Are you SCOUTStrong? Take the Challenge!

The Boy Scouts of America and the President's Challenge program have teamed up to help Scouts of all ages and abilities increase their level of physical activity by completing SCOUTStrong Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). PALA is designed to motivate participants to be physically active on a regular basis by doing activities they enjoy like walking, hiking, playing outside with kids, mowing the lawn, yoga, and more. To achieve SCOUTStrong PALA, your goal is to be active at least five days a week for six out of eight weeks. Are you ready to take on the challenge?  

Northern Tier Unveils New Website

The official website of Northern Tier, Scouting's gateway to adventure in the "Great North," has been completely revamped. Visitors to the site can explore the offerings available at Northern Tier's three bases, including millions of acres of pristine lakes, meandering rivers, dense forests, and wetlands in northern Minnesota and Canada.   

Letter to the Editor

(9/9/11) -- I just read the latest e-bulletin and the first paragraph addressed the recent storms that have come through our area here in CT. In it, you welcome stories of how scouts have helped in our neighborhoods. Well, I don't have a heroic scout story per say, but it does speak of the credibility of a Scout.

I am originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and my entire family still lives there; 3 sisters, 2 brothers, mom, dad, nieces & nephews. 3 of my nephews are Eagle Scouts; my 19 year old son is an Eagle Scout and my 16 year old son is soon to be an Eagle Scout (his project is planned for the first weekend in October at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport), and 2 of my sisters were scout masters.  So, you can say that scouting runs deep in our family.  Having said that, N.E. Pennsylvania is currently experiencing flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee and my family had to evacuate their homes yesterday for a minimum of 3 days, my oldest nephew and his wife among them.  My nephew is an EMT and a security guard.  So, on facebook yesterday, my nephew's wife is chatting with her mom who asked if they are OK.  Below is the message thread:

"So, my mom asked if Michael and I are prepared for a flood.  Pshh...we are prepared for floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, blizzards, swarms of locusts, and the zombie apocalypse.  We're good mom....we're good."  A friend then replies:

"Note to self.....wed a boy scout."  To which my niece replies:

"Yes, they are very handy."

I thought this said it all. Scouting prepared him for life. He went into the medical field and continues to help others. He and his wife are at a local community college turned shelter for the flood victims and he is a security guard at the school. Whether he's on duty or off, I can guarantee you that he is helping out at the shelter any way he can.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I just felt compelled to share the story.

Sincerely,

Nanette Nunemacher

Scout Mom - Troop 38 Bridgeport