287-6791 or by email at [email protected].

_____Shooting Sports Committee

September 2015

The fall scouting season is beginning and here are the highlights of the shooting sports schedule. The NRA instructor and Range Safety Officer certifications are required to run BSA shooting sports activities. With these cer- tification scout leaders can organize and run events at the Troop level. Cub leaders can assist us at family camps and when you cross over to Boy Scouts can run events at the Troop level.

October 2-3 – Moraine Trails Council Camporee – Moraine State Park – Tomahawk throwing October 17 – Cub Scout Family Camp – Camp Agawam – BB gun, archery and slingshots October 23 –24 - Venture Weekend – Camp Bucoco

BSA Scouts and Scout leaders can take the following: Scouts can take rifle, muzzle loader, and shotgun NRA and merit badge class Scouts with the rifle and shotgun merit badges can take the NRA Associate Instructor course with scoutmaster recommendation and parental approval. Leaders can take the NRA instructor courses in rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader and pistol Leaders can take the NRA Range Safety Officer Course

November 7 – NRA Basic pistol, rifle, muzzle loader, and shotgun courses open to the general public December 5 – NRA Basic pistol, rifle, muzzle loader, and shotgun courses open to the general public December 6 - Refuse to be a Victim Course open to the general public as a community service January 8 – Refuse to be a Victim Course open to the general public as a community service January 9 – NRA Personal Protection in the Home as a community service (Not a BSA event.) January 10 – NRA Personal Protection in the Home Instructor course (Not a BSA event.) February 5 - Refuse to be a Victim Course open to the general public as a community service February 6-7 - NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home for instructors candidates and open to the public as a community service (Not a BSA event) February 27-28 – NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor Course (Not a BSA event.) March 19 - NRA Basic pistol, rifle, muzzle loader, and shotgun courses open to the general public April 23-24 – NRA Rifle, shotgun, Muzzleloader, pistol Instructor course April 24 – Range Safety Officer Course *If you have questions about these activities please contact Dave Gemperle at [email protected].*

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