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SCOUTER FOCUS
Monthly News & Updates
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In this issue: Scouting America Celebrates,
Scout Sunday This Month, 2026 National Jamboree Info Session,
Council Camporee Update, and More...!
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Happy Birthday
Scouting America!
February 8, 2025
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The Boy Scouts of America makes its name change to Scouting America official on February 8th, the 115th birthday of Scouting America.
That’s more than a century of citizenship, character development, self-reliance, adventure and more!
To learn more about the re-branding, what is changing and what isn't, read this article from "Aaron on Scouting," HERE.
Scouting America Logos and Resources
If you need updated program logos to market Unit events, please GO HERE to access the Scouting America Brand Center. If you have any questions, or cannot find what you need, please reach out to zena.korba@scouting.org.
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Scout Sunday 2025
A Scout is Reverent!
Through the celebrations known as Scout Sunday, Scout Sabbath, and Scout Jumuah, Scouts can reflect on their faith and the 12th point of the Scout Law. Any weekend in February is appropriate for reminding your Scouts to focus on reverence; however, many units choose to reflect on their faith on the nationally suggested day. The Calendar of Religious Observances 2025 | Boy Scouts of America can help you learn more about all the holy days recognized by many religions that your Scouts may celebrate.
This year Scout Sunday will fall on February 9th. This is the closest Sunday to Scouting’s Anniversary Day, which is February 8th. Reach out to your religious institution to ask about ways to help celebrate this day with them. For more on Scout Sunday and tips to help you celebrate Scouting’s Anniversary go to Scout Sunday | Boy Scouts of America.
See below for information about ordering Scout Sunday patches.
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SCOUT EXECUTIVE/CEO
Matt Klutzaritz
matt.klutzaritz@scouting.org
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Click on each graphic below to go to that
web page.
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February 2025
COUNCIL SERVICE CENTER CLOSURES
The Council Offices AND
Scout Shop will be closed on the following days, please plan accordingly.
Monday, February 17th
Presidents' Day
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Reminder: if you need assistance with a Scouting related issue or fundraiser, please reach out to Council Staff in advance of the upcoming holiday.
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Scout Expo At the Lebanon Valley Mall | | |
50th Scout Expo, February 5-8, 2025 | |
Come join us at the Lebanon Valley Mall as we celebrate 50 years of showcasing our Scouting Units to the community. Troops, Packs, and Crews will have interactive displays set up in the mall for all to enjoy!
Opening day is Wednesday the 5th with the Parade of Flags at 6:15 pm. Friday evening is the Campfire where Units will have songs, skits and cheers as well as other presentations. Saturday will be jammed-pack with Pinewood Derby racing, entertainment, activities, and the closing show.
If you are interested in registering for the mall show, please review the information packet for details. For the Pinewood Derby race, besides the Cub Scout races, there is an open class for anyone to enter and compete. See the Pinewood Derby rules for car specifications.
Any questions about the activities, contact Myrna Walker at 717-644-5460 or myrna.r.walker@gmail.com.
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Merit Badge College THIS Month! | | |
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Merit Badge College
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Register Now - Only A Few Spots Left!
Also available - “Inter-session” opportunities where a Scout can meet with a counselor during lunch if they come prepared.
**Please Note: Several Merit Badge requirements
were updated effective January 1, 2025.**
If your Scout is registered for a merit badge course affected by these updates, you will receive an email with the revised pre-requisites from Merit Badge College Chairman, Kim Kautz.
To see a list of the current merit badges and their requirements, visit All Merit Badges A-Z | Boy Scouts of America.
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2025 Spring Product Sale Update | | |
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Units, There Is Still Time For Your Scouts to Earn Their Way To Camp!
Sign-Up Today!
The spring sale runs until March 12th. Units can still sign-up for the sale by clicking on the link below. Each participating Unit will keep 25% commission on the total sales. By signing-up your Unit, you are providing an opportunity for your Scouts to help earn their way to summer camp.
Online Sales: Scouts have the opportunity to sell bulbs to their friends and family through online sales! More information is in the spring sale guidebook HERE.
Sales Kits: Once you sign up, be on the lookout for an email confirming your sales kit has been assembled and is ready for pick-up.
Have questions? Please reach out to zena.korba@scouting.org.
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2025 Council Camporee - May 2-4, 2025 | | |
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2025 Council Camporee at Longs Park,
May 2-4, 2025!
Units, bring your Scouts to this highly anticipated event!
This year’s Camporee theme, "Explore Your World," will offer exciting activities, including Flat Earth Maps, an Amateur Radio Station, and a close-up look at first responder vehicles. Don’t miss this opportunity for Scouts to learn, discover, and have fun!
Participation Cost:
- Scouts BSA Troops and Venturing Crews - $20 per person (youth & adult)
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Cub Scouts – Saturday, day only trek, $17 per person (youth & adult)
- Arrow Of Light Scouts participating in the Scouts BSA Camporee program and camping with a Troop should register at the Troop rate of $20.00. AOL Scouts, should coordinate their registration with the hosting Troop.
Registration Deadline: April 25, 2025. CLICK HERE to register.
The Trading Post is NOW OPEN!
Click the button below to access the registration link, 2025 Guidebook, Trading Post Flyer, and more! Pre-order your T-shirts and extra patches now through our online Trading Post—all orders must be placed by April 7th!
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2026 National Jamboree - Council Information Session | | |
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Unit Leaders and Parents!
Make plans to attend the PA Dutch Council's 2026 National Jamboree information session on Thursday, February 20th, 7pm at Camp Mack.
If you are unable to attend the information session, or you have questions, please contact Matt Klutzaritz at matt.klutzaritz@scouting.org.
If you are interested in attending the Jamboree as a staff member, working at the Jamboree and not leading a contingent, click HERE for details.
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Scout Shop News - Scout Sunday Patches & More! | | |
February 2025 Roundtable Topics | | |
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District Roundtables
Open to all Unit Members and Volunteers, roundtables are held the first Thursday of each month, from September through May. The goal of these meetings is to provide leaders with information that will help their units thrive.
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Iron Forge District Roundtable on February 6th - instead of a regular meeting, please join us at the Lebanon Valley Mall as we celebrate the 50th Scout Expo. Besides all the fun activities, there will be a special display of Scouting memorabilia celebrating our history and 50 years of Scouting in our District. We hope to see you there! For more information, please CLICK HERE.
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Susquehanna District Roundtable, February 6th at the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, 7 pm. For more info, Click Here.
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Hot topic: Developing a Social Media Presence for your Unit
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Safety Moment: Handling Anxiety in Youth
- Breakout Sessions:
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Cub Scouts: Pack Summertime Activities
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Scouts BSA/Crews: TBD
To learn about upcoming meetings, celebrations, and exciting activities
your District has planned, please go to your District's Activities Page:
Iron Forge Activities (padutchbsa.org)
Susquehanna District Activities Page (padutchbsa.org)
Follow Your District on Facebook:
Iron Forge District, PA Dutch Council, BSA
Susquehanna District, PA Dutch Council, BSA
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2025 Summer Camp News And Resources | | |
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2025 Camp Mack Summer Camp Dates Available Now! To see the schedule and register for camp, go to this page:
https://padutchbsa.org/camping/mack/summercamp/
To make a reservation, CLICK HERE.
CUBMASTERS - SPECIAL OFFER WHEN YOU SCHEDULE A CAMP PROMOTION VISIT!
If your Pack hosts a Camp Promotion Presentation by March 31, 2025, your Unit will receive a $50 gift certificate towards the total camp fees.
The Cub Scout Camping Committee is scheduling Pack Promotion visits now, if interested, please contact Ben Wohlberg at campdirector@campmack524.org.
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2025 Bashore Scout Reservation Summer Camp
Registration is now open. To make a reservation for the 2025 Summer Camp Season at Bashore Scout Reservation, CLICK HERE.
Questions about summer camp registration, please call 717-394-4063.
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2025 Campership Application
Deadline March 28, 2025
Camperships exist to help Scouts with a financial need attend a Pennsylvania Dutch Council summer camp.
Unit leaders, don’t let a lack of funds keep Scouts in your unit from attending camp this summer. Please share this information with your Scouts.
Camperships are given based upon need and funds available. To apply, fill out and submit the Pennsylvania Dutch Council Campership Form found on our website link below. Once completed, camperships applications can be emailed to robin.kotzmoyer@scouting.org.
To access the form, go here: Campership Form
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Join Our 2025 Summer Camp Staff!
The Pennsylvania Dutch Council is in the process of preparing for the 2025 summer camp season and recruiting staff for each Scout camp. Anyone 14 or older can become part of our Bashore Scout Reservation or Camp Mack Staff.
For more information or to apply, please CLICK HERE.
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Upcoming Training Courses | | |
UPCOMING TRAINING COURSE SCHEDULE:
The Pennsylvania Dutch Council Training and High Adventure Committee will be offering training courses this fall to help leaders to
"Be Prepared" to offer the best Scouting Program possible.
Click HERE to view the current
training course schedule on the PADutchBSA.org website.
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FEBRUARY
- February 20: PA Dutch Council's 2026 National Jamboree Info Session at Camp Mack*
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February 22: Merit Badge College, at the Landisville Mennonite Church. Check out the details HERE.
MARCH
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March 22: Iron Forge District Pinewood Derby at the Manheim Farm Show Building. For more information, please click here: Iron Forge Activities
APRIL
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April 5: Camp Mack Open House, Camp Mack Open House Flyer
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April 5: Merit Badge College at Camp Bashore, check HERE for updates.
- April 5-6: IOLS Training Course at Camp Bashore*
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April 6: Basic Rifle Course, Click Here for the course flyer.
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April 12: Susquehanna District Pinewood Derby*
MAY
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May 2-4: Council Camporee at Long's Park, Details and Leader Guidebook HERE.
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May 3 & 4: Rifle Instructor Training Course, click here for the course flyer.
*More info coming soon!
To find out about additional events, please click on the
Council Calendar button below.
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Friends of Scouting 2025 - Scouting America! | | |
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Friends of Scouting
Annual Campaign
WE ARE...
"SCOUTING AMERICA"
To make automatic payments using your bank account or credit card, please contact Lauren Bowen at lauren.bowen@scouting.org or call 717-553-4210.
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General Information
In-Store shopping hours are:
Monday to Friday 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Scout Shop Associates and Support Staff will be available by appointment
Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.
Can’t make it into the store? Call 717.553.4200 or email BOTH tanya.hanna@scouting.org AND robin.kotzmoyer@scouting.org
DID YOU KNOW... Your order can be filled and shipped directly to your home or business. A shipping and handling fee will be applied to your purchase.
A credit card is required for payment.
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3% Credit Card Processing Fees
Apply To The Following Transactions:
- Registrations
- Fall and spring product fundraisers
- Camp related events or training programs
- Replenishment of unit accounts
Thank you for understanding that as a nonprofit we cannot continue to incur these additional banking surcharges associated with credit card transactions.
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