SUMMARY
Do you have a troop equipment trailer? If you do, be sure you pay careful attention to the task of properly securing
your trailer when not in use to prevent theft. In addition to the cost of the trailer itself, the replacement of troop
equipment and sometimes personal items may be several thousand dollars, as well as a major inconvenience if
you were about to use the trailer on an outing.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Good preventive measures should be employed to discourage theft, but keep in mind that no system can guarantee total protection. Given enough time, resources, and desire, a determined thief can overcome any measures you employ. The goal is to make stealing hard enough that they will go elsewhere!
RESOURCES
• National Association of Trailer Manufacturers—www.natm.com/trailer-safety.html
Trailer Theft | Boy Scouts of America (scouting.org)
Chair – Chris Vazquez 360-393-7272 backin1972@gmail.com
Commissioner – Jim Rhodes 360-340-8417 james.c.rhodes@gmail.com
Director – Sven Gilkey 360-632-6999 sven.gilkey@scouting.org
April 2021
2 Good Friday (Office’s closed)
9-10 IOLS and BALOO @ FM
15 Commissioner Staff Meeting
22 District Committee Meeting
28 Baden Powell Dinners
May 2021
20 Commissioner Staff Meeting
22 Council Court of Honor
27 District Committee Meeting
28-31 Family Camp @ FM
The North Cascades District is excited to announce that Chris Vazquez of Bellingham has excepted the role of District Chair. Chris has most recently been serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 4019 and is a former Whatcom District Camporee Chair. Chris and his wife are long time believers in the Scouting mission with two of their boys being Eagle Scouts. With his youngest son heading off to college this fall Chris answered the call to lead Scouting here in North Cascades District and we are excited to support him in that endeavor.
Be sure to save the date of the evening of June 17th to be at Fire Mountain. North Cascades is hosting it’s annual Court of Honor for recognizing the amazing efforts of our unit and district leadership over the last year. This years Court of Honor will be a little less formal but still A LOT of fun, with a BBQ Picnic at Fire Mountain. More info coming soon with cost and start time but for now just mark your calendars for a fun evening out at Camp with your fellow Scouters!
With the ever-changing nature of the world around us the North Cascades leadership team wants to keep you up to date with the latest info! In that effort we have a weekly newsletter blast going out to the unit leaders and committee chairs as well members of the district committee and commissioner corp. Subscribe below to get this and more info right to your inbox.
By: Denise Lesniak, Vice President of Membership
MBC Membership Committee
(Virtual) New Member Coordinators
New Member Coordinators (NMC) have an important role in all of our units. NMC’s assist with recruiting new scouts; and also help new families as they join your unit. This may be taking place in person (following social distancing guidelines) or virtually. The connection between a scout/family to the unit is very important (year round), it is especially important as Cub Scouts transition to Scouts, BSA and into troops. Having your NMC at meetings allow parents to easily identify who they may go to for questions; or help with introductions to leaders and meet other parents. Your unit’s leadership and NMC should host a virtual meeting with new scouts and their families. This will allow scouts/families to put faces to names or emails. The NMC is there to welcome everyone and keep the parents (and scouts) engaged in what the troop is doing. Experienced parents may understand how packs and troops are run; but it may be a little confusing or intimidating for those that are new to our programs. This is two-fold with units that are meeting virtually at this time.
You will find more information on the New Member Coordinator position, at www.scouting.org/nmc, as well as exceptional online training. There is even a Facebook group specific for NMC’s – check it out!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BSANewMemberCoordinator/
Here is what the New Member Coordinator (NMC) position has been designed to:
By: Kevin Nichols, Scout Executive
I want to thank all of our Scouters for all the good they do for our youth, especially during these uncertain times in the past year. Our youth look to you as positive role models and representatives of a caring, giving community, especially as you have set the bar for our members during the pandemic. My additional thanks to all of our underwriting sponsors and donors for making this youth program a success this past year and into the future. Your investment into our youth and our programs has helped Scouting in our Council weather the challenges of the past year and allowed us to focus on the future growth of Scouting. I also want to thank the members of our Executive Board who have each put in tremendous effort to lead our Council. Most of all, I want to thank all of you for your ongoing support of a program that is dear to my heart and dear to our country, to our communities, and to our youth: That organization, as you all know, is the Boy Scouts of America.
You know, the Boy Scouts’ purpose is simple: It’s to build the character and integrity of America’s youth and prepare them to become responsible adults—adults who become our leaders and adults who participate in society strengthened by our Scout Oath and Law. That Oath and that Law are founded on trustworthiness, loyalty, and bravery, and on values that put community and family first.
I say with great pride that we are the Boy Scouts of America, and we are committed to giving young people of our communities the tools and experiences, and the knowledge and faith to make the world a better place. Our mission may be lofty, but with your help, it is attainable.
Thank you for all that you have done for the youth of our communities in the past, thank you for all that you are doing now for today’s youth, but most of all, thank you for what you will be doing in the future to help tomorrow’s leaders prepare to lead.
Updated: February 01, 2021
The Mount Baker Council is reaching out to our Units, Charter Organizations, and other stakeholders to share our understanding and interpretation of the new “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery” Plan. We believe that the new plan will have significant impacts on the outdoor program and daily operations of our units moving forward.
As always, the Guide to Safe Scouting should continue to form the foundation of your activity planning. When considering the safety of activities planned under COVID restrictions, the Charter Organization remains the ultimate authority on what program activities are safe and appropriate for their Scouting Unit(s). Our understanding and interpretation are offered to assist Charter Organizations in making those decisions.
The Roadmap to Recovery Plan offers no specific guidance to Scouting Units for how to operate, but we have been able to develop guidance for Outdoor Program activities that is equivalent to the guidance offered for Outdoor Sports.
In Phase 1, the Roadmap to Recovery Plan permits:
Low and moderate risk sports permitted for practice and training only (no tournaments). Outdoor guided activities, hunting, fishing, motorsports, parks, camping, hiking, biking, running, snow sports, permitted.
In Phase 2, the plan further permits:
Low, moderate, and high-risk sports competitions allowed (no tournaments), maximum 200 including spectators.
Note that decisions on activities and group size limits should be made based on the phase of your destination and/or venue. For example, a unit from Snohomish County (in the Puget Sound Region) wanting to camp at Fire Mountain should follow North Region phase guidance.
Please remember that this guidance is being offered within the context of an ever-changing public health environment. We all want our Scouts to be able to get back into the outdoors this year, while staying as safe as possible. While the specific timelines above are directly tied to the Washington State guidance, please continue to take these broad guidelines into account in your activity planning.
Guidance applicable to ALL scouting activities at ALL risk levels
Masks
Masks are required for Scouts, and leaders during participation in all Scouting activities. Any parents or volunteers attending must also wear facial coverings. This expectation is held per the Department of Health facial covering order – and will remain in place until that order is modified.
Physical Distance
Physical distance of at least 6 feet must be maintained between leaders, parents, and any other volunteers at all times. Six feet of distance must be maintained among Scouts unless the activity cannot be conducted without close contact. Troops should carefully consider whether such an activity is vital to the integrity of the meeting or activity.
Hygiene
Require Scouts, leaders, parents, and any other volunteers to practice good hygiene including washing their hands frequently and covering their sneezes and coughs. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after activities, especially after touching shared objects or blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Scouts should not share water bottles, snacks, or other supplies.
Plan for handwashing or hand sanitizing stations at all meeting or activity locations.
Cleaning
Clean high touch surfaces and disinfect shared supplies before and after each use. Ensure restrooms are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Ventilation
Outdoor locations are preferred to indoors locations and should be utilized to the greatest extent possible to allow for maximum fresh air circulation and social distancing.
Transportation
Limit exposure to those outside the household unit during travel. Encourage only those in the same household to travel together, and if not in the same household, travel in separate vehicles if possible.
For travel groups, (groups that include more than one household in the same vehicle whether in a carpool or on a bus) all members of the travel group, including the driver, must wear a face covering and spread out as much as possible within the vehicle. Limit travel groups to those who have been in regular contact (e.g. patrol members). Encourage family members to sit together. Maximize ventilation in the vehicle by opening windows.
Cooking
Individual food preparation is highly encouraged on overnight or extended day trips. Snacks and trail food on shorter trips should be pre-packaged and only opened/handled by each participant. Leaders should take care to ensure that youth are not sharing communal snacks (i.e. large bags of chips, beef jerky, etc.).
Tenting
It is recommended that only Scouts from the same household share tenting arrangements. All other individuals should make plans to tent separately. Appropriate prior planning for campsites should ensure that there is enough space for all tents required.
Remember that, per the Guide to Safe Scouting:
Records and Contact Tracing
Keep a roster of every Scout, leader, parent, and other volunteer present at each meeting and activity to assist with contact tracing in the event of a possible exposure. Similarly keep a roster and seating chart for each travel group. Keep attendance rosters and seating charts on file for at least 28 days after the meeting or activity.
If you have any questions about this document and the guidance offered within, please feel free to contact Eric Buher at the Everett Council Office. Eric can be reached by email at: eric.buher@scouting.org and by phone at: 425-341-0307.
Scout On!
Suggested Activities for Units as they re-engage in Outdoor Program:
These suggested activities are divided into categories based on how difficult it is for a unit to access them without specialized skills/supplies. Activities which are tied to a Scouts BSA merit badge are indicated with (MB).
Note: For full details on athletics activities available in each phase, see the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan at: https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/HealthyWashingtonPhasedChart.pdf
Visit the Restart Scouting Council site for more resources
From MBC Membership Committee
February 2021
Spring is just around the corner and hopefully more group interactions for our Scouts. It’s the perfect time for your unit to work on retention, recruiting and reach back.
Start by reviewing your program calendar. How are virtual meetings going? What are innovative ways to keep your scouts engaged? These are great topics for discussion during your parent or committee meetings and Patrol Leader Council meetings. New ideas and resources are just a click away as the internet is flooded with them. You can find creative ideas on how to host a virtual Blue & Gold events or pinewood derby. There are also sites that cover fun troop meetings and outings!
Spring recruiting will still look a little different; but as Scouters we are excellent at adapting and moving forward. Have you checked out any “Scout Bytes,” presented by the Scouting at Home Program? Every Wednesday a new topic is presented. There are a few geared towards recruiting like, Creative Content to Promote Your Unit and The Ins and Outs of Yard Signs. Yes, yard signs! This is a great tool to help promote your unit. On Saturday, March 20, from 9-11am we will be offering a drive-thru yard sign pick up at the Everett Scout Office. Please note that the current stock of yard signs are geared towards Cub Scouts. Register to pick-up signs by March 17 and your order will be ready for pick up. You won’t even have to get out of your car! Our goal is to have yards signs posted by April 1st (no foolin)!
Signs are posted – check! It’s time to reach back. If your unit had families that put Scouting on hold, give them a quick call. See how they are doing. Let them know what your unit is up to. Share your unit’s plans for summer camp and when the next pack or troop meeting is and that it’s a great time to get involved, again. It could be as easy as that.
Scout On!
With the release of the Healthy Washington plan from the Governor’s office, we are pleased to share the following guidelines for the re-opening of Fire Mountain for Unit activities.
Camp is located in the North Region of the Healthy Washington Plan, and will follow the Phase Restrictions of that region.
Please note that groups using camp must always follow general COVID safety guidelines applicable to all Scouting activities.
While Fire Mountain is in Phase 1, please contact Emily in the Scout Office to make a reservation – she will provide an access code for the online system.
Emily.shanahan@scouting.org | 425-338-0380 ext. 100
OA Unit Elections
Recognizing Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, the Order of the Arrow has a history of over 100 years, encouraging others to live those same ideals. Even during these challenging times, Scouts and Scouters have continued to endure and set the example for others. It is time once again to recognize those individuals worthy of this great honor.
Sikhs Mox Lamonti Lodge of the Order of the Arrow is now setting up unit elections. While we are in these COVID restrictions, the Order of the Arrow has adjusted the requirements for membership:
During these COVID restrictions, the Lodge will be conducting unit elections virtually. Units can schedule their unit elections for youth members by filling out this Unit Election Request form. There the unit leader can request an election date (provide up to three optional dates) and list those youth that meet the criteria above. Your Lodge election team will contact the unit leader to schedule the meeting and answer any questions or concerns.
Adult leaders at the unit, district or council level are nominated by their units or peers and must have an application filled out and approved by the Lodge Adviser and Scout Executive. Adult leaders should meet the camping requirement above, but exceptions can be made with approval of the Lodge Adviser and Scout Executive. You can find the form at the Lodge website here.
We look forward to a great year and look forward to helping you recognize those who are deserving of Scouting’s National Honor Society.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to Steven Glenn, the Associate Lodge Adviser – Inductions at steven.glenn1@gmail.com.
The Scouting @ Home Committee has been hard at work creating fun activities and ideas to help our Scouts “Scout On”. The Mount Baker Council website has many resources to help your unit be successful.
Check out the Monthly Scouting @ Home Themes for recommended monthly themes. From monthly meeting resources to awards and merit badges, there are many ideas and opportunities for scouts of all ages. Visit Scouting@Home Themes to spice up your calendar.
We also have information on Virtual Merit Badges, Virtual Meeting activities, Virtual Games and Advancement Resources for every rank from Lion through Eagle. Be sure to check out the Mount Baker Council Scouting at Home Resources.
Beginning in December, we will be having weekly instructional webinars called “Scout Bytes”. Each webinar will be on Wednesdays at 5:00pm and will be approximately 15 minutes long. Most of these webinars will be recorded and uploaded to the Mount Baker Council website for viewing at a later time if you aren’t able to make the scheduled call. We hope you are able to attend these informative webinars to help our youth Scout @ Home. Here is a schedule for the next 5 webinars (registration for each webinar will be sent out via email):
Many Scouts attended the Tougher Scout Challenge on Nov. 6th and 7th, and it was a great success. We had many Scouts throughout the Council putting their skills to good use, and the finished products that were shared were nothing less than spectacular!
I would like to share a story with you about a couple of Scouts that were involved with this event – one that attended the event, and one that helped run the event. Kai Schley, a Star Scout, is the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 4007 in North Cascades District. Kai was responsible for running all the Kahoot Challenges for the event. One of the challenges was a First Aid challenge. Andrew Stauffer, a Scout in Troop 4026 in North Cascades District, took the Kahoot challenge, and loved it. He learned many things from the challenge, which he shared with his family. A few days later, while his parents were at work, Andrew choked on some food and was unable to speak or breathe. The information he shared with his family a few days before was instrumental in what happened next: His older brother saw what was happening, yelled to his other siblings that Andrew was choking, and his sister was able to perform the Heimlich maneuver on him, clearing his airway, and allowing him to breathe once again. The quick thinking of each and every one of them saved his life.
If you ever wonder if what we do makes a difference, this is proof that we do. This is leadership and life skills at its finest. I am so proud to be part of this amazing organization that teaches our youth invaluable lessons and help prepare them for a lifetime of success.
Are you familiar with Scouting’s Order of the Arrow? For over 100 years, the Order of the Arrow (OA), Scouting’s national honor society, has recognized Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live by these ideals as well, and advances the OA’s purpose of promoting responsible outdoor adventure, developing young leaders, and crystallizing the Scout habit of helpfulness into lifelong leadership in cheerful service to others. The OA emphasizes service to the unit—Arrowmen give back to their troops through the leadership skills and values of service learned through the Order.
The Mount Baker Council BSA is served by the OA’s Sikhs Mox Lamonti Lodge #338, which marks its 25th anniversary as a lodge this year. In a typical year, Lodge members contribute thousands of hours of service at Fire Mountain Scout Camp and in their communities across the Mount Baker Council, including organizing district camporees; visiting units across the Council to promote camping; and convening for fun-filled gatherings, high adventure, and leadership development training at the council, regional, and national levels.
During 2020 Sikhs Mox Lamonti Lodge has continued building momentum, even amid the significant challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was among the first wave of lodges nationwide to conduct Virtual Inductions for Scouts and Scouters selected by their peers to become OA members. During October and November, 30 new members across the Council were inducted into the Order, completing collectively more than 200 hours of service in their communities. Additionally, seven Lodge members were inducted as Vigil Honor members—the highest honor the OA can bestow upon its members for service to lodge, council, and Scouting: Matthew B., Mary Jo Brentari, Gary Garstin, Ryean H., Jacob J., Logan K., Blue L.
Calling All Arrowmen: Get Involved!
Sikhs Mox Lamonti Lodge is looking ahead to an exciting year of programs and service in 2021, including officially commemorating the Lodge’s 25th Anniversary, supporting units across the Council, and hosting the 2021 Section W-1N Conclave including all lodges from western Washington and Alaska. To do this, we need your involvement!
Update your Membership Information: If you are an OA member, please click on the below link to share with us your updated contact information, so we can be sure to keep you updated on all Lodge news and activities!
Sikhs Mox Lamonti Lodge #338 Member Registration Form
Troops, Ships, and Posts: We look forward to visiting you in 2021, including to support your units’ camping programs and to conduct OA elections. We will be contacting your units in early 2021 to arrange these visits.
We would love to see you at our upcoming OA Chapter meetings and other Lodge activities. For more information on the Lodge and opportunities to get involved, please contact Lodge Adviser Sean Connell at sconnell@gwmail.gwu.edu.
