Pioneer District is the eastern-most district in Patriots’ Path Council. It consists primarily of Union County and the northeast quarter of Somerset County. Pioneer District serves 2,792 youth and 965 adult volunteers in 79 units.
Basking Ridge, Berkeley Heights, Bernardsville, Clark, Cranford, Dunellen, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Garwood, Gillette, Green Brook Township, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Long Hill Township, Lyons, Meyersville, Millington, Mountainside, Murray Hill, New Providence, North Plainfield, Plainfield, Pluckemin, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Stirling, Summit, Union, Vauxhall, Warren, Watchung, Westfield, Winfield Park
* 2024 Cub Scout Program Update *
To learn more about the upcoming Cub Scout program changes which take effect June 1st, you can view the specific slides here, also view more information and the rollout dates here.
You can use this presentation to share the updates with your den leaders, the official information and updates can be found on Scouting.org using the QR Code below.
Note: The new handbooks are currently available at both of our scout shops.
National BSA Resource: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety
Scouting is endeavoring to build a culture of safety. Including a safety moment as part of the daily camp program will help foster this culture of safety and reiterate to leaders and members that safety planning and preparation should be part of all Scouting activities.
A few well planned, impactful safety moments integrated into the program will be more effective than having so many that they become a burden or annoyance.
Each unit activity could have one Safety Tip, depending on what they are doing and where they are going, such as:
- Keeping your footing on a trail
- Washing hands before cooking
- Dealing with heat
- Dealing with cold
- Avoiding sweepers on a river canoe trip
- Safe hiking on an active roadway
For Troops, the SPL could delegate this to any Scout**, and for Packs any adult could be assigned.
If a Safety Moment is for Adult Audience Only, it will be indicated at the top of the Safety Moments page:
** Note this is a Tenderfoot Requirement
This month’s Safety moment: ADHD
Adult Audience Only
SUMMARY
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a brain disorder found more commonly in children, but adults can have it as well. It involves difficulty with keeping attention, controlling one’s urges, and in maintaining the ability to act appropriately in response to different situations.
Family Assistance Request, Incentive Programs & Discounts:
Every Scout should be given an opportunity to take part in Scouting. The Family Assistance Program has been established so Scout families in need will find Scouting within reach. Learn more here: https://ppcbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/Family-Assistance-Request.pdf
March 15 – April 30th: Online Discount Incentive, more information: here
District Roundtable Agendas/Announcements:
Wed, Sept. 6 – Cubs – Zoom, Scouts BSA – In Person & Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 3 – Zoom (link and announcements will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Wed, Nov. 1 – Zoom (link and announcements will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Wed, Dec. 6 – Cubs – Zoom, Scouts BSA – In Person Only (Zoom link and announcements for Cubs will be posted under the Cub RT section)
Wed, Jan. 3 – Zoom (link and announcements will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Tues, Feb. 6 – Zoom (link and announcements will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Wed, March 6 – Zoom (link and announcements will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Tues, April 9 – Cubs – Zoom, Scouts BSA – In Person & Zoom (link and announcements will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Wed, May 1 – Zoom (link and announcements will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Tues, June 4 – In-Person only at The Jersey Aquatic Center
Pioneer District Scouts BSA SPL/ASPL Pizza Party, read more and register here (RSVP by 6/3)
Next Roundtable: Wednesday, May 1st at 7:30pm
Pioneer Scouts BSA Roundtable Survey
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84500132831?pwd=MFBrWkVKZVVPZTlBNVFPZ1FtMllzdz09
Meeting ID: 845 0013 2831
Passcode: 305208
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,84500132831# US (New York)
+13017158592,,84500132831# US (Washington DC)
Scouts BSA Outdoor Activity Ideas Survey:
Fellow Scouters, like many Troops, our PLC is looking for new outdoor activity ideas and locations to consider at their annual planning meeting. We’d love to hear about specific camps, hikes, attractions, or other activities your troop has enjoyed.
Big trips (like a trip to DC) are cool to hear about… but we’d really love to hear about local NJ/NY/PA trips. Perhaps your PLC put together a cool “themed” weekend at a local Scout camp, or you went to a neat local attraction while camping at a nearby park? Where do your Scouts love to canoe, or bike, or hike?
Please fill out as much or as little of this survey as you like. We’ll ask about Campouts first, then Hikes, and finally any other activity ideas you wish to share, use this link (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2Df12Tb8_mwLvzTd7XDzUupHny3vJhfd0WZF5yt5getqmLg/viewform) to fill out the survey.
Please include your Troop so we can credit your ideas! I hope to compile and edit this list by early June. If you’d like a copy, simply include your email too.
Thanks,
Sage Lichtenwalner
ASM Troop 129, Green Brook
May Announcements:
We look forward on seeing everyone there! Just a reminder that every unit is requested to have at least one representative attending the Roundtable. See below for Zoom link if you cannot attend in person. A Troop Committee member or a Parent can also represent your Unit at the Roundtable.
Have your unit represented!
Topics include:
• Announcements / District Executive Minutes
• Chess Program in Patriots Path Council
• National Youth Leadership Training
• Patches/Neckerchiefs
• Around the Table/Roundtable Issues
Agenda:
7:30-7:35pm – Opening
7:35-7:55 – Announcements/District Executive Minutes
Find out the latest on Council/District Activities/Trainings/Promotions.
7:55-8:10pm – Patriot Path Council Chess Program
Learn about the Patriots Path Council Chess Club program — and of offerings for your Scouts, more information here.
8:10 – 8:30pm NYLT:
Come find out about NYLT – why should your unit send Scout(s) to NYLT. Does your Troop sponsor a Scout(s)? Does your SPL or PLC nominate Scouts? Do you recognize Scouts that attend NYLT? Is a requirement to hold a leadership position?
NYLT is the only council-wide youth training program that is not designed to be program specific. NYLT is a rigorous youth leadership training program that provides skills for life and is designed to benefit and enhance the leadership teams of Troops, Ships, Venture Crews, and Explorer Posts. It is fun, challenging and informative.
Click here to view more information and to register for NYLT.
8:30 – 8:45pm – Troop Neckerchiefs/Customized Patches
What intel do you have for sourcing your Troop Neckerchiefs / Customized Patches? Does your unit offer any customized Patches for awards/etc? Come share intel on quality vendors that your unit use. Show us your neckerchiefs and Patches!
Has your unit thought about offering a Troop Program Award? Ie. ZERO Hero Award for those that sleep outside below freezing both nights in a tent or under the stars.
8:45 – 9:00pm – Roundtable Discussion
9:00pm – End
June Roundtable: Tuesday, 4th @7:30pm In-Person only at The Jersey Aquatic Center
Pioneer District SPL/ASPL Pizza Party, read more and register here (RSVP by 6/3)
Next Roundtable: Wednesday, May 1st at 7:30pm
To help us deliver a better Cub Scout Roundtable, please take a few minutes to fill out this brief Cub Roundtable survey
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84500132831?pwd=MFBrWkVKZVVPZTlBNVFPZ1FtMllzdz09
Meeting ID: 845 0013 2831
Passcode: 305208
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,84500132831# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,84500132831# US (New York)
Current Announcements:
We will start off with District and Council announcements and then cover the following topics in cub breakout:
- June 7-9 Cub Family Camping at Winnebago – Dan Turano shares an update and answers your questions.
- How to Resolve Conflicts in your Den/Pack (didn’t get to it last month)
- Succession Planning – Is your Pack prepared?
As a reminder, any parent/leader in your unit is welcome to attend roundtable. Your Pack can have different people attend each month and they can report back to the Pack leadership. Roundtable is a great opportunity for new parents/leaders to learn from other pack leaders about helpful resources and great meeting and activity ideas, and how to handle and overcome challenges running a den or Pack. Please share the roundtable link information with your parents and/or send me their email and I will add them to my distribution list.
If you have moved on from your position and wish to be taken of my distribution list, please let me know.
Hope to see you at Roundtable.
Yours in Scouting,
Judy Joshua
June Roundtable: Tuesday, 4th @7:30pm In-Person only at The Jersey Aquatic Center
View Previous Roundtable Announcements
May 1 Roundtable Announcements
Safety Moment – Animal and Insect Hazards – Know before you go. Be Aware and Be Prepared.
Membership Moment – Following up on Prospective Leads in BeAScout.org
Hot Topic – Welcoming and Engaging Families – Connect, Engage, Celebrate
PPC Training – Check out the spring training offerings
In person Training:
SM/ASM Position Specific Training
May 18 – Westfield Rescue Squad
Trainer’s EDGE
May 25 PPC Service Center
Fishing Basics
May 4 & May 29 – PPC Service Center
CPR
May 31 – Birchwood Firehouse
Wilderness First Aid
June 1-2, Birchwood Firehouse
IOLS
May 4-5 Winnebago
June 8-9 Winnebago
Online Training – Get Position Specific Training by going to your account at my.scouting.org
Plus, don’t forget Hazardous Weather Training must be renewed every 2 years
- Scouts BSA/Crew – Does your PLC need ideas for Spring Activities? Check out the site: ATV, COPE & Climbing, Zipline and High COPE, Shooting Sports and Backwoods Engineering
- Cub – Packs and Dens:
- BB & Archery
- Individuals – Rockets – May 4 – 10am and Noon Watchung Reservation. Registration closes May 1
- Eagle Scout Recognition and Reunion Dinner – May 16
- Summit Good Scout Awards Dinner – June 5
Cub Scout Day Camps – 1st– 5th grade. 5 weeks of camp. Camp Wheeler and Watchung Day Camp.
Scouts BSA – 4 weeks of Camp:
Camp Somers – Day Camp and Resident Camp
Camp Winnebago – Resident Camp
Specialty Camps:
Camp Somers – Week 3 – Fishing
Week 4 – Film & Art
Camp Winnebago – Week 3 – Patrol Camping with Troop, Week 4 – Trades and Skills Specialty Camp
PPC Summer Camp Save $50 for day or resident camp. Ends May 1
Summer Camp Incentives and Discounts
Thomas A. Pepe Scholarship Request –Youth families can apply for financial assistance for all Patriots’ Path Council summer camp programs, high-adventure programs, NOAC, National Youth Leader Training, and National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience. An award is subject to the availability of funds and administered by a volunteer committee.
Summer Camp Jobs – Hiring CIT’s (counselors in training) 14 years and up, and camp staff 15 years and older
2024 Friends of Scouting – Unit Goal Incentives Schedule your presentation here
Jersey 360 Jamboree – Oct. 25-27 – Sussex County Fair Ground. Learn more and reserve a site here, $65 per camper. Day Tripper Cost – TBD
Philmont 2025 Openings – 15 day adventures. Four departure dates – June 24, June 25, June 26 and July 15. Read more here
Marksman Experience at the Summit – July 20-25, 2025 – Council contingent shooting program at the Summit in WV. Read more here
June Roundtable: Tuesday, 4th @7:30pm, In-Person Only at The Jersey Aquatic Center
Presentations/Information from October Roundtable:
Weblos Transition Responsibilities
Den Chief Training:
https://www.scouting.org/training/youth/den-chief-training/
Plus, check out more Den Chief resources under Youth Training on the PPC Training page
Special Events Page – https://ppcbsa.org/special-events/
5/2 – 6th Annual Fanwood – Scotch Plains Good Scout Awards Dinner, register here
5/3 – 2024 Tribute to Women Awards Luncheon, register here
5/16 – 2024 Eagle Scout Recognition and Reunion Dinner, register here
5/21 – 29th Annual Sussex County Tribute to Women Awards Luncheon, register here
6/5 – 24th Annual Summit Good Scout Awards Dinner, register here
6/11 – Patriots’ Path Council – 2024 Spring Sporting Clays Shoot at Hudson Farm Club, register here
Upcoming Events Not Yet Scheduled:
- Labor, Construction & Real Estate Distinguished Citizen Award 6/6
- 9th Annual Invitational Golf Classic at Trump National Golf Club 7/15
- 2024 Golf Classic at Morris County Golf Club 9/24
- Somerset Toast TBD
- James E. West Celebration TBD
General Scouting Events - Announcements
Announcements:
Signs – Up! Newsletters: View them here
Patriots’ Path Council Events Calendar List: View and filter events here
Check It Out – Patriots’ Path Council Chess Club, more information here
Schedule your Unit’s Friends of Scouting Presentation: Email Jack Flood: [email protected]
2024 Scouting for Food: More information, here. Also, check out the flyer and door hanger
Flintlocks celebrating Joe Schott’s 102nd birthday, read more here
April 1-30: April Incentive Program, view the flyer
Scouts BSA Celebrating first 5 years of young women in scouting: view information and video here
Know2Protect™ Public Awareness Campaign: BSA Joins Forces with the Department of Homeland Security, read more here
Upcoming Events:
5/5 – USA Archery Level 1 Practical 2024, more information/registration here
6/4 – Pioneer District SPL/ASPL Pizza Party, read more and register here (RSVP by 6/3)
Summer 2024:
Learn about summer camp, weekend camping, PPC Adventures and more; https://ppcbsa.org/camping.
View the Patriots’ Path Guide to Adventure here.
Summer Camp Incentives: View the different incentives here
Camp Somers: Dates, pricing and more information here. Meet the Camp Directors.
Winnebago Scout Reservation: Dates, pricing and more information here. Meet the Camp Directors.
Summer Camp Promotion Request: We are currently scheduling camp promotions for Scouts BSA troops, more information here
Apply for a 2024 summer job TODAY! (Counselors In Training, 14yrs and up & Camp Staff 15yrs and up) More information: https://ppcbsa.workbrightats.com/jobs/
2024 NYLT: Start planning, more information and registrations here
6/7-9 – Spring Cubelos Camping (Winnebago Scout Reservation), More information to come….
10/25-27 – Jersey 360 Jamboree “Save The Date Flyer“, read more and reserve a site here
June/July 2025 – Philmont 2025, read more here
7/20-26: 2025 Marksman Experience, read more here
Training:
Every scout deserves a trained leader!!
Council Training Home Page: (https://ppcbsa.org/training/)
What does it mean to be a Trained Leader, read here
Upcoming Trainings:
5/4 & 5/5:
Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills (IOLS), registration here
BALOO, registration here
5/18 – SM/ASM (Scout Master/Assistant Scout Master) training, registration here
5/31 – CPR training, registration here
6/1 – 6/2 Wilderness First Aid, registration here
*IMPORTANT: Since January 1, those who are BALOO trained for an event must now be a registered adult member of BSA
Hazardous Weather Training – To be considered TRAINED, you must take the course every 2 years through your my.scouting.org account.
Other Useful Information:
Scout Shops: View store hours, shop uniforms/books, etc. here
PPC Adventure Program (Lots of great activities still available) More information: https://www.ppcadventures.org/home
JTE Program – More information: https://www.scouting.org/awards/journey-to-excellence
Updated Guide to Safe Scouting – More information: https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/toc/
Certificate of Insurance (COI) – (They expire on March 1st, read more here)
Email Melissa Do: [email protected] for renewals
For new COI requests: Procedure/Explanation, fillable request form here
SAFE Checklist – Scouts and their parents expect all Boy Scouts of America activities to be conducted safely. To ensure the safety of participants, the Boy Scouts of America expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the Scouting program. More information: SAFE Checklist
District Resources:
You can find Council documents, flyers and other useful information here: https://ppcbsa.org/districts/pioneer/pioneerdistrict_info
Click image above to see the real patch
Get Invovled
Get Social
Contact Us
District Committee Chair
Terry Dwyer
District Commissioner
Mike Cantone
District Executive
Victoria Moran
(973)765-9322 x250