Monthly Archives: February 2022
Register Now for Trip to NOAC in July
Are you a member of the Order of the Arrow?
Do you like to travel? Do you want to have the time of your life with 8,000 other Scouts at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee?
If so, you should consider attending the 2022 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) with Patriots’ Path Council’s Woapalanne Lodge. For the uninitiated, NOAC is the Order of the Arrow’s biggest event; it is typically held biannually on the campus of a major university.
This year’s conference will take place from July 25-30, but the PPC adventure will begin with a road trip in vans departing from New Jersey on July 23. On the way to Tennessee the group will get to spend the night at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, the home of the 2023 National Scout Jamboree, and participate in some of its high adventure activities.
The fun will truly begin once the group arrives at NOAC! Participants will attend professionally produced stadium shows, participate in training sessions conducted by some of the Order of the Arrow’s premier trainers, participate in fun activities and competitions ranging from volleyball and Spartan races to Native American dance and ceremonies.
The Conference Festival on Friday afternoon is always a good time and will be even more engaging in 2022. The Conference Festival is a chance for lodges to share what makes their lodge and home states special through a booth, giveaways and activities. Most importantly participants will get to meet Arrowmen from all across the country and build relationships that will last a lifetime.
To hear more about what’s in store at this year’s NOAC, follow the conference social media pages on Instagram and Twitter @OANOAC and like the Facebook page, “NOAC,” and be some of the first to hear the specific details of various programs as they are announced.
Space is limited. Sign up today at https://scoutingevent.com/358-NOAC (A $100 deposit is necessary to hold your space.) The anticipated cost of the trip is $1,100.
For more information, email Don Fowler at [email protected].
You can also give the gift of Scouting to a family member or friend! At this link you can purchase a gift certificate that your favorite Scout can use on a Scouting event of their choice. https://signs-up.ppcbsa.org/2021/12/10/give-the-gift-of-adventure/
A Scout is Reverent
February is a special month for the Boy Scouts of America. Not only do we celebrate the founding of an organization that has been in existence for 112 years, but many of our Cub Scout packs have Pinewood Derbies, and Scouts BSA take part in Klondike derbies. In addition, we also celebrate Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath.
Generally, Scout Sunday and Scout Sabbath celebrations fall on the day of observance the weekend prior to the February 8 birthdate of our Scouting movement.
Along with this year’s religious service celebrations, many of our Scouts and a few of our adult leaders were recognized with their religious emblems presented during these services.
The BSA Religious Emblems Program is a great opportunity to strengthen many of our relationships with our units’ chartered partners, and is a great way for families and their Scouts to connect with their own faith. For more information of BSA Religious Emblems Program, click here.
Scouts Brave the Cold During Annual Klondike Derbies
Klondike Derby 2022 season is off to a strong start.
We have had six events take place, with over 900 participants both Scouts BSA and Webelos. We also had Scouts from at least three different districts attend each event, making all of them truly council-wide events.
With a few more weeks of winter left we will round out the Klondike season with Watchung Mountain Klondike on February 26. There is still time to register; registration closes Monday, February 21. Click here for more information.
For more information on the Watchung Mountain Webelos Trek, which is happening the same day, click here.
Patriots’ Path Forms New Venturing Association
As of January 11, 2022, multiple Venturing crews throughout Patriots’ Path Council united to provide for and support Venturers in a fully realized Venturing program, in accordance with Council Standards of Venturing Excellence.
With this need, the Patriots Path Council Venturing Officer’s Association (VOA) was formed. With the creation of a council level board, an initial cabinet of officers was needed to step up and serve. Let’s meet these Venturers!
Serving as VOA president is RJ Bubnowski, pictured, an active Venturer from Crew 890 in Parsippany and Crew 17 in Rockaway. Alongside his roles as VOA president, he serves as Woapalanne Lodge’s vice chief of administration and an active ceremonialist.
Outside of the VOA, RJ dedicates his time as a C.O.P.E. and climbing instructor at Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation. Stepping into this role as president, RJ states, “I am committed to building connections between crews to help each other grow as well as advocate a program for not only Venturers but to all Scouts in Patriots’ Path Council to bring awareness to Venturing, the BSA’s best kept secret.”
Joining RJ are three vice presidents, in their respective fields of program, administration and communication, which create a web of responsibilities that help the VOA put on training opportunities, fellowship events, promotional campaigns, membership resource materials and more.
Serving as vice president of program is Brianna Conlon from Crew 276 in Byram Township. Outside of her duties, she serves as a prominent Patriots’ Path Council NYLT staff member.
Serving as vice president of administration is Connor Neuhaus from Crew 17 in Rockaway. Outside of his duties, he serves as the lodge chief of Woapalanne Lodge No. 43.
Serving as vice president of communication is Daphne Kunukcu from Crew 28 in Chatham. Outside of her duties, she serves as the Territory 13 Sea Scout boatswain and chair of the National Sea Scout Communications Committee.
These four individuals are only a piece of the puzzle, as every Venturing crew president serves alongside them in planning, developing and executing the vision and goals established by the VOA.
On behalf of the Venturers of Patriots’ Path Council, you are invited to join them at their meeting on March 3, 2022, at 7 p.m. in the council service center in Cedar Knolls.
Community Service Newsletter Released
Check out the brand new community service newsletter!
Additionally, help Patriots’ Path Council in its March community service project. It is collecting new boxes of fun designs and character Band-Aids for RWJ-New Brunswick hospitals.
If your unit is interested in collecting, please reach out to your community service chairperson listed on the newsletter to arrange a drop-off of your donation.
Scout Shops Stocked for Pinewood Derbies
Pinewood Derby season is in full gear!
The Kurland Family Scout Shop in Cedar Knolls and the Mountainside Scout Shop are still well stocked with cars, performance parts and creative decorations to make your cars fast and fun!
The shops also offer 2022 Pinewood Derby patches, awards, medals and trophies, which can be custom engraved.
Race on in today!
New District Names, Leadership Announced
As many know, we have been working on a district realignment since middle of last year. As we continue down that path, we have some great news to announce – we have new names and leadership in the two new districts.
So, the former Sussex and Black River districts have selected Skylands District as the new district name, and the former Munsee and Watchung Mountain districts have selected the Pioneer District.
We also have officially completed the district nominating and district annual meeting process and here are our four district leadership teams:
Fishawack
Les Wu – District Chair
Stephen Minett – District Commissioner
Al Thomas – District Executive
Pioneer
Terry Dwyer – District Chair
Michael Cantone – District Commissioner
Jason Dugan – District Executive
Skylands
Timothy Farrell – District Chair
Howard Wolkow – District Commissioner
Marc Maratea – District Executive
Raritan Valley
Karen Gough – District Chair
Dave Robbins – District Commissioner
Javier Juarez – District Executive
For more information, click here to see the map.
2022 Silver Beaver Award Recipients Announced
The Patriots’ Path Council is pleased to announce its 2022 Silver Beaver Award recipients.
The Silver Beaver Award is given for noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth by registered Scouters. It is the highest award a council can bestow upon an adult volunteer.
Congratulations to the 2022 Silver Beaver recipients:
Frank Caccavale, Denville
Douglas Dzwonczyk, Somerville
Robert A. Fromtling Sr., Westfield
William “Bill” Stroh, Flanders
Robert Reidmiller, Newton
David Robbins, Bridgewater
Tim Sugrue, Chatham
The seven recipients will be honored and presented with their award on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the PPC Awards Celebration, which will be held at Winnebago Scout Reservation.
Congratulations again to these outstanding volunteers!
PPC Camps Have Something for Everyone
Summer. Who isn’t looking forward to summer?
With camp season right around the corner, we are super stoked to share the exciting programs we have to offer for our young adventurers. Patriots’ Path Council has three camps to chose from: Camp Wheeler offers crafts, sports, fishing, swimming and boating; Johnson Park’s program consists of shooting sports such as BB and archery, fishing from a canal and sport activities; and Watchung Reservation has hiking, fishing, crafts and water activities.
Busing is available for Camp Wheeler and Watchung Reservation Regional Day Camp. Camp Wheeler is currently offering a discounted package plan. Fun AND savings? Sounds like a super summer!
For more information or to register click here.
Scouts BSA camps are where you will find equal parts fun and education. Well, maybe just a little bit more fun. Aquatics, climbing, treks and shooting sports are just a few activities offered this summer. Camp Somers offers Trail Blazer Day Camp, where Scouts can work on merit badges and outdoor skills. Unit and individual residential camping available also. Sabattis offers intense adventure in the Adirondack Park. Winnebago provides unit-only camping. The camp possibilities are endless.
MASR and WSR offer year-round activities including COPE, climbing, ATV, Backwoods Engineering and shooting sports. Try your hand at making maple syrup or take an historic hike. We also have Flintlock craft kits, which are great indoor activities for the younger Scouts! Whatever you’re into, Patriots’ Path Camps will rise to the occasion.
For more information or to register, click here.
PPC Launches New YouTube Series
Patriots’ Path Council announces the start of its YouTube series, which will cover a variety of timely topics.
See below for the first three videos. Don’t forget to Like and Share these videos.
Cub Scout Day Camp
Cub Scout Day camp is where you will find fun in the sun.
Archery, BB shooting and fishing are just a few of the activities we have going on this summer.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there.
Scouts BSA Camp
Scouts BSA camp is ready to rock and row this summer.
Whether it’s the zipline, canoe wars or the rock climb, you will challenge yourself every time.
Resident or day camp, choose your adventure!
Shop Local
Patriots’ Path Council operates two Scout shops, one in Mountainside and one in Cedar Knolls. Remember all proceeds from our shops support local Scouting.
