LEC 3 Minute Update – November 21, 2021

Santa! Santa! Oh, why hello Lake Erie Council! Good thing I found you this week! I can't say the same for Santa yet, but there's still time!

Well, since we're here, let me give you the low-down for this week:

We're talking recharter, upcoming camp events, Scout Shop hours and quiet time at the office, and a special note about Pete Biltz.

            First, recharter. No matter what your situation is with your Chartered Organization, we expect your roster to be fully paid and submitted by December 10th. Special circumstances can be addressed outside of roster renewal. Please make sure you get in touch with myself or Michelle Cali if you have any recharter questions at all, relating to the roster or your Chartered Organization.

            Also, as a friendly reminder, there will be an open help session at the North Olmstead Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. this evening. Please feel free to attend with questions, and also feel free to tune into this zoom link if you can't make the drive, but would still like some assistance.

            Holidays at Camp is upon us! And truth be told, I think this is the best bet I have of finding Santa! Scouts will enjoy wreath-making, gingerbread house building, nutstacking, and much more! Holidays at Camp happens at Firelands on December 3rd and 10th.

            The office will be closed, and LEC staff will have quiet time next week. Remember the only way to get in touch with someone will be through the lecmembercare@scouting.org, and that's for the most urgent of Scouting emergencies only.

            That said, the Scout Shops at Firelands and Cleveland will be open during that week! Please them out on Facebook to see when you can still stop in and take care of any necessary purchases.

            Giving Tuesday is next week, and the gift of Scouting is the best gift of all! Donations can be made at this link! Send Anastasia your questions.

            Lastly, I need to take a moment and honor Pete Biltz, who has spent the last 30 years of his life supporting the Scouting movement as a professional, and will be retiring at the end of this week. I've known Pete as a development guru, spearheading fundraisers for this Council, including the Great Scout Luncheon. Pete has always been good for a laugh, and for taking the time to get to know many, many Scouters along his journey. Pete, I just have to say, we wish you the very best retirement, and you'll be deeply missed.

            And even though we'll be losing a great colleague in Pete Biltz, don't be sad, because I'm still set on finding Santa! So tune in the week after next, and wish me luck on this journey! Alrighty, Santa! Santa! Hey, Dworning, I'm looking for Santa, you seen him around? Santa!

Holiday Hours

Dear Fellow Scouters,

As the holiday season approaches, I want to share some important information regarding the council schedule for both Thanksgiving week and the days in December beginning 5:00 PM Wednesday, December 22 through Monday, January 3.

To really encourage our entire staff to truly be present with their families and throttle back to recharge, we will be implementing a quiet period to include all forms of communication as well as any meetings or events during this time. Specifically, what that means is that in addition to the Unit Service Center and the Firelands Scout Shop and Trading Post being closed, the staff will not be available to read, listen or respond to any calls, emails, texts or social media posts or requests or attend any in-person or virtual meetings or events during the following days:

• Beginning at 5:00 pm on Friday, November 19 through 9:00 am on Monday, November 29 AND

• Beginning at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 22 through 9:00 am on Monday, January 3.

We will however respond to any emergency requests through our member care email address which will be manned by an “officer of the day” during the aforementioned periods. To reach us during those days, please email lecmembercare@scouting.org.

In addition, please note the following:

• Both Firelands and Beaumont Scout Reservations will be closed during the quiet period WITH THE EXCEPTION of the weekend of Friday, November 19- Sunday, November 21.

• The Cleveland Scout shop will also be closed beginning at 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 23 through 10:00 am on Monday, January 3 and on Thursday, November 25 – Sunday, November 28 but will be open Monday – Wednesday, November 22, 23, and 24 for regular business hours which can be found HERE.

We are beginning to share this information now so we can all plan accordingly. I hope you will join me in supporting our staff during the holiday season.

Thanks for all that you do for young people and families across Northeast Ohio! I pray that the holiday season brings blessings and needed time to enjoy it in the manner you are accustomed to.

Yours in Scouting,

Marc Ryan

LEC 3 Minute Update – November 11, 2021

Brrrr, it's a cold one down here in Antarctica! I'm here because I saw a swingin' deal for a plane ticket to the north pole to see Santa, but I misread the ticket. And now I'm here at the wrong pole. But don't mind me and my bad bearings: here's what you need to know this week:

Award Nominations, Recharter Help Sessions, In-person YPT updates, Roundtables, Scout Shop Sales, Online Advancement Updates, Quiet Time at the office, and merit badge class monitors.

Our office will close at 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 19th, and won't reopen until 9:00 a.m. Monday, November 29th. Additionally, the staff will be unavailable to answer emails, calls, or take any meetings, during this time. It's not because we don't love you all and want to talk Scouting: it's that we need to be able to connect with our families and decompress.

This also applies from 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 22nd, and goes thru 9:00 a.m. Monday, January 3rd, 2022.

Now, if there is an emergency issue, something that truly cannot wait, there will be an "officer of the day," if you will, who will be available via email. Specifically, the lecmembercare@scouting.org email. And only that email.

We ask if you do have questions or concerns, to bring them to our attention before these quiet periods. And, remember: charters are still due by December 10th. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you, also, to spend as much time as you can with your family and loved ones during this holiday season. This year, we hope you can actually get back together and host a big family dinner, unlike last year.

 There's a new session of in-person Youth Protection Training offered this coming Monday, the 15th, in Painesville from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. This is in addition to the training offered in Chesterland on Saturday. Go to the council calendar and register today! Contact Paula Puchajda with questions.

 Speaking of Paula, Knives are 25% off at the Cleveland Scout Shop now through November 17th: prove just how sharp you are and save!

 Did you know: Internet Advancement and Scoutbook users don't need to send advancement reports to the Cleveland office or Scout Shop? (That includes the Firelands store as well.) The system automatically syncs the advancements the Scouts have earned, and we can see that in real-ish time. (Perhaps the system 24 hours to update before stopping in.) Make sure all of your Scouts are synced onto your roster, it's that easy!

 Silver Beaver, Unit Scouter Award, and Division Award of Merit nominations are due to Paula Swiner by December 15th. Nominate a Scouter who has given their all in 2021 to keep this movement moving!

Merit Badge Class monitors are wanted for 2022 Merit Badge programming. Folks willing to assist merit badge counselors in the room by providing 2-deep leadership, order with the Scouts, and other general help, is much appreciated! Let Noah Boksansky know if you'd like to share your time as a Merit Badge Monitor.

Roundtable continues tonight at Beaumont! Virtual roundtables are next week, check out the council calendarfor those links.

Recharter help sessions are available for folks in Northfield this Saturday from 1-3pm, in Norwalk this coming Monday, and North Olmstead this coming Thursday. Both of those sessions run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Check the council calendar for details, and don't hesitate to stop by and see your friendly neighborhood commissioners if you have any questions about recharter.

Lastly, as of yesterday afternoon, the Lake Erie Council welcomed 756 new Scouts to our ranks! It's an exciting feat, and our field staff is still working to bring that number to 1,200. Why? Because why stop at 1,000? Be a part of this amazing success, and make sure your unit has turned in all the youth and adult applications you have. (And don't forget: adding members before your recharter process makes your life WAY easier!)

And that's a frozen breakfast wrap for this week! Thanks for all you do and thanks for being you! I'm Jake Brown, and I'll update you next week on my quest to find Santa!

 Santa!? Santa?! Santa, are you there?

LEC 3 Minute Update – November 4, 2021

Que the Christmas Music and pull out your ugliest sweater folks: Halloween is past and therefore its time for one of many winter holiday themed 3 minute updates!

I’m Jake Brown, and here’s what’s on the docket this week:

The Scout Shop giving tree, the faith and citizenship open house at Firelands, recharter help sessions, and the Cub Scout programming survey.

The Cleveland Scout Shop is hosting it’s annual giving tree charity drive. Scouts from families who could use assistance in completing their uniform, getting new rank books, or with any other Scouting gear-related expenses are encouraged to get in touch with any Scout Shop employee and fill out the information sheet at this link before November 11th. These items will then go onto the giving tree, in the Scout Shop, where good Samaritans can pay a piece of Scouting forward to said Scouts. All recipients of the giving tree remain anonymous, as do donors. Questions should go to Paula Puchajda at the Scout Shop. Paula.Puchajda@scouting.org.

Speaking of gifts, you may be wondering, “Golly, I wonder what that nice man with the loud voice on the 3 minute update wants this holiday season?” Well, I’m happy you asked! The answer is easy: a complete, issue-free charter, turned in by the on-time deadline on December 10th.

And there are holiday deals to help you get there! On November 13th, 15th, and 18th will be recharter help sessions in Northfield, Norwalk, and North Olmstead, respectively. Please see the Council calendar for details. The premise is simple: commissioners and/or Michelle Cali and/or myself will be present to walk you through the new recharter system. Can’t make it to these sessions but want help? Please reach out to me, and we can schedule a private zoom session at almost any time.

Firelands Scout Reservation is hosting an open house for faith and civic community leaders from across the Lake Erie Council on Tuesday, November 9th, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. This is open to organizations who currently host Scouting groups, as well as those without Scouting ties. Please spread the word, and let Jason Setser know if you have any questions. RSVP’s are due to Jason.Setser@scouting.org by Monday the 8th.

Do you care about what Cub Scout Programming we offer at our camps next year? Take our survey to share your thoughts! The link is here.

And that’s a wrap for this week’s 3 minute update! Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you! We’ll see you next week!

Citizenship in Society Merit Badge

Dear Fellow Scouter,

Today, November 1st, the Boy Scouts of America launched the Citizenship in Society merit badge, its newest merit badge for youth in the Scouts BSA program (ages 11-17).

In case you've heard rumors or seen early reports on this merit badge before its release, let us offer some clarity on what the Citizenship in Society merit badge is. All key facts and information about this merit badge can be found at www.scouting.org/dei. If you hear or read something about the merit badge that is. not included on the above-mentioned site, then it's not connected to the merit badge.

What you will see in the information and approach surrounding this badge:

Like every other merit badge that Scouts earn, this merit badge encourages Scouts to embark on a journey of discovery. In this case, it's a journey of self-discovery. They will explore a variety of topics around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and they will discuss how they apply their findings to life as a Scout and good citizen in society.

Though we all come from differing backgrounds, in Scouting, our goals and commitments are the same. We all take the same Scout Oath, and we all follow the same Scout Law. This merit badge aligns with the Scout Oath and the Scout Law, which collectively encourage Scouts to respect the beliefs of others, be kind and courteous, and help other people at all times.

What you won't see in the Citizenship in Society merit badge:

There is no merit badge booklet with prescribed approaches or ideologies. There are no requirements meant to drive a particular response or lead a Scout down a path toward a predetermined conclusion.

The Citizenship in Society merit badge wasn't developed by one person. In fact, the merit badge was developed by multiple Scouting volunteers, youth, and professional staff working together. Just like every other merit badge, this one connects Scouts with a merit badge counselor who will help facilitate discussion with the Scout as they seek to further understand the topic and the world we live in.

The Boy Scouts of America has a commitment - both to developing a culture where every youth, volunteer, and employee feels a sense of belonging, and to building communities where every person feels respected and valued. The Citizenship in Society merit badge is an important initiative within that larger commitment. Check out the LEC information website which houses pertinent links and documents. We anticipate adding more items here in the coming days. Please check back to keep yourself updated on the rollout of this new badge.

We are grateful to all volunteers who join us in partnering with families and communities to shape young people of high moral character with greater respect, empathy, and understanding of perspectives, including those different than their own. Thank you again for all you do to support Scouting. Your work is valued and appreciated.

Sincerely,

Marc Ryan
Scout Executive/CEO
Lake Erie Council, Boy Scouts of America

LEC 3 Minute Update – October 28, 2021

Hello, and welcome to this week’s three-minute update! I’m Jake Brown.

It’s Halloween this weekend, and there’s nothing on the calendar! We hope you’ll enjoy the break and participate fully in the trick-or-treating fun, I promise we will!

This week on the docket, we have popcorn, and Silver Beaver/Unit Scouter Award nominations, upcoming Cub Events, Stewards of Beaumont, in-person youth protection training, the upcoming St. George trek, and this week’s fun fact!

Let’s dive right into the fun fact: what kind of mistakes do ghosts make? BOO-BOO’s!

And speaking of boo-boo’s, Wilderness First Aid is happening at Beaumont November 12th thru 14th. Send Noah Boksansky any questions you have!

Cub Haunted season is over, and we thank the over 1000 Scouts and Scouters who came out and enjoyed a fun-filled weekend! But that doesn’t mean Cub activities are over for the year, not at all! Next weekend we have the Ultimate Webelos Woods Showdown at Firelands, followed by STEAM Cub Overnighter at Beaumont November 13th-14th, and the Spy Adventure Cub Fun Day at Firelands November 20th. In December, there’ll be two Holidays at Camp Opportunities at Firelands, December 4th and 11th.

Popcorn take orders are due to Heather McMillan by next Wednesday, November 3rd, so please don’t delay in sending them her way. Payments are due November 12th, and pick—ups for those orders are the 18th and 19th. Please let Heather know if you have any questions, or need more product!

The Stewards of Beaumont is November 16th, held virtually. Registration is $100 per person: please send your questions over to Phil Williams.

Silver Beaver Award and Unit Scouter Award Nominations are due to Paula Swiner by December 15th, let Paula know if you have any questions.

The next in-person Youth Protection training opportunity is on November 11th at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Norwalk, OH. There’s another opportunity on November 13th in Chesterland as well. Please register now, and let Paula Puchajda know if you have any questions.

The St. George trek to Philmont is coming up July 6-21, 2022, and the Cleveland Diocese’s Committee on Catholic Scouting wants to nominate 1 high-school aged male and 1 female to attend. Both attendees will receive a $500 scholarship to attend this vocations-based retreat with other high school-aged Scouting youth and Catholic religious from around the country! Nominations and questions should go to Jim Hickey at FourGreenfields70@gmail.com.

Lastly, I’d like to take a moment to honor a great colleague and friend here at the Lake Erie Council, Brittany Dunne. Brittany has decided to pursue her other dreams in life outside of Scouting, and she leaves after 11 years working for the BSA, beginning with her CIT staff week at Beaumont Scout Reservation in 2009. She’s been a bedrock of programming in the Council for years, has been a great mentor to many of us, and whose work ethic inspires many. Please join me in congratulating Brittany for her many years of service, and I mean it when I say you will be missed.

And that’s a wrap for this week’s 3 minute update! Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you! We’ll see ya next week!

LEC 3 Minute Update – October 21, 2021

Hello, and welcome to this week’s three-minute update! I’m Jake Brown.

This week, we’ve got updates to NYLT, summer camp, recharter, and Silver Beaver/Unit Scouter Award nominations, roundtable, Stewards of Beaumont, in-person youth protection training, and this week’s fun fact!

Let’s dive right into the fun fact: what do churches and laser guns have in common? PEWS!

Now you’re not going to find any laser guns or churches here, but if you’re interested in being a Range Safety Officer in the Scouting shooting sports program, you should attend the training November 10th at the Unit Service Center. NOT Beaumont, I lied last week! It’s in Cleveland from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Lunch is provided during the training. Questions? Shoot ‘em over to Julia!

First, here’s an update regarding NYLT: the dates have changed! The course will now be held June 12-17, 2022. Put it on your calendars, and encourage Scouts to attend!

Recharter is open. Remember folks: the system is new, and you do NOT need an access code. Instead, you’ll follow this link and enter with your username and password for my.scouting.org. It’s only available to Key 3 leaders, or their official delegates. And be sure to go to lecbsa.org/resources/charter-renewal to see training videos and step-by-step instructions. Questions should to your commissioner, or Michelle and myself.

It’s not too late to register for in-person Youth Protection training this weekend: do that now so you can attend our Elyria session, hosted at St. Jude’s Church at 590 poplar St. It starts at 1:30 p.m., please send Paula Puchajda any questions you have.

Virtual roundtable is tonight at 7:00 p.m., and the next round of in-person Roundtables will be November 10th, in Berea and at Firelands, and November 11th at Beaumont.

The Stewards of Firelands virtual event was a rousing success, funding over $27,000 in camp projects to keep the camp beautiful and useful. Thank you to all who attended and donated to such a noble cause!

Of course, those with a soft spot for Beaumont in their hearts should also know about the Stewards of Beaumont event, November 16th, held at the Unit Service Center in Cleveland. Registration fees are also $100, please send your questions over to Phil Williams.

And lastly but not leastly, Silver Beaver Award and Unit Scouter Award Nominations are due to Paula Swiner by December 15th. It’s not that far away considering the nominating process, so please begin those nominations now, and let Paula know if you have any questions.

And that’s a wrap for this week’s 3 minute update! Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you! We’ll see ya next week!

LEC 3 Minute Update – October 14, 2021

Thanks for tuning in to 3 minutes. I'm Jake Brown. 

Camps remain busy through the fall, with many activities for Scouts and Scouters of all ages. At Beaumont, there is Wilderness First Aid Training November 12-13, a Cub Scout Fall Overnighter November 13-14, and a Range Safety Officer Training on November 13th.Contact Noah Boksansky, Brittany Dunne, and Julia Hearne, respectively, for questions about these upcoming events. Roundtable at Beaumont is this evening at 7:00p.m. sharp, as it always is on the 2nd Thursday of each month.

Klondikes at both camps are also coming up right around the corner, so stay tuned to the Council calendar for further updates.

At Firelands, these are the upcoming events: the Fall Camporee October 22-24, a Webelos Woods Ultimate Showdown November 5-7, and a fall Cub Fun Day on November 20th. Also important is the upcoming Stewards of Firelands fundraising dinner this coming Monday, October 18th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Registration is $100.00 this is a virtual event. Contact Genny Espinoza, Brittany Dunne, and Phil Williams or Danny Thomas, respectively, with questions for these events.

I am Anthony Dworning,

Scouting happens everywhere, and everywhere folks are getting ready for the recharter season. The recharter sandbox period ends tomorrow. Note that your recharter experience will be the easiest if new youth and adults have registered, either online or with paper applications. It is best if that is done soon, before opening the recharter portal. A video tutorial, along with written resources and how to's, are all available on the council website, lecbsa.org/resources/charter-renewal. Contact Jake Brown or Michelle Cali with any questions.

In-person YPT is still available as a supplement if it is needed for charter renewal. Elyria, Norwalk, and Chesterland have locations and dates on the Council calendar, with more upcoming. Note these sessions will be cancelled if no one is registered for them.

The Cleveland Scout shop's camping sale ends this Saturday. Buy $75 in camping gear, and receive 10% off. $100 in gear, get 15% off. And $150 or more in gear earns you 20% off. Stop in and see Paula, Riley, or Liam for details.

And popcorn take orders are due to Heather McMillan on November 3rd.

I am Noah Boksansky,

The future is promising for many Scouts, with so many fun and exciting adventures on the horizon. The Council still has room for your troop at Resident Camp next summer, so book your week today! Contact Noah Boksansky with questions.

 The National Jamboree is set for July 19-23, 2023 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. And the World Jamboree will be held in South Korea August 1-12, 2023. Send inquiries to Phil Williams. We'll see you next week here, on 3 minutes.

Congratulations to Brittany on her new adventure!

It is with sadness that I announce that Brittany Dunne will be leaving Lake Erie Council effective October 31, 2021. Brittany started with Greater Cleveland Council in 2009 as a camp staff member at Beaumont working at the pool. Through her years on camp staff, she worked her way up through the ranks eventually becoming the seasonal business manager. In 2015, Brittany was hired as a Program Executive for Greater Cleveland Council serving as the year-round program director for Beaumont Scout Reservation. Brittany has served as the staff advisor for training events such as Wood Badge and NYLT. Most recently, Brittany has focused on Cub Scout programming in Lake Erie Council. Through her drive, Cub Haunted has become the successful event that over 1,000 Scouts experience each fall. Brittany has served the Scouting movement loyally for the past 12 years and we wish her much luck and success in her endeavors. While we are sad to see her go, we remember all the great contributions she has made to the Scouting movement and to Lake Erie Council.

Yours in Scouting,

Philip Williams

Director of Experiences

Congratulations Pete!

 I am honored to announce that Pete Biltz will retire from professional service of the Boy Scouts of America effective November 30, 2021. 

Pete has been involved with the BSA since 1989. His career began in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago where following roles in the field and program departments, he was promoted to the position of Field Director. Upon successful completion of his time in Illinois, Pete then moved to Warren, Ohio in 1998 where he assumed the role of Assistant Scout Executive. As the ASE in Warren, Pete was responsible for hiring and managing field staff, recruiting, and supporting board members, building, and managing a 1.6-million-dollar budget, coordination of properties management and operations, and raising operating funds through annual appeals, special events, and foundation requests. 

Pete then joined the Lake Erie Council Development Office in 2012 when it was the Greater Cleveland Council, prior to the recalibration of Scouting in Northeast Ohio in 2017. Pete has had a significant impact on fund development during his time here. Currently, Pete co-leads our annual special events portfolio which generates over a half-million dollars a year while creating awesome experiences and ROI for our donors and guests. Pete has also been a popcorn sale staff advisor for about 18 campaigns during his tenure. 

Pete earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and has multiple level training courses in the BSA and outside organizations. He has extensive background in personnel system of BSA, volunteer cultivation and development fields. Pete is an Eagle Scout from his hometown Troop 125, Lakewood, Ohio. He is an Order of the Arrow Vigil member. He also has a unique perspective of the BSA organization having served as a Cub Scout leader for his son’s den and pack for several years. 

He is involved with the K of C at St. Ambrose Church and has been an active member of Rotary throughout the years, serving as President of the Warren Club on 2006-07. Prepared. For Life.© 2241 Woodland Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 216-861-6060 Fax 216-861-3431 lecbsa.org 

Pete and his wife, Joanne, live in Garrettsville, Oh. They have two grown children, Gabrielle, and Samuel. 

Pete had this to share about his many years in Scouting: 

“One thing I was taught early on and have followed to this day in my career is to involve volunteers at all levels of decision making. It’s how you multiply the power of Scouting. I have been extremely fortunate and grateful for so many wonderful volunteer leader’s and mentors over the years, including my time as a youth. Their guidance, resources and encouragement have allowed me to impact so many thousands of families, youth, and staff. That’s a powerful feeling looking back over the three decades of my service. I thank each person along the trail for those gifts! 

Along the way I’ve had some unbelievable experiences (camping, programs, dinners, trips, sporting events, etc.) and have seen many things that inspired me to do more for our Scouting mission. I will continue to draw on these in my future endeavors. 

Last, but never least is my wife Joanne and two children Gabby and Sam. They have always supported my late nights, weekends, and an otherwise nontraditional job knowing the value it provided to us and others. We are very blessed to be a part of the Scouting family.” 

A retirement reception in Pete’s honor is in the works. More details are forthcoming. In the meantime, please join me in congratulating Pete and Joanne on his career.

Marc J. Ryan

Scout Executive