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 months Safety moment: Distracted Driving
SUMMARY:
Distracted driving is considered “any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from driving,” according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The distractions can include a wide range of a driver’s or passenger’s personal actions or activities while in a vehicle. Even if a driver is only trying to keep Scouts in their seats while the vehicle is in motion, that is a distraction.
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 will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Wed, Nov. 1 – Zoom (link will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Wed, Dec. 6 – Cubs – Zoom, Scouts BSA – In Person Only (Zoom link for Cubs will be posted under the Cub RT section)
Wed, Jan. 3 – Zoom (link will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Tues, Feb. 6 – Zoom (link will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Wed, March 6 – Zoom (link will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Tues, April 9 – Cubs – Zoom, Scouts BSA – In Person & Zoom (link will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Wed, May 1 – Zoom (link will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Tues, June 4 – Zoom (link will be posted under the Cub or Scouts BSA RT section)
Next Roundtable: Tuesday, April 9th at 7:30pm
Pioneer Scouts BSA Roundtable Survey
Join Zoom Meeting 7:30pm Tuesday April 9th by Zoom
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)
Current Announcements:
Click to watch short video: Fundraising
Topics include:
• Announcements / District Executive Minutes
• Chess Program in Patriots Path Council
• Fundraising / Ideas
• Dealing with Difficult Parents
• 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 program — and of offerings for your Scouts.
Patriots Path Council Chess Club
8:10 – 8:30pm Fundraising / Fundraising Ideas
Fundraising is more than important now. Learn about fundraisers and share ideas. What is your unit doing for fundraising — how is your success?
8:30 – 8:50pm Dealing with Difficult Parents
O yea! Share some experiences / What is your best tactic? Bring your Scenarios.
8:50 – 9:00pm Roundtable
9:00pm End
May Roundtable: Wednesday, 1st @7:30pm on Zoom
Next Roundtable: Tuesday, April 9th 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
Current Announcements:
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)
We will start off with District and Council announcements and then cover the following topics in cub breakout:
• The change to the Unit Rechartering and Membership Renewal Process
• How to Resolve Conflicts in your den/Pack
• Updated Cub Scout Program – Summertime Fun Adventure – The requirements – 3 cub activities from May-August. Share your best summertime activities!
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
May Roundtable: Wednesday, 1st @7:30pm on Zoom
View Previous Roundtable Announcements
April 9th Roundtable Announcements:
2024 Annual Membership Fee Update – BSA eliminated the $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants on April 1. And the $5 increase for CS, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants and for all adult volunteers will start May 1. Merit Badge Counselors, Scoutreach and Exploring participants – no change in fee.
PPC Online Application Discount Code 2024 – $5 discount code – 50FFPPC – March 15-April 30.
April Spring Into Scouting Promotion – share photo of scouting activity and get a chance for a $75 discount code to PPC summer camp for each scout in the picture. See the flyer for details and rules.
2024 Friends of Scouting – Unit Goal Incentives Schedule your presentation here.
PPC 5k Run & Walk– Saturday, April 13, Oak Ridge Park, Clark. Can count towards unit FOS goal. Register here. Need Troop Volunteers for this event.
Intro to Backpacking Course for Adult Leader – April 20- 21
PPC Training – Check out the spring training offerings
In person Training – USA Archery Level 1 Practical – To Teach Archery Merit Badge. May 5. CPR – May 31. Wilderness First Aid – June 1, BALOO – April 20-21 and IOLS & BALOO – May 4-5,
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
- Scouts BSA Merit Badges Classes – Cycling – Mountain Bike, Music spots still available
- Cub –Packs and Dens – BB & Archery. Individuals – Build It! Baloo the Builder – April 13. Rockets – May 4 – 10am and Noon Watchung Reservation. Plenty of space available.
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, and Camp Winnebago – Resident Camp
Summer Camp 2024 Promotion – Register for a summer camp presentation at your meeting.
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.
- Fanwood Scotch Plains Good Scout Awards Dinner – Thursday, May 2
- Eagle Scout Recognition and Reunion Dinner – May 16
- Summit Good Scout Awards Dinner – June 5
Jersey 360 Jamboree – Oct. 25-27 – Sussex County Fair Ground. Learn more and reserve a site here
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
Membership Moment – Memorial Day Activities
Safety Moment – Use the 4 points of SAFE when delivering your Scouting Program
May Roundtable: Wednesday, 1st @7:30pm on Zoom
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/
4/18 – Denville Good Scout Awards Dinner, register here
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
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Get Invovled
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Contact Us
District Committee Chair
Terry Dwyer
District Commissioner
Mike Cantone
District Executive
Victoria Moran
(973)765-9322 x250