Thanks to all of the volunteers who worked diligently to ensure their Recharter was on time and error-free for 2016!

If you have not turned in your Recharter please note that your unit has lapsed in membership and has currently lost access to the privileges of membership. Please work to get your recharter in as quickly as possible. If you have questions or need assistance contact your District Commissioner or District Executive.  

Camp Cards Fundraising Starts Friday! 
Units pick up your Camp Cards at Roundtable!
And sell, sell, sell! 
 

A Troop in the Council sells between 4,000 to 5,000 Camp Cards every year, so here are some tips from them:

• Distribute small amounts of Camp Card Envelopes to Scouts weekly. Once they bring money in, they get more cards. 
• At Unit Show-N-Sells, limit the number of Scouts at the site/shift to 2-3.
• Ensure Scouts are selling door-to-door in their neighborhoods and that parents are selling at work
• Sell to family and friends. 

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR 2016 CAMP CARD SALE!

Five Webelos II Scouts are the first in the Alachua District to have earned the Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award.


Scouts from left to right: Eric Hoffman (Pack 71), Jeffrey Rubin (Pack 71), Michael Nations (Pack 454), Robert Giasson (Pack 71), Rishi Gadikota (Pack 71); Adults: Brad E. Hoffman, PhD, Supernova Mentor (left); David Nations, Alachua STEM Committee Chair (right).  

The Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award recognizes youth that have a more indepth, advanced achievement in STEM-related activities. To earn the Award, Scouts had to earn the STEM-related Webelos activity badges, research and learn about Dr. Charles H. Townes and five other famous scientists, participate in a science project at school, visit the workplace of a scientist and conduct an experiment of their own choosing - all under the guidance of a BSA Certified Supernova Mentor.

BSA has a series of Nova and Supernova Awards for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing Scouts. For more information on these awards and how to earn them, go to www.scouting.org/stem and contact the North Florida Council STEM Advisor, Eli Rivera, at eli.rivera@scouting.org or (904) 265-3816. 

National Jamboree 2017 Registration is NOW OPEN for Staff and Attendees!

Experience the best of Scouting in one place July 19-28, 2017! From stadium shows to merit badges, patch trading to adventure sports, you'll want to be at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in 2017!

The North Florida Council Jamboree Contingent will be taking 3 Troops (108 Boy Scouts) and 2 Venturing Crews (16 Venturing/Sea Scouts). The contingent dates are July 16-28, 2017 which includes some activities on the way to the Jamboree such as U.S. National Whitewater Center, Carowinds Amusement Park, NASCAR Hall of Fame, "Over the Wall" Tour at Charlotte Motor Speedway and much more!

For more information on the National Jamboree and to register CLICK HERE
For more information on the North Florida Council Contingent CLICK HERE

Some of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) earliest ties to the community involve youth groups and few are stronger than the long lasting relationship between the VFW and the Boy Scouts of America. The relationship dates back to 1915 when VFW Post 2100 helped to establish Troop 1 in Everett, Washington. 

Each year the VFW selects three young Scouts who have displayed outstanding citizenship in school, Scouting and the community, patriotism and love of country. The winners are rewarded with college scholarships of up to $5,000. 

Scouts who are at least 15 years old, are enrolled in high school and are currently registered active members of a Boy Scout Troop, Venturing Crew or Sea Scout Ship AND have received the Eagle Scout Award, Venturing Silver or Summit Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award are eligible to enter. 

Scouts need to submit a completed VFW Scouting Scholarship Form along with a resume of high school activities, Scouting record, community service record and letters of recomendation to a local VFW Post by March 1, 2016. (A Scout can enter through ONE VFW Post ONLY)

For more information and to get a list of local VFW Posts CLICK HERE

Character is under construction in Scouting as we work together to build adventure! 

Thanks to all of the units who have signed up for their 2016 Family Friends of Scouting presentation. If you haven't yet, please do so today at www.nfcscouting.org/FOS 

What is FOS? This is our annual opportunity to share with every family the story of Scouting's impact and to invite families to consider financial support in 2016.  

It is critical to the growing success of your North Florida Council that every unit hosts a presentation between now and April at a Pack Blue and Gold and Troop Court of Honor. 

As you know, Scouting continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. 

Thousands experience life-changing thrills, overcoming challenges and helping others in meaningful ways - and FOS helps make that happen. 

Gifts to FOS support: low-cost local activities for all Scouts in your area, scholarships for those in need, training of volunteers, camping facilities, insurance, as well as, field, camping and support staff who provide direct customer service to your unit.