Council President Tim Felter

Sometimes it is good to stop for a moment and take stock of our progress on the Yankee Clipper Council's "Journey To Excellence". For me one such moment came at our Council Annual Business Meeting and Recognition Dinner that was held on June 9, 2011.  After the meeting I talked to a man who traveled all the way from Wisconsin to Massachusetts to see his son-in-law, Ray Skwierczynski, receive the Council's highest volunteer award, the Silver Beaver Award. He offered me his perspective of our Council, which he based on what he had seen that evening.  He said to me, "you have a great Council".  Seeing it through his eyes, I must agree!  There are great things happening; we are moving forward with dedicated volunteers and staff.  

In addition to Ray, Jim Bradley, Ray Marsan, and Nelson Miller were also honored with Silver Beaver Awards for their years of dedicated service to making a difference in the lives of children and young adults.  The Blue Crew from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts was the recipient of the President's Award for outstanding service to the Council through years of hands-on service at Lone Tree Scout Reservation.  There were many other awards presented that night including the National Leadership Hall inductee, Julia "Marie" O'Brien, and the Centennial District Award to the Northern Light District, which was led, by Bob McLaughlin, Steve Cunningham, and Craig MacPherson.  All of the award recipients honored that evening are exceptional people whose dedication to the Scouting Program inspires all of us.  

Perhaps the gentleman from Wisconsin was most impressed with the two awards presented to the Nanapashemet Lodge of the Order of the Arrow.  The Lodge received the E. Urner Goodman Camping Award and the National Service Award.  This is the first time in the history of the Boy Scouts that one Lodge has earned both awards in one year.  My congratulations go out to Cameron Anstey, Lodge Chief, and Mike Bryant, Lodge Adviser, as well as all members and leaders of our great OA Lodge.  

Perhaps the gentleman was most impressed with the two videos showcased during the meeting.  The two films produced by the new Marketing and Communication Committee were first class productions that provided insight to the future of Scouting in the Yankee Clipper Council. These presentations reminded us of who we are and where we need to go on the next steps of the journey.  As we continue on the "Journey To Excellence" I am confident that the future of the Yankee Clipper Council is bright - Believe It.

 Yankee Clipper Council · BSA

On Jun 19^th twenty individuals received the Powderhorn Medal to hang on their uniforms as recognition of their completion of the 6-day Outdoor Resource Training Course.  The course, a joint effort of the Yankee Clipper and Daniel Webster Councils, was held over two different weekends, the first at Griswold Scout Reservation and the second at Lone Tree Scout Reservation.  The event highlighted a couple firsts.  While Powderhorn has been around for 10 years, this was the first time Yankee Clipper Council hosted a course, but with this being the 6^th for the Daniel Webster the partnership was beneficial for both councils.  A more significant first, and a definite improvement in the course delivery, was for the first time in the 10 year course youth had the opportunity to be participants; and their involvement strengthened an already beneficial training course.

The Powderhorn course is designed to provide information on the resources available for a wide variety of exciting outdoor opportunities for older youth in Troops and Crews.  Over the 6 day period, outside expert consultants provided information on 20 different activities to help the youth and adults find areas of interest for their units. SCUBA, Climbing, Sailing, COPE, Equestrian, Hunting, Kayaking, Shooting Sports etc. formed the basis for the course.  But all work and no play-did not apply either.  While the purpose was not to train anyone in these activities, the course offered a chance to have hands on experiences during the elective periods. 

Leadership was a combination of Yankee Clipper and Daniel Webster Powderhorn graduates, with Eileen Crowe from Daniel Webster and Jim Whitney of Yankee Clipper being the course directors.  Each of the first time staff members received a special gold-plated Powderhorn in recognition of being on staff from Kerry Molin of the DWC who has donated these special mementoes to each new staff member since 2002.

Yankee Clipper Council 2011 Powderhorn Graduates are:
Youth
Alexander Ing,                  Troop 26 West Newbury
Ja-Nora Longshore,         Crew 121 Hampstead
Anne Taylor,                      Crew 345 Kingston
Katie Whitney                   Crew 121 Hampstead

Adults  
Stephen Cunningham    Northern Light Venturing Commissioner
Greg Korzeb                       Crew 51 Methuen
Chuck Longshore             Crew 121 Hampstead
Harry Taylor                       Crew 345 Kingston

Soon it will be time for the Annual Scout Classic Golf Tournament!  Yankee Clipper Council and Boy Scouts of America will be hosting this year's annual golf tournament on Monday, August 8, 2011 at Nashua Country Club.   

A box lunch will be provided at check-in and the tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 1:00pm.  A full dinner, awards ceremony, and table auction will immediately follow tournament play.  Thanks to Singer Subaru for being our hole in one sponsor for a new Subaru.  Please consider supporting the Scouting program by going to the following site for more information:  http

To get an order form go to http://www.yccbsa.org.

Philmont is the pinnacle of any Scout or Venturing experience.  The Boy Scouts of America's largest national high-adventure base, Philmont encompasses 137,000 acres - about 214 square miles - of rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) range of the Rocky Mountains in northern New Mexico.  Any youth 14 or older, can be part of the 2012 Yankee Clipper Council Philmont Expedition.  Reservations are being taken now for those individuals interested in what should be on every Scout or Venturers must-do list.

Six slots remain of the 36 for 2012; and individual signups are more than welcome, that is you don't have to come a

s a unit.    

For those that would like more information on what Philmont is, and what this experience will be see it all  HERE.  

For more information contact Craig at cmacpher@bsamail.org or 978-372-0591. 

The James E. West Fellowship Award is a national recognition for individuals who contribute $1,000 (which can be paid over a two year period) or more in cash or securities to their local council endowment trust fund.  This contribution is in addition to, and does not diminish or replace, the donor's annual gift to the council's Friends of Scouting Campaign.

Organizations or individuals may contribute an award in honor of someone - an Eagle Scout, a Silver Beaver recipient, council president or district chairman, or in memory of a departed loved one, business associate or special Scouter.

The following were honored with a James E West Fellowship Award during the 2010 calendar year.

Danversbank

Timothy E O'Brien

Timothy Felter 

Eagle Class of 2010

Daniel Bush

Nancy Bush

Lowell Five

In memory of Richard E Becker

RiverBank

Ronald Gauthier

In memory of Gwilym Clarke

In memory of Robert C Lavoie Sr

In honor of Eagle Scout Benjamin Nicolaysen

 Yankee Clipper Council · BSA

 Yankee Clipper Council · BSA

Dear Friend of Scouting,

Since Scouting was organized in 1910, the values and programs of Scouting have helped millions of young people grow in character, citizenship and physical fitness.  Scouting has truly helped the young people of today become the leaders of tomorrow.

In 2010 the Yankee Clipper Council continued its commitment to more than 8,100 young people in our communities through the efforts of over 4,000 registered adult volunteers.  Our 2010 Annual Report draws attention to the theme "Believe It" which highlights just a few of our members and volunteers that are involved and directly benefiting from the Scouting program in the Yankee Clipper Council.  We recognize the support of our donors, chartered organizations, volunteer leaders, Executive Board members, parents and families as we strive to deliver a quality, values-based program to the young people of our communities.

By all accounts, Scouting in the Yankee Clipper Council is alive and well, thanks to your support! Please accept our 2010 Annual Report as a token of our appreciation.  We look forward to another exciting year of Scouting in 2011.

Kevin Nichols

Scout Executive/CEO

To see the complete 2010-11 Annual Report go  HERE

 Yankee Clipper Council · BSA

This new award recognizes the relationship of a Chartered Partner with the local council and Boy Scouts of America is unique within youth serving agencies.  The partnership recognizes the abilities that both parties --the sponsoring partner and the BSA has to offer, thereby providing the best possible program to youth in community. 

Three outstanding Chartered Partners were recognized at the Council Annual Recognition Dinner.  Congratulations to all these terrific organizations.

Great Eastern District - Second Congregational Church of Beverly.  Charters Pack and Troop 4. Executive Officer - Bruce Bouton.

Northern Light District - Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 8349, Methuen.  Charters Pack, Troop and Crew 51.  Executive Officer - Frank Shimko.

West Wind District - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Billerica.  Charters Pack, Troop, Team and Crew 651.  Executive Officer - Greg Waddoups.

Yankee Clipper Council's 2011 Silver Beaver Honorees

The Boy Scouts of America awards the Silver Beaver for distinguished service to youth at a council level.  The Silver Beaver is the highest award that the Council can bestow on a local volunteer.  The Yankee Clipper Council was proud to honor the following Scouters for their impact on the lives of an untold number of youth.  They have truly exemplified the ideals of Scouting and have done their best to help the youth of our Council in their character development so they will be prepared for life and leadership.

President's Award  

The 2011 President's Award was presented by Council President, Tim Felter, to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts'  Blue Crew for their support of our local Scouting program. The President's Award is given to an individual, organization, corporation or agency for exceptional service to the Scouting program. 

The "Blue Crew" is a volunteer committee within Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and is focused on Community Service.  This committee oversees and coordinates numerous volunteer hours across Massachusetts and beyond in support of other not for profit organizations.

Since September 2008, under the coordination of Mary McCarron, Linda Whitney and Neela Healey, over 50 different men and women have now donated six full work days at our Lone Tree Scout Reservation.  From carpentry to electrical work, painting and staining, what started out as a single day event to clean up Scouter's Lodge has become a true commitment to the Scouting program and our Culture of Camping.

Simplify the Eagle Verification Process with these easy tips

BeAScout.Org.....Put Scouting on the map!

The Yankee Clipper is wants to put Scouting on the map all across our 52 communities! Our Council is joining with the national organization's "JOINING" web page with information on Scouting, plus an actual GOOGLE map application that will help potential Scouts and their parents find Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venturing Crews in their community.

BeAScout.org will be a major part of our membership recruiting program this fall and into the future. The webpage will appear on all of our local council recruiting materials fliers, posters, yard signs and literature. However, the only way it can be effective is if you and your unit leadership "populate the pin."

Download a letter from Vice President Membership, Stephen McGovern, on how your unit can be part of putting Scouting on the map by clicking http://BeAScout.org.pdf  

Go to http://yccbsa.org to get your fillable pdf form.    

WTCSR Robinson Lookout

The next time you visit Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation you may notice green and white markers saying USDA Conservation Easement Boundary.  Over the last year the Camping and Real Estate Committees have been working with the Department of Agriculture on an easement of 180 of 290 acres of Wah-Tut-Ca wetlands. The Wah-Tut-Ca wetlands have been declared one of the most richest, diverse and ecologically significant areas in southern New Hampshire.  As a result of the easement the Council will receive over $670,000 in direct payment and up to an additional $500,000 for forest/wetland improvements.

Scouts will still be able to hike, camp, build fires, pitch tents and have activities on the easement properties. The easement restricts permanent structures. As a result of this easement this land will remain a natural treasure for future generations 

READ MORE

View Easement Area

 Yankee Clipper Council · BSA

Yankee Clipper Council's own Nanepashemet Lodge was recognized at the Council Recognition Dinner for its achievement of not one, but two National Order of the Arrow awards, presented originally at the National BSA Annual Meetings in San Diego, California.  The two awards.

The E. Urner Goodman Camping Award, whose purpose is to encourage and challenge Order of the Arrow members and lodges to increase their effectiveness in promoting and increasing Scout camping in each council and the National Service Award, which recognize lodges that have performed outstanding service, both in a qualitative and a quantitative sense, to their council.  For each award, only eight lodges, two in each region of the country, are recognized each year.  It is rare that a single lodge receives two awards in the same year.   Congratulations to the Nanepashemet Lodge.    

Accepting the awards at the dinner were the Lodge Chief Cameron Anstey, Lodge Vice-Chief Steve DeWitt, past Lodge Chief Bobby Patterson, Lodge Chief-elect Kevin Doherty, and Lodge Vice-Chief elect Zack Sheppard.   The Lodge Advisor is Mike Bryant.

Chelmsford Eagle Scout Recognized for Outstanding Eagle Scout Service Project

The National Eagle Scout Association has established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by a Scout to a religious institution, a school, community, or other entity.  The award recognizes the Scout for his Eagle Scout leadership service project, which is part of the requirements for earning the Eagle Scout Award.  Each local council will choose a council-level winner, and from that pool, each region will pick a region-level winner.  A national winner then will be selected from the four regional finalists.

The Yankee Clipper Council awards the 2011 Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award to William Warren of Chelmsford for his work at the Sunny Meadow Farm in Chelmsford.

William is a 2010 graduate of Chelmsford High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society and just completed his freshman year at the University of Massachusetts.

The Sunny Meadow Farm was acquired by the Town of Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship in 2009 and has been the site of 6 Eagle Scout projects in just the past year.

• Christian Booth built a garden tool shed
• Pat Stoney built the ramps and platforms for the accessible gardens
• Josh Cutter built a cedar bike rack
• Josh Shiau opened up the old truck access road in the back field
• Chris Tribou planted the tree nursery
• William Warren created the new park and lawn area

These projects have created the Richard St. Onge Accessible Community Garden. It was established to make gardening easier for residents who use wheelchairs or who have difficulty bending down to plant and harvest.  The garden is named in memory of Westford firefighter Richard St. Onge, who died while fighting a barn fire on the Sunny Meadow Farm property in December 1970.

 Yankee Clipper Council · BSA

Two New Marketing & Communications Video Productions premiered at Council Annual Recognition Dinner

As part of the recognition dinner, Brian Lobao, Vice-President of Marketing & Communications showcased two new Yankee Clipper Council marketing videos, A Journey to Excellence and Who are We?  The video, Journey to Excellence, highlights the Yankee Clipper Council's commitment to being recognized as a premier youth-serving organization in our communities and the needed support to make that vision a reality.  Who are We? is a photo montage of the youth and leaders that make Scouting the best youth development program in the country.

See your District Executive for a copy of these videos.  

 Yankee Clipper Council · BSA