LEC 3 Minute Update – February 24, 2021

Hello, Friends. My name is Kevin Wassie and this is the Lake Erie Council’s 3 minute update for the final week of February 2021. Today, I will be sharing information on the Scout’s Own Unit Funding Program, Next Month’s Wood Badge & NYLT Breakfast, The Unplug and Reconnect Campaign, and our Summer Camp offerings.

With over 25 years of experience in our programs, I know first-hand that the value of Scouting far exceeds the costs, but I also recognize that families need opportunities to help fund their Scouting adventures. That’s where the Lake Erie Council’s Scout’s Own Product Sale comes in. It is a great way to help your families by selling locally sourced, high quality products such as maple syrup and pancake mix. If you would like to learn more about this sale, we will be hosting Virtual Scout’s Own Trainings on February 25th and March 2nd. For more details, check out the Scout’s Own Facebook Page, visit the council calendar at LECBSA.org, or contact our Director of Product Sales, Kallee Kissling.

Speaking of virtual meetings, this year’s Wood Badge and NYLT Breakfast will be going online. This jam-packed, hour-long event will kick off 2021’s Wood Badge and National Youth Leadership Trainings. If you are unfamiliar, these are our premier leader training courses for adults and youth members of the Scouting program. The Virtual doors open at 8:30 AM on Saturday, March 13th. This event is great for past participants, future participants, or anyone looking for Scouting fellowship and fun. This is also your chance to support Wood Badge and NYLT by making a donation that will help provide scholarships and new program materials. Check out the council calendar for more details on the virtual breakfast or to sign-up to attend this year’s life-changing leadership courses. 

Of course, we can’t change lives through our programs if we aren’t welcoming new families while also engaging our current Scouts. That’s where the Unplug and Reconnect Campaign comes into play. Hopefully your Scouting unit is already making plans to participate by hosting a hike on earth-day weekend, providing community service through the Scouts Trash the Trash Day on May 1st, and finally by hosting an engaging, social activity for current and prospective Scouting families. If you need help planning your events, please reach out to our Member Care- Service Team by e-mail at LECMemberCare@scouting.org or by phone at 216.861.6060. We’re always here to help

Finally, don’t forget to start planning your Summer Scouting Adventures. Week 1 of BSA Resident Camp at Beaumont Scout Reservation is already full.  Register now so you don’t miss your chance to have an amazing adventure this summer.  We will be offering Scouts BSA resident Camp, Adventure Day Camp for Cub Scouts, Family Camping Weekends at Firelands and Beaumont Scout Reservations, and so much more.  I cannot wait to see you at camp this summer!

As always please like and share this video with your Scouting family and thank you for keeping the Scouting flame burning bright.

LEC 3 Minute Update – February 17, 2021

Welcome to the Lake Erie Council’s 3-minute update for the third week of February 2021. My name is Kevin Wassie, and I am so glad you are joining me for all the LEC news you need to know. Today, I will be sharing an update on the Unplug and Reconnect Campaign as well as information about Summer Camp, the Be the Change event, and our local Scout Shop. 

 Last week, I was proud to announce the Lake Erie Council’s Unplug and Reconnect Campaign. Here’s what you can do now to be prepared for this event. As a group, choose a time and location for your Scouting Unit’s local hike on Earth Day weekend, or plan to attend one of our council events during that time. You can also sign up now to participate in our community clean-up by visiting ScoutsTrashtoTrashDay.org. Finally, plan and schedule a social gathering to bring you Scouts safely together and to engage new families. In the coming weeks, advertising materials will be available to share your plans with current and potential families throughout your community.  This campaign will start in April, but we need your help now to make it happen. Let’s make 2021 the best Scouting year ever for our families. 

 It’s hard to have the best year of Scouting without my favorite scouting event: Summer Camp. We are ready to share all the new and exciting summer camp offerings at Beaumont Scout Reservation and we hope you are ready too. Join us on February 24 & 26 for our kick-off leaders' meetings. Meetings start and 6pm and guess what, they are on zoom; so, you can join us from anywhere! Questions? Contact Noah Bosansky. 

 This Sunday, February 21st is the Be the Change event. Join Scouts from across the nation for a celebration of service, leadership, and the groundbreaking accomplishments of the first female Eagle Scouts. The event will be aired on Facebook Live and YouTube. Visit Scouting.org for more details. 

 In honor of the Be the Change event, the ScoutShop is offering Eagle Scout merchandise at a 20% discount through Saturday, February 20th. Finally, if you’re anything like me, you struggle to get your patches sewn onto your uniform. Although my mother never complains about it, I’m sure she low-key judges me for still bringing her Scouting related sewing projects. Don’t be like me, our Scout Shop offers pre-sewn uniform shirts and the staff can help with all your sewing or hemming needs.  Stop by today. 

 As always please like and share this video with your Scouting family and thank you for keeping the Scouting flame burning bright.

LEC 3 Minute Update – February 10, 2021

Welcome to the Lake Erie Council’s 3-minute update for the second week of February 2021. Today, I will be sharing an exciting new opportunity for units to grow their membership, details on 2021 camperships, and an update on Scouts BSA Summer Camp at Beaumont Scout Reservation.

The only way to change lives through the Scouting movement is to keep current Scouts active while also engaging new families. To that end, the Lake Erie Council is excited to announce our Unplug and Reconnect Campaign. We are asking all Scouting units to participate by scheduling 3 activities this Spring. Reconnect with Nature by hosting a hike at a local park on Earth Day Weekend. Reconnect with Community by participating in Scouts Trash the Trash Day on May 1st, and finally Reconnect with Friends by hosting a social activity of your choosing. If you are a registered unit leader, be on the lookout for an e-mail with more details and don’t forget to like and follow our Facebook page for all our announcements.

The Lake Erie Council believes that no Scout should be denied access to great programs due to financial need. A Scout is Thrifty, so we do encourage Scouts to show that they are working to earn their way to camp, a training, or an activity, but sometimes it’s not quite enough. Through generous donations from our supporters, we are proud to offer camperships and scholarships to those in need. For more details and deadlines, please visit LECBSA.org/camperships. As you plan your charitable giving for 2021 please consider supporting camperships and the overall mission of the Lake Erie Council. One way to do this is by becoming a Keeper of the Flame. Your monthly donation is just one of the many ways you can give back to local Scouting.; More information at LECBSA.org/KeepersoftheFlame.

Speaking of camp, Beaumont Scout Reservation is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary this year. That’s right, 75 years of delivering quality program and changing lives right here in Northeast Ohio. In 2020, we were proud to offer a safe summer camp program to Scouters from our area, and we can’t wait to see our entire Scouts BSA family at camp this summer. Contact Noah Boksansky, our Business Manager of Experiences, to reserve your campsite today.

As always please like and share this video with your Scouting circle and thank you for keeping the Scouting flame burning bright.

LEC 3 Minute Update – February 3, 2021

Welcome to the Lake Erie Council’s 3-minute update for the first week of February 2021. Today, I will be sharing information about upcoming council events, an new opportunity with our Scout’s Own Product Sale, upcoming training opportunities for adult leaders, and a quick announcement about a few special celebrations.

This past weekend I attended the first of four Lake Erie Council Klondike derbies. I had a great time at Beaumont Scout reservation where I watched our Scouts and Leaders having fun while also showcasing their amazing Scout skills. A big thank you to everyone who helped plan that event and all those who attended. There is still time for your Scouts to register for our remaining Klondike Derbies.  Also, our Cub Scout families are reminded about the upcoming Webelos Winter Treasure Hunt and Cub Winter Fun Days. For all the dates and details, please visit lecbsa.org. 

Over the last 12 months, many units have struggled to maintain their previous unit funding models. The Lake Erie Council wants to make sure Scouting is affordable and accessible to all families. Now is a great time to learn more about the Scout’s Own product sale. We currently have a great Scout’s Own Valentine’s Day special which includes a bottle of Scout’s Own Syrup and a package of Scout’s Own Pancake Mix. Check out the Scouts Own Facebook page or contact Kallee Kissling for more information on how the Lake Erie Council can help fund your Scouting adventures.

Speaking of adventures. Scouting wouldn’t be possible without our amazing adult leaders and every Scout deserves a trained adult leader. We encourage all leaders to complete their position-specific training, most of which can be done completely online by visiting my.Scouting.org. For our Cub Scout Leaders, we are also offering two BALOO courses this spring: one in March and one in April. BALOO stands for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. A registered BALOO trained adult leaders is required for all Pack overnighters. For more information, check out our events calendar or speak to our Senior Program Executive Jarrod Blundy. If you ever have a question, you can reach our council employees by contacting the Member Care department: LECmembercare@scouting.org or by phone at 216.861.6060

Next Monday, February 8th is the BSA’s birthday. Which means February 7, 2021 is this year’s Scout Sunday, but units and chartered organizations are free to Schedule their Scout Sunday celebration on any Sunday in February. Patches are available at our local Scout Shop. Whether you are celebrating the BSA Birthday, Scout Sunday, or attending a unit activity, please do so safely and in accordance with all local guidelines. 

As always please like and share this video with your Scouting family and thank you for keeping the Scouting flame burning bright.

LEC 3 Minute Update – January 27, 2021

Hello and welcome to the Lake Erie Council’s 3-minute update for the final full week of January 2021. Today, I will be discussing a few important topics including information about our camp properties, details on our Scout’s Own product sales, and a quick Scout Shop update. Please follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with all the local Scouting news and events.

We are excited to announce that Scouting activities and programs have been recommenced at Lake Erie Council properties. Overnight unit camping will be available starting the weekend of January 29th at both Beaumont and Firelands Scout Reservations. To comply with the Governor’s curfew order, all participants must arrive at camp before 9:30 PM.  

There has been no change to the Lake Erie Council’s policy regarding unit activities under the COVID-19 map. If your unit is in a purple designated county, you may not participate in in-person gatherings. This also applies to our respective camp properties in Ashtabula and Lorain Counties. 

As a reminder and to clear up any confusion, there are two types of licensed camps in the State of Ohio: Campgrounds and Residential Camps. While many licensed campgrounds are currently open, camping at these facilities is only permitted for families in the same household. This means that the only way a Scouting unit may camp together is at a licensed Residential camp. LEC camps and most of the BSA camps in Ohio are licensed as residential camps. Therefore, camping at these facilities is the only allowable way for a unit to go camping under current State of Ohio restrictions. Please note that if your unit chooses to camp outside these restrictions, you waive your insurance coverage for that event. Day time events can continue to take place at parks and other locations as long as you follow local restrictions. For more information about all our events and safety protocols, please visit our website.  

It’s time to save the date for the Be the Change event that is celebrating the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts!

The virtual event will be held on Sunday 2/21 at 8pm on YouTube or Facebook Live! Check out this link to learn more and Watch the LEC’s social channels to hear from our local female Eagles in the upcoming weeks.

We are thrilled to once again offer locally sourced Scouts Own products as a way to help Scouts and their families fund their adventures. Your 2021 syrup journey can begin at Sap Camp, which is being held on Saturday, March 6th at the home of Scout’s Own Maple Syrup: Beaumont Scout Reservation. For more information, check out our Scout’s Own Facebook page or contact LEC Product Sales Director, Kallee Kissling Kallee.Kissling@scouting.org. Whether you need help making a Scout’s Own sales plan or creating a unit budget, our Member Care Department is here to help. You can always reach someone by e-mail at LECMemberCare@Scouting.org or on the phone at 216.861.6060.  

For two weeks, the Scout Shop will be featuring select sleeping gear including sleeping bags at a 20% discount. Enjoy these savings through Saturday, February 6th. Don’t forget, the Lake Erie Council is hosting four Klondike Derbies over the next month. Make sure your Scout is Prepared for cold weather camping with a proper sleeping bag and an insulated sleeping pad at a great price. Please visit our local Scout Shop and don’t forget to register for a fun-filled Klondike derby. 

As always please like and share this video with your Scouting family and thank you for keeping the Scouting flame burning bright.

LEC 3 Minute Update – January 17, 2021

Hello and welcome to the Lake Erie Council’s 3-minute update for the third full week of January 2021. Today, I will be providing an update on 2021 Unit Charters, discussing upcoming events at camp, and sharing a way that we can work together to spread the positive message of Scouting. Please follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with all the local Scouting news and events.

A big thank you to all our unit leaders who have successfully submitted their 2021 Unit Charter. We greatly appreciate the time and effort you have put into this process.  The Lake Erie council staff is currently working hard to process and post those charters. With that in mind, now is the perfect time to update your BeAScout.org pin to reflect any leadership or unit meeting changes that may have happened during this charter renewal process. You only get once chance to make a first impression, and BeAScout.org is the first place many prospective families will go to learn about your program. If you need assistance with updating your online information, or if your charter has not yet been submitted, please contact our Member Care department for assistance. You can always reach us by email at LECMemberCare@Scouting.org  or on the phone at 216.861.6060.  

Over the next few months, we are looking forward to welcoming Scouts, leaders, and families to our camp properties for fun and engaging programs. We are currently planning to host 4 Klondike Derbies, a Cub Winter Fun Day at Firelands which offers both a morning and an afternoon session, and our Webelos Winter Treasure hunt is taking place at both Beaumont and Firelands Scout Reservations. Although the calendar is subject to change, we ask units to Be Prepared by registering for the events they are interested in attending. For more information about all our events and safety protocols, please visit our website LECBSA.org.   

Finally, an important part of growing our movement is to make sure that Scouting is active and visible in your community. One of the best ways to do this is by providing community service. The Lake Erie Council would love to share the success of your service. When your Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, or Post completes a service project, please send us a brief description and a few pictures of your Scouts in action. You might even get a shoutout during these 3-minute update videos or on our social media pages.  Together, we can spread the positive message of Scouting. 

As always please like and share this video with your Scouting family and thank you for keeping the Scouting flame burning bright.

LEC 3 Minute Update

Welcome to the Lake Erie Council’s 3-minute update for the second full week of January 2021. Today I will be sharing details about our Council’s New Member Care Department, Some important information about our camp properties, news from our local Scout Shop, and finally an exciting new opportunity for LEC’s 2021 Eagle Scouts. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with all your local Scouting news and events.

In an effort to better serve our families and volunteers, the Lake Erie council has created a new Member Care Department. If you have questions or if your Scouting unit needs any resources, MemberCare is one phone call or an e-mail away. The ultimate goal of this department is to streamline the process of supporting our units and to make it easier for you, the parents and volunteers, to get the information you need. You can contact Member Care by calling us at (216) 861-6060 or via email at LECMemberCare@scouting.org. Let’s work together to make the Scouting Movement stronger than ever.

Please note that in accordance with state guidelines, our Camp properties will remain closed through January 23, 2021, but we can’t wait to see you at camp soon, so please be prepared and plan to attend one of our upcoming events, such as Klondike or our Cub and Webelos Winter Fun Days. To see all our events and activities, please visit our council calendar.

Our local Scout Shop is open for business. Through Saturday, January 16th the Scout Shop will be offering select camping items at a 30% discount. This includes select chairs, mess kits, tents, lanterns, flashlights and so more. Remember, we are your one-stop shop for all your Scouting needs.

Finally, we are excited to announce our new 2021 Eagle Scout Showcase. When your son or daughter completes their Eagle Scout rank in 2021, send us a brief bio and a picture that we will then Showcase on our Social Media Pages and website. As an Eagle Scout myself, I know what an amazing accomplishment this is, and the Lake Erie Council wants to help celebrate your Scout’s achievement. More information to come soon.

As always please like and share this video with your Scouting family, and Thank You for keeping the Scouting flame burning bright.

To follow us on YouTube, please click here.

Council Structure and Updated Covid Information

Dear Lake Erie Council Family,

In a recent email, I shared that we would be going through a restructuring to keep the council in a sustainable position. I wanted to provide a status update and share information as we continue to work with volunteer leadership and key stakeholders. While we are working to finalize the volunteer structure, our staff structure is in place. Many resources remain unchanged, or in some cases have seen an upgrade with more specific and streamlined support. In addition, below you will find the most up-to-date COVID19 information as it relates to our properties and unit meetings in compliance with the current extension on the state of Ohio curfew.

We have formed new teams to provide streamlined service.

Our Member Care and Resources team will be available to answer questions regarding Scoutbook, MyScouting, IT, registration, youth protection, safe Scouting, incidents, advancement, recognition, and so much more. You can reach the member care desk via phone by calling (216) 861-6060 or via email at LECMemberCare@scouting.org.

The Service and Growth team consists of professional Scouters and experienced volunteers who work together to provide unit leaders with the training and resources they need to provide local families with the best Scouting experience possible. If your Scouting unit needs assistance with building a budget, creating a program calendar, or recruiting new members, the Service and Growth Team is here to help. For assistance, please contact the Member Care Department or complete our online request form.

The full staff list can be found below by clicking here.

Re-chartering- Any charter not currently turned in is now PAST DUE. The process remains the same. In addition to member care, Greg Voyzey is the key staff contact and can be reached at greg.voyzey@scouting.org or by calling 216-861-6060.

The Scout’s BSA Advancement Volunteer Team remains unchanged. Please see the attached organizational chart for a full listing of folks who can help including David Madigan and Heather McMillan at the unit service center.

• MBC applications are sent to Heather McMillan via the MBCApplicationsLEC@scouting.org email address including YPT and adult applications if needed.

• Eagle applications, extension requests, and all support documentation should be sent to Heather McMillan at Heather.McMillan@scouting.org.

• Eagle reference letters should be sent to the respective Service Area Advancement Team Leads and that is indicated in the reference letters for Eagle Scouts on our website.

Our Scout's Own and Popcorn Sales now have full-time unit concierge support. Kallee Kissling will head up this important effort to work directly with your unit to help you raise the necessary resources to fund all your adventures. Heather McMillan can still help you with questions or concerns regarding your 2020 popcorn bill.

Experiences: Activities and Camping – Two new members have been added to the team. Jake Brown, who has served as a Unit Serving Executive, has taken the role of Business Development Executive. In this newly created role, Jake will be responsible for working with Scouting units and families to help them plan their program year and make commitments for events and activities they are planning on attending. Additionally, Jake is responsible for working with organizations and families who are not yet involved with Scouting, to provide opportunities for facility rentals, event attendance and engagement in events and activities. This position is focused on driving attendance at events and activities so that Lake Erie Council can sustainably operate our properties and programs. Jake can be reached at Jacob.Brown@scouting.org.

Noah Boksansky will serve as the Business Manager for the experiences team. In this role, Noah is responsible for registrations/reservations at events and activities and answering questions about events and activities. In addition, the Business Manager role was created to identify and manage areas of waste so that all Lake Erie Council events and activities can operate efficiently and effectively. Noah will continue serving as the Business Manager at Beaumont Scout Reservation during the summertime. Noah can be reached at Noah.Boksansky@scouting.org.

The Calendar found at lecbsa.org/calendar will continue to be the most up-to-date place to find information about events and activities. If you have questions about camping or activities, please call Noah at 216-458-8908.

Here is the latest COVID19 information as it relates to our properties and unit meetings in accordance with the current extension on the state of Ohio curfew.

To stay consistent with Governor DeWine’s extended curfew order through January 23rd, Beaumont and Firelands Scout Reservations will be closed through January 23, 2021. The Firelands Scout Shop will continue to be open during normally scheduled business hours. Check the Firelands Scout Shop Facebook page for updates about store closings.

Affected Events:

• Cub Winter Fun Day on January 16, 2021 at Beaumont is canceled. Registrations will automatically be moved to the Cub Winter Fun Day on February 20, 2021 at Firelands Scout Reservation.

• Beaumont Klondike #1 on January 22-24, 2021 has been postponed to February 26-28, 2021. All reservations for Beaumont Klondike #1 will be automatically moved to the new date.

Please contact Noah.Boksansky@scouting.org for any questions or if you are signed up and are unable to attend either event.

Unit Meetings

Continue to follow your local health department and chartered organization guidance when it comes to meeting in person. See our November update for additional information: https://lecbsa.org/news/2020/11/12/bsa-unit-operation-and-camping-safeguards

Yours in service to youth and families,

Marc Ryan

Scout Executive

Lake Erie Council, Boy Scouts of America

Congratulating Kyndl on Her New Adventures!

It is with mixed emotions (happy for her, sad for us) that I announce that Kyndl Oliver is, in her own words, “stepping out on faith to pursue new opportunities in her original field of interest.” 

Kyndl has a background in criminal justice, and a passion for fighting for social justices for a better tomorrow. She has opportunities lined up to break back into the criminal justice field, including options for more schooling, in addition to other career opportunities. She is excited to pursue new goals and focus on her passion, and have an impact on the community in a new way.

Kyndl has been a member of the Lake Erie Council for four years, and is grateful for the many opportunities that she has had, and for the many wonderful staff and volunteers she has had the pleasure to meet and work with.  Our council is lucky to have had Kyndl as part of our family for the last four years.  Her dedication, positive attitude and kindness have made a lasting impact on everyone she has come in contact with.  While Kyndl will no longer serve Scouting full-time, she plans to remain active and engaged with the Lake Erie Council.

Kyndl’s last day will be December 31.  Please join me in thanking her for a job incredibly well done and wishing her the very best as she pursues her dream.

Congratulations Phil & Chris on their new adventures!

It is with mixed emotions (happy for her, sad for us) that I announce that Christine “Chris” Friswold will retire from the Lake Erie Council and the Boy Scouts of America effective December 31, 2020, after 14 years of service.

Chris joined the Greater Cleveland Council in February of 2006 and has been a dedicated member of our program department ever since. During her time here, Chris has been actively involved in helping thousands of units secure weekend and long-term camping reservations, assisted in council award achievements, worked with staff and volunteer teams on events and recorded scores of service hours for unit good turns and service projects. She has also helped to correctly input and document trainings and advancements for Scouts and Scouters. Most notably, Chris has been the rock of our Eagle Scout process and has helped coordinate the Eagle Scout board of review for a countless number of young men and now five young women (so far). She has also been crucial in overseeing the accurate submission and processing of their completed Eagle Scout applications, the final step in achieving the highest rank in the BSA.

Please join us in congratulating Chris and Don (who retired last month from the supply division) on this new and exciting chapter! They will both be missed, but we trust that we will still see them at camp and at Scouting activities.

We are also pleased to share the great news that Phil Kuestner has been selected by the Great Trail Council in Akron, OH to be their Program Director effective January 1, 2021.

Phil began his career as a District Executive of the Arapahoe District in the Denver Area Council in September of 2006. After completing his successful service there, he would go on to the Michigan Crossroads Council for three years and then later the Greater Western Reserve Council where he was hired as a District Director. When Scouting recalibrated in Northeast Ohio, Phil became part of our Lake Erie Council family and has been a great asset to the Scouts BSA division. In addition to his work in his service area, Phil has coached new team members and has been instrumental in working with key volunteers to organize the annual chartering process.

In his new role as Program Director, Phil will be tasked with delivering excellent leadership to the council program committee. Together, they can provide brand-positive events and activities to the Great Trail Council.

Please join us in congratulating Phil in this new chapter of his Scouting adventure! While he will be missed, we are excited to have him as a neighbor and his son, Robert, as a future LEC Scout!