Good evening, Constellation District.

Here are your Four Things to Know on this Veteran's Day Weekend.

• Virtual District Roundtable: November 14
• New Diversity Equity & Inclusion Initiative
• Summer Camp Opportunities for Cub Scouts
• Order of the Arrow in 2024

Plus, Dates to Know and this month's Safety Minute.

Virtual District Roundtable

November 14, 2023, 7:30 to 9:00 pm

Join via Zoom using this Link

We're offering a "bonus" Constellation District Roundtable in November! Our theme for this Roundtable is Recruiting and Retaining Scouts and Adult Volunteers. When it comes to growing your Units, you are not on your own & don't have to reinvent the wheel.

• This virtual Roundtable will include breakout rooms for Packs and for Troops/Crews/Ship's, where you can exchange ideas for recruiting and retention of both Scouts and adults.
• Looking for ideas on how to get the word out to more potential Scouts? We have ideas to share.
• Do you need more participation from adult volunteers? Get suggestions from other units.
• Do you have a thriving Unit? Join us to share your thoughts and help strengthen Scouting throughout the District. 



Roundtables are at their best when we can learn from each other. So whether you are new to Scouting or a seasoned veteran, we hope you can make a special effort to join us for learning, sharing, and fellowship.

New Diversity Equity & Inclusion Initiative

The Cradle of Liberty Council is providing content related to DEI to be shared with our community of Scouts, Volunteers, and Staff. It will be provided as content for inclusion in electronic District Newsletters, and as “DEI Minutes” to be communicated verbally by unit leaders at in-person events. This short-form nugget will celebrate DEI in our community. Content can include interviews, success stories, facts, helpful hints, and other matter.

We invite our community members, i.e., Scouts, Volunteers, and Staff, to submit an article (between 100 and 200 words) for inclusion as a DEI Nugget. Please send your article for consideration by email to diversity@colbsa.org

Summer Camp Opportunities for Cub Scouts

Summertime is camptime for Cub Scouts, and we offer a range of weekend and full-week activities for Scouts, their families, and their friends. Registration can be as individuals or units. Are you interested in attending but worried about getting there; contact our District's Cub Camp Coordinator, Jack Garrett, to discuss options.

• Cub Scout Community Day Camps: Day Camp is one of the best opportunities provided to Cub Scouts and provides a full week of program and activities that are both fun for the kids and educational! We are proud to offer 10 weeks of camp at 5 different locations throughout the summer, including Media and Springfield. You can register as a Pack, a Den, or an individual Scout for one or more weeks.
• STEM Adventure Day Camp: We're offering 6 weeks of dynamic and fun day camp programs at Camp Garrison for any youth ages 6 to 14. Train to be a spy, blast rockets into the atmosphere, explore natural habitats and more with the our STEM Adventure Day Camp. Scouts and non-scouts are welcome, and all are guaranteed to have fun with our hands-on nature exploration, recreation, and more! We have something for everyone with six fun-filled themed weeks; come for just one or stay for all six.
• Webelos Week: An opportunity for 4th and 5th grade Cubs who are looking for a week-long camping experience starting July 30. Parents are welcome, but not required. Register as individuals or come as a Den for a week of outdoor fun.
• Family Adventure Weekends: Looking for an opportunity to get outdoors for some camping and fun with your family this summer? Join us at Camp Garrison for our Family Adventure Weekend July 28 to 30! You bring the family (and friends), and we’ll bring the program food, and FUN to make for a great time in camp. Our goal is to help your family enjoy the outdoors without the normal fast-paced schedule of typical Scout camp. Scouts, siblings, and non-Scouts of ALL ages are welcome.

Click any of the program links above to learn more and register!

Order of the Arrow in 2024

The Constellation District is gearing up for an active year with the Unami Lodge at the Order of the Arrow. Congratulations to the 2024 officers:

Chapter Chief - Christopher Statsen (Troop 315)

Vice Chief - Aidan Sutkowski (Troop 176)

Secretary - Noah Amjed (Troop 284)

The Order of the Arrow is Scouting's "Honor Society," recognizing those Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law in their daily life. Each year, the chapter election teams will start contacting each unit leader in their district to set up an election. If your unit is not contacted about scheduling an election, you are encouraged to contact your chapter adviser, Tom Luke, to schedule one in 2024.

Dates to Know

And take a look at the Council's Calendar of Events for other opportunities.

Robert Morris "Good Scout" Award Reception : November 16, 2023

Save the Date. And click here to Register or Sponsor.

Scouting for Food Collection : November 18, 2023

With Door Tag Drop-Off November 11.

Questions? Contact our District Coordinator, Kate Hiebert, for info.

Scout Night at the Flyers : November 19, 2023

Activities, patches, and photos on the ice. Information and registration here .

University of Scouting: Saturday, February 4, 2024

In-person training opportunities for leaders. Save the Date!

District Swim Program (tentative dates)

Swimming and Lifesaving Merit Badges: February 18, 25, March 3, & 10.

Cub Scout Day: March 17, 2024

District First Aid Meet : March 2, 2024

Save the Date!

Pilgrimage & Encampment: March 8-10, 2024

Save the Date

District Pinewood Derby : April 12, 2024

Save the Date!

District Cooking Competition : Rescheduled to Sunday, May 5, 2023

Save the Date!

District Safety Minute

Think C-O-L-D to stay warm.

We are entering cold-weather camping season; remember these key ideas to stay warm.

C = Clean: Keep insulating layers clean. Dirt and perspiration can mat down air spaces in the material and reduce the warmth of a garment.

O = Overheating: Avoid overheating. Stay hydrated by drinking water and avoid caffeinated drinks acting as diuretics.

L = Loose Layers: Wear loose-fitting layers of clothing and footgear that allow maximum insulation without impeding circulation. Wear a hat.

D = Dry: Sweaty, damp clothing can lead to rapid heat loss and possible frostbite or hypothermia. Avoid clothes that absorb moisture. Loosen clothing around the neck so body heat/moisture can escape instead of soaking through layers.

Key People to Know

Constellation District Volunteer Leadership (Key 2)

John Cluver, District Chair

Rob Shillingford, District Commissioner

Service Area 2 Professional Team

Ryan Martin, Team Lead and Fundraising Specialist

Rhys Wallace, Membership Specialist

Aaron Munson, Service & Program Specialist

Constellation District Website: Click Here

Constellation District Instagram:  @constellation_district 

Constellation District Facebook page: Click Here

Do you have news or photos on a new Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow induction, or anything else to share on the District's Facebook page? Contact our Public Relations Chair, Rose Sutkowski, to get it posted.