What keeps youth in Scouting?

Studies, like the new one from Tufts University, show that these are the key ingrediants to keeping youth engaged in the programs Scouting has to offer:

1. Fun and interactive regular meetings with advancement
2. Informed parents who understand the calendar and the budget
3. High communication

Your unit may already be checking each of these boxes. If so, keep it up! If your unit could improve on any of those, we have the training for you!

Either way, be sure to attend your District's April Roundtable, as there will be a training on building your unit's Ideal Year of Scouting!

This summer, your unit committee (youth leaders should be involved for Troops, Crews and Ships) should plan out its program for the next year.

Going through this process will help you excite your families, retain your Scouts and it will help you recruit more leaders.

Want a sneak peek? Check out this video: Funding Your Scouting Program

Join us at the Camp Shands Opening Ceremony of the
NEW Aquatics Center, Staff Housing and Training Pavilions!

We will Add the Water - You Add the Fun!

Saturday, May 21st from 11am to 2:30pm
11:00am - Opening Ceremony at Aquatics Center
11:30am - Picnic Lunch
12:30pm - Open Swim (Swim test required in the last 12 months)

RSVP for FREE LUNCH and a COMMEMORATIVE PATCH at www.nfcscouting.org/calendar > May 21st

NATIONAL EAGLE SCOUT ASSOCIATION
OUTSTANDING EAGLE SCOUT AWARD

The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) is a prestigious recognition granted by the local council's NESA committee to Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state or regional level. It recognizes Eagle Scouts of any age whose efforts have made a positive impact closer to home.

Do you know an Eagle Scout you would like to nominate?
Please visit www.nesa.org/outstanding_eagle.html to view requirements and get the award submission form.
Nominations are due by May 16, 2016

Completed applications and supporting documentation can be sent to: 
NESA Committee Chair, c/o North Florida Council, BSA, 521 S Edgewood Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205

Anyone is eligible to nominate. Nominators will be notified of the receipt of the applicatin and the decision of the committee.

NOESA recipients will be notified by the committee and invited to the annual Gathering of Eagles in August.

The North Florida Council is joining together with Goodwill of North Florida for the
Good Turn for Goodwill Boy Scout Donation Drive

Scouts who collect 13-gallon bags or copier boxes of donations between now and May 31st can earn patches. PLUS the District who brings in the most bags/boxes will receive a patch and a Pizza Party for each Scout who participated. PLUS the individual Scout who brings in the most will recieve a Prize Package consisting of a pizza party, St Augustine Alligator Farm Family 4-Pack, $50 Gift Certificate, Special Letter for Recognition, Certificate of Appreciation, A Gold Patch and Service Champion Patch! 

Go to www.GoodwillJax.org and click on Community tab for all formsm flyers and information.  

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.