SRAC e-Scouter
The Monthly Publication of the Suwannee River Area Council
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Effective April 1, 2024, the BSA will eliminate the $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting. This is due to the feedback from units and councils that the joining fee was a barrier to joining for some families. We are very pleased to know that the National Executive Committee listened to everyone’s concerns and have acted swiftly.
Additionally, the BSA will implement the following national membership fees, which were approved by the National Executive Committee. Please note that the local Council Executive Committee voted not to increase any Council fees. This includes both National and Council fees:
- $165/yr for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants ($5 annual increase from National, which is less than .42 cents per month)
- $95/yr for all adult volunteers ($5 increase from National, which is less than .42 cents per month)
- $30/yr for Scoutreach (No change in fee)
- $25/yr for Merit Badge Counselors (No change in fee. This fee is for Merit Badge Counselors who are not already registered volunteers)
- $80/yr for Exploring participants youth & adults (No change in fee)
- $100/yr unit renewal/affiliation fee (No change in fee)
- $15/yr for Scout Life magazine (No change in fee)
We feel this was a great compromise on their part and will help us grow scouting.
Reminder: BSA is No Longer Prorating Fees for New Members as of August 1, 2023
Beginning August 1, 2023, all new youth and adult members who join Scouting will be enrolled in a 12-month membership cycle and BSA has ceased prorating fees. Both youth and adults now pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on the anniversary date of joining Scouting. Each registered member of the BSA will receive an email notice with a registration renewal link beginning 60 days before the anniversary date they joined Scouting. Unit leaders will receive a copy of the email and should stay engaged in the membership renewal process just like rechartering.
For full details on the 2024 changes, please click the button below for an infographic with the breakdown by registration type.
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National Membership Change to Criminal Background Checks
In keeping with the highest standards for safety, a change in the processing of adult applications has gone into effect beginning January 16, 2024. As of that date, the adult application flow has changed to require the completion of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) before the new Adult volunteer can assume any leadership role in the BSA.
- Once an adult application is processed (online or via the Council Office) the person is entered in a “pending” status.
- The new adult leader and unit key 3 will receive an email informing them not to assume any leadership roles until this CBC is cleared.
- Once the CBC is cleared and there is no follow-up needed, the system will finish registering the person.
- An email will then be sent to the unit key 3 and the individual letting them know that they are registered as an active leader.
- CBCs typically take 24–48 hours to complete. Depending on the volume of applications at any given time, this could take up to a week.
This change only impacts new adult leaders who join the BSA after January 16th, 2024.
Please reach out to Dean Parrish at Dean.Parrish@scouting.org if you have any questions regarding this change.
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2024 Camp Card Sale
Are you selling?
February 8 - April 28, 2024
The sale is underway in the Suwannee River Area Council! Our 2024 cards are good throughout the calendar year of 2024.
Learn all you need to know (including making that final commitment) here! The Camp Card Leader’s Guide is also available for review, and it has been updated with all the images and information about the 2024 cards!
Earn your way through scouting with this Council sponsored fundraiser with zero risk! We look forward to making your scouting dreams come true in 2024 and beyond.
If you're not selling Camp Cards now, contact Jonathan Hutto at Jonathan.Hutto@scouting.org or 850.498.8086 with any interest or questions regarding Camp Cards.
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Scout Shop News
Polar Bear Patches
If your scout has earned this patch by camping at Wallwood or any other camp (unit campouts are included), please come on by and purchase one today! The recommended requirement for this unofficial award is that the scout or scouter should have camped at least one night in sub-freezing temperatures in a tent or other non-climate-controlled structure. This does not need to be proven at time of purchase, and we will honor any scout coming in to claim this as a Trustworthy purchase, so no paperwork or advancement form is needed!
Eagle Scout Needs
We have all of your needs for celebrating the graduating Eagle Scout. From presentation kits to Invitations to Decorations, we have it all.
Centennial Merchandise
Our Centennial merchandise (below) is in and available at the Scout Shop. Stop by to get yours today! Patches are $5 each and the Council History book is $15 each.
The Scout Shop is open Monday through Friday from 10am until 6pm. See you there!
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Venturing Super Weekend
Wallwood, BSR
March 22-24, 2024
"The Adventures in Venturing"
We are excited to be hosting this event at our Council's Wallwood Boy Scout Reservation for the 14th time. We are certain that this will be One of the best VSW ever and we can't wait to see you there! Our theme this year is the “adventures of Venturing” .
We will have games all themed around these adventures. The Staff of the VOA firmly believes that this program will help Venture Crews stay active and strong. Bring your adventure clothing for a weekend of fun . We are committed to providing a high quality program for which Venturing is known.
As a staff, we pledge on our honor to provide you with the best and most positive experiences ever!
Make sure to complete the Firearms Permission Form attached on this page and bring it with you - Must be complete for all shooters and signed by a parent!
Register at: https://scoutingevent.com/664-VSW24. Cost is $35 per participatant plus an additional $12 for Shooting Sports.
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Eagle Scout Recognition Banquet
Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Doors Open: 5:30pm, Dinner and Program: 6:00pm
The Suwannee River Area Council invites the
2023 / 2024 Eagle Scout Class
their families and friends, Scoutmasters, and leaders to attend the Eagle Scout Recognition Banquet. All Scouts who earned the rank award in 2023 and High School Seniors who earned the rank award in 2024 are invited.
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There is NO CHARGE for current class of 2023/2024 Eagle Scouts but registration is required!
Eagle Scout Sponsor Packages are $70.00 and include dinner for you and one Eagle Scout.
Individual Tickets are $35.00 and include your dinner.
Table sponsorships are $350 for an entire table. Silver and Gold Table Sponsorships also available.
Questions: Contact Jonathan Hutto at Jonathan.Hutto@scouting.org or 850-498-8086.
For complete details on the Banquet and our other honorees, see: https://scoutingevent.com/664-ESRB24.
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BALOO and IOLS Training
Lafayette Presbyterian in Tallahassee
April 19-20, 2024
Packs, do you have BALOO trained leaders? Having a BALOO trained adult is required for Packs to go camping or for any type of Pack overnight event. It’s required for Webelos dens as well. Troops and Crews, do you have leaders who need IOLS? Along with Scoutmaster Specifics, IOLS is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA Troops in order to be considered “trained”.
BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) for Cub Scout Leaders and IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) for Scouts BSA and Venturing Leaders will be offered April 19-20, 2024. The training is being offered at Lafayette Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee. Registration is live at https://www.scoutingevent.com/664-SpringTraining24 .
Hope to see you at the training! If you have training questions, please contact Elaine Hebenthal at ehebenthal@comcast.net.
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Aquatics Weekend
Wallwood BSR
April 20-21, 2023
The Suwannee River Area Council is offering Lifeguard Training at Wallwood Boy Scout Reservation. We are also hosting BSA swim tests on Sunday! This training can be used at the council or unit level and can be found here: https://scoutingevent.com/664-AQ24!
Reminder: This is a great chance to get trained as a lifeguard for Summer Camp staff! If you are considering working this year, this is the perfect opportunity.
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Council Pinewood Derby 2024
Governor’s Square Mall
Saturday, May 4, 2024
BUILD YOUR CAR AND SEE HOW IT STACKS UP AT YOUR PACK AND COUNCIL RACES!
The Council Pinewood Derby is here! Race day is Saturday May 3, 2024, at Governor’s Square Mall outside of (Dillard’s Wing). Racers that placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in your Pack race, it’s time to get down and Derby and we want to see who created the ultimate Pinewood Derby Racecar! The cost is $10 per racer and registration opens soon at https://scoutingevent.com/664-Derby24..
The Suwannee River Area Council is also proud to announce the Champion’s Cup Race. This race will allow the 1st place finishers in their rank a chance to race for the Champion’s Cup. The winner’s name, pack and race year will be engraved on a placard and affixed to the cup. The cup will reside in the Suwannee River Area Council’s Office in the main lobby on display.
Registration deadline is May 1, 2024. You may email Michael Yon at mikeyon@outlook.com for any questions concerning rules/procedures.
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SRAC SPRING CAMPOREE
GARLAND GRICE MEMORIAL
SPRING CREEK CANOE WEEKEND
May 3-5, 2024
Don't miss out on this great event that will showcase your Troop's ability to compete in the Canoe Race and other fun activities.
Garland Grice was a dedicated Scouter, who exemplified the Scout Law and Oath in all aspects of his life. He served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 711 and was Post Adviser for Explorer Post 711. In 1990, he started Troop 700 and served as Scoutmaster until his death.
Garland oversaw this camporee for many years and for that reason we run it in his memory.
LOCATION: Brinson, GA—GPS coordinates 30.9823,-84.7387 (input directly to google maps)
COST: $15.00 per Scout, $10.00 per Adult
For more information, contact Camporee Chief Rob Smith at racsmith69@yahoo.com.
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Wallwood Outdoor Weekend
Wallwood BSR
May 18, 2024
Our Wallwood Outdoor Weekends are growing with each event. And we're excited for the fun things that we have in store for the
May Wallwood Outdoor Weekend!
May's WOW will bring a host of activities to camp. We'll have some returning favorites, as well as some new activities that we've not had at a WOW before.
So, you and your scout won't want to miss out.
Cost: $10.00 / Scout or Adult
A parent/adult partner must register and accompany each Cub Scout in all activities and must be in the canoe during the aquatics activities, when offered.
Please bring your own lunch, snacks may be purchased in the Trading Post
Make sure to complete the Firearms Permission Form attached on this page and bring it with you - Must be complete for all shooters and signed by a parent!
Units may organize an overnight camping element by following the unit camping procedures established for Wallwood and contacting Dennis Whisenant at Dennis.Whisenant@scouting.org or 850-498-8087 to make the arrangements.
For more information as activities are finalized watch your inbox and to signup, visit or our registration page.
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Cub Scout Day Camp
Maclay Gardens State Park
June 3-7, 2024
Are you looking for a fun day camp for your scouts and their friends this summer??
Well look no further! Our day camp theme this year is Off to the Races! Our day camp will be full of arts, crafts, swimming, community service and fun..fun..fun!!!! We are also going to conclude our camp on Friday June 7th with a family picnic!!! We will have food for everyone and some traditional “Camp Fire” programs to include scout skits and jokes.
Our camp is open to all scouts, and their friends that will be in the 1st grade thru 5th grade starting in the fall 2024. Please note that per BSA rules, all rising 1st graders (1st grade in Fall 2024) are required to have a parent or guardian attend camp with them. This camp is open to non-scouts as well.
As a volunteer driven organization, we need help ensuring that our scouts have a fantastic time! We are offering a $50.00 discount for those that can volunteer to help our camp for the full time. If you would like to volunteer to help make our Cub Scout Day Camp be the best camp ever, please contact Gail Schaper, Day Camp Director, at gailschaper@gmail.com or Amanda Fortunato, Camp Program Director, at ms.lynch69@gmail.com
Registration will open soon so be on the lookout.
Volunteer Opportunities
Adult volunteers are needed to serve as den leaders and as station leaders every day of the week. If you are willing to accept a volunteer role, you can attend camp for free, plus earn a discount on your scout's registration fee. Once open, please select "adult participant" on the online registration form and then contact the Day Camp Directors to be assigned a volunteer role.
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Many Thanks to Morningstar Storage!
We appreciate our new partnership with Morningstar Storage for the use of a storage unit for Cub Scout Day Camp supplies and look forward to further partnership in the future!
Go by and check them out.
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NYLT 2024
Registration for 2024 session is OPEN!
What is NYLT: The first step in the BSA Youth Leadership Training continuum is conducted in the home unit called Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops/Crews. You can take this course at University of Scouting in March. Scouts and Venturers who have 1) completed this training and 2) have reached the age of thirteen but not yet eighteen, (for Venturers not yet twenty -one) may participate and accept the challenge of the Council level National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). Unit leaders have the primary responsibility for training their youth leaders. The purpose of the National Youth Leadership Training is not to assume that role, but rather support it. The NYLT week is filled with activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and camping in a Troop and Patrol model unit environment. Participants learn and practice skills that are valuable at home, church, school, work, and the Scouting unit. The course is designed for youth members 14 years of age and older. However, a mature 13-year-old may attend, especially if they hold a leadership position in the unit.
Since a Scout only takes this course once, we want them to get the maximum benefit from this experience; therefore, it is essential that they be able to handle the demands of this advanced course, requiring maturity, experience, and proficiency in basic camping skills. At NYLT, a temporary Patrol is formed consisting of youth from Venture Crews and Boy Scout Troops from across the council. This training unit is instructed and led by a highly qualified group of outstanding youth trainers and adult mentors. At the end of this conference the Scout returns to their home unit with advanced knowledge of leadership skills and patrol/troop/crew operations.
The NYLT staff has been busy working on presentations, games, and teamwork. Registration is now open. Remember to get approval from your unit leader and parents.
Review the event page here for how to register and more information: https://scoutingevent.com/664-NYLT24
Please reach out to Amanda Farmer SM of NYLT by email at afarmerkids3@gmail.com with any questions, and we hope to see you June 23-28th.
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Scouts BSA Summer Camp
Wallwood BSR
June 16-22, 2024
We are ecstatic to get the 2024 Program Guide into your eager hands! Thank you for your patience! We hope this helps you make the decision to come to Wallwood this June 16-22. This guide is planned to be used in conjunction with the 2024 Leader’s Guide.
We are also planning a First Year Adult program, so if you are interested, please stand by for more information to be released!
Registration is open for all scouts and scouters, but the merit badge schedule has not been released at this time. All the merit badge offerings are in the Program Guide!
Please reach out to Jonathan at Jonathan.Hutto@scouting.org to let him know your intent to attend Summer Camp today!
IN OTHER EXCITING NEWS:
Amanda Fortunato (Camp Staff 2011-2014) will be rejoining Wallwood Staff as Program Director for 2024.
Kenji Austin (Camp Staff 2019-2022) will be acting as the Assistant Program Director! Three cheers for Kenji!
Jonathan Hutto (Staff Advisor and Council Program Director) will be serving as the Camp Director for 2024.
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Semialachee Lodge News
Don’t forget to pay your 2024 OA Dues! You can pay your annual dues or signup for an "All Access Pass" which covers not only your dues, but also covers the cost of most Lodge activities for the entire year. You don't won't want to miss out on this great deal. Follow this link to pay your dues today! https://scoutingevent.com/664-OADues24
The lodge hosted SNAW was this past weekend, and we had a GREAT time! We had over 180 scouts and scouters joined the OA Drum and Dance teams in a Native American Gathering where we danced, fellowshipped, and made crafts. We hope you’ll join us next year and help this event grow!
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Camp Reservations
Wallwood Boy Scout Reservation
Did you know that as a registered member of the Suwannee River Area Council, tent camping at Wallwood Boy Scout Reservation is free of charge all year long? Yep! You read that right. In addition to unit camping, individuals can also make reservations to use Wallwood.
Individuals and Units must make prior arrangements and have a reservation to use WBSR, including any of the additional amenities available for rental through the camp. Reserving facilities is a process that begins by contacting Dennis Whisenant at Dennis.Whisenant@scouting.org or 850-498-8087.
- Reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to make your reservation as early in advance as possible.
- There may be times when multiple units have requested to camp during the same time. We will do our very best to ensure accommodations can be made so that as many units possible are able to camp at the same time.
- Tent camping is the only free option available – all other assets within camp have a rental fee associated with them and must be reserved in advance.
- There may be additional requirements to use facilities or amenities available at or through camp.
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Please note that use of the waterfront, pool or shooting sports ranges require certified personnel to run those areas. You must make reservations for those personnel as far in advance as possible to ensure coverage is available. We will do our very best to ensure those amenities can be used but cannot guarantee that reservations made with short notice will be able to proceed.
- Check-in protocols must be followed by all participants, upon arrival.
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