In this Issue: - Pathway to Adventure Council

Serving the four Northwest Suburban Districts of the Pathway to Adventure Council
Blackhawk District - Des Plaines, Glenview, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Park Ridge, Rosemont, Schiller
Park, and Skokie
North Woods District - Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect
Pathfinder District - Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Roselle, Schaumburg, and Streamwood
Signal Hill District - Barrington, N. Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Lake Zurich, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Kildeer, Tower Lakes, Long
Grove, Deer Park, Hawthorn Woods, N. Barrington, S. Barrington, Lake Barrington and Barrington Hills
A publication made by and for volunteers.
In this Issue:





Scouting for Food
o Drive and Drop Locations
o Virtual Grocery Store
Summer Camp Showcase
Key Leader Message
All Scout Skate Night
Blackhawks and Blackhawk
District Pine Wood Derby



Merit Badges
o Nuclear Science,
Cooking, Nano
o Counselor
 Renewal and Sign up
 Orientation
Blast into Scouting 2016
Roundtable






Wood Badge
o Course
o Service Project Help Request
Venturing
o Area 7 Conference
o VenturingFest 2016
National Boy Scout Jamboree
Scouting's Journey to Excellence
Greater PTAC Impact Meeting
Life to Eagle Seminar


Eagle Application Submission Change
Eagle Scout & Youth Recognition
Dinner
College Scholarship Application
Angler Instructor Training
Wilderness First Aid Training
LBPU Registration
Training Calendar and Record Update
Celebration of Scouting in the PTAC
PTAC Calendar Request
Scout Shop
Newsletter Submissions









Scouting For Food is a core Scouting
community service program. All units and
Scouts are encouraged to participate.
The 2016 Council-wide Scouting for Food
project collection will be Saturday March 5,
2016, with door hanger distribution on
Saturday February 27. Greater Chicago Food
Depository is the program underwriter and
agency the PTAC works with in handling the
Scouting for Food drive logistics of collecting
and distributing contributions to local food
panties.
Register online through the Scouting for
Food PTAC calendar event and
participate. On March 5 the NWSC Service
Center and Palatine Township Food
Pantry drop off locations will receive collected
items from 10 am to 1 pm. More
A “virtual” grocery store operated by the
Greater Chicago Food Depository can be
shopped to provide contributions without
Cub Scout and Boy Scout Camp
Showcase
Hoffman Estates, IL – Feb 27, 2016
Cabela’s 10 a.m. – 2 p.m
Learn about all PTAC summer camp
programs being offered in 2016. Shoot BB
guns at the indoor range, practice your
archery skills and get two tokens to Cabela’s
Arcade
Enter for a chance to win great prizes:


A certificate for free Cub Scout
Overnight Camp at PTAC camps only
A certificate for free Boy Scout
Resident Camp at PTAC camps only
need to purchase and donate physical food
items. Publicize and encourage unit families
and community members to participate in
Scouting for Food through the“virtual” grocery
store.

Hats, T-shirts, Camp gadgets, and
more!
More information about PTAC Scout Camps
is here.
Key Leader Message:
How YOU Can Make a Difference for Cub Scouts
The Northwest Suburban Community is proud to be hosting two day camps within the NWSC
boundaries (Schaumburg area June 21-23; Barrington June 28-30), with a third right next door in the
Rosemont area, July 5-7. Day Camps are the gateway to overnight camping which leads to retention
in Scouting and ultimately the rank of Eagle Scout. Study after study shows that boys who camp in
our program stay in our program.
What does that have to do with you? I’m glad you asked! In order for our day camps to be
successful, we need dedicated parents and leaders to assist us. There is an active day camp
committee already dedicated to making our day camps the best they can be. The committee is
developing program ideas, schedules, activities, etc. What they need is support from our adults to
actually deliver the program. There are positions available from the simple (run one station for one
day) to the complex (be a day camp director or program director). The day camps run 3 days (a ½
day bonus activity is also being planned for each camp) on various dates in various locations
If you don’t have the personal time to volunteer at day camp, please send your Scout to the camp
most convenient for you. As a council we would like 100% of our Scouts to have the opportunity to
attend camp. As stated, camp is one of the best ways to keep your son interested in and excited
about Scouting. The fee is only $70 until May 16th, and there is a special incentive for packs which
have more than 75% of their Cub Scouts registered for a Cub Scout camp (day camp or overnight
camps) by April 22nd. Your pack could win an all-expenses-paid pack meeting party for May.
Join us at Cabela’s in Hoffman Estates on February 27th, 10am-2pm, for an exciting and fun
camping kick off. There will be special incentives and prizes for attendees, as well as hands-on
activities for the whole family. Much more information, including campership applications, locations,
etc., is available on our website: www.pathwaytoadventure.org/camping. For questions about Cub
Scout camping, call our Outdoor Adventure help desk at (630) 496-4260 or
email ptac.camping@scouting.org.
Thank you
Lisa Early
PTAC Program Director
Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Orbits in Palatine (615 S Consumers Ave.) 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Venture Scouts, non-scouts and the whole family are welcome
to have a fun evening of roller skating. More
The Chicago Blackhawks are partnering with the Pathway to Adventure Council to host a Pinewood
derby at the United Center on Friday March 18, 2016. Tickets are $5, Parking is free. Prizes and
raffle Weigh in time is 5 pm
Registration is online and closes March 4. More
2016 Blackhawk District Pinewood Derby
Saturday, March 19th, 2016 11:00 am to 3 pm
On-line registration only through March 11
To participate at the District level participants are selected by the pack from Tigers, Wolves,
Bears, Weblos1, and Weblos 2, for speed and design for up to 24 participants per pack. The District
derby begins with check in at 11:00 am and races start at Noon. Each rank races to determine the
top 3 winners per rank with a grand finale race. For official rules and printable flyer click here. There
will also be “open” races for Boy Scout, dads, moms, daughters and fiends. More
Wood Badge Course
Registration is Open for the two 2016 PTAC Wood Badge Courses.
Spring Wood Badge
April 22-24, 2016 week one, May 13-15 week two
Hosted at Camp Frank S. Betz, Berrien Springs, Michigan
More
Fall Wood Badge
August 12-14, 2016 week one, September 10-12 week two
Hosted at Camp Sol R Crown, Trevor (Wilmot), Wisconsin
More
Wood Badge Service Project - Request for Help
Bob Hendricksen of PTAC Signal Hill District is asking Troops to participate in a service project to
help those Troops less able to provide a quality camping experience. If your Troop has very
serviceable camping equipment that may no longer be essential to your unit, Bob would like to hear
from you. Contributions of anything from tarps to pans to patrol boxes to tents are welcome. By
March 1, contact Bob at robert@rwhtreecare.com or 847-767-8148 to do your part to help other
Troops.
2016 Area 7 Venturing Conference
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Key Lime Cove Waterpark & Resort, 1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031
Check-In will begin at 8:00am, Program runs from 9:00am – 4:00pm, Registration includes lunch,
participant patch and admission to the Waterpark after the Conference!
Registration: $35/person from 1/23 – 2/23, Late: $40/person from 2/24 – 3/2
More
VenturingFest 2016
VenturingFest 2016, the first national gathering of Venturers at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, is set
for July 31 to August 5, 2016. The Summit is a great place to have fun and an exciting time with
Venturers from across the country. VenturingFest 2016 is open to registered Venturers, Scouts
(14+) and adult leaders. This six-day High-Adventure excursion invites participants to explore the
best the Summit has to offer. We’re talking rock climbing, skateboarding, BMX biking, water sports,
shooting sports, zip lines, challenge courses, and so much more. Cost: $400 Youth, $300
Adults More
Scouting’s JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE
You want to deliver the best Scouting has to offer? The “Journey to Excellence" is the BSA
performance recognition program designed to encourage and reward success. Journey to
Excellence measures units, districts, and councils against proven success factors. The program
encourages and measures excellence in providing a quality program at all levels of Scouting. The
2016 Scorecards can help you set and track your unit Journey to Excellence! Pack
Scorecard Troop Scorecard Crew Scorecard District Scorecard More
Saturday, March 19th from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Plymouth Place – 315 N La Grange Road La Grange Park, IL
The Impact meeting is a gathering of professionals and volunteers from across the PTAC to learn
about the PTAC program initiatives and provide direct input to those how lead the PTAC.
Who should attend? Community and District Impact Chairs; Community, District and Unit
Commissioners; Council, Community and District Program Teams; Community and District
Membership Teams; Community and District Friends of Scouting Teams, volunteers interested in
knowing more about the PTAC
This is your chance to provide your perspective and be a part of setting the course for the coming
months and years in the Pathway to Adventure Council. More
2017 National Boy Scout
Jamboree
The Jamboree is a pinnacle scouting
experience. Once every four years, almost
40,000, Scouts and Scouters come together at
the beautiful Summit Bechtal Reserve for a
National Jamboree. The 2017 National
Jamboree will be 10 days of enough fun to last
a life time. The Pathway to Adventure Council
is sending 10 troops of Boy Scouts and 3
crews of Venturers to the 2017 National
Jamboree. There are still spots open! If you
want your son to go to the Jamboree, stop by
a PTAC service center and ask to sign up. It’s
that simple. See you at the Jamboree!
Questions: Email the PTAC Jamboree
Committee
at PTAC2017Jamboree@gmail.com
More 2017 Jamboree Information
A Scoutmaster and two Assistants are needed
for each troop, and two Crew Advisers are
needed per Crew. Without adult leaders the
contingent will not be able to fully
participate. Adult leaders, please considering
being part of the PTAC Jamboree
contingent. More
Life to Eagle Seminar
Saturday, March 5, 2019 10 am to Noon
1213 E Oakton, Arlington Heights, Illinois
Life Scouts and their parents are encouraged to attend this seminar to learn about the path to Eagle
Scout. The requirements, procedures and resources available for Scouts to achieve the Eagle Rank
will be explained and your questions answered. There is an absolute limit of 18 years old to qualify
for Eagle Scout. This seminar will help you understand how to assure you qualify. Online registration
closes February 26. More
Merit Badges
Nuclear Science Merit Badge Workshops
With the help of the UW American Nuclear Society in Madison Wisconsin you can earn the Nuclear
Science merit badge in one day! Non-Scouts are also welcome to attend and receive a certificate.
Activities include:



Tour of the UW-Fusion Facilities and possible tour of the UW-Nuclear Reactor.
Informative presentations on Nuclear Science, Nuclear Engineering, Radiation Detection,
and Careers in the Nuclear industry.
Hands on activities with radiation detectors and cloud chambers
Spring 2016 Workshops are March 12 and April 23 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Registration $11 More
Cooking Merit Badge
Requirements for the Eagle-required Cooking merit badge have been revised for 2016. The Cooking
merit badge now has seven requirements, down from eight:







Health and safety
Nutrition
Cooking basics
Cooking at home
Camp cooking
Trail and backpacking meals
Food-related careers
You can find the updated Cooking merit badge requirements in your 2016 Boy Scout Requirements
book, at Scouting.org or in this PDF.
This is the second time the Cooking merit badge has been updated in the past two years. This
means there could be three versions of requirements in use right now: one prior to the 2014
changes, one with the changes that began in 2015 and a third with the changes that began in 2016.
Once a Scout begins working on a merit badge with one set of requirements, he generally may finish
with that set of requirements. Or, if he likes, he may switch to the new requirements. More
Scout Nano Event at Northwestern University (not a merit badge but cool)
The Nano Event, hosted by the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern
University, brings 75 Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts together with 25 scientists for an extraordinary view
of how science is worked at the cutting edge.
Scouts perform hands-on experiments with nanomaterials and see how high-powered research
instruments such as atomic force microscopes are used to discover new properties of matter at the
nano, one billionth (10-9), scale. Scouts get a glimpse of how those discoveries could have a
profound impact on their future, and they have many opportunities to meet in small groups and talk
with scientists.
The event will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Northwestern Evanston campus. Scienceenthused Scouts in the 6th grade and up are invited to register. Cost is $10 per person, which
includes a pizza party with the scientists and an event patch. To register email Troop 309 ASM Mike
Kleppinger at m.kleppinger@sbcglobal.net. More
Merit Badge Counselors
Merit Badge Counselors by the end of February should receive a letter asking for your commitment to
being a Merit Badge Counselor for 2016. Watch for the renewal notice and return it promptly so you can
be included in the 2016 merit badge directory. If you don’t receive a renewal notice,
check the “Junk/Spam” folder for a message coming from MBC_Renew@comcast
.net. Otherwise if you are an existing Merit Badge Counselor contact frank.benda@comcast.net
If you want to be a merit Badge counselor, review the requirements and submit your application to
a PTAC service center. A Merit Badge Counselor Orientation will be held in Downers Grove on Thursday
March 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. There is no charge and is open to all interested adults. More
Blast into Scouting
The 2016 program for engaging more families and boys in Scouting will be an event all Units will
want to participate. It is the way for families to learn about Scouting and sign up their boys to be
Scouts. The in school new Scout sign up event will be Thursday September 15, 2016. The Launch
and Activity dates will be Saturday October 1 and 8. Attend the March Roundtable to learn about
this year's Blast Into Scouting "Sneak Preview" concept. More.
RoundTable
·
7:30 to 8 pm General Meeting
·
8 pm Boy Scout Split and Cub Scout Split
·
7:30 pm OA Chapter meeting
·
9 pm “After the Meeting” Fellowship
Pathfinder District
2nd Monday of the month at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Schaumburg (1320 W
Schaumburg Road)
Questions or announcements contact Debbie Nudo, Nudedo83@comcast.net
Signal Hill District
1st Thursday of the month at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Palatine (200 N Plum Grove Road)
Questions or announcements contact Bill Burgess, wnburg48@msn.com
Blackhawk District
2nd Tuesday of each month at Christ Church, in Des Plaines (1492 Henry Road)
Questions or announcements contact Brett Williams brett.williams@scouting.org
North Woods District
2nd Tuesday of every month, except July, at St Simon Episcopal Church, in Arlington Heights, (717
W Kirchoff Road)
Questions or announcements contact Brian Mulcrone, brian.mulcrone@scouting.org
Eagle Application Submission Change
A new Eagle application submission process took effect January 1, 2016. A document transmittal
envelope is to be used for each Eagle application submission. There is a handy check list on each
envelope to use in assuring all and only the needed documentation is submitted. Envelopes are
available at each community service center. A description of the entire process can be found on
the PTAC website, please take a minute to review.
EAGLE SCOUT AND YOUTH AWARD RECOGNITION DINNER
March 19, 2016, 6 p.m. Reception: 7 p.m. Dinner
Waterford Banquets - 933 S. Riverside Dr. Elmhurst, IL 60126
You are invited to attend the inaugural Pathway to Adventure Youth Recognition Dinner on March
19, 2016. The National Eagle Scout Association will be honoring all Boy Scouts who have earned
the Eagle Scout award, all Venturers who earned their Silver Award and all Sea Scouts who earned
their Quartermaster during calendar year 2015. In addition to honoring our youth, the Outstanding
Eagle Scout Award and other prominent awards will be presented. Alvin Townley, Eagle Scout and
best-selling author, will be the featured guest speaker. Alvin's book Legacy of Honor (2007) explores
how Scouting has influenced American life.
Online registration and information
For more information or how you can help, please contact
Joe Stocchero at (312) 421-8800 Ext. 263 or Joseph.Stocchero@Scouting.org
More
College Scholarship Application
A scholarship of $1,000 for the four years of a Scout’s college career as long as he remains in good
standing is awarded every year by the Executive Committee of the Construction Industry Dinner
sponsors. All seniors in high school are encouraged to review the application and apply. Applications
are due to myriam.herrera@scouting.org by March 14th. More
Angler Instructor Training
Boy Scout of America Certified Angling Instructor Training will be at Adventure Camp in Rochelle,
Illinois April 15-17, 2016. Participants will graduate with the knowledge and tools to design, develop
and provide BSA fishing programs for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers. Sessions will include
hands-on classes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Register before March 1 for discounted
registration. Register online No registration after April 1. More
Wilderness First Aid
First aid is important for all Scouts and leaders to know. Wilderness First aid is for those Scouts and
leaders planning to participate in high adventure program activities where help may be
delayed. This expanded 16 hour first aid program offers more in depth training in how to diagnose,
stabilize, and treat injuries. There will be two offerings in the NWSC for those 14 years and
older. February 27-28 and March 19-20. Fee of $100 includes lunches and course materials. More
information and registration is available online 2/27-28 3/19-20
Lord Baden–Powell University of Scouting
March 11-13, 2016
Wonderlake Camp, Camp Lake, Wisconsin (Kenosha County)
27th year of Scouting fun, learning and fellowship for adult leaders
Sponsored by Blackhawk, Pathway to Adventure, Northeast Illinois, Three Fires and Three Harbors
Councils
10 Sessions and over 70 courses.
Courses include:
Dutch Oven Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, Backpacking, Advanced Troop Committee
Training, Time Management for Scouters, STEM-Nova Award Program, Advancement and Special
Needs Scouts, BSA Certified Angler Instructor, Unit Commissioner Basic Training (3 parts),
Collaborative Assessment, Adult Recognition,…
Course Catalog and Registration are available on line
Be a Trained Leader and deliver a quality program to all Scouts.
Check out the NWSC Instructor Lead Training Course Schedule and the online training at
My Scouting.org.
Have been trained but your BSA training records are not accurate? Here is Help.
The Silver Beaver and other recognitions will be presented at the PTAC Celebration of Scouting
Dinner Saturday April 16. Join with adults from throughout the Council to celebrate the awesome
power of Scouting in our Community. The program will include dinner, dancing and recognition
program. Cost $35 at Countryside Banquet and Conference Center (Countryside, Illinois; 6200
Joliet Road) Registration is available on line. More
Silver Beaver Nominations submission deadline extended to Monday February
29. Nominations should be submitted to the Steve Fossett Service Center in Chicago attention Marc
Ryan. More
PTAC Calendar Submission - Now Easier
What to get an event on the PTAC calendar? If you are responsible for an event and want to let
those outside your unit know, the PTAC calendar submission is available to you. Use the "Add an
event to the calendar" form on the PTAC web site under Calendar. Once submitted the request will
be posting after being reviewed by a PTAC professional. Not certain what to include on the calendar
or event submission, or if the PTAC calendar is the right for your event, contact your District
Executive.
Make it festive, fun, meaningful and memorable.
Make your Blue & Gold event the best ever!
We’re making it easy, with a complete assortment of celebration suppliesavailable now. Create a
super- festive atmosphere that wows them when they walk through the door.
Pieces are loaded with Cub Scout spirit and designed to coordinate:
• Plates, Cups, and Napkins
• Centerpieces and Table Covers
• Décor and Lantern Kits
• Cupcake Accessories and More
Plus, find great ideas for recognition gifts and leader thank-you’s, and stock up on the Blue & Gold
Collectible Emblem for 2016 while you’re at it!
Selection varies by store, always available online.
Newsletter Submissions
Planning an event, or have a unit accomplishment you desire included in the PTAC Northwest
Suburban Community Newsletter, submit it through the PTAC website Resource > Marketing
> “Newsletter Content Submission Form.”
Make it known to over 2,000 volunteers in the four Northwest Suburban Community PTAC
districts. Newsletters publish mid-month with submission cut off 10th of the month.
Click here for
Archive editions
of the NWSC
Newsletter
Click to
Subscribe to the
Newsletter