LEC 3 Minute Update - January 11, 2024

Mornin’, all! This is Jake Brown, coming to you from Fankenmuth, Michigan! This is Michigan’s little Bavaria, and National Service Territory 9, which encompasses all of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio and of which the LEC is a part of, are just leaving this awesome town from a professional planning conference. Now, let’s be Frankfurt: a work conference in Michigan in January is cold. Most of us said “Brrrr-lin, it’s freezing out here! I wish we could gather around the Bonn-fire, but starting one sounds like too much Erfurt. Let’s hurry up inside for a mighty Rhine time.”

Okay, in this week’s three minute update, we have: Training updates, Event Updates and Camping Updates, and a note about our next office closure.

First, a reminder of some BIG NEWS! The LEC is hosting a University of Scouting at the Lorain County JVS on Saturday, March 16th. Participants will be able to dive into the details of how to cook in the outdoors, how to engage with your chartered organization for a smooth leadership transition, and much, much more! Registration is live with the event and course descriptions, and you can send questions or inquiries to Dave Sechnick.

Also in training, its important to note that there will be a Rangemaster training on February 24th at Firelands, BALOO, Scoutmaster Basic, and Wilderness First Aid Trainings are open upcoming in April, and the Wood Badge and NYLT course registrations are open now!

And speaking of Wood Badge and NYLT, their annual scholarship fundraiser breakfast will be held on March 9th at Lakewood High School. Come support future participants to Wood Badge and NYLT by attending the fundraiser breakfast, and bid on some great live auction items while there! Send questions to Linda Gray; the Early Bird closes on February 4th.

Moving on to events: Klondikes are about to begin, and in fact, the deadline to register for the National Parks Klondike is this Tuesday the 16th, so sign up today! Do note that Webelos have a Winter challenge being offered in conjunction with the North to Alaska Klondike at Beaumont. Also, upcoming is the Class of 2023 Eagle Scout Celebration on February 24th. The annual Celebration of Scouting will be held on March 2nd, as well as Sap Camp. That’s a busy day. On March 17th, Scouts looking to represent Scouting can join in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Cleveland, and you can email Julia Hearne for more information. Troop members can earn the Snow Sports Merit Badge at either the Holden Arboretum on January 27th or at Kent State on February 18th. The next merit badge university is in April at Beaumont. Lastly, Cub Scouts should note that the date of the Winter Mud Day at Firelands has changed to March 9th.

Finally, please note that this Monday, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the office will be closed. That means we will all be happy to see you and work with you again on Tuesday the 16th!

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

LEC 3 Minute Update - January 4, 2024

Mornin’, all! Happy New Year! I’m Jake brown, coming to you from the West Quoddy Head Light House in Maine, where I’m happy to share that the sun rose a whole 48 minutes earlier on New Years’ Day than it did in Cleveland. I tell ya, the 14 hour drive one way to get here was very worth it! 

Okay, in this week’s three minute update, we have: Training updates, Event Updates and Camping Updates, and a note about annual planning and Journey to Excellence. 

First, here’s some BIG NEWS! The LEC is hosting a University of Scouting at the Lorain County JVS on Saturday, March 16th. Participants will be able to dive into the details of how to cook in the outdoors, learn more about the upcoming Cub Scout program changes that take effect in June, and much much more! In addition, you’ll get to meet Lord Baden-Powell himself, risen from the ashes of time to bring our events’ closing address to us! Registration is live with the event and course descriptions, and you can send questions or inquiries to Dave Sechnick. 

Also in training, its important to note that there will be a Rangemaster training on February 24th at Firelands, BALOO, Scoutmaster Basic, and Wilderness First Aid Trainings are open upcoming in April, and the Wood Badge and NYLT course registrations are open now! 

And speaking of Wood Badge and NYLT, their annual scholarship fundraiser breakfast will be held on March 9th at Lakewood High School. Come support future participants to Wood Badge and NYLT by attending the fundraiser breakfast, and bid on some great live auction items while there! Send questions to Linda Gray; the Early Bird closes on February 4th. 

Moving on to events: Klondikes are about to begin, and in fact, the deadline to register for the High Adventure Klondike is this Saturday, so sign up today! Also, upcoming is the Class of 2023 Eagle Scout Celebration on February 24th, with Monty Gibson of the Cleveland Browns delivering the keynote address. The annual Celebration of Scouting will be held on March 2nd, in addition to Sap Camp. On March 17th, Scouts looking to represent Scouting can join in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Cleveland. Lastly, Cub Scouts should note that the date of the Winter Mud Day at Firelands has changed to March 9th. 

Finally, I have a note to share about Journey to Excellence: if you are familiar with this planning tool, please note that it is being phased out and replaced. If you have never heard of Journey to Excellence before, please disregard what I’ve said. If you have ears and are involved with Scouting, however, please listen to this: the Lake Erie Council has established a replacement to Journey to Excellence, what will be known in the future as “The Unit Performance Objectives worksheet.” This worksheet is available on the Council website, and should be used by Packs and Troops to assist in planning and executing the ideal year of Scouting. More about this tool will be shared in the coming weeks and months, but be bear aware that there’s a new tool in town, and it’s here! If you have any questions about how to use this tool, send them over to Mike Evano. 

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

LEC 3 Minute Update - December 14, 2023

Good morning, all! And thank you for tuning in to this week’s three minute update. This week, the update is brought to you from the fireplace that I wish my office or living room had. Now, let me share a short wintry tale with you: 

‘Twas the week before quiet time, and all through the service center 
The mice indeed stirring, and so was the registrar. 

By December 15th, 90 percent of units rechartered. 
The field team, ecstatic, now looks forward to slumber. 

In Program, Holidays at Camp are come to an end, 
And in the rest of the office, 2024 is in everyone’s head. 

Next year, many many changes are near. 

Cub Scouts will have new adventures in June, 
And the topic of planning will be pushed very soon. 

Klondikes and Camporees will arrive quick on the calendar, 
so sign up today to avoid paying more. 

For any final tasks in Scouting that still need attention, 
This week and next are the time said things mention. 

What a lovely story. Everyone, thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you. I look forward to seeing you next week! 

LEC 3 Minute Update - December 7, 2023

Mornin’, all! I’m Jake Brown, and this week’s three minute update is coming to you from the road. Yes that’s right, I’m riding around collecting recharter checks in the far east for those who need it. Doing my very best pony express, hence my trusty steed. If you need a pony express pick up of a recharter check, contact Michelle and she will dispatch someone to you.  

This week, we have: Award Updates, NYLT updates, Popcorn Updates, ACE Updates, Klondike Updates, and Giving Tree Information. 

That’s right everyone: nominations for the Silver Beaver Award, Distinguished Award of Merit, and Unit Scouter Award are due to Jason Setser by December 15th. You can learn more about these awards on our website. Awards will be presented at the Annual Celebration of Scouting, next upcoming on March 1st. 

Here’s also a reminder that there are many, many other awards available to unit leaders who have put the work into delivering the best Scouting program they could over the past year. If you’d like to nominate your fellow Scouters for one of many awards, please send those nominations in to Heather McMillan. You can find a full list of these awards on the national Scouting website. 

If any of your Scouts are interested in NYLT, applications for a staff position in 2024 are now available on the website. Interviews for NYLT are upcoming, so please contact Jen Folkman with any questions or visit the website for more information. 

Folks, while the popcorn sale is wrapping up, this is a reminder that Scouts can still sell popcorn using the Trails’ End online link, and those sales will qualify you for trails end prizes and the chance to be part of the council spin-to-win in February. 

Also, the ACE portal has reopened to new applicants! Unit leaders, please note that Membership Renewal Fees mostly qualify for reimbursement. Families can get approved for ACE before OR after they pay for said fees, and still get reimbursed. Check out our website for the latest, and email Mike Evano if you have any questions. 

  Klondike Derbies are basically fully planned, and registrations for these are now open. Bring the full troop, sign up, and send Anthony any questions you have. 

Don’t forget about the giving tree at the Cleveland Scout Shop: email Paula if you’d like to give, or could use a hand bringing Scouting to your family. 

Now, this message is for Santa Claus. We’re still a few weeks away from your big day, Santa, and I’ve got a swingin’ deal for you. You see, I know there are some Scouts out there who deserve a really special gift this holiday season, and I want you to know that I’ve got a perfect gift for them. It’s a gift that, maybe not a lot of kids have asked for by name, but I know once they see Sammy’s face, they’ll fall in love with this toy. Yes sir, you won’t regret filling up your sleigh with a big sack full of, Sammy the S’more plushies! Santa, if you want, just call member care, and they’ll tell you where Sammy is hiding out with all of his friends. I hope you will! 

Otherwise folks, that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update!

LEC 3 Minute Update - November 30, 2023

Mornin’, all! I’m Jake Brown, and this week’s three minute update is coming to you from Firelands, where we are working hard to get ready for Holidays at Camp! We are so looking forward to seeing you here this weekend, and next! 

This week, we have: recharter updates, Scout Shop Updates, Christmas gift ideas, Klondike Updates, popcorn updates, and a reminder about awards. 

That’s right everyone: nominations for the Silver Beaver Award, Distinguished Award of Merit, and Unit Scouter Award are due to Jason Setser by December 15th. You can learn more about these awards on our website. Awards will be presented at the Annual Celebration of Scouting, next upcoming on March 1st. 

Folks, while the popcorn sale is wrapping up, this is a reminder that Scouts can still sell popcorn using the Trails’ End online link, and those sales will qualify you for trails end prizes and the chance to be part of the council spin-to-win in February. More info for the spin-to-win will be released next week. 

Here’s also a reminder that there are many, many other awards available to unit leaders who have put the work into delivering the best Scouting program they could over the past year. If you’d like to nominate your fellow Scouters for one of many awards, please send those nominations in to Heather McMillan. You can find a full list of these awards on the national Scouting website. 

Folks, recharters are due without significant error before 5:00 p.m. on December 8th. If you have questions about how to complete this membership renewal process, please contact member care. Special reminder that CORs must digitally sign the completed recharter and NOT any of the other key 3 members. 

Also, the ACE portal has reopened to new applicants! Unit leaders, please note that Membership Renewal Fees mostly qualify for reimbursement. Families can get approved for ACE before OR after they pay for said fees, and still get reimbursed. Check out our website for the latest, and email Mike Evano if you have any questions. 

  Klondike Derbies are basically fully planned, and registrations for these are now open. Bring the full troop, sign up, and send Anthony any questions you have. 

Don’t forget about the giving tree at the Cleveland Scout Shop: email Paula if you’d like to give, or could use a hand bringing Scouting to your family. 

Now, this message is for Santa Claus. We’re still a few weeks away from your big day, Santa, and I’ve got a swingin’ deal for you. You see, I know there are some Scouts out there who deserve a really special gift this holiday season, and I want you to know that I’ve got a perfect gift for them. It’s a gift that, maybe not a lot of kids have asked for by name, but I know once they see Sammy’s face, they’ll fall in love with this toy. Yes sir, you won’t regret filling up your sleigh with a big sack full of, Sammy the S’more plushies! Santa, if you want, just call member care, and they’ll tell you where Sammy is hiding out with all of his friends. I hope you will! 

Otherwise folks, that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update! Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you! 

LEC 3 Minute Update - November 16, 2023

Mornin’, all! I’m Jake Brown, and in this week’s three minute update, I’m in beautiful Plymouth, Massachusetts. Just behind me is Plymouth Rock, and when I get to thinking about this rock, I can think of only one thing: recharter.

You see, the recharter deadline is but a few weeks away, and every time Thanksgiving rolls around, I always find myself perpetually sharing information about the recharter process.

Case in point, Michelle gave me the following notes to share with you all: please check your spam folder for emails from the Council regarding the recharter process. Remember that the deadline is December 8th, and there is a late fee of $100 for charters turned in after or with significant errors.

Additionally, we are getting a lot of questions about individual renewals. For example, one question I answered today was, “How can families pay their recharter fees?”

Any person who was registered in Scouting prior to August 1 of this year will pay their unit the respective recharter fees, and the unit will make a lump sum payment for the recharter.

Any person registered after August 1 will show up on the recharter portal as owing zero dollars. They do not owe the unit, or national, money at this time. These newest recruits will be charged their membership fees 12 months from their initial date of joining.

If you have further questions about recharter, please contact member care.

In other news, we are excited to see you at Holidays at Camp this December! The early bird deadline is this Saturday, so don’t delay in registering!

Also, Klondike Derbies are almost fully planned, and registrations for these are now open. Bring the full troop, sign up, and send Anthony any questions you have.

Don’t forget about the giving tree at the Cleveland Scout Shop: email Paula if you’d like to give, or could use a hand bringing Scouting to your family.

Also, the ACE portal has reopened to new applicants! Unit leaders, please note that charter dues mostly qualify for reimbursement, and that families can get approved for ACE after they pay for recharter, and still get reimbursed. Check out our website for the latest, and email Mike Evano if you have any questions.

Lastly, please note that the Unit Service Center will be closed for Quiet Time – shhhhhhh – next week. Our staff will have the week to spend with their families, as we hope each of you also has the opportunity to be with family next week for Thanksgiving. If something is urgent, during this time, email member care. We can’t promise a quick reply, but your message will be screened.

Otherwise folks, that’s a wrap for this week’s three minute update! Again, best wishes to each of you over the holiday, and I look forward to being back with you on the update the week after next. Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you!

LEC 3 Minute Update - November 9, 2023

Mornin’, all! I’m Jake Brown, and this week’s Three Minute Update is coming to you from beautiful Bay Village, home to Cahoon Park and the Huntington Reservation, which were both privately owned before turning into public lands. A comfortable cruise down Lake Road will provide you with beautiful views of Lake Erie and homes I can only aspire to own someday. 

Aspiring for a new home aside, we have big news to share with everyone: the ACE program has re-opened to new applicants again! For qualifying families, this is up $1,000 per child that the state reimburses families for, and Scouting registration fees are generally included as a qualifying after school expense! Details can be found at. Questions go to Mike Evano. 

The Annual Scout Shop Giving Tree will be placed in the Scout Shop starting next week. Any families in need of Scouting supplies can fill out the request form and physically give it to a Scout Shop employee, or email it to Paula Puchajda. Anyone interested in providing a Scouting need to someone can come to the Scout Shop and select an item off the tree, and the Scout Shop staff will coordinate delivery of the item to those who need it. Questions go to Paula, and the drive will end on December 16th. 

  The Scoutbook calendar is migrating to Internet Advancement on November 9th. That means all unit calendaring will happen in internet advancement moving forward, instead of Scoutbook. If you have further questions, please contact LEC Member Care. 

Register now to take position specific training as a chartered org rep on November 18th. Send your questions to Jake! 

Recharter portals are now open, and recharters must be turned in by December 8th, free of significant error, to avoid the late fee of $100. Begin Collecting dues from your returning families now! Send Michelle Cali your questions. 

Speaking of recharter, please note that paying with check or cash to the Lake Erie Council is most advantageous, as edits to your submitted charter can still be made if you pay using this method. Paying online with credit card or e-check does not allow for any changes after the fact. 

Holidays at camp are on the calendar: Register now! Note that the early bird deadline for Holidays at Camp is November 18th, and we do need some Troop assistance in running this program. Interested volunteer troops should contact Jess. 

  Volunteer Award Nominations for the Silver Beaver, Distinguished Award of Merit, and Unit Scouter Award are due to Jason Setser by December 15th. Note that the Distinguished Award of Merit is equivalent to other Councils’ district award of merit. 

Catholic Wood Badge is happening at Philmont in August of 2024. Only 36 spots are open for registration, so  if you’re interested! If you don’t need Catholic Wood Badge and can settle for normal Wood Badge, we recommend the Council-run course. 

Payments for popcorn and Scout’s Own Syrup are due tomorrow, November 10th. Distribution of take order popcorn will happen on November 17th and 18th.  

And that’s a wrap for this week’s Three-Minute Update! Thanks for all you do, and thanks for being you! We’ll see you next week! 

LEC 3 Minute Update - November 2, 2023

Mornin’, all! I’m back, COVID can’t keep me down too long! Although I will say, I wish I could’ve gone to Disney last week! 

Ok, just as before and always: all links for the 3-minute update can be found in the script. 

The Scoutbook calendar is migrating to Internet Advancement on November 9th. That means all unit calendaring will happen in internet advancement moving forward, instead of Scoutbook. If you have further questions, please contact LEC Member Care. 

Register now to take position specific training as a Cub Leader, Troop Committee Member, or Chartered Org Rep. Additionally, if you’d like to learn more about what it means to be chartered by the Lake Erie Council, we recommend you attend the training for Council Unit Representatives, coming up here on the 18th of November. Send your questions to Jake! 

Recharter portals are now open, and recharters must be turned in by December 8th, free of significant error, to avoid the late fee of $100. Begin Collecting dues from your returning families now! Send Michelle Cali your questions. 

Speaking of recharter, please note that adult applicants must complete YPT before they can be approved, and the COR is the ONLY person who can approve online applications. Submitted applications that have not been approved will not show up on the recharter, so please make sure they are approved BEFORE posting your recharter! 

Cub fun days and holidays at camp are on the calendar: Register now! Note that the early bird deadline for Holidays at Camp is November 18th, and we do need some Troop assistance in running this program. Interested volunteer troops should contact Jess. 

  Volunteer Award Nominations for the Silver Beaver, Distinguished Award of Merit, and Unit Scouter Award are due to Jason Setser by December 15th. 

Finally, note that take-orders for popcorn are due on November 3rd, and that payments for popcorn and Scout’s Own Syrup are due November 10th. Distribution of take order popcorn will happen on November 17th and 18th.  

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

LEC 3 Minute Update - October 26, 2023

Mornin’, all! I’m Anthony Dworning, coming to you from the most magical place on Earth: Walt Disney World’s Highway in the Sky, the monorail. Listen closely for our boarding instructions! Now that we’re all on board, let’s go for a journey,  into this week’s three minute update. 

Note that all links for the 3-minute update can be found in the script. 

Now let’s talk about Scoutbook: the Scoutbook calendar is migrating to Internet Advancement on November 9th. That means all unit calendaring will happen in internet advancement moving forward, instead of Scoutbook. If you have further questions, please contact LEC Member Care. 

Register now to take position specific training as a Cub Leader, Troop Committee Member, or Chartered Org Rep. Additionally, if you’d like to learn more about what it means to be chartered by the Lake Erie Council, we recommend you attend the training for Council Unit Representatives, coming up here on the 18th of November. Send your questions to Jake! 

Recharter portals are now open, and recharters must be turned in by December 8th, free of significant error, to avoid the late fee of $100. Begin collecting dues from your returning families now! Send Michelle Cali your questions. 

Speaking of recharter, please note that adult applicants must complete YPT before they can be approved, and the COR is the ONLY person who can approve online applications. Submitted applications that have not been approved will not show up on the recharter, so please make sure they are approved BEFORE posting your recharter! 

Make sure to take full advantage of trick-or-treating by submitting requests for yard signs, stickers, info cards, and much more! 

Note that there’s a Merit Badge University at Firelands, along with a cooking merit badge day, this November. Cub Fun Days are on the calendar, and Holidays at Camp are in December. Register now! 

  Volunteer Award Nominations for the Silver Beaver, Distinguished Award of Merit, and Unit Scouter Award are due to Jason Setser by December 15th. 

Finally, note that take-orders for popcorn are due on November 3rd, and that payments for popcorn and Scout’s Own Syrup are due November 10th. Distribution of take order popcorn will happen on November 17th and 18th.  

And with that, it’s time to depart. We’re at our next stop! As Jake would say, Thanks for all you do and thanks for being you! I’ll see ya next week, take care! 

LEC 3 Minute Update - October 19, 2023

Mornin’, all! Thanks for tuning in to this week’s three minute update. I’m outside the Cleveland Clinic, and I’ve got to tell ya, they’ve got me feeling a lot better than I was last week. Much less dead! Ok, on this week’s update, we have: Training Updates, Event Updates, Recruitment Updates, Recharter Updates, and Popcorn Updates.

But first: some sort of big news about Scoutbook: the Scoutbook calendar is migrating to Internet Advancement on November 9th. That means all unit calendaring will happen in internet advancement moving forward, instead of Scoutbook. If you’d like to learn more, check out this link. If you have further questions, please contact LEC Member Care.

But first, there’s a sale going on at the Cleveland Scout Shop. Buy a uniform top, and get matching bottoms for 10% off. Come Check it out!

If you need position specific training as a Cub Leader, Troop Committee Member, or Chartered Org Rep, you can use these links to register. Send your questions to me!

Wilderness First Aid registrations are open through next week. The course is at Beaumont the first weekend of November.

Recharter portals are now open, and recharters must be turned in by December 8th, free of significant error, to avoid the late fee of $100. Begin Collecting dues from your returning families now! Send Michelle Cali your questions.

Make sure to take full advantage of trick-or-treating by submitting requests for yard signs, stickers, info cards, and much more! Use this form to request these things.

Also, welcome your new families! Especially those who join from online applications: communicate with them, or like me, you won’t be able to see them again!

Lastly, note that there’s a Merit Badge University at Firelands, along with a cooking merit badge day, this November. Cub fun days are on the calendar, and holidays at camp are in December. Register now!

Finally, note that Volunteer Award Nominations for the Silver Beaver, Distinguished Award of Merit, and Unit Scouter Award are due to Jason Setser by December 15th. To learn more about these awards, please go to this link.

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