LEC 3 Minute Update - July 27, 2023

Mornin’, all! Greetings from the Mentor Public Library in Mentor Ohio! I wanted to thank all of the unit leaders who’ve made the effort to join us in-person or virtually at our Fall Recruitment and Fundraising Trainings!

And speaking of recruitment, did I mention what all we have to boost your info tables this fall!? Folks, we’ve got everything you need to stay hip and jiggy with the trends of today’s youngyin’s, drawing them into your recruitment tables. Take me for example! I’m rocking some dope shades, representing my true colors with these silicone circles, keeping my keys close thanks to this carabiner with a tight clip, and the real piéce de résistance: the gold bracelet that wraps your wrist and keeps the inner-fiddler in you happy and focused. (You might even say it slaps!) My fit’s a real 10, and everyone else in your neighborhood should have the same one as well: with plenty of beascout.org references printed all over it!

So if you haven’t been able to come by and get your box of swag at our trainings, contact your Unit Serving Executive to get the goods!  In fact, for any recruitment resources or assistance you need, check out lecbsa.org/membership-resources to let us know how we can help you make the most out of this fall. And stay tuned next week, because there will be more opportunities to join us virtually and get the low-down on recruitment and fundraising!

Alrighty, in the rest of this week’s three minute update we have: activities updates, training updates, service updates, and notes regarding Ohio’s ACE program.

But first, Cub Scouts, you can still register for our Fishing Derby, Rocket Day, Lake Erie Crushers, Lake County Captains, and a Silver Screen Overnighter. Sign up now and check the council calendar for further information!

Special Shoutout to Packs thirty-thirty-one, six seventy-seven and five hundred, as well as troops six fifty-two, two twenty-three, and one twenty-four B for signing up for Scouting for food! Units can request door hangers and patches at this link. Contact Michelle if you have any questions about how to participate in this amazing fundraiser! Last year, the Council tracked over 4,000 pounds of food donated to local charities, and we want to see this grow even more this year!

And now, another note about the ACE program. This is a reimbursement system for families to be able to offer more activities for their children. Scouting’s national membership fees and SOME activities DO qualify for reimbursement through ACE. You and your Scouting families should apply here to see if you’re eligible. Now, information about what does and doesn’t qualify is getting updated very frequently. To see the latest on ACE-eligible activities and fees, check out lecbsa.org/ace. Email Mike your questions.

Rangemaster training is upcoming August 6th at Firelands: email Julia Hearne your questions. Also, the August and September sessions of BALOO training and Scoutmaster Basic Training are upcoming: you can contact me with your questions!

Additionally, the Lake Erie Council is proud to bring back in-person trainings for your positions! You can register now and send Jake any questions. You can also tell Jake if you’re interested in being a trainer for these courses.

The FEST is also August 6 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. The Catholic Committee on Scouting is looking for Scouts and Scouters to help with Cub Scout activities and take part in the mass procession and communion, as well as volunteers to man the Scouting station for any passers-by looking to get more information! It’s a great way to recruit, and the Catholic Committee will even make sure you get some food and decent parking out the mix! Volunteers are welcome for the whole day, or just a shift: all time given is appreciated! Contact Tony for more information.

Lastly, the St. George Trek is a chance for young people to discern their religious vocation. The next trek is in July 2024, and will take place at Philmont with other discerning youths. The Diocese of Cleveland offers two spaces for interested young people, and scholarships are available for those committed to attend. Any questions about this trek should be emailed to Jim Hickey.

And that’s a wrap for this week’s three-minute update! Thanks for all you do and thanks for being you! I’ll see you next week, take care!