Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Our statement on the BSA's alleged impending bankruptcy
Dear Iroquois Trail Council Families,
By now you have may have read or heard about the recent Wall Street Journal article speculating on the National Boy Scouts of America’s finances. We want to start by assuring you that Scouting remains strong and steady on the trail to our 2nd century. To address some of the questions and concerns we have been hearing, please review this information. As always, if you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
The most important fact is this: the Iroquois Trail Council is a corporation separate from BSA and maintains its own 501(c)3 status. Business decisions made on this or any issue by BSA will not impact the assets of the Iroquois Trail Council – including our camps and donations made to our local program.
BSA – the national organization – has an obligation to its members to remain strong. As such they are exploring all options for best management of their assets. Sometimes this involves contacting outside experts. No decision has been made or is imminent at this point about BSA’s national finances.
It is important to note that the Iroquois Trail Council is governed by local volunteers who provide strong oversight on budget development, fundraising, spending, and investment.
During the past decade, our Council has routinely balanced its budget, made substantial capital improvements to Council owned facilities, and ensured the future of local Scouting through growth in our Council’s endowment fund. The Iroquois Trail Council is also debt-free and has no pending litigation. This diligent governance from our volunteers keeps us a well-run and financially viable organization.
Through the continued support of our generous volunteers’ time and financial resources we are able to provide a high-quality Scouting program to more than 2,500 Scouts and 1,200 adults in our 5-county area.
Our Council has much to be grateful for this year. An outstanding summer camp season, tremendous enthusiasm for the launch of Family Scouting, and strong growth in the Lion program are just the beginning.
We are poised to see Scouting nationally return to a position of strength and growth and must not let any potential financial restructuring by the national organization distract us. Scouting long has been, and continues to be, the most relevant and robust character and leadership development program for youth and families. Let’s keep it that way!
Thank you for your participation and support of local Scouting.
Yours in Scouting,
Bob Confer, Council President and Jim McMullen, Scout Executive
By now you have may have read or heard about the recent Wall Street Journal article speculating on the National Boy Scouts of America’s finances. We want to start by assuring you that Scouting remains strong and steady on the trail to our 2nd century. To address some of the questions and concerns we have been hearing, please review this information. As always, if you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
The most important fact is this: the Iroquois Trail Council is a corporation separate from BSA and maintains its own 501(c)3 status. Business decisions made on this or any issue by BSA will not impact the assets of the Iroquois Trail Council – including our camps and donations made to our local program.
BSA – the national organization – has an obligation to its members to remain strong. As such they are exploring all options for best management of their assets. Sometimes this involves contacting outside experts. No decision has been made or is imminent at this point about BSA’s national finances.
It is important to note that the Iroquois Trail Council is governed by local volunteers who provide strong oversight on budget development, fundraising, spending, and investment.
During the past decade, our Council has routinely balanced its budget, made substantial capital improvements to Council owned facilities, and ensured the future of local Scouting through growth in our Council’s endowment fund. The Iroquois Trail Council is also debt-free and has no pending litigation. This diligent governance from our volunteers keeps us a well-run and financially viable organization.
Through the continued support of our generous volunteers’ time and financial resources we are able to provide a high-quality Scouting program to more than 2,500 Scouts and 1,200 adults in our 5-county area.
Our Council has much to be grateful for this year. An outstanding summer camp season, tremendous enthusiasm for the launch of Family Scouting, and strong growth in the Lion program are just the beginning.
We are poised to see Scouting nationally return to a position of strength and growth and must not let any potential financial restructuring by the national organization distract us. Scouting long has been, and continues to be, the most relevant and robust character and leadership development program for youth and families. Let’s keep it that way!
Thank you for your participation and support of local Scouting.
Yours in Scouting,
Bob Confer, Council President and Jim McMullen, Scout Executive
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Spook-O-Ree help wanted
Calling All Troop Leaders!
Is your troop looking for a fun event to help out at on Saturday, October 13th?
Iroquois Trail Council's 2018 Spook-O-Ree is scheduled to be held on the early afternoon on October 13th. Spook-O-Ree is held at the Genesee County Park, in East Bethany.
We are looking for troops to help out with setting up our Spook-O-Ree area, and running one of our fun filled Halloween-type stations for the day.
No matter how big or small your troop is, we can your help on Saturday, October 13th
Bring your Scouts in costumes, or come as you are.
For more information, Please contact Terri Martinez.
Terri's email is: tmartine@brockport.edu
Telephone #: 585-474-6380
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Wood Badge 2019
Wood Badge is a Scouting leadership program for adult leaders. Wood Badge courses aim to make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills and by creating a bond and commitment to the Scout movement. Our Council will be offering Wood Badge in 2019, for the first time in years. We are very excited about the opportunities that Wood Badge brings!
Download the flier here:
http://www.itcbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2019-Woodbadge-N3-376-19.pdf
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Save the date: Town hall meeting about older girls
Earlier this year we held a town hall meeting to discuss the nuances of
adding girls to the Cub Scout program. We will be holding a similar town
hall for those who have interest in adding older girls to the Boy Scout
age program. The meeting will be held on Saturday, December 8th from
10:00 AM till 11:30 AM at Room T119 in the Technology Center at GCC.
Towpath Roundtable is September 20th
On Thursday, September 20th, the Towpath District will hold their first Roundtable of the new season.
WE ARE IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION AT DESALES!! We will be in the old
library on the second floor. This is a much more comfortable room and
out of the traffic flow. Please enter through the door at the TOP of
the driveway ABOVE the cafeteria parking lot. Follow the CUB SCOUT
signs.
We’ve got lots to cover at Roundtable, things like:
Popcorn,
Webelos Woods
Taste of Scouting
Camp Kickoff
Camporee and Klondike Derby
YPT
Position Specific Training
The Scouting BSA Breakout session will introduce you to our new Advancement Chair, Ray Kline, who will explain procedures for Eagle projects, Boards of Review, etc. There have been some changes to the process, so Scoutmasters and Advancement Chairs should plan on attending. If you’re doing “double duty”, representing both Pack and Troop, PLEASE arrange to have someone attend this session, but also have someone attend the
CUB SCOUT Breakout – which will begin addressing the AOL to Scout transition. This is an important time for your AOL Cubs as they get ready to cross over to Scouting BSA and their new Troops! BOTH PACKS AND TROOPS SHOULD PLAN ON SENDING PEOPLE TO THIS SESSION! Packs need to develop relationships with Troops that will fit their Cubs’ schedules and personalities and Troops need to be ready to “show off” for visiting Cubs. Learn some secrets to a successful transition by attending this session!
Roundtable begins at 7PM and will end before 9.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
A summer camp success story: Tyler Calmes
Here's a summer camp success story!
At Camp Sam Wood 2017 (Session 2), Tyler Calmes picked up a bow and arrow for the first time and needed assistance on how to shoot it.
When he came home from camp he told his parents that he wanted a real bow and arrow for Christmas, which he received.
His dad started taking him up to a cousin's archery shop to learn how to shoot. He was getting quite good and they recommended that his parents take him to a shooting event so he could shoot at 3D targets. He truly enjoyed it, so they took him to more.
He qualified for the IBO State Championships and came in second place for his age group this year!
Way to go, Tyler! To go from being a beginner to a major player in archery in less than one year is really impressive!
Friday, May 4, 2018
BSA changes its name
Adventure Has a New Name: Scouts BSA
Only the name of the troop-level program will be updated. Cub Scouts will continue to be Cub Scouts; likewise with the Venturing and Exploring programs.
The organization name will remain Boy Scouts of America.
As we enter a new era for our organization, it is important that all youth can see themselves in Scouting in every way possible. That is why the BSA is proud to announce that Scouts BSA is the new name for the Boy Scout program. Scouts BSA perfectly represents the new, inclusive program for older Scouts that the Boy Scouts of America is proud to offer. The name change will be effective in February 2019, when Scouts BSA will begin welcoming girls and boys.
Why Scouts BSA? Because it builds on the legacy of the Scout name. The Scout meetings, Scout camp, the Scout handbook, Scouts themselves - we have more than 108 years of heritage and tradition built on the Scout name. The organization name will continue to be ‘Boy Scouts of America.’ The BSA will continue to build the future of Scouting with Scouts BSA, as we deliver character and leadership and offer a path to the rank of Eagle Scout for boys and girls.
“Scout. It’s not just what I do, it’s who I am.”
How Was the New Name Determined?
In February 2018, the BSA began working with an outside agency to develop naming options for the Older Girl/Youth Program. Guidelines included:
• The organization name ‘Boy Scouts of America’ will not change
• The name must be relevant to today’s youth and families
• Explore two scenarios:
(1) Two names – keep the name ‘Boy Scout’ and come up with a name for the older girl program, or
(2) One name – develop one name that would be used for the program that would serve both boys and girls.
After reviewing and refining a list of potential names, the BSA shared the naming options with key stakeholders, including volunteer panels, professional panels, district operations basic classes, panels of commissioners, the Boy Scout Support Committee, the Marketing Committee and the Scout Executive Marketing Advisory panel.
Outcomes
Each group independently concluded that a separate name for the Boy Scout program and another name for the girl program was confusing and risked communicating an incorrect assumption that the girl program was perhaps watered down or somehow different.
One Name is the Best Choice
Each of the groups independently decided that the one-name scenario was the best choice. They also agreed that the best name choice was ‘Scouts’.
They agreed that the name ‘Scouts’ best preserved the brand equity of the program and provided the easiest transition.
As we enter a new era for our organization, Scouts BSA perfectly represents the new, inclusive program for older Scouts. Scouts BSA
Questions and Answers
Q: Are you changing the name of the organization?
A: No, our iconic organization name will continue to be Boy Scouts of America
Q: When will the name change be effective?
A: The scheduled launch date for Scouts BSA is February 1, 2019.
Q: What will the members of the program be called?
A: Just as today, they will be called Scouts. For example, “I’m in Scouts BSA, so I am a Scout.”
Q: Will The Boy Scout Handbook be updated to reflect the new name?
A: Yes.
Only the name of the troop-level program will be updated. Cub Scouts will continue to be Cub Scouts; likewise with the Venturing and Exploring programs.
The organization name will remain Boy Scouts of America.
As we enter a new era for our organization, it is important that all youth can see themselves in Scouting in every way possible. That is why the BSA is proud to announce that Scouts BSA is the new name for the Boy Scout program. Scouts BSA perfectly represents the new, inclusive program for older Scouts that the Boy Scouts of America is proud to offer. The name change will be effective in February 2019, when Scouts BSA will begin welcoming girls and boys.
Why Scouts BSA? Because it builds on the legacy of the Scout name. The Scout meetings, Scout camp, the Scout handbook, Scouts themselves - we have more than 108 years of heritage and tradition built on the Scout name. The organization name will continue to be ‘Boy Scouts of America.’ The BSA will continue to build the future of Scouting with Scouts BSA, as we deliver character and leadership and offer a path to the rank of Eagle Scout for boys and girls.
“Scout. It’s not just what I do, it’s who I am.”
How Was the New Name Determined?
In February 2018, the BSA began working with an outside agency to develop naming options for the Older Girl/Youth Program. Guidelines included:
• The organization name ‘Boy Scouts of America’ will not change
• The name must be relevant to today’s youth and families
• Explore two scenarios:
(1) Two names – keep the name ‘Boy Scout’ and come up with a name for the older girl program, or
(2) One name – develop one name that would be used for the program that would serve both boys and girls.
After reviewing and refining a list of potential names, the BSA shared the naming options with key stakeholders, including volunteer panels, professional panels, district operations basic classes, panels of commissioners, the Boy Scout Support Committee, the Marketing Committee and the Scout Executive Marketing Advisory panel.
Outcomes
Each group independently concluded that a separate name for the Boy Scout program and another name for the girl program was confusing and risked communicating an incorrect assumption that the girl program was perhaps watered down or somehow different.
One Name is the Best Choice
Each of the groups independently decided that the one-name scenario was the best choice. They also agreed that the best name choice was ‘Scouts’.
They agreed that the name ‘Scouts’ best preserved the brand equity of the program and provided the easiest transition.
As we enter a new era for our organization, Scouts BSA perfectly represents the new, inclusive program for older Scouts. Scouts BSA
Questions and Answers
Q: Are you changing the name of the organization?
A: No, our iconic organization name will continue to be Boy Scouts of America
Q: When will the name change be effective?
A: The scheduled launch date for Scouts BSA is February 1, 2019.
Q: What will the members of the program be called?
A: Just as today, they will be called Scouts. For example, “I’m in Scouts BSA, so I am a Scout.”
Q: Will The Boy Scout Handbook be updated to reflect the new name?
A: Yes.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Local scout is a hero
Praises to Leroy Cub Scout Steven Sanders, whose quick actions saved his brother from choking. Check out the report from WHAM13:
http://13wham.com/news/local/boy-10-saves-three-year-old-brother-from-choking
http://13wham.com/news/local/boy-10-saves-three-year-old-brother-from-choking
Scouts needed for Air Base drill
Stephen Stouter from GNFC sent along an invitation for Boy Scouts,
Venture Crews, and Explorers. They are looking for volunteers for a
large scale drill at the Niagara Falls Air Base on May 19th. It is a
great opportunity for any scout working on the Emergency Preparedness
Merit Badge. If you'd like the files in their original Word format
(rather than the images shown below), email bob@conferplastics.com
Monday, April 30, 2018
STEM Nova Award
On March 27, 2018, Cub Scout Pack 3006 in Lockport, NY became the first unit ever in Iroquois Trail Council to present Nova patches to 8 of its Cub Scouts. The Nova patch is the first part of a new, four-part initiative focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). After receiving their Nova patch, scouts will earn a pin for each of the remaining 3 modules. The pin is a Pi shape, the mathematical symbol for a never ending number (3.1415…).
Council
dignitaries present for the patch presentation included John Beiter, Council
Training Chair, Dave Ebersole, Council STEM Coordinator and Bob Pugh, District
Commissioner for the Towpath District, one of three Districts in the Iroquois
Trail Council.
Cubmaster
Steve Allore, who received his STEM Counselor/Mentor training last November,
worked superbly with his scouts on their first module and made the patch presentation
to 7 scouts. (One was absent and will be given the award at the next Pack meeting).
When
Allore first heard about the NOVA program, he was curious as to how it worked,
but had no idea what he was in for. Very
quickly he realized there was an opportunity to expand the program for the boys
and then took charge. Working alongside some
of the requirements, Allore was able to work with Iroquois Trail Council
Training Chair John Beiter and STEM Coordinator Dave Ebersole to expand the
program to give a richer experience. We
gave the boys a little homework, took a field trip to a local diner, and tried
to make it fun for each boy. Allore
highly recommend this program and can't wait to do even more next year.
Beiter
offered a congratulatory message on behalf of the Council and expressed how
wonderful it was to see such a historic moment and shared in the pride of the
Pack's accomplishment in achieving their first step. Ebersole praised the unit
for their accomplishment and did a presentation showing a rock with ugliness on
one side while the underside displayed gem-like lattices – a scientific
evolution. Next was a demonstration of
a smoke ring cannon, made from a 55 gallon garbage filled with smoke from a
smoke generator, produces smoke rings as a practical application of science and
technology. The Cub Scouts got a thrill
out seeing ring smokes flying at a Boy Scout with a plastic cup on his head,
some of the smoke rings even came their way! Pugh echoed similar sentiments and
wished the scouts success on the path to full completion of their STEM Nova
patch.
Allore
would be happy to share insights and answer questions any Cub Scout leaders
might have. He can be reached at
steve.allore@gmail.com.
For
anyone working in one of the STEM disciplines with an interest in becoming STEM
Counselors or Mentors, please contact Beiter, jrbeiter@rochester.rr.com, for
more information. Upcoming training
dates are Saturday October 27, 2018 and 2019 University of Scouting March 9,
2019, both at Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
April is a crucial month for Family Scouting designation
If your chartered organization has not yet submitted their "yea", "nay"
or "later" letter about Family Scouting to the Council office, please
encourage them to do so by the end of this month. We need to know so we
can line up the appropriate resources for everyone (training, marketing
materials, support, etc) and post unit designations on Be a Scout and
other places. For cub leaders who did not attend the Family Scouting
town hall or University of Scouting earlier this year, we will have it
as a discussion item at this month's roundtables. At those meetings we
will also be handing out extra copies of the charter approval documents
so you can nudge the charter reps into making a decision.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Troop 70 celebrates 50 years
Troop 70 of Geneseo recently celebrated 50 years! Here's an excellent write-up in the Livingston County News:
http://www.thelcn.com/lcn05/geneseo-boy-scout-troop-celebrates-50th-anniversary-20180220
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Monday, January 22, 2018
Our roll-out of Family Scouting
On January 20th, Scout Executive Jim McMullen and
Council President Bob Confer hosted a town hall meeting at GCC about the Family
Scouting program that will welcome girls into the Cub Scout program in 2018
while creating an older scout program for girls in 2019.
If you missed the presentation you can watch the full 1.25-hour video on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/itcbsa/videos/860677460723682/
You can also download the PowerPoint slideshow here:
https://t.co/nnZtMWWy9p
If you missed the presentation you can watch the full 1.25-hour video on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/itcbsa/videos/860677460723682/
You can also download the PowerPoint slideshow here:
https://t.co/nnZtMWWy9p
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
University of Scouting 2018
Join us for a full day of learning that will give you the confidence and skills to develop an exciting program that will thrive and grow! The University of Scouting is for all pack, troop, crew and post leaders, parents, and youth.
It will be held Saturday, March 10th at Genesee Community College from 8:00 till 4:30.
The schedule consists of eight periods with tracks for all aspects of Scouting. Course selections are designed around specific leadership roles and you'll also find helpful sessions on program planning, recruitment, retention, and a variety of other valuable topics. You can decide to take the entire leadership track for your Scouting role or you can mix and match sessions to best meet your needs.
Please review the course selections and use the registration form included in the information packet to pre-register by March 5th to ensure that we have adequate materials for all sessions.
You can download the packet here: http://www.itcbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2018-ITC-UofS-Registration-Packet.pdf
It will be held Saturday, March 10th at Genesee Community College from 8:00 till 4:30.
The schedule consists of eight periods with tracks for all aspects of Scouting. Course selections are designed around specific leadership roles and you'll also find helpful sessions on program planning, recruitment, retention, and a variety of other valuable topics. You can decide to take the entire leadership track for your Scouting role or you can mix and match sessions to best meet your needs.
Please review the course selections and use the registration form included in the information packet to pre-register by March 5th to ensure that we have adequate materials for all sessions.
You can download the packet here: http://www.itcbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2018-ITC-UofS-Registration-Packet.pdf
Thursday, January 11, 2018
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