Sunday, January 29, 2012
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Feb 4, 2012
Klondike Derby
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Mar 24th, 2012
Pinewood Derby
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Apr 28, 2012
Scouting For Food
Save the date
Oct 5-7, 2012
District Camporee


 

Subscribe to BSA NSC Great Rivers District email communications.              CLICK HERE to review past district announcements.
        Email address:                        CLICK HERE to review on-line council roundtable files.

Water park of america funraiser for Univ of MN Amplatz Children's hospital

The Mary Moon Foundation (the Mary Moon Foundation) is running a benefit for the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital.  They are hosting a day at the Waterpark of America on Sunday, March 4. Admission is only $10 (only $8 if registered by February 4).  It’s a great price:  tickets are normally $16. 

The park has a capacity of 3,800 people, but they limit private events like this one to 1,800.  That means lines won’t be long—it should be a great day, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the features you like.

The foundation is 100% fine with this being shared with all Scout units in our area (and across the council).  They’d really like to see all 1,800 spaces filled.

 
May roundtable / Cook-off / Appreciation dinner

CLICK HERE to read about the May roundtable / cook-off / district appreciation dinner.

 
Great Rivers District Pinewood Derby - March 24th

Saturday, March 24, 2012      
Transfiguration Catholic School, 6135 15th Street North, Oakdale MN 55128                       

Registration: 8:30 – 10:00 am
Race starts: 10:30 am

Ruleshttp://www.northernstarbsa.org/Forms/Activities/PinewoodDerbyRules.pdf
FlyerEVENT FLYER

Entrance fee: $5.00 per car
   
Hosted by Pack 240

Questions?

thestines@comcast.net     OR    athopkins@comcast.net
Duane Stine (651) 264-0817        Angie Hopkins (651) 248-6593
   
•    Cost is $5.00 per car - Make checks payable to Northern Star Council - Account 229

•    For Cub Scouts … Six Categories - Lions through Webelos (year 2)

•    Though the top racers from each Pack are recommended to come and race, the race is open to all Cub Scouts.  District winners will be advancing to the Council Champion race in June.

•    The top 3 Race Finishers from each rank/grade will advance to the Council Race held at the Mall of America on June 4th.

•    See separate sheet or the District website http://greatrivers.nsbsa.org/ for official rules – We are adopting the rules to be used by the 2012 Northern Star Council Pinewood Derby.

•    Siblings and adults are also welcome to race for the same fee.  Siblings race for fun and a smaller recognition.  Adults for bragging rights.  Only registered Cub Scouts (and recently transitioned Webelos II to Boy Scouts) can race for the Council Championship.

 
Klondike Derby - February 4th, 2012 - *** ONLINE SIGN-UP ***

This event is for all Boy Scouts and Venturers.
Second year Webelos may attend this event if invited by their Troop.

CLICK HERE to register

  • Build a Klondike Sled (dog sled). Plans are available on the internet. Old skis may be used as runners. Typical team (patrol) size is 6-8 scouts, but may be more or less.
  • A passenger (team member) must ride on the sled from station to station
  • 2nd year Webelos may be a part of your patrol

What to Bring

  • Can of non-creamy soup (1 per person)
  • Any additional lunch items you wish to bring. Beverages will be provided
  • Mess kit (bowl, spoon, cup) 1 per person
  • Drinking water for your patrol
  • Pocket knife
  • Compass
  • Fire building material: tinder, kindling, and small sticks (enough to build a small fire)
  • Winter appropriate clothing
  • Scout handbook
  • Class 1 Health Form (Forms A & B)

CLICK HERE for the event flyer.

 
Minnesota Wild Boy Scout Day(s)

CLICK HERE for Boy Scout Day(s) with the Minnesota Wild!!!!!

 

District communication - 2012-01-09

Dear Great Rivers' Scouters,

In an effort to keep you up to date on the goings-on around the District, we are sending you this email.  Have a very Happy New Year!

Activities:

  • District Pine Wood Derby

The 2012 District Pinewood Derby will be hosted by Pack 240.  The event will be held in the Mt. Tabor Hall of the Transfiguration School in Oakdale on the morning of Saturday March 24.  The flyer for the event will soon be available on the District website.

  • Great Rivers Merit Badge Day

Let your Boy Scouts know about Merit Badge Day on Saturday, January 21th, 2011 from  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Presbyterian Church (2675 HWY 36 E, North Saint Paul, Mn.)  Check out our District Website for more information and Merit Badge offerings at http://greatrivers.nsbsa.org/

<http://greatrivers.nsbsa.org/>

  • Klondike Derby

Just a reminder, the Klondike Derby is being hosted by Troop 71 and will be held on Saturday, February 4 at the Upper Level Activity Field of the Fred C. Andersen Scout Camp.  Registration material is available on the district website.

  • Opportunity for Winter Service and Fun

The Vulcans of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival need lots of help preparing for the 2012 Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition and the Winter Carnival Snow Park and are looking to scouts for assistance.  They will be building the blocks and a maze on Saturday, January 21, and Sunday, January 22 on a site located on Machinery Hill at the State Fairgrounds.  Work will be begin at 9:00 am on Saturday morning.  Groups of all sizes and individuals are welcome.

Stay as long as you want.  Lunch will be provided for those working through mid-day.  A warming house will be open all day.  There is no need to pre-register, but advance notice will help the Vulcans provide sufficient food.  For questions and additional information please contact Mark Salmen at (651) 271-6690 or mark.sal...@1973.usna.com or mark.sal...@delta.com.

This is a great opportunity to help the community while having some fun in the snow.

Camping:

  • CUB SCOUTS

Sign up now for Polar Cubs...a one day experience filled with plenty of fun, adventure, activity and advancement opportunities.  Hot lunch will be provided in the camp dining hall for everyone.   Don't let the lack of snow keep you away as the staff has plenty of snowless activities planned, including learning how to keep warm and dry in the winter season.

There are two separate programs:  Cub Scout Polar Cubs (for Tigers, Wolf & Bear Cubs) and Webelos Polar Cubs (for 1st & 2nd year Webelos).  Polar Cubs programs will be run weekends in January – the 1st weekend in March at Rum River Scout Camp, Anoka, MN; Stearns Scout Camp, South Haven, MN; &* *Phillippo Scout  Reservation,* *Cannon Falls, MN.  Reservations now open.  You can register online at www.goscouting.org.

  • BOY SCOUTS

Interested in attending the 2013 National Jamboree to be held at the NEW Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia?  Registration is now open for this great event at this new location.  The Northern Star Council is looking to fill 10 Troops and 3/4 of a Venture Crew or just over 400 participants and many more onsite staff.  You can register here: http://districtoperations.nsbsa.org/NationalJamboree.aspx.

There are still openings for winter camping at either North Winds at Stearns Scout Camp or Snow Base at Tomahawk.   *NEW THIS YEAR:*  The Snow Huskies program for younger scouts now starts Friday evenings instead of Saturday mornings.  Now all your scouts can make the trip together before going off to their separate programs.

Learn more about North Winds here:
http://www.northernstarbsa.org/Camping/BoyScout/Winter/NorthWind/Prog...
.

Learn more about Snow Base here:
http://www.northernstarbsa.org/Camping/BoyScout/Winter/SnowBase/.

  • Also Troops can now make their summer camp reservations / deposits for the summer of 2013.


Finance:

  • Family Friends of Scouting

Thanks to all units, who have picked up their FOS packets, set presentation dates, had presentation meetings, and / or collected their FOS donations.

A special THANKS to some units, who have already exceeded their FOS goal for 2012!!!

If your units hasn't turned in the FOS presentation date or picked up your FOS packet yet, please contact Eric McFee or Dave Carlson.

We would appreciate it if the entire program can be wrapped up with all donations collected by 4/30/12.

THANKS to all for your support of FOS!!!

Membership:

  • Membership

Thank you and Congratulations for a great 2011.   Because of all of your hard work, our district finished the year with growth in membership compared to the end of 2010.    That means that because of your efforts, more of the youth in our community are going to receive the benefits that come from participating in the Scouting program!  Congratulations and Thank You for all of your recruiting efforts!

  • Webelos Transition:

As we move into the Webelos transition season, be sure to turn in the Boy Scout applications and adult applications for the transitioning scouts and scouters as soon as possible.   Remember, Webelos can transition to a troop for only a $1.00 transfer fee if the application is turned in to the office by March 31st.  Also, if you have any inactive Webelos on your roster, give the contact information to the scoutmaster or troop committee chair and ask them to contact the youth and invite them to a Troop meeting or Troop event.    We want to give *all* of our Webelos scouts *every* opportunity to experience Boy Scouting!

  • Training:

 

  • Super Training Day:

All scouts deserve trained leaders. Classes for Cubmasters & Assistants, Den Leaders, Den Chiefs, Scoutmasters & Assistants, Troop Committee, Venture Advisors. “This is Scouting” starts at 8:00 on March 10th.  Stay tuned for a location.

From the District Chair

Recharter activities are underway for all traditional units.  Troops and Crews should just about have completed their data entry.  They should be collecting the signatures of unit leaders and the chartered partner executive, in preparation for giving the completed package to Eric, Maggie, or the Council Registrar.  Let's see if the district can complete Troop and Crew recharters before the end of January.  If you need help, we'll be glad to assist.  Please contact your Unit Commissioner.  If you don't know if you have one, contact Maggie Knuteson, our District Commissioner.


Rechartering is just getting started for Packs.  If your Pack needs its
username and password for logging into the on-line system, please contact Maggie Knuteson, the District Commissioner.

Speaking of *Chartered Partners*, I encourage every unit to reach out to your chartering institution.  The district leadership is trying to improve Great Rivers' standing with the important institutions in our community. We are confident that close, healthy relations between Scouting and the schools, businesses, community groups, churches and synagogues in our district will help everyone.  Many of our units are chartered to places of worship.  *Scout Sunday* is coming up on February 5, and *Scout Sabbath*will follow on February 10 and 11.  What a great time to let folks know that Scouting is alive and well in their neighborhood!  Why not ask the clergy of your chartered partner how your unit can be present and maybe help with worship?

Finally, I want to remind you that one of my favorite responsibilities is representing the district at Arrow of Light Ceremonies, Webelos Crossovers, and Eagle Scout Courts of Honor.  I am happy to participate, but I am equally happy just to be present at these important milestones.  I cannot guarantee that I can attend every event, but I will do my best to be there if I receive an invitation.

Thanks for all that you do for Scouting.

 

District communication - 2011-12-23

 

Dear Great River’s Scouters.  To keep you better informed of the goings-on around the District, we wanted to send you the following information so you can plan accordingly in the New Year. 
 
Camping: 
 
CUB SCOUTS-  
Sign up now for  Polar Cubs...a one day experience filled with plenty of fun, adventure, activity and advancement opportunities.  Hot lunch will be provided in the camp dining hall for everyone.   Don't let the lack of snow keep you away as the staff has plenty of snowless activities planned, including learning how to keep warm and dry in the winter season. 
 
There are two separate programs:  Cub Scout Polar Cubs (for Tigers, Wolf & Bear Cubs) and Webelos Polar Cubs (for 1st & 2nd year Webelos).  Polar Cubs programs will be run weekends in January – the 1st weekend in March at Rum River Scout Camp, Anoka, MN; Stearns Scout Camp, South Haven, MN; & Phillippo Scout  Reservation, Cannon Falls, MN.  Reservations  now open .  You can register online at www.goscouting.org
 
BOY SCOUTS-   
Interested in attending the 2013 National Jamboree to be held at the NEW Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia? Registration is now open for this great event at this new location.  The Northern Star Council is looking to fill 10 Troops and 3/4 of a Venture Crew or just over 400 participants and many more onsite staff.  You can register here:     http://districtoperations.nsbsa.org/NationalJamboree.aspx
 
Now is the time to start your winter camping planning at either North Winds at Stearns Scout Camp or Snow Base at Tomahawk.   NEW THIS YEAR:  The Snow Huskies program for younger scouts now starts Friday evenings instead of Saturday mornings.  Now all your scouts can make the trip together before going off to their separate programs.   Learn more about North Winds here:   http://www.northernstarbsa.org/Camping/BoyScout/Winter/NorthWind/ProgramDescription.aspx.
 
 
Membership:
Cub ScoutsLeaders!  We are very close to achieving year-to year growth!  With your help we can reach that goal!
If you have any applications,  call John Capecchi or Eric McFee and we will arrange to pick them up.
If you have not started a Lion Cub Den, it is not too late!   Call Eric McFee (651-254-9118), John Capecchi (651-739-8225) or Josh Ness (612-209-8666) to talk to us about getting this exciting program going in your pack!
If you have any small dens (less than 6 boys, including Tigers or Lions dens) consider a special recruiting event targeting the appropriate grade to fill out those dens.   Scout to scout recruiting cards are available.   Scouting is always more fun with more boys involved!
 
Family Friends of Scouting:
If you haven't already picked up your FOS packet yet, please make sure to get in touch with Eric McFee emcfee@northernstarbsa.org or Dave Carlson davec@eaglevalleybank.com.   They would like to have your presentation date, time, and whether or not you need a presenter.
 
Also make sure to update your info in the toolbox on the website and add it (& other info. needed) there. The specific website address is; http://www.northernstarbsa.org/planner.
 
 
Finally, please add the following dates to your calendars as they apply to you and your unit:
 
Monthly ROUNDTABLE - January 5, February 2, and March 1
Every Scouter is invited to GREAT RIVERS ROUNDTABLE, our monthly networking and continuing education event. Each session is at the LDS Church in Oakdale and starts at 7:00 pm.

Monthly DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEETING – January 19, February 11(Saturday), and March 22
District Committee Meetings, where the committee does its work, are open to all scouters. Please contact Eric McFee or David Misemer in advance if you have a matter you would like to discuss. Regular Thursday sessions are at Platinum Bank in Oakdale, beginning at 6:00pm.

Merit Badge Day - January 21
Any Boy Scout or Venturer working on Merit Badges is welcome to come to North Presbyterian Church in North St. Paul. MBD is a chance to complete requirements for Citizenship in the World, Nation & Community. Other MBs, too. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and Sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. 

Klondike Derby - February 4

All Boy Scout Troops are invited to Fred C. Andersen Scout Reservation for a day of fun and scout-skill challenges. Registration begins at 9:00am and the event should conclude by 3:00pm.

Advancement Lock-in - March 2
Calling all Webelos and Boy Scouts: come for advancement and stay for the fun. Swimming, basketball, cribbage tournament, pizza at midnight, and movies until dawn. Registration for units begins at 8:45p.m. and the location to be determined. Two-deep adult leadership for each group required.

Super Training Day - March 10
All scouts deserve trained leaders. Classes for Cubmasters & Assistants, Den Leaders, Den Chiefs, Scoutmasters & Assistants, Troop Committee, Venture Advisors. “This is Scouting” starts at 8:00. Stay tuned for a location.

District Pinewood Derby - March 24
Cubs from Lions to 2nd yr Webelos can continue the fun at our District Derby. Top racers from each Pack are encouraged to enter, but the event is open to all Cubs. District winners may go to the council championship in June. Registration is at 8:30 am; a location will be announced soon.

DETAILS ON EACH EVENT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT OUR WEB SITE AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE THE EVENT.

 

 

Roundtable - December 2011

From the District Chair:  As we come to the close of 2012, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for all that you do to contribute to the success of our packs, troops, and crews.  Your efforts to create strong units and provide high quality programs deliver the promise of Scouting to the youth of our community.  And helping our youth grow to become capable, confident, and responsible adults is what our program is all about. 

On behalf of the Great Rivers Key-4, I wish everyone in the Great Rivers family a most joyous holiday season and a new year of peace and good will.  

Recap of the December Roundtable

Focus on internet tools – Eric McFee, Maggie Knuteson

On-line Rechartering Streamline your rechartering activity by using the online process.  A unit can now complete the required paperwork over the internet.  A unit must select one adult to enter the data.  Maggie or Eric can help you obtain the single username and password for your unit.  Find more information and a link to the internet recharter tool at http://www.northernstarbsa.org/OnlineTools/InternetRecharter/.

Unit Toolbox System The Council is expanding the functionality of the youth recruitment planner.  To reflect the change its name is being changed to the Unit Toolbox System.  Every unit – Pack, Troop, or Crew – will want to use this system to enter the information that populates the Adventure is Calling site, where parents and youth can search to find a unit in his or her area.  Units can also schedule recruiting events and request promotional materials.  New capability has been added for FOS activities so units can schedule presentations and track progress toward goal.  Unit volunteers should request access through their unit committee chairs.  All of us have trouble keeping up with everything that is new.  If your unit chair isn’t aware and can’t help, contact your unit commissioner or Maggie.  More information can be found at https://www.northernstarbsa.org/planner/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fplanner%2fdefault.aspx.

District Fireside Chat – Eric McFee, David Misemer, Maggie Knuteson

Roundtable: What is the status of the District’s Journey to Excellence? 

Misemer: I think our qualifying for some level of JTE award is almost certain.  With the outstanding response by our units to Popcorn sales, I am confident that we have obtained our finance goal.  That means we have qualified in 9 of a required 10 measures.  Even more impressive is that we’re within “spittin’ distance” (as they would say in Virginia) of reaching gold, the highest level.  This is a remarkable achievement and the Key-4 want to acknowledge that it is not our achievement or the achievement of the district committee.  It is the result of the effort of all our units and their volunteers.  If we qualify for JTE, Eric and I will make sure we recognize everyone’s efforts with a ribbon for every unit and cake at an appropriate Roundtable.

Roundtable: I’m not familiar with Journey to Excellence; what is it, exactly?

Misemer: Journey to Excellence is scouting’s quality system.  It is not only available for districts, but there are JTE scorecards for packs, troops, and crews, too.  For those of you familiar with the Quality Unit Award, JTE replaces that award.  I really like the JTE system for two reasons:  first, I believe that it has a much better set of criteria, including measures that really reflect how well a unit is delivering the program; and second, the program has several levels of award so it is no longer an all-or-nothing award.

  Unit leadership can find its goals by downloading the appropriate PDF at http://districtoperations.nsbsa.org/.  At this point each unit must provide its own information regarding where it is on the Journey. 

Roundtable: Is the unit JTE form required as part of rechartering?

Misemer: No, the processes are independent.  (Confirmed by Mary Degel, Council Registrar)

Roundtable: What about Youth Protection Training; is it really required to register as an adult volunteer?

Misemer:  (There was a lot of discussion about this, so the answer will come from Council Material)

The Boy Scouts of America requires all registered adults to complete Youth Protection Training (YPT). New leaders agree to complete YPT within 30 days of registration. After 30 days if YPT has not been taken and/or recorded a notice will be mailed or emailed to the individual. They will then have another 30 days to comply or their membership will be expired by the National office.”

In the final analysis a legality shouldn’t matter.  The right thing for the organization, its leaders, and its youth is for everyone to be Youth Protection Trained.

Roundtable:  There are three traditional programs: Packs, Troops, and Crews.  Do I have to take a separate course for each level?

Misemer:  (There was discussion here, so I want to be clear about the answer)  There is only one YPT for adult leadership and completing the training certifies the adult for leadership in packs, troops, and crews.  The YPT requirement can be satisfied by either a facilitated training or an on-line course.  Scouting recommends completing the on-line course even if you complete the facilitated training.  YPT certification is good for two years and you must repeat the training biannually.

In addition to YPT for adults, there are several YPT programs for youth.  Every unit is encouraged to provide YPT annually to its youth and parents.  This training is age appropriate.  The material for 14-to-20-year-olds includes situations involving both young men and women appropriate to the Venturing program.

Roundtable:  Where will the Lock-in be held this coming March?

Jungkunz: The advancement committee has not settled on a final location, but the event will likely be at the same location as last year, the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in St Paul.

Roundtable: What’s coming up?  What’s on the horizon?

McFee: One change that the Council is just starting to talk about is the Model Unit. The idea is to have a pack, troop, and crew that are more closely coordinated than in the past.  Each unit would have its own committee, but they would be coordinated by a “unit Key-3.”  Instead of three rechartering activities, there would be one, probably in September.  Youth who chose to remain with the model unit would move transparently from Lions through Venturing.  The goal is to make the program work more easily for everyone and improve retention by removing barriers for youth to go from program to program.

Misemer:  This program is part of the Council’s strategic plan.  There are important details to consider.  For example, how would the program work where there are historically strong connections between packs and troops with different chartered partners.  In many instances these units have strong, supportive relationships with different chartering organizations. 

Julie Nitti, whom many of you know, has just formed a task force to flesh out the details of the change.  She will welcome your input.  Better yet, consider joining the effort if you feel strongly about the idea.  While Great Rivers is not a part of the pilot, I am certain that Julie’s team would be interested in units from our district interested in piloting the program.  Contact any of the Key-3 if you’re interested.

Misemer:   A change that I’d like to mention isn’t new at all.  If you aren’t aware of Lion Cubs for kindergarten-age boys and their parents, you should be.  The program was piloted by Northern Star Council last year, and based on the success, the Council is moving ahead with it this year, even as the national organization finishes filling in the details.  Scouting started the program in response to market research, where parents spoke of the need.  The results of the first year are encouraging: over 80% of Lion Cubs transitioned to Tigers. 

McFee:   Our district currently has 59 registered Lion Cubs.  It’s not too late to start a program attached to your unit.

Misemer: It’s time to turn the tables and ask the question: what does the district need to do better?  What are we not doing that we should be doing?  What about communication?  We instituted the pre- and post-Roundtable e-mails because we thought we needed to do better.  How are they working out?

The Roundtable responded that the regular e-mail communications were needed and a big improvement over previous communications.  One participant was thankful when he heard that we intend to institute a quarterly paper summary of upcoming events sent by conventional mail.  Another participant asked the District to decrease the delay between the Roundtable and our sending the summary e-mail.

Misemer: We currently run the following district activities: Fall Camporee (Oct), Merit Badge Day(Jan), Klondike Derby(Feb), Advancement Lock-in(Mar), District Pinewood Derby(Mar), Good Turn for America(Apr).  Is this adequate?  Are we missing anything? 

The Roundtable responded by suggesting that we might want to move our big food drive to the Fall, a move that worked successfully and generated better results in another district/council. 

** If you have other comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our district Key-4. **

 
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