SMILEY NEWS - OCTOBER 2017

A monthly newsletter for families and leaders of Samoset Scouting - Where Camping is King!

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BSA Expands Programs to Welcome Girls

On October 11 the Boy Scouts of America’s board of directors unanimously approved welcoming girls into our Cub Scouts program and delivering a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout.

The historic decision comes after years of receiving requests from families and girls. The BSA evaluated the results of numerous research efforts, gaining input from current members and leaders — as well as parents and girls who have never been involved in Scouting — to understand how to offer families an important additional choice in meeting the character development needs of all their children.

There are links to further information below, but a few key considerations are:

  • Planning is already underway with regard to support for unit and chartered organizations.
  • Changes will begin in the fall of 2018 (Cub Scouts) and stretch into 2019 (older girls).
  • The BSA has been serving older girls since 1971, while remaining supportive of the Girl Scouts of the USA. We will continue to seek to partner with the Girl Scouts so that youth and families can find and choose the organization that best fits their desired experience.

Official BSA News Release

Family Scouting FAQ

Volunteer Workshop November 4

The council executive board recently approved changes to the district and council organizational structure which will be effective January 1, 2018.  As we move forward or top priority is to provide the highest level of support and resources to unit-level volunteers so they can deliver exceptional Scouting programs to youth in our communities.

Learn More Here

Escape Crystal Lake

October 27 & 28 | November 3 & 4

Join us for our first haunted camp event.  Events include haunted hikes, escape rooms and zip-line.  For those attending the Merit Badge Workshop on November 4, you can add the haunted hike event as part of the regsitration.  Any participants who want to attend in the escape rooms will need to register online.  

www.EscapeCrystalLake.com to learn more!

Summer Camp Staff 2018

Even as the smoke of the campfires still smolder from a great summer camping season, the preparation for the 2018 camping season is well underway. We are currently seeking the best candidates to hire for staff. It is the staff that makes a good camp great and the Samoset Council is blessed with many young men and women who, given the opportunity, will be the program providers to Scouts and leaders who have come to expect only the best from Samoset, Where Camping is King!

For more information on being on staff visit our website, contact Samoset Camping at 715-365-3111, or email camp@samoset.org.

Winter Camp 2018

Are you looking for something to do with your Pack, Troop or Crew this winter.  Join us for Winter Camp and enjoy the winter wonderland of Wisconsin.  Registraiton for 2018 opens September 1st. Contact Samoset Camping at 715-365-3111 for more information.

Learn More Here!

Safety Moment

Safety Moments are exactly what the name implies: opportunities to prepare for an activity, review safety measures, and report incidents correctly. This month features Vehicle Safety.

Getting ready to hit the road with scouts in the car? To help safely transport scouts it is time to stop and go over the updated Motor Vehicle Checklist.  The Tour Permit was retired earlier this year and the safety replacement is the Motor Vehicle Checklist.

Parents transporting their own children to and from Scouting activities typically take care to do so safely. They expect the same care to be used during group transportation including using private or unit-owned vehicles. This checklist is designed to help you manage the risks associated with that transportation. The basic safety checklist is particularly fitting in those states that do not require periodic auto safety inspections. Information on insurance and drivers is appropriate for all states.

Next time you get ready to transport scouts, use the Motor Vehicle Checklist (PDF).