It is the vision of the Boy Scouts of America to be the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. It is the success of this vision that the Boy Scouts have built their reputation as one of the finest organizations that a youth can belong to in their teenage years.

A very important part of the experience that all Scouts and Ventures should take advantage of is the many Leadership training courses that are offered. All Scouts and Ventures should strive to undertake the National Leadership Training that includes Troop Leadership Training (TLT) that is conducted following each troop election; the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) – a week long course conducted by the Great Lakes Council and finally the National Advance Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) a week long course conducted at the Philmont Training Center Also offered is the Trainers Edge: this course is required by all Instructors and starts preparation for instructing at Summer Camp. All training takes place in full Scout Uniform so be sure to wear it!

Our seminars this year will be at the Suburban Collection Showplace. All Scouts should arrive for check in at 8:00 am on Saturday, February 11, 2017. Parent can pick up Scouts at 10:00 am on Sunday morning. The cost is the ussual $40.00 activity fee. If you are able to attend please go online and register for the activity as soon as possible.

These courses have limited space and we like to be sure that every spot is filled. A place is reserved for the Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Scribe and Patrol Quartermaster from each patrol. All Paul Bunyan Members are encouraged to attend. All Ventures are encouraged to attend. Patrol Officers may need to wait until January 30to register to make sure they get a position. High School Aged Scouts may register at any time.

Deciding to join a Boy Scout troop was a good choice; now take every opportunity that is offered to get the most out of it.

Yours in Scouting,

Chuck Williams, Scoutmaster

179chuck@gmail.com