From the Assistant Council Commissioner

New Options for submitting Charter Renewal Applications

  The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to become more flexible and to adapt how we deliver Scouting. While that’s certainly been true for units, it’s also true for the Council. 
  To give units more options and flexibility with the annual charter renewal process, the Council will be adding new ways for units to turn in their completed charter renewal applications.

**Continued**

The new additional return options include:

1.  Mail their completed renewal to the Council Center for Scouting at:  2555 Northern Road,  Appleton, WI 54912.
2.  Drop off at the Council Center for Scouting.  Office hours are 8:00 am-4:00 pm Monday – Friday.
3. Drop off at one of the scheduled District Charter Turn-In events.  Please note: There will not be a face-to-face review of the charter renewal materials at these events due to Covid-19 safety protocols.
4. Meet individually with a local Commissioner or District field professional Scouter at a mutually agreeable time and place.

  Charter renewal applications should be returned in an envelope and clearly marked with the unit number and “Charter Renewal” so it is correctly routed.  District Charter Turn-In events dates can be found on the Council calendar, subject to local health department guidelines.   
  Charter renewal applications need to be reviewed to make sure they are complete and mistake free before they can be submitted for processing. Applications that are mailed or dropped off will be reviewed at the Council office. An email will be sent confirming that either the application is defect free and ready for processing or that corrections need to be made. If corrections are necessary, the email will give details on what needs to be done to resolve the issue.
  These additional options should make the charter renewal process a little more convenient during these challenging times. The council’s Internet Charter Renewal webpage gives you links to all the resources you’ll need to complete the charter renewal process.
  Units should complete the charter renewal process and submit their applications no later than December 21.
  Have questions about your unit’s charter renewal? Visit the updated information on the Internet Charter Renewal webpage, contact your Commissioner, or, send an email to BayLakesCommissionerHelp@gmail.com.

Yours in Scouting,

David Bainbridge
Assistant Council Commissioner

Charter Renewal Virtual Help Sessions

Join Assistant Council Commissioner, Dave Bainbridge, and Council Registrar, Jenn Neuville. for help with your unit charter renewal questions. During the sessions we will discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about the charter renewal process and online renewal system.
Following the FAQ session, Dave and Jenn will assist with individual questions posed by session attendees. Two virtual sessions will be available on the following dates. Click on the links for participation information: Monday, November 16 at 6:30 PM  AND/OR  Monday, December 7 at 6:30 PM.


Member Care Center Update

  Technical support for My.Scouting.org and Scoutbook was transitioned away from the National BSA organization to the local council in September of this year. New support tools have been given to us at the Council so we can assist with issues such as resetting of My.Scouting.org log in information and merging of duplicate accounts.
  Members with questions related to Scoutbook are also encouraged to visit this discussion site, where the Scoutbook User Advisory Council can answer a wide range of questions about functionality and troubleshooting.
  If you have questions or need assistance regarding My.Scouting.org or Scoutbook, please email support@baylakesbsa.org.

Center for Scouting Re-opens on November 19

  The Bay-Lakes Council Center for Scouting in Appleton will resume their regular hours of operation on November 19, 2020, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Call ahead if you have any questions to (920) 734-5705.
To ensure the safety of our Scouting community, the Bay-Lakes Council Center for Scouting in Appleton will be closed through November 18, 2020. The office will reopen on   Thursday, November 18, at 8:00 AM. Meanwhile, the Scout Shop is open for your business.
While the council office is closed, staff continues to work remotely. If you have any questions, contact the office at (920) 734-5705 or visit the staff directory page on our website to contact us directly.
  New Scout Shop hours (all times Central) are: MON&TUE: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; WED: Closed; THUR&FRI 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; and, SAT: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. The store will be closed weekdays for lunch between 1:30-2:00 PM. You can purchase online any of the 600 Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA Advancement related products or uniforming, and have the order gathered, bagged, and set aside for you to either pickup in-store, contactless curbside, or shipped directly to you. Any questions, please call ahead to (920) 831-9504.

PLEASE NOTE: Both the Center for Scouting and Scout Shop will be closed Thursday & Friday, November 26-27, 2020, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

COMMISSIONER CLYDE SEZ:  “Let’s do something we can all agree on!”


Go to www.my.scouting.org  to complete your Youth Protection Training now!

In-Person Scouting Events and COVID-19

  Bay-Lakes Council strives to promote safe Scouting at all levels of activities. No new in-person council and district events will be scheduled through the end of this year. With fingers crossed, however, we are beginning to plan for 2021, working with coordinators to adjust the activities as health circumstances may permit.
  Meanwhile, the council encourages units to continue to practice safe Scouting. Review the checklist that must be used for holding any in-person meetings. If it is not practical to meet the minimal protocols found on the checklist, please do not restart in-person activities. Thank you for helping to keep Scouting safe.
  New short-term camp and building reservations have  also been suspended. Council staff is working with units that have existing reservations to determine if those can still be honored during these times.
  Find all your COVID information here. The information provided includes links to state and county health departments for updates. If you have any questions, please email us, or use the “reply” feature from this communication.

Joint Scouting for Food Effort Held in Ripon

  On Saturday, November 7th, Ripon Scouting units conducted a highly successful food drive outside of Webster’s Marketplace (adjacent to the former K-mart). The food drive was a joint effort of Pack 3735, Troop 735, and Troop 6735.
Scouts greeted customers as they entered the grocery store, to remind them that the Scouts were collecting items as they left. Shoppers provided over 1,900 items and donated a total of $500 to support the Ripon Community Food Pantry.  Find more details on Pack 3735’s Facebook page.
Every holiday season, there is need to share with others. In these times, the need is even greater. Contact your local food pantry to learn how you can help out. Click here to share your unit’s food drive success story with us!

A Salute to Our Veterans

    Cubmaster, Richard Henrion, of Pack 3510 in Kingsford, MI, along with four members of the pack, honored Veteran’s Day on November 11, 2020, at the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center, Iron Mountain, WI. Even with freezing temperatures and the wind blowing 30 miles per hour, Scouts still gathered to raise flags at the VA hospital to honor our veterans.
  Thank you to our veterans, for all of your service!

Don’t Miss Religious Emblems Training

  “A Scout is Reverent” is the 12th point of the Scout Law. Scouting offers a robust religious emblems program through its partners. Counselors are always needed to assist Scouts as they explore their religious faith.
The annual Religious Emblems Training will be Thursday, November 19, from 6:30-8:00 PM Central. This event will be conducted via ZOOM and you will need to pre-register to attend. To get more information and register, click here.
  Contact Chris Brandt at gsx@charter.net with any questions.

Scouting@Home: Online Merit Badges

Scoutmaster Mark Fessenden will be once again offering Virtual Merit Badge Classes. The following Merit Badges have been scheduled for the following dates:

  • Citizenship in the Nation:  Nov. 17 & Dec. 1
  • Genealogy:  Dec. 12
  • Citizenship In the World:  Dec. 15 & Dec. 29
  • Citizenship in the Community:  Jan. 26 & Feb. 9
  Classes have already sold out, although a few slots remain for Citizenship in the World on December 15th.
  Next on deck will be Law, Cooking, and Scouting Heritage, with more classes offered for Genealogy, Citizenship in the Community, and Citizenship in the Nation. Each Merit Badge Class will be limited to 15 or fewer Scouts, with the remaining put on a waiting list to receive preference for the next opportunity. Additional Merit Badge  Counselors are being recruited to offer additional sessions. The cost for Bay-Lakes Council Scouts is $15 per class and is non-refundable. Visit our Scouting@Home webpage to register for a class or to see what is being offered.
Thank you to Mr. Fessenden and your team!

Last Call for Virtual Fall Trivia Night

  Don’t miss the virtual Fall Trivia Night on Friday, November 20th. The competition will be steep, as we will have questions on everything from history to sports, geography, movies, maybe a Scout question or two, and so much more!
You don’t have to know any Scouting facts – it will all be general knowledge trivia, but is guaranteed to be a great time! The best part is, you can do it from the comfort of your own home!
The prize will be a $100 gift card to a local establishment of the winning team’s choice.
All proceeds will support your local Boy Scouts of America Council. Thank you for your support to help keep Scouting moving forward in your community! Details, rules, and registration can be found here.

Giving Tuesday is December 1, 2020

GIVE NOW through Tuesday, December 1, 2020, and support local Scouting!

Support Bay-Lakes Council Scouting! Order Your Limited Edition Bay-Lakes Council Items Today

  A brand new Bay-Lakes Council pop-up shop has opened — just in time for the holidays! This year has been hard for so many of us, including the council. Our goal is to offer you Bay-Lakes Council merchandise to share with Scouters in your family.
Not only is your purchase functional and stylish, it will also keep you warm and support Scouting locally. For each item purchased, $5.00 will be donated directly back to Bay-Lakes Council.
CLICK HERE to start your holiday shopping with Bay-Lakes Council merchandise. Thank you so much for your support. Together we will #ScoutOn!

Eagle Scout Spotlight

  Join us in congratulating three of our Eagle Scouts in Bay-Lakes Council.
  By the end of last week (Oct 23.), 194 Scouts completed their Eagle boards of review. In the last GUIDE, we highlighted two members of the First Female Eagle Class in Bay-Lakes Council. In this issue we want to highlight other Scouts who have reached this prestigious rank.

SIDNEY BUCHMAN
TROOP 817
GRAFTON, WI
  Sidney Buchman, of Troop 817 in Grafton (Kettle Country District) was finally able to celebrate his Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Oct. 24, rescheduled from March. He completed his Board of Review a year ago, Oct. 19, 2019. His scoutmaster is Mike Rose. For his Eagle Scout project Sidney created a comprehensive curriculum for a peer based mental health support group for Grace Lutheran Church.

TREVOR VOGEL
TROOP 834
NEW HOLSTEIN, WI
  Trevor Vogel, of Troop 834 in New Holstein, WI, of the Lakeshore District, completed his Board of Review on October 1. His Scoutmaster is Dave Walber. For his project, he led a crew to make a rolling book shelf for the community’s public library. His court of honor is schedule for early next year.
  Above, Trevor is shown with Library Director D. Hankins.

KAYLEE KOSIK
TROOP 6002
KIMBERLY, WI

  A resident of Kimberly, Kaylee Elizabeth Kosik completed her Eagle Board of Review on October 15 with Troop 6002 of Appleton, WI.
  For her project, Kaylee led a team of fellow crew members and Scouts to make 48 “non sew” feminine hygiene bags that were donated to Saint Vincent DePaul.
Kaylee’s projected Court of Honor is to be held on April 10, 2021, guidelines permitting. Kaylee is also a member of Venture Crew 9221 out of Combined Locks, WI.

ELIJAH EISEN
TROOP 1
APPLETON, WI
Eagle Project at UWO-Fox Cities

   The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh news service shared this story with us about Eagle Scout candidate, Elijah Eisen, who led a team to rejuvenate the community garden at the Fox Valley campus on Midway Road, Menasha, WI.
  This was not the first time that the Eisen family and his troop have tended to this community resource. Read the full story here.

2021 Summer Camp Director Announcement

  The Bay-Lakes Council is pleased to announce the selection of the 2021 Summer Camp Directors. Over the coming months they will be planning and preparing to make the summer of 2021 the best yet in the Bay-Lakes Council. Read about each of the 2021 Camp Directors here.

If you are interested in joining the camp team for next summer apply today!
If you haven’t signed up to attend camp yet, do so at www.baylakescamps.org.

ScoutsBSA Summer Camp Registration is Open

Be a part of the year-long celebration of 100 years of Scouting in Bay-Lakes Council at 2021 summer camp. Prices are reduced for next summer. The Leader’s Guides are available on the Bay-lakes Camps website. Make your reservation now and get your preferred campsite or building.
  On the page where you find the Leader’s Guides, click on menu item “Make a Reservation” at the top right of the page, and then select your camp from the drop-down menu. Send a message to reservations@baylakescamps.org or call Laura Martin at (920) 734-5705 if you have any questions or need help with registration.

2021 Cub Scout and Webelos Summer Camp Registration Opens December 5th

  Get ready to register your Packs for summer camp at  Camp Rokilio, Gardner Dam, and Hiawatha on Saturday, December 5, starting at 9:00 AM Central, and will be available online from 9:00–11:00 a.m. Central,
A deposit of just $10 per person will be due upon registration. Staff will be available by phone at (920) 734-5705 to provide assistance and answer questions.
Follow this link for registration assistance and frequently asked questions.


Distinguished Conservation Award

National has just released the details of the new Distinguished Conservation Award, which takes the place of the former Hornaday Award. The new Distinguished Conservation Service Award is geared toward a Scout conducting 2 projects.
With the William T. Hornaday Award, a badge could be earned if a Scout conducted one service project. When the Boy Scouts of America’s National office made the decision to drop the Hornaday Award, it was decided to make some changes to help increase the number of Scouts willing to work on the awards.   Scouting’s higher awards required up to 4 projects, which was a major time commitment. It was believed that more Scouts would be willing to do two projects, making achieving the award more attainable. In doing this, a few levels we eliminated to avoid all of the confusion and duplication of awards.

Wood Badge 2021 Registration is Now Open

  Why do some units seem to run more smoothly than others? Why do some teams seem to manage change more effectively than others? Why do some people seem to have the ability to navigate the challenges of a busy schedule without breaking a sweat?
It is not an inherent quality that makes these units, teams, or people effective or efficient. Rather, it is leadership: whether at the personal, team, or organizational level, an individual with a vision; the ability to communicate it clearly; the willingness to let others contribute to it; and the drive to make a plan and work it provide advantages to the organizations, teams, and home to which that person belongs.
If that is the impact you want to have on your Scout unit, then Wood Badge is the training for you. Learn more about Wood Badge here and to begin your registration today!

STEM Challenge #4: Catapults

Are you ready to accept the Knight’s Challenge? This is STEM Challenge #4 and it’s all about catapults!
There are categories for every Scout from Lions & Tigers to Venturing & Sea Scouting. Don’t forget to try for some medieval bonus points! We can’t wait to see you charge the castle completing this Challenge.
There are many ways to complete the STEM Challenges, your imagination and the laws of physics are your only limitations. Please remember to follow all safety guidelines.
Check out the STEM Challenge video demonstration below with an example of how to complete the Knight’s Catapult Challenge, then download the Catapult Guidelines and Scoresheet to see how you can maximize your points.

Register today to participate in this or any of our past challenges!

Cooking Corner With Mr. K: Bratwurst Hash

Mr. K has released his latest recipe — the hearty and delicious BRATWURST HASH! Check out all of the delicious Brat flavors available at Miesfeld’s. Once you have picked your favorite flavor, download the recipe and watch his video demonstration for cooking instructions. Scoutmaster K shows you how good it looks.

 

KON WAPOS LODGE UPDATES

National Virtual Induction Weekend

  Kon Wapos Lodge welcomes 56 new Order of the Arrow members who took part in the first ever virtual induction. Candidates completed over 250 hours of community service by making tie blankets, collecting food, providing yard cleaning to elderly neighbors, cleaning parks and other forms of service. They witnessed National Order of the Arrow virtual ceremonies and participated in virtual programming with OA members from around the country.

Online Gathering Elects New Lodge Officers

  Lodge members gathered virtually last Sunday, Nov. 8, to welcome the newly inducted members of the Order of the Arrow. The OA Region Chief, Patrick McInerney, from Illinois, was the guest speaker. Youth members elected their 2021 Lodge Officers, who will start their term of office January 1.
  2021 LODGE OFFICERS: Lodge Chief: Jack Salzwedel; Vice-Chief, Program: Thomas Crow; Vice-Chief, Inductions: Milo Rades; Treasurer: Anthony Breimon.

Lodge Leader Development Meeting

All Order of the Arrow members are invited to participate in the Lodge Leadership Development program to be held December 5. The program will include leadership training, guest speakers, fun and games, door prizes and more. Participants will be involved in planning programs for the Lodge in 2021. Watch for details and registration information to be sent to all OA members.

Virtual Brotherhood Ceremony

  The youth Lodge leaders announced that there will be a virtual Brotherhood for Ordeal members to conducted on Dec. 5 as part of the Lodge Leadership Development program. If you have been an Ordeal member for at least 6 months, you are eligible to complete your Brotherhood. More details and registration instructions will be sent to eligible members.
  For complete information, follow visit www.konwapos.org. Otherwise, contact Lodge Advise, Mike Mailand with questions at mike.mailand@konwapos.org.

Looking Ahead

Given the ever-changing health circumstances and the differences between the regions of the Bay-Lakes Council, events listed here may be cancelled, postponed or moved to a virtual opportunity if possible. Please remember to verify with the event coordinator whether this activity has been postponed or moved to an online presence. You can check all Scouting events on the council calendar.

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

Holiday Publication of The Guide

  To allow for more family time over the upcoming holidays, we will only be publishing one issue of The Guide Council Newsletter, both this month and in December. Any breaking news or important updates will be shared accordingly.


Final Thoughts…

Scouter Gone Home

As a “young buck” Scout leader, he seemed like a “crusty old man” when we were first introduced. But his calm demeanor and even steadier speaking style quickly erased any concerns. For the next decades, any opportunity with Louis Milsted was a chance to know Scouting from one of the finest. He passed away.
From his death notice, a summary of his Scouting career: He served as a Camp Rokilio staff member and director, scoutmaster and staff member for 10 National Scout Jamborees and as a staff member (including a two-time course director) for 10 Wood Badge training courses, the adult Scout leader education program. He was on the staff of the 2007 World Scout Jamboree in England. He also served on numerous committees and staffs during his Scouting career.   Earning the Eagle Scout Award, he served as the Troop 861 charter Scoutmaster for 27 years, and on the Bay-Lakes Council Executive Board as the Council Commissioner, Program Vice President, International Representative and Member at large. Louis was presented the Silver Beaver Award, Lamb Award, Distinguished Commissioner Award, District Award of Merit, the National Eagle Scout Association Eagle Scoutmaster Award, the Silver Antelope Award and was a James E. West Fellow.
All those accomplishments, activities and awards meant nothing to Louis because his singular focus was on scouts. And, ensuring leaders were appropriately trained and mentored to help deliver Souting at its best. More than once, he shared with me, his best reward was a written note (yes, back in the days when we did that thing) from someone thanking him for his impact and influence; sometimes years later. If he kept those, his scrapbooks must require extra storage, for they are numerous and he touched so very many people. Thank you, Louis, and rest in peace.  Rest well indeed, Louis, and enjoy that perpetual campfire.

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