Stay Warm This Winter with New PPC Hat
As we kick off 2022 and get ready for the cold weather and snow, stop in for your Patriots’ Path Council swag. The hats are brand new and just $19.99 in both Scout shops.
Congratulations and Thank You!
Congratulations and thank you to all our volunteers who helped make the Patriots’ Path Council successful this year. Because of the team’s hard work and dedication, we have exceeded the Family Friends of Scouting goals, conducted a successful popcorn sale with units earning over $350,000 in commission to support local Scouting, and we meet our
Hazardous Weather Training is Important Year-round
With ice and snow recently in the forecast, it is an important reminder to ensure there is adequate coverage with individuals in your unit with Hazardous Weather Training. Please note Hazardous Weather Training is also applicable to any regular day too! This training is part of the training series to be considered position trained as:
Get Ready for the 2023 National Jamboree
Get ready for the 2023 National Scout Jamboree planned July 18-28, 2023, at Summit Bechtel High Adventure Base in West Virginia. More than 17,000 Scouts from around the country and the world will attend the event, which will include stadium shows with bands like Plain White T’s and Imagine Dragons, as well as whitewater rafting
Calling All Campers for Summer Programs
Calling all campers! Patriots’ Path Council has programs for all ages, from day programs to resident camping for older Scouts. Bus transportation is provided from many locations throughout Morris, Sussex, Somerset, Union and Middlesex counties. PPC is big on safety when it comes to its camps, which are nationally accredited and inspected by local, state
COVID-19 Modifications to be Rolled Back
As of March 1, 2022, all temporary changes made to Scouts BSA advancement requirements to address the COVID-19 pandemic will expire, and there will be a return to the standard rules for Scouts BSA advancement. This includes deferment of some swimming requirements for First and Second class, virtual activities for Tenderfoot, Second and First Class,
Fishawack’s Finest Dinner Moved to May
Fishawack’s Finest Fellowship Dinner has been rescheduled to May 17, 2022. Fishawack packs, troops and crews are encouraged to honor one of their volunteers with the Fishawack’s Finest award. Nominations and registration are open here. To view the event flyer, click here.
Give the Gift of Adventure
Is there a birthday, graduation or special event coming up? Maybe a “just because” opportunity? Now for a limited time, you can obtain a gift certificate for a Scout to use on a variety of Patriots’ Path Council-sponsored programs. This may include day camp, summer camp, Philmont, NYLT, NOAC, Sea Base or the National Jamboree.
Recharter Online Fee Calculation Issue Addressed
A note from Mike Wellech, council registrar: We apologize for the frustration everyone is experiencing. Processing a recharter is time consuming, and to run into roadblocks that are out of your control is simply intolerable. We’re keeping in touch with National and we’re following the threads of posts in the Registrars group on Workplace about
University of Scouting: Training at Its Best
The 2021 University of Scouting, under the leadership of David Walsh and his deans, was a huge success, as Patriots’ Path Council continues to move forward with in-person meetings, trainings and events. There were over 135 Scouters in attendance at a new location in New Providence, part of the Watchung Mountain District. Some of the
PPC Seeking Program Administrative Assistant
We are currently seeking a full-time program administrative assistant to provide customer support directly to our volunteers and internally to our staff team at our Cedar Knolls Scout service center. Click here for more information. Please submit a resume indicating your qualifications to Beth Miller-Porter at [email protected].
Meet the New Scout Shop Manager
Patriots’ Path Council is proud to announce the hiring of Matthew Isak as the new Scout Shop manager. Matthew joins the PPC team after an intense search. Matthew joins the team with a significant background in retail operations. He has worked for Lomax Carpet and Tile, Staples, Home Depot and Lowe’s. Matthew also brings to
Programs Teach Scouts Leadership Skills
Last weekend, NYLT participants had a blast during the first part of the two-part November weekend course. This weekend, they will finish up their second weekend. NYLT is a great opportunity to train Scouts with critical leadership skills to bring back quality knowledge to their home unit. Your unit can deliver it’s own leadership training
Flintlocks Support Toys for Tots Campaign
The Flintlocks enthusiastically support the Patriot’s Path Council Toys for Tots campaign every year. Pictured are the happy group of Flintlock volunteers donating toys to the program. The Patriots’ Path Council Community Service Committee also asks the packs, troops and crews of the council to assist with the annual drive of new and unwrapped toys.
State Police Camporee Planned in 2022
The theme of the 2022 New Jersey State Police National Guard Camporee is “Remember the Fallen,” in honor of the fallen law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Join the event on June 3, 4 and 5, 2022, at the New Jersey National Guard Training Facility at Sea Girt. Any registered Scout troop,
Popcorn Sale Grosses More Than $1 Million
Thank you and congratulations to the 132 packs, troops and crews that took part in this year’s unit fundraising opportunity. This year’s popcorn sale grossed over $1 million! That means that close to $400,000 will go right back to help support the participating packs, troops and crews program, plus they all will receive prizes and
Fishawack Cub Scouts Have Fun at Camp Somers
On October 23-24, 2021, the Fishawack Cubelos had 256 Cub Scouts and their parents at Camp Somers, Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation. Activities included BB guns, archery, fishing, bouldering wall, stomp rockets, soccer skills, monkey bridge and blacksmith.
Sussex District Camporee Held at Camp Somers
On the weekend of Oct. 15-17, 2021, Sussex District held its fall Cub Scout Camporee at Camp Somers. A total of 233 Cub Scouts, family members and adult leaders participated in the event. Cubs enjoyed archery, BB guns and fishing. In addition, the program included pumpkin painting, scarecrow building and a “songs and skits” program
Apply Now to Join Summer Camping Team
Patriots’ Path Council, Boy Scouts of America, employs over 250 people every summer at our five summer camp facilities. If you like being outdoors and working with kids, we have the job for you! For more information and sign-up link, click here.
PPC Implements New Calendar
A new and improved calendar has been implemented that better integrates Patriots’ Path Council events and activities onto one calendar. The calendar features a way to filter or categorize different types of event types, and a way to subscribe to the calendar feed. Be sure to check it out at https://ppcbsa.org/calendar/.
Updates Made to Incident Reporting and Safety Guide
Scout safety is our top priority! Since the beginning of August, the Boy Scouts of America has made updates to incident reporting and to the Guide to Safe Scouting. All incident reports must be filed with the Boy Scouts of America in Riskonnect within 72 hours of the incident. Incident reports are important to the
Submit News About Unit Projects
We want to hear all about the great projects your unit performs, and be sure to include a nice picture or two! Check out the Community Service Page for information on submitting a description and picture of your service projects, other information on service, and how to contact your district community service chair.
Scouting for Food Helps Stop Hunger
Scouting for Food is the Boy Scouts of America’s nationwide service project to help stop hunger in our communities. It began as a Scout’s service project in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1985, and was adopted by the Boy Scout National Organization in 1988. You are welcome to host a Scouting for Food Drive at any
Scouting is in the Air!
Scouting is in the air! Fall is more than crisp air and pumpkin spice; it is the start to the Scouting year. The past two weekends have been packed with Scouting activities. We had over 1,250 people (Scouts, siblings and parents) take part in activities at both Winnebago and Mount Allamuchy Scout reservations. And that
Munsee Breakfast Planned in January
The 2020/2021 Munsee Recognition and Farewell Breakfast will be held Saturday, January, 8, 2022, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Church in Union, New Jersey. The breakfast will be a catered affair. Business casual attire recommended – uniforms always welcome. Please arrange for the honorees and friends from your unit to attend. This
Youth Waitlist Option Offered for Florida Sea Base Adventure
Patriots’ Path Council is offering a Florida Sea Base Exploring Adventure August 14-21, 2022. Youth registration is now full, but the waitlist option is available. The group will live onboard a sailing vessel, snorkel, and sail the waters surrounding the Florida Keys. The contingent will leave a day earlier on August 13 to tour Florida. Participants must
Youth Protection Topics for Youth Recently Released
Just recently, the national office released resources for youth to participate in different topics with Youth Protection. Curriculum can be worked on either at home or with the different rank or age criteria. Any previous curriculum for youth has already been discontinued for several years and must not be used. In the Cub Scout program,
2022 Recharter System Now Open
A message from Mike Wellech, council registrar: The 2022 recharter is being processed through Internet Advancement this year, and the system is now open to volunteers. You can review the Internet Rechartering 2.0 FAQs and the Internet Rechartering 2.0 User Guide we’ve included here. Please reach out to your district executives with any questions. A
Updated Advancement Guide Features 11 Key Changes
A recent article from Bryan On Scouting explains key changes in the 2021 Guide to Advancement. A total of 11 key changes are highlighted in the online article. Feedback from volunteers from across the country was incorporated into the new and improved guide. Click here for the article and for more information.
Scouts Enjoy All the Summit Has to Offer
Patriots’ Path Council had 30 youth and six adult advisors – representing all six PPC districts and 16 units – attend the Orion Project at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia the week of July 18-24. The group participated in mountain biking, class 3 and 4 whitewater rafting the New River, kayaking, paddleboarding, skateboarding, BMX
Denville Troop 17 Honors 12 Eagle Scouts
Scouts BSA Troop 17 in Denville recently held an Eagle Court of Honor for 12 new Eagle Scouts. The event was held in Dragonetti Auditorium on the Randolph campus of County College of Morris. The ceremony featured a slideshow of the 12 Eagle Scouts as they trekked their trail to Eagle, as well as a
Watchung Reservation Reopens for Overnight Group Camping
The Union County Department of Parks & Recreation has announced that it has reopened the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation for overnight group camping, and applications are now being accepted. The Scout Camping Area can be utilized by any Scout group (and, in fact, by any nationally recognized youth-serving organization). The permit fee
Featured Scouts: Andrew and Alex Noviello
Andrew and Alex Noviello are twin brothers who recently became Eagle Scouts and earned the BSA William T. Hornaday Silver Medal. The brothers are pictured at left with Patriots’ Path Council Scout Executive Marc Andreo. Through completing numerous conservation-service projects around New Jersey for the Hornaday Award, Alex and Andrew realized the difficulty of fundraising
PPC Sends Record Number of Crews to Philmont
It has been an amazing summer so far as three of our seven contingents have either returned home or are preparing to leave Philmont in the days ahead. Our first contingent to travel to Philmont just returned. Between delayed crews and those planned for 2021, Patriots’ Path Council will be sending 28 crews and 326
Scouts Learn Leadership Skills at NYLT
During the week of June 27 through July 3, a total of 62 Scouts from PPC and several other councils attended the National Youth Leadership Training program at Winnebago Scout Reservation. The Scouts were split into two troops and learned leadership skills, which they will use back at their troops and in all their future
Scouts Enjoy Raritan Valley Rocket Launch
On June 27 at North Branch Park in Bridgewater, Raritan Valley District held its annual rocket launch. Both parents and Scouts had a great time, and with over 42 rockets successfully built and launched, this year’s rocket launch was a resounding success.
PPC Honors Adult Volunteers and Youth Leaders
Over 100 people came out to Winnebago Scout Reservation on June 19 for the Patriots’ Path Council Awards Celebration. The council presented the 2021 Silver Beaver Awards (recipients pictured at left), Trailblazer Awards, Youth Leadership Awards, Medal of Merit Awards, Woods Service Award, Silver Buffalo Award, PPC Alumnus of the Year Award, and Sea Scouting
Raritan Valley Cub Scouts Enjoy Pinewood Derby
Raritan Valley District held it annual district Pinewood Derby on June 19. It was a fun event for all the attendees, particularly for those Scouts that went home with a trophy. We hope to see you at next year’s district Pinewood Derby!
Guidelines Help Provide a Safe Environment for Scouts
This year as we celebrate the National Safety Council’s 25th anniversary of National Safety Month, the Patriots’ Path Risk Management Committee encourages all Scouts and Scouters to review some of the important guidelines and procedures available to help you provide a safe environment for all involved in the Scouting program. We are spotlighting the following
Online Registration Transfers Available
Updates from Mike Wellech, PPC registration manager: Online Transfers Unit to Unit or Council to Council Moving out of the area? You can process your transfer to another council using your My.Scouting account. Just like transferring Scouts or adults to another unit within Patriots’ Path Council, you can now transfer yourself or your child, or
Workshops to Introduce Scouts to Merit Badges
The 2021 Merit Badge Introduction Workshop will be held on three separate dates – November 6, November 13 and December 11. Virtual classes will be available via Zoom on all three dates, and some in-person classes will be offered on November 6 and 13 at Camp Winnebago and Flanders Park in Mount Olive. Online registration
Raritan Valley Cub Scouts Have Fun at Camp
From June 4 to 6, Raritan Valley District held its spring Cub Scout family camporee event at Winnebago Scout Reservation. Over 250 Scouts, siblings and parents enjoyed a weekend of shooting sports, fishing, a petting zoo, and pony rides. Over the weekend, several Cub Scouts earned their Bobcat rank, created cards for kids in the
New Eagle Scouts Recognized at Brunch
The Patriots’ Path Council held its 2021 Eagle Scout Recognition and Reunion Brunch on Sunday, June 6, at Camp Winnebago. Over 300 guests were excited to be out and recognize the new Eagle Scouts and 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees. This 17th annual recognition included the class of Eagles from January 1, 2020, to February
Virtual 5K Run Raises $4,800
A big thank you to the 100 participants, 23 donors and the top five sponsors who came together in May and raised over $4,800 during Patriots’ Path Council’s virtual 5K run/walk. The four key sponsors for the fourth annual event were:
Munsee Scouts Enjoy Weekend at Camp Somers
Munsee District conducted a joint Scout BSA and Cub Scout family camping overnight weekend at Camp Somers June 5 and 6. There were 142 youth and adults who participated. The main program was shooting sports, fishing and hiking. It was a great opportunity for families to get out and enjoy camping since the COVID-19 pandemic
Ford Units Show Their Support on Memorial Day
Cub Scout packs 26 and 53, along with Scouts BSA troops 26 and 53, sponsored by the Fords Fire Company in Fords, New Jersey, had a great turnout on Memorial Day to show their support for the Fords VFW, and to show their respect for those who served and sacrificed their lives to keep our
Arrowmen Complete Induction into Vigil Honor
On May 15, Woapalanne Lodge celebrated 12 outstanding Arrowmen who completed their induction into the Vigil Honor. The Vigil Honor, as described by the Order of the Arrow, is the highest honor that the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members for service to lodge, council and Scouting. Membership cannot be won by
Simple Fix for Restoring Access to Record Advancement
A note from Mike Wellech, council registrar: I’m still getting a lot of emails and phone calls about why a volunteer has lost his or her access to record advancement. It’s a simple fix, but it can only be assigned by a member of your Key 3 (charter organization rep, committee chair, unit leader). This
Black River District Holds Fun Festivals
This past weekend, the Black River District hosted two Cub Scout fun festivals to recruit new youth into local packs, and to showcase the fun Scouting has to offer. Twenty four new interested Scouts and their families attended. On May 21 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, packs and troops from Roxbury and Mount Olive townships set
Pack Camping Returns at Spring Camporee
Pack camping returned to Patriots’ Path Council on May 22-23 as packs from the Sussex and Fishawack districts held a spring camporee at Winnebago Scout Reservation. Activities included BB, archery, rowboats, obstacle course, Cubmobiles, fishing and bouldering wall. One hundred twenty-one Cub Scouts attended, and the total attendance with parents and siblings was 276.
