Parents, Scouters, and Supporters,
This time of year always gives us a good reason to pause and reflect on those things we are most thankful for in our lives. With the holidays approaching, I want to thank you for your support of Scouting and our youth. The time and treasure you provide our Scouts is most appreciated, and we are blessed to have such wonderful parents, volunteers, and supporters!
I'd also like to take this opportunity to update you on the continued consolidation of our two Scouting operations - the Narragansett and Annawon Councils. In September, both Boards approved the consolidation, and we have been busy these last several months starting to combine the two operations. The staff and volunteers for both Councils have been tremendous throughout this process, and I am encouraged daily by the support and enthusiasm of all those involved. Their dedication to making our combined new Council the best possible Scouting program in the nation, is inspiring to me.
Beginning on September 23rd, we combined both staff teams under one roof, and every single staff team member from the former Annawon Council is now in place and serving Scouting with their continued passion as always. In addition, nearly every former Annawon Board member has agreed to be a part of our newly expanded Narragansett Council Board, and 4 of their previous officers are now on the new Executive Committee and have been fully engaged right from their first meeting. Furthermore, we have started implementing many of the agreed upon actions from our consolidation agreement that include such things as:
- Combining the two previous Sachem and Angle Tree Districts into one Northeast Service Area.
- Continuing the fine Eagle Scout and Arrow of Light recognition programs.
- Providing the usual high-level activities and programs that everyone has come to expect in the NE Service Area, such as Webelos Woods, Fall Cranboree, Covered Wagon Derby, and youth and adult training events.
- Expanding the Cub Scout camping opportunities already for summer 2016, by adding two new weeks of summer camp at Camp Norse - taking it from 5 weeks to 7 weeks total.
- Combining our two extraordinary youth Order of the Arrow Lodges into a new Tulpe Lodge #102, keeping the best traditions and history from both lodges.
- Securing funding from the Magee Foundation for Camp Norse improvements in 2016.
- Incorporating all these items into the new Council Strategic Plan, so that the board, officers and staff have direction and focus on a successful designed future for Scouting in our consolidated new Narragansett Council.
For the moment we continue to operate on two different internal computer systems as we await the National BSA Office to combine them for us in February 2016. But you should continue to contact any of the staff you have always worked with, should you need reports or questions answered, and they will gladly assist you and your unit.
Don't forget - you now have access to 9 wonderful camp properties total, as well as programs and activities throughout our newly expanded footprint. Your Scouts and families can sign up for any of the programs, camps, and events throughout the entire Council at any time - not just your local geographic area. Go take a look at our website to get better acquainted with all of the opportunities available for your youth, and plan to try out a new camp or activity soon! The website can be found at: http://www.narragansettbsa.org
As always, we welcome your input and feedback at any time.
Thank you again for all of your support of Scouting, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Best regards,
John H. Mosby
Scout Executive/CEO
Narragansett Council, BSA
