Action Items
On the Calendar
A New Chapter In District Communications
After a rewarding journey of more than two decades, I have made the decision to step down. It is going to be difficult to let go, but it is past time. I had the opportunity to introduce innovative technology to our district communications which has extended the reach far beyond what was possible before.
Imagine a time before smartphones and social media. When I began the Internet was still new. Email was our best option, backed up with a basic website.
Today we have Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snap Chat, Discord, Groups.io and GroupMe to name just a few. We still have email and websites.
We are seeking a dedicated, innovative individual who will find new ways to reach the members of the district with vital information to make their units stronger and ensure the safety and success of our youth.
This is a rewarding position with the opportunity to implement new ideas. Additionally, unlike many positions, it can be done remotely. I composed many newsletters in remote locations using my phone to connect to the internet. Contact Lester Cox [email protected] if you know of a suitable candidate or would like to consider this position yourself.
The primary goal of district communications is to inform existing and new members about required training, opportunities for additional training, district events and resources to help with unit operations.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to fill this position and have enjoyed working with outstanding scouters, both volunteer and professional.
As someone who is active in our district, I value your opinion about how to best achieve the communications goals using the tools available today. Please reach out to me with your suggestions so I can pass them on to my successor. You can reach me at: [email protected]
Thanks for your help.
John Slaughter
Communications Chair
Training
Roundtable, Thursday, 7:00PM FUMC
Unit Leader Roundtable – All unit leaders and assistant leaders are asked to participate in this month's Roundtable. We will teach you how to access the new Scouting America program on my.Scouting.org. This will teach how to access the statistics (metrics) of your unit on your smartphone or computer. The app. for leaders allows unit leaders to see what Commissioners are able to see about your unit. Please ask one of your unit leaders to attend this very important Roundtable meeting. This will greatly benefit your unit & help manage your scouting unit more easily. All adult scouters are welcome.
Next Roundtable will on March 20th, 7:00PM, First United Methodist Church in Richardson.
WFA Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Aid is required for attending all BSA High Adventure bases - Philmont - requires 3 with WFA; Northern Tier - 1; Sea Base - 1; Summit -1 recommends having 2. and in general recommended for all scouting activities beyond one hour of medical help. I have 2 remaining classes this spring.
Apr 4 - 6
May 16-19
Classes: Friday, night; Saturday, all day; Sunday, afternoon
Cost: $90
CPR/AED is required and will be offered the Thursday night before each class.
For the application and more information contact Mike Reisinger, 972-907-8949, [email protected]
Cub Leader Day of Training Saturday, April 12, 2025 Date Change FUMC. Registration Required.
This half-day of training will provide the new “trained” leader program for Cubmaster/ Asst. Cubmaster, Committee Chair and Den Leader/ Asst Den Leader. There is also a session for a New Member Coordinator. Along with the training sessions, everyone will participate in a symposium on relevant Cub Scout topics. Adult leaders will earn their “trained” patch. This is a great opportunity for any leader that has not done their on-line training, or current leaders desiring a refresher course. More information.
BALOO & IOLS Training Saturday, April 26-27, 2025 FUMC. Registration Required.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) is an overnight training event that introduces parents and leaders to the skills needed to plan and conduct Pack outdoor activities, particularly Pack camping. The training includes campsite selection, outdoor event planning, parent involvement, health & safety, equipment, cooking, and an introduction to camping skills.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Participants will works as Patrols at this hands-on training. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. All Troops are required to have IOLS trained leaders and all SM/ASMs are required to have it to be fully trained.
More information and registration..
Youth Protection Training (YPT)
Avoid the rush, check your card and get it done. Training is valid for two years and you must retake the online course. If you are out of date, it is full stop. Go to my.scouting.org for this and other training opportunities. Don't forget Hazardous Weather Training and Range Activities Safety Training.
A huge amount of training material is available online, including position training and Youth Protection. Access your account here. If you don't have an account, it is easy to set one up. You can access your training records and set up a complete training program.
If you have any questions about training needs, please contact us at [email protected]
Friends of Scouting Presentations
Let us know when your unit would like a Friends of Scouting (FOS) presentation. It only takes 15 minutes and a perfect time is your Winter Court of Honor. Contact your DE Katherine Givens or Kristine Schwope at [email protected] or 214-734-2281 to slate a time. Funds raised through FOS directly support our camps, support staff and programs for Scouts. Northern Trail District is raising $150,000 towards a Councilwide $4M goal.
Crossover Arrows
Does your Pack need crossover arrows? We have you covered! Contact Kristine Schwope at [email protected]
Venturing Rendezvous is happening April 26, 2025.
If you are not going to Conclave, come to Rendezvous. Rendezvous is an older Scout event and is open to co-ed youth ages 14-20 who are registered in a Venturing Crew, Sea Scout Ship or Explorer Post. It is sponsored by the Circle Ten Council's Venturing Officers association.
The event list is evolving but at this time includes:
More information here.
The theme will be Medieval Rendezvous: Journey to the Middle Ages.
Sign up your unit today to sell here. Easy to sell and you return unsold cards. Designed to help units fund their way to Scouting Adventures. Units receive 50% commission for each card sold. If you have any questions, please contact Jordan Ray at [email protected] or 832 401 3330. Adventure Card webpage.
Arapaho Chapter News
Camporee is coming 3/28-30/2025 and volunteers are needed to help plan and staff this event.
Time to renew your OA membership go to: miki.org/event-registration/ to pay your dues.
Unit elections are coming up, contact [email protected] for information about how to arrange an election for your unit. Deadline 3/30/2025.
Contact [email protected] with questions.
The Order of the Arrow is an honor camper service organization. Each district has a chapter and members are chosen by their peers.
Northern Trail has an active commissioner staff with deep scouting knowledge. Get to know your commissioner. Your commissioner can help you and your unit resolve problems and pass along some ideas to make your program even better. Our District Commissioner is Bram Franklin, who may be reached at: [email protected].
If you are having trouble reaching your commissioner, contact Bram and he will assist you.
Commissioner Service
Looking for a way to give back to scouting? New unit leaders need mentors who can help them navigate the trail. As you know it can be a little overwhelming. Training is available! Contact our district commissioner Bram Franklin [email protected] for more information.
Website and Newsletter
Our newsletter and website reach a very large audience in Northern Trail. If there is something scouting related which needs to be on the website or the newsletter, please do not keep it to yourself, let us know. [email protected]
If we need to fix a broken link or have incorrect information, please take a moment, and let us know. [email protected]
Do not keep the newsletter to yourself! Everyone in your unit should be receiving the newsletter and be aware of the website. sign up is easy, just send them to: Newsletter sign up . Do not forget to sign up on Circle Ten to receive updates from the council.
Looking for something in a recent newsletter? Several years of past newsletters may be found here.
Yours in Scouting,
John Slaughter
Northern Trail Communications Committee
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