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December 16, 2015
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Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings from the Cradle of Liberty Family to Yours!
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 Firestone Scouting Resource Center
Closed:
Thursday, December 24th
Friday, December 25th
Thursday, December 31st
Friday, January 1st
Valley Forge Scout Shop
Closed:
Thursday, December 24th
Friday, December 25th
Friday, January 1st
Open:
Thursday, December 31st - 9am-5pm
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New Boy Scout Rank Requirements Effective January 1
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Boy Scouts will switch to a new set of requirements at each rank-Scout through Eagle--beginning Jan. 1, 2016.
Visit the Bryan on Scouting blog for a link to the requirements and for information about when Scouts need to begin using the new requirements.
Bryan on Scouting also has a great article about the increased camping requirements for First Class.
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Cub Scout Leader Online Training Updated
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Several years ago, the Cradle of Liberty Council has set a standard for all Cub Scout leaders to be position-specific trained at the time of their recharter. Due to the recent roll out of this new training and the importance of leader training for our youth, the Cradle of Liberty Council is allowing a one-time extension to the training requirement.
To read more and to find out more about the deadline, click here
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Cradle of Liberty Council Internet Advancement
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The following are excerpts of a letter to all Scout leaders from Arland Hotchkiss on behalf of the Cradle of Liberty Council Advancement Committee. The full letter, which includes a more detailed listed of the benefits of Internet Advancement as well as information on how to access the system and resources for support are available here (PDF) as well as at www.colbsa.org.
The Cradle of Liberty Council Advancement Committee is pleased to see that Internet Advancement is used by many units to record their youth member advancement from any online location.
- The benefits of BSA Internet Advancement reporting include:
- Provides straightforward and direct method of reporting.
- Helps in local council verification of Eagle Scout Rank Applications.
- Records ranks, badges, and awards in accordance with BSA advancement rules.
- Consolidates data files to reduce or eliminate record gaps when Scouts transfer to new units.
- Supports national data analysis for advancement statistics.
- Assures advancement is counted in the Journey to Excellence.
With these benefits in mind, the Cradle of Liberty Council Advancement Committee has determined that beginning June 1, 2016; it will be council policy to require the use of Internet Advancement for all units to report their Scouts' advancement.
You can contact your district executive to obtain the unit ID used in Internet Advancement or contact Dianne Campman at 484-654-9214 or email.
Yours in Scouting,
Arland Hotchkiss
Chairperson,
Council Advancement & Recognition Committee
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All unit charters in the council will expire on Dec. 31, 2015
Time is running out to process unit charter renewals on-time for 2016! Please visit www.colbsa.org/recharter for access to the internet rechartering system, as well as resources to help walk your unit through the process.
If your unit needs assistance, or i f your unit needs your unique internet rechartering access code, please contact your district commissioner or executive, or email membership@colbsa.org.
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The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed a new law known as the Child Protective Services Law in 2014 and it was updated in July of 2015. The intent of this law is to protect the youth of Pennsylvania. All youth serving organizations within the Commonwealth are covered under this new law. Volunteers in the Cradle of Liberty Council are affected in two ways; we are mandated child abuse reporters and required to provide background check clearances. Please review this information and take the required action.The Cradle of Liberty Council is asking all volunteers to comply by 12/31/15 in conjunction with our recharter season. Please review the information linked here to see who in your unit will need clearances: www.colbsa.org/palaw
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2016 Valley Forge Pilgrimage & Encampment
Registration Now Open!
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Pilgrimage
Saturday, February 13, 2016
One-Day Event
For: Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Parents, Families, Scouters, and Guests
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Encampment
Friday-Sunday,
February 12-14, 2016
Weekend Event
(includes the Pilgrimage)
For: Boy Scouts, Venturers and Scouters only
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More information and registration available at:
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Silver Beaver Award
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 The Silver Beaver Award is the highest national award presented by a local council to individuals for noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth through service given to the council. Each local council may present only a limited number of Silver Beavers each year, which makes this a very prestigious award for those whose record of service to youth is most outstanding! Cradle of Liberty Council is currently accepting nominations for volunteers who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. Please make sure your nomination adequately documents the contributions of your candidate. Full criteria is listed on the nomination form below. Nominations must be received on nomination forms available at this link and must be received by noon on Friday, January 29, 2016:
- In person/mail to Cradle of Liberty Council: 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne, PA 19087
- Email to nick.nowak@scouting.org
- Fax to 610-688-2951
Volunteers who perform outstanding service to their district may be candidates for the District Award of Merit and those who provide outstanding service to units may be candidates for other district level awards. Please contact your district leadership for more information on appropriate awards for service at these levels.
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2017 National Jamboree Registration is OPEN
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To view a promotional video click here
Registration is now active for the 2017 National Jamboree which will take place from July 19-28 2017 at The Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia, which is the fourth National BSA High Adventure Base. Cradle of Liberty Council intends to take ten contingent troops and one crew to the Jamboree. The cost for youth is $1,545 which includes transportation, food, equipment, and just about everything you will need. There are three sources of campership money for those in need of assistance, information including applications will be posted soon.
The two step registration process to sign up for the Jamboree is described below:
First, sign up on the National site. This will require a My.Scouting user name and password, go to my.scouting.org to create a password if you do not yet have one. Remember the account needs to be in the name of the person attending the Jamboree, not the parent, and the account has to be linked to the scout's membership id number. Chrome or Firefox may be the best browsers to sign up.
Second, after you have signed up on the National System, submit the Request to Attend form to Cradle of Liberty Council, 1485 Valley Forge Road, Wayne, PA 19087, including your Scoutmaster's approval with an initial payment of $245. You will need the Jamboree Registration Code that you receive from National once you sign up on their site. Further payments of $100 per month can be made by credit card through Doubleknot on the council website.
For questions please contact John Heiple jambo2017chair@gmail.com or Steve Perrone Sperrone@ppciga.org
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COL National Jamboree Fundraiser
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Th is is the 2017 National Jamboree Fundraiser Patch. All proceeds go for camperships for Cradle of Liberty Scouts that need financial assistance to attend the 2017 National Jamboree. Additionally a donation from the sales will be made to support Breast Cancer Research
To purchase one of these flaps you can visit our eBay store, click here or the Valley Forge Service Center in Wayne PA.
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Valley Forge Scout Shop Promotions
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For more information and to download this promo coupon, click here
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City Scout Shop - Help Wanted
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The City Scout Shop is looking for help. If you would like to work a few hours a week for the Cradle of Liberty City Scout Shop, click here for an application
Work Hours
Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm
Thursdays 5 pm - 7 pm
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City Scout Shop - We Are Back!
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The City Scout Shop is returning to regular hours. To assist our Scouting family and better serve you, we have secured a long term location at Lighthouse Field and have also adjusted the hours by popular request.
Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm
Thursdays 5 pm - 7 pm
Stop by and check out our supply of core Scouting items; youth and adult uniforms, handbooks, leader guides, merit badges, Cub Scout awards, pinewood derby cars, knives, and more. We have all the new Cub Scout program materials.
If we don't have it in stock we will provide free shipping from the Valley Forge Scout Shop.
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Unit Commissioners Needed
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Greetings:
My fellow Commissioners and I are seeking a few good men and women to serve with us as Commissioners. This is one of the oldest jobs in BSA, and you just might find fulfillment helping a unit in your district as a member of our Commissioner Corp.
 The Commissioner Concept:
The Commissioner is the liaison between the local council and Scouting units. The commissioner's mission is to keep units operating at maximum efficiency, maintain regular contact with unit leaders, coach leaders on where to find assistance, note weaknesses in programs, and suggest remedies. The commissioner is successful when units effectively deliver the ideals of Scouting to their members.
--from BSA's Administration of Commissioner Service
The NEW Unit Commissioner in Cradle of Liberty Council:
- A new Commissioner will be welcomed by the Council Commissioner or the District Commissioner and be commissioned into service.
- You will also be given a "mentor," an experienced Commissioner to help you get going.
- You will take Commissioner Fast Start online and receive a short training course in the use of the online Commissioner Tools.
- You will be assigned to one unit for starters.
- You will visit that unit once a month and get to know the leaders.
- When your unit needs help or assistance, you will be their friend and "go-to" person.
- Welcome to Commissioner Service in Cradle of Liberty Council. And, thanks!
Chuck Bolger chuckbolger@aol.com
Cradle of Liberty Council Commissioner
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2016 Wood Badge Course
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The Wood Badge course, Scouting's premier leadership experience, brings together leaders  from all areas of Scouting-Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Sea Scouts, Venturing-and all levels of Boy Scouts of America professional staff. Reflecting the best of over a century of Scouting experience, the course also draws upon the most current leadership models used by corporate America, academic circles, and successful outdoor leadership organizations throughout the country.
2016 Wood Badge Course has been scheduled for this coming spring, the course consists of two - three day weekends, April 29 through May 1st, 2016 and June 4-6, 2016.
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Cradle of Liberty Council Venturing 2015 - 2016
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Many Boy/Girl Scouts join Venturing for the fun, high adventure activities, and the opportunity to grow and learn with an older age group. 14 - 21 year olds work in a COED environment to plan and carry out the activities that they choose. Male and female advisors support these efforts, but the youth decide what they want to do and how they will make it happen.
The VOA (Venturing Officers Association) is open to all Venturers. Meetings are held from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM the first Tuesday of each month at Scout Headquarters in Valley Forge. At these meetings, trip ideas are shared, friends are made, and the VOA Spring Weekend is planned. Venturing Adults are invited to participate in the advisor roundtable meeting across the hall at the same time.
For more information and a list of calendar events, click here
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Eagle Scout Fundraiser
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The Cradle of Liberty Eagle Alumni Committee has released a new "Once an Eagle Always an Eagle" Council shoulder patch with a striking red, white and blue border. The patches are $10 each plus postage and available by using the attached order form. All proceeds support Eagle Scout Scholarships that are awarded each year at the Eagle Dinner. These patches are a great way to recognize a new Eagle Scout or for adult Eagle Scouts to wear on their uniforms.
Thank you in advance for your support!
To order this patch, click here
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| Unami Lodge |
100th Annual Dinner - January 3rd, 2016 for more information, click here
Purchase any of our Lodge Properties online through Ebay, click here or at the Valley Forge Scout Shop.
Go to www.unamilodge.org for more information about these events and any Lodge information.
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2016 Merit Badge College
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The 2016 Merit Badge College will take place on March 19 and April 2, 2016 at Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne. You can take up to four Merit Badges from the 50 offered. In order to earn the badges you must complete the Pre Requirements in advance of the first Saturday. Please note the Pre Requirements on Personal Management which require starting on January 1, and the date for the Pulp and Paper tour. You also must attend both Saturday classes and complete any homework between the two classes.
Space is limited to 600 scouts and registration will open on February 1, 2016 at 9AM. All slots were filled in the first two weeks last year so it is important to register early. The event flyer, Class Schedule and Pre Requirements are available at www.colbsa.org/mbc. The $24 per scout cost includes lunch both days, so when you register leave a slot for lunch.
Questions can be directed to the council merit badge dean, Steve Perrone, at sperrone@ppciga.org.
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| Merit Badge Counselors- 2016 Merit Badge College |
Eighty Five Merit Badge Counselors are needed to be the instructors so if there is a badge you can teach please contact Steve Perrone at Sperrone@ppciga.org. Some of the badges we need include Art, Chess, all three Citizenships, Communications, Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, and Personal Management.
Questions can be directed to the council merit badge dean, Steve Perrone, at sperrone@ppciga.org.
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Program Partners
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 Our Program Partners offer a variety of opportunities and discounts to Scouting families and are continuous supporters of our council.
Please visit the website to see all the great offers available from our Program Partners!
Philadelphia Flyers Scout Nights
New Games Added!
December 17 vs. Vancouver
Tickets start at $36. Scouts get a special Philadelphia Flyers Scout Night Patch!
Philadelphia 76ers Scout Nights
January 9th, 2016 vs. Toronto Raptors
Tickets start at $16.
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Catholic Committee on Scouting
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2016 Friends of Scouting Campaign
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The Family Friends of Scouting Campaign is organized to encourage all parents/guardians of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and unit volunteers to enroll as financial supporters of the programs and facilities of the Cradle of Liberty Council.
This is a voluntary enrollment and is not a condition of membership in Scouting. Friends of Scouting gifts are above and beyond national registration fees and local dues, which do not directly support the local council. Instead of charging a fixed cost to support council operations, this campaign gives families the opportunity to contribute at a level of their own choosing according to their interest and ability to give. All that we ask is for 10 minutes at a unit meeting between January and April to tell the story, explain the need, and make the ask. New for 2016: Families may join the inaugural Liberty Society by making a monthly recurring contribution starting at $15 per month using their credit or debit card. Recurring giving is more convenient for donors, especially those who give year after year, and will provide a more efficient system for processing payments. Unit guides will all the details will be available soon. If your unit hasn't already, you should consider appointing a unit Friends of Scouting representative and schedule your 2016 family presentation.
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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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