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| Yankee Clipper Council |
July/August 2012 |
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The approximate total number of miles walked by Yankee Clipper Council's Scouts and Leaders on the Hike To Northwood, June 21-23, 2012. Each Yankee Clipper Council District selected hikers for this event. Each started at a different location in three States and all were welcomed home to Wah-Tut-Ca.
Despite record heat nearing 100 degrees and tired feet on hot pavement- the spirit of the hikers never flagged. Stories and legends of these camp heroes will be told for decades. They proudly kept the spirit alive.
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EXTREME WEEK AT Wah-Tut-Ca.
August 12th-17th
Do you want to take part in a real scientific research field study of the ecology of Wah-Tut-Ca? Did you fall in love with our shooting sports program? Just couldn't get enough Handicrafts? Can't wait to go climbing again? EXTREME! week takes many of the program areas and brings them to the next level with a weeklong intensive program.
Click here to sign up.
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 EAGLE Week at Wah-Tut-Ca August 12-17, 2012 If you're ready to take the next step towards Boy Scouting's highest award, Eagle week may be for you. During this weeklong program we'll offer all of our regular merit badges plus all of the Eagle required merit badges. We'll also have special presentations on how to plan an Eagle project, fundraising, and how to fill out the application. Click here to sign up. |
The Commissioner: Spring 2012 Issue is Out
The Spring 2012 issue of The Commissioner Newsletter has been published and is available online.
In this issue, you can read about the importance of new unit organization and retention, as well as the following stories:
- Simple, unified unit service efforts;
- Recruitment and retention
- Training for commissioner service; and
- Entering information into UVTS, and more.
To read the entire issue, click the link above.
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Youth Recruiting and Fall Round-Up
Have Fun, Make Friends, See New Things.
For over 80 years, Cub Scouts have been having the time of their lives making new friends and learning new things in an environment designed to help them succeed. From building his own pinewood derby® car to learning how to roast the perfect marshmallow with his best friends at a family campout, your child will LOVE being a Cub Scout. So if he's in the first through fifth grades, or 7 to 10 years old, then it's time for him to have some fun ... with the Cub Scouts.
Check out the latest and greatest recruitment materials available to assist you and your unit to conduct a great fall round-up. Visit us at:
www.scouting.org.
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Webelos To Scout Transition
Boys joining Troops from Webelos dens continue to be the best resource for growing the Troop and expanding patrols. Many thriving Troops have a close working relationship with a Cub Scout Pack that provides them with a new group of enthusiastic boys every year.
Click Webelos for additional information on how to expand your Troop through Webelos To Scout Transition.
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Kayaking Merit Badge to Roll Out in Time for Summer Camps
Although the official industry launch of the new Kayaking merit badge won't take place until the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market event Aug. 2-5 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The "earn date" for the badge has been moved up to June 13 to accommodate Scouts who are heading to summer camp.
Official badge requirements and pamphlets will be available in Scout shops and online in mid-June. (Please note: Kayaking merit badge pamphlets are arriving at the National Distribution Center the second week of June and should start hitting the shelves at Scout shops and summer camps shortly thereafter).
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Museum of Science Camp-in
Looking for an event that will spark the interest of your cub scouts? A trip to the Boston Museum of Science might just be the trick! Your boys will get the opportunity to explore the hallways and exhibits of the museum, do fun and educational experiments and finish the night by setting up their sleeping bags right in one of the museums exhibits! If you want your cub scouts to have an unforgettable sleep over then the Boston Museum of Science's Camp-in is just the event for you.
The dates of the camp-ins are listed before. If you are interested in signing up please first talk to your Cubmaster and have your pack sign up as a group. The cost of this event is $62.50 and for each registered cub scout a parent is required to attend with him. For more information and how to sign up for one of these nights please go to the council's doubleknot account on the council website. For any other questions please contact Sam Plouffe at splouffe@bsamail.org.
Saturday, Nov 17, 2012
Friday, Jan 18, 2013
Friday, Feb 8, 2013
Friday, Feb 15, 2013
Saturday, Feb 23, 2013
Friday, Apr 26, 2013
Saturday, Apr 27, 2013
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Tri District Camporee at Woodsons Farm Amesbury
Come one come all to the Tri-District Camporee at Historic Woodsom Farm in Amesbury, MA.
On October 5, 6, 7, and 8th, Columbus Day weekend join the festivities at Woodsom Farm where there will be three camporees in one. Each district will have their own program theme and Scout patrols will be able to experience all three. During the course of the weekend the scouts will round robin through all three events. The Northern Light District has a Duct Tape theme which should prove to be a sticky situations and a lot of fun. Great Eastern has a Carnival theme where you will be able to sample different carnival foods. The West Wind District will have a Pioneering theme where scouts will have a chance to do knot tying and lashing. The event will cost $10.00 per person, plus a unit fee of $10.00. Registration forms and program itineraries will be available soon. So mark your calendars and get your troop ready for the great Tri-District Camporee Columbus Day weekend at Woodsom Farm.
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Yankee Clipper Council Charter Partner Award
This 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 have to offer, thereby providing the best possible program to youth in the community.
Three outstanding Chartered Partners were recognized at the Council Annual Recognition Dinner. Congratulations to all these terrific organizations.
GREAT EASTERN DISTRICT
AMERICAN LEGION POST 227
MIDDLETON, MA
NORTHERN LIGHT DISTRICT
HAMPSTEAD CIVIC CLUB
HAMPSTEAD, NH
WEST WIND DISTRICT
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHELMSFORD, MA
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The Yankee Clipper Council, BSA and Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation are grateful for the generous support of sponsors of OLD HOME DAY
GOLD SPONSORS
Eastern Bank
Lowell Five
Silver Sponsors
Members Trust
Salem Five
Bronze Sponsors
AAA
Cafe Services
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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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 FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT
What We Are About - The Main Thing
Greetings! My name is Michael Jewell and I have the honor of being elected as the new President for our Yankee Clipper Council. In addition to my election, forty individuals were recently elected to our Executive Board at the Council's Annual Business Meeting on June 14th. It is our role and duty to help our Council and our Scouting units succeed in achieving the "The Main Thing." What is the Main Thing? It is serving more youth with a positive, quality Scouting program.
This may be a simple thing to say and yet begs a question. What does a quality Scouting program look like through the eyes of a youth member or through the eyes of a youth who is not in the program yet? Also, what does a Scouting program look like to a youth's parents? Is it going camping, fishing, hiking, rappelling, or swimming? How about a pinewood derby, space derby or rain gutter regatta? I would venture a guess it is a little of all of these things and much more. Scouting is and needs to continue to be a program where youth meet and work/play together actually doing things whether in a den, pack or troop meeting, a camp, a weekend event, etc.
What are the biggest challenges we face in achieving the Main Thing? There are a variety of answers to this question for each person and group of volunteers. For our Council, I can sum it up in three words, time, talents and money. We need more time from parents and volunteers, bringing their unique talents to the program and we need funds to help us build a great Scouting experience. How can you help? By living The Main Thing everyday.
The Main Thing for our Council is to serve more youth with a positive, quality Scouting program; and that challenge begins with each of you. Please keep this in mind as we enter the summer camping season, as we move our character-building program to the outdoor classroom. Let's all do our part in delivering a quality Scouting program to our youth, to bringing more youth into the program and to helping secure more funds which are necessary for a successful program.
Thank You!
Michael Jewell
President, Yankee Clipper Council, BSA
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Yankee Clipper Council's
2012 Silver Beaver Honorees
L to R. George Dionne Jr., Timothy L. Felter, Ronald J. Gauthier, Lance C. Nicholaysen
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.
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Yankee Clipper Council Elects Council Officers
For 2012-2013
During the June 14th Council Annual Recognition Dinner, the Council Annual Business Meeting was held and the governing board of the Yankee Clipper Council and its officers were elected for the 2012-2013
President Mike Jewell
Vice President of Governance Paul Naehle
Vice President of District Operations Tom Swift
Vice President of Marketing/Communications Brian Lobao
Vice President of Membership Jeff Reynolds
Vice President of Program Lance Nicolaysen
Vice President of Strategic Planning Brian Sullivan
Council Commissioner Dennis Gleason
Treasurer Mike Tager
Assistant Treasurer Larry Healey
Immediate Past President Tim Felter
Congratulations and good luck to these Council Officers as they help our council strive to deliver a quality program for our Scouts.
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SEPTEMBER IS CUB SCOUTING'S FALL RECRUITMENT DRIVE!
Pack Invitation Methods to Join Cub Scouting
We challenge you to use these ideas. To use your imagination and to help us spread the excitement of the Cub Scout program. Our national research shows that a prospective family needs to hear or see information about joining Scouting at least 4 times before considering the program. Our research also shows that a parent's decision to attend a School Night for Scouting increases if they have been invited at least seven times.
Most Recommended Invitations for Scouts and Families:
- Boy Talk - This informative presentation should be 3-5 minutes in each classroom or by assembly. This is, by far, the most effective invitation method we can use.
- School Night for Scouting Flyer - These are available from the council service center. They should be given to each boy during the boy talk.
- School Night for Scouting Poster - These should be placed in strategic areas around the school at least 1 week before the School Night for Scouting date.
- School Night for Scouting Yard Sign - These should be placed near all parking lots or designated student delivery or pick-up areas. The signs should be set up a couple of days before the School Night for Scouting date.
- Cub Scout Business Cards - Print each Cub Scout a set of business cards that he can give to his friends inviting them to join the Pack at one of the join Scouting rallies. See sample in this kit.
- Follow-up Join Scouting rallies at the September Pack Meeting - Since families and boys may not attend the first School Night for Scouting due to conflicts, make sure an invitation to attend the next pack meeting is given to each boy
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 Building Our Camps for
21st Century Scouting!
Yankee Clipper Council Properties Update
Preparations are in high gear for the 2012 Summer Camping Season at both of our Camps. Through the combined efforts of many, the work load is shared and we will be ready to provide the very best camping program to our "customers" when we open our gates.
Our Properties and Maintenance leaders, Dan Ross and Dan Farrell have dedicated an enormous amount of time, effort and energy in preparing for the 2012 Summer.
At Lone Tree Scout Reservation:
 The installation of the new composter toilet (Clivus unit) at the rifle range is will be ready for use when our campers arrive.
Repair work is underway at Pentucket Lodge. This building was damaged by fire during the off season and we are preparing it for use by camp staff this summer. A new ceiling is being installed to Kiwanis Lodge and
repairs and upgrades to the existing Clivus units are underway.
A new post and rail fence has been added to the upper parking area, with the help of our OA Lodge. Additional fencing has been secured and plans to complete some additional 500 feet are in the works.
Many smaller projects are underway or scheduled including painting at the waterfront tower and pavilion, some additional staining to complete work in progress and work at the caretaker's house. A special thank you to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts-Blue Crew for their continued support to Lone Tree Scout Reservation.
At Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation
 Repairs have been completed on the well pump and chimney work has been completed at the Health Lodge and Caretaker's residence.
Thanks to our OA Lodge, Nanepashemet 158, a new "crow's nest" tower has been erected at our waterfront. Work has been completed to enhance the entry sign to our camp by Troop 159, Westford MA, a welcoming reminder of the adventures beyond!
A new composter toilet (Clivus unit) has been built to support the re-opening of the Pawtucket campsite this summer.
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Why Sell Popcorn?
The goal of the popcorn sale is to raise the needed funds to support our Scouting program and to help the units who participate in the sale fund their entire program year of Scouting. It is also to assist a Scout to "earn his own way" so that he has the opportunity to pay for summer camp without asking his family for the funds. This can be an extremely important financial resource for families. Scouts can also earn scholarship funding from Trail's End, which is also an extremely important future financial benefit.
One Fundraiser for the Entire Year. With Trail's End popcorn, you can plan on having just one fundraiser to meet all of your Scouting needs. Or you can plan your sale to fund a particular project or trip.
High Commission. Units are guaranteed 33% (but all have the opportunity to earn up to 35%) of the proceeds of your sales go directly to your unit. A total of 70% goes back to our local Scouting program.
No out of Pocket Expenses for Unit. Popcorn is distributed to your unit and you collect the money from the orders before you pay the Council for the popcorn. No waiting for the profits - you keep them when you collect for the orders.
You have a Support Team. The Yankee Clipper Council is committed to making this campaign successful for everyone involved with your unit. The volunteer and professional support system is readily available to assist you with the tools you need to reach your goals.
High Quality Product. Trail's End Popcorn is part of the Weaver Popcorn Company (established in 1928), which is one of the world's largest popcorn producers. They are committed to customer satisfaction and the success of your individual unit campaign. Check them out at www.trails-end.com.
Did you know...
- 85% of all people asked to buy popcorn will buy at least 1 item.
- 2 out of 3 consumers when asked buy from a scout in uniform.
- 92% of consumers will buy it again. The average sale is $17.
Save the Date: A Popcorn Kick Off will be coming to your area soon. You will hear all about this Fall's line up of products (Tins are back!), receive your unit's sales kit and find out all you need to know for a successful popcorn sale in your unit!
August 9th - Northern Light District
August 16th - West Wind District
August 21st - Great Eastern District
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Be a Merit Badge Counselor
 A Merit Badge Counselor (MBC) is a key player in the Boy Scout advancement program. Whatever your area of expertise or interest-whether it is a special craft or hobby (basketry, leatherwork, coin collecting), a profession (veterinary medicine, aviation, engineering), or perhaps a life skill (cooking, personal management, communications) as a merit badge counselor, you can play a vital role in stirring a young man's curiosity about that particular topic. By serving as a merit badge counselor, you offer your time, knowledge, and other resources so that Scouts can explore a topic of interest. The merit badge plan is based on the concept that a boy works with an adult knowledgeable in one or more fields, an experience invaluable to a Boy Scout. The MBC introduces the Boy Scout to subjects that may lead to a career choice or to a lifetime hobby.
Every year, Yankee Clipper Council's Scouts earn near 7,000 merit badges. Still, Scouts sometimes have to wait for available counselors due to a lack of registered Merit Badge Counselors. If you have a desire to help young men learn and grow, then invest your time and talents and become a registered MBC.
All Merit Badge Counselors must be registered as a merit badge counselor with the Boy Scouts of America. They must be men and women of good character, age 18 or older, and recognized as having the skills and education in the subjects for which they are to serve as merit badge counselors, as well as having the ability to work with Scout-age boys. All Merit Badge Counselors must be trained in the aims of Boy Scouting and in advancement procedures.
For more information on how to become a Merit Badge Counselor contact the Council Office or email info@yccbsa.org.
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THE CRAIG RYDER
The New Flagship Of The Yankee Clipper Council
Thanks to the generosity of The Key Foundation Inc., Northwood Lake is now the port of the largest ship in Yankee Clipper Council's fleet. The whaleboat provides an adventure for Scout Troops that is like no other. Only at Wah-Tut-Ca can Scouts and leaders explore the vastness of Northwood Lake with sail and oar.
This boat is based on the designs of the three Wah-Tut-Ca whaleboats that cruised the Wah-Tut-Ca shore from 1937-1961. On Old Home Day the boat was presented to the Yankee Clipper Council as a "birthday present" for Wah-Tut-Ca's 75th Anniversary. The boat is named "The Craig Ryder" in honor of the legendary former Reservation Director.
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New Venturing Recruitment Kits Introduced
 Who are the best recruiters for BSA programs? Easy-the Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, and Venturers who are already members! That's why the National Venturing Youth Cabinet and the National Council's Marketing and Membership groups have teamed up to create a host of new recruitment tools designed to expose teens to the fun and excitement of Venturing.
Best of all, these new print resources-contained in the online Venturing Recruiting Toolbox, or available in hard copy via bin item-are fully customizable and intended to be distributed by those who know the Venturing program the best: Venturers.
The new publications include the "Venturing Recruitment Guide" featuring a host of information and resources, as well as a Venturing "Fast Facts" sheet and fliers that can be customized with your crew's meeting place, time, and contact information.
For more information, have your crews head online to scouting.org/venturing, and click on the "Venturing Recruiting Toolbox" link.
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By all accounts Old Home Day was a wonderful and historical day on Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation. It was the largest gathering of Yankee Clipper Council Scouts, Leaders and families on the reservation. Not even a late afternoon thundershower damped the spirits of those who gathered to celebrate Yankee Clipper Council's Culture of Camping.
People came from all over the country to celebrate this Wah-Tut-Ca milestone. Some came for the first time and others had the opportunity to re-connect with their Scouting past. One Scoutmaster described the experience by saying, "you can send your Scouts to Scout camp, but a Wah-Tut-Ca you let them be part of a camp".
The event is best summed up with the words of Lodge Chief Kevin Doherty:
"75 long years ago, an idea was brought to the top of Blake's Hill. Since then, this idea has grown into a spirit that continues to thrive today. Tonight, we have gathered here together as one whole to celebrate the journey we have taken. Through the decades, Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation has developed a rich and invigorating culture that has proven the test of time. For many of us, this place resembles a night under the star lit sky. For many, this place brings the sweet crisp splash of water on the docks from Northwood Lake. For many, this place embodies the spirit of adventure. For many, this place is home.
Enjoying this land either as a camper, a CIT, a staff member, a parent, or a Scout, provides an incredible experience. This trail has been a long and memorable journey that still continues today. Our hike to Northwood has symbolically brought us together to celebrate 75 years, and also to ponder the ones that await us. This camp has a bright future ahead of it, but its fire will need to grow. Many before have tended it to reach 75 years. Now it is time for a new generation to build upon this fire and keep the spirit alive. So congratulations Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation for 75 wonderful years, and here's camps journey that is just beginning."
View Photos and See Comments Here
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New Program Aims to Keep Youth Safe Online
 Today's youth are spending more time than ever using digital media for education, research, socializing, and fun. To help families and volunteers keep youth safe while online, the Boy Scouts of America introduces the Cyber Chip.
 In developing this exciting new tool-which can be earned by youth after completing all of the age-appropriate requirements-the BSA teamed up with content expert NetSmartz®, part of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and training expert for many law enforcement agencies.
NetSmartz has created a Scouting portal showcasing Cyber Chip resources, including grade-specific videos, for each level. Topics on the site include cyber bullying, cell phone use, texting, blogging, gaming, and identity theft.
All Cyber Chips will expire annually. Each Scout will need to "recharge" the chip by going back to the Netsmartz Recharge area. This space will hold new information, news, and a place for the Scout to recommit to net safety and netiquette. Then, with the unit leader, the Scout can add the new date to the Cyber Chip card or certificate.
For more information, read about the Cyber Chip in Scouting magazine's Bryan on Scouting blog.
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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.
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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