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January 2, 2013
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Dear Scouter,
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Welcome to 2013 and Happy New Year to all! Hope everyone had a safe and pleasant holiday season.
Although winter is upon us in full force, that does not mean taking a break from outdoor programs for Scouting. It does mean, however, a need to respect the weather, dress properly, and stay safe. For all cold weather activities, defined in Scouting as any outdoor activity when the high temperature for the day is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, there should be at least one participating leader with recent Cold Weather Training. (See Training Corner below detailing this Saturday's opportunity to become Cold Weather trained.)
Cubs are not permitted to do Cold Weather Camping, but they can still enjoy day activities such as skiing, snow boarding, tubing, or outdoor ice skating to name a few of the fun winter activities available in our area. Also do not forget about the 101st Valley Forge Pilgrimage coming up on February 16th.
Boy Scouts and Venturers are allowed to go Cold Weather Camping, and, with proper preparation, these winter camping trips can be the highlight of many a boy's Scouting experiences. Klondikes, Gold Rushes, or Project Igloos are some of the Cold Weather Camping opportunities available, and of course we always have the annual Valley Forge Encampment taking place this year on February 15-17.
Stay warm & safe!
Yours in Scouting,
Dave Bryan
Editor
Visit www.colbsa.org often for the latest news on activities, training, and special events. Don't forget to take a look at the 2012-2013 Program Planning Calendar to help your unit plan fun and exciting activities.
Share your thoughts here.
We need YOUR help to bring the most relevant news about the Cradle of Liberty Council to your inbox. Any feedback on this newsletter would be greatly appreciated, as would suggestions for material to include in upcoming issues. Please send any feedback or suggestions here.
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2013 Pilgrimage & Encampment
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 February 15th - 17th, 2013 at Valley Forge National Historic Park
Join Scouts and Scouters from across the nation as they hike, drive, and fly to the 101st Pilgrimage and Encampment. The longest running Scouting event in the world, honoring our Revolutionary War soldiers, is hosted right in our backyard at the Valley Forge National Historic Park. All Venturing Crews and Boy Scout Troops are invited to camp the weekend of February 15th to the 17th at the Encampment. All Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers are invited to attend the Pilgrimage on the 16th. This year's Pilgrimage and Encampment will be honoring the Women Of The Revolutionary War.
The 2013 Pilgrimage & Encampment will be the "Centennial Pilgrimage," the 101st visit by the Boy Scouts to Valley Forge National Historic Park. Registration is now open for all Cubs, Webelos, Scouts, Venturers, Adult Leaders, Parents, Friends and Family.
For more information and to register, visit http://s.colbsa.org/pe.
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2013 Council Annual Recognition Dinner
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 Come celebrate last year's accomplishments and help us recognize the distinguished service and achievements of some very special area Scouts and Volunteers. Included will be the presentation of the Silver Beaver Award to a very deserving group of dedicated Scouters - Jeffrey Aster, Jack Coughlin, David Karr, Mark Kenney, Terry Moyer, Ron Pleis, & Alicia Tryon.
When: Thursday, February 21, 2013 6:30pm Gathering, 7:00pm Dinner Where: Conshohocken Marriott (Philadelphia Marriott West) 111 Crawford Avenue West Conshohocken, PA 19428 Click here for the event flyer and registration form. |
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2013 Summer Resident Scout Camps
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  Resident Camps in 2013
It's cold out! Is it summer yet? Check out this link for details on the dates Boy and Cub resident camp will be offered in 2013. Also included are prices and contact information for the summer camping team!
Please note that summer camp at Resica Falls Scout Reservation is filling up quickly. Weeks 1, 3, & 4 are already filled to capacity and are closed. Openings still remain for Weeks 2, 5, 6, & 7, but get your reservation in soon to secure your spot. Please contact our Camping Assistant Tracy Launders with any questions or to make a reservation.
Campership Applications
Don't forget, to receive a youth campership (camping scholarship) numerous signatures are required. The Campership Application can be downloaded here. Don't miss out. Remember, campership money is limited, so apply on time.
 2013 Camp Cards - How does 50% commission sound?
Swing for the Fences! Send a Scout to Camp! Don't miss out on the highly successful program taking the Scouting world by storm. Learn more here!
Camp Card Coaches and Captains Wanted - Help units earn 50% commission!
Are you leading YOUR unit with its Camp Card sale? Can you help OTHER units earn 50% commission on an easy to start (and manage) sale? Step up to the plate as a Camp Card Captain or Coach!
Cub Pack Camp Promotions - Schedule one now and earn a $50 Gift Certificate to the Camp Trading Post!
Want to know more about Summer Camp, but don't know where to look? Look no further. We want to come to you! Request a Pack Camp Promotion... now! What are you waiting for? Click the link!
Cub Camp Promotion Presenters - Earn $100 to send YOUR Scout to camp!
Have you been to camp and seen the magic of Scouting in action? Would you consider talking with Cub Leaders and Packs near you about their MANY camping options? Cub Scouts are begging to go to camp. Help us spread the magic of Cub Camping!
 Resident Camp Staff Application - Share with future staff members in your unit!
Have you always wanted to spend your summer at camp, teaching the youth of our great program? Do you know a Boy Scout or Venturer who would be a great camp counselor? Apply here... today!
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Updated Eagle Service Project Workbook
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 The National Advancement Team has issued two new versions of the Eagle Service Project Workbook on the BSA web site.
A new "expandable" version has new functionalities including expandable text boxes and the ability to insert images in JPEG, GIF, TIF, and PNG formats. The National Advancement Team is interested in receiving comments that may further improve the experience with this version, email comments to the National Advancement Team.
The older "fillable" version has been updated with some minor changes.
Links to both versions of the workbook and other information for the final steps on the Trail to Eagle are available at https://www.colbsa.org/eagle-scouts/life-to-eagle/life-to-eagle-packet.html
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Troop 358 to March in the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade
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Congratulations to Troop 358 of the Northern District in the Cradle of Liberty Council. They have been selected to represent the Boy Scouts of America in the 57th Presidential Inauguration Parade on January 21st, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Troop 358 also participated in the Presidential Inauguration Parade in 2009.
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PA Speech Contest to Mark 150th Anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
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 The In Lincoln's Footsteps contest is open to any high school student who will be in 10th-12th grade during the 2013-14 academic school year and is enrolled in a public, parochial, private, charter or home school within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students will be asked to submit a 270 word contemporary version of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address focusing on themes such as freedom, bravery, sacrifice, dedication and national purpose. The winner will be part of the official 2013 Dedication Day ceremonies in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and receive a $5,000 scholarship.
Rules and additional information about the contest is available at www.inlincolnsfootsteps.com.
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Venturing Update
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Please mark your calendars for another great Venturing year to come!
Saturday, February 23 - Venturing Leader Specific Training - Aldan Union Church, Aldan, Delaware County
And of course...please hold the weekend of April 26-28, 2013 for another exciting Venturing Weekend at Camp Hart!
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Campmaster Corps - Now Recruiting!
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NEW! $100 Camping Department Credit for crews (either camp). Click here for more information.
The campmaster corps is a group of selected, trained, and registered Scouters who serve weekends at Musser Scout Reservation and Resica Falls Scout Reservation whenever troops, teams, packs, or posts are using any part of the camp property.
Campmasters select their own time and frequency of service, but they usually serve two to four times a year. The group is organized under the leadership of the council camping committee. The entire project and its personnel are responsible to the Director of Support Services. The corps generally meets twice a year to evaluate its program, schedule ahead, and arrange for the training of any new members. For more information please contact:
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Rechartering News
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 Recharter Nights
Does the thought of rechartering your unit make your head spin? Have you been asked to help with the recharter process and are unsure what you got yourself into?
Our professional staff is here to help!
The Cradle of Liberty Council will be hosting six Recharter Nights to answer your questions and provide a more efficient way to complete and submit your unit's charter. Remaining dates are:
Monday, February 4th -- Firestone Office
Wednesday, February 6th -- Marks Building
Time slots will be available from 4:30pm to 8:00pm each night. To make an appointment or for any questions, contact Kerri-Ann Buchanan at kerri-ann.buchanan@scouting.org.
Unit Charter Fee Increase
The Unit Charter Fee and Post Participation Fee for all local Scouting units and Exploring posts will increase from $20 to $40 effective January 1, 2013.
This means that the new fee will begin with units that have a December 31, 2012 expiration date (a charter period beginning January 1, 2013).
In addition, the Unit Charter Fee and Post Participation Fee will now be called the Unit Liability Insurance Fee.
Trying to recharter and can't decide what to do with those 18-20 year old Scouts who are away at college and can't complete training?
Well we have an answer for you! Have them fill out an adult application and list position code 92 which happens to be College Scouters Reserve. This is a Council position not a unit position and it will keep them active so they can be with you during the summer, or breaks, or whenever they are at home. But it does defer their obligation to complete Position Specific and IOLS Training until they finish school.
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Training Corner - Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader!
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Cold Weather Camping Training (e.g. Valley Forge Encampment) - Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Firestone Office. Check-in starts @ 7:45 am; event runs from 8:40 until 2:00pm. This Course is designed for Boy Scout and Venture Units that are planning to camp overnight in Cold Weather. This training is good for 2 years. Click for more information or to register. Range Safety Officer Class - (needed by one Scouter to open Rifle Range) January 19, 2013 at the Firestone Office. This class is for adults 21 years of age or older and will cost $90.00. To register go to nrainstructors.org and look for the RSO Class in Wayne, PA. If you have questions or need help Contact Lambert Liebel Jr. at cliebel@aol.com or 610-899-0130. Trainer's EDGE -- February 23, 2013 at the Firestone Office. Click here for more information. Venturing Leader Specific Training - There are two upcoming opportunities for this training. Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Aldan Union Church, Aldan, Delaware County (Contact Jim Foster) and Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Firestone Office (Contact Janet Hunter). National Youth Leadership Training 2013 -- June 23-28, August 11-16, September 27-29 & October 4-6. Click here for more information. Wood Badge 2013 -- September 7-9 and October 12-14 It's never too early to start thinking about Wood Badge! Registration will be online soon, including the option of making monthly payments. As a special offer for the holidays, a limited number of Wood Badge Gift Certificates will be available at a discounted fee. Click here for a flyer with more information. Philmont Training Center 2013 The conferences at Philmont Training Center (PTC) are conducted each summer and fall by the various departments and committees of the National Council. The beauty of Philmont and the outstanding program offered to family members make a PTC conference a tremendous atmosphere for learning, sharing, fellowship, family togetherness, and Scouting spirit. Volunteers who attend return better trained and further motivated to serve their local Scouting programs. For a full list of 2013 conferences, visit www.philmonttrainingcenter.org. To register, visit www.myscouting.org and click on "Event Registration." Mandatory Training Update: - Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training - Now required for all Scoutmasters, and by the end of 2013 for all Assistant Scoutmasters.
- All Unit Committee Chairs are to be fully trained by the end of 2012.
- Venturing Committee Chairs are exempt from position-specific training because the training will not be available until 2013.
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Media Toolkit
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 A new resource has been created to help YOU share the great Scouting stories from your Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, Post, District, and any other activities!
The new Media Toolkit includes:
- Media Contact Information
- Tips for Promoting your Events
- Photo Guidelines
- How to Write a Press Release
- How to Write a Media Alert
- Crisis Communication Policy & Practices
- Media Contacts
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Health & Safety Tip of the Week
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2013 National Jamboree Patch Sale
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LIMITED EDITION 2013 CRADLE OF LIBERTY COUNCIL NATIONAL JAMBOREE PATCH NOW AVAILABLE!
Show your support for local scouting by purchasing one of these attractive, limited-edition council shoulder strips. The patches sell for $10 each and are now available at the Valley Forge Service Center front desk or from any Scout signed up to attend the jamboree. All proceeds go toward our local council National Jamboree campership fund.
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COL Eagle Scout Alumni Association
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 The COL Eagle Alumni Association meets the 4th Monday of each month at the Marks Scouting Resource Center. The group gathers informally at 6pm for food, and the meeting starts at 7pm. Topics and plans include support for the Eagle Recognition and Reunion Dinner in May, a new scholarship for Eagle Scouts, a service day at Camp, and networking events.
Please feel free to join us at these meetings or contact Chairman Mark Chilutti at chilutti2000@aol.com for more information.
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Scout Events at the Wells Fargo Center & Tower Theatre
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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus - Friday, February 15th at the Wells Fargo Center
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is back with a brand new show, so don't miss out on the fun with your troop! Scout tickets on this night are just $18 for units of 15 or more and include a patch.
Harlem Globetrotters - Friday, March 8th at 7pm, and Saturday, March 9th at 1pm at the Wells Fargo Center
Bring your Scouts out to see the world famous Harlem Globetrotters when they bring basketball back to Philadelphia next year. Scout tickets are just $18 for units of 10 or more and include a patch. Also, don't forget to ask about the chance for your group to be a part of the show such as participating in halftime high five tunnels, meet and greets, and more!
For more information or to purchase your tickets for either of these events, please call Stephanie Nassib at 215-952-5637 or email snassib@comcast-spectacor.com.
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Scout Activities at The Franklin Institute
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Just for Scouts!
Camp-In
Spend the night at The Franklin Institute and join us on a design quest! Camp-Ins offer unique opportunities for Scouts and parents to work toward the requirements for a variety of achievements. Click here for more information.
Scout Days
Special themed programming days just for Scouts! The day may include General Admission to the Museum, an explosive live science show, a film in one of our three theaters, skygazing in the Joel N. Bloom Observatory, and a variety of activities to work toward the requirements for badges, belt loops, and pins!
Saturday, March 2, 2012 -- "What's in the Weather?"
For more information, call 215-448-1200.
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BSA Discover Prepaid Card -- Now Available!
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 The Development & Corporate Alliances Office of the BSA is proud to announce that the Boy Scouts of America Discover� Prepaid Card is now available!
With the Scout Prepaid Card, parents will be teaching their Scout how to manage money wisely. This is NOT a credit card, but a prepaid, re-loadable card that can be replenished from any bank account. It's a great way for Scouts to manage their daily spending, and it's safer and more convenient than carrying cash.
With the Scout Prepaid Card, Scouts will show their support of our iconic organization while learning important lessons of money management. Please share this information with your fellow parents and leaders. You may also access "spread the word" tools at Scouting.org/BSAprepaid, where you'll find template emails, social media posts, fliers, and more. Get your Scout a BSA Discover Prepaid Card today by clicking on the Order Now button at www.ScoutsAreThrifty.com.
Also, be on the lookout for more information regarding the new Boy Scouts of America Credit Card. In addition to all of the existing rewards and benefits Discover offers, this card will offer a Scouts Rewards section where cardholders may donate their points to a council or purchase Scout Shop products with their points.
This card will be available on November 15, 2012, for anyone to apply, so visit www.BoyScoutCreditCard.com and stay tuned for additional information as this date approaches.
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Office Depot/Boy Scouts of America Discount Program
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This program is open to all BSA members to use for in-store purchases of office products for their units. Visit any Office Depot�, present your program discount card and your BSA membership card and receive a 10% discount off regular retail pricing. Click here for the required program discount card plus a coupon entitling the presenter to have this card laminated for free. Copy and Print Depot™ services are also specially priced. |
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Tufts Character and Merit Project
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 What is it?
Tufts University is working with the Cradle of Liberty Council with support from the John Templeton Foundation to study the impact of the Boy Scouts of America programs on youth development. The goal of the CAMP study is to learn about Cub Scouts and how the program may help build positive characteristics, skills, and goals that may differ from youth not involved in Scouting. Across three years, Tufts will be collecting data from Scouts between the ages of 6 and 10. We believe this research will enhance the education of youth and promote the role of character development in life success.
What does this mean for you?
We have randomly selected Packs across the Council and contacted their Pack Leaders. If your unit was selected, your Pack contact will distribute questionnaires to all parents and Scouts this fall. Pack Leaders will also complete questionnaires. Your responses are vital to the success of this important study. Thank you for your participation.
For more information, please visit www.TuftsCAMPstudy.com or email TuftsBSA@gmail.com.
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Your Journey to Excellence -- Logging Service Hours
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 We all know Scouts spend countless hours each year serving their community, but now it's time to report on your Unit's hard work!
Be sure to enter your Unit's service hours or Eagle Scout Project hours and help your Unit achieve JTE Gold for 2012! All service project hours can be entered through MyScouting.org with a few easy steps. For a flyer with more details please click here.
Contact brian.burkhard@scouting.org with any questions, and thank you for taking the time to track your Unit's service.
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Thank you for being a part of the Scouting movement and the Cradle of Liberty Council! If you have news or information you'd like to see in upcoming issues of the BSAT, please don't hesitate to e-mail news@colbsa.org.
Sincerely,
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Cradle of Liberty Council
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