COUNCIL NEWS

Note: For the latest information that has been sent to unit leaders, be sure to check What's Been Mailed.

Boy Scouts of America
Forest Conservation Award Information

The purpose of this award is to make scouts more aware of the many tangible and intangible benefits received from our forests and to give them an opportunity to learn more about this valuable natural resource.

To qualify for the award, a Boy Scout must earn the Forestry merit badge plus two forestry-related merit badges. The scout will receive an 8½" x 11" parchment certificate and a multicolored shoulder patch once he qualifies for the award.

A scout can receive the award by earning the Forestry merit badge and any two of the following 13 badges:

Each council produces its own application. To expedite the processing of the applications, the following items must be included:

1. Name of Scout printed neatly or typed.
2. Complete address of where the troop meets.
3. Time and day of week they meet.
4. Scoutmaster's home phone number and mailing address
5. Completion date of the Forestry merit badge and the names and completion dates of any two of the appropriate merit badges.
6. IMPORTANT: Council approval. We like to communicate with the council rather than the individual troops. We will not approve an application that is not confirmed by the council.

Example of Forest Conservation Award Application - Adobe PDF (24 Kb)

The council should forward the application to:

DCNR - Bureau of Forestry
Division of Forest Fire Protection
P.O. Box 8552
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552

Upon approval of the application, the patch, certificate, and a copy of the application are sent to the District Forester in charge of your troop's area. The District Forester or one of his staff will contact the scoutmaster and if time allows, present the award. If the award presentation cannot be completed in a timely fashion, the District Forester will forward the award to the scoutmaster for presentation.

PA Game Commission - Wildlife Conservation Award

February 25, 2010

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has, since 1957 made available to the Boy Scouts of America and other youth groups, a Wildlife Conservation Award. The award emblem, a blue keystone with a multicolored Ruffed Grouse and appropriately lettered in gold “Wildlife Conservation Award – Pennsylvania Game Commission”, is very attractive. Click HERE to download the flyer.

The Amazing Magi

February 25, 2010

Scouts and Scout Leaders: Make your next Den or Troop Meeting, your next Pack night, your next Blue and Gold or other occasion extra special. Make it Magical!!  Click HERE to download the flyer.

UPDATED FOR 2011 - Camp Promotional Videos Now Available On Our Site !

December 10, 2009

The new Camp Promotional Videos for Cub Scout Camping and Boy Scout Camping at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation have been added to the hmsr.org web site.  Check them out ! 

NOTE: Boy Scout Summer Camp video updated for 2010 Camping Year Promotions and now includes information about the Boots & Paddles program !

Click a link below to go right to the video:

          Cub Scout Camp Promotional Video          Boy Scout Camp Promotional Video

Norman Rockwell Museum Scouting Programs

Mar 31, 2009

If your Scout group is travelling in the Stockbridge, MA area, the Norman Rockwell Museum makes a perfect side trip. Programs are designed to deepen scouts’ knowledge and understanding of the life and work of Norman Rockwell while fulfilling selected badge requirements.

Programs can be combined to create a one-day visit or completed as separate visits. Length can also be adjusted to meet the needs of the group. After any scout tour, enjoy the Museum for as long as you like!

For full information, download the Rockwell Museum Brochure.

New Annual Health and Medical Record replaces Class 1,2, and 3 Medical Forms

Jan 1, 2009

A new Annual Health and Medical Form , valid for 12 months, has replaced the older Class 1, 2, and 3 Medical Forms.  Complete details on why this form was revised, how and when it should be used, and the actual form itself is available on the Annual Health and Medical Record page in the forms section of our web site.

I.R.S. Form 990-N and Tax Exempt Status

April 10, 2008

Click to read a letter from the National BSA Office relating to IRS Form 990-N as pertains to Scout units.