Four Things to Know for January 23, 2023

January 23, 2023

It's January. A slow time for Scouting? Absolutely not! Here are your Four Things To Know for late January 2023!

Scout Sunday - February 5 2023
District First Aid Derby - March 11
111th Pilgrimage & Encampment - February 18 and March 10 to 12
Resica Falls Summer Camp Registration

Plus, Dates to Know, this month's Safety Minute, and a new Fun Fact.

Scout Sunday: February 5

A Scout is Reverent.

The Boy Scouts of America designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as Scout Sunday, which is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting. In recognition, Scout Units are encouraged to attend and participate in the religious service of their Chartered Organization or other local religious organization. Scout Sunday is an opportunity for units to attend services in uniform, conduct a flag ceremony, speak about Scouting, present religious awards and/or formally thank the chartering organization for their support throughout the year.

District First Aid Derby

March 11, 2023

Join us on the morning of March 11, 2023 for the District's annual First Aid Meet.

Patrols representing Troops and Crews throughout the District can challenge the Scout's abilities to perform first aid in simulated real-life situations. The patrols will compete in practical first aid problems, working together to plan and perform hands-on first aid skills.

Registration is open for the District's annual First Aid Meet. Patrols representing Troops and Crews throughout the District can challenge the Scout's abilities to perform first aid in simulated real-life situations. The patrols will compete in practical first aid problems, working together to plan and perform hands-on first aid skills.

The event will be on Saturday, March 11 from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon at St. Anastasia Church in Newtown Square. Registration is open. Every year we have dozens of Patrols compete to get their name on the prestigious Pennypacker Trophy (our very own version of the Stanley Cup); come join us and continue the tradition!

Questions? Contact the District's Activities Chair, Scott Kleeman.

Interested? Need more information? Planning on attending? Space is limited.

Click here to register and to receive additional information.

111th Pilgrimage & Encampment

Valley Forge Wreath-laying - February 18

Encampment & Pilgrimage Weekend - March 10 to 12

Wreath-Laying Ceremony - February 18

Scouts and Scouters will gather to honor General George Washington and his soldiers at the Valley Forge National Historical Park. After the Wreath Laying, spend the day in the park and discover the history of the park in winter. To earn the Valley Forge Trail Medal, go to colbsa.org/historical-trails and order your booklet to complete the trail

Encampment Weekend and Pilgrimage - March 10 to 12

Returning at a new location that is historically significant to the American Revolution, we are excited to take the Pilgrimage & Encampment to Fort Washington State Park.

ENCAMPMENT (includes Pilgrimage) – Troops, Crews, and Ships are invited to join us for a winter camping weekend to experience the hardships faced by the Continental Army in the winter of 1777-1778.

PILGRIMAGE Portion – All Scouts are invited to join us to participate in hands-on activities that help connect Scouts with life in the 1700’s and what it was like to be a Continental soldier during the fight for independence.

Visit the Council's website for information and registration.

Resica Falls Summer Camp Registration

Planning to join us at Resica this Summer? Be sure to make the $50 deposit for each Scout in your unit by February 1 to take advantage of the early bird discount!

Only Scouts who have paid the $50 Scout deposit will be given the Early Bird pricing.

Not sure if your Troop is going to Resica Falls yet? With nearly 70 merit badges, 4,200 acres of mountain wilderness, Resica has something for everyone!

Typical week-long Troop experience, including the return of Afternoon Adventures
Provisional Troop so Scouts can join us without your Troop
Webelos Week July 30 to August 5 for Webelos and AOLs to get a Resica experience
3-Week SEEK Program for Scouts aged 15 and 16
High Adventure - PaddleRama and other activities for Troops and Crews looking for more adventure and teambuilding

Dates to Know

For an additional list of Council events, check out the Council Program Update.

Gold Rush Klondike: Weekend of January 27 to 29

Contact Barry Kauffmann to join this annual winter camporee.

University of Scouting: February 4

A variety of courses for Unit Leaders. Information & registration here.

Valley Forge Wreath-Laying: February 11

Visit the Council's website for information and registration.

Constellation District Swim Program - Save the Dates

Swimming and Lifesaving Merit Badges - February 19, 26, March 5 and 12

BSA Swim Test and Rank Requirements - March 19

Cub Scout Swim Day - March 26

Details and registration to follow, once we get the venue finalized

Constellation District First Aid Derby: Saturday March 11

Test your First Aid skills in our annual competition.

Click here for information and to register.

Pilgrimage and Encampment: March 10 to 12

A full weekend of the Pilgrimage and Encampment returns in 2023 with a visit to Fort Washington State Park! Click here for registration and information.

Constellation District Pinewood Derby - evening of Friday, April 28

Eagle Scout Recognition Luncheon - Sunday, April 30

Honoring the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022. Register here.

Canadian Scout Exchange at Resica Falls: May 27 to 28

Share a weekend of Scouting adventures with Canadian Scouts. More info here.

District Safety Minute

While wearing sunglasses and applying sunscreen in the summer is something that is almost second-nature, remember that a winter sun can still pack a punch. If you are at a Klondike, Pilgrimage, skiing, or other winter Scout activity, pack sunglasses and sunscreen, especially if you are up in the mountains. Even though it may not feel hot, the sun’s rays still contain UV light and can damage eyes, noses, cheeks, and other body parts that are not covered up. And if there is snow on the ground, the risk of sun glare and sunburn is higher due to reflection off the snow. Be prepared!

Fun Fact to Know

Scouting was founded in America on February 8, 1910, and the Constellation District is home to some of the oldest Troops in the country, including six that are in the "100 Year" Club: Troop Bala1 (1908), Merion Liberty Troop (1910), Troop 19 Bryn Mawr (1912), Troop 284 Radnor (1920), Troop 176 Narberth (1921), & Troop 315 Newtown Square (1922).

Key People to Know

Constellation District Volunteer Leadership (Key 2)

John Cluver, District Chair

Rob Shillingford, District Commissioner

Service Area 2 Professional Team

Ryan Martin, Team Lead and Fundraising Specialist

Rhys Wallace, Membership Specialist

Aaron Munson, Service & Program Specialist

Constellation District Website: Click Here

Constellation District Instagram: @constellation_district

Constellation District Facebook page: Click Here

Do you have news or photos on a new Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow induction, or anything else to share on the District's Facebook page? Contact our Public Relations Chair, Rose Sutkowski, to get it posted.