Chairmans Corner by Michael Buechel |
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Chairman's Corner ~ by Michael Buechel
Greetings and salutations my fellow Scouters. February already! Time flies when you’re having fun! Don’t forget Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Our Virtual Roundtables are off and running. Hope to see you all at the next one scheduled for February 11, 2021. Jo will have more information to follow. Check out our District page HERE. Our calendar and many other bits of information can be found here. You can sign up for the District Newsletter as well. CLICK HERE to Sign up for The Connecticut Scouter CLICK HERE for COVID-19 updates Southeastern District Committee: Key Three – Mike Buechel (District Chair) – michael.e.buechel@gmail.com Jo Cobble (District Commissioner) - jocobblebsa@gmail.com Sean Fogel (District Executive) - sean.fogle@scouting.org Vice Chair for Administration – Pete Roberts Health and Safety – Paul Kanfer Finance – Justin DeBrodt Membership – Rob Bunger and Tim Lombardo Nominating – Ken Lee Vice Chair for Program – Mike Rutty and Mike Dameron Advancement and Recognition – Marty Snyder and Bill Shea Scouting with Special Needs – Vacant Camping and Outdoors – Jim Merwin Training – Bill Landry Activities and Civic Service – Dawn Berger-DeBrodt If anyone is interested in assisting with any of the various sub-committees identified above please contact me as well. We are looking for depth in our Committee in order to better serve our youth. Lastly, I would thank you all for being patient and flexible. With all that is going on responses are sometimes delayed as a result of increased workload at the professional level and the Committee’s efforts in establishing a working model that is repeatable and sustainable. Thanks again for all you do for our youth and I hope to see you F2F around the campfire at some point in the near future.
YIS, Mike Buechel District Four Committee Chair michael.e.buechel@gmail.com C: 860-859-7042
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Happy New Year Southeastern District Scouters!!! The next virtual Southeastern District Roundtable is scheduled for February 11, 2021 at 7pm see the call in information after my signature line. It will also be available for viewing on the Southeastern District Facebook page. Join Zoom Meeting - Southeastern District Roundtable - February 11, 2021 at 7pm Please CLICK HERE to download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86403181333 Rechartering: Yay!! We are making great progress! HOWEVER, there are still units that need to turn in their final paperwork and less than a handful that need to start. Please, please, please turn your packages ASAP. If you need assistance please email me or any of the District Key 3. I NEED HELP: The district needs more commissioners to service the units. I can’t check on all the units. I am very THANKFUL for the commissioners that have signed on and made unit contacts. Remember a phone call or email or even a parking lot conversation counts!! Southeastern District Pages: - https://ctscouting.org/southeastern-district/ This is our resource page on the CT Rivers site. - Facebook is “Southeastern District CRC BSA” and please tag us @SoutheasternDistrictCRCBSA with your unit activities. We would love to see what you are doing. Thank you to everyone for their ongoing efforts to keep scouting going and I know that everything is different and sometimes not an easy task at times. I really appreciate your efforts!! YIS, Jo Cobble Southeastern District Commissioner jocobblebsa@gmail.com (757) 344-4075 (you can call or text) Connecticut Rivers Council BSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Roundtable - Southeastern District Time: Feb 11, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Meeting ID: 864 0318 1333 One tap mobile +16465588656,,86403181333# US (New York) +13017158592,,86403181333# US (Washington DC) Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 864 0318 1333 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdnNiRgr9
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Celebrate February 2021’ Scouting Anniversary Month
Scout Promise: On my honor, I will do my best to do my Duty to God and my country…. 12th Point of the Scout Law: A Scout Is Reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. Completing Faith Electives for cubs can be used to satisfy participating in a Scout Sunday
This year’s Scout Sunday patch is dictated to all Eagle Scouts and those Scouts who aspire to be Eagle Scout one day. The familiar words “he will raise you up on eagles’ wings” lends encouragement to all. So we also dedicate this year’s patch to so many who are suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 virus. It has hit many of our scouting family and friends. Some have even lost love ones. Our health care workers and first responders have been overwhelmed. This patch can be used thank them for their heroic efforts. Many families are also suffering economic hardship. Let’s reach out to those in our community who need help and show our scout spirit and our commitment to our promise “duty to God and one another”. TO PARTICIPATE: The recommendation is that you promote participation by appointing a unit Coordinator to organize the unit’s Scout Sunday observance. Because of Covid 19 restrictions, observance of Scout Sunday this year can be whatever your Troop, Pack, Den, or Crew deems worthy. Suggestions: As unit conduct a social distant food or clothing drive, hold a Zoom meeting and dedicate a portion of the meeting to giving thanks for what we have, (Health, Supportive Chartering organization, our Scouting and personal family). Conduct a Scouts own Service. Have Scouts write letters to Health care workers (Hospital, Nursing home) and First responder (Police, Fire and Ambulance departments) in your community thanking them for their caring efforts. Send them a patch(s) to show your thanks. Do a good deed and help a friend, relative or neighbor. Use your imagination and come up with any idea to show your thanks and Duty to God. All Scouts and Scouter who participate in a Scout Sunday project or observance during February can receive this year’s Scout Sunday Patch. To order your 2021 Scout Sunday patches fill out the attached order form and either call or E mail Ken Lee. Patches can be mailed to your unit contact.
All Scouts and Scouter who participate by attending a service in February can receive this year’s Scout Sunday Patch. To order your Scout Sunday patches CLICK HERE to fill out an ORDER FORM and either call, mail or E mail Ken Lee. Patches can be mailed to your unit contact.
Email is leeskkkm@sbcglobal.net
Phone number 860 - 942 - 3117
Address:
Ken Lee
65 Sunset Drive
Danielson, CT 06239
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Advancement News & Updates |
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The BSA Advancement News provides a useful reference of advancement features and updates for Cub Scouting, Scouting, Venturing and Exploring. Links to the Advancement News index and the current January-February 2021 issue are below. Please use the “Subscribe” link at the bottom of Page 5 to receive Advancement News by email.
BSA Advancement News Index BSA Advancement News January-February 2021 There have been some minor changes to the rank requirements. For more details go to: https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/. As of January 2021, the BSA Requirements Book is no longer being published. The content will be available on the Scouting.org website. This will allow BSA to make changes more readily. It gives the impression that they may have or make changes other than at the end or beginning of a calendar year. A number of awards have been discontinued. If a Scout had already started working on them they have until 31 Dec 2021 to complete. They include: Emergency Preparedness Award, Keep America Beautiful Award, Conservation Good Turn for America, and the ScoutSTRONG Awards.
Merit Badge Updates - 2021
Merit Badges are routinely reviewed and updated. Please check out the list of 2021 updates at the following link. If a new edition of a merit badge pamphlet is introduced with updated requirements after the Scouts BSA Requirements book has been released, a Scout who is starting the badge may choose to follow either set of requirements until the end of the year. At the start of the new year, Scouts who are beginning must use only the new requirements. Merit Badge requirements have changed for the following: Archaeology, Collections, Digital Technology, Electricity, Electronics, Fish & Wildlife Management, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Lifesaving, Motorboating, Nature, Photography, Public Health, Rowing, Sports, Theater, & Woodwork. BSA Merit Badges - 2021 Updates
Merit Badge Counselor List in Scoutbook (SB)
Please continue to use Scoutbook for Merit Badge Counselor lists. MBCs may view their status and Merit Badges by login to Scoutbook > My Dashboard > My Account > My Positions. Key Contacts: for all queries on new applications, updates, MBC list in SB:
COVID-19 FAQ: Updated as of Jan 14, 2021 including information on Rank Advancement and Merit Badge Requirements
The COVID-19 FAQ is organized for In-Person Unit Activities, Camping this Fall/Winter, Advancement, Advancement - Cub Scouts, and Advancement – Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts. CLICK HERE for Most recent update: UPDATED 1/14/2021 Also See BSA Advancement Resources link at the end of this section. Eagle Package Contacts For submission of Eagle packages – initial Proposals, Q&A, Fundraising forms, Service Project Reports, Eagle Rank Applications, Q&A ... please continue to work with:
- Troops West of Connecticut River – Designated District Eagle Advancement Coordinator – Mike Engels, Lianne Rutty, or Tom Jump.
- Troops East of Connecticut River – Paul Orstad (hogan343@aol.com) or Marty Snyder.
Scoutmasters and Committee Chairs: Please remember that scouts beyond age 18 actively participating and working on requirements in a unit must be registered as an Adult (code UP) with current YPT training. Please notify Bill Shea or Marty Snyder as Southeastern District contacts for extension requests.
Key Advancement Contacts: Southeastern District Advancement Co-chairs
Bill Shea william.shea@sbcglobal.net 860-883-8588 Marty Snyder martys762@gmail.com 860-235-9732
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Conservation & Outdoor Ethics Update |
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50th Anniversary Environmental Protection Agency Award Program Term – January 1 to December 31, 2021 The Environmental Protection Agency, as part of a public awareness campaign to celebrate its first 50 years, has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America to create an award for members of troops, crews and ships. This new award will recognize youth who research and learn about the subjects of human health and the environment, as the EPA develops its vision for the next 50 years. The objective of the EPA award is to combine a variety of disciplines to challenge and educate youth; introduce them to the breadth of the EPA’s involvement in environmental protection and conservation; and encourage them to research, investigate, experiment, demonstrate, survey, and study air pollution, water pollution, solid and hazardous waste, and ocean dumping. Members must earn the Public Health merit badge and three additional merit badges from selected categories. Finally, they must participate in an environmental/public health community service project as part of an approved Scouting program. CLICK HERE for the link to the application form
Introduction of the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award Conservation and the Boy Scouts of America have been partners for a long time. Camping, hiking, and respect for the outdoors are a part of the Scouting heritage. Many of the requirements for advancement from Tenderfoot through the Eagle Scout rank call for an increasing awareness and understanding of the natural sciences. Many former Scouts have become leaders in conserving our environment and protecting it from abuse. Right now, Scouts are involved in learning about environmental problems and actively working to make a difference. The fundamental purpose of the BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Awards program is to encourage learning by the participants and to increase public awareness about natural resource conservation. Understanding and practicing sound stewardship of natural resources and environmental protection strengthens Scouting’s emphasis on respecting the outdoors. The goal of this awards program is to encou
local Council’s Conservation Committee to a member of a Scouts BSA, Sea Scout, or Venturing unit for exceptional and distinguished service to conservation and environmental improvement. The BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Awards are presented for distinguished service in natural resource conservation. The award is given in one of three forms. The awards are:
- Youth: BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award
- Adult: BSA Distinguished Conservationist
- Organizations and Individuals: BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award Certificate
Additional information can be found on the Scouting.org website
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Adapting your Leave No Trace practices for Winter
As troops get ready to conduct virtual Klondikes and take full advantage of having snow on the ground it’s a good time to think about how we need to adapt our Leave No Trace and Outdoor Ethics principles to the additional challenges brought on in winter.
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Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Educate yourself on the area you plan to visit. Learn about winter regulations, closures, and weather hazards.
- Trail markings may be hidden in snow. Use a map and compass for navigation. Batteries in GPS units may not work in cold temperatures.
- Night falls early. You will have much less time to travel and set up camp, so plan accordingly.
- Everything takes longer in cold weather, whether it's heating water, hiking, or tying shoelaces.
- Ensure you have appropriate gear for the worst-case environment. Use layering of clothes to keep warm and prevent overheating followed by freezing.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Travel - Stay on deep snow cover whenever possible; in muddy spring conditions, stay on snow or walk in the middle of the trail to avoid creating new trails and damaging trailside plants.
- In Camp - Choose a site on durable surfaces- snow, rock or mineral soil- not tundra or other fragile vegetation.
Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack out all waste. Do not bury trash in the snow or ground.
- If you can dig a cat-hole in the ground, dispose of human waste that way. Cat-holes in snow only hide your waste until the snow melts - then it lays on the snow and ground. Instead, let your waste freeze and then pack it and your toilet paper out.
Leave What You Find
- Snow cover actually helps us leave things as they are since artifacts, rocks, and sticks are hidden and flowers are not in bloom.
- Dismantle any snow shelters, igloos, and wind breaks before leaving your campsite. They become unsafe as they melt and they encourage others to concentrate traffic in one spot.
Minimize Campfire Impact
- While campfires in winter are nice, using stoves instead will be more efficient and leave no ash stains on the snow.
- If you do make a fire, use a firepan so all ash can be saved and discarded in an appropriately hidden location rather than leaving a mess in the snow.
Respect Wildlife
- Harsh winter months are especially hard on animals. Scarce food and water means they need to conserve energy as much as possible.
- Approaching or pestering wildlife causes them to expend energy that may be required just to survive. Stay far from animals and suspected animal habitats.
- Securely store food and waste to prevent scavenging by hungry wildlife. Do not leave food scraps for animals, even out of pity
Be Considerate of Others
- Sound carries farther in winter so keep voices down and camp noise minimized.
- Make an effort to find good campsites well off the trail. Much of the summer cover is gone in winter and forests are more open. Don't stop right by the trail because the snow is deep.
- Separate ski and snowshoe tracks where possible. Avoid hiking on ski or snowshoe tracks.
Additional Information
For more information and helpful tips remember to visit the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (LNT.org) or the following links: Critical Skills for Traveling into Snow Leave No Trace for Winter Trips Winter Recreation 14 Winter Recreation Tips Leave No Trace Ethics - Backcountry Snowsports Leave No Trace Ethics - Backcountry Snowsports - short version CLICK HERE for a nice article on winter camping by former JNW staff member Rob Motley
YIS,
Michael Dameron
Leave No Trace Master Educator
michaeldameronbsa@gmail.com
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Important Dates |
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February Roundtable: 2/11 at 7pm Please CLICK HERE for the ZOOM link to the February RT
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Camping Updates |
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I have been sending out the The Connecticut Scouter Newsletter to all Cubmasters, Scoutmasters and Committee Chairs as I receive them. The newsletter has valuable information on camping. If you have any questions on camping please contact me at jmerwin007@aol.com or 860-227-4794.
Jim Merwin
District Camping Chairman
Cell: 860-227-4794
email: jmerwin007@aol.com
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Training Corner
Greetings to All!!
Here is a rough outline of planned trainings for the upcoming year:
IOLS/BALOO: May 1st 8-4 Camp Kitchtau, Stonington, CT & Oct 1st & 2nd (Location TBD)
Scouts BSA Posn Spec Trng: April 17th 8-12 VFW Post 3263 Mystic, CT & Sept 18th 8-12 (Location TBD).
Merit Badge Counselor Trng: May 2021 (Date TBD).
Train the Trainer: June 2021 (Date TBD).
Cub Scout Posn. Spec Trng: April 17th 1-5 VFW Post 3263 Mystic, CT & Sept 18th 1-5 (Location TBD).
Den Chief Trng: Nov 2021 (Date TBD)
There may be some adjustments, but I’m pretty confident these events will happen!!
If you have not completed your youth protection training, please complete online or reach out to me and we will look at completing in person. There are quite a few individuals from within our district that this applies to. PLEASE REACH OUT!! You will not be allowed to be included in re-chartering for the next scouting year!!
Every Troop is required to provide trained leaders to better serve our youth!!
TRAINING AWARDS
Please take a look at the Leader Training Awards available and fill out the appropriate form and send back to myself at the e-mail address provided below.
DISTRICT TRAINING E-MAIL ACCOUNT:
An e-mail account has been set up for the Training Section of the District. Please direct any training related questions and or correspondence to the below.
If you would like to become part of our training team, please reach out to me at the e-mail address below.
Yours in Scouting,
Bill Landry
Southeastern District 4 Training Chair
southeastern.district.training@gmail.com
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Membership
As we start to see the light at the end of the Coronavirus tunnel, we can be thinking about getting more youth back into scouting! With the possibility of doing in-person activities towards the end of spring, we can plan now for those recruiting activities. Each month we'll give guidance on unit level activities and how council can support you. Things units can do now: Ensure the community knows you exist!! Some easy ways to accomplish this: 1. Have a public facing Facebook account & post stuff there. Instagram can be in the mix too! 2. Get your local paper to write about your unit. Can be names of scouts who earned arrow of light, or about a recent service project. If you don't have names of publications in your area, let us know and the council can connect you. 3. Post in your community facebook group or Nextdoor app. Let us know if you have ideas for other ways we can share with all the units. Thanks for all you do! YIS, Tim Lombardo & Rob Bunger Southeastern District Membership Co-Chairs
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If you haven't checked out our district page on Facebook click HERE! Also check out the district page on the website where you can find contact info and the district calendar. To get to the page click HERE
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