IN THIS ISSUE
MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021 AT 7:00 PM

TOPICS FOR ROUNDTABLE

  • Scout Safe Quiz - Is this activity appropriate, but it's really COOL!
  • How not to submit a paper application ever again!
  • New Section - Let's hear from the youth - 2021 Spring Camporee
CONGRATULATIONS TO...
ORDER OF THE ARROW SERVICE WEEKEND AND PREPARATION DAY #3

The Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation was once again a buzz with activity and preparation tasks as we prepare for an exciting summer in 2021.

The color of green (not money) became prominent as tents started going up in campsites. Trails were weeded, wood chips were laid down to delineate pathways. Hand Sanitizer holders were built (thank you Bob Dion) and installed so we have clean hands in the Dining Hall.

The Order of Arrow Paugassett Lodge had seven members complete their ordeal and two members sealed their Brotherhood.

The Housatonic Council would like to thank Troop 27, Troop 28, Pat Gajdosik, Bob Dion, Bill McDonnell, Jeff Anderson, Tom Hemstreet, Dan Costa, Matt Decho, Michael McMahon, and Paugassett Lodge. As we continue to prepare for our return to summer resident camp, just from the three Preparation Days over 1,500 hours have been dedicated to getting camp ready.

On behalf of all the youth who have and will attend the Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation in 2021 please accept my sincerest gratitude. Your service will impact our youth this summer and for many summers to come. John A. Zseller II, Scout Executive Housatonic Council.
THANK YOU to all our units who contributed photos and stories for "CONGRATULATIONS TO..." This section of our newsletter continues because of your contributions. Continue to submit your stories and pictures of what your unit is doing. Please add an email for other leaders interested in contacting you, so they can do what you did in their unit.
SCOUTBOOK FOR DEN LEADERS
This all-in-one tool makes planning your year, preparing for meetings and tracking advancement so much easier – and right at your fingertips!

Plan The Year In a Snap!
Building a den meeting calendar used to be tricky and time-consuming. But not anymore, thanks to Scoutbook. Now you can plan out the year using an easy drag-and-drop tool. Follow the pre-planned calendar or customize your own. Either way, it’s a snap!

Prepare for Meetings in Minutes - Not Hours!
Scoutbook has taken the time-consuming hard work out of preparing for meetings. Now everything you’ll do and say in a meeting is laid out right there in the app so prepping for meetings is short and sweet.

Tracking Advancement Is Easier Than Ever!
Now, in Cub Scouts, advancement is based on meeting attendance, so simply follow along with the meetings online and take attendance using Scoutbook’s one-click attendance tracker and we’ll take care of the rest!
SAFETY MOMENT - AQUATICS SAFETY

It's Summertime, Summertime, Sum, Sum, Summertime... Do you remember that catch tune?

Scouting is the time when our units program thoughts turn to summer camp, boating and swimming. Aquatics safety is an important part of the Scouting program, remember Scouting offers training to both youth and adults. Before you head out for a day of swimming or boating take a moment and focus of Aquatic Safety.

Ensure a SAFE Summer by reviewing BSA Aquatic Safety policies for Scouting. Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat govern all BSA swimming and boating activities. This includes Age-Appropriate guidelines for Scouting Activities.  
 
  • Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training programs are available online at my.scouting.org.  


Scouts and their parents expect all Boy Scouts of America activities to be conducted safely. To ensure the safety of participants, the Boy Scouts of America expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program.
BSA MEMBERSHIP FEE INCREASE AS OF AUGUST 1, 2021

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has worked to keep the membership fee as low as possible. Unfortunately, operating costs have continued to rise, and COVID-19 has compounded the need to increase the fee to maintain the program.
To ensure we have the resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting, the updated national membership fee is
  • $72 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts participants
  • $45 for Exploring participants
  • $30 for council-paid memberships
  • $45 for all adult volunteers (includes cost of background check)
  • $75 for a unit charter fee
The membership fees will take effect August 1, 2021, for the 2021-2022 program year.
The one-time $25 joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts is still required; however, there is no joining fee for Exploring participants, participants previously registered in any BSA program, those transferring from one program to another, council-paid memberships, or adult volunteers. More...
THREE STEPS TO BECOMING A TRAINED CUB SCOUT LEADER


STEP 3: Position-Specific Training
In the BSA Learning Center, select your position and a learning plan will be created for you. The plan includes modules that are designed to allow you to complete them at your own pace.
Leaders who complete Youth Protection Training and Position-Specific Training earn the right to wear the Trained patch on the left sleeve of their uniform, beneath the patch representing the position for which they are trained.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO CAMP OUT ON A RETIRED BATTLESHIP THIS SUMMER?

The USS Massachusetts, moored at Battleships Cove in Falls River, MA, is ready to host overnight guests starting this August.

We have reserved a limited number of bunks for Scouts, family and friends to visit the “Big Mama” on August 28-29.
  • Scouts and guest will have full access to the museum and other vessels (destroyer, corvette & submarine) until museum close, 5pm.
  • Once the days visitors have left we will have full access to the Battleship till lights out.
  • Cost per person is $69, which includes 2 day admission pass to Battleship Cove, dinner & breakfast. Transportation not provided.

RSVPs are needed by June 25th and full payment due by July 18 th. For more information or to RSVP contact: Max Aulet 203-589-3009 or [email protected]
ORDER OF THE ARROW UPDATES
Do you need an escape from that 9-5 job, summer classes, or the monotony of staring out of your bedroom window longing for something new? If your answer is yes, the Order of the Arrow has the answer for you!

Each summer, the Order of the Arrow offers a myriad of different High Adventure opportunities to meet your summer needs. Maybe it's wetting your appetite by going for a plunge in the Atlantic Ocean with the Ocean Adventure at the Florida Sea Base. Or maybe hiking is your passion; if so, what better place to go than the Philmont Scout Ranch, where you can hike the same trails as your Scoutmaster or Scouting ancestors as a part of your Trail Crew experience? Have you ever thought about what the Native Americans and early explorers did to be avid traders? Maybe the OA Voyage is your calling. Whatever your summer aspirations may be, these National High Adventure bases have put together a multitude of options for you.
2021 SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION

THE COUNCIL ONLINE STORE IS OPEN FOR HOUSATONIC AND SCOUTING ITEMS
SEARCHING FOR OTHER SCOUTING RELATED THINGS TO DO?
CONNECTICUT YANKEE COUNCIL OFFERING WOOD BADGE
What is Wood Badge? Wood Badge focuses on preparing adult leaders to deliver the mission of Scouting.

By attending Wood Badge you will:

  • Learn contemporary leadership concepts and discover how these apply to our value-based program.
  • Understand Scouting as a family of interrelated programs providing age appropriate activities for youth.
  • Revitalize your commitment to Scouting, sharing in an inspirational experience.
JOIN SCOUTING IN THE SUMMER OF SERVICE

Join Scouting families across the country in a spirited Summer of Service! As we have throughout our history, Scouting families are answering the call to work together in service of the greater good. From public health drives, to caring for the environment, to assisting neighbors in need, Scouts have always been a force for positivity and goodness in our communities. Now more than ever, our world needs that Scouting spirit once again. Let’s step up! Together, we can answer the call to make a positive impact in our neighborhoods and communities. Join us today, with projects big or small, in a Summer of Service!
DEEP ANNOUNCES 2021 - 'SKY'S THE LIMIT HIKING CHALLENGE - Explore Bridges, Footbridges & Boardwalks on 20 Trails Within Various State Parks and Forests. As the warm weather returns to Connecticut, please see the following information from CT DEEP on its hiking challenge. The challenge features two of our own state parks: Black Rock and Southford Falls.
This year’s challenge is a great opportunity to hike “Bridges, Footbridges and Boardwalks” that are part of 20 trails within various Connecticut State Parks and Forests. Those who complete the challenge will receive a “Sky’s the Limit” hiking staff medallion and certificate to commemorate their accomplishment!