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| Yankee Clipper Council | May/June 2012
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Can Packs, Troops, Teams, or Crews Participate in Political Rallies?
The Boy Scouts of America might be the most patriotic organization in the U.S. But don't take that to mean we endorse any one political party. The same applies to packs, troops, teams, and crews. Scouts and volunteers should do their duty to country, but not by endorsing any one candidate.
During election years, though, the line between patriotism and political favoritism becomes thin, making it important to remind you of the BSA's official policy on Scout participation in political rallies.
Head to Scouting magazine's Bryan's Blog to read some Frequently Asked Questions and the BSA's official answers.
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Do You Know Where The Summit Bechtel Reserve Is?
So you've been hearing all about the Summit, but do you know where it is? We'll give you a hint! It has a mean altitude of 1,500 feet, giving it the highest average altitude east of the Mississippi. The capital city is Charleston. And its motto is "Montani semper liberi" or "Mountaineers Are Always Free."
If you guessed West Virginia, you're right! And to be more specific, the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve is in Fayette County, the heart of the Mountain State, and neighbors 70,000 acres of the famous New River Gorge.
This means your new jamboree is home to some of the best whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, and rock climbing in the United States!
Want more information on the Boy Scouts of America's new jamboree home?
Check out Summitblog and bsajamboree.
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BB Gun and Archery
Safety Training
To: All Cub Scout Leaders
The Yankee Clipper Shooting Sports Committee in conjunction with the Council Camping committee
will be providing BB Gun and Archery Safety training.
Location
Lone Tree Scout Reservation
Date
May 6th
Time
9am registration
9:30am Start of session at
pavilion next to dining hall
Cost
$5.00 to cover cost of materials
What to bring?
Pen, notebook, drink & snack
This session will include both classroom coverage of the BSA requirements and
actual shooting on the range. Please dress
weather appropriate as this will be held rain or shine.
This is the only time that this course will be offered prior to the summer camping, plan your training appropriately.
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 LFL Announces Exploring Fee Increase
At the Learning for Life Executive Board meeting in February, the board voted to increase the Exploring registration fee from $10 to $15 effective July 1.
This increase will allow the continued development of new marketing materials and programs, such as the online career interest survey, new brochures, sales folders, website development, online training, and middle school Explorer clubs.
Many parents surveyed indicated that paying $15 for a full year of practical career education and access to career field experts is still a tremendous value.
New youth and adult applications will be available on July 1.
Please communicate this information with your existing posts as well as new posts. If you have any questions, please contact the Learning for
Life national office at: exploring@lflmail.org.
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 NORTHERN LIGHT DISTRICT PINEWOOD DERBY 2012 RESULTS At long last the results of the Pinewood Derby for the District are now all in and complied. Attached are the standings for Tigers, Cub Scouts and WEBELOS. Congratulations to all who participated and competed!! You are all champions. A very special congratulation goes out to the District overall winners: In the Tiger Category: GABRIEL K from Pack 86 In the Cub Scout Category: KYLE B from Pack 4 In the Webelos Category: JACOB O from Pack 50 It was a great day for racing and a great day for fun. Thank you to all who participated, set-up, ran the races, cleaned up and supported this event. Click on the Links below to get individual placement by catagory: Tiger Category Cub Scout Webelos
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Tour and Activity Plan
For the past three months, the Tour and Activity Plan demo has been available for testing on MyBSA. We received much positive feedback, and based on your input, we are making enhance-ments before the application goes live. It will take some extra time to deliver this improved system; therefore, the Tour and Activity Plan will now be fully available for use beginning May 10, 2012.
All details of the new plan will remain the same except for this change in date.
For more information about the Tour and Activity Plan, please view the FAQ page.
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Scouting Alumni Association Resources
The new Scouting Alumni Association was launched in November 2011 and welcomes everyone positively and personally impacted by the Boy Scouts of America-former Scouts, family members of Scouts past and present, volunteers past and present, and the millions of Americans who benefit from Scouting in their communities every day-to join today. Councils should utilize the Web ads on this page for their own websites to reach out to alumni and help them reconnect with Scouting. Click on Scout Alumni to go into the website.
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Webelos Woods
This year Nanepashemet Lodge will be putting together another fun and quality program for the council's Webelos I cub scouts on Saturday May 12th! Webelos Woods is an action packed, one day event at Lone Tree Scout Reservation that will help prepare these Webelos for the Fall Arrow of Light (AOL) weekend as well as being exposed to some of the exciting activities these boys can do in Boy Scouts.
There will be eight stations set up at Lone Tree including: BB's, Tomahawks, Indian Lore, Fried Dough and even an Air Climb Challenge Course!
Participants should plan to arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 in order to register. The day will go straight through till 3:00.
The cost of this event is $8 if you register online and $10 for walk-in registration.
If you have any additional questions about this event please contact Chris Eckelkamp at: ceckelkamp@me.com.
You can click here to register on-line.
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Units can customize BeAScout.org
The Boy Scouts of America has launched a new recruiting Web site www.beascout.org. In addition to a wealth of information about Scouting for new and prospective members, this Web site will also connect prospective members and parents to packs, troops, and crews near their home.
To customize your unit's BeAScout.org listing the unit leader (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Crew Adviser) must log in to their myscouting.org account. This is the same account used for youth protection training. On the left side of the screen there is a BeAScout link. Follow that link to customize your unit's BeAScout listing. This link is only available to unit leaders.
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Information For Scout Leaders is produced by the Yankee Clipper Council Marketing and Communication Group working with the staff of the Yankee Clipper Council, BSA. All photographs are of programs and people of the Council. Graphic design and photo archiving by TKF/FStar Productions.
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Stay in touch with
YANKEE CLIPPER COUNCIL
By entering your Email address in the box below you will be added to our lists. If you are on our list you can update your profile as well as select or deselect specific publications.
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CHECK OUT Yankee Clipper Council on
Facebook! 75th Anniversary Facebook Site 
CUB SCOUT CAMPS
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FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT
TIM FELTER
Dear Scout Leader
"The Main Thing" - it is all about having as many young people as possible participating in a high quality program. While this is the last time as President of the Yankee Clipper Council that I write about this basic idea, I hope it is not the last time you think about it. I challenge all of us to remember each day the reason why we, as adults, are involved with the Scouting program. We may each have different thoughts about how to deliver the Scouting program; it is essential that we work together to ensure success in achieving "The Main Thing".
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DISCOUNTS EXTENDED UNTILL MAY 31.
 It is a busy time of the year for Scouting in the Yankee Clipper Council! Many Scout units have requested that the discount for OLD HOME DAY be extended to accommodate Webelos crossovers and a full spring schedule. The 75th Anniversary Committee voted, unanimously, to extend the discounts until May 31st. The Committee is committed to helping units and families attend this momentous event.
When you register you get a $10 gift certificate that you can use instantly off the cost of an OLD HOME DAY PASS. Alternatively you can use the pass for the Trading Post and Concessions at OLD HOME DAY.
Old Home Day is an important milestone for the Yankee Clipper Council and Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation. Scouts will be talking about this event for decades. Don't let your Scouts miss it!
Pointers to Register For Old Home Day
Old Home Day Passes are required for all Anniversary events. There are optional programs that have there own registration sites.
OLD HOME DAY PASSES- OLD HOME DAY DAY PASSES- OPTIONAL BAR-B-QUE
CLICK HERE
Other optional events require separate registration
OLD HOME DAY CAMPING.
Free for Troops who bring there own equipment but must still reserve a campsite.
If you would like to rent-a-tent and platform
OA REDEDICATION CEREMONY- For Arrowmen Only
THERE IS NO COST BUT YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER HERE.
Tips for changing or amending your registration
 Because of security reasons once you have used your Email Address you cannot amend your order. If you have already registered your unit but you want to add to your list you have the following options:
- You can create a second order under another Email Address.
- Request your order be cancelled by sending an Email to info@yccbsa.org. Once you cancel you can re-register using your original email address
- Request you order can be manually amended by the YCC Staff by sending an Email to info@yccbsa.org.
LOOK THIS WEEKEND FOR A NOTICE ON PROVISIONAL CAMPING OPPPORTUNTIES- Special Troop camping is being set up for Scouts whose unit is not attending but want to camp with Wah-Tut-Ca's Staff Scoutmasters and Assistants.
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THE MICROPHONE IS ON!
 As part of a national Boy Scout of America program, the Yankee Clipper Council is excited to announce their completion in the first phase of the Voice of the Scout. With over four million members, this program is being adopted as a key way to collect experiences and deliver upon the expectation of members as they participate in Scouting.
Beginning mid-March, parents, Scouts and Venturers over 14, volunteers and chartered organizations were delivered e-mail surveys for Voice of the Scout. The surveys were designed to be very brief but will give needed insight into the variety of experiences at the unit and district within our council.
This past survey and future surveys will stay open for three weeks, then information will be referenced for making key decisions to drive Scouting forward, as guided by the people that matter most: our members. It will be a continuous program, in that we will launch these surveys twice per year, with no household receiving more than one survey every six month.
Due to the sheer volume of surveys in this program, we must deliver via email to effectively and efficiently collect opinions. To make the most of this program we will begin asking for emails updates regularly, so please make sure we have your most recent email by making sure you fill out your email address on any and all registration forms and collection tools used by the council.
Voice of the Scout is how we will help guide our decision-making for our future programs and operational delivery. Thank you to those who have participated in the spring, and we look forward to hearing your input in the fall!
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Eagle Issues
Eagle Scout Service Project Coaches
 Over the years, units, districts, and councils have had various volunteers fulfill the role of an Eagle Scout service project coach; though they may have used other titles such as advisor, mentor, tutor, counselor, advocate, and so forth. The Guide to Advancement "institutionalizes" the project coach's role to provide encouragement and support, while helping the Scout understand the requirements and expectations for successfully completing his project. The coach, however, is not the project manager, and he or she uses the Boy Scouting program method of positive adult association, not authority, to help the candidate make wise decisions. It is highly recommended that every Eagle Scout candidate have a coach. More than likely this is the first time that a Scout has attempted a project as involved as the Eagle Scout service project. Some may be fully capable of proceeding on their own without the benefit of a coach, but most will find the advice and counsel useful and educational. The optimal time for providing the coach is when the proposal is approved. At that point a Scout can be advised that in a few days he will receive a telephone call from an adult who has agreed to assist him. Since the Eagle Scout candidate has promised that he read the entire Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, we may assume he understands he isn't required to work with the coach if he doesn't want to. Once a Scout receives approval for his project proposal he is certainly allowed to strike out on his own without coaching, but it behooves us to do what we can to help him make the right decision in this regard.
The council decides who may serve as project coaches and how they are selected or provided to the individual Eagle Scout candidates. Criteria to consider include the ability to work with youth, knowledge and understanding of the requirements and expectations for an Eagle Scout service project, and knowledge and experience with the applicable provisions of the Guide to Advancement. But in all cases the coach must be a registered member of the BSA (in any position) and have a current Youth Protection certification. Note that the Eagle Scout service project coach's most important responsibility is to help Scouts create a final project plan that will lead to a successful project. Consult topic 9.0.2.0 of the Guide to Advancement.
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Merit Badges-What's New?
Kayaking Merit Badge Release Scheduled for May
 Next month, the Kayaking merit badge is scheduled for release. At that time the requirements will be available online and the pamphlet will be distributed to Scout shops everywhere.
As our council camp is planning to include kayaking in our summer program, it is appropriate that troops identify boys who will want to earn the merit badge. When the pamphlet is available in May, it may help to review the requirements and have an informational session with interested Scouts and parents or guardians to identify the planning and other preparation helpful in advance of the camp experience.
Council camp directors and program directors currently have access to the critical information needed for preplanning. Prepare your Scouts for a great new merit badge adventure.
Be Prepared-The next new merit badge to be released will be Search and Rescue.
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Study Shows 46 Ways Eagle Scouts Are Different
 With the help of the Gallup Organization, Baylor University researchers contacted 81,409 potential respondents to study the differences between Eagle Scouts, former Scouts who didn't make Eagle, and men who were never in Scouting. At long last, the results of the 2010 study are in.
Called Merit Beyond the Badge, the study found that Eagle Scouts are more likely than men who have never been in Scouting to:
*Have higher levels of planning and preparation skills, be goal-oriented, and network with others;
*Be in a leadership position at their place of employment or local community;
*Report having closer relationships with family and friends;
*Volunteer for religious and nonreligious organizations
*Donate money to charitable groups, and
*Work with others to improve their neighborhoods.
"Our study measured if achieving the rank of Eagle provides an advantage and benefits throughout a Scout's life," said Dr. Byron Johnson, lead researcher, Baylor University. "We found that the effort and commitment required to earn this rank produces positive attributes that benefit not only these men in their personal and professional lives, but also benefits their communities and the country through the service and leadership they provide."
Go to this Link to see the press release.
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The Eagle Trail - 100 Years and Beyond!
Since the first Eagle Award in 1912, Eagle Scouts have been blazing a trail of excellence. We'd like to take the opportunity of the 100th anniversary of the Eagle Award to celebrate and reflect on how being an Eagle Scout helps us meet life's challenges and continually enriches us.
 In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first Eagle Award in 1912, the Yankee Clipper Council of the Boy Scouts of America is hosting an anniversary celebration at the Addison Gallery of American Art on the campus of Phillips Academy, 180 Main Street in Andover on May 23, 2012 from 6-8 PM. We invite you to join us for this unique opportunity for fellowship with area Eagle Scouts and a chance to hear about new developments in the program.
We will have full access to all three floors of exhibits at the Addison Gallery for the first segment of the evening. We will gather and share memories of those experiences on our road to Eagle. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the current status of Scouting in the Yankee Clipper Council and ways in which you can participate in the Scouting program.
Please RSVP to Ruth Crocker at rucrocke@bsamail.orgor 978 372 0591. Cocktails and open bar, business dress suggested.
In the meantime, we encourage you to join the official Scouting fellowship, the Scouting Alumni Association. By joining the Scouting Alumni Association, you'll stay up to speed on what's happening in Boy Scouts of America nationwide. See information regarding the Alumni Association in the enclosed letter.
We look forward to seeing you on May 23.
Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank is proud to serve as the Event Sponsor.
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MAY NORTHERN LIGHT DISTRICT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The District has been very active in the last several months and it looks like that trend will continue well into the summer. Thanks to all the unit leaders , families and other volunteers for making the Scouting program fun and exciting for all our youth. Keep up the great work!!
There are many things planned in the next couple of months and here are the highlights: - The District Annual Meeting and Dinner; May 2 at the Roma Restaurant in Haverhill. I have finally overcome some technical difficulties and have all the information posted on the YCC webpage calendar and Doubleknot. Please join us and participate in the short annual business meeting and then enjoy a time of fellowship and recognition.
-The Spring District Camporee; May 18-20 at Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation. The camporee guide has now been posted to the YCC calendar and Doubleknot so units can now start making their reservations. Steve Cunningham and his camporee staff have come up with a great event with lots of activities and challenges for everyone. Come and enjoy the fun at the "FUR TRAPPER RONDEZVOUS."
We also have several announcements:
- Jim Bradley, our District Chair has decided to step down from that position effective at the Annual Meeting. I know that this was a difficult decision but we all support Jim and applaud all that he has done as the Chair. When you see him please thank him for his efforts and leadership and if possible make a special effort to come to the Annual Dinner to thank him in person. He plans on remaining involved in Scouting in some role and we are sure he will be a valuable asset wherever he serves.
- A new TOUR AND ACTIVITY PLAN will begin on May 1st. Units will be able to find the on-line Tour Plan on www.scouting.org under MyScouting when it becomes active. A FAQ sheet will be coming out shortly and will be in each of the unit roundtable folders at the next Roundtable on May 14th. Probably of most importance to units is that if you have an activity planned that needs a tour plan it needs to be approved by April 27th. If not then the plan will need to be redone using the new Tour and Activity Plan.
I continue to get settled in as the DE and have had the opportunity to meet many volunteers and attend some great Blue and Gold Dinners and Courts of Honor. I hope to get out to all units and get to know everyone over the next 6 months or so. I am excited about what I see and who I meet and I think we have a great year of Scouting ahead. Summer Camps and programs are coming and I plan on visiting all units as they participate in these activities. Again, THANKS for all you do for Scouting and our youth.
-Order of the Arrow elections should now be completed and those newly elected should be getting ready for the Ordeal Weekend, May 4-6 at Lone Tree Scout Reservation.
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Get Your Scouts Signed Up for NAYLE
Send your Scouts to NAYLE, the National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience, and watch their leadership skills soar.
Who's eligible? Boy Scouts or Venturers (male or female) who are at least 14 but not yet 21, hold a unit leadership position, and have completed National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) are eligible.
Participants join a team of peers from across the country. They'll work together to absorb innovative training techniques, learn the latest leadership skills, and understand how to instantly apply all of the course's time-tested lessons to their troop or crew back home.
All in just one week! And all for just $355.
Most of the sessions are held at the iconic Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Because of the program's popularity, there are now six sessions at Philmont. The first begins June 17, and the sixth kicks off Aug. 5. Three regional sessions at other locations are being planned for this summer.
Help spread the word about NAYLE to the troops and crews in your council. To register, they'll need to log in to MyScouting and click on the Events Registration tab. If Scouts or their parents want more information, send them to philmontscoutranch.org/PTC/YouthPrograms/NAYLE.aspx or to facebook.com/BSANAYLE.
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YPSmartz:
Youth Protection Begins With You
 What do we mean when we say, "Youth Protection begins with youŽ"? Everyone in Scouting, from the most tenured professional Scouters and adult leaders to new Cub Scout parents and the Scouts themselves, and even to National and local council employees, can be educated and aware of the policies in place to help keep our Scouts safe. The key is remembering a three-pronged approach to reducing the opportunities for abuse to happen within Scouting-prevent, recognize, and report.
First and foremost, Scouting seeks to prevent child abuse in all its forms. To that aim, the BSA has adopted a set of policies called "Scouting's Barriers to Abuse" for the safety and well-being of its members. Ranging from "two-deep leadership required on all outings" to "no bullying," these policies are in place primarily to protect our youth members; however, they serve to protect adult leaders as well.
 Child abuse is a serious problem in our society, and unfortunately, it can occur anywhere, even in Scouting. To help our employees and members recognize child abuse whenever it might happen, the BSA requires Youth Protection training for all registered volunteers and encourages all adults, including employees and parents, to take the training as well. The course is easily accessible online and covers the BSA's Youth Protection policies, kinds of abuse, signs of abuse, how to respond to disclosure of abuse, and proper reporting procedures, posing situations that require choices and produce consequences.
BSA policies call for immediate action to stop the abuse or policy violation and report any good-faith suspicion or belief that any child is or has been physically or sexually abused, physically or emotionally neglected, exposed to any form of violence or threat, or exposed to any form of sexual exploitation, including the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child pornography, or online solicitation, enticement, or showing of obscene material. No person may abdicate this reporting responsibility to any other person. The local Scout executive should be notified of this report, or of any violation of the BSA's Youth Protection policies, so he or she may take appropriate action for the safety of our Scouts.
For more information about Scouting's Youth Protection policies, including the full text of "Scouting's Barriers to Abuse," links to Youth Protection training, and more on reporting suspected abuse, visit: Youth Protection
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2013 National Jamboree
Scouting's flagship event is one-of-a-kind. It's a gathering of approximately 45,000 Scouts, leaders, and staff that showcases everything that is great about the BSA and its members. Over the course of 10 summer days, once every four years, the Boy Scouts of America comes together. The result is the national Scout jamboree.
Go to 2013 Jamboree for all the 2013 National Jamboree Highlights.
For Boy Scout and Venturer qualifications click here Qualifications For Information about Yankee Clipper Council's Contingent click here and on YCC.
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To get any other information including application instructions and videos of the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve go to Summit.
BE A STAFF VOLUNTEER!
The need for staff at the Jamboree and the steady progress underway at the Summit were hot topics at the recent BSA board and committee meetings held near the national office in Irving, Texas.
To learn how to register yourself or to ask your volunteers to register, take a look at the February Board Handout that circulated at the meeting.
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ANNUAL MEETING AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE NOTICE
In accordance with the Yankee Clipper Council, Boy Scouts of America bylaws, this is official notice of the Council
ANNUAL MEETING AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE NOTICE
From: Tim Felter, Council President
In accordance with the Yankee Clipper Council, Boy Scouts of America bylaws, this is official notice of the Council Annual Business Meeting and Elections. Tim Felter,
President of the Yankee Clipper Council, Boy Scouts of America, proudly announces that the following Board Members will serve on the 2012 Council Nominating Committee, Dennis Gleason, Brian Lobao, Mike Bryant, Jamie O'Brien and Sherry Rust for the election of Officers, Board Members, Local Council Representatives to the National Council, Honorary Board Members, Advisory Board Members and Council Members at Large.
The annual meeting and elections will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2012, at the Wyndham Boston Andover Hotel in Andover. Chartered Organization Representatives and Council Members at Large of the Yankee Clipper Council are invited to attend and may make recommendations of possible nominees to the Council Nominating Committee for consideration and are eligible to vote at the Annual Business Meeting. Nominations must be submitted in writing no later than Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Active members should send their recommendations to:
Yankee Clipper Council Nominating Committee
36 Amesbury Road
Haverhill, MA 01830.
Nominations are not accepted from the floor.
RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE NOTICE
From: Tim Felter, Council President
To: Chartered Organization Representatives and Council Members at Large of Yankee Clipper Council
Mike Jewell, in his role as Vice-President of Governance will serve as Chairman of the Council Resolutions Committee. He is joined on the Committee by Larry Healey and Mike Tager.
The following is the procedure for submitting resolutions for consideration at the Thursday, June 14, 2012 Council Annual Meeting at the Wyndham Boston Andover Hotel in Andover.
The Resolutions Committee will review all proposed resolutions and determine if they are appropriate for consideration at the meeting or if they should be referred to a committee for further action.
Any member (Chartered Organization Representative or Council Member at Large) of the Yankee Clipper Council wishing to submit a proposed resolution must deliver a copy of the proposed resolution, together with a brief description of its purpose, to the:
Yankee Clipper Council Resolutions Committee
36 Amesbury Road
Haverhill, MA 01830.
In order to be considered, resolutions must be received no later than June 9, 2012.
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