From the Council President

‘Tis the season for recruiting! 

By now most units have had sign up events or are in the process. We all know the challenges facing Scouting and the families we serve, but also all of the wonderful opportunities Scouting has to offer those families. We’re employing new strategies to reach as many Scouting aged youth as possible and advertising in ways we’ve never tried before.

Once we get the youth involved, the challenge is to keep them engaged and keep them in the program. That is largely determined by the quality of our leadership. I’m a firm believer in the adage that youth don’t quit Scouting, they quit their leader. They leave because they are not engaged, not learning, and not having fun. So having a plan to recruit new leaders is equally as important as recruiting youth.

What support structures do your units have in place to make them successful? Are they excited to be leading the program? Do they know where to go for training, both on-line and in person? Do they know where to find meeting plans?  Do they know where to go for immediate help and to get questions answered? Are they and the unit linked to a Commissioner? Do they feel appreciated?  Do you have a process to assess their performance, and intervene, if necessary? Just knowing they are not in this alone goes a long way in building their confidence and elevating their performance. Little things can make a big impact…on the adults, as well as the youth.

Thank you for all you’re doing for fall recruiting and beyond!

If you have questions, or would like the opportunity to help even more, by serving on one of our teams,  just send me an email at rgoldhahn@aol.com.

Rod Goldhahn
Council President

From the Council President

Over the past year, in response to feedback provided by unit leaders and others, Bay-Lakes Council has made a number of significant changes to the summer camping program throughout our Council. We’ve improved the food, changed the programming, improved the customer service provided by our staffs, developed leader guides which in the hands of leaders a full year ahead of time and reduced camp fees to make them more competitive with other Scout camps throughout the State. In addition, the facilities are getting a makeover, adding new buildings and refurbishing the camp properties.

In short, we have addressed the things leaders told us were causing them to choose out-of-Council camps for their unit’s summer camping experience. We even test-drove the new model this summer in the midst of a COVID pandemic. We received rave reviews!

Now it’s your turn. Bay-Lakes Council needs your help.

It’s no surprise that funds generated by camp fees allows our Council to pay for youth programming and facilities. For us to continue to provide the type of programming that we would all like to see, we need our camps full. As a council, we are beginning an initiative to get units signed up for Camp 2021, which happens to be the 100th anniversary of Scouting in Bay-Lakes Council (and its predecessors). The first step has begun, units are being contacted directly to ask for their support, and get their units signed up for camp. The next step will be to market our camps to out-of-Council units.

This is a great initiative and one which I believe we all should support. Remember, some weeks fill up more quickly than others. I would urge you not to wait, contact the Council office now to get your preferred camp dates and locations confirmed.

Thank you for your consideration and for all the things you do to make a difference in the lives of the Scouts of Bay-Lakes Council.

Roy LaPean
Council Commissioner

Remember, Clyde is your go-to sources for all your commissioner questions. Send him a note at BAYLAKESCOMMISSIONERHELP@GMAIL.COM.


Youth Protection Training Reminder

For those who took Youth Protection Training two years ago as a part of the rechartering process, your expiration date is approaching quickly.

If you do not have your YPT updated, your charter will bounce back and will not be able to be processed until that is taken care of.
My.Scouting.org is where you can find all of the details for your training needs.
Or, contact your unit leader or your district’s professional staff member.

Summer Camp Registration Initiative

As Roy indicated, volunteers and several camp staff are making phone calls to leaders whose units attended summer camp this year. The purpose is threefold: (a) to seek additional feedback about the unit’s summer camp experience, (b) to learn if the unit has made plans for 2021, and (c) to encourage the unit to register this fall for next summer’s experience. Expect a phone call during the next several weeks. If you are the unit leader and do not hear from us, please send me a note directly at warren.kraft@baylakesbsa.org and we will set up a time for conversation. Even as we share the unit survey results, we encourage early summer camp registration to get the unit’s favored session or campsite; or both. Thank you for your participation in this extraordinary effort.

By the way, registration is already open. Also, there will be special celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of Scouting in Bay-Lakes Council. To aid your unit’s planning for 2021, the Leader’s Guide for each camp is already online.

Camp costs for 2021 have gone down! See pages 8-9 of the Administration Guide at the link above. Make your reservation now, put down your deposit and reserve your favorite session/campsite.

In the Next GUIDE…

Watch next time for summer camp reviews from Camp Rokilio and an update of property improvements at our council’s camps. Also, read first news about The Orion Project at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.

Unit Information for Restarting Scouting

Bay-Lakes Council is excited to provide to our units the Restarting Scouting information and documentation needed for any unit to re-engage in in-person unit meetings, activities, outings and/or service. Please use the following documents to help keep Scouting active.

Short-term Camp Facility Rental Reservations

Effective Monday, October 5, 2020, all short-term camp facility rental reservations will be set to pay online only.

Any units wishing to make a facility rental reservation using the unit account on file with the Bay-Lakes Council office will need to contact the office directly at (920) 734-5705.

Payments made via credit or debit cards will incur a 3.5% service charge while e-check payments will have no additional costs applied.

Golden Eagle Event: Join Mason Crosby as our Featured Speaker!

This year we had to change the way we held our Golden Eagle fundraisers – we are going virtual. So, everyone is invited FOR FREE! That’s right, there is no cost to join the virtual Golden Eagle Event, but there will be an opportunity to donate or bid on one of our awesome auction items. Register today right here. You can even have your Scout submit a question for Mason Crosby! Click here to submit your Scout’s video.
Everyone should watch! We will hear from our community leaders on how Scouting shaped them into the leaders they are today, we will hear from Troop 73 about how they lead the virtual Scouting for Food Drive this year, and we will hear from Teresa Dold, one of first female Eagle Scouts in our Council.

STEMpede Challenges Announced

Something new this fall, as we anticipate the return to PI Day at Fox Valley Technical College next spring. Registration is now open for the STEMpede challenge!
​
These challenges will have a category for every Scout from Lion to Sea Scout and Venturing! We will even have a category for the super creative among us who would like to see just how far they can take a challenge successfully. New challenges will be released every 3 weeks and 1 day at 4pm (3.14) from STEMpede Saturday to Pi Day 2021. All challenges will be able to be completed with common household items and video submissions will be accepted for review and a chance to win your age category! Safety procedures from the Guide to Safe Scouting can be found here and all Youth Protection Guidelines must be followed while taking on the STEM challenge program.

Scouts can participate in as many, or as few, challenges as they would like with only one registration per Scout! Guidelines and rules for each challenge will be available in pdf format on our Bay Lakes registration website. These pdfs will also have information about what advancement or award requirements may be completed during each challenge opportunity! This is a great way to keep your Scouts engaged and learning STEM principles within the Scouting program. No matter what is happening in our world that may limit our ability to meet in person, these challenges cannot be cancelled. This is a program that we can all look forward to!

Each challenge will be announced on the Bay-Lakes Council STEM Facebook page  if you haven’t already, please stop by and give us a like! Additionally, an email will be sent from Council announcing the challenge and providing a link to a demonstration video to help get you started on your way to STEMtastic fun. Registration will remain open throughout the duration of the challenge program and Scouts may register at any time. All submissions will be due around the 1st of March to allow the judges time to review and score each video. Winners will be announced on Pi Day and winning videos will be shared on our Social Media pages in the weeks to follow.

We are partnering with New Horizons District from the Greater St. Louis Council to also offer an additional opportunity for our Scouts. They are hosting a Pi-K walk for Pi day 2021 and Bay Lakes Scouts will have the opportunity to complete this from their own neighborhoods. Information about that event will be shared with you as it becomes available. New Horizons District Scouts will also be offered the opportunity to participate in our STEM challenges! This is a neat chance to make STEM friends from other states and show off our STEM skills here in Bay Lakes Council!

If all of this doesn’t sound like quite enough STEM for you, we will also be hosting a virtual STEM fair! That’s right, any Scout can submit an experiment or STEM project of their choosing to our virtual STEM fair in their age appropriate category for an opportunity to take home bragging rights and additional patch and a pretty cool ribbon. 1st-3rd places will be announced in each category on Just Shy of Pi day, 3.13.2021 live on our Bay Lakes Social Media pages! If your Scout has been looking for a challenging Science fair or STEM competition to help complete a Supernova Award requirement, you will not want to miss this opportunity.

We are looking forward to making this the best, most awesome, totally STEMtastic event possible and cannot wait to see what you all come up with while completing these STEM challenges. Adults interested in helping us review videos and scoring them according to our challenge rubric, please contact Amanda Tuttle at TuttleScoutsSTEM@gmail.com.

 

Don’t Miss Unit Charter Renewal Training on October 7

Unit leaders and parents who are taking charge of your unit’s annual renewal process – join us next Wednesday, Oct. 7, via Zoom, for unit charter renewal training. Assistant Council Commissioner, Dave Bainbridge, will share the tips, tools, and hacks to complete your pack, troop, or crew’s charter renewal for the 2021 Scouting year. This 45-60 minute meeting will be time well spent, and will save you a lot of time and hassle as you prepare your unit Charter Renewal for 2021!
 
Meeting Details
Topic:  Charter Renewal Training
Time:   Oct 7, 2020 at 6:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting Link

Meeting ID: 886 0155 3291
Passcode: Recharter
One tap mobile +13126266799,,88601553291#,,,,,,0#,,414520543# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 886 0155 3291
Passcode: 414520543
Find your local number here.
 
All Unit Leaders, Committee Chairs, Commissioners, and other Unit Volunteers tasked with completing their Charter Renewal are invited to participate.  Meanwhile, for more information regarding charter renewal, please contact Bay-Lakes Council Registrar, Jennifer Neuville, at jennifer.neuville@scouting.org.

Are You Registered for Religious Emblems Training?

To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, Scout can participate in a robust religious emblems program provided through specific religious groups. More details and links to specific faiths can be found here.

 

Counselors are always needed to assist Scouts as they explore their religious faith. Several religious emblems require that facilitators be trained before they work with Scouts on the emblems. This opportunity will be a chance for all interested adults to learn how to facilitate these religious emblems for a Scouting unit. This training will give an overview of the emblems programs and activity patches available to scouts and includes a breakout session to learn tips on how to get youth and parents involved and run the programs effectively.

The annual Religious Emblems Training will be Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6:30 to 8PM Central. To get more information and to register, click here.

Otherwise, contact Chris Brandt at gsx@charter.net.

Gardner Dam Scout Camp Dining Hall Ground Broken

On September 22, Bay-Lakes Council broke ground on a multi-purpose dining hall at Gardner Dam Scout Camp. This new building will be a great asset to our council and allow for new and expanded programming at Gardner Dam. Construction will continue throughout the winter; stay tune for updates on this exciting project.


Popcorn Update

We are half way through our 2021 popcorn sale, and WOW has it been different! But, I am so excited to hear of the overwhelming positive responses we have gotten from the public to our Scouts regarding selling popcorn. Our warehouses have been emptied, and refilled once, units continually email asking to get more product. This is great news! 
 
So, the second half of the sale is always the hardest! Here are some tips to keep your Scouts motivated.
  1. Make sure your Scouts are signed up to sell online! If your Scouts need an online seller ID, make sure to ask your unit kernel to sign you up.
  2. Expand your show and deliver area by 1 or 2 blocks. If you have canvased your neighborhood already, expand your reach.
  3. Make sure your social media is being used to let your family and friends know we are still selling popcorn. You can even add a popcorn frame to your profile picture!
  4. Don’t forget to remind your Scouts of all the awesome prizes they can earn – what Scout doesn’t want a PS5 or the new Xbox?
Have questions? Please feel free to reach out to Alex Behrend at alex.behrend@scouting.org.

Eagle Scout News

Would you like to have your Eagle Scout highlighted in our Council Newsletter? We would love to hear from our first female Eagle Scouts as well, share your Scouting story with us. Make sure to share the information with us. Submit all of your details here.

Kon Wapos Lodge Updates

Ruggles Selected as Section Chief
Congratulations to the current Lodge Chief, Nate Ruggles, who was elected Chief for Section C1B in the Central Region. Nate will lead the five OA lodges in the section, which includes Kon Wapos Lodge. He will represent Order of the Arrow members of our section at the National OA meeting in December. Thank you to the outgoing section chief, Will Smith, also a member of Kon Wapos Lodge and past Lodge Chief.
Fall Conference Has Been Cancelled
The Kon Wapos Lodge Fall Conference at Camp Rokilio scheduled for Oct. 9-11 has been  CANCELLED, based on guidance from the health department to not gather in large groups.  Refunds are being processed. No request is needed. Refunds will be processed using the same method you used for payment.  Stay tuned for more  information on opportunities for Ordeal candidates to complete their Ordeal and for Brotherhood candidates to earn their Brotherhood honor. We will also explore options for Vigil Honor candidates to complete their Vigil. Contact the Lodge Adviser with questions at mike.mailand@konwapos.org.

Learn About Outdoor Ethics

As Scouts, we practice “Leave No Trace” ethics and are required to learn and explain “The Outdoor Code.” A free and virtual opportunity for parents and leaders to learn more about how a Scout can be clean in the outdoors is now available!

Sponsored by Scouting’s National Outdoor Ethics Subcommittee, the annual National Outdoor Ethics Virtual Conference will take place on November 13-14.

Eight Zoom sessions are scheduled, starting on Friday night, and continuing during the day on Saturday. Each session will be approximately 30-45 minutes in duration and there will be plenty of opportunities for questions and answers. Participants can choose to attend one or all of the conference sessions. Click here for more information.

Looking Ahead

Fall Popcorn Sales 
Sunday: Oct. 4 – Mid-sale Reorders are due.  Oct. 16 – Early Take Order/Mid Sale Reorders Distribution. Nov. 1 – Take Orders Due. Nov. 17 – Popcorn Distribution. Otherwise, all Popcorn Sale information you will ever need is right here.
 
Voyageur District Gandrud Race into Scouting: Oct. 9, 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM & Oct. 10, 9:00 AM – Noon
All newly joined Scouts from 2020 are eligible for this event! All new scouts registered in 2020 can get a free Pinewood Derby Car Kit and appropriate Cub Scout Handbook, courtesy of Gandrud Chevrolet, 919 Auto Plaza Dr., Green Bay. Get car building tips, see Scouting displays, and experience Scout style cooking and demonstrations. Newly recruited Cub Scout must be in attendance with a parent or guardian during the time listed to verify their membership. No rainchecks.
 
Jamboree on the Air: Oct. 16-18
Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and the International Jamboree on the Air The world’s largest digital and radio Scout event promoting friendship and global citizenship! Registration and details can be found here. Be the envy of your friends and earn a distinctive patch.
 
Bay-Lakes Council Museum Meeting: Oct. 20, 6:30PM – 8:00PM.
At the Center for Scouting, 2555 Northern Rd., Appleton. Contact Dale Opgenorth at opgenorthdale@gmail.com for details.
 

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills:

Oct. 23-24
Co-sponsored by Lakeshore and Kettle Country districts, Camp Rokilio. This course is open to everyone. Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Venture Crew Leaders, Committee Member, 5th grade Webelos Den Leader and Scout parents are encouraged to participate. Outdoor skills are critical to the success of the Scouting and Venturing program, and this course will provide leaders with the basic outdoor skills needed to conduct a safe and well-prepared program. The skills taught are based on the outdoor skills found in the Scouts BSA Handbook and taught in an outdoor setting at Camp Rokilio. Registration and details here or here.
 
Oct. 31, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sponsored by Voyageuer District at Green Isle Park, 900 Greene Ave., Allouez. The Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) course builds and expands on the concepts and themes introduced in Scoutmaster Position-Specific Training, and provides Scouters with the confidence to take youth into the outdoors. In particular, this hands-on program gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method of a boy-led troop by teaching many of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. In addition, the teaching methods, activities, and games model the variety of teaching used in effective and engaging Scouting programs. For more information, please contact Tim Van Boxel at tvanbox@new.rr.com.
 

Den Chief Training: Nov. 7 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sponsored by Gathering Waters District, for all Scouts (regardless of district) who are First Class and higher rank, at the American Legion Hall, 3220 W. College Ave, Appleton. Cost will be $10.00 for supplies/Den Chief book. A lunch will be provided. Masks will be required for this event. To register, visit this link. Adults are welcome to attend and participate in the training as well, if you would like to learn how to teach this to others.
 
 
Virtual Trivia Night: Fall Edition: Nov. 20
This past spring, the Bay-Lakes Council hosted a Virtual Trivia Night Fundraiser. The night was a success, we raised money for the Council, made friends and had fun. Our Fall Virtual Trivia Night is set for Friday, November 20. Participation fee is just $75 for a team of 5. Individuals are welcome to register for $15 per player. Proceeds generated will benefit youth served by the Bay-Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America. The prize will be a $100 gift card to a local establishment of the winning team’s choice. This is a general knowledge trivia contest geared for adults. For more information & to register click here.

  
You can find more events right here. (Hint, in the upper left, click on grid view for easier viewing.)

Final Thoughts…

A Scout is Cheerful.

Bombarded daily with news of more schools transitioning to online learning. The Red Buck and Gathering Waters District fall camporees for this weekend are cancelled. Next weekend, there will be no Order of the Arrow Fall Conference, or BALOO or muzzle loading training. Nor, the Gathering Waters District Pinewood Derby on Halloween. Fox Valley Technical College is still not permitting outside groups to host events, so next month’s Webelos Pin Day, sponsored by Gathering Waters, is cancelled. This week, a news headline: “Five Reasons Christmas Shopping will be Different This year”. Last weekend’s I-Heart Music 10th anniversary concert was completely virtual. Scouting events, if they are held at all, under strict COVID protocols to keep everyone safe and healthy. And, dare I write: “A Scout is Cheerful.”
During chapel services at Webelos summer camp, staff and leaders share the meaning of the Scout Law with attendees, and I will ask the Webelos for examples that day when they were (fill in one of the 12 points of the Scout Law.) To adults, the scouts’ responses were often simple: Say hi to someone passing you on the bridge. Let someone use the kayak ahead of you. Help a scout pick up her arrows at the archery range. Sing a silly song with a friend who is homesick. Everyday gestures that can make a person’s day a bit better.

For many people, autumn is the favorite season if only because the color changes provide a happy release. If my neighborhood is any indication, it will be a long, enjoyable season (and many leaf blowing sessions ahead.) I sit at my homework station and, as I write these Final Thoughts, I can see the several different backyard trees, ever changing. And, I can smile even as I know the first pile of collected leaves sits on the front terrace awaiting city pickup. A Scout is Cheerful.

We say that the eighth point of the Scout Law means we look for the bright side of life. We are supposed to cheerfully do tasks that come our way. Working hard to maintain a positive attitude, we try to make others happy. Plus, we know that even if plans don’t go as expected, something positive can come from it. Perhaps our challenge, amidst of these changes and cancellations, is to remember what Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting Movement, said in his last Scouting address:

“But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best.”

It is not about us. A Scout is Cheerful. What will you do today to share happiness? And tomorrow?

Till we “meet” again: Scout on! And, be safe and stay healthy!

In the Spirit of Adventure,

Warren Kraft
Bay-Lakes Council Vice President-Program Development
Adventure beyond the Expected
warren.kraft@baylakesbsa.org