The Bill of Rights Institute is happy to announce its 2014 Boy Scout Contest! It's an essay contest about the extent to which the Declaration of Independence asserts a moral or philosophical vision for America.

The grand prize winner will receive $1,000, and two honorable mentions will receive $500 each! Additionally, the troop with the grand prize winner earns $500 and troops with honorable mentions earn $250 each. In special recognition of the achievements of Eagle Scouts and Life Scouts, we created a $500 prize drawing just for them! So long as they lead by example and write an essay of their own, they will earn one entry into the drawing for each nomination they receive.

The Contest is open to all current and former Boy Scouts between the ages of 14-19. More details can be found on the Bill of Rights Institute.

Recruiting for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Kirara-hama Japan, is proceeding at a fever pitch. Seven Scouts from the Garden State Council are signed up to attend, and with only 6 slots in our NY/NJ/PA Troop still available, the time to sign up is running out. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to tour Japan, meet Scouts from over 100 countries, and participate in the pinnacle event in World Scouting.

To sign up and for more information: http://www.scouting.org/worldjamboree.aspx

Contact Tom Soszynski, 609-284-0718, for additional, local unit information

On Saturday, November 1, the Garden State Council will host a commissioner's college at South Jersey Technology Park in Mullica Hill. The college will run from 9AM to 3PM, and cost $10 (which includes coffee, donuts and lunch).

The subjects covered at the college will include unit service plans, commissioner tools, My.Scouting.Org, training and other topics.

Please register by October 28, 2014. If you have questions, contact commissioner@gardenstatescouting.org.

For every new paid Youth or Adult application YOUR UNIT turns in each week (Friday by 4:00pm) during the month of October, your unit will have an opportunity to win a pizza party for your group. (5) Pizza Parties will be awarded each week of October. That's one party in each Scout District!

 Another five winners were selected on Friday! There's still two weeks to go!

See the winners, and find out how to win here! 

During the period of October 1, 2014-December 31, 2014 all Garden State Council, Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venture Crews, Varsity Teams, Sea Scout Ships and most Exploring Posts are required to  renew their charters with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) using the National Council BSA On-Line Charter renewal System.  

 Read more about the recharter process here, and how the council commissioner staff can help. 

This is a friendly reminder that local United Way Campaigns are being conducted throughout our council's service area. While we are not a United Way Direct Supported organization, Donor Designated gifts can be made to the Garden State Council, Boy Scouts of America.

As your company's and those of your spouse and friends conduct United Way Appeals at the office, please remind them that they can Donor Designate a gift to Scouting by listing the Garden State Council, BSA on their United Way card as Donor Designation. 

The Garden State Council's United Way code is 966.

Scouting for Food 

The annual service project, Scouting For Food 2014 is ready to kickoff at a Roundtable meeting near you!  Bags for the annual distribution have arrived at our Scout Service Centers and will be available at each of our five District Roundtable meetings in October.  They will also be available from each Scout Resource Center.

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Join us for a morning of community service on November 29, 2014, from 9AM to Noon, as we beautify Northgate Park and Playground, 600 Elm Street, Camden, NJ. The Scouts have been working at the Park and Playground for several years, and because of your efforts, the boys and girls of the area have a nice place to play and have fun! All are welcome to attend. Scouts will not only earn service hours, but more importantly will also exemplify the true meaning of Scout Spirit.

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Looking for a fun night out? Want to be transported to a far off time and place? Want to solve a murder while enjoying dinner with family and friends all while supporting a great cause? Old Colony District's Murder Mystery Dinner on Friday November 14th, 7pm at Gambi Caterers in Oak Valley (Deptford Twp.). 

This event is 21+ only please. Sign up today! 

The Mahalala District will be holding our 4th Annual Comedy Night & Basket Auction at the Crescent Shriners Hall, Westampton, NJ on Friday, December 5th from 6 pm to 10 pm.   Come joins us for a night of laughter, fun, and fellowship.  Your tickets entitle you to a hot buffet, refreshments, and a comedy show featuring four comedians.  This year's comedians are National Headliner Keith Purnell, Larry DeFelice, Mike Casey, and Vince Valentine.  

For more information or to register for the event click here.

Are you ready for advanced leadership training designed for you? Well, then mark your calendars, and go here to read more!

Attend the "Trail To Eagle" presentation and get answers to your questions from GSC advancement team members.  These experienced scouters will show you what to expect as you blaze your own trail to Eagle.  Life scouts and their parents are invited to attend this presentation about the Eagle Scout process. The presentation will take place at Rowan Scout Center Tuesday, November 4 from 7 PM to 8:30 PM.