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March 1, 2013
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Dear Scouter,
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March is upon us, and, for many Cub Scouts around the country, March means Pinewood Derby. A time-honored tradition in Cub Scouting, the Pinewood Derby is a fantastic opportunity to use all your creativity and invention to come up with a really, really cool and unique car. Of course it also means a lot of quality time with Mom or Dad building the car, and the fun of racing against the others in the pack and cheering on your car and all your friends' cars. Even people outside Scouting have heard of the Pinewood Derby and instantly associate it with Cub Scouts. But how many people actually know where and how this ubiquitous race began?
Our story begins in 1952 with Don Murphy, Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 280C of Manhattan Beach, CA. Don wanted to create a new father-son Cub Scout activity he could do with his 10 year old son who was too young to race in the Soap Box Derby, the driving of homemade cars down a hill for boys 12 and older. Don's young son couldn't wait 2 years to race in the Soap Box Derby, so Dad came up with an alternative activity to do with his son and the younger boys in his Cub Scout Pack. Don's dedication to family values and Cub Scouting ideals drove him to develop the idea of racing miniature wood cars down a track. He just needed to figure out a basic kit for these cars and design a track to race them on.
With the sponsorship of his employer, North American Aviation, Don and several of the Cub Scout Pack Committee members set about building a two-lane, 31-foot race track complete with a battery powered finish gate made from door bells and switches that would light a light bulb to indicate which car won the heat. Murphy also came up with the idea of a car kit consisting of a 7 3/8" block of pine wood with small wooden struts to hold the finishing nail axles. The thought was that the soft pine wood could easily be carved and shaped into any design a boy could image. Murphy also wrote the rules that would govern the race.
 The first ever Pinewood Derby Car Race was held in the Manhattan Beach Scout House on May 15, 1953 with 55 Cub Scouts from Pack 280C competing. It was a huge success and as word of its excitement spread around the community, the Los Angeles City Recreation and Parks Department asked Don and North American Aviation for permission to conduct pinewood derby races at city parks. The "second annual" Pinewood Derby race was held on March 17, 1954 at Griffith Park in Los Angeles, and the very next year races were being held at over 100 city playgrounds with the winners moving on to seven "District" pinewood derby races culminating in a 116-youth citywide championship on March 12, 1955.
As the success of and excitement for the races were building in Los Angeles, Don prepared a booklet entitled "Pinewood Derby" and sent it to the BSA National Office. It was in the October 1954 issue of Boys' Life magazine where the Pinewood Derby was first introduced to Cub Scouts around the country. The rest, as they say, is history with the Pinewood Derby becoming a premier annual event of the Cub Scouts!
Happy racing,
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.
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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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College of Commissioner Science Now Rescheduled!
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 We now have a new date and location for the Commissioner College that was postponed on February 9, 2013 because of the snow storm. The College will now be held on April 27, 2013 at the Firestone Service Center in Wayne. No need to re-register for those already signed up, but for those unable to make the initial event because of a conflict we are reopening registration. Information is on the home page of the Council Website.
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2013 Council Annual Recognition Dinner
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On Thursday, February 21, 300 Scouts and Scouters converged upon the Conshohocken Marriott to celebrate a great year for the Cradle of Liberty Council, and to recognize the accomplishments of some outstanding Scouts and Scouters. Special thanks to our great dinner committee, as well as Washington District's VT3, who filmed the entire event! Visit our the council's Facebook page for photos from the evening.
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Philadelphia Area Cub Scout Belt Loop event - March 16
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Is your Scout interested in earning Chess, Geography, Marbles, and Map & Compass Belt Loops?
Join us at 9:30 at the Philadelphia Academy Charter School March 16 for a great morning of Cub Scout activities. Scouts will leave with all 4 belt loops AND a Marble set so they can play a game of Marbles with a friend! Registration is limited to 50 Scouts. Sign up now! Contact Brian Bauer with any questions.
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Leave No Trace Certifications Review
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 The Leave No Trace Committee works to spread awareness of many great Scouting opportunities in Leave No Trace. It is now determining the goals for future training, and knowing your level of LNT certification would really help. This 30 second survey will help us determine if there are more Trainers and Master Educators available to continue to spread the word!
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Camp Service Days on the Horizon!
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Join hundreds of other volunteers at Musser Scout Reservation on Saturday April 20 OR Saturday April 27. A project list and registration details will be out in the next BSA Today. Mark your calendar today!
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NEW THIS ISSUE from the Camping Department...
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Campership Applications DUE TODAY - 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 by MARCH 1, 2013. Camp Cards - We had a GREAT Spring Training! Did you miss the Camp Cards Spring Training on February 20th at 7:30PM? Never Fear! Read through the agenda here and reach out to your Coach or District Executive for follow-up. Camp Cards are coming soon to a March Roundtable near you! Click here for info on participating in the Camp Card program. |
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Camping Department Reminders
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Cub Adventures at Camp Hart is open and ready for registrants! Sign up now so you can qualify for the Early Bird Discount. What is there to think about? THIS is why your Cub Scouts signed up for Scouting!
Resica Falls Scout Reservation is filling up quickly. The Dining Hall option in weeks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 are already filled to capacity and are closed. Openings in the Dining Hall still remain only for Week 2, but get your reservation in soon to secure your spot. Every week still has space for our In-Site Dining Option. Please contact our Camping Assistant Tracy Launders with any questions or to make a reservation.
Resica Falls Leaders Guide - Attention all Boy Scout Leaders! Take a look at the Resica Falls Leaders Guide! This guide has all of the program and administration details for camp this summer. Not yet signed up for camp? Bet this gets you excited to come to Resica Falls. Call Tracy in the camping department at (484) 654-9213. See you at camp!
2013 Camp Cards - How does 50% commission sound?
Attention! Vendors have been finalized for the 2013 Camp Card. Your unit does not need to pay in advance and there is no risk to you or your unit to earn money by selling Camp Cards. Simply pay for the cards you sell and return any unsold cards at the end of the sale. Check out the vendors list and sale details here.
Archery Training - Are you interested in becoming a BSA Archery Director? USA Archery Level 1 Basic Instructor Course training is available. Follow directions here to sign up. Time is running out!
Call for Shooting Sports Certifications - If you have shooting sports qualification from BSA BB range master to NRA Training Counselor, please let us know! It takes less than 60 seconds!
Campmaster Training March 21- Our annual recruitment and training event for anyone interested in joining the ranks of the Council Campmasters is a great night of fellowship and sharing of best practices. Learn about the opportunities to earn a $100 credit toward future camping events through your service. Click here for more information.
Blue and Gold Placemats available NOW
Need placemats to complete your decorations for your Pack's upcoming Blue and Gold Banquet? Stop by the Firestone Office and pickup as many as your group needs! They are first come, first serve!
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Upcoming Women in Scouting Event!
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 Let's Play Outside! Saturday, April 6, 9 AM - 4 PM $10pp, BYO Lunch @ Camp Hart (Click here for flyer) One-Day Women in Scouting FUN Event Cradle of Liberty Women in Scouting (COLWIS) was formed to encourage women to get to know each other, to build up Scouting skills and knowledge, and increase the participation of women and Venturing girls in the wide world of opportunities in the BSA. |
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2013 Wood Badge Training - Registration Now Open!
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 In 1911, Baden-Powell took the first steps in training Scouting's adult leaders by organizing a series of lectures for Scouters. He made great strides in the years that followed, culminating in 1919 with the establishment of Wood Badge training. Wood Badge recipients now number more than 100,000 Scouters around the world. Wood Badge for the 21st Century is intended for all leaders in Scouting-Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing leaders, as well as council and district leaders. The focus is on leadership, not out-of-door skills. The object is to demonstrate the aims and methods of Scouting through the presentation of leadership skills, organizational tools, and a variety of activities based on the best of Scouting traditions and the latest in team development theory. In addition, participants will enjoy the fellowship of sharing the experience with volunteer and professional Scouters while having a great deal of just plain fun. For more on the purpose and goals of Wood Badge, please read over the Wood Badge Fact Sheet. This year's course will be held over two long weekends - September 7-9 and October 12-14. Registation is online NOW. Contact Gerry Myers with any questions.
Wood Badge Scholarships
Both the AFL-CIO and the VFW recognize the value of Scouting and particularly the value of Wood Badge training. Both organizations offer scholarships to their chapter members to better equip them to serve the youth of their communities. Each of the four regions can award up to three scholarships a year. Applications can be downloaded, printed, and sent to the Volunteer Development Team at the National Office. Click here for the AFL-CIO Scholarship form or here for the VFW Scholarship form. Deadline for submitting both applications is March 31st.
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Jewish Scout Campership and Scholarship Opportunities
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 Attention Jewish Scouts! The Jewish Committee on Scouting offers a scholarship to reimburse the costs of attending Cub or Boy Scout Summer Camp. Please see this document for all the details! A college scholarship is also available to Eagle Scouts of the Jewish faith who have completed their Ner Tamid or Etz Chaim Religious Awards. More information on the Henry and Lorraine Addison Scholarship is located here.
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National Scout Jamboree Collector Patch Sets Now Available
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 The 2013 National Scout Jamboree Cradle of Liberty patch sets and the new Unami Lodge Order of the Arrow Jamboree flap are now available for purchase. Jamboree Scouts please contact your Jamboree Scoutmaster to place an order. The Standard Set of nine patches sells for $50; the limited edition Stealth Set ( only 100 made) sells for $75; and the OA Set sells for $16. Click on the highlighted links for order forms. All prices include shipping.
T he 2013 CRADLE OF LIBERTY COUNCIL NATIONAL JAMBOREE Council Shoulder Strips are alsostill available for purchase. These sell for $10 each and are available for purchase either 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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USA Scouter Tour 2013
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Interested in visiting the 2013 National Scout Jamboree this summer? Why not join tour hosts David and Cindy Cooper from the Cradle of Liberty Council on this first class, 4-day vacation tour through the Virginias featuring the National Scout Jamboree at the grand opening of the BSA's newest high adventure base The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia. For trip details, please click here for the USA Scouter Tour 2013 brochure. To sign up, download the reservation form here.
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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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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. Submissions will be accepted beginning February 12, 2013 and no later than April 1, 2013. 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 hold the weekend of April 26-28, 2013 for another exciting Venturing Weekend at Camp Hart!
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Training Corner - Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader!
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BALOO - Cub Scout Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation
- April 13, 2013 at Drexel Lodge Park, Newtown Square. Contact Paul Heiney for more information.
- June 8, 2013 at Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation. Contact Bill Forbes for more info.
- September 22, 2013, location TBD. Contact Mark Kenney for more info.
Bullying Prevention - May 8, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Contact Bill Forbes for more info.
Chemical Fuel Safety - April 10, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Contact Bill Forbes for more info.
Cub Scout Leader Specific Training -
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March 2, 2013, location TBD. Contact Mark Kenney for more info. - October 5, 2013, location TBD. Contact Mark Kenney for more info.
- October 19, 2013, location TBD. Contact Marty O'Connor for more info.
Den Chief Training - August 24, 2013, location TBD. Contact Bill Forbes for more info.
Den Leader Specific Training - November 13, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Contact Bill Forbes for more info.
District Committee Workshop - November 2, 2013, location TBD. Contact Bill Forbes for more info.
IOLS - Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills
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March 15-17, 2013 at Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation plus a mandatory patrol organizational meeting on March 5th at 7pm at the Valley Forge Office. Contact Paul Heiney for more info. The $25 registration fee includes food for the weekend. - April 26-28, 2013 at Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation. Contact Mike Matusheski for more info. The $20 registration fee includes food for the weekend.
- October 26-27, 2013 at Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation. Contact Jim Foster for more info. Fee = $20.
IOLS TRAININGS JUST ADDED:
Leave No Trace -
- May 17-19, 2013 at Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation. Contact Jack Munera for more info.
- September 13-15, 2013 at Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation. Contact Jack Munera for more info.
National Youth Leadership Training 2013- June 23-28, August 11-16, September 27-29 & October 4-6. Click here for more information.
OWL - Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills Training
- April 20, 2013 at Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation. Contact Bill Forbes for more info.
- October 26, 2013 at Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation. Contact Jim Foster for more info.
OWL/BALOO - October 19-20, 2013 at Nelson Training Center, Musser Scout Reservation. Contact Mike Matusheski for more info.
Pack Committee Training - September 13, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Contact Bill Forbes for more info.
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."
Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training -
- March 16, 2013, location TBD. Contact Marty O'Connor for more info.
- May 11, 2013 at Aldan Union Church. Contact Jim Foster for more info.
- June 15, 2013 at Troop 84 Cabin. Contact Bill Forbes for more info.
- September 28, 2013, location TBD. Contact Paul Heiney for more info.
- October 5, 2013, location TBD. Contact Mark Kenney for more info.
- October 5, 2013 at Aldan Union Church. Contact Jim Foster for more info.
- October 19, 2013, location TBD. Contact Marty O'Connor for more info.
Trainer's EDGE
- May 19, 2013 at the Firestone (Valley Forge) Service Center. Contact Robin Mazzanobile for more info.
This is Scouting - October 5, 2013, location TBD. Contact Mark Kenney for more info.
Tiger Den Leader Training - October 9, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Contact Bill Forbes for more info.
Troop Committee Challenge - March 13, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church.
University of Scouting - The University of Scouting website is now updated for 2013 and a Save the Date of November 2, 2013 flyer for handouts to leaders and parents is also now available by here. For more information please contact Ed Vasold.
Venturing Leader Specific Training -
- February 23, 2013 at Aldan Union Church. Contact Jim Foster for more info.
- March 2, 2103 at the Firestone (Valley Forge) Service Center. Contact Janet Hunter for more info.
Wilderness First Aid -
Wood Badge 2013 - September 7-9 and October 12-14. It's never too early to start thinking about Wood Badge! Registration is now online, including the option of making monthly payments. See the Wood Badge article above for more information.
Youth Protection Training -
- March 2, 2013, location TBD. Contact Mark Kenney for more info.
- October 5, 2013, location TBD. Contact Mark Kenney for more info.
- November 12, 2013 at Aldan Union Church. Contact Jim Foster for more info.
Youth Protection Training for Venturing - February 23, 2013 at Aldan Union Church. Contact Jim Foster for more info.
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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Health & Safety Tip of the Week:
In-Home Safety Warning - Single-load Liquid Laundry Packets
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to lock up single-load liquid laundry packets and keep them away from children. Liquid laundry packets are attractive to children because they are soft and colorful and resemble familiar items like candy and teething products. These items also dissolve quickly when placed in the mouth or are handled with wet hands. Children who are exposed to the chemicals are at risk of serious injury because they can be toxic. In 2012, CPSC staff have learned of about 500 incidents involving children and adults who were injured by the packets. Learn more about the dangers of single-load laundry packets at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/390.pdf Source: USA.gov.
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COL Eagle Scout Alumni Association
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 Please note that the COL Eagle Alumni Association has changed their monthly meeting night from the 4th Monday of each month to the 3rd Monday of each month. The group gathers informally at the Marks Building in Philadelphia 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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The Gentleman's Merit Badge Series
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40 Alumni Make the Cut at Gentleman's Merit Badge Series Launch
 A capacity crowd was on hand Wednesday night as Young Professional Scouts (YPT) kicked off the Gentleman's Merit Badge Series at The Duke Barber Co. in Northern Liberties. Attendees swapped Scouting stories and business cards in between rounds of Yard's Brawler and straight razor shaves at the classic Piazza at Schmidt's barbershop.
YPS Co-Founders Geoff Sasso of White and Williams LLP, Rob Shangraw of MassMutual Financial and Lou Perseghin of ChatterBlast Media entertained new members and raffled off prizes including two tickets to the 3rd annual Cradle of Liberty Gala and other premium items.
Founded in 2012, YPS is a membership-based professional development organization for young Scouting alumni living or working in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Members enjoy opportunities to network with peers at extraordinary events, gain access to top community leaders, give back in service and develop themselves for future board service.
The Gentleman's Merit Badge Series returns April 17th with a custom suit design night at Henry A. Davidsen, Master Tailors & Image Consultants in Rittenhouse Square. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of Bluecoat American Gin.
If you are interested in learning more about YPS or some of the upcoming Gentleman's Merit Badge Series please contact Mark Saxon at mark.saxon@scouting.org or visit our LinkedIn group page.
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Boy Scout Public Health Day and Mini Merit Badge College
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Calling all Boy Scouts, Leaders and Parents! On Saturday, April 27th,the Montgomery County Health Department is hosting a great opportunity for Scouts to participate in The Boy Scout Experience: an overview of public health to earn the Public Health Merit Badge; and in the Afternoon, Scouts will have the opportunity to earn either Medicine or Composite Materials. This is a great opportunity to get a better understanding of Public Health, while also having the opportunity to earn a couple merit badges. For more information please click HERE. Registration Cut-off is April 17. Be sure to register soon, space is limited to only 75 Scouts!!
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Spring Scout Programs at The Schuylkill Center
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Forester and Naturalist Webelos Activity Badges - Earn both in one day, Saturday, March 9th. The program runs from 10:00am to 1:30pm and costs $20 per Scout including all materials.
Environmental Science Merit Badge -This two-session course is being held Thursday, March 21st and Thursday, April 4th from 6:00-9:00pm. The cost is $35 per Scout which includes all materials.
For more information or to register for either of these programs, call 215-482-7300 ext. 110 or email crivera@schuylkillcenter.org.
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Philadelphia Soul Scout Night
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 Join the Philadelphia Soul for this year's Soulful Scout Night on May 11, 2013. The Soul have put together an inexpensive, and let's not forget fun night, and yes your Scouts can also earn a badge. Tickets are just $15 and includes an event patch. The post-game event just for Scouts has 3 speakers to help the Scouts earn sportsman badges - coach, player and personal trainer for the team. Also there will be a fun filled obstacle course. Call John Tabourn, Manager of Group Sales, at 215-253-4900 X176 or email him at jtabourn@philadelphiasoul.com now to book your troop or click here for a registration form.
As they embark on their ninth season, the Philadelphia Soul are committed as ever to giving you a unforgettable fan experience on and off the field. One of the principles the team was originally founded on was making a difference in Philadelphia by giving groups a chance to have a personable experience with the team. In 2013 and beyond, the Philadelphia Soul would like to be remembered for their tremendous effort on the field and giving you all they had to make your SOUL experience a great one.
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Harlem Globetrotters at the Wells Fargo Center
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 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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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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