RECRUIT MORE YOUTH ON HALLOWEEN WITH THESE CANDY CARDS!

Just when you thought you could wrap up recruiting for the Fall, there’s one more way you could gain some more youth in your pack or troop. Think about attaching a “Join Cub Scout” card on each piece of candy you hand out on Halloween. Or attach the joining card to the candy you hand out at the local Trunk or Treat.
Click the PDFs at our membership resources website for an editable template. You can print the cards as is or edit them with your specific pack or troop information.

The council service center has them available for download at the council website: https://ppcbsa.org/membership/currentmembers/resources/

You may also place an order for your cards by emailing your membership executive, Javier Juarez or Al Thomas. You must submit your order at least one week in advance. Be sure to share with all your parents and leaders. This is a really fun way of letting people know about your local Scouting program. Candy is not included.

Journey To Excellence Information

Raritan Valley District Calendar 2018 – Click Link to Access

Guide to Safe Scouting

All participants in official Scouting activities should become familiar with the Guide to Safe Scouting, applicable program literature or manuals, and be aware of state or local government regulations that supersede Boy Scouts of America practices, policies, and guidelines. The Guide to Safe Scouting is an overview of Scouting policies and procedures gleaned from a variety of sources. For some items, the policy statements are complete. Unit leaders are expected to review the additional reference material cited prior to conducting such activities.

In situations not specifically covered in this guide, activity planners should evaluate the risk or potential risk of harm, and respond with action plans based on common sense, community standards, the Boy Scout motto, and safety policies and practices commonly prescribed for the activity by experienced providers and practitioners.

Perhaps this quote by Sir Robert Baden-Powell from his 1914 book Quick Training for War is appropriate to include here:  “… The books lay down definite principles and examples which serve to guide the leaders when applying their common sense to the situation before them. No two situations are ever precisely the same, and it is therefore impossible to lay down exact rules that should guide in every case, but a man who carries precedents and principles in his head has no difficulty in applying their teaching in supreme moments of sudden emergency …”

Download the print-friendly version here. 

 This is the full PDF version that contains updates as of May 2018.  Please refer to the online version for the most updated information.

Viewing the online Guide

The online version of Guide to Safe Scouting is available here.

ONLINE RESOURCES RELATED TO SAFE SCOUTING

BSA Guide to Safe Scouting (a must read for all adult leaders to learn what activities are permitted or not permitted, as well as to learn safe operating procedures for a number of activities) at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS

In the continuing effort to protect participants in Scout activity, the BSA National Health and Safety Committee has developed 16 points that embody good judgment and common sense for all activities. Go to http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Resources/sweet16.aspx to learn more about the Sweet 16 of Scout Safety.

The national BSA Scouting Safety website can be found at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety

BSA Safety Thoughts @ http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/SafetyThoughts

BSA On-line training modules (Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Climbing Safely, Hazardous Weather, Trek Safely, etc.) can be completed online at http://www.myscouting.org

On-line health, safety and risk management on scouting official site at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/healthandsafety/resources

Scouting Safety Begins with Leadership BSA video (an informative video highlighting the hazards of driving, swimming and boating, hiking, and climbing) at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Video.

BSA Health and Safety Training Course Syllabus can be found at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/19-100A.pdf

“Managing Risk” from Chapter 6 of the Boy Scout Fieldbook can be found available online at http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Resources

GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING FOOD ALLERGIES

Millions of children and adults in the United States have been diagnosed with specific food allergies that can be life-threatening. Initial food allergy reactions can occur at any time, even in previously undiagnosed individuals. The Health and Safety team has become aware of these risks and has developed food allergy prevention guidelines that can be useful in helping people with food allergies be prepared at all types of Scouting events.

The guidelines include information for Scouts and their families, adult leaders, and camps to plan ahead for many types of events and trips. Although the document is not intended to be all-inclusive, it does identify many common experiences and is meant to begin a dialogue regarding food allergy prevention.

The guidelines for managing food allergies can be found at:

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/2013Guidelines_Managing_Food_Allergies.pdf.

The document also links to several reputable websites that will educate and inform you about food allergy prevention.

 IT CAN WAIT!

Never text and drive and do everything you can to convince your driving-age Scouts to do the same.Take the pledge at http://www.itcanwait.com not to text and drive and put that promise into action by:

• Store your phone in the glove box or trunk.
• Use “X” or #X as a signal that you’re driving. By ending a text conversation with the letter ―X‖ or tweeting with #X, you’ve just told your friends and family that it’s time to stop messaging and start driving. Train them to know that signal.
• Give your phone to someone else. If you’re driving with others, let them keep you focused on the road.
• Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and face down in the passenger seat so you won’t see the screen.
• Draw X’s on your thumbs as a visual reminder to stop typing and start driving.
• Let technology help keep you honest. Use an app that blocks texting while driving and let others know you’re on the road.

Fall Community Service Opportunities:

We have some wonderful Community Service Opportunities  this fall for your Pack/Troop.   Please share the information below with your Scouts.  If you are interested in any of the opportunities or have any questions, please email me.

Yours in Scouting,

Linda Cummings

Raritan Valley Community Service Chair

Lmjacummings @gmail.com

The Hugs for Brady Foundation: Saturday, October 20- Rowland Park, Cranbury, NJ

Hugs for Brady is looking for help with their Halloween Family & Fun Festival.   The Hugs for Brady foundation is dedicated to helping children with childhood cancers.   Please go to the following link for more information:

https://www.hugsforbrady.org

All Scouts must have a Parent/Guardian accompany them the entire time.  Here are the areas they are looking for help with:

11:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.  ( you can pick a time slot that works with your schedule)

Dressing up in character costume and escorting costumed characters ( 5 volunteers)

Blowing up balloons and passing out balloons ( 6 volunteers)

Helping at the pumpkin painting station ( 2 volunteers)

Helping at the card making station ( 2 volunteers)

Older Scouts are needed for the following items:

10 a.m.                             Helping Vendors set up ( 4 volunteers)

11:30 am- 6 p.m.           Parking/Directions/Greeter ( 6 volunteers)

Information Table ( 2 volunteers)

6 p.m.                               Helping Vendors/staff break down ( 4 volunteers)

Clean Up ( 4 volunteers)

Operation Shoebox NJ

Besides the opportunities below, you can also help Operation Shoebox NJ by donating items.   If your Pack or Troop is interested in collecting items, you can bring them to the October Roundtable on 10/17 or November Roundtable on 11/14.

Oct. 6 & 7            Shopping Spree-Shoprite, Flemington 9:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m.

( 9:30 am- 12 :30pm or  11:30 am-2 pm or 1:30 pm-3:30 pm)

Nov. 10                 Packing event 11a.m.-3 p.m.   Y, Hillsborough

Dec. 3                   Christmas Packing 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.   Manville

Personal Care Items:   travel size is always good.

Sunscreen (travel size)                        Bug Repellent ( non aerosol) such as wipes or lotion type

Lip balm                                              Deodorant

Eye drops                                            wipes

Disposable razors                                mouth wash ( travel size)

Dental floss                                         q tips and first aid items ( travel size)

Shampoo( travel size)                         hand sanitizer ( travel size)

Powder/foot powder( travel size)      tooth brushes ( single or 2 pack)

Toothpaste ( travel size)                     Bar soap ( no Irish spring)

Food Items:

Powder drink mixes ( crystal light, on the go, kool aid singles)

Cereal ( small 1 oz boxes)                                           Coffee singles

Hot Chocolate                                                             Instant Oatmeal

Beef Jerky/slim jims                                                    Dried Fruit

Hard candy/mints ( tic tacs)                                       Cookies/Crackers ( snack size packages)

Snack Food- pretzels, chips, snack size packages)

Microwave popcorn                                                    Gum

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FALL LEAF CLEAN

Scouting for Food 

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO REGISTER FOR ALL TRAININGS

For trainings see the Council Calendar

STEM Events at The Microsoft Store, Bridgewater Commons Mall: Register thru calendar link

All workshops will be from 4:00 -5:30 p.m.

9/10 Monday- Game Design with Minecraft coding

9/18 Tuesday- cinematography/movie making

9/24 Monday – photography

10/2 Tuesday-Robotics

10/8 Monday- Game Design with Minecraft coding

10/16 Tuesday- cinematography/movie making

10/22 Monday – photography

10/30 Tuesday-Robotics

11/5 Monday- Game Design with Minecraft coding

11/13 Tuesday- cinematography/movie making

(we will break for holiday)

12/3 Monday – photography

12/11 Tuesday-Robotics

(we will break for holiday)

The following is a listing of requested Eagle Projects

POSSIBLE SCOUT PROJECTS FOR SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION

Contact:

Geoffrey D. Soriano, Interim Secretary-Director, Somerset County Park Commission

P.O. Box 5327, North Branch, New Jersey 08876

Phone:   908-722-1200 ext. 5237  E-Mail:  [email protected]    Website:  www.somersetcountyparks.org

Environmental Education Center  (Bernards Township)

The EEC currently has 5 Scout projects in progress with two projects that were recently completed.  Possible additional project at the EEC include the following:

-Build and install a Kiosk at Fisherman’s Parking to post information

-Create an outdoor classroom near Lily Pad Pond

-Rebuild the Lily Pad Pond dock

-Build and install a dock for Esox Pond

Lord Sterling Stable (Bernards Township)

We started to build a sensory trail for the therapeutic riders at the Stable, but what was completed and under construction was totally destroyed by Super Storm Sandy.  We haven’t done anything with the project since.

We have identified a new location to build a trail – but funding is our first major hurdle.  If multiple Scouts were to each take a phase, I think it would be a great, financially feasible project.  However, the second hurdle is that the new trail will be located just to the north of one of our pastures, and this pasture is on the list to hopefully get new fencing.

Once the fencing is done then this will become an active project for us and hopefully one that multiple Scouts would like to undertake.

____________________________________________________________________

Colonial Park (Franklin Township)

At Colonial Park, we have 18 majestic Northern Red Oak trees (NJ State tree) growing along the north west section of Colonial Drive behind the tennis center.  The trees would greatly benefit from the installation of mulch rings to protect the tree trunk and root flare from mechanical damage from mowers. A tree tender task force with one staff member from Horticulture Department, one staff member from Colonial Park Maintenance Department could coordinate

Please contact our RV WebMaster to remove listing as needed

Spring Cub Family Camping – June 8-10, 2018

Raritan Valley District Recognition Breakfast Photos – June 2, 2018

Raritan Valley District Recognition Breakfast Photos – May 13, 2017