Smiley News July 2022 A monthly newsletter for families and leaders of Samoset Scouting - Where Camping is King!
Third Annual Smiley Stampede Saturday, August 27
Instead of hitting the pavement this year, Smiley Stampede runners will enjoy the beautiful trails and lake scenery at Crystal Lake Scout Reservation in Rhinelander!
The third annual event will be held on Saturday, August 27.
Participants can choose to run a chip-timed 5k or 10k with a gun start. In addition, a half-mile kids loop will also be available. Since we're at Camp, why not pitch your tent and stay a night or two? You can enjoy optional tent camping Friday and Saturday ($5 fee per night, per tent) with a carb-filled pasta dinner on Friday evening ($5).
Kids can enjoy unlimited rock-climbing and ziplining for a flat $5 cash fee payable the day of the event. Concessions and the Trading Post will be open for purchases on Saturday, the day of the event.
5K $30.00 10K $35.00 Kids Loop $15.00
We also need volunteers to help with the event. For questions, please contact Lisa Satayut at Lisa.satayut@samoset.org. For more event information, click here.
In 1952, the Walt Disney Company was contracted to design an emblem for Tesomas, resulting in the creation of the now nationally recognized icon: Smiley the Tent.
Get Ready for Popcorn Sales 2022! Samoset Scouting's plan to help your unit have ONE fundraiser this year
Our trained popcorn staff and volunteers will help your unit plan and execute the best and most efficient fundraiser your unit has ever had.
Last year Scouts earned almost $400,000 for camping experiences, unit activities, and prizes. Be prepared this fall by signing your unit up for the sale early. Our popcorn experts would be happy to meet with your unit to determine your needs.
The popcorn sale is more than just selling popcorn. It's teaching young people goal setting, budgeting, communication with adults, salesmanship and more!
Last year Scouts earned prizes like a 40” Smartcast TV, Nintendo Switch, Drone, Camping Gear, Lego and more! Samoset Scouting awards the MOST prizes per Scout compared to all other Scout councils in the country.
Who sells Popcorn?
Units wanting ONE fundraiser to fund their program.
Scout patrol going to a BSA High Adventure Base next summer.
Venture Crew that is planning a Rocky Mountain Trek.
Scouts who needs to raise dollars to go to camp or the 2023 National Jamboree.
Cub Scout raising dollars for their whole den to go to camp.
ANY Scout in ANY unit can sell popcorn.
Troops and Packs in THE SAME TOWN!
Best of all, popcorn sales help Samoset Scouting make camp improvements, keep camp and activity costs low, and provide services to volunteers and youth.
2022's Popcorn sale starts Friday, Sept. 23 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 23.
Timeline:
8/16 Popcorn Kick Off/Training in Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids
8/18 Popcorn Kick Off/Training in Weston, Tomahawk, and Marshfield
9/1 Show & Sell Popcorn Unit Orders Due
9/23 Show & Sell Popcorn Product Pick Up
9/24 Popcorn Sale Begins
10/23 Popcorn Sale Ends
10/26 Popcorn Unit Product Orders, and Prize Brochure Orders Due (online)
11/11-12 Take Order Popcorn Product Pick Up
12/5 Unit Popcorn Checks Cashed
Instructions for signing up a unit for the sale - recruit a volunteer unit popcorn coordinator (unit kernel) that will:
Attend popcorn orientation/training in August
Host a unit kick-off to motivate youth/families to sell
Distribute sales material
Encourage Scouts during the sale
Gather up all the popcorn and prize orders at the end of the sale
Place the unit popcorn order
Coordinate unit popcorn product pick-up and distribution
Celebrate success with unit families
Signing up for the sale entails registering online - Go to pecatonicariverpopcorn.com or click HERE.
- Click on “My Account”
- Enter in your username and password (or create them if you do not have access as a unit popcorn coordinator/kernel)
- Once in the system, you will see your dashboard.
It includes information about the Sales Calendar, Training Dates, Product Distribution Locations, and Unit Sales Resources, and more! If you have questions, contact the Scout Office at 715-355-1450.
Join Night 2022 Thursday, September 22 7PM
Our Samoset Membership and Recruitment campaign continues, and we are rapidly approaching our annual “Join Night” which is scheduled for Thursday, September 22 at 7pm.
There is much to do in preparation for this critical event, and things are moving along quickly. Our awesome incentive programs started this spring will continue throughout the remainder of the year! This includes free Estes Rocket kits for new Cubs Scouts, folding pocketknives for new Scouts BSA members, as well as the same cool items for all recruiter Scouts. Recruiting Scouts will also earn the Samoset recruiter pocket patch and National recruiter strip to wear proudly on their uniforms. The Council is continuing the $25 coupon to the Samoset Scout Shop for new youth, as well as the $50 discount for any Samoset Cub Scout’s first time visit to Akela’s World. There will be training and a wide variety of membership recruiting materials provided in the coming weeks.
National BSA Price Increases
Beginning August 2022, National is increasing their annual youth registration fee from $72 to $75, which will continue to be prorated monthly. There is no change to the $45 adult registration fee, however, the annual recharting fee is being raised from $75 each year to $100 for 2023 by National. The one-time registration fee of $25 will also remain unchanged. The cost for Scout Life magazine will increase to $15 annually (this is the first increase since 2005).
Mark your calendars!
Program Kick-Off Events (locations and times are being finalized) Tuesday, 16 August 22 for Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids
Thursday, 18 August 22 for Wausau, Tomahawk, and Marshfield
Five Easy Steps to Plan a Cub Scout Joining Event
Tackling Fall Recruitment can seem like a maze of tasks – or a very complicated puzzle made up of a million tiny pieces. But now, it is time to uncomplicate things a bit and make Recruitment all about - FUN for everyone!
Remember that getting new families to join can look differently for every unit. It might happen
through very personal, one-on-one conversations with families in your community, or through daylong joining events hosted by your unit. Try different methods and tactics and see which works best for you! Whatever you choose to do, it starts with finding out where the families are in your community – and showing up there. How do they want to be approached and introduced to Cub Scouts? Remember that there is no “one size fits all” approach.
To make things a little easier, we have outlined a few steps to help you throw a successful
and organized event, whether it’s your Pack’s first time or 50th .
To view the steps, click below and scroll down to Cub Scouts Information to "Five Easy Steps to Plan a Cub Scout Joining Event."
Troop 385 Backpacks the Wind River Mountain Range in Wyoming Marshfield Unit Highlight
Troop 385 is living the BSA recruiting slogan “all-access pass to amazing adventures.” The group recently traveled to Wind River Mountain Range in Wyoming and backpacked the Range including the majestic trailhead of the Green River Lakes.
“As Scoutmaster I’ve taken Scouts to Key West Florida, to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota and now this High Adventure 2022. I’ve had a blast,” said Troop 385 Scoutmaster Brad Kohls. “Another great group of Scouts and another great adventure,” he said.
Slime Fun at Camp Phillips!
Camp Phillips in Weston welcomed over 150 kids recently as part of a visit from the DC Everest summer programs. The kids, kindergartners through fifth grade, got to enjoy the Scouting experience, from making slime to the ultimate Gaga ball showdown. Big thanks to the staff at Crystal Lake Scout Reservation for helping make this happen!
Sail with the Samoset Sea Scouts!
Scouts are invited to join the Samoset Council Sea Scouts at Lake Dubay every Tuesday for some maritime fun aboard Sea Scout Ship 1.
Sea Scouts is a unique program within the BSA which prepares youth to be safe on the water and treasure our maritime heritage.
Scouts interested should meet at the Park Road boat landing at 5:30pm. Ship 1 recently participated in the Rock River Regatta “Surf, Turf & Smurf” skills competition in Fort Atkinson. Events included abandon ship drill, bilge pump pandemonium, midnight fire alarm, first aid, heaving line, block and tackle, knots relay, rope splicing, international code flags and compass relay.
For more information on sailing with the Sea Scouts please contact Tim Wooldridge, Sea Scout Council Commodore and Ship 1 Skipper at Twooldridge216@outlook.com.
What Former Wood Badge Participants are Saying on Social Media
"Wood badge is the most important training program you can attend. It will improve your role in Scouting, but more importantly you will improve skills in your work place and make you a better partner and parent at home. You can’t afford not to take this course. You won’t believe the difference it will make in your life. This is a course to improve your lifetime skills." -Frank Larson
Wait....Frank has more.
"Something I forgot to mention in my original post about this course is the fun you will have learning and honing skills. You’ll go home with sore ribs and sore stomach/facial muscles from all the laughing/fun you will do. One other important point, you won’t be eating regular camp food. You will have some fabulous meals." -Frank Larson
"Have you ever been thrown into a role without instruction on how to do it? Did you feel a bit lost? I have and did. This course helped me improve my skills I needed to do my role in Scouting and the confidence to be better for my unit. I also saw the benefit in my job, too. Take the course. You will not regret it!" -Lorrie Harder Rindfleisch
"The Best investment you'll ever make in yourself. Very rewarding experience." -Bob Larsen
"You ever want to take the time and look at "the big picture" of your life? THIS IS IT!!! SCOUT-ON..." -Jeffrey Iding
"Being the first woman in Samoset Council to take the Boy Scout Woodbadge course was an experience I will never forget since I was able to attend with my dad. At the time, we needed to go to Bay Lakes Council. This was, I believe the first weekend woodbadge course offered. I went on to become a staff member on a future woodbadge course. The training you receive, you will use throughout your life!" -Jackie Giede
"Lifetime lessons learned hands-on applicable to Svouting, family, work, the community, church, and friends! Brings new levels of self awareness. I have not found a better experience for employees to attend." -Karen Rajek
It might have been rainy with cloudy skies outside, but inside the Tesomas Camp Dining Hall it was all smiles, laughter, and a little bit of shouting (thanks to the Camp staff entertainment) during the Council Recognition event Saturday, June 11. Please reach out to Lisa.satayut@samoset.org for pictures of the event and the award winners.
Below are the honorees!
Rookie Leaders of the Year
Jessica Busa – Pack 296
Tom Koontz – Pack 392
Katie Earnst – Pack 201
Justin Peterson – Pack 435
Craig Littleton – Pack 296
James Epp – Pack 436
Nicholas Schilling – Troop 9419
Den Leaders of the Year
Stephanie Nerdahl – Pack 296
Sean Mueller – Pack 435
Kristin Rexford – Pack 436
Sandy Smith – Pack 174
Andy Devine – Pack 174
Jamie Boyd – Pack 174
Julie Degner – Pack 392
Jason Wrensh – Pack 392
Assistant Scoutmaster of the Year
Shane Martin – Troop 201
Cubmasters of the Year
Keith Johnson – Pack 174
Todd Gauerke – Pack 392
Tim Wissbroecker– Pack 438
Crew Advisors of the Year
Bob and Melani Tim Wooldridgee Hocker – Crew 450
Committee Chair of the Year
Kaci Lawrence – Troop 601
Scoutmasters of the Year
Nate Weller – Troop 435
Greg Feilhauer – Troop 660
Council Award of Merit
Betsy Duginski
James Hull
Sue McTyre
Aimee Pederson
Samoset Council Distinguished Service Award
Kevin Janis
Brett Jarmin
Brad Kohls
Pete Meyer
Bear Soviak
Eagle Project of the Year
Nicholas Sloan Troop 438
Eagle Project Runner Up
Nicholas Proctor Troop 297
Silver Beaver Award Recipients This prestigious award recognizes registered Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within the Samoset Council.
Dr. Marjorie Miller
Tim Wooldridge
Brian Sackmann
Lee Huckbody
Pictured from left to right are Silver Beaver recipients Tim Wooldridge, Dr. Marjorie Miller, Lee Huckbody and Brian Sackmann.
Barriers to Abuse – Accommodations Your July Safety Moment
Preventing abuse means not allowing situations that have statistically shown to be ripe for abuse. More than one third of serious physical and sexual abuse incidents are committed by youth according to the US Department of Justice. “Juveniles commit sex offenses against minors.”
Research indicates the peak age for male youth offenders is age 13 to 16. Targets of sexual abuse tend to be boys and girls three to five years younger than the perpetrator.
This supports the BSA policy on accommodations that limits the age difference of those sleeping in a tent or cabin.
The policy has one difference between Cub Scouts and BSA Scouts. In Cub Scouting parents may share a tent with scouts. The policy applies to scout situations as well as staff, including camp staff.
Tenting
Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth.
Youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age. There is no sibling exception, the two year limit applies to siblings.
Only in Cub Scouting, parents and guardians may share a tent with their family.
In all other programs, youth and adults tent separately.
Spouses may share tents.
Lodging/Cabin Accommodations
Whenever possible, separate cabins or lodging should be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth.
Where separate accommodations cannot be provided due to group size or limited availability, modifications may be made. Where completely separate accommodations are not available, additional supervision is required.
If adults and youth of the same gender occupy single-room accommodations, there must be a minimum of two adults and four youth, with all adults being Youth Protection trained.
Physical separation by other means, including temporary barriers or space, should be used only when no other arrangements are possible.
These modifications are limited to single-gender accommodations.
In Case You Missed It - Nationally Accredited 2022
We are extremely excited to share that both Camp Tesomas and Akela’s World received 2022 national accreditation. This also means Crystal Lake Scout Reservation is fully accredited too.
Order of the Arrow News Camp Tesomas Hosts Section G10 Conclave
Section Conclave is an annual event where five lodges from Section G10 come together for fellowship, training, and fun while celebrating the traditions of the Order of the Arrow.
Find out more about the Order of the Arrow and our brothers in the area at the Section G10 OA Conclave September 16-18. Get to meet and have fun with OA Members from five different lodges and learn more about the Order. This year it will be held at our very own Camp Tesomas!
Why Should I Attend?
Join Arrowmen from across Section G10 for our annual Section fellowship and training event. There’s something for everyone from the newest Ordeal to the most experience Vigil. Check out the Conclave schedule for everything you’ll see there!
What Does Conclave Offer?
This event will showcase the best of the Order of the Arrow! Learn about history and traditions of the Order as well as skills you can use in and outside of Scouting.
