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Welcome to The River Hawk Nest, our Monthly Newsletter!
AUGUST 2026
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A Message from our District Chair & District Commissioner
ICYMI - Fired Up for Scouting Recap
Membership Updates
Finance Updates
Program Updates
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Back to School & Back to Scouting!
As the school year gets underway, backpacks are packed, schedules are filling up, and families across Anne Arundel County are settling back into their fall routines. For River Hawk District, that means one thing: it’s time to get Scouting back in full swing!
The start of a new school year is also one of the best opportunities to introduce new families to Scouting. While every unit and community is different, successful recruitment has one thing in common—it is intentional. New Scouts rarely find us by accident. They join because someone invited them, shared a great Scouting experience, or gave their family a reason to see what Scouting has to offer.
As you kick off your fall program, take a moment to ask: Who haven't we invited yet? There are families right here in our communities looking for opportunities for their children to build confidence, make friends, learn new skills, serve others, and have a little adventure along the way. Let's make this school year a great one—not just for the Scouts already in our programs, but for the new Scouts who haven't discovered us yet.
We also want to take a moment to recognize our River Hawk Membership Team for their hard work in making our Fired Up for Scouting event a success! The event brought together Scouting units and community partners to showcase the fun, adventure, and opportunities that Scouting has to offer. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, hosted a station, participated, and helped us introduce Scouting to new families. Be sure to read more about Fired Up for Scouting below!
Yours in Scouting,
Jenn & Kipp
| | Fired Up for Scouting Recap | |
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What a great way to kick off our recruitment season! Fired Up for Scouting brought together Scouting units, community partners, and volunteers for a fun event focused on introducing families to the opportunities available through Scouting.
A tremendous thank you to Catherine Gilles, Vice Chair of Membership, and the entire Membership Team, including Marilyn Murphy, John McConville, Nora Klee, and everyone who helped make the event happen. Special thanks also go to Eric Hostetler for helping with logistics and bringing equipment, and to our District Professionals, Katie Armstrong and MacKenzie Cook, for their continued support of the River Hawk District.
We are especially grateful to the units who stepped up to run booths and activities: River Hawk OA Chapter, Crew 2018, Crew 721, Troop 446, Pack 445, Troop 1975, Pack 474, Pack 127, Crew 3141, Troop 2018, Troop 993G, Troop 993B, Pack 2018, Troop 755, Troop 918, and Troop 769. Your participation put Scouting in front of prospective families and showed our community what Scouting is all about.
We also appreciate the incredible community support from the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management, Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Department for joining us and engaging with our families.
Most importantly, 12 unique non-Scouting families came through the event, giving us the opportunity to introduce them to Scouting—and one family has already taken the next step and registered a new Cub Scout! While we know recruitment is a process, this a great start and a wonderful indicator of what this event can accomplish.
This was our first Fired Up for Scouting, and we are excited to build on its success and make it an annual event. Thank you to everyone who helped us get Fired Up for Scouting!
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As we enter the fall recruitment season, every River Hawk unit is encouraged to develop and actively execute a recruitment plan. Key priorities include ensuring your unit pin on My.Scouting is accurate and up to date, maintaining an active social media presence, engaging in community outreach beyond school events, and hosting one or more dedicated open houses to welcome prospective families. Units should complete the Fall Recruitment Survey to request promotional materials and communicate any support needed from the district. Recruitment is a year-round responsibility and is essential to the success and sustainability of both individual units and Scouting as a whole. The district leadership team is available to provide resources, guidance, and assistance throughout the recruitment season.
Council has lots of resources on their Membership page here: https://baltimorescouting.org/membership/
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Scouting America now waives the $85 national youth registration fee for new and renewing children of active duty, National Guard, and Reserve military service members. The initial application contains a setting where you can easily find that section to apply for the discount, but some renewing families are having a hard time finding that option. If this applies to your family and you are having problems with it, please reach out to Katie or MacKenzie for assistance. | |
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Welcoming New Cub Scout Families:
First 90 Days Guide
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The first 90 days can make all the difference for a new Cub Scout and their family. A great Cub Scout experience starts with a great welcome. The First 90 Days Guide offers simple steps to help new Cub Scouts and their families feel welcomed, connected, supported, and part of the Pack from day one. Let’s make sure every new family knows they belong, has the support they need, and feels excited about their Scouting journey.
First 90 Days Guide
| | Anne Arundel County Fair Ducky Races | | |
The River Hawk District is once again running the ducky race at the AACo Fair being held Sept 16-20, 2026. This is a great recruitment activity and we encourage units participating to bring their own recruitment materials and any flair to make our booth pop. Units and individuals can sign up for one or multiple spots. All general materials will be provided, we just need your enthusiasm to promote Scouting! By volunteering, you also have free access to enjoy the fair after your shift.
Sign Up here: Anne Arundel County Fair Ducky Race
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What do units need to bring? Any individual recruitment materials you'd like to pass out. Otherwise, all general materials will be provided, just show up in your Scouting uniform!
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Finance Updates
Mike Danko, Vice Chair of Finance
finance@riverhawkbac.org
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Don't miss out on selling Popcorn!
Everything you need to know can be found here: https://baltimorescouting.org/popcorn/
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Before a unit can do any fundraising, except for Popcorn, a unit fundraising application is to be submitted to council for approval.
In an effort to make things easier to submit, we have created an online form located at https://forms.office.com/r/jnbnZqRkBX.
An email will be sent to the COR for approval. The COR must approve before approval is provided.
We want to reiterate to you that council does not and will not ask for a percentage of sales, but it's a way to ensure that any fundraising meets the standards set by National as it does reflect on the entire Scouting program.
If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Mike at this contact above.
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Program Updates
Eric Hostetler, Vice Chair of Program
program@riverhawkbac.org
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Get ready for a hauntingly good time at this year’s Spook-O-Ree! This annual event, designed specifically for our Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts is a highlight of the fall, drawing hundreds for a weekend filled with adventure, learning, and spooky (not scary) fun.
Held at Camp Saffran, Broad Creek Scout Reservation, Spook-O-Ree offers a unique opportunity to participate in a variety of skills stations run by Scouts from local Troops, Crews, and Ships. Throughout the weekend, Scouts will have the chance to develop new skills, build lasting friendships, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Saturday evening will culminate in a Halloween-themed campfire where Scouts are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes. The campfire program will feature skits and songs performed by the Scouts, making for a night of laughter and memorable moments. Don’t forget to decorate your campsite to add to the spooky atmosphere!
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Congratulations to our July
Eagle and Summit Scouts!
15 July T783 Benjamin Allen, Eagle
16 July T769 Nicholas Finch, Eagle
20 July T396 Preston Connolly, Eagle
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Advancement Committee
District Advancement Point of Contacts:
Ben Brown, Committee Chair (for any inquiries not listed below): advancement@riverhawkbac.org
Tim Watson, Cub Scout Advancement resource: tawscout@gmail.com
John Zajic, Dean of Merit Badge Counselors: rhmbdean@gmail.com
Tom Malloy, Eagle/Advancement Training: tjmalloybsa@outlook.com
Tim Mullady, Religious Awards: mulladyt@verizon.net
Eagle Scout Project proposal & Eagle Fund Raising applications: proposals@riverhawkbac.org
To schedule an Eagle or Summit Board of Review: boards@riverhawkbac.org
District Advancement Page: https://baltimorescouting.org/riverhawk/program/advancement/
Council Advancement Page: https://baltimorescouting.org/advancement/
ARROW OF LIGHT DEN LEADERS AND SCOUTMASTERS
As school starts back up, Arrow of Light Den Leaders and Scouts BSA Scoutmasters should try to establish contact with each other. Now is the time to schedule unit visits and other combined unit activities so Arrow of Light scouts can complete the Bobcat Adventure in September. Arranging visits in both directions now ensures a quick start for Arrow of Light scouts and lays firm groundwork for recruiting new members for Scouts BSA units a few months later.
REQUESTING EAGLE REQUIREMENT EXTENSIONS
Do you have an Eagle candidate whose 18th birthday is approaching and he/she still has Eagle requirements to complete? It may be possible to get up to a six-month extension on the Eagle requirements. Should this situation be the result of an event or issue beyond the control of your Eagle candidate. Review the Extension Request form to see if your scout qualifies under the three required tests. For questions or assistance, contact the River Hawk District Advancement Committee Chair (email address above).
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BALOO at Spook-O-Ree
October 17-18, 2026
Camp Saffran
This one-night training event introduces Den/Pack Leaders to the skills needed to plan and conduct Cub Scout pack outdoor activities, particularly pack family camping. BALOO will give your pack’s outdoor activity leader the tools to conduct a safe and successful overnight including the why and how of Cub Scout camping—planning, equipment, meal preparation, and campfire programs. Cub Scouters rotate among four round-robin sessions—fire safety, stoves, and lanterns; first aid and sanitation; nature hikes and games; and cooking. Scattered throughout the day are plenty of the four S’s: songs, stunts, stories, and showmanship. One overnight camping is involved.
Registration is open here
Questions?
Contact John Rolek, River Hawk BALOO Director at rolek.pspwii@gmail.com
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