The 2020 University of Scouting training committee has released the courses being offered for this one-day training extravaganza!  There is a wide range of classes that are sure to be of interest to every leader regardless of tenure in the Scouting program.  Click here to see the list and choose what classes you are interested in, then make plans to sign up and attend if not already done so.
 
Being a leader is a very important role n the Boy Scouts of America.  Being a “Trained” leader is even more important.  The Scouts deserve it and it is a proven fact that adults who serve as leaders at any level are part of a bigger, stronger and better run unit than those who choose not to take the time to get the training needed for his or her position in the unit.
 
In addition, this day is fun with lots of fellowship, an opportunity to meet other people, make new friends and share similar challenges and success stories with one another.  Don’t delay!  Sign up today.  Click here to register.  Deadline for the early bird fee is March 1,2020.

TO:  Green Mountain Council Scouting families, donors and volunteer leaders:
 
FROM: Ed McCollin – Scout Executive
 
SUBJECT: An Update from the Green Mountain Council
 
Dear Scouting Family and members of Vermont Communities
 
As you may have heard or read, the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to achieve two key objectives: equitably compensate victims who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continue to carry out Scouting’s mission for years to come.
 
I want to highlight important points that are most relevant to the Green Mountain Council:

• The Green Mountain  Council has not filed for bankruptcy. Our Council is legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization.

 

• Scouting programs will continue. This means that unit meetings and activities, district and council events, other Scouting adventures and countless service projects will take place as usual. In short, we expect no changes to the local Scouting experience in Vermont.

 

• Scouting is safer now than ever before. Over many years, we’ve developed some of the strongest expert-informed youth protection policies found in any youth-serving organization. I can also assure you that our volunteers and employees take youth protection extremely seriously and do their part to help keep kids safe.

 

• Restricted donations – past, present or future – can only be used for their designated purpose. In addition, Friends of Scouting (FOS) and other annual donations made to our Council will continue to fund necessary day-to-day expenses that are critical to local Scouting programs.

 
While we do not anticipate the national organization’s bankruptcy filing will have any direct impact on the local Scouting experience or your involvement with our Council, I understand you may still have questions about these issues and things you will see in the news. To that end, the national organization has established a dedicated restructuring website, www.BSArestructuring.org. 
 
This site includes a helpful Resources page, where you will find a short video explaining what Chapter 11 means for Scouting, as well as a FAQ. The site’s Milestones page will be your best source for the latest updates throughout this process. 
 
If you have any questions about local Scouting, you can always feel free to reach out directly to me or your usual contact within our Council. 
 
Through your engagement and dedication to Scouting, the leadership at all levels within the Green Mountain Council will continue to bring adventures, values and lifelong benefits to youth and our communities for generations to come. Thank you for your trust and support as we continue this important mission.
 
Yours in Scouting,
 
Edward R McCollin
Scout Executive

General FAQ
Year in Scouting
Youth Safety Fact Sheet

​A reminder for all unit leaders, committee members and parents that there are  some payment and registration deadlines approaching. 
 
March 1, 2020.  Deadline for early bird registration fee of $23.00 for University of Scouting training.  $28.00 after that and $35.00 day of the event.   March 14, 2020 – Williston Central School
 
March 1, 2020 - $100 deposit due to hold a spot for your unit for the Council Camporee on May 15-17, 2020.  Caledonia County Fairgrounds.
 
March 4, 2020 – Deadline to sign up for the spring Popcorn and Peanut Sale and submit a budget.  Units that do so earn 2% commission on all sales!
 
March 15, 2020 – Deadline to get a $100 deposit per Scout to the Council Service Center to earn the Early Bird summer camp fee for Mt Norris and Camp Sunrise summer resident camps of  $400.  Total fee must be paid by April 15, 2020 to qualify.
 
March 15, 2020 – Campership applications due to the Council Service Center.  Mail, email, fax or hand deliver.
 
March 15, 2020 – Early bird registration fee of $35.00 per Scout for the Council Camporee.  $45.00 after that date and $55.00 after April 16, 2020.  Don’t miss out on this fun-filled and action packed weekend!
 
March 20, 2020 – Deadline to submit nominations for the Silver Beaver award, the highest award that can be awarded to a volunteer by a local Council. 
 
Additional information for all of the above dates and events can be found on the Council website at www.scoutingvermont.org or contact the Council Service Center at 802-244-5189.

The Green Mountain Council spring popcorn and peanut sale is a great fund raiser that benefits everyone! It is fun, fairly easy and a great way to turn fund summer camp and other events for the year.Sign up today and get ready to have some fun.  Here are some tips to make your unit’s sale more successful than ever: Sign up now online by clicking on this link.

Help our 2021 National Jamboree Contingent by purchasing a Green Mountain Council Jamboree patch.

We are sending two Troops from Vermont to the 2021 National Jamboree at the Summit in West Virginia.

To help reduce the cost to Scouts, we are selling a souvenir fundraising patch for just $7.00 each.

These patches are available at the Council Trading Post. 
​
Please help support our 2021 Jamboree participants.

​The Green Mountain Council Service Center and Scout Shop will be closed February 17th in observance of President’s Day.  

American Labor and Sculpture Merit Badges will be offered at the Vermont Granite Museum on March 7 and 14, respectively.

American Labor, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on March 7: Scouts will learn about the history and current status of working people in America and work-related concerns ranging from workplace safety to employee benefits. $20 fee includes lunch, snacks, and a special patch. There is a class limit of 20 Scouts. Please call for availability after the registration deadline of March 2.

RESCHEDULED: Sculpture Merit Badge, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on March 14. This rescheduled offering has been revamped to a one-day program. Scouts will learn from a professional sculptor and VGM Director Scott McLaughlin. They will leave with their own projects in plaster, clay, and marble. Sculpture was one of the original 57 merit badges issued by the Boy Scouts of America in 1911. Be assured, this experience in this venue will be inspiring! $50 fee includes lunch, snacks, all materials for the take-home projects, and a special patch. Limited to 12 Scouts, so register early. Registration deadline is March 9.

Need more info? Contact Scott McLaughlin at the Museum, 802-476-4605, info@vtgranitemuseum.org

“Mighty oaks from little acorns grow”, so the saying goes.  The Green Mountain Council Scouting Alumni and Friends (GMC SAF) are seeking nominations for a very special recognition that may be bestowed by a Scout Council upon an individual who has demonstrated commitment to promoting and sharing the gift of Scouting through their careers, avocations, or exemplary efforts and influence in inspiring lifelong engagement by others in Scouting service and values. Such service enables Scouting to remain healthy for future generations.
 
So, the chosen symbol of this award is the acorn, a reminder that Scouts and Scouters plant trees under which they may never sit.
 
The Green Mountain Council has no shortage of Scouters, Scouting Alumni, and Friends—those whose lives have seen the positive impact of Scouting—who would make worthy candidates for this honor.  Please help us provide well deserved recognition to an outstanding GMC Alumnus of the Year!
 
Nominations for the GMC Scouting Alumnus of the Year Award must be submitted in writing on or before Tuesday, March 31st, 2020 to Green Mountain Council, B.S.A. , P.O. Box 557, Waterbury, VT  05676, ATTN: Walt Morris, GMC SAF Chair. Alternatively, nominations (and any questions) may be sent via email to walter.m.morris@gmail.com.
 
Each nomination should identify your nominee, including name and address; contain a short description of the nominee’s Scouting history, and current connections to Scouting service and community presence; and a statement of how the nominee, by reason of profession, avocation, or Scouting service, inspires others to lifelong engagement in Scouting and practice of Scouting values.  The nominating committee will meet in April or early May, to consider all suggestions. Your nominee should not know of your recommendation for receipt of this award.
 
Detailed nomination criteria, and a nomination form itself, can be found on the web at https://scoutingalumni.org/for-alumni/alumni-recognition/

And for more information about the Green Mountain Council Scouting Alumni and Friends and our activities, check out our webpage here.