IN THIS ISSUE
SCOUTS IN ACTION...

PACK 65, OXFORD - Held a stuff a tent in the Quarry Walk Plaza in Oxford, CT to help supply the Seymour Oxford food bank.

THANK YOU to all our units who contribute photos and stories for "SCOUTS IN ACTION..." This section of our newsletter is dedicated to our units. Continue to submit your stories and pictures of what your unit is doing. Add a contact email so other leaders can contact you, and do what you did in their unit.
SAFETY MOMENT - CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING - AT HOME OR CAMP

Carbon monoxide (CO) causes upward of 400 deaths and results in the hospitalization of more than 4,000 people each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many of those falling ill don’t know they have CO poisoning because it is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. With proper inspection and housekeeping, Scouts and community members alike can prevent CO poisoning.
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.
INTRODUCING CITIZENSHIP IN SOCIETY
Reprinted from Bryan on Scouting

The first new merit badge for youth in the Scouts BSA program since 2017 officially launches today. Called Citizenship in Society, it provides Scouts with opportunities to learn more about our world by encouraging them to explore information on diversity, equity, inclusion and ethical leadership — and to learn why these qualities are important in society and in Scouting.

To earn the merit badge, Scouts must conduct research; explore resources; have conversations with merit badge counselors, peers, parents and community members; and identify actions they can take to ensure inclusivity and belonging in Scouting and society in general.
HONOR YOUR VOLUNTEERS WITH COUNCIL AWARDS IN 2022

As we prepare for 2022 Please submit applications for the following Council Level Awards. They will be due to the Council Service Center by FEBRUARY 15, 2021. The 2022 Council Recognition Dinner will be held in April of 2022.
MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING RESOURCES




HOUSATONIC COUNCIL WORKING WITH THE VALLEY UNITED WAY ON FOOD INSECURTY
Scouting Families-

At this time of year, we would begin encouraging everyone to collect non-perishable food items for our BSA Scouting For Food project. Due to the Coronavirus, this tangible collection of food has not been “physically” possible. So we have been asked to help with Harvest House this year. Valley United Way has transformed the actual House of Food into a virtual event where you can donate food online for our Valley food pantries!

To donate, please go to the Valley United Way website at: https://valleyunitedway.org/harvest-house/. Throughout the month of October and November, we are encouraging you to help by donating to area food pantries as they serve those who struggle with food insecurity. As you may know, issues of food insecurity already exist in the Valley but have been exacerbated by job loss and the economic impacts of Covid-19. St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shoppe & Food Pantry in Derby shows this by reporting a nearly 40% increase in the number of families/households needing food since the onset of the pandemic.

Valley United Way’s goal is to raise $40,000 for the local pantries to ensure their shelves are full and families are fed, especially during the upcoming holidays. Funds raised will be distributed equally among the five main Valley food pantries: St. Vincent De Paul in Derby, Salvation Army in Ansonia, Spooner House in Shelton, Seymour-Oxford Food Bank, and the Kathleen Samela Memorial Food Bank at Christ Episcopal Church in Ansonia.

We urge you to please help the Valley United Way make an impact in the Valley community by donating “virtual groceries” or Thanksgiving meals throughout all of October and November.
THE HOUSATONIC COUNCIL ONLINE STORE

  • PATCHES AVAILABLE
  • 60th Camp Strang Anniversary Patch
  • Order of the Arrow "Gone Home Patch"
  • Previous Friends of Scouting Patches
  • Past Activity Patches
  • And other items
DID YOU MISS THE VIDEO ABOUT THE UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT? Watch This!
OTHER RELATED SCOUTING EVENTS AND BENEFITS FOR YOU...














OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE AT MYSTIC AQUARIUM

Please contact the Council Office for additional information.

Below is additional information on the program but please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or 860-572-5955 ext. 431 at any time with questions.


MAKING A RESERVATION, PAYMENT and CANCELLATION:

The flat fee for this event is $5,000. Your group will purchase an entire overnight that accommodates up to 60 people.

To book your event, please visit us online at https://www.mysticaquarium.org/learn/overnights/ or call 860-572-5955 ext. 431.

We do require a $500.00 deposit at the time of booking. Once the deposit has been paid and confirmed, you will receive an email from the Education & Conservation team with detailed information regarding the program, final payment due date, and a roster template.

Your final payment will be due either 3 weeks after you have booked the event or 3 weeks prior to the date of the event, whichever comes first. The final payment of $4,500.00 may be paid by check or with credit card but please note one final payment is required.