SMILEY NEWS - AUGUST 2023

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

UPCOMING EVENTS


August 18-20 - OA Fall Conference at Camp Tesomas

August 22 - Family Movie Night (Rib Mountain District)

August 23 - Popcorn Show & Sell Orders Due

August 25 - Wood Badge Reunion, Rhinelander

September 1 - Winter Camp Registration Opens

September 4 - Scout Office and Shop Closed

September 5 - Muskodany Roundtable, Stevens Point

September 7 - Ahdawagam Roundtable, WI. Rapids

September 7 - Rib Mountain Roundtable, Wausau

September 9 - Den Chief Training, Weston

September 14 - Ojibwa Roundtable

September 22 - Webelos Fall Adventure, Rhinelander

September 29-1 - Rib Mountain Fall Camporee, Wausau

October 6-8 - Northwoods Fall Camporee, Phillips

October 7 - Northwoods Cub Scout Day Camp, Phillips

October 7 - Chuckwagon Skills Day, location TBD

October 20-22 - Mushkodany Fall Camproee, Stevens Point

October 27-29 - Ahdawagam Fall Camporee, Rome

Details Here - Online Calendar

PROGRAM KICKOFFS


Help us kickoff the next Scouting year this August.  It is imperative at least one person from every Pack and Troop joins us, but all are welcome. We will be providing valuable information about the upcoming Scouting year.  In addition, we will be handing out recruitment and popcorn materials.


Stevens Point:  August 15, 6pm, St Paul’s United Methodist Church

Marshfield:  August 17, 6pm, Columbia Park

WI Rapids:  August 17, 6pm, First English Lutheran Church

Wausau:  August 17, 6pm, Wausau Homes Scout Center

Tomahawk:  August 17, 6pm, Packaging Corporation of America Training Facility

MEMBERSHIP FEES


Beginning August 1, 2023, all new youth and adult members will have a 12-month membership cycle. The National BSA will cease prorating fees. Both youth and adults will pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on the anniversary date of joining Scouting.  Existing members will renew their membership during their normal registration/recharter cycle through March 2024.


BSA National Membership Fees Effective August 1:

$80 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants ($5 increase)

$60 for all adult volunteers ($15 increase to provide general liability insurance and enhanced background checks) 

$25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting (Not prorated and no change in fee)

$25 for Merit Badge Counselors (New Fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders)

$50 for Exploring participants Youth & Adult ($5 increase)

$100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee (no change in fee)

$15 for Scout Life magazine (no change in fee)


In July, the Samoset Executive Board approved a Council program fee to be implemented on October 1, 2023 to replace the annual Family FOS traditional unit presentation campaign.  A small task force of volunteers from each of the five newly established Scout districts reviewed National BSA membership fees, Family FOS history, and other factors to determine the impact to unit and council operations and made a recommendation to the Samoset Executive Board.  


Council Program Fee Effective October 1, 2023

$28/year youth

$28/year adult

Learn More Here

Its popcorn time!  This important fundraiser helps both Samoset Council and our Scouting units (Packs, Troops, Crews). Staff and volunteers are busy preparing materials so you and your unit can be successful.  Please note the important dates below.  Units will be able to signup for the sale on the Pecatonica website soon. 


Kickoff Events:

August 15 – Popcorn & Program Kickoff for Mushkodany District beginning at 6 PM.

August 17 – Popcorn & Program Kickoff for Rib Mountain, Ojibwa, Northwoods, and Ahdawagam Districts beginning at 6 PM.


Show & Sell:

August 23:  Orders due for pickup September 15 & 16.  Distribution locations will be determined (and communicated) based on orders submitted.  Please order using the Pecatonica River website


Take Order Details:

September 23 – Popcorn Take Order Begins

October 22 – Popcorn Sale Ends

October 26 – Popcorn Orders & Prize Orders Due

November 11 & 12 - Take Order Delivery Pickup 

December 4 - Unit Popcorn Checks Cashed

2023 Sale Information and Documents

FALL CAMP PROGRAMS


Webelos Fall Adventure - September 22-24

Discover exciting adventures and spend time in the beautiful northwoods.  Activities include Build It, Earth Rocks, Games, Sports, Into the Woods, Campfire Building.  $25 per person.  Includes Friday Cracker Barrell, Saturday Meals, Sunday Breakfast, Supplies, and a patch. Register Here!


Fall Family Fest - October 14

Join us at Camp Phillips in Weston for a day of fun for the whole family.  Register and Learn More!


Merit Badge Workshop - November 4

This event is held at Hanna Venture Base in Rhinelander.  A list of merit badges offerings will be shared soon.

Register for Events

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! 


Hanna Winter Resort: Hanna Winter Resort aims to provide everything Scouts BSA Troops and Venturer Crews need to have an incredible outdoor winter experience. Enjoy the pristine winter northwoods environment around the Hanna Venture Base and the freedom to do nearly any winter activity you want whenever you want.  Registration includes a bunk in one of our many heated cabins, indoor showers and restrooms as well as four meals prepared for you. Between meals campers can use our snowshoes, broomball equipment, ice fishing gear, and use the indoor climbing wall. You can also arrange to build a snow shelter and sleep in it over night.


Polar Cubs: Polar Cubs is a unique winter program for Cub Scouts and their families.  Campers are grouped into “Super Dens” keeping those from the same pack together. Super Dens rotate through various activities led by staff members.  The program focuses on outdoor winter adventure.  Registration includes a bunk in one of our many heated cabins, indoor showers and restrooms as well as two or three meals prepared for you. Campers have the option of a Friday night or Saturday night stay.


Registration for 2024 opens September 1st. Contact Samoset Camping at 715-365-3111 for more information.