Scouting e-Bulletin - Building Character Around a Campfire

Just in case you haven't been outside lately, summer have arrived. While many of us are struggling to find a spot in front of the air conditioner, our Scouts are heading to, or coming home from a week of summer camp at Camp Sequassen. For over 85 years, tens of thousands of hiking boots have walked the trails of one of the finest camps in the northeast.

As Baden-Powell said, Scouting is a game with a purpose. A week of summer camp is meant to be a fun adventure where the adventurous soul inside every Scout can come out strong as they challenge themselves by learning new skills, trying new things or making new friends. Boys learn about community by camping together, policing their campsites, and serving meals. They practice citizenship with morning and evening flag ceremonies and campfires, and certainly gain fitness by hiking the trails from one activity to the next. Within every program and activity at camp, and at Camp Sequassen, there's more than a Scout could possibly do in a week, is an element of fun.

Every now and then boys need to escape from the fast pace of daily life and be given the opportunity to once again be boys in the outdoors. There's no better place than Camp Sequassen, where good Scouts belong.

Be Prepared for Hot Weather

Scouts, parents and leaders are advised to prepare for the current combination of high temperatures and humidity in the coming weeks. Extra emphasis should be placed on staying hydrated. No one should attend camp without a water bottle and they should carry it with them at all times. Dress in light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Wearing hats and liberal use of sunscreen is encouraged.

Day Camp 2012

It's not too late to sign up your son for Cub Scout Day Camp this year. Seven weeks, three locations to choose from ... incredible memories and fun to bring home. There's still time to sign up.

www.ctyankee.org/daycamp

A New Merit Badge Workshop For 2012

The Connecticut Yankee Council is teaming up with the Connecticut Building Trades Unions to offer a merit badge workshop on October 12-13 for Scouts 13 and older. Scouts can learn directly from skilled tradesmen who will offer American Labor, Architecture, Electricity, Engineering, Metalwork, Painting, Plumbing, Surveying, Welding and Woodwork Merit Badges. It's like Camp Sikorsky with power tools. Online registration goes live on July 1. Check the website for complete details.

Is This Your Year To Take Wood Badge?

Scouting's premier adult leadership training is coming up this fall and there's still time to sign up and take advantage of the discounted rate of $240. Wood Badge, founded by Baden Powell in 1919 and full of modern day management principles and leadership essentials, focuses on preparing adults to deliver the promise of Scouting, in a fun atmosphere. The course is August 24-26 and September 28-30 at Deer Lake. The staff has been preparing for nearly a year ... are you ready to join them in August?

The Early Bird Registration Deadline has been extended to June 15, so take advantage of this discount and make your registration today. Visit http://www.ctyankee.org/woodbadge or contact Course Director John Neary today.

Sweet 16 - Physical Fitness

For youth participants in any potentially strenuous activity, the supervisor should receive a complete health history from a health-care professional, parent or guardian. Adult participants and youth involved in higher-risk activities (SCUBA, etc) may require professional evaluation in addition to the health history. The supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate potential risks associated with individual health conditions. Neither youth nor adults should participate in activities for which they are unfit. To do so would place both the individual and others at risk.

For questions on Scouting Safety, please contact John Braddock from the Council's Risk Management committee at john.braddock@cox.net.

Be The First Boots On The Ground at Jambo

We have an opportunity for a group of Boy Scouts and Venturers to experience the in 2012 what the 2013 Jamboree will be like. Our Council has been invited to send a Troop and a Crew to the new Jamboree site for an extended weekend to test out the facilities. We will leave Thursday, July 12 and return Wednesday July 18. The cost is $350 which includes all the fees, transportation and meals. You do not have to be signed up for the Jamboree to attend. Do not delay in signing up as there are only about 16 spaces left. The requirement to be pre-registered for the Jamboree has been lifted. Follow this link for a detailed registration or contact Jamboree Coordinator Jack Berry today.

NESA Committee Update

The Council's NESA Committee is alive and well with two solid events under our belt. We are currently planning another social evening at the Bridgeport Bluefish for a Saturday ball game in August, so stay tuned. If you are an Eagle Scout or know of one who would like to reconnect with other men with a similar badge, please contact NESA Secretary Bob Sherman.

Camp Sequassen Staff Reunion

Calling all staff members, past and present, for our second reunion. You and your family are invited to join us for a day of fun and fellowship at your favorite camp enjoying the trails, swimming in West Hill Pond, shooting archery, climbing the tower and closing the day with a campfire. You and your family will be able to meet staff members from across the decades, see pictures and memorabilia and admire all the new updates to the camp. The registration fee includes dinner, event patch and donation to the camp. Click here to register.

Scout Day at Lake Compounce

The annual Scout Day at Lake Compounce Amusement Park is Friday, July 20. The package includes a ticket to the park, parking pass and special picnic dinner. The cost is $38.50 per person. Tickets are available for pickup at the Council Resource Center starting July 5, 2012, and the order deadline is June 30, 2012. Click here to download a detailed registration form.

Eagle Scout Mike Rowe's Remarks

Mike Rowe Speaks at Boy Scouts of America National Annual Meeting

Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs, had a great message for the Boy Scouts. He was recently honored with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award at the National Annual Meeting of the Boy Scouts of America.

Wait until you hear his story about his brother Scott around 15:30. "How was your day?" "... it was pretty interesting. I saved a guy's life. Pass the salt."

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

Connecticut Yankee Council

60 Wellington Road

Milford, CT 06461

P (203) 876-6868

F (203) 876-6884

The Connecticut Yankee Council will carry out the mission of the Boy Scouts of America in every community in our Council by providing leadership opportunities for all youth through quality programs, mentoring from trained adult volunteers and ongoing learning and personal development through outdoor experiences.

For more information, please visit www.ctyankee.org.