LEC 3 Minute Update – April 7, 2021

Hello, Lake Erie Council Family. My name is Kevin Wassie, and this is your LEC 3-minute update for the 2nd week of April. Today I will be sharing information about Spring Membership and also sharing details about a special Youth Leadership Award through the office of Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who you may remember from his guest appearance during last year’s Pancake Power Hour.

 I always try to keep these videos fairly light and entertaining, but today I want to have kind of a serious discussion on Spring Membership. The past 12 months have been difficult for all of us. As a council, we are very proud of our ability to adapt and overcome. Last year, we were able to offer Scouts BSA Resident summer camp, thousands of merit badges were completed through our online courses, and many of our Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships, and Posts were able to adjust to a changing world and continue to provide amazing programs for young people across Northeast Ohio. It’s important to celebrate those wins, but we also need to recognize that many of our local units struggled to maintain their programs and some were not able to recharter this year.

 If you are watching this video, I assume the Scouting program has made a positive impact on your life and the lives of those around you. With that being said, the program that has given so much to you needs your help now more than ever. The future of the Scouting movement depends on every Scouting unit engaging new families and retaining their current Scouts. Here is how we are going to measure our success. Over the next two months, I am asking every Scouting unit in the Lake Erie Council to register three new Scouts. I’m not talking about an Arrow of Light transferring to a Scouts BSA Troop, although that is incredibly important. I’m talking about welcoming new families into our programs and reengaging the families whose Scouting units were unable to renew their charters in 2021. The foundation for this process is already in place: It’s called Unplug and Reconnect. Lake Erie Council volunteers and staff have given you a blueprint that you can follow to engage and welcome these new families, but it can only succeed if local unit leaders commit to this process. We might not agree on everything in the Scouting world, but I hope we can all rally around the idea that more kids in Scouting is a good thing for everyone. So, please plan a hike and help families reconnect with nature. Give back to your communities through Scouts Trash the Trash Day and plan a fun activity to engage new families. If you need help, just ask. If you need resources, head to LECBSA.org and check out our new Membership Resources Page under the Resources tab. Together, we can grow the Scouting movement.

 I don’t really have a great transition here, so I’m just going to have Producer Anthony throw up an adorable picture of me from my Cub Scout Days.

 We good? Perfect. If nothing else, my mother will appreciate that. Moving right along, Ohio’s Secretary of State and friend of Scouting Frank LaRose is currently seeking nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award.  This newly established Award was created in February 2021, as a way for members of the National Association of Secretaries of State to recognize a gifted, civic-minded young person in their state. The recipient should demonstrate leadership abilities, have a passion for social justice, and be motivated to improve the quality of life in their community. If you would like to nominate a young leader, please visit NASS.org/node/2208. If that is a confusing and complicated link, ,you can always visit LECBSA.org to access the 3 minute update script and links. If you receive the update by e-mail, the scripts can also be accessed by hitting the Script button in your e-mail.

 That’s all for this week. Thank you for Keeping the Scouting flame burning bright.

LEC 3 Minute Update – March 31, 2021

Hello, Friends. My name is Kevin Wassie. The weather here in Northeast Ohio is unpredictable. One day the sun is shining, the next day it’s raining, who knows it could snow tomorrow. But one thing you can always count on is your Lake Erie Council’s 3 minute update. It’s the first week of April, and I will be sharing information on Community Service, our world-famous Scouts Own Products, and a few ways you can support the Scouting movement.

 Let’s start with our first ever 3 Minute Update SCOUT-OUT. It’s kind of like a Shout-out, but with the word “Scout” cleverly substituted for “Shout”.  Anyway, a big thank-you to Stephanie Ortiz and her entire team at Troop 335 in Sheffield Village. They organized a massive community service project that included 17 troops and 3 packs. Together with 206 volunteers they helped to clean a local Horse Ranch logging over 1,000 total service hours.  Thank you to everyone who came out to that event. Community Service is an important part of the Scouting program, whether it’s Cub Scouts raising the American flag at their school, a Life Scout completing their Eagle project, or dozens of Scouts raking out a horse barn: Service Matters. When your Scouts are out there making a difference in the community, be sure to capture and share those stories. Reach out to local media, post pictures on your local Facebook pages, make sure your Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, or Post has their own public-facing Facebook Page. Let the world know that your Scouting unit is ready and available to help those in need. If you are interested in helping with an upcoming project, mark your calendars for Saturday, May 15th. On that day, local Scouts will be helping to refresh the Morgana Run Trail in Cleveland’s Historic Slavic Village and we will need your help. More information on that project coming soon. Don’t forget to also register your Scouts for Scouts Trash the Trash Day on the weekend of May 1st as part of our Unplug and Reconnect Spring Membership Campaign.

 After a long day of Community Service, there is nothing better than kicking back with a big stack of pancakes or waffles that are covered in Scout’s Own Maple Syrup. Our locally sourced syrup is made from sap that is collected at Beaumont Scout Reservation. It also goes great with Easter Eggs, and it’s not too late to order your Scout’s Own products and get them into those Easter baskets for breakfast this Sunday. Email Kallee Kissling or visit ilove.scoutsown.org to place an order. If your family doesn’t celebrate Easter, we still want you to enjoy Scouts Own products on any special occasion. Last week, I enjoyed a nice maple flavored cake on my birthday and some mornings I even put a little dab of syrup in my hair. It gives great volume and a wonderful shine. 

In all seriousness, not only are these products delicious and locally sourced, but they also support the Scouting movement. If you’re watching this video, you probably have a vested interest in the Scouting program and there are lots of ways you can help support our local Scouting Movement. Participating in products sales like Scouts Own and Trail’s End popcorn, attending events at our camp properties, and making generous donations to the Lake Erie Council are all ways you can impact the lives of young people across 7 counties in Northeast Ohio. It also helps with our massive 3-minute-update production budget. Did you know that I’m not even a real person? This is also CGI. It’s Hollywood magic. Just kidding, much to the dismay of my family, I am 100% real.  As your family plans their charitable giving for 2021, please consider supporting Scouting by becoming a Keeper of the Flame. Your monthly contribution makes a significant impact. Also, on Wednesday, May 19th we will be hosting the 2021 Great Scout Luncheon. Visit LECBSA.org to learn more about this annual event and to find out how local businesses and organizations can get involved with the GSL. 

 That’s all for this week’s update. Make sure you are following us on Facebook. Please like and share this video with your Scouting family. Thank you for staying to the end despite my terrible jokes and for keeping the Scouting flame burning bright. 

LEC 3 Minute Update – March 24, 2021

Hello, Friends. My name is Kevin Wassie and this is your Lake Erie Council’s 3 minute update for the fourth week of March 2021. Today, I will be sharing information for Cub Scout  Leaders, An exciting opportunity with our COPE Program, and finally a reminder about the Unplug and Reconnect Campaign.

Over the next few days, we will be hosting several virtual events for Cub Scout Leaders. Our Reconnect Series will provide information on available resources while also giving Pack leaders a chance to tell us the resources they need/want. Wednesday, March 24th at 6:00 PM is our Reconnect with Cubmasters Zoom Call. Thursday, March 25that 6:00 PM is our Reconnect with Cub Committees and Monday, March 29th we will be reconnecting with Den Leaders. Zoom links can be found on our Facebook Page and the LEC Council.  In April, we plan on hosting a similar opportunity for Scoutmasters. 

The Lake Erie Council will be hosting a COPE & Climbing Instructor Training for Scouts and Scouters interested in serving on the instructor team. COPE stands for Challenging-Outdoor-Personal-Experience. As a former COPE instructor, I can tell you that this is an awesome opportunity. If you have enjoyed climbing and rappelling on the tower, swinging around in the high ropes course, or working through obstacles in the low ropes course, join the instructor team to become an expert and help others through our vertical challenges. Volunteers can earn points toward a reward system, which includes climbing gear and other apparel. Instructor training is April 9-11 at Beaumont, and registration closes this Friday.

 Spring is officially here! We have a ton of awesome programming being offered at our camp properties during the month of April, and we are also asking our Scouting units to host some exciting programs too. Through the Unplug and Reconnect challenge, we are asking all groups to engage at least 3 new youth members in their Pack, Troop, Crew, or Ship. That might sound like a big ask, but it is only 1 new Scout for each of your Unplug and Reconnect Events. Remember, Scouts and their families cannot benefit from our life changing program if they never join. So now is the time to invite them to be a part of Scouting. Be sure to visit our website to learn more about Unplug and Reconnect. If you need help, give our Member Care Department a call at 216.861.6060 or send an email to LECMembercare@Scouting.org.  

That’s all for this week’s update, but make sure you are following us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the local Scouting news. Please like and share this video with your Scouting family. Thank you for keeping the Scouting flame burning bright. 

LEC 3 Minute Update – March 10, 2021

Hi, my name is Phil Williams and I am your Lake Erie Council Director of Experiences in for Kevin Wassie. My Team and I work hard to bring you and your Scouts awesome experiences across our council and beyond. Alongside our volunteer teams, Our experiences team delivers great merit badge programming, fun and engaging Cub Scout activities, first-time overnight experiences, Cub Haunted Weekends, Scouts Summer Camp, and much more.

For today’s 3 minute update I am here to talk to you about our properties, the Wood Badge Power Hour and the Unplug and Reconnect Campaign.

Beaumont Scout Reservation is located in Rock Creek, Ohio, and has 1,200 acres of woods, lakes, rivers, and trails. Firelands Scout Reservation is located in Wakeman, Ohio, and has over 450 acres for scouts to explore.

Keeping our camp properties looking good is more than a one-person job. While our rangers work tirelessly to make sure Beaumont and Firelands are great places to visit, they do this with the support of numerous volunteers. Our camps depend on volunteers with knowledge and experience to make your camping experience great. Today we are launching a new resource page for people who are interested in helping make our camps better places to visit. This resource page gives scouts and Scouters information about who to contact to help at camp, what items we are looking for donations for, and service days and events that are scheduled to come upon the calendar. 

Three events in particular where we are looking for your help and expertise are Wilderness Engineers Weekend at Beaumont Scout Reservation from April 30 to May 2, 2021, Beaver Day at Firelands Scout Reservation on May 9, 2021, and Beaver Day at Beaumont on June 5. Wilderness Engineers Weekend is an Adult only weekend where we work on projects that are hard to complete while camp is open. We provide food and lodging for adult volunteers that are able to attend. 

Beaver Days are open to all. Beaver Day gives units an opportunity to give back to camp with pre-planned service projects for all ages. Participants in Beaver day will be provided with lunch and overnight camping at no charge.

As a reminder, 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. Virtual doors open at 8:30 AM this Saturday, March 13, 2021. 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 website for more details on the virtual breakfast or to sign-up to attend this year’s life-changing leadership courses.

Lastly, Unplug and Reconnect is the Lake Erie Council’s 2021 Spring Recruitment Campaign. We want every unit to engage both new and current families by hosting 3 events in their community. This week, we are launching a website that unit leaders can use to help advertise their events. Check out LECBSA.org to find prewritten social media posts and a variety of images that you can use to let families know that they can Reconnect with Nature, Community, and Friends this Spring.

As always make sure you share this video with your Scouting family and thank you for keeping the Scouting Flame burning bright. 

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.