Scouting e-Bulletin - Set Your Sights On A Great Popcorn Sale This Fall

Eagle Scouts are 92 percent more likely than non Scouts to be active in a group that works to protect the environment. (Source: Baylor University) Learn more.

Joke of the Week

Nathan: What did the baseball glove say to the ball?

Kyle: What?

Nathan: Catch you later.

Read more at www.BoysLife.org.

Set Your Sights on a Great Popcorn Sale This Fall!

It might be hot enough to pop popcorn outside, but it's also time to begin thinking about the fall and putting plans in place to fund an ideal year of Scouting in your unit. Ask any of the nearly 200 packs, troops, crews and posts who have sold popcorn in the past, and they'll share that it's a great, effective fundraiser to meet your unit's needs. In Scouting, we stress to our boys a "pay your own way" mentality, and so inviting Scouts to polish their entrepreneurship and communication skills, get in some physical fitness going door to door, and showing off their Scouting pride all at works to help support local and Council-wide programs.

Trails End Logo The best place to start is our Council's Popcorn Kickoff on August 14. Whether you're already committed or on the fence and want to learn more, we'll give your unit a three percent additional commission just for attending the training. We'll have refreshments and fellowship from 6:30 to 7 p.m. and then the formal program going over the entire campaign starting at 7 p.m. We promise it will be a fun night for all. If your unit sells some other product and is even considering adding or switching to popcorn, don't miss the kickoff and the opportunity to get an additional three percent.

Last year, Scouts in the Connecticut Yankee Council earned over $280,000 for their unit accounts. That also means over $270,000 went toward Council operations, helping to keep camp costs down and affordable for all. For complete information, visit http://www.ctyankee.org/popcorn or contact Jon Pleva at (203) 876-6868, Ext. 286.

Register Now Before Its Too Late

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.

Train Your Top Youth Leaders at YLT

Scouting is a youth-led program. But how can we expect our youth to lead strong, active programs without proper training? YLT (Youth Leadership Training) is the solution. Any registered Scout currently serving as the troop Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader or who has the potential to be SPL should attend. The course is also open to any Venturer currently serving as Crew President or has the potential to be crew president. The course is August 12-18 at Camp Pomperaug. Visit http://www.ctyankee.org/program/training/cycylt for more information.

Wood Badge Early Bird Extended to 8/1

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 August 1, 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 - Buddy System, Safe Area & Equipment

Buddy System - The long history of the buddy system in Scouting has shown that is is always best to have at least one other person with you and aware at all times as to your circumstances and what you are doing in any outdoor or strenuous activity.

Safe Area or Course - A key part of the supervisor's responsibility is to know the area or course for the activity and to determine that it is well-suited and free of hazards.

Equipment Selection and Maintenance - Most activity requires some specialized equipment. The equipment should be selected to suit the participant and the activity and to include appropriate safety and program features. The supervisor should also check equipment to determine that it is in good condition for the activity and is properly maintained.

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

NESA Committee Update

The Connecticut Yankee Council NESA Committee is seeking to organize a series of social gatherings to bring Eagle Scouts young and veteran together for an evening of fun and fellowship. Our next scheduled event is a baseball game at the Bridgeport Bluefish on Saturday, August 17. We have a suite reserved and it will cost $10 per member for food. Please check the NESA website or your inbox for an invitation with complete information.

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.

BSA Unveils Discover Card Partnership

The Boy Scouts of America is excited to share a new partnership with Discover Card. The BSA Discover credit card is designed to be used by adults as a responsible financial tool that will benefit the BSA and cardholders alike. The cards will include many of the same features as a typical credit card, but with ties to Scouting.

To learn more about the BSA Discover credit card program, please visit www.BoyScoutCreditCard.com. While there, be sure to sign up for ongoing notifications as the cards draw closer to launch.

Call (203) 876-0013 for more information or visit www.scoutstuff.org for more information.

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.