The Continental Gazette  

The Official Newsletter of The Continental District 
 July // 2015
Newsletter Navigation:
Commissioner's Corner
Help Wanted!!!! Seeking Unit Commissioners! Be sure to reach out to Gregg or Alex if you have questions about what it means to be a Unit Commissioner! 
 
Contact the Continental District Commissioner, Gregg Kitner gregg820@comcast.net

Training Updates

Have you added your Member ID number to your myscouting account??? 

Oct. 24th, 2015- Scoutmaster Specifics @ New Hanover Lutheran. 
For more information contact- Marty O'Conor @ martyoconnor@hotmail.com



Check out all leader specific & other trainings by downloading this document.
 
Resources
Council Website:
 
National Website:

Program Updates:

Need online training?
Head on over to 


 
District Executives Corner
Had a great time at the 100th Anniversary of the Order of the Arrow and I am excited to a fun Scouting summer! Hope to see you out at camp! If there is anything you need please don't hesitate to send me an email or give me a call!  

Yours in Scouting,
Alex
Twitter @aBienz    

Dear Friends of Continental District, 

We want to wish everyone a happy and safe summer! While the Scouting year may slow down a bit during the summer now is the time to plan for next year. I hope that you are beginning to work on your unit calendars and budgets. While they dont sound like Scouting fun they will help to ensure that you have a successful year! If you need help with any of these tasks please don't hesitate to ask for help. 

Your Continental Key 3,

Ernie Scardecchio    
Gregg Kintner 
   District Chairman                  District Commissioner
      ernie.scar@juno.com           gregg820@comcast.net

Alex Bienz
District Executive
Continental District Roundtable
Summer Roundtable!
The next Roundtalbe will take place on August 13th at 7:30pm! Topics to be covered will be Fundraising and laptops will be available to help anyone looking to get there background checks completed!  

If you have more questions contact Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner Steve Volpi at svolpi5895@aol.com or Cub Scout Rountable Commissioner Andrea Brennan at scoutsrfun@comcast.net.
REI GPS Basics Class 

Available through the Conshohocken REI on Thursday August 27th from 6:30 to 8:30. Check out this link for more information. http://www.rei.com/events/gps-navigation-basics-class/conshohocken/122335

 

Popcorn 2015! 

Planning and conducting a strong program is the best way to keep your Scouts active and interested in Scouting. Funding that program is equally important--otherwise great plans can't become a reality. The annual popcorn sale is a proven approach to ensure that your unit can meet its program and fundraising goals while teaching your Scouts the importance of earning their own way. Units have used the monies they raise to cover the cost of badges and advancement, outings, trips, and summer camp fees.

The popcorn sale is administered by the Cradle of Liberty Council to help make your unit successful. Here are some benefits:

  • No Up-Front Costs: Units keep their commission and pay in December.
  • Turnkey Program: Training, order forms, online ordering, Scout prize program, and other resources are provided free-of-charge.
  • Proven Product Quality: Trails End provides superior, high-quality products. Always remember, however, we're really selling the Scouting experience, not just popcorn.
  • Teaches Life Lessons: Earning your own way, salesmanship, confidence, financial responsibility, and leadership to name a few. The sale provides an opportunity for Scouts to earn advancements and merit badges.
  • Support: The council popcorn team, made up of volunteers and staff, stand ready to assist your unit with a successful sale.
  • Over 73% Goes to Local Scouting: Not only does your unit raise the money it needs to fuel its program, but a portion of the sale benefits the council as a whole by helping us serve volunteer leaders and members by providing better programs and camping facilities.
  • For more information check out: https://www.colbsa.org/popcorn/popcorn-14.html 
 
PA Keep Kids Safe  

Are you up to date with the latest information about the required background clearnances in order to be a volunteer with any youth organization. 

Please check here for the latest: https://www.colbsa.org/news-and-information/news-and-information/pa-child-protective-services-law.html 

Upload your clearances here: http://ow.ly/MBGOE 

State official site: http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/ 

 

2015 Membership Campaign 

Something Big is Getting Ready to Launch... 
If you haven't made your way over to  www.colbsa.org/rocket you aren't up to date on all the details of this fall's membership efforts! 

We are trying to build a membership mission control for the district and we need you! Email district membership chair Andrea Brennan at scoutsrfun@comcast.net to join our team! 

Next Steps for Cub Scout Packs:

  • Mark Wednesday, September 30 in your calendars.
  • If your pack leadership hasn't met with Alex your district executive to review and commit to the plan, please schedule that meeting prior to the end of this month.
  • Recruit a coordinator for your pack.
  • Attend a webinar or training session this summer for tips on conducting both the sign-up night on September 30 and parent orientation at your following meeting (we'll be publishing a schedule of training sessions before the end of this month).
  • Remember, the coordinated sign-up night on September 30 is meant to enhance your pack's recruiting efforts, not replace them. Make sure your pack has a presence at community and back-to-school events prior to September 30. You can start recruiting now!

We're also putting the finishing touches on the turn-key rocket-themed meeting plans for dens/packs (and for troops and crews, too) that your unit can use in October. New Scouts will receive a rocket at their first meeting and your unit can purchase rockets at cost for existing members to use with the meeting plans. More details on purchasing rockets will be available soon.

 

If you have any questions, please contact your district membership chair, district executive, or Greg.Osborn@scouting.org.

  

Stay tuned at roundtables and colbsa.org/rocket over the next several months for more details!


 

Boy Scouting: Rocketman Build an Adventure!
Boy Scouting: Rocketman Build an Adventure!
Planning Ahead    
Webelos Woods- Sept. 26-27th, 2015 
Rocket into Scouting night!- Sept. 30th,2015
Fall Fest!-  October- 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and Nov. 1st (Day event) 
Mr. Skip's Night Hike- Oct. 24th 
Tiger Hunt- Nov. 7th 
Scouting For Food Drop off Bags- Nov. 14th 
Scouting For Food Collection- Nov. 21st.