IN THIS ISSUE
2021 UNIT JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE WORKBOOKS UPDATED.

The 2021 Unit JTE Tracking Workbooks have been updated with the save date of 2021-09-07 in the file name and supersede all earlier versions. These forms can be found by clicking here.

Unit Journey to Excellence is one method to see how your unit is doing. We all have good units, but it is in our nature to compete, and make sure we are providing a good program for our youth. The Journey to Excellence program provides goals for each unit to attain based on nationwide comparison. How do you stack up?
SAFETY MOMENT - GENERATORS

Portable generators are a common tool when temporary or remote power is needed. In Scouting, these could be used at large district or council events, or at summer or winter camps. Generators can be incredibly helpful but do have some inherent dangers. Click here to read more...
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.
HOUSATONIC COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVE

WHAT IS THE INCENTIVE?

If a unit turns in five (5) applications between September 1 and November 1, 2021, the unit will receive $125 in their unit account, with an additional $25 for each application after five youth. Applications that qualify are youth who are new to Scouting and must pay the $25 joining fee. Transfers do not apply to this incentive.

WHY?

The Housatonic Council wants to provide financial support units participating in the annual Fall Membership Campaign.
MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING RESOURCES




WILD WEBELOS WOODS
SEPTEMBER 24 -25, 2021

Is being held at Schreiber's Farm (571 Quaker Farms Rd, Oxford, CT 06401). It is an opportunity for Webelos youth, their parents and/or leaders to enjoy the outdoors, participate in Webelos-specific outdoor activities, have fun, and learn skills that will help them succeed when they cross over to Scouts BSA.

The goal of attending Webelos Weekend is:
1.   To have fun in the outdoors
2.   To learn new things.
3.   To give these Scouts BSA-In-Training the opportunity to see what it is like to attend a Boy Scout camporee. This will lessen their fears of attending a camporee. 

WHO IS WEBELOS WEEKEND FOR?
Webelos Weekend is for any boy or girl who is between 9 and 11 years old and who is working on his Webelos or Arrow of Light rank. Cub Scouts in Lions, Tigers, Wolves or Bears may participate as well, requirements will be adjusted as necessary.
SHELTON DAY - OCTOBER 3, 2021 - SERVICE HOURS AVAILABLE

The Derby-Shelton Rotary needs the assistance of the Housatonic Council.

Shelton Day is an Annual event sponsored by the Derby-Shelton Rotary. The event this year will take place on October 3, 2021 on the Riverwalk across from Inline Plastics.

Derby-Shelton Rotary needs volunteers to assist vendors to their spaces from 8:30am - 10:00am, and then at the end of the event from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Wear your Pack/Troop/Crew T-shirt and assist the Valley.
IT'S TIME TO GET POPPING

Our Council Commissioner is excited about selling popcorn are you?

During the Fall is our annual popcorn campaign. Popcorn is a great way for your unit to earn funds to support your unit's program.

WHY sell? Popcorn sales help to provide a quality BSA program and experiences of a lifetime.

If you are interested in your unit selling popcorn please contact Carole Cafaro.

So what is your unit doing?
BSA MEMBERSHIP FEE HAS INCREASED

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 took 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...

Remember this is the National Membership fee. None of these fees stay with the Housatonic Council.
HOUSATONIC COUNCIL RECOGNITION DINNER IS OCTOBER 21, 2021

The Annual Housatonic Council Recognition dinner recognizes our volunteers who have supported their units and the Housatonic Council. Join us to honor your unit's leaders and the following volunteers:

  • SILVER BEAVER
  • Patricia (Pat) Gajdosik

  • DISTRICT AWARD OF MERIT RECIPIENTS
  • Mark Sims
  • Matt Decho

  • UNIT PRESIDENT'S AWARDS
LOOK WHAT'S NEW AT THE COUNCIL ONLINE STORE

  • CAMP STRANG Patch, Series 2, Brown Border
  • 60th Anniversary Edmund D. Strang Reservation Patches
OTHER RELATED SCOUTING EVENTS AND BENEFITS FOR YOU...