Weekly Update

The Samoset Council Office is currently closed until further notice.  Staff are working remotely to provide support to Scouting.  You can reach a member of our customer service team by calling 715-355-1450.   

Scouting at Home Resources

In times of crisis, Scouts find a way to adapt. Although our lives may look a little different, Scouting can and should continue even if we cannot hold in-person meetings. Please visit our Scouting at Home page for the latest ideas, resources, and fun ways to keep Scouting!

Community Week May 10 – 16

  • Post a picture or video of you and your family members cleaning-up your neighbors’ yard, a park, roadside, or an adopted highway.  Post with the hashtag #smileyscleanupchallenge
  • Wednesday May 13, Join us live on the Samoset Council Facebook Page for Scouting in the Community. 

Cub Scout Projects

The flyers below contain more ideas to keep on Scouting at home.  All families should check these out!

May Roundtable

A virtual roundtable for all Scouting leaders will be held on Thursday May 7 at 7:00 PM.  This month will feature presentations for our fall membership campaign.  Scouting is a valuable program for every family.  Learn how to help others join.

Register Here

Spring Camporee 2020

Although units have cancelled campouts and weekend activities, that doesn’t mean Scouting has to stop. All families should participate in our spring camporee program by creating a campsite in your backyard.  Camporee Flyer (PDF).

  • Camp in your backyard. Set up your tent and sleep over night.
  • As a family, prepare one meal outdoors.
  • Demonstrate a Scout skill you recently learned or use your Scout book to learn a new one (map and compass, pitching a tent, basic first aid, knot tying)
  • Take a hike around your yard.
  • Make a camp gadget (Tri-pod, table, flag pole)
  • Submit photos of your camporee to smiley@samoset.org.

To count for camping nights and rank advancement, unit approval is required. Troops and packs should coordinate a date to allow for video chats during your event.

Summer Camp Update

The current pandemic has changed our lives.  Our state, region, and the entire world continues to deal with the evolving situation.  We realize the nature of this virus presents significant challenges for our outdoor programs this summer.  The decision to operate our camps will be based on our ability to operate safely within the CDC's summer camp guidelines, in addition to recommendations from local, state and BSA authorities.

Over the last month, council volunteers and staff have been reviewing several options for camp.   Considering the current Wisconsin’s stay at home order and decisions that other community groups have made to close, we have made the decision to delay the opening of our summer camp program until July 5.

Please know that if we open in July, our camp programs will look different to allow for appropriate social distancing.  We have begun implementing the following steps to promote a safer environment:

  • Developing pre-arrival and on-site screening protocols.
  • Increased cleaning and sanitization in shared spaces, buildings, and program areas.
  • Large gatherings will be limited or eliminated.
  • Adjustments to the food service operations.
  • Additional measures will be implemented per CDC guidelines.
  • Any participant in a high-risk category for protection from COVID-19 should not attend camp this year, because of established protocols by our country’s medical experts.

It's important to note that this situation continues to evolve and change daily. Should our targeted start date of July 5th be altered, we will let you know. We realize this will raise a number of questions. To help answer some of those immediate questions, we’ve included updated FAQs.

Camp provides youth what they need now more than ever: resilience, determination, leadership, and friendships.  We are preparing to offer a safe experience for every youth this summer.  In fact, it is our number one priority.  We are also committed to keeping you updated.  Updated information will be posted at www.samoset.org/covid19.

Questions should be directed to camp@samoset.org.  If your unit is looking at moving later in the summer or cancelling, please email us (camp@samoset.org) so we can make necessary changes.

NYLT 2020 Cancelled

The developments associated with the Covid-19 virus has been challenging to the NYLT program. The Samoset Council NYLT Course Directors and advisors have made the decision to cancel the NYLT 2020 course. While we regret having to do this, the overriding concern was for the health and safety of the participants and staff.  Participants can choose to move their registration to 2021 to lock in their spot and this year's fees by emailing support@samoset.org.  

2020-2021 Resource Guide

Providing a year-round quality Scouting program is the key to unit success.  Samoset wants to make sure you have the tools and resource to make this happen.  The 2020-2021 resource guide is now available.  We encourage each unit to spend time this summer planning activities for the next Scouting year and building an active outdoor program.

Download Samoset Guidebook

FOS Live Stream

You are invited to join us for a live steaming event on Wednesday May 20 at 7:30 AM to see firsthand how Scouting is developing and preparing youth in North Central Wisconsin.  This event will feature local adult volunteers, local youth and a sneak peak into the preparations being made into our highly anticipated summer camp season!  Join us to discover what you can do to ensure youth continue to be impacted across North Central Wisconsin!

Register for FOS Live Stream (Zoom Meeting)