Monthly Archives: November 2023

2023 Merit Badge eXtravanganza-Register Now!

Registration is now open!

The purpose of the workshop is to introduce badges to the Scouts and to help them understand the merit badge process.  Some badges are able to be completed, but for most of the merit badges, Scouts will be able to obtain a “partial” but will not be able to complete the merit badge at this event.

December 16th, 2023

Classes from 9am-1:50pm with a 30 minute lunch break

Registration is $10 per Merit Badge Session

Held at Morristown High School

Sponsored by Patriots’ Path Council Advancement Committee.

Register Here

Holiday Workshops for Cub Scouts and Their Families

There are still spots available for the Cub Scout Holiday Workshops!

Cub Scouts and families are invited to enjoy a morning or afternoon building a fun holiday gift project. The Flintlocks will be available to help with construction.

  • Cost: $15.00 per youth includes choice of kit: handy box, handy bench (stepstool), birdhouse or birdfeeder.
  • Adults and children under 5 free (kit not included).
  • Includes hot chocolate and cookies!
  • Additional kits: $8.00
  • Registration at: ppcadventures.org  (Cub Scout page)

Register for one of two sessions: 10 AM or 12 PM

Three Holiday Workshop Days:

  • Saturday, December 9, 2023 held at Camp Somers MASR, 750 Waterloo Road, Stanhope, NJ  07874
  • Saturday, December 16, 2023 held at Winnebago Scout Reservation, 102 Timberbrook Road, Rockaway, NJ 07866

Holiday Popcorn

The 2023 popcorn campaign is coming to an end. Rain for 5 weekends straight had a slight effect on the sale, but our Scouts and families still finished strong.

If you are still interested in popcorn for this year, check out all the great products from Trails End like the Holiday Bundle or the Family Pack at https://www.trails-end.com/store. Interested in buying popcorn as a holiday gift for clients, reach out to Jason Dugan at [email protected]

Hot Outerwear for Cool Weather

Be Prepared for Fall marching into Winter with a variety of outerwear options available at our Scout Shops and Camp Trading Posts. There are Mt. Allamuchy & Winnebago Hoodies, Patriots’ Path Fleeces, or even Eagle Scout Letterman Jackets!

Stop on by, or even shop online:

https://www.ppcscoutshop.org/shop/Outerwear/53

NYLT – Time to Start Planning for 2024!

In 2023 the Patriots’ Path NYLT program graduated over 160 NYLT participants from Patriots’ Path and 7 other councils. These Scouts will go back to their units to improve how they lead as well as being an example to others. If you would like to know more about NYLT please contact the Patriots’ Path NYLT Coordinator at [email protected]

Save the Date for University of Scouting – March 2, 2024!

Attention all Scouts, leaders, and enthusiasts! The much-anticipated University of Scouting/Program Launch is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to announce that it will be taking place on March 2, 2024. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day filled with inspiration, learning, and camaraderie.

The University of Scouting is a unique event that brings together Scout leaders, parents, and Scouting enthusiasts from all walks of life. It’s a day dedicated to sharing knowledge, honing skills, and fostering a sense of community within the Scouting family.

Date: March 2, 2024

Times:?Check-In: 8:00 am
Opening Ceremony: 8:30 am
Classes Start: 9:00 am
Closing Ceremony: 3:20 pm

Location: Governor Livingston High School, Berkeley Heights

This is your opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with fellow Scouts, and gain new skills to enhance your Scouting journey. Whether you’re a leader, a Scout, or a Scouting enthusiast, there’s something for everyone!

Immerse yourself in a variety of classes led by experienced and knowledgeable instructors. Whether you’re a seasoned Scout leader or a newcomer to the Scouting world, there will be something for everyone. Explore new techniques, gain insights, and discover innovative approaches to enhance your Scouting journey.

Connect with fellow Scouts, leaders, and mentors. Share your experiences, swap ideas, and build a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about Scouting. The University of Scouting is not just an educational event; it’s a chance to forge lasting connections with others who share your love for Scouting.

In anticipation of an exciting year, we are thrilled to announce Program Launch will be part of University of Scouting. The Program Launch will introduce exciting new skill development opportunities that go beyond the traditional Scouting curriculum. From leadership and teamwork to cutting-edge technical skills, Scouts will have the chance to acquire abilities that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Scouting is not just an individual journey; it’s a collective adventure that fosters lifelong friendships. The Program Launch will emphasize the importance of our Scouting community, providing Scouts with platforms to share their experiences, collaborate on projects, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Save the date – March 2, 2024 – and stay tuned for more details on how you can be part of this historic event. Whether you’re a Scout, a Scout leader, a parent, or someone interested in the values and experiences Scouting has to offer, this is an invitation to join a global celebration of adventure, growth, and community. Stay tuned for more details and exciting updates. We can’t wait to see you there!

Spread the word, invite your friends, and let’s make this an unforgettable Scouting experience!

Safety Moment

Important Safety Moments

  • Youth Protection training is required for all BSA registered volunteers and staff and is a joining requirement.  Youth Protection training must be taken every two years.  It is the mission of the BSA to work within the BSA to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at all levels of scouting.  Youth Protection training must be done PRIOR to submitting an adult application.  To take your training, you can go to my.scouting.org How to Complete Youth Protection Training
  • Background Check Process is required for all BSA registered volunteers and staff and is a joining requirement.  This process can take up to 3 weeks before results are returned to the Council.  Volunteers cannot participate in program until the check has cleared.  This is to keep our volunteers and youth safe.
  • Does your Scout not show up on Scoutbook or on my.scouting.org rosters?  If Scouts and Scouters do not appear in Scoutbook/my.scouting.org – that person is not registered in the BSA and must submit an application immediately.  Youth applications are accepted online (if the unit allows that option) or by paper application with payment.  Youth that are not registered are not eligible to participate in program and are not covered under BSA insurance, putting adults leaders at risk for liability.
  • Always remember to check out our Scouting Safely page for current information: https://ppcbsa.org/scoutingsafely/

Toys for Tots

The deadline to purchase your toys online for the Patriots’ Path Council Toys for Tots Program is coming up soon!

Please note that families may order toys online before Dec 8th, and ship them directly to Winnebago Scout Reservation, which is the main Council collection and storage area.  Address: 102 Timberbrook Rd, Rockaway, NJ, 07866

New and Unwrapped Toys which are especially needed are: basketballs, soccer balls, footballs, board games, dolls, cars, trains, books, art supplies, new stuffed animals, & LEGO’s. Of course, other toys many be donated for either sex or any age. We prefer toys without batteries because the families may have trouble purchasing them, and please no toy guns.

To receive credit in the Toy Drive Contest, please remember to report the total number of toys donated to Dr. D. Michael Hart, [email protected]  We also need your unit number and number of scouts registered. The Toys must be delivered to a Council Collection Point; or brought to a Roundtable, and your District representative will bring them to the nearest Collection point.

Please send us a photo of your scouts with the toys and the box showing the Toys For Tots Logo. We would like to post it on the Council Facebook Page.

Click here for more information on the 2023 Patriot’s Path Council Toy Drive.

Thank you for your help making a disadvantaged child happy this holiday season!

Let’s help all children have a Happy Holiday. Thank you for your generosity!

December 1 Deadline – Awards Nominations

We are currently accepting nominations for the Silver Beaver Award, Trailblazer Award, Youth Leadership Award, Alumnus of the Year Award, and Eagle Scout Hall of Fame.

There are many eligible and deserving Scouts and Scouters who go above and beyond in their dedication to Scouting. Now is the time to show them how much their efforts are appreciated.

Deadline for submitting nominations is December 1, 2023. Applications (and lists of past award recipients) are available on the Awards Page of the PPC website or by clicking on the award name below.

Silver Beaver Award:  For distinguished and noteworthy service of exceptional character to youth by registered Scouters in any program area within the territory under the jurisdiction of the local council.

Trailblazer Award: Presented to Scouters who have achieved significant accomplishments on a council level over a 24-month period. The accomplishments should be directly related to the Council Vision Statement and Strategic Plan.

Youth Leadership Award: Presented to youth members who have achieved excellence in scholastics, shown outstanding involvement in the community, and demonstrated exceptional dedication and outstanding leadership qualities in the council.

Council Alumnus of the Year Award:  Scouting Alumni Association’s highest council recognition. The award was established to recognize alumni of the Boy Scouts of America who, over a sustained period of time, have used the skills and values they learned through their association with Scouting to make significant and long-lasting contributions to their local communities through their careers, avocations, and Scouting.

Eagle Scout Hall of Fame:  The Patriots’ Path Council Eagle Scout Hall of Fame Award was established to recognize Eagle Scouts who, after 25 years or longer of having received the Eagle Scout Award, have reached a high level of success in their chosen field. In addition, potential recipients have demonstrated a strong record of volunteer leadership service to the Patriots’ Path Council and their community.

Recipients will be announced at the council’s annual meeting on February 26, 2024. The awards (except for the Eagle Hall of Fame Award) will be presented at the 2024 PPC Awards Celebration which will be held at Winnebago Scout Reservation on April 27, 2024

Please contact Vicki Kallok at [email protected] with any questions.

Reminder – Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

In honor of the Thanksgiving Holiday on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, the Scout Service Center in Cedar Knolls will be closing at 12 noon and the Kurland Family Scout Shop will close at 3 pm.  The Service Center and Kurland Family Scout Shop will be closed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and resume normal hours on Monday, November 27, 2023.

The Mountainside Scout Shop will be closed the week of November 20th in honor of the Thanksgiving Holiday and will reopen on Wednesday, November 29th.

If you would like to order Holiday gifts and will need them shipped to you, that order will need to placed no later than December 8, 2023. Please contact us at [email protected]