JANUARY 2024

Scout Safety Moment 

THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

Frost Bite


Serious injuries can occur when it’s cold and you spend time working, playing, or sleeping outside, particularly if you are wet or your clothes are wet or too tight. Scouts should be instructed to inform an adult as soon as possible if they are at an event, winter camp, or troop campout and start experiencing any of the symptoms in this Safety Moment.

CLICK to Read More

Happy New Year - Message from Council President


Dear Scouting Families,


Happy New Year! As we stand at the threshold of 2024, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the adventures that await us. It is my privilege to extend warm wishes to each member of our esteemed Scouting community.


In the tapestry of Scouting, we find threads of resilience, courage, and camaraderie woven together by the countless hands that shape our journey. The challenges of the past year have only strengthened our resolve to continue to Scout Forward - Together, undeterred by obstacles and inspired by the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.


As your Council President, I am truly grateful for the dedication and passion that each adult member brings to our Scouting family. Your commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders is the heartbeat of our movement, and together, we embark on a new year brimming with promise.


Let 2024 be a year of hope, growth, and shared accomplishments. In the spirit of Scouting, let us inspire one another to reach new heights, to instill values that shape character, and to create lasting memories that define our Scouting legacy.


The essence of Scouting lies in our collective ability to uplift and support one another. As we journey through 2024, may our actions speak volumes, echoing the principles of Scouting, and radiating positivity within our communities. Remember, each one of you plays a vital role in the success of our Scouting endeavors. Your dedication is the beacon that guides our Scouts forward and toward a brighter future. Thank you for your unwavering commitment.


Here's to a year filled with shared triumphs, unforgettable moments, and the unbreakable bonds that make our Scouting family truly extraordinary.


Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year and a thrilling Scouting adventure ahead! Scout Forward. Together.


Yours in Scouting,

John Eckelberry

Council President

Upcoming Events:


January 13, 2024, Pinewood Derby Workshop


January 20, 2024, Pinewood Derby Workshop


January 27, 2024, Stem-O-Rama


February 3rd, 2024, Scouts BSA Klondike Challenge


February 7th, 2024, Merit Badge College


February 10, 2024, Scout Shabbat


March 9th, 2024, Merit Badge College


March 9th, 2024, Scouting for Food Drop-Off


March 16, 2024, Scouting for Food Pick-Up


March 23, 2024, Council Pinewood Derby


April 6th, 2024, Merit Badge College


April 11, 2024, Leadership Breakfast Special Event


May 16, 2024, Join "Scout Night" Training TBD


MVC Welcomes New Addition to Commissioner Staff


Larry Taranto will join the MVC team as the volunteer Assistant Council Commissioner for Montgomery County, committed to improving unit service to all units in Montgomery County. Larry brings many years of scouting experience to this position as a Pack Committee Chairman and Scoutmaster.


Larry has been the Scoutmaster of Troop 402 in Miamisburg, Ohio for more than 15 years...Highlights of Larry’s scouting career include guiding 18 scouts to the rank of Eagle, completing Wood Badge, winter camping in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, canoeing in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Canada, bicycle touring on the C&O Canal Towpath and serving as the Scoutmaster for the Miami Valley Council’s troop at the 2023 National Jamboree.


Larry’s first task will be to add to the Council’s volunteer Unit Commissioner team. To learn more about Unit Commissioner duties and responsibilities in Montgomery County, please contact Larry at 937-469-1310 or [email protected].


Happy New Year!!!



Your Miami Valley Council Cub Scout Committee's new year's resolution is to simplify and streamline communication to cub scout units and families. We have created a way for you to find things relating to cub scouts all in one place. All you have to do is join our group on an app called Band.

CLICK to Link

If you download the Band app to your phone, you'll easily be able to see the events and news that pertain to cub scouts only. Please share this information with your cub scout families. We look forward to the opportunity to enhance the cub scout experience!

Cub Conference



Please plan to join us on March 2nd for a Cub Scout Program Conference. As you may know, our National organization announced in November 2023 that the Cub Scout program will be updated for program year 2024-25 (starting in June).

 

As more and more information come out; we have gotten several questions. Your MVC Cub Scout Committee will be hosting a Cub Conference to give you all the details on this program update and answer your questions. Please use the link below to see details about the conference and to sign up! This is a FREE event, and we will provide lunch.


CLICK for Sign-up
CLICK for Update

Attention all Scouts! Scouting Gives -

Council Shoulder Patch Design Contest.


The Miami Valley Council is looking for this year’s 2024 Scouting Gives Council Shoulder Patch (CSP) to be designed by a currently registered YOUTH Scout. Please submit your design for the 2024 Scouting Gives Council Shoulder Patch (CSP) to [email protected] by January 15, 2024. The winning artist will receive a $25 Gift Card to the Scout Shop, be featured in our Miami Valley Messenger E-Newsletter and social media, and the CSP will be made in the spirit of the winning design.


Participants are encouraged to use this year’s Scouting Gives theme ‘Soar in 2024’ as inspiration for their design. The design must include “Miami Valley Council, BSA” and the Scouts BSA Fleur De Le Emblem.


The patch will be created and, as a small token of appreciation, given to donors who make a $100+ gift to our annual 'Scouting Gives' Campaign.

Charter Renewal Past Due!!


The following are links to Charter Renewal Resources:

CLICK for Charter Renewal Needs - Montgomery County Scouting
CLICK for Charter Renewal Needs - Preble, Darke, Shelby & Miami Counties Scouting
CLICK for Charter Renewal Resources
CLICK for Annual Charter Renewal Agreement Form

Mandatory Training Requirements: Phase 3


For the 2023-24 re-charter period, all unit-registered volunteers will be required to complete position-specific training.


CLICK for Training Requirements Info

All current registered leaders must complete the required online position-specific training for their position re-charter.  


All NEW leaders (new to scouting or new position) will have 90 days of their registration date to complete their position-specific training.  

Current registered leaders that require Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) must provide proof of registration for an IOLS course within 2024 to their Family Experience Specialist.


NEW leaders that require IOLS have 90 days to register for an IOLS course within 2024 or develop a training plan with their Family Experience Specialist.


A great way to complete IOLS is to attend one of our 2024 Buckskin Courses! The spring course will be offered in April. The course is 2 evenings and 1 weekend. April 10, 17, and 24-26 in 2024.  

CLICK for Buckskin Registration
CLICK for more Training Resources

Pinewood Derby car? Sign up for a FREE workshop at the MVC Scout Shop. There are 5 slots per start time each of the 2 Saturdays.  Bring your own derby kit or purchase at the Scout Shop!

CLICK to Register for January 13 Workshop
CLICK to Register for January 20 Workshop

Cub Scout STEM-O-RAMA

You don't want to miss this exciting opportunity! Registration for our Cub Scout STEM-O-RAMA event at Boonshoft will close on January 13 at 11:59 pm! Hurry up and snag one of the last 50 slots!

STEM-O-RAMA Promo Video #2
CLICK to Register
CLICK to Register

All Scouts and Scouters are invited to attend Scout Shabbat this year at Beth Abraham Synagogue. Please follow the link below to register for the event.


NOTE: The service is about 2 hours in length with an oneg (lunch) afterward. Scouts and Scouters that are B'nai Mitzvah are encouraged to bring their own yamulke and tallit.

CLICK to Register for Scout Shabbat
CLICK for Details and Registration

Scouting For Food (SFF)

All units are encouraged to join the Miami Valley Council in its annual good-turn for America, the Scouting For Food drive. With ever increasing food prices, our neighbors need our help more than ever. Please have your unit's Scouting For Food coordinator commit to the food drive by requesting your 2024 door hangers using the link below.

CLICK to Request Door Hangers
CLICK for SFF Details

Pinewood Derby Season is HERE!


Join us at the National Museum of the US Airforce for the Council Pinewood Derby! All Packs are encouraged to participate with their Top 2 winners from each rank eligible to race! Also, the Top Best of Show car will be eligible to complete for the Council Best of Show, this car will NOT race.

Need help designing and making your Pinewood Derby car? Sign up for a FREE workshop at the MVC Scout Shop. There are 5 slots per start time each of the 2 Saturdays.  Bring your own derby kit or purchase at the Scout Shop! Here are the dates:

January 13, 2024, and January 20, 2024.

CLICK for Pinewood Derby Rules

Mark your calendar for Cricket Caring 2024 Dates!


Registration will soon be live, but in the meantime mark your calendar for Cricket Cares Days, Beaver Day (NEW to 2024), and Wood Cutter's Day (NEW to 2024). Look for more information next month, but should you have questions in the meantime, please reach out to Ranger Jasper!

CLICK to Email Ranger Jasper

NOW HIRING!


The Miami Valley Council is looking for candidates who are enthusiastic and excited to elevate the Scouting Mission.


Current opening - GEM CITY SCOUTING PROGRAM DELIVERY AIDE


Please click below for more information and Position Descriptions:

CLICK for Gem City Scouting Program Aide

Join us this summer for a great big outdoor adventure at day camp where you will experience all the wonderful things the great outdoors has to offer. Immerse yourself into nature as you go on hikes, test your skills at the archery range, catch a fish, play games with new friends, learn about the local wildlife, and so much more! 

Early registration is NOW OPEN!  

CLICK for Day Camp Details 

If your Pack would like to have our Day Camp team visit your Blue and Gold Banquet or Pack meeting please email council Program Director, Amanda Schaedig. 

CLICK to Email Amanda

To order FREE placemats for your Blue and Gold Banquet, use the following link: Please allow us at least a week's notice to have the placemats ready for you.

CLICK to Order B&G Placemats
CLICK for Sponsorship Information
CLICK for 2024 Partnership Letter


CLICK for Sponsorship Form


Scout Shop News

Lots of cool stuff going on in the Scout Shop for January. For the "Deals of the Week," follow us on Facebook! See below for upcoming events.

Does your uniform shirt or

merit badge sash needs updated.

Not sure where a patch goes?

We can take care of that for you!

Stop by the Scout Shop today and let us help you out!

Quick turnaround, even same day.

Charges are $5 for per patch and $15 for hemming.

 

And follow us on Facebook!


NATIONAL BSA MEMBERSHIP FEE CHANGE &

MVC ADVENTURE FEE

CLICK for 2024 Scouting Fee Grid



CLICK for National BSA Fee letter & FAQ
CLICK for MVC Adventure Fee Letter & FAQ
Miami Valley Council, BSA 7285 Poe Ave. Dayton OH 45414
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